A

KISS

TO SPARE

Stein Willard

@2022

© Stein Willard 2022

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author or publisher.

Please note that piracy of copyrighted materials is illegal and violates the rights of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editor: DEPE

Editor/Proofing: Ramona Walker

Cover Design: DEPE

BACK OF THE BOOK

A mysterious race has settled in the Milky Way galaxy after a decades-long trek across the universe. Frighteningly advanced and confined to their ships, their quiet presence was puzzling, but oddly non-threatening. Eager to establish a rapport with them, the Alliance was getting nowhere in their efforts to engage the race’s Imperial leadership. That is until a bizarre incident brought the elusive Empress to their doorstep.

DEDICATION

For my readers.

You rock!

CHAPTER 1

THE MILKY WAY GALAXY

Perky III

Commander Angela Burkhouse found it hard to hide her irritation as she stepped around a large, hairy mountain of flesh on her way to the Pink Doll Tavern. She hated everything about this place, but she mostly hated the mission that had brought her here. A dedicated and decorated soldier, she had wanted to walk in the footsteps of both her mothers from the moment she understood what their jobs entailed. Peacekeepers. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a respected team of highly trained operatives who stood between the galaxy’s security and the greedy, depraved outlaws that threatened to take it down?

But chasing after fugitives held no challenge for her anymore. One way or another, these criminals get their just rewards. Their vicious lifestyles ensured that they had very short lifespans. She heard the noise even before she could see the place. The station master of Perky III, a stupid name for a fugitive den, had assured her that this particular tavern was the most popular and the loudest on the station.

“Hey, beautiful, you want some company?” a voice asked from the shadows, but Angela marched on, ignoring the…whoever it was. She was a soldier who lived by a strict code of ethics. She didn’t tolerate any form of hedonism. Keeping to a strict and organized lifestyle was what had helped her to reach the rank of Commander at the relatively young age of twenty-four. Most of her classmates still answered to Lieutenant and Ensign, and some had already left the Peacekeepers Corps due to various acts that warranted a dishonorable discharge. That would never happen to her. She aimed to one day take over from her mother as Grand Admiral of the Peacekeeping Corps.

She turned a corner and pursed her lips at the flashing sign depicting a suggestively- clothed woman pouring a foaming mug of ale over herself.

Oh, how she hated this place.

A large alien glared at her with beady dark eyes set in a round spikey face as she approached the door.

“Sorry, private party,” he growled as his eyes raked over her. She had to dress like the natives and was decked out in a tight leather outfit and ridiculous-looking boots that added a few inches to the 5ft7 frame. Luckily, covert operation training was a core module at the academy and she had excelled in it. Her large dark eyes, heart-shaped face and pixie cut gave her an air of innocence, which had been instrumental in catching many fugitives for confinement on the galaxy’s maximum-security penal colonies. This alien wouldn’t stand a chance if she were to turn on the charm. But she didn’t want to. She didn’t like it here and she was too agitated to try and be nice to anyone—least of all a talking porcupine.

“Unless,” the alien got a sleazy look on his face. “you’re part of the competition. You’re surely dressed for it.”

She mentally threw up a little in her mouth at the look directed at her person, but managed to force a smile. Getting inside was part of her mission because that was where her target was.

“Why else do you think I look this good?”

He grinned, showing a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. “I’ll be sure to place a bet on you,” he said as he stepped aside allowing her to enter.

The inside was packed and smelled of stale smoke and unwashed bodies. Suppressing a gag, she scanned the area until she found who she was looking for and made a beeline for the table. On her way there, she took in more of the place. At first glance, there appeared to be more men in attendance, although with aliens it was difficult to tell. Some of the husky, hairy patrons could very well be female. The noise level was near earsplitting and she wondered how her team had managed to stay in here for so long while she was settling their docking fees with the Station Master. Something was happening in the center of the tavern, but a wall of tall aliens was blocking her view. She reached the table and noticed her team instantly sitting up straighter.

“Is she here?”

One of the team, a young female Ensign, nodded and leaned closer so she could speak into her ear.

“We can’t make …”

The rest of what the Ensign was about to say was lost to her when two ham-like hands locked on her biceps and she was physically lifted off her feet and carried through the reveling mass.

“Put me down!” she shouted at her captor and he did, only for her to turn and find Mr Porcupine looking down at her.

“The contestants are not allowed to mingle with the patrons until after the competition. Now, come with me. You’re almost on and I’ve put a lot of money on you.” He pushed her forward and at the same time used his large arms to push a path through the crowd. She found herself behind a curtain. There were two contestants ahead of her. One was a Pulponi. Their home planet was on the far reaches of the galaxy and they were renowned for their psychic abilities and beautiful physiques. They made great spies and served as secret agents for various planetary governments. The second woman was a Hibren. They were known as the great lovers of the galaxy. A small alien race with superb, so she had heard, sexual skills. Every brothel across the galaxy, including Earth, employed them. The petite woman pushed a silvery lock behind her ear as she sized Angela up.

“You’re out of your depth here, Earthling,” the Pulponi sneered.

“Well, we’ll see about that,” she snapped back. What the hell had she got herself into? And why was she competing with two sexually-renowned species in a tavern competition?

Loud booing could be heard and the curtain was pulled back followed by a curt ‘next’. The Pulponi smirked as she stepped forward leaving her with the Hibren. The woman hadn’t said anything to her, nor had she shown any real animosity towards Angela. She might just be willing to answer a few urgent questions.

“What are we competing for?”

The woman’s white-blonde eyebrow shot up.

“Don’t you know why you’re here?” She sounded suspicious.

Angela decided on a half-truth. “No. The only way I could get in was if I would take part in the competition. This is my first time on Perky.” Man, it sounded dumb to hear herself say the station’s name out loud.

The Hibren gave a small smile. “Well, then you’re in for quite a surprise if you were to be victorious.” The way she said it made it clear that she didn’t have any fears that Angela might win tonight.

“Why?”

The alien studied her for a moment longer before seemingly making up her mind.

“Every year on this date, the Day of Lovers, the empress hosts a competition to see who would be spending the night with her.”

“WHAT?!” She gaped at the woman with wide eyes.

The woman giggled. “Yes. Women from across the galaxy come in droves to see if they have what it takes to stir the empress’ lusts. The winner is generously rewarded. So generously, in fact, that you wouldn’t have to work another day in your life…of course, depending on your species.”

Angela glanced around for an exit. Not only was she to prostitute herself if she won, but…Wait!

“This competition…How does she know who is to her liking?”

“The empress is a Nouri. Their eye color changes when they are aroused, even by a little. That means if you get her eyes to shade during your kiss, then you are the winner. If they remained that color for longer than a few minutes, you are her heartmate.”

Oh no! She wasn’t going to do this. The loud booing make her cringe and she took a step back, but a large hand, seemingly coming out of nowhere, halted her progress. She was here to capture a fugitive, not kiss or, even worse, have sexual intercourse with some strange alien.

The empress was a sovereign from another galaxy. Everyone knew the story of the Nouri. After a meteor shower rendered half of her planet inhabitable and disrupted weather patterns, their home world had to be evacuated. It all happened over fifty years ago and ever since the Nouri empress had been visiting many galaxies in search of a suitable planet for her to settle with her subjects. Their colossal multigenerational ships resembled massive floating cities, which were the constant targets of space pirates hoping to get their hands on the magnificent wealth the empress is rumored to possess. These attacks were easily warded off with the advanced weaponry the Nouri ships possessed.

That said, it begs the question as to why the esteemed Empress Solmiri would come to such a disreputable place to look for company. With her wealth and standing, she surely could find a willing partner easily.

“Next!”

She took a shuddering breath. She needed to get out of here and fast. Her hand moved to her belt only for her to realize that she was unarmed. Her team was supposed to smuggle in the weapons. That way they wouldn’t tip off anyone as they ambushed the Oracle, a notorious space pirate wanted in several territories for her criminal exploits. She turned around to face Porcupine and knew at that moment that she wasn’t beneath pleading to get herself out of this.

“You know that I didn’t come here for the competition, don’t you?”

The alien shrugged. “You’re pretty enough.”

Angela pursed her lips as she glared at him. “That doesn’t matter. I don’t like women; nor have I ever dreamt of being with one. Perhaps you could withdraw your bet and let me go. That way we both get what we want.”

He looked baffled by her request. “Do you realize what an honor it would be for you to spend a night with the empress were you to win? You’ll be stinking rich. Don’t you want that?”

“No. Nor do I want to be with the empress. Women don’t do it for me and I can assure you that you’ll lose your money if you don’t let me go.”

“Sorry, Earthling. The bets are already in. In the five years that the Empress has been hosting the competition, only one woman had been lucky enough. You have a good aura about you. I’m optimistic about your chances.”

Dumb alien, she thought. Perhaps the Hibren will save the day, and she would be here stressing over nothing. The idea made her relax and she exhaled softly.

“BOOOOO!!!”

Angela’s knees almost gave out when she heard it. This surely can’t be happening? It must be a nightmare. She pinched herself. Darn it! Wake up! The curtain pulled back as if in slow motion and her stomach roiled violently. She heaved but nothing came out. Where were her parents when she needed them? They would know what to do right now.

“Next!”

“You’re on, Earthling. Go make us some money,” Porcupine said excitedly as he pushed her forward. On shaky legs, she stepped around the curtain and noticed that the tavern was eerily quiet. There was a bright light shining from behind the bar onto the small stage, throwing the patrons into complete darkness and with the deep silence surrounding her, it would be easy to think that there was no one out there. She tried looking for her team but had to look away quickly as the sharp light hurt her eyes.

“Greetings.”

The soft, melodious voice to her side made her jump slightly and she turned to look for its owner. There were no identifiable images of the empress available since the Nouri all wore masks in public that only showed their eyes and mouths. But even then, it was impossible not to be impressed by the woman who stood before her. She was taller than her and possessed a leanly muscled physique that filled her blindingly white suit perfectly. Quiet greyish-blue eyes studied her intently before a tiny smile formed on the full lips.

“You’re from Earth. It’s a beautiful planet.”

The woman’s voice was calm and for some reason, it reminded her of the sound of water trickling over smooth river stones. Soothing and hypnotic.

“Thank you for taking part.”

Angela could only stare at the woman, tongue-tied. Tough she didn’t know what to expect, it surely wasn’t this soft-spoken, polite woman. Somehow, it made her feel less anxious at what was about to happen. Perhaps she could simply get through this and once it was over, push it from her mind. Her team knew that she was being coerced into this and her report to her superiors would clearly state that.

“Close your eyes,” came the soft request and Angela swallowed hard before she did as she was asked. The pregnant silence in the tavern hurt her ears and she was breathing heavily as she waited. The first touch, when it came, was so brief, that she thought she had imagined it. A light flutter over her lips left them tingling. She swallowed past the knot in her throat. She needed to remember that this was an act. All in the line of duty. A soft probing at her closed lips made her open them instinctively. A tongue, smooth and warm slid inside, searching. It skimmed over the roof of her mouth, ran over the undersides of her teeth and then, like thick, rich cream it glided over the surface of her tongue. The act was so blatantly erotic, that it made her heartbeat accelerate. The sensuous sliding motion conjured up an image of her lying on a soft silken bedcover and a tall, slender body rubbing itself over her, undulating languidly against her. Angela had been kissed before. But what this woman was doing to her mouth made every kiss she had ever received pale in comparison. This was intense and scary. Scary, because she could easily come to like this. What the hell! What was she thinking? She broke the kiss abruptly by simply stepping away. Her eyes were still closed as she tried to compose herself when the silence was split by thunderous cheering.

She jerked her eyes open and found herself looking into an equally shocked sapphire gaze.

Oh no!   This was not good.

The empress looked shaken as she blinked rapidly.

“Finally,” she muttered in a shaky whisper. “I’ve been searching for you all my life.”

***

NOURIMA, VERCES GALAXY

Sixty-three years earlier

“Your…” A pause. “…father is…” Another pause. “…asking to see you.” The sentence finally came out on a breathless exhale.

“Later.”

The woman pulled back to stare at her lover. “You mean to say that you’ll make the emperor wait for you?”

“Ok, fine. But don’t you dare think I’m done with you,” came the husky reply as the woman slipped from the covers to cross the great expanse of the room and enter the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she exited the bathroom and with a cute wink at the woman in the bed, made for the door. The hallways were busy since it was almost time to serve the evening meal and the palace needed to be locked down for the evening. She greeted the servants as she briskly walked to the throne room, where she knew her father was holding court before he retired for the evening. The guards held the door for her and saluted. She returned the greeting absentmindedly, already distracted by the presence of her mother and the imperial mage, Mikron, in the hall.

“You took your time getting here,” her mother said coolly as her eyes fixed on a spot on her neck. It would be unnecessary to try and deny where she was and what she was doing. She bowed to her mother and then to her father.

“Mikron,” she acknowledged the presence of the mage, who looked oddly excited to see her.

“Your Highness.”

“Daughter, Mikron approached us with some urgent news.”

She raised an eyebrow at the wizard. “What kind of news?”

“I had a vision while I was at the Perrigin Gardens.”

The Perrigin Gardens was a secret alcove in the mountains and the special retreat for the Perrigin, the official religious sect of the empire. She was aware that the mage went there regularly to consult the ancestors and seek the counsel of the Dawn, the Perrigin’s guide. She turned to her father. His handsome features were strained as he studied her.

“Why was I called then?”

“Tell her, Mikron.”

The old wizard smiled. “I had a vision about your mate.”

The room canted dangerously and she reached out for something to steady her. That something was her mother; her concern evident.

“Do you want to sit down, child?”

She swallowed a couple of times to dislodge the knot in her throat before she shook her head.

A mate?

No. Her mate?

She had recently celebrated her 30th year of existence and had given up hope of ever finding her mate. Almost every one of her birth mates has found their mates and settled down.

“I don’t understand. Why now?” Her mother blinked at her in confusion. “Why is my mate only now making themselves known? It’s been thirty years.”

Solmiri realized there was more that she didn’t know when her mother glanced at her father first and then at Mikron.

“Mikron?”

The wizard took a deep breath. “The reason it took this long, Your Highness, is because your mate is an off-worlder.”

Solmiri's jaw dropped. That couldn’t be. Why would the next Consort not be of Nourian heritage? It was unheard of.

“There must be a mistake,” she finally managed to croak out.

“I’m afraid not, Your Highness. The vision was clear about the setting of your meeting.”

“What does that mean?”

“I saw bits and pieces of the place where you will first encounter your mate.”

Solmiri shook her head. “When?”

“I wasn’t privy to that information, Your Highness.”

Her father stood and she noticed that his shoulders were a little stooped.

“We do not question fate nor do we insult the ancestral spirits by doing so.” He pursed his lips. “But is there a way that we can get confirmation on this, Mikron? More clarity, perhaps?”

“The Spirits only gave me enough to assure you that the Princess will one day find her consort.”

Solmiri turned and left the hall without a word, stunned. When she opened the door to her suites, she spotted the naked woman on the bed and closed her eyes. There wouldn’t be a repeat of what had transpired here over the past four hours.

“Your Highness?” The redhead rose from the bed, but she held up a hand to stay her approach. “What is wrong, Solmiri?”

Not able to look upon the woman’s nakedness anymore, she answered with her head turned away.

“Mikron had a vision.”

“Was it…good or…?”

She took a shuddering breath.

“He was shown the place where I’ll meet my mate.”

The silence in the room was deafening. The rustling of clothes could be heard as the woman was getting dressed and Solmiri jumped slightly when she felt gentle arms embrace her.

“We knew it wouldn’t last.” She was turned and gentle blue-green eyes met hers. “You have a mate, my friend. It’s reason to celebrate.”

She agreed. It was a joyous occasion. But…

“They are not Nourian.”

***

Solmiri studied the woman before her with a mixture of shock and exhilaration. Could this really be her? Mikron, the imperial mage, had told her that she would know the moment she had kissed her mate. She allowed her gaze to take in the woman who was staring back at her with an anxious look in her eyes.

She had dreamt of the moment so many times before. Today was her ninetieth birthyear. The Day of Love, so declared by her beloved father as a tribute to the woman who had born him his heir and much-cherished daughter. It was a holiday for the Nouri who celebrated the day with their beloveds. Some used this opportunity to show their interest in a potential love interest. Others simply joined the celebrations, hoping that the next year they, too, might be lucky enough to count amongst the throngs of loving couples that walked around the parks, arm in arm, or sat together at restaurants with their heads close as they gaze into the other’s eyes.

For seventy years, she had fallen in the last category. She’d had numerous lovers over the decades, but as she grew older the need for a mate had become impossible to ignore. When Mikron had a vision six decades ago, that her mate was not to be found on their home planet nor in their galaxy, her parents had been terrified at the prospect of losing their only child to an off-worlder. But their wishes to see her happy and mated had allowed her to set off on her search. Not even halfway through her search, she had to return home to save her planet when the meteors struck. Their beautiful home with its picturesque snow-tipped mountains, deep, lush valleys and unspoiled shorelines had been marred beyond recognition. Nourima had been rich in natural resources, in particular, the most sought-after minerals which had generated immeasurable wealth for them. Unfortunately, the migration of larger planets in the system caused an asteroid bombardment which had devastating effects on their weather patterns.

Numerous natural disasters followed which culminated in extremely cold conditions. They were left with no other choice but to leave, she had mourned the loss of Nourima. Yet, the thought of being with her people as she continued on her search for their Empress Consort as well as a new planet to settle on, had made her realize that she was taking the best part of Nourima with her. Its people.

And now, here she stood in a seedy bar in a place she would’ve never dreamed of setting foot had it not been for Mikron’s vision. His vision had clearly described a flashing sign of a provocatively dressed woman with a drink in her hand. The search brought her across the universe and that was how she had happened upon the Pink Doll Tavern. The clientele was rough and rowdy, but she had not come here for five consecutive years to socialize with them. After a long period of abstinence, the first year she had hosted the competition she had taken a lover for the night. Having found the encounter to be fleeting and unfulfilling, she had pushed down her baser instincts in search of a deeper, more permanent connection. That connection had eluded her for years—until tonight.

Her mate.

Nothing had prepared Solmiri for her first sight of the woman. A few Earthlings had participated in her competition before, but none as beautiful as the woman standing before her. She was tall and slender with an upright bearing. A soldier—well-trained, too, judging from her relaxed, but edgy energy. She could jump into action at a moment’s notice.

Solmiri will have to tread carefully here. She wouldn’t want to scare her off; not when the woman didn’t appear to appreciate the situation she found herself in right now.

“My name is Solmiri, Empress of the Nouri.”

The woman nodded. “I’ve heard of you. What happens now?”

Straight to the heart of the matter. She liked that. A disciplined woman. Her people would be proud of their Empress Consort.

“I would like to invite you for a meal.”

The dark eyes narrowed. “And afterwards?”

“You can decide.”

“What are my options?”

The patrons had lost interest in them now with many scrambling over each other to collect their winnings.

“You can decide to spend a night with me on my ship and meet my people. Or, you could take me to your place and we could get to know each other.”

A shadow came over the woman’s eyes as her lips compressed in a sign of distaste.

“Get to know each other, you say. Is that what they call prostitution these days?”

Oh! She hadn’t anticipated this reaction? This was not how it was supposed to be. Everyone who had ever participated in the competition had been well aware of what to expect should they be selected. How was it that this woman didn’t know?

“I thought you…” She was interrupted by a commotion in the crowd and before she could stop her, her mate had slipped from the light into the darkness that surrounded it. Her heart leapt in her throat at the thought of losing her so soon after having found her. She held up a fist and the spotlight clicked off. When the weaker overhead lights flickered on; it showed a mass of bodies brawling on the dirty floor. Broken tables and chairs were strewn everywhere, but it was the sight of her beautiful mate; her hair tousled and a thin streak of blood coming from her nose, that had her gawking in surprise and arousal. The woman had a determined look on her face as she and three others wrestled with a huge, shaggy mass.

“I place you under arrest, Oracle” the woman finally said between clenched teeth as she clamped electronic handcuffs on the wrists of a muscled alien. “You will remain in the custody of the Peacekeepers Corps until we’ve reached Earth where you will stand trial for your contraventions of the Alliance’s Agreement on Security.” The alien resisted for as long as it could, even with its hands bound. “We don’t want to harm you, but I should advise you to refrain from resisting arrest.”

“You can kiss my…”

An electrical charge arched from the handcuffs and with a soft moan, the alien went limp. The brunette rolled to her feet and pressed a communication device on her shoulder.

“On my position, Lieutenant Price,” she said into the device. Solmiri watched helplessly as the haggard-looking soldiers and the unconscious alien disappeared in a bright dust of particles.

Her gaze lingered at the spot where the woman had stood before she turned to the presence behind her. Her friend and personal guard had an equally stunned expression on his spiky face.

“Your…your eyes! They’re…” He was blinking rapidly as he stared at her.

“I know,” she whispered; still a little dazed. “I felt it when I kissed her.”

Rubo’s face split into a wide smile. “You’ve found your mate.”

“I…know.” She touched her lips lightly. Her mate! Decades of searching were behind her now.

“Shouldn’t we have apprehended her, Your Highness?”

Solmiri shook her head slowly. This situation was delicate and asked for subtle diplomacy. The impossible had been achieved. Her heartmate exists. Now the hard part of making her believe that they belonged together, lay before her.

“A change of plans, Rubo. Let’s go.”

She came up short when she almost bumped into a beautiful woman with a sultry smile on her face.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been stood up, Your Highness.” She woman stepped closer, but Rubo, too, moved forward. The alien woman gave him a cold stare before she smiled up at Solmiri. “I happen to be free tonight and wouldn’t mind standing in for the errant Earthling.”

Now that she had looked upon her mate’s face, tasted her lips and scented her, Solmiri was sure that she wouldn’t be able to look at another woman ever again without craving her mate. Still, she wasn’t rude as she smiled at the woman and turned down her offer.

“She was beautiful.”

Knowing that Rubo was teasing her, she simply shook her head. “Was she?”

“Is this how it’s going to be now for the foreseeable future? You acting blind?”

Solmiri chuckled. “You’re the blind one if you’ve been unable to notice just how beautiful my mate is. And yes, this is what it’s going to be like for the rest of my life.”

They arrived at the set coordinates for their beam up and as soon as they materialized on the bridge of the ship, Solmiri ordered the pilot to set a course for Brimstone.

“Your Highness?” The pilot looked stunned. “That is a known pirate haven.”

“I know. Now, don’t waste any more time, my good man. Find the first pirate vessel you can and fire on it.” Rubo stepped closer, but she held up her hand. “I know what I’m doing, Rubo. Trust me.”

He looked skeptical but nodded as he moved away. Brimstone was a barren rock that housed, as her pilot had rightly pointed out, all the space vermin in the galaxy. They were born there, trained there and knew to come hide there from the law. It wasn’t a respectable place, yet it had a burgeoning population and a somewhat functional civil system.

“Our long-range scanners have picked up a ship, Your Highness.”

“In which direction is it travelling?”

“North-West, Your Highness.”

“Good. Once you catch up to it, I want you to fire on them and then we run for our lives.”

Rubo shook his head at her. “Why run? There isn’t a ship in this galaxy that can outrun or outshoot us, Your Highness.”

“I’m well aware of that, Rubo.” She glanced around until her eyes fell on her personal assistant. “Erman, get me the latest invitation from the Galactic Alliance so we can respond to them,” she said as she walked towards her onboard office.

She heard the man type on his palmreader as he followed her. “I’ve sent it to your reader, Your Highness, for your perusal.”

“Thank them for the invitation and assure them that we’ll get back to them soon.” She bit down on her lower lip. “Mention that we’ve had the pleasure of seeing Commander Burkhouse and her team in action and were quite impressed with the Commander’s zeal and professionalism.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

CHAPTER 2

“Ahhhh.”

“Hold still. I’m almost done, Commander.”

Angela sighed. Had she not been distracted at the time; the alien wouldn’t have gotten in the blow. Her nose had to be reset and several of her ribs were bruised. That didn’t diminish the feeling of delight that the mission had been successful. The Oracle was sleeping it off in the brig and would soon be buried in a dark hole for a very long time. Hopefully, this would be the last time she would have to track aliens across the galaxy. She had sent a quick communiqué to her superiors to notify them of the arrest and their imminent return to Earth. It was early evening back home and she was sure everyone was still at the office.

The only apprehension she had about the mission was her report. She dreaded the part where she had to inform them of her meeting with Empress Solmiri. It wouldn’t make a difference if she left it out, but she didn’t want her superiors to hear of it from other sources and read something more into her omission. Nor did she, personally, want to leave it out because she was unsettled by how the kiss had affected her.

“There you go. As good as new, Commander. Now, if you’ll give me a moment to update your medical report and have you imprint it for verification. Angela closed her eyes. It was standard for all away-mission personnel to record their injuries so the health and fitness directorate could look into improved preventive methods and training for individuals. She very well couldn’t put on report that she had been distracted by the kiss of an alien empress. That would surely ruin her chances of making captain.

But now that the mission was over, she could admit to herself that she had never been kissed like that before. The memories of it still made her insides heat up as she recalled the sensation of the woman’s lips on hers and her tongue moving in her mouth. Was that why her mothers loved kissing so much? It was so much different from kissing a man. Or perhaps she had been kissing the wrong kind of men.

“Commander!”

She blinked up at the medical tech. He had a concerned look on his face.

“Yes.”

“I called your name twice before you responded.” He placed the palmreader on the cot next to her. “Perhaps I should run a brain scan, too. You might’ve unknowingly hurt yourself in the tussle and are only now having a delayed reaction to the injury.”

She hid her blush as she stood and reached for the palmreader to copy her personal seal to the report.

“I’m fine. I was thinking of the report I have to submit and how tired I am right now.”

The tech didn’t look entirely convinced, but he nodded.

“In that case, I’ll prescribe some bedrest for tonight.”

Angela gave the man a small smile before she left the medical center. Sleep sounded very tempting right now, but she would rather start on the report and have done with it.

The moment she entered her office, she saw a flashing icon on the top right corner of her desk screen. She logged in and waited to be reconnected. The dark screen switched over to show the stern features of an attractive woman in her mid-fifties with sharp, intelligent, dark blue eyes. Her uniform displayed the insignia of a grand admiral and a string of medals.

“Good evening, Grand Admiral,” she greeted curtly.

“Commander. Congratulations on another successful capture. We’ve notified the various ambassadors of the territories about the arrest and expect them to be present when you arrive.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“We received some more good news pertaining to your mission. It would seem you have impressed someone of high interest to the Council. Thanks to you we’ve finally have a chance to host the Nouri empress soon. The Galactic Security Council have been trying for five years to get Her Imperial Highness to accept our invitation to visit Earth, but until tonight, and thanks to your well-executed take down of the Oracle, the empress had not acknowledged our invitation. The members of the Alliance are thrilled by the prospect of making her acquaintance. The Nouri are both technologically and scientifically advanced and a treaty with them could hold enormous benefit for our people.” The dark blue eyes grew warm. “I’m proud of you, honey.”

Angela sat unmoving as she stared at her mother’s face. The moment the older woman had mentioned the empress, she had known that she was in deep trouble. This was not a coincidence. The empress had not gotten her wish and it showed that she wasn’t against using manipulation to get what she wanted.  She took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose. Unless she got this off her chest tonight, she doubted she would be able to sleep a wink tonight.

“You look tired. The report can wait until tomorrow. Go to bed. That’s an order.” The twinkle in her mother’s eyes made her wish the woman were here in person so she could hug her.

“I have to tell you something, but I don’t want it on record before I’ve submitted my mission report.”

Her mother’s jovial expression instantly cleared up as the flint-eyed grand admiral made her return.

“Congratulations on a successful mission, Commander.” Her mother looked off-screen and then back at her. “The recording has ended. You can speak freely now. What happened? Are you okay?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Then what is it that you want to tell me?”

Angela pursed her lips.

“I might’ve had some inappropriate contact with the empress earlier tonight, Mother.”

***

Margaret felt the bed dip and smiled when the alluring scent of her wife enveloped the bed. Soft lips rained tiny kisses all over her back before it ended in a gentle nip on her shoulder.

“Please be awake. I need you.”

After twenty-five years with Norma, the soft plea in her voice, mingled with lust, still made her stomach flip pleasantly. She rolled over with a smile.

“I’m awake.” The words had barely left her lips before they were captured in a deep, hungry kiss. Norma had been away for a week, taking Lord Bunq to the Vimt sector where a separatist group was using experimental sonic weapons, they had no doubt stolen from somewhere to bully the Alliance territories into breaking away from the Alliance. It would seem a new syndicate was funding the group’s activities. It was important to maintain a physical presence in the area and having their flagship and Alliance ambassador there, reinforced the Alliance’s promise of full security to the territories. Still, it was great to have her wife back.

“I want you so much,” Norma murmured between open-mouth kisses and frustrated growls as she tried to pull Margaret’s pajama pants down. Her sleep shirt had already been lifted so her breasts were exposed to the hungry dark gaze. “Help me.”

She lifted her hips and pushed the pants down with Norma doing the rest. She watched the article fly through the air but lost sight of where it landed as her wife pounced with a burning look in her eyes. Margaret knew that look. It meant that Norma was barely holding out. With a gentle kiss on her wife’s lips, she rolled them over so she was on top.

“I can’t wait any longer, Captain.”

It still thrilled her when Norma referred to her as ‘captain’. The woman’s blatant defiance in accepting the unfair treatment by Spacefleet’s brass against her, was what had spurred Margaret into changing her situation and her life. To Norma, she’ll always be her captain. Margaret kissed Norma before she began to run her hands over the trembling body. Whatever had happened, must’ve put her wife through a lot of stress. Norma released her stress this way and now that she was the captain on the Peacekeeping Corps’ flagship, the Omnitel, they had more nights, and even days, like these.

“Lay back and let me take care of you.” She loved the adoration that came into the dark eyes when she said that. With searing focus and love, she stroked her beautiful wife to an earth-shattering climax, swallowing her breathless cries and cuddling her trembling body against hers. When the shaking finally subsided and the echoes of their lovemaking had died down, Norma’s eyes flickered open. The dark orbs studied her closely.

“It’s getting harder to be away from you for longer than a week, my darling.”

Margaret kissed her softly. “I know. I suffered from your absence, too. Any suggestions?”

Norma smiled. “You need to make use of the Omnitel’s service more often.”

“The last time I used the Omnitel’s services, we were nearly caught in a very compromising position by your first officer.” She grimaced as she recalled the incident. Luckily, the man couldn’t see his captain on her knees, under the desk of Margaret’s executive onboard office, but the incident had made them reconsider traveling together too often.

“It’s that wretched uniform of yours. Do you have any idea what it does to me?”

“After twenty-four years? You’re simply looking for an excuse.”

“Ok.” Norma pulled Margaret’s head down for a deep kiss. “You’re sexy and I can’t resist you.”

“That’s good to know, darling.” She rolled Norma onto her side and spooned her. The woman was slowly beginning to fade as her body grew more relaxed. “When is your next assignment?”

“I don’t know. Will have to check with my boss. Why?”

“Angela apprehended the Oracle and is on her way back home.”

Norma rolled onto her back to give her a blinding smile. “She’s her mother’s daughter. A legend in the making. I’ll check my schedule tomorrow, but I believe I’ll be here when she arrives.”

“There is something else.”

The smile dimmed a little as Norma’s gaze sharpened. “Is she ok?”

“Yes, but there was a slight hitch with the mission.” At Norma’s raised eyebrow, she continued. “Her paths crossed with that of the Nouri empress.”

“Oh? Everyone is talking about their presence in the galaxy. Are they going to be a problem?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered honestly.

“What do you mean by that?” Norma was trying to sit up, but Margaret gently held her down. “The Nouri are very powerful; if we’re going to go to war with them, our chances of winning are slim to none.” The dark eyes narrowed slightly. “Is that a possibility? How does Angela fit into this?”

“I didn’t mean it in that way.” She cleared her throat. “Angela kissed the empress.”

Norma's face went slack and her eyes almost bulged out as she gaped at Margaret.

“There…Are you sure? Angie isn’t even gay. She wouldn’t…”

“It was part of her cover and the empress was at the scene for an annual event she hosts there.”

“I’ve heard about that.” Norma shrugged. “It makes sense now. Many women go there hoping to be the one that the empress selects. Rumor has it that if the empress’ eyes shades while she kisses a contestant, then that person is her mate.”

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat as she listened to her wife; trying to think how she should break the news to her.

“Is Angie okay? Since she isn’t gay; I’m sure she must’ve found it strange and…”

“Honey, it appears that Angela is the empress’ mate.”

Margaret couldn’t hold Norma down this time when the woman exploded into a seated position.

“WHAT?!”

***

“Helm to Commander Burkhouse.”

Angela looked up from where she was busy compiling her mission report.

“Commander Burkhouse here.”

“There is something you need to see, Commander.”

She shot to her feet. With the Oracle on board, they had left Perky III immediately to avoid any attempts to break the female outlaw out. She had been sure that their unexpected takedown and the good time they had made to put as much space between them and the woman’s supporters would be sufficient enough to ensure the success of their mission. She entered the bridge to see that everyone was staring fixedly at their boards.

“Report.”

“We have a vessel coming at us with alarming speed,” the ops officer offered. “It’s too fast to make a clear identification, but whoever they are, are being pursued by a ship with clear ion energy signatures.

“Pirates?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“How long before the ship is upon us?”

“Less than ten minutes, ma’am.”

“Go to red alert, raise the shields and load the weapon banks. Hail the first ship.”

“Yes, Commander.” The lieutenant punched a few buttons. “I have them, ma’am.”

“On screen.” Angela almost staggered back when the masked face of the empress appeared on the screen. She quickly pulled herself together. “Commander Angela Burkhouse at your service, Your Highness.” The woman’s eyes were a bright blue as they look at her and Angela saw them dip lower as if she was giving her a once-over.

“Commander Burkhouse, we meet again. I wish it was under more pleasant circumstances, but we are being pursued and were hoping that you could be of assistance.”

Angela blinked. She may not have known about the empress’ contest, but she was aware of just how advanced the Nouri were. Their ships were bigger, sturdier, faster and all-in-all more powerful than any of the ships in the galaxy. Why wouldn’t they simply defend themselves?

“Forgive me for asking this, Your Highness, but it is well-known that there aren’t many ships that can take you on in a battle and win. Why flee instead of defending yourself?”

The empress pursed her lips slightly and Angela hoped she hadn’t just offended the woman. She somehow regretted her snarky remarks at the tavern, especially after her conversation with her mother. According to her mother, the Alliance have been trying hard to get the Nouri to accept an invitation to visit with them and perhaps consider a working relationship that could be beneficial to the two parties. Until tonight, the empress had turned them down, citing pressing matters. Except, this time she implied a possible visit was on the cards.

“I am a guest to your galaxy, Commander. I do not think it prudent to engage in violent activities without prior authorizations from your Alliance.”

It made sense. Not only that, but it was also very considerate of the Nouri. They do have the power to bully their way through their protocols, but this behavior only proves how truly sophisticated and noble the Nouri were in both culture and diplomacy.

“I apologize for not considering your unique situation, Your Highness. It would be an honor…” She was interrupted when the Nouri ship rocked unexpectedly and the empress threw an annoyed look over her shoulder. “Please allow us to assist, Your Highness. Lieutenant Rader, maneuver us so we can intercept the attackers.”

“Aye, ma’am.”

“I apologize for the inconvenience, Your Highness. We will deal with this and you are free to continue on your way.” She had barely finished speaking when the empress’ ship rocked again.

“More pirates have shown up, Commander,” the ops officer shouted.

They couldn’t guarantee the empress’ safety if they let them go now. There was only one option.

“You’ll have to beam over to our…” The screen abruptly went blank and she blinked at it in panic. Had she just witnessed the demise of the Nouri empress?

“Thank you, Commander. I’ll make sure to inform your superiors of you and your crew’s exceptional valor.”

Angela spun around to find the tall alien standing a few feet away with Mr Porcupine by her side. How did the woman get over here so quickly? Their shields were up because of the battle. How did...?

“The Nouri ship is leaving, Commander. The pirates are giving chase.”

“To avoid any damage or injury to your ship and crew, I’ve instructed my crew to lead the pirates away.” The woman’s face was hidden behind a mask, but her eyes were intense as they studied her. “Could I ask you to deliver me at the rendezvous point, two lightyears from here, Commander?”

Making a quick calculation in her head, Angela realized that she would be spending the next two hours in the woman’s presence. Her stomach did a nervous flip at the thought, but she nodded.

“Of course, Your Highness.” She turned to her pilot. “Lieutenant Rader, set a course once you receive the coordinates.”

“Rubo,” the woman said in her low, husky tone. “is my personal guard. He can supply the coordinates.” The man made his way over to the operations board.

Acutely aware of the empress’ eyes on her, Angela steeled herself as she returned her attention to the woman.

“Is there anything I could offer you while you’re our guest, Your Highness?”

The sapphire gaze gleamed and Angela felt her whole body react to the woman’s quiet inspection.

“Just a place to freshen up, Commander.”

The request stirred Angela’s senses, and confused, she could only stare at the woman in stupefied silence. As the team leader, she was the only one with private quarters. Why did the thought to the woman in her quarters make her throat go dry? Noticing her crew’s puzzled glance, she smiled.

“Please follow me, Your Highness.”

***

Solmiri’s heart was thundering in her chest as she walked with the woman. Angela moved with lethal grace; like a trained assassin. Alert and quiet. She could tell that the woman didn’t miss much. Hopefully, her ploy to gain her attention would not be detected too quickly. Her need to be close to her woman was overwhelming and now that she was once again in her presence, it took all of her willpower not to grab a hold of the woman and kiss her. What did Fate hope to accomplish by sending such an enthralling being into her life? Solmiri loved everything about the commander, but it was the mystery in those dark orbs that made it difficult for her to breathe. She couldn’t help but wonder what she would find were she to dive into those dark eyes. What was the woman thinking when she looked at her? Did she find Solmiri as intriguing as she did her?

“Here we are?” They entered immaculate quarters with a large bed, a small table and two chairs and a side door that most probably led to an ensuite. “Over there is a processor. You’ll get anything you need to freshen up if you…”

“I might need some help with that.” She doubted the automated dispensing unit would be a challenge for her, but she wasn’t ready to let the woman out of her sight. Not just yet. “The tavern was full and I was hoping to wash off the grime.” She could’ve imagined it, but Solmiri swore she saw an almost panicked look flash in the dark eyes. “Unless you feel…” She wanted to strangle herself for giving the woman an out, but somewhere deep inside, she was wired to place the needs of her mate before her own. How come that couldn’t have been activated after the courting period, she didn’t understand. Convincing this accomplished soldier that she was her life mate was going to be difficult enough without her conscience reeling her in at every turn.

“Not at all, Your Highness. The bathroom is right through here.”

They were both tall women and although slender, they filled the small space fully, pushing them into close contact. For a breathless moment, their eyes met and held, before the brunette broke it to point at a few bottles on a shelf. “These are what I use, but if not to your liking, we can get you something else from the processor.”

Oh! Solmiri eagerly reached for the nearest bottle and sniffed the contents. Yes, this was it. The commander’s unique scent blended well with the zesty aroma of the soap.

“This will do perfectly.” She gave the woman a wide smile and saw her blink twice in quick succession. “Now for some clothing.”

This time she didn’t miss the slightly pained expression on the woman’s face. She may not know why or may even be reluctant to accept the truth about them, but Commander Burkhouse wasn’t as unaffected by her as the woman wanted to be.

***

It had never struck Angela how truly extensive the catalogue of ladies’ intimate wear was. The style of some of the underwear ranged from functional to downright racy. She preferred the more practical boy shorts, just a step above what she knew the Spacefleet academy issue for young cadets were. The catalogue was divided into categories, which she preferred not to read out loud. The companies which advertised their products weren’t all shy to state the purpose and desired outcomes for the wearer. She stepped back to allow the quiet woman next to her to make her selection. She doubted she would like to have someone present when she made her purchase. The empress surely would… To her utter shock, the woman’s long, slender finger pointed at a category that Angela would never have chosen. She, however, knew of one other person who exclusively bought items from that particular category.

Her mother.

She only knew that, because the two of them did a lot of hand-to-hand combat training together at the office and afterwards hit the showers. The skimpy, somewhat daring, underwear suited her mother’s fit, slender frame beautifully, but even then, Angela had never seen the appeal. Until now. For some reason thinking of the sexy alien wearing the skimpy undies, made her suddenly understand the attraction of such a piece.

“I like that one.”

With a thundering heart, she glanced from the almost non-existent article to the woman. Bright blue eyes looked back at her with open interest.

“Are you sure?” What the hell was she thinking questioning the woman. “I mean, will that be all, Your Highness?” They had already settled on a rather modest tunic and trousers combo before they had moved on to the intimate wear.

“Yes, thank you, Commander.”

Angela speedily wrapped up the purchase and with a quick excuse to look in on their captive, left the quarters. She took a moment, outside, to gather her wits. Images of that black skimpy panties flitted through her mind and she exhaled loudly.

“Commander?”

She looked up to find Rubo, aka Mr Porcupine, looking at her curiously. She quickly pulled herself together.

“The empress will be a while.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Commander.”

Angela was about to leave to check in with their prisoner when she stopped to look at Rubo once again.

“You tricked me.”

He smiled faintly. “You had the look of a winner about you. I would like to think that Fate intervened, Commander.”

With a snort, she spun around and walked the short distance to the brig. She needed a distraction and the Oracle would give her that.

***

Solmiri knew better, but couldn’t stop her hand from trailing down her body to the deep pulsing between her legs. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this aroused before. Her breath got stuck in her throat as she touched her engorged clit. A shock of pleasure raced through her body and caused her to lean against the side of the shower. It would be so easy to bring herself to a climax; she deserved it after the long wait. Yet, she knew that to do so would be to steal from herself. The honor of bringing her pleasure belonged to the commander now. Her mate needed to be the one to extinguish the fire she had instigated, and in so doing consummate their bond. She reluctantly moved her hand away and switched the water from warm to icy cold. There were at least a few small pleasures she would take with her after this evening.  She inhaled deeply.  At best, she would go to bed later tonight with the scent of the brunette clinging to her. Then there was the obvious discomfort that the woman exhibited when she had helped her choose underwear. Her choice had been made with the intention to see the woman’s response. It had been successful. The faint pink on the human’s cheek had been enough to deem her attempt a success.

There was still so much to experience and hiding away in a bathroom was counterproductive. She dried off and put on the fresh set of clothing. She recalled the commander stating her intention to visit the brig. When she opened the door to the quarters, Rubo waited outside. He gave her a slow once-over before he smirked knowingly. She ignored him. So what, if she felt like taking a second shower so soon after the one she had taken when they had returned to their space charger? The time spent alone with the commander had been worth it and more. She knew now that her attentions weren’t completely unwelcome.

“The commander went that way, Your Highness,” he said softly and she nodded curtly and followed his directions. The brig was rather spacious for a medium-sized vessel. But knowing the mission of the Peacekeeping Corps, the ship was most probably built around the brig. She also immediately became aware of the tension in the room. The commander stood facing the huge, hairy Minot they had apprehended earlier this evening; only a forcefield separating the two glaring opponents. The Minot caught sight of her and surprise gave way to a wide smile.

“Your Highness. What a pleasant surprise. We were just talking about you, you know.”

The brunette’s shoulders grew rigid, but she didn’t turn to face her and so Solmiri went to join her.

“How interesting? All good I hope.” She doubted it, considering the tense silence she had interrupted.

“Always. I must say that I’m a big admirer and I haven’t missed any of your competitions.” The alien grimaced as it threw a glance at the quiet officer. “I offer my condolences, though.”

Solmiri tilted her head to the side. “Condolences? Whatever for?”

The alien bared its teeth in a grin. “Of the 40 billion beings, single-cell and bipedal, you had to be saddled with a walking icicle.” The commander’s hands curled into fists, but she remained silent. “I had wagered on that beautiful Hibren. At least then, you would be assured of great sex. Instead, you are now facing the possibility of having your lady-bits frozen off by this one.”

Tempted to grab the woman by the neck and shake her until she lost consciousness, Solmiri had to think fast. Every opportunity she got in dealing with the commander, was one that brought her closer to winning the woman’s favor. She was aware that both the alien and the commander were expecting her to react, Solmiri shrugged.

“I’ve always excelled in research, mostly because it allowed me to test a theory and in conclusion, be presented with irrefutable facts.” She saw the commander turning to look at her and that was when she made her move.

***

She was frozen to the spot, barely able to move as she realized that the woman was about to kiss her…AGAIN. The blue eyes held her transfixed as the empress closed the short gap between them. She closed her eyes, unable to hold the intense gaze any longer, but they shot open when she felt the soft, warm touch on her cheeks. The empress had a tender look in her eyes as if to assure her that she wasn’t going to hurt her. The woman wanted to prove the Oracle wrong, but Angela wasn’t sure how convincing she was going to be. This would only be the second time that she would kiss a woman, she had no such hope. However, it was too late to pull out—literally.

The kiss was different. It had none of the inquisitiveness of the earlier one. This one was possessive and it wanted to elicit a reaction. Which, to her shock, came quite naturally as her mouth opened to accept the probing tongue. The last time she had accepted the invitation, it had been nice and as their tongues met and tangled, she was completely unaware of the fact that she had pulled the woman closer and was holding her possessively against her.

The clearing of a throat made them both stiffen and with it came clarity and the realization of where she was and what she was doing. Angela broke the kiss and stepped away, a little dazed. The empress was watching her with a darkly sensual smile on her face that made Angela wish that the woman hadn’t been wearing a mask.

“See,” the empress said in a slightly husky voice as she glanced over to where the Minot was gaping at them. “my lady-bits are still intact; in fact, they’re in a very happy mood.” Angela’s eyes moved to the woman’s chest to find her nipples poking at the material of the tunic. “But I believe I’ve been enough of a distraction, Commander. I simply wanted to thank you for your gracious hospitality. I’ll leave you to your business.”

She watched the woman leave, her thoughts jumbled and her body humming pleasantly. The kiss had been even more pleasant that the first one. How would she work that one into a report without it raising eyebrows?

“So what, if you got her undies damp. It is common knowledge that the woman hasn’t been getting any for the past couple of years. Anything would excite her at this point.”

Angela clenched her jaw as she studied the taunting alien. She had already reported the capture and couldn’t show up without the Oracle, just because she hated the woman’s big mouth and had pushed her out of an airlock.

“Shut up.”

“What? Don’t tell me you thought you were special?” The alien gave her a mock look of shock. “Oh, Commander, that is not only naive; it’s plain stupid.”

She had heard enough. The alien was obviously out to bait her, but to Angela’s horror, it sounded too close to the truth. She pressed her badge. “Please join me in the brig, Lieutenant Hershey. In the excitement of the evening, we forgot to conduct a thorough cavity search of our prisoner.” She noticed the amusement fleeing the alien’s face as she backed away from the forcefield.

“You wouldn’t dare,” came the threatening growl.

“Watch me,” she drawled as she rolled up her sleeve. “Did I tell you of that one time we forgot a bio-scanner inside one of the prisoners during a cavity search?” She rolled her eyes. “What a mess it was. But I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. We’re professionals.”

CHAPTER 3

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Angela told me herself.”

Norma stopped her pacing to look at her wife. “She’s not gay.” It came out almost pleadingly, but then this whole situation was so utterly bizarre. She knew her daughter, almost as well as she knew her wife. The two weren’t much different from each other. Just like Margaret at this age, Angela lived for her career. She worked hard and played very little, to the consternation of Martha. The Burkhouse matriarch had mentioned on many occasions that she wished her child had inherited Norma’s zest for life.

All the same, Norma adored her child. When she was born with a crop of midnight black curls, Margaret had sobbed with joy. She had gotten her dream of a little brunette, but what she hadn’t known was that the little girl would grow up to not only idolize her powerful, quiet mother but closely emulate her lifestyle. Norma didn’t mind, because, it had been her wife’s reticent behavior that had kept her from being snapped up by another woman before she came onto the scene. Was that also going to be true for their daughter?

“I know, darling. However, there might’ve been some signs that we missed.”

“What signs? She can barely look at us when we kiss?” She raked her hand over her face. “And then there is that boy she’s seeing.” She saw a look of intense displeasure on her wife’s face.

“Perhaps he is the sign we’ve overlooked.”

“How?” She couldn’t think of any links between Angela’s long-term boyfriend and her abrupt venture into the sapphic world.

“He is not the right fit for her,” Margaret said quietly, but the look of disapproval was still there. “He’s safe and boring.”

Oh! Was that what she meant? Perhaps her wife was onto something there. Just as quickly, her hope fizzled.

“You know who he reminds me of?” When she was sure she had her wife’s attention, she continued. “Amanda?”

“Amanda?” She could see her wife searching her mind for the name. “Do you mean Amanda Hewes?”

“Yes,” she almost spat.

Margaret’s eyebrows shot up at the sharp tone as she warily sat up in bed. “What about Amanda?” she asked cautiously and Norma sighed. It hadn’t been Margaret’s fault that Amanda turned into a pain in the ass soon after the news of Margaret’s new position had become public. The chef seemed to turn up everywhere they went. Her incessant calls to their home and unannounced visits to the office, asking for Margaret, had threatened to drive Norma insane with jealousy and bloodlust. In the end, Margaret had spoken to the woman and made it clear that she didn’t appreciate the attention and that Amanda should desist with her stalking, lest they report her for harassment. The woman’s pleas of forgiveness and a second chance had quickly been squashed by Margaret with the news that they were engaged to me married.

Norma slid under the covers and cuddled up to her wife.

“I didn’t mean to snap at you. The mere thought of that woman gets me all riled up.”

Margaret kissed her crown. “She is ancient history, my love.”

“I know. Only, Howard does remind me of her. Opportunistic and cold. Do you think that Angie was trying to hide her true self by taking up with him?”

“I don’t know.” Margaret pulled her closer. “Maybe we are looking at this from the wrong angle. Maybe Angela isn’t gay and the Nouri empress has made a mistake.”

Norma angled her head so she could see Margaret’s face. “Do you think so?”

“I honestly don’t know what to think.”

“Same here.” Norma closed her eyes. “It doesn’t change the fact that the empress’ eyes shaded once she kissed Angie.”

“You’re right.” Margaret rolled her onto her side and spooned her. “Let’s leave it for now. Tomorrow, when we’re rested, we might have a much clearer picture of the situation.”

Norma was suddenly not so tired anymore.

***

“I saw what you did back there.”

Solmiri smiled over the rim of her wine glass at her friend. “You doubted me?” The commander had offered them the use of her sleeping quarters to have supper and had excused herself when she was called away for business.

Rubo chuckled. “You rarely resort to such deviousness, but I must say, your method was genius.”

She didn’t want to brag, but desperate situations called for desperate measures. Since they had turned down numerous invitations from this galaxy’s Planetary Alliance, because she wasn’t sure that they could benefit from a partnership with the group, Solmiri had to find another way to strategically insert herself into the commander’s life. What better way than arriving on Earth as a grateful beneficiary of their finest officer’s courage? Her assistant had assured her that he had sent the reply already. Another was soon to follow. She wouldn’t give up unless they had exhausted all avenues. Even then, she knew she would look harder until she had won the heart of her mate. A beautiful face with dark eyes flashed before her eyes and she smiled.

“She is very beautiful.”

“I agree. What’s next?”

Solmiri stood and had to reach for the table to steady herself. Rubo was on his feet and at her side in the blink of an eye, but she waved him away.

“Too much to drink.” He didn’t look convinced. “Stop fretting like an old lady. I’ll just lay down for a few moments. Come and get me when we’ve reached the rendezvous point.” By her estimation, they were almost there, but she needed the time alone to consider her next move.

“Yes, Your Highness. Have a good rest.”

“Thank you, Rubo.”

As soon as the door closed behind Rubo, she doubled over, cradling her stomach. If she had ever doubted that Angela was her mate, her body was telling her otherwise. With a grunt, she came upright and moved to the nearest mirror. She cupped her cheeks through the mask and found them to be hot to the touch.

She was ovulating.

***

Angela looked up with a frown when the chime on her small dayroom sounded. She had asked not to be disturbed while she logged a report on the sighting of another Homer vessel in Alliance territory. The now-designated outlaw planet and its citizens were prohibited from entering this part of space.

“Come.”

She stood when the empress’ guard entered. After their interaction at the tavern, Angela doubted she would easily forget the man’s deception in getting her to take part in the competition. This whole situation and its aftermath could be laid squarely at his spiky feet.

“How can I help you?”

“It’s the empress, Commander. She’s unwell and I…”

For some reason, Angela felt the overwhelming need to be close to the woman and she skirted her desk. “What happened?”

The alien shrugged his huge shoulders. “It might be something she ate or…”

Angela didn’t wait for another explanation as she rushed from her dayroom. The short walk to her quarters felt long, but mostly because every possible scenario she could think of was flitting through her mind. Should something happen to the empress, this could quickly turn ugly for everyone. The Nouri were powerful and even more technologically advance than the Ethenen. Retaliation could be devastating for the Alliance. She entered the quarters and came to an abrupt stop.

The empress spun around from where was standing before a mirror, her mask dangling from her hand.

“Commander?” She sounded surprised.

Angela stared in mute shock; her legs threatening to give out. Was it even possible, she asked herself as she gaped at the empress? Without her mask, the woman was exquisitely beautiful. Her wide stare took in the high cheeks bones and brilliant blue eyes set in a pale oval-shaped face. The lips she has kissed twice now, were slightly open as the woman looked at her.

“Commander Burkhouse?”

Angela blinked rapidly as she tried to look away, not sure that she was supposed to have seen the woman’s uncovered face. Why, if she looked like that, did the woman see the need to hide her face?

‘My apologies, Your Highness. Your man was worried about you and asked me to see if there was anything you needed.” Her eyes were transfixed on the beautiful face. How could one person be so gorgeous? Was this perhaps holo-imagery? Perhaps the woman looked like Rubo and was… No. She had touched her—kissed her. This was real. Beautifully real.

“Rubo has always been overprotective. I assured him that I was well and only needed a bit of rest.” She lifted her mask to her face. “I apologize for the interruption to your duties, Commander.”

“Uh…no…need.” She felt almost panicky at the thought that the woman was about to hide her beauty again. Angela hadn’t looked her fill yet. What would a woman, who looked like that, want with her? She stepped deeper into the room. “Are you sure you’re not unwell?”

The empress smiled and Angela’s mouth went dry. No, there was definitely a mistake. Perhaps there was a way of dealing with this misunderstanding before it grew out of hand.

“I’m perfectly fine.”

“I can see that.” When the woman frowned at her, Angela felt a flush coming over her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” She sighed. “I think you’ve made a mistake, Your Highness.”

“Oh? I’m afraid I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

Angela swallowed hard. “You. The mask. This…this…everything. There must be a mistake.” The empress’ sculpted eyebrows arched gracefully as she watched her. “It doesn’t make sense that you…someone who looks like you… would have to resort to this kind of subterfuge to get a mate.”

The beautiful face hardened slightly and Angela grimaced. Now she had inadvertently insulted a very powerful woman.

“I didn’t resort to anything, Commander. This is my destiny. I was born to find my mate and settle with her.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Your Highness.” She threw her arms wide. “I’m only trying to understand this. For instance, why hide your face if you hope for your mate to find you?”

The empress looked at her mask and back at her. “What was the first thing you did when you saw me without my mask, Commander?”

Angela’s face grew warm as she recalled her reaction.

“I was…surprised and I…” She noticed the sardonic look in the blue eyes. “I stared.”

“And almost immediately afterwards, you questioned my motives.” The woman lifted the mask and fastened it to hide her features. “We find our features to be a distraction, at the very least, and thus have adopted the wearing of masks in public to avoid that. Can you imagine trying to discuss a security concern with an ally, only to be considered as too ‘pretty’ to be talking about ugly things such as politics and war?”

Angela pursed her lips at the thought of how she had successfully justified the empress’ concerns.

“I apologize for the misinterpretation, Your Highness.”

The empress shook her head. “No need for apologies, Commander. Coming from you, I understand your distrust. I must, however, assure you that finding my mate, has nothing to do with the way I look, but everything to do with my soul finding its equal.” She smiled. “And that is where you come in, Commander. I wish I could explain why, but all I know is that I belong to you.”

The words sent a thrill through her and before could think of what to say to it, her badge beeped.

“We’ve reached the rendezvous point, Commander. The empress’ ship is already waiting for us.”

“Any sign of the pirates?”

“No, Commander.”

“We’re on our way, Lieutenant.” Angela looked at the woman and found her watching her intently. “I apologize again, Your Highness.” She pursed her lips. “I would also like to thank you for explaining the circumstances, however, I have to be honest with my own opinion on the situation.” She saw the woman’s eyes narrow slightly. “I can’t commit to this and I hope you understand that.”

“I fully understand, Commander. I’m afraid, though, that you might not have a choice in this matter.” She slowly approached her. “Just like I had no choice in the matter. Thank you for your hospitality and I assure you that your superiors will hear of your courteous and courageous conduct towards me and my subjects.” The woman’s eyes slid from her eyes to settle on her lips. “Hopefully, we’ll meet again soon to revisit your decision.” Just as abruptly, the woman stepped aside and disappeared before Angela’s eyes.

After staring at the spot where the woman was a few moments ago, Angela returned to her dayroom. Hopefully, by the time she returned to her quarters, the scent of the woman would’ve faded.

***

The big, double door swung open as she approached and Solmiri nodded at the saluting guards. The room was large, similar to their palatial dining hall on the now destroyed Nourima. Two people sat at the large fifty-seater dining table and she sighed. Her parents were sticklers for etiquette. She had told them numerous times that their subjects won’t mind too much if they were to relax the protocols a little. Her mother feared that easing certain etiquettes might cause some alarm since their current predicament was already a huge adaptation for the people. They took their cues from their leaders and if they acted anything but normal; panic could ensue.

“Daughter,” her father’s booming voice carried across the wide expanse. “Please, join us.” She kissed her mother’s cheek and squeezed her father’s arm in a warrior’s greeting before she took a seat on her father’s left. A server instantly appeared at her side with a wine carafe. Solmiri nodded her thanks and held up the glass to her parents in a tribute before taking a sip.

“You’re back early, Miri,” her mother probed carefully, her gentle eyes were concerned. “How did it go?”

She took a long drink from her wine.

“It was good. Really good. In fact, it was so good that I’ve decided to accept the invitations from Earth for a visit.”

Her father frowned. Since he had stepped down from his rule as Emperor three decades ago, he had left her to reign without interference. However, her firm refusal to deal with Earth had always baffled him. She had returned his queries with a quiet…maybe one day. That day had finally come.

“I thought you hated Earth.”

Perhaps she had before—but just a little. The persistence, which almost bordered on desperation, in their requests had made it very clear that they wanted something from her. Solmiri hated being taken advantage of.

“I don’t. The time just wasn’t right to deal with them.”

Ignas snorted into his drink. “And it’s the right time now? I wonder why?”

She smiled at her father as she picked up a fork to stab at a slice of cold cut meat on the platter before her and chewed it slowly.

“Because, my dear father, I’ve found her.”

Her mother gasped loudly, but her father still looked vaguely confused.

“You found her?”

“Yes, my heartmate.” Oh, how wonderful it felt to say it out loud. “Mikron had been right.” Her father’s mouth was slack with shock. “I kissed her and now I’m ovulating.”

Both her parents surged to their feet as they blinked at her in shocked pleasure.

“Are you…? Is it true?” Her father’s voice broke as he blinked at her.

“Yes. I’ve had more cold showers in the last nine hours than I’ve had in all of my ninety years.”

Her mother came over to embrace her and Solmiri held her close. The older woman took a shuddering breath before she pulled back to look at her.

“Where is she? Is she on your ship? When will we meet her?”

Solmiri’s mood dimmed a little, but only a tiny bit. She was renowned for her tenacity and her heartmate would find out soon enough.

“We’ll meet her on Earth in a few days, Mother.”

***

“You’ll like it.” The tone was sultry and it made Angela open her legs wider. A hand slipped between them and the first touch had her arching her back off the bed. She bit down on her lip to stop a moan from escaping as she savored the sensation of slim, skillful fingers sliding through her folds. A wave of hot breath on her ear made her open her mouth in a silent scream as she thrust against the caress.

“You want more, my heart?”

“Yes…please.” What was she doing? She never begged, especially not in bed. A finger traced her clit and she gasped softly. This was good enough to beg for. The fingers slowly penetrated her and Angela lifted her hips to speed up the action. She wanted more.

“Not so fast. We have the rest of our lives to enjoy each other. Let me…”

What a strange thing to say, Angela thought even as her body was screaming for more. She blinked and to her horror found herself still sitting in the small dayroom of the space charger; wide awake. With a trembling hand, she reached up to wipe her mouth, finding a film of sweat on her upper lip. What was happening to her? She never had a sex dream before. Nor did she have any dreams while wide-awake. She stood and found her legs to be shaky. Steeling herself, she stumbled over to the processor to get herself a large glass of water which she finished in one gulp.

When she had returned the glass to the processor for recycling, she held up her hands. They were still trembling. Maybe the doctor was right and she hit her head harder than she had thought. There was no way she would return to the medical center. She’ll have to see about consulting another doctor on Earth. She returned to her desk and looked down at the half-finished report. Perhaps it would be better if she worked on it when she felt less frazzled. She logged off and walked down the short corridor to the sleeping quarters.

***

Lord Bunq sighed softly after he took a sip of the coffee and smiled at Margaret. It was good to see that the man’s love affair with coffee was still as passionate as ever.

“Ok, you bribed me with really good coffee, so this must mean something is weighing heavily on your heart.”

Margaret sighed. “I’ll let you be the judge of that, milord.”

“Iker, please, Margaret. We know each other too long to still be so formal.”

She smiled at the man. “Thank you, Iker.”

“Now tell me. Is it Norma?”

“Angela.”

He frowned. “No. I mean no offense, old friend, but Angie is too much like you to get into trouble. Now Norma; she’s another story.” He chuckled as he lifted the cup to his lips.

Margaret couldn’t find anything to say to that. Norma was spirited and had proven that a couple of times over the past decades.

“The Nouri empress is convinced that Angela is her mate.” She ducked just in time to avoid the spray of coffee. “Iker?” She leaned over to thump the man’s back a few times.

“I’m…uh…It’s okay. I’m okay.” He dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. “I thought you said Angela is the Nouri empress’ mate.” She nodded and the Ethenen blinked. “How is that possible?”

Margaret gave him a quick rundown of what had happened and saw his eyes grow even bigger than before.

“And her eyes shaded?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s true. My father was a child when his great-grandfather told him the tale of this race whose eyes changed colors when they met their true mate.” He looked at the coffee cup and after a moment of hesitation, reached for it. “I’ve never heard of them sourcing mates outside of their race, though. How is Norma handling this?”

“I’m too scared to ask her.”

Iker chuckled. “I would be, too. That woman adores her baby girl.”

Margaret felt the same and that was why she had asked for this meeting. “The reason I wanted to talk to you is about the Alliance’s willingness to facilitate a working relationship with the Nouri.”

The man’s blue eyes grew serious as he watched her. “No need to worry about that, Margaret. I will not allow anyone to use Angie as an enticement to establish a bond with the Nouri. You have my word on that.”

She let out a soft sigh and smiled. Iker always came through for her. If he said that Angela will not be used as some sort of trade-off, then she believed him. The Nouri would be a great addition to the Alliance, but not at the expense of her child.

“Thank you, Iker. Shall we order fresh coffees, seeing as I made you spill your first one?”

“And the bribery continues. Let me guess. You still want me to petition the Alliance President for the six new patrol-class ships?”

Giving him her most innocent look, she shook her head. “It never even crossed my mind, but now that you’ve brought it up. The GSC is growing at an alarming rate and we want to accommodate everyone.”

“All thanks to you. For some reason, every youngling across the galaxy wants to become a Peacekeeper now.” The pride in his voice was evident. “Even my little ones are thinking of joining.”

“Well, if their father can negotiate for us to get the new fleet, they could be the first ones to command the patrollers. Joas is excited to try out his new design for the onboard medical centers.” The Torkan she had saved on Homer had applied for a position with the Peacekeepers and was enjoying his position as Chief Medical Director. Margaret found him to be a wonderful asset to the team.

“You don’t fight fair. Although, I must add, that since we have established satellite sites in the different zones, it is only fair that we need to have ships stationed there. Let me see what I can do.”

“Thank you.” She signaled for the server to bring them fresh coffees. Norma would be relieved to know that Iker was on their side.

***

“No prison can hold me.”

“So I’ve been told,” Angela replied dryly. “However, in the spirit of healthy competition, we thought to make this a little more difficult for you.” She nodded at the guard and he stepped closer with a large injector.

“What is that?”

“Something to keep you busy with as you plan your next escape.” She noticed the hair on the alien’s arms stand on end and press the button to summon more guards. “How ironic that such a strong, independent woman like you would be scared of a small prick.”

Ice cold eyes with split pupils glared at her. “What are you injecting me with?”

“Just a tiny tracker that will migrate to the base of your skull once it’s injected and where it will stay as long as you remain within the borders of the prison.”

“And if I don’t?” the Oracle growled as her meaty hands formed into fists.

Angela folded her arms across her chest. “Then we’ll all find out if the rumors about Minots having worms for brains, have any truth to them.”

The guard snickered but quickly sobered up at the sharp look from her. The Oracle was difficult to capture because she was smart and not many people knew that about her. Luck had nothing to do with the woman’s success in evading the authorities of nine planets for two decades. The door opened and six burly guards entered. Angela sighed as she unbuttoned her uniform jacket.

“I sincerely hope your butt’s a little less hairy than the last time. I already struggle to sleep at night.” Which was so very true. After retiring to her quarters, the dreams persisted until she had to take a cold shower and stroke herself to a climax before she could get any sleep.

“You’ll regret this, Earthling.”

Angela nodded as she eyed the alien’s butt. “Believe me, I know.”

An hour later, she was leaving the on-site medical center at the Peacekeeping Corps’ headquarters with a throbbing jaw and her displaced arms realigned. The Oracle had fought like a one-member army to deter them from injecting the tracker. All of the guards, including herself, had painful reminders of that incident. But it was done and the alien was sleeping off a very powerful sedative as she was transported to the penal colony on Mirk 809.

“Commander?”

The voice brought her to a sharp halt and she turned to briskly salute the woman.

“Captain.”

Dark eyes identical to hers raked over her body. “Did I just now see you exit the medical center?”

“Yes, Captain. We had to sedate and tag the Oracle. She wasn’t happy about that.” The older woman took a careful step closer and Angela lowered her gaze. “I’m okay, Mom.”

“You sure, honey?”

“Yes.”

“I was going to get some dinner with your mother; maybe you would like to join us?”

Angela knew, from the way her mother was looking at her, that she knew about the incident with the empress and that she wouldn’t be able to avoid talking about it for long. She might just as well do it now and be done with it.

“I would like that.”

Norma smiled and together they walked to the bank of elevators that would take them to the executive floor where her other mother’s office was located. The ride in the elevator was made in silence, but the sly looks her mother was throwing her way said a lot.

“I love you.”

Angela glanced at her mother. “I love you, too, Mom.”

When she was old enough to understand the situation of her mother’s background, her parents had set her down and explained who her mother really was and how she came to be an integral part of the Peacekeeping Corps. Captain Norma Burkhouse commanded immense respect as the most senior field agent and captain of the flagship. But then it was her skill as an agent that set her apart from anyone else. At age forty-seven, she was still unbeaten at hand-to-hand combat with only her Aunt Lily coming close to her record. To this day, the name ‘Violet’ was still muttered with apprehension in the dark backrooms of outlaw dens.

But Angela adored Norma the most when she was like this. Gentle and concerned about her, even though Angela could take care of herself and has proven as much over the past six years. She wished they weren’t in a public place with cameras so she could melt into her mother’s arms. She noticed Norma blinked rapidly to stem the flow of tears that threatened and quickly looked away. It was such a privilege and wonder to be loved by this woman.

***

“They are back, Your Highness.”

Solmiri stood from where she was seated behind her desk. “Bring them in.”  Three uniformed members of the Nouri Premier Guard entered and bowed. “Have a seat. What did you find?”

“Everything there is to find, Your Highness,” the leader of the small team replied as he held out a palmreader to her. She accepted the device and activated it. The article that came up had a picture of Angela talking with a tall, handsome man. The minimal space between them as they talked was a clear indication that they shared an intimate bond. Solmiri glared at the picture, in particular, the face of the man who was looking at her mate with such ownership in his eyes.

“You weren’t spotted by anyone?”

“No, Your Highness. We’ve included our mission report on the palmreader for your review.”

She looked up and smiled at the group. “Thank you.”

They stood and bowed before briskly leaving her office. It wasn’t a habit for the Nouri to indulge in acts of espionage, but she was burning with curiosity to know more about her mate. The information was comprehensive, but the Peacekeepers kept imageries of their agents to a limit. The only reason why there was one of Angela and her male ‘friend’—she refused to call him her mate— was because they are deemed some kind of a popular power couple. The union of two progenies of prominent families. She grimaced at reading that. Angela wasn’t destined to be the lowly wife of such an unremarkable man. She was an Empress-Consort-to-be and the co-ruler of a powerful race that had very few enemies.  This person who wrote the article knew nothing of her heartmate’s destiny and that was why they had written this drivel. It was time for her to change that.

“Erman,” she called into a speaker on her desk and her assistant entered the room. “Accept the invitation, and add the following.” She dictated a short note in which she praised Commander Burkhouse and her team for their quick and noble response in coming to their aid. Stating that she would love to have the woman present when she visited in a day.

CHAPTER 4

“Stop fidgeting, darling. You look fine.”

Angela almost jumped out of her skin when her mother spoke behind her. She turned to face her mother, who was tying her long dark hair into a ponytail as she walked over to the food generator.

Captain Norma Burkhouse looked very distinguished in her uniform and medals. The total opposite of her older spouse, she appeared so much friendlier and easy-going, but everyone knew that to be chosen to command the flagship of the Peacekeepers Corps took an experienced officer and shrewd strategist. Her birth mother was all that and more.

“Have you had coffee already, Angie?”

“No thanks, Mom. I don’t think I…”

The woman turned to smile at her with gentle dark eyes.

“After what you’ve told us last night, I understand your anxiety, but your mother and I will not stand for you being bullied into anything you don’t want.” A dangerous glint entered the onyx gaze. “The empress is in for a surprise if she thinks she can just waltz in here and snatch you up. That broad’s in for the fight of her life.”

Angela rolled her eyes at her mother. The woman’s odd vocabulary stems from her love of twentieth-century films. As a child, she had spent hours watching them with her mother and grandmother.

“Now, coffee?”

“Yes, thank you, Mom.”

She took a last look at her insignia to see if it was fastened correctly before she joined her mother at the breakfast nook. After their dinner last night, she had come home with her parents since she wasn’t up to being alone at her apartment.

“I heard you talking to Howard last night. How is he?” Norma asked as she bit into a piece of toast.

Howard. Her long-term boyfriend was a weapons instructor at the academy. Of late, he had been talking about them taking their relationship to the next level. He wanted children and although they were both career-focused individuals, he conveniently forgot that having a child right now might not fit into her career trajectory. She couldn’t afford to take any time off work presently—especially now that the Council were eager to bring the Nouri into the fold. It meant that she would have to work even harder to achieve her command position if the Nouri wanted to have some representation within the Corps. She already had a ship and sector in mind. The Vimt sector saw a lot of action as a result of their proximity to Eaxlo I and Heeli II, a pair of warring planets. The current political unrest on the outlaw planet, Homer, further adds to the security threat. She wanted to be stationed there and since a new fleet of medium-class space chargers are being introduced into the existing one, she hoped she was lucky enough to have one assigned to her.

A hand slipped over hers and she met her mother’s concerned gaze.

“I’m sorry that you’re going through this terrible ordeal.”

Angela quickly lowered her gaze. Her mothers could easily tell when she was lying. That had molded her into an honest straight-talker.

“Honey?”

She exhaled long and hard.

“I liked the kiss, Mom.” She looked up and found her mother’s face slack with surprise. “I liked it a lot.” She had never admitted it and the significance of that made her eyes well up. It was the first time she has said it out loud and it felt like the point of no return. The kitchen was quiet as they blinked at each other. Finally, her mother leaned over and kissed her cheek—a hard press of the lips against her cheekbone. She had always liked those kisses because for some reason it felt like they lingered longer than the regular ones.

“Many young girls experiment with their sexuality, honey. And even if I have to say so myself, women are excellent kissers. The first time your mother kissed me, after fighting off my advances, I almost had a heart attack. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.”

Angela lowered her forehead to the table as she tried to fight the tears. She was twenty-four years old for heaven’s sake and not some virginal teenager. Her time for experimenting was long over. She needed to pull herself together. A soft hand landed on her shoulder and she knew her other mother had joined them. The aura in a room always changed when she entered.

“A kiss can be enjoyed without it meaning anything, my darling.” The husky voice was tender. “You have nothing to worry about. Your mom and I know that you’re not attracted to women and we won’t allow anyone to make you believe otherwise.”

She looked up at her mother. She was a formidable woman, no-nonsense, both feared and respected by enemies and friends, alike. But Angela loved it when she was simply her mommy. Like now. She pressed her face into her mother’s stomach and sighed when she felt a hand gently stroke her hair.

They understood, even though she hadn’t told them about the dreams…yet.

***

Solmiri wasn’t in the least bothered by the open-mouthed stares she and her entourage were getting from their hosts. For this meeting, she had advised her delegation not to wear their masks. This was an important meeting for her. She wanted to gauge her hosts as well as make sure that there were no secrets between her and her heartmate.

A tall woman with a commanding air and sharp dark blue eyes approached her and bowed. When she looked up, something indecipherable flashed in the woman’s gaze.

“Your Majesty, it’s an honor to finally meet you. I’m Grand Admiral Margaret Burkhouse.”

Solmiri didn’t show any outward reaction, but she knew who the woman was. Angela was the only offspring of two women. That had come as a pleasant surprise. However, as detailed as the information was, it lacked photos. Thus, she was quite impressed to meet her heartmate’s mother and found that she admired the woman.

“Please allow me to welcome you to Earth, Your Majesty.”

Solmiri gave her a warm, delighted smile and the blue eyes widened slightly, but just as quickly the professional mask was back. She had forgotten that she wasn’t wearing her mask and that her affectionate smile might have taken the woman by surprise.

“Thank you, Grand Admiral. I’m very honored to meet you, too,” she responded in a friendly tone and saw the woman relax a little.

A lanky, gray-haired man stepped forward. He had small tusks growing from his cheeks and his split eyes gleamed with excitement. Grand Admiral Burkhouse introduced him as Council President Hurko. The alien smiled as he bowed low.

“Your Majesty. You humble us with your presence.”

She nodded at him. “Thank you for inviting us, Council President Hurko. My delegation and I are happy to be here.”

The greetings and lavish tributes continued for a while longer, but in between the many dignitaries who were introduced to her, Solmiri kept scanning the crowd, looking for that one face. When she finally found it, she wished to get away from the people crowding her and stand at her heartmate’s side, to gaze upon the beauty. It was announced that they would be taken on a tour of the city and when their entourage was led past where the commander stood with a tall, beautiful woman who closely resembled her, Solmiri caught the hooded gaze of Angela and nodded.

The city was beautiful; not comparable to their own, but still beautiful and clean. She may have come here under a pretense, but she found herself enjoying the tour. Earthlings were friendly and proud of their home planet. Somewhere on the tour, she had learned that it had taken nearly a century to rehabilitate the planet after extreme pollution had pushed it to the brink of destruction. Greed, ignorance and overpopulation were recorded as some of the major causes that had led to the near-catastrophe. It had pained her to hear that, considering how much she still missed Nourima. Even though they had treated her with the utmost care and respect, she had still been lost them. Yet, there were planets which were treated with such total disregard and were lucky to have survived. At least the Earthlings had seen the error of their ways and had reversed the damage.

Their hosts treated them to a light meal that was simply delicious but could’ve been better had she been seated at the same table with the Grand Admiral and her family. A young man had joined them for lunch and she found she still hated the way he looked at the commander. The love interest. From the way the woman had melted into the kisses they had shared, she had thought him to not be a serious threat. She had been wrong. They were close and during the meal, he had even made Angela laugh a few times. It was time to up the ante some more. They would return to Earth tonight for a banquet and she hoped to have a new plan by then.

“Will we be honored with the presence of your parents this evening, Your Highness?”

She smiled at the Council President. “They have made their interest clear, Council President Hurko. My mother is quite the philanthropist and would be very interested to visit some of the community ventures you showed me earlier.”

The man beamed at her and launched into a series of other projects across the galaxy that he thought her mother would find to her liking.

***

Angela was distracted, had been from the moment the Nouri delegation had arrived. Just like everyone in attendance, the sight of them had left her dumbstruck. Although she had seen the empress without her mask before, she was still left stunned by the sheer beauty of the woman and that of her subjects. Then there had been that moment when the empress had smiled at her mother and her face had lit up, adding more radiance to her already unmatched beauty. Next to her, her mother had appeared a little uncomfortably at the sight of the empress as she had smiled at the grand admiral. She had sympathized with her mother at that moment. No woman would want such beauty and charm directed at their mate; no matter how secure they felt in their relationship.

After the first dream the night she had the empress onboard, the dream returned the next night following her conversation with her mothers about her interaction with the empress. The chaotic images had flashed through her mind until finally, they had fused into an image of a bedroom; one that was stylishly decorated and where she felt strangely comfortable. The dream had changed the next night. As she had curled up in her bed for sleep; somewhere between deep sleep and wakefulness, she had felt gentle, but firm, hands rolling her onto her back. Startled, she had tried to make out the face of whatever or whoever it was that was pressing her into the mattress, but all she could make out was a silhouette and the interior of the bedroom she had dreamt of the night before. Knowing that she should’ve struggled, Angela had found that she didn’t feel the need to do so. It had been as if she had expected the person. She couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity as well as the sense that this was the norm; that she had been woken up like this a thousand times before. It had been the kiss, heady and thorough, that had clued her in on the identity of her visitor. Shamelessly, she had accepted and returned the kiss; as well as the possessive caresses over her thighs and chest.

“Did you hear what I said?”

Angela was jerked back to the present to find both her mothers watching her with inscrutable expressions on their faces before she turned her attention to Howard. When he had asked to join them, she had thought that his presence would aid in her attempts not to stare at the empress. On the contrary, his presence had exacerbated her need to stare at the Nourian. She couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the two, which was completely unfair, at least to Howard. The empress had the looks, the power and her kisses were breathtaking. To assuage her guilt, she had fawned a little over Howard and even laughed at his silly jokes as her quiet and contemplative parents looked on.

“I apologize. Would you mind repeating yourself?”

“I said that Council President Hurko is completely captivated by the empress.”

She grinned at him without offering a response as she reached for her glass. As she took a sip, she stole a look over the rim at the main table and almost choked on her drink when she encountered an intense gray-blue gaze. It stared unblinkingly at her before it shifted to Howard. There was an unsettling expression on the beautiful face. She knew! But how? Maybe she was only curious about seeing her with Howard. There is no way she could know who he was.

“She is really beautiful, but I can’t imagine her looking like that fifty years from now.”

The grand admiral carefully put her cutlery down and turned to look at Howard. “She had been somewhere in her thirties when their planet was destroyed and that happened almost sixty years ago,” she offered coolly as she pierced Howard with a sharp look. “I would say that she has taken rather good care of herself for a woman who is nearing a hundred, don’t you think.”

She didn’t have to look at Howard to know he was flustered. Margaret didn’t like Howard, but had never once interfered or said anything about their relationship. But Angela knew her mother; she could tell. Howard, on his part, tried to have as little contact with her mother as possible. Which, if he hoped to marry her and have children soon, didn’t make any sense to her. Her mother would be his in-law and unlike now, he would encounter her on a more regular basis.

“Of course, Grand Admiral. You’re right, I shouldn’t have made such a careless remark, even in jest, without knowing the facts.”

Her mother didn’t respond, but the soft curl of her lips showed that Howard’s groveling hadn’t changed her opinion of him.

“Howard, do you plan to come to the banquet tonight?” Norma asked quietly and Angela noticed Howard throwing a nervous glance in her other mother’s direction.

“I’m not sure, Captain. My parents are leaving on their annual interplanetary tour next week and had expressed their wish for the family to spend the weekend together.”

Angela saw Margaret glance at Howard. “Time spent with one’s parents is never wasted.”

Both Angela and Norma stared down at their plates to keep Howard from noticing their amusement. Margaret was being so transparent.

“Yes, Grand Admiral,” Howard responded quickly. The hall suddenly grew quiet and she looked at the main table to see the Nourian delegation greeting the Council members as they were getting ready to leave. Her heartbeat instantly accelerated when the empress turned to look directly at her and bow before she briskly left with her delegation in tow.

Angela’s gaze lingered a moment longer at the door and feeling eyes on her, she looked at her parents to find them watching her. She can only expect tonight to be even more challenging, now that her parents were watching her like a hawk.

A uniformed officer from the planetary liaison team approached their table briskly. He saluted.

“At ease, Lieutenant,” Margaret said curtly.

“Grand Admiral. Captain. Commander. Lieutenant.” He turned to her mother. “I have a request from Her Imperial Highness Empress Solmiri, Grand Admiral. She expressed her wish to share a table with you and your family tonight, if you would be so kind, since her parents will be the honorary guests of the Council at the banquet.”

And just like that, Angela felt her inside melt at the thought of being in close proximity to the woman tonight.

***

Norma felt her body gradually begin to relax as the heat of the water seeped into tense muscles. She was distracted. But in a good way. The contact between the empress and Angela had been minimal, but it didn’t take much for one to notice the sizzling chemistry between the two women. Her child was struggling and Norma can’t ever remember feeling so helpless as a mother. Especially not when she wasn’t sure what to do.

Angela was fighting a lifelong belief that she has had about herself. Both her and Margaret had taught her to believe in herself and not let anyone else try and shape her idea of who and what she was. That was why Norma was reluctant to get involved. How was she to tell her daughter that maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t as straight as she had thought? A wave of cool air hit her naked back and she turned to face her wife. Margaret looked tired.

“Come, let me wash your back.”

The woman turned without a word. As Norma lathered the strong back, she couldn’t help but wonder what her wife’s take was on this. The older woman had been quiet the previous night as Angela had recounted her first engagement with the Nouri empress. Except for assuring Angela that she didn’t do anything that had compromised her position as a Peacekeeper, Margaret had been quiet; more contemplative.

“Did you see the way she looks at Angie, darling?”

A soft sigh reached Norma’s ears. “I did.”

“What do you think about that?”

Margaret turned to look at her. The dark blue eyes were tender as they raked over her face. “She looks at her the way you look at me.”

Her heart swelled with love for her wife at hearing that. Every day she kept falling deeper in love with Margaret. She gently stroked the grey hair at Margaret’s temple. The older woman got sexier with age. “She does, doesn’t she. And?”

“I still don’t know what to make of it.”

Norma pushed her wife under the lukewarm spray to rinse off her back before she lathered her front. “You are the most observant person I know, Margaret. What do you think?”

“There is something there. However, Angie has been clear that she wasn’t completely unaffected. It could also just be the novelty of a new experience.” At Norma’s hard stare, she shrugged. “But you’re right. There is a strong mutual attraction.”

“And?”

Margaret blinked. “We’ll stand by her decision; no matter what she chooses.”

With a wide smile, Norma slipped into the strong arms and held her wife. Margaret always knew what to say. That was one of the many reasons she was currently considered one of the most revered leaders in the galaxy.

***

Solmiri settled into the seat and activated the holding strap just as the flyer lifted off the platform and shot upwards towards the artificial blue sky that all the ships had been designed with. The Nouri engineers felt that it was important to reconstruct a biosphere that closely resembled the cities on their former world. The five gigantic ships represented the five major cities of Nourima and carried between ten to thirty million inhabitants. Presently, since they were stationary, the five ships were locked together with an impenetrable shield. Like a giant puzzle, the cities are fused, offering the unique opportunity for the Nouri to visit friends and family without having to beam over.

A paper-thin device was held out to her and she activated it. It showed a sphere, which made her smile at the sight of it. It was beautiful. She knew she was being biased about Nourima or perhaps it was simply her loyalty towards her birthplace, but this planet wouldn’t hold up against Nourima. However, it was time to let go of the old Nourima and let the people do what they do best—create a home and make this potential world a beautiful, new Nourima. Over the decades there had been other planets, but after several assessments and trial settlements, they were deemed unsuitable for the Nouri.

“Tell me more,” she ordered just as their flyer leveled out and sped across the main city with dazzling speed. Solmiri usually like to look down as she flew over the city, admiring the bird’s eye view of the city and the ingenuity of their design and engineering teams’ efforts to have come up with such a marvelous creation.

Today, she was distracted as an engineer gave her a rundown of the characteristics of the planet. It was located 50 000 lightyears from their current position. Rich in minerals and natural resources. The only reason why it was deserted, was its atmosphere. It was corrosive and couldn’t sustain any lifeforms. It was occasionally visited by small-scale miners who mined for minerals, but then left just as quickly lest they and their spacecrafts perish in the toxic environment. Nourian exploration teams had just returned from the planet and brought with them a wealth of information. That was the reason she had to leave Earth abruptly to meet with the terraforming division.  She thanked the engineer and sat back in her chair. If they could make this planet habitable, it would place her near Earth. A five-day travel distance was nothing but a heartbeat for her after a six-decade-long trek across a multitude of galaxies and solar systems. Their technology was also advanced enough to shrink the distance drastically.

She would be close to Angela and that would be very advantageous for their courtship. Her parents obviously knew of her claim and she would have to win them over just as much as she needed to secure Angela’s heart. A short visit to see their grandchildren would definitely be a good way to win their approval.

Children.

She couldn’t wait to have children with Angela. To see them reared and loved by the two of them.

“We’ve arrived, Your Highness.”

Without blinking an eye at having been caught daydreaming, she deactivated her harness and followed the engineer. The Scientific and Discovery building was busy. With the team back from their excursion, every section would be working on their share to make this project successful. They were all tired of their nomadic lifestyle and all yearned to put down some roots. She was led down long, gleaming corridors to a spacious auditorium with a large screen. As she took a seat, the head of the engineering section stepped forward.

“Welcome, Your Highness. We’ve brought samples from the Dark Planet, as we refer to it for now. Initial tests have shown that the soil might be contaminated as well. We’ve introduced test subjects to a small mass of soil and they succumbed on impact with the sample.” He flicked on the screen and showed her a visual of their experiment. The words had been devastating to hear, but seeing the insects die the moment they made contact with the soil, made her close her eyes. Her dream, fleeting as it had been, was dead.

“The Construction and Design section would like an opportunity to address you, Your Highness.” She opened her eyes slowly to find a group of young and eager-looking scientists approaching the stage. Solmiri didn’t know if it was the energy that the team radiated or the fact that they were much younger than the usual academic types, but she sat up straighter.

They bowed in unison and she acknowledged them with a small smile.

“We believe we could work around the pollution, Your Highness,” a young woman said. “Actually, it could be incorporated into our planetary defense mechanism.”

Solmiri let out a soft sigh of relief. Her optimism might be premature, but she was willing to listen to any new ideas. This planet was the determining factor between her and Angela building a life together. The only other option was to move on and leave her behind; an outcome she refused to even consider.

“I’m listening.”

***

Angela watched the stiff back facing her and for some reason found that it didn’t bother her in the least. She had been honest and clear about her reasons for why she felt that they should wait before getting married. If she was stationed in the Vimt sector, she couldn’t see him move there with her. There was nothing there, except war and a collection of uninhabitable planets.

“It would appear that you’ve already thought about this and have made up your mind.” Howard turned around to face her. The expression on his handsome face was cold and forbidding. “Did you tell your mothers?”

She shook her head. Knowing their feelings towards Howard, she didn’t want to fuel the antagonism further, by telling them of his rather selfish request.

“No. I wanted to tell you first.”

“And how do you expect me to react to this?”

“That’s not for me to decide, Howard.” She was proud of herself for not allowing her irritation to show. He was acting childish and she wasn’t having any of that. Over the years she had ignored his subtle whines about how dangerous her work was and how the academy was always looking for more teachers. When he had followed her home after lunch, she had dreaded that he would want to have sex. He had kissed her, but to her relief had not tried to take it further since he wanted to meet up with his parents later.

“Do you even want to get married, Angie? I ask because you don’t act like my girlfriend sometimes.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He pursed his lips. “You didn’t defend me when your mother humiliated me.”

Angela frowned as she stared at him. What did he expect? That she would stand by him after his blatantly sexist remark? And even though her mother didn’t like him, she wasn’t rude in her response to him—merely stated the facts.

“What did you expect me to say, Howard? You made an undignified statement in the presence of three women, one already in her fifties, and you expected me to support you.”

Howard turned red as he looked away. Why hadn’t she seen him for what he truly was? A spoiled, childish man who refused to take responsibility for his actions.

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“But you said it and it was interpreted as having been offensive.”

He gave her a scathing look and shook his head. “Look, if you’re spoiling for a fight, I’m not in the mood. I’m leaving.”

She sighed as she watched him leave, and then she walked over to take a seat on the couch. A glance at the chronometer showed that she had about four hours to get ready for the banquet, but after a sleepless night, thanks to the dream, she decided to take a short nap before she had to prepare for the evening.

She didn’t have to open her eyes to know that she wasn’t alone any longer. The air in the room felt lighter, causing her to draw in large, chest-heaving gulps of air. This time when the bed dipped, she automatically rolled over to meet a radiant sapphire gaze.

“My love…”

She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound was forthcoming. Instead, she curled her arms around the slender neck and pull the woman down to her. The first touch of their lips made her sigh. She loved the feel of the woman against her lips; on top of her; breathing on her skin. Her heart was beating wildly as she hooked her legs around the body blanketing her; holding her lover captive.

“Look at me. See in my eyes what you mean to me.”

She gazed up into the eyes that burned with their need for her. The exquisite face glowed with a love so deep that it brought tears to her eyes. No one has ever looked at her that way—as if she were the universe and they were completely lost in her.

“Kiss me.”

The kiss was unlike any they had shared before. It teased, begged, enticed and finally overpowered her. She trembled as she clung to her sanity and prayed that she would still be whole when it ended.

“Angela! Angie!”

She was startled into wakefulness to find her parents staring down at her with alarm.

“Hey. What…?” She looked around her. She was still at home. “Why are you here?”

Norma blinked as she raked her eyes over Angela. “We hailed you a few times and when you didn’t respond we became worried.”

Angela swallowed hard as she sat up and combed her fingers through her short hair.

“What time is it?”

“Five o’clock.”

She shot to her feet but was quickly pushed back on the couch by Margaret.

“What are you not telling us?”

“I’m…What do you mean?”

Margaret looked up at Norma and back at her.

“You’ve always been a light sleeper. Yet, you didn’t hear our hails nor the racket we made when we burst into your place.”

They were right. Of the three of them, she was the light sleeper and when she was still living at home, she would always be stirred in the middle of the night by the smallest noises. She noticed that her parents weren’t interrupting her silent contemplation as they watched her expectantly. She bit down on her lower lip as she weighed her options. She could tell them and give them one less thing to speculate about. During lunch, she had noticed that they were watching her oddly as if they knew that she was withholding something from them. Or. She could lie about it and simply state that she was tired after her mission and was struggling to sleep considering everything that had happened.

“I’m dreaming about her.” When her parents’ expressions didn’t change, she continued. “We’re in bed together.”

Margaret’s eyebrows shot up as she tilted her head slightly. “Do you…I mean do you also…” She glanced at her wife uncomfortably. “What I want to know is do you also…”

She knew what her mother was asking and how difficult it was for the older woman to think of her as having any sexual relations—with anyone.

“Yes, Mother. I’m an active participant and I seem to be enjoying it.”

“Oh, honey,” Norma exclaimed softly as she sat down next to her. “Perhaps we need to reassess your sexual preferences, considering all you have told us about this woman.”

Angela leaned her head back to stare at the ceiling. Had she always been secretly attracted to women? Was that even possible? She had never looked at a woman and thought about her in a romantic way. She closed her eyes, suddenly very tired. A week ago, she was doing just fine. She had a boyfriend and a plan for her future.

And then she felt like she had a kiss to spare and now everything she had known about herself and her life was imploding.

CHAPTER 5

Solmiri studied her reflection in the mirror, satisfied with the result. She was ready to dazzle Angela and, hopefully, get an opportunity to kiss her again. After two days, her body was threatening mutiny for her not giving it what it wanted. Angela. Her breasts were sore and she was in a constant state of arousal. It was even worse when in Angela’s presence.

“Enter,” she called out at the soft chime to her bedchamber. She caught her mother’s reflection in the mirror as the older woman entered. Her mother was still gorgeous at the ripe age of a hundred and thirty. Since she had been mated for a long time now, her eyes had taken on a permanent shade of blue. Just like her, she was carrying her long blonde hair loose and it made them look like twin sisters, except for their different eye colors. As soon as she was bonded to Angela, hers would continue to shift between the two colors, depending on her proximity to Angela, until after a few years when it would lose the gray and remain blue.

“You look beautiful, Miri.”

“As do you, Mother. Is it time to leave already?” She was a little nervous, but equally excited to see Angela again.

“Not yet, but I was hoping to talk to you.” She walked over to a golden chaise and Solmiri followed her to take a seat. “You are very vague about your mate? Why hasn’t she been over to meet us yet?”

Solmiri picked at an invisible piece of lint on her skintight, glittering dress.

“Because she doesn’t believe that she is my heartmate…yet.”

Her mother frowned in confusion. “Why not? Did you not tell her?”

“I did, but she had to leave soon after.”

Damore stared at her with wide, surprised eyes. “And you allowed her to leave? What is the matter with you, child?”

Solmiri blushed as she dropped her gaze. “I didn’t want to frighten her.”

“You didn’t want to frighten her? Why not? She’s your Consort, mate to the most celebrated Empress ever to rule over the Nouri.”

“All that probably doesn’t make any sense to her. She’s a warrior who doesn’t have time for frivolous pursuits such as love.” She pursed her lips as she thought about it. “That’s what it looks like to me.” Angela had voiced her inability to commit.

Her mother looked vaguely annoyed as she studied her and Solmiri struggled to hold her parent’s piercing stare.

“You are too soft with her. This is the woman that was created for you. She is yours and no one else’s. You need to find a way to make her understand that.”

“How? I can’t just kidnap her.”

Damore grinned. “No, of course not. You use the age-old trick that has brought many women to their senses.” Solmiri blinked at the mother and saw the older woman roll her eyes at her. “Jealousy, dear.”

“Oh, I knew that,” she added lamely. “I think I…”

“No, you leave that to me. Now, your father is waiting for us. He is eager to meet these Earthlings.”

***

“Slow down, honey. The night’s still young,” Norma cautioned softly as she fixed a meaningful look at the glass in Angela’s hand. Angela carefully put it down and reached for the water glass. A commotion at the door drew all eyes to it and the council messenger entered the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you The Emeritus Royal Imperial Pair, Emperor Goran and his Consort, Empress Damore.” A stylishly, good-looking couple entered the Great Hall to the applause of the guests in attendance. Angela could only gape at the couple. They didn’t look old enough to be the parents of a ninety-year-old daughter—they were as breathtakingly gorgeous as her. The couple were led to the main table where the Council President and the members eagerly welcomed them.

“Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you Her Imperial Highness, Empress Solmiri, esteemed ruler of the Nouri…”

Angela’s stomach did summersaults at the mere mention of the woman’s name.

“…and her companion, Ambassador Kuni.”

She brought a date? The couple entered the hall, both tall and dressed in skintight dresses that left little to the imagination. The hall was quiet as everyone stared in stunned admiration at the magnificent couple. The Council members’ abrupt applause set off a round of loud clapping. Angela’s eyes were riveted on the woman by the empress’ side. She was smiling broadly, her gorgeous face beaming as she nodded at the guests.

“You’re glaring, darling,” Margaret said through the side of her mouth and Angela quickly lowered her gaze. Her heart was beating hard in her chest and she swallowed convulsively to rid her mouth of the bitter taste. She had never experienced this emotion before, but knew exactly what it was called. Jealousy. She was drenched with it and she…

“They’re coming over, Angela. Pull yourself together, child.”

She took a deep steadying breath and once she was sure she wasn’t going to throw up, lifted her gaze to look into brilliant blue eyes. She was going to get through the night even if it killed her.

***

The brunette looked ravishing in a classy black dress that hugged her lean frame enticingly and made it incredibly difficult for Solmiri to breathe. The flickering flame of the candles on the table reflected in the dark eyes the few times Angela had deemed it necessary to look at her as Solmiri struggled valiantly not to stare at the other woman’s décolletage. The dress further enhanced an already perfect creation and had she not been acutely aware of the two other women watching her carefully, she wouldn’t have minded spending the entirety of the night staring at Angela.

Since her arrival at the table with Kuni in tow, she instantly sensed that her mother’s ploy had worked. Angela had been courteous, but distant. Her parents, the grand admiral and the revered captain, were quite pleasant and as the night progressed, both had relaxed enough to engage them in delightful conversation. Since Kuni was one of the most senior ranked inhabitants of Nouri, as the Ambassador on one of the urban ships, she and Captain Norma Burkhouse had found a lot to talk about. It was obvious that the idea of a huge floating city that carried millions baffled and fascinated the Earthlings.

“You are more than welcome to visit us. I would be honored to host your family for the weekend, Grand Admiral,” she said quickly, realizing the opportunity for what it was. Angela’s head snapped up and their gazes met. “A two-day visit would be more than adequate to visit all of our five ships.” She could tell from the glint in the older woman’s eye that the grand admiral was tempted, yet as a mother was also cautious of what a visit to Nourima would mean for her daughter. The right thing for her to do would be to give them an out, but Solmiri didn’t. She couldn’t. Not when all she could think about what spending two full days in the presence of her beautiful mate. She couldn’t wait to show off the woman to her subjects.

“The empress is right. Your family would be the first guests to our home. The Nouri are very private and since we have so many people’s security to consider, we refrain from extending invitations.”

Solmiri wanted to kiss Kuni for her quick thinking. She had just made the invitation an exclusive one and as such had made it near-impossible for the Burkhouse family to refuse.

“We are honored to be considered, Your Highness,” Angela, to the surprise of everyone spoke up, but it was obvious from the look in her eyes that she was about to turn them down.

“Our family would be honored to be your guests,” Captain Burkhouse cut in smoothly as she smiled at her wife. The grand admiral nodded gracefully, but Solmiri couldn’t help but feel that the woman wasn’t completely in agreement. “We’ll need to make a few arrangements, but we will be in contact with your liaison.”

“I’ll give you my direct channel on which you can contact me, Captain.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Solmiri acknowledge the gratitude with a small nod and out of the corner of her eye saw Angela hold out her glass for another refill. That would be her fourth glass of wine in the span of an hour and already the dark eyes had a slight glaze to them. The subtle looks from her parents were also quite noticeable.

“Do you dance, Commander?”

Angela’s eyes widened slightly as she looked at her.

“I’m not very good,” she muttered over the rim of her glass and Solmiri almost laughed at the sharp rebuke she read in the captain’s eyes as she glared at her daughter. She could relate to that since she had been on the receiving end of her own mother’s disapproval right before their departure for Earth.

Solmiri grinned. “Forgive me, Commander, but that is difficult to believe. You have the posture and grace of a great dancer.”

A deep blush stained the brunette’s cheeks as she lowered her gaze.

“With my training and responsibilities, I’ve never really paid much attention to other leisure pursuits.”

That confirmed what she had told her mother. It would be harder to seduce the woman than she had thought. Thus, when the cue of a delicate string instrument filled the air, she regretted her decision to have brought a Nouri orchestra with them. The idea had been to dance with Angela and set her seduction in motion. Now, to force the woman to dance after her admission that she wasn’t much of a dancer, would only embarrass her.

“We’ve hoped to introduce a little of our culture into the evening and thus, have brought along a Nouri orchestra. We love music and every child learns to dance as soon as they are able to walk.” She glanced at Kuni, who nodded as she stood. “If you’ll excuse us for a moment.”

***

As soon as the empress had left the table, Angela felt as if she could breathe freely for the first time in an hour. She tracked the gracious gait of the object of her thoughts as she and her equally beautiful companion made their way to the center of the hall. Her eyes raked over the long, sleek dress that encased a body she had only seen in her dreams.

“Oh!” Norma exclaimed softly.

The two women abruptly closed the distance between them until their bodies visibly slammed together, just as several string instruments joined in to create a complex, yet darkly sensual melody. The guests were silent as they watched, spellbound, as the dancers moved together as one; their bodies almost glued together.

Angela’s jealousy intensified as she watched them move in perfect synergy like a couple that had been dancing together for years—in fact—calling the show a dance was being polite. Her gaze was fixated on Ambassador Kuni’s hands as they slid over the empress’ curves and hips as the other woman glided to the melody. Was it really necessary for them to be touching so much? The tempo of the music was quite slow, which according to her, didn’t justify the constant touching of various body parts. A soft gasp sounded when Ambassador Kuni dropped gracefully to put her hand on the empress’ calf; her face eye-level with Solmiri’s crotch. A curtain of gleaming blonde hair hid the empress’ face, robbing Angela of the opportunity to see the woman’s reaction as she gazed down at the other woman, her neck curved in a sensual arch.

“Bloody hell!”

“Yes, honey? Did you say something?” Norma leaned closer to her as she spoke, but her eyes were riveted on the dancing women. They were like two tall blades of grass, swaying gently in the breeze to a hypnotic tempo.

“Nothing, Mom,” she said through clenched teeth.

“In that case, why don’t you try some of the pastries? It will not be long before they serve the main meal.”

Not taking her eyes off the dancing couple she reached for the proffered pastry and rudely toss it into her mouth. As she pulverized the snack with her teeth, she imagined that it was the redheaded ambassador’s hand she was chewing off. The ambassador stretched to her full height; her face close to the empress’ as they locked gazes while the melody faded away into the background. The applause was thunderous and even her parents shot to their feet to show their appreciation. Reluctantly, she did the same, but instead of taking her seat afterwards, she asked to be excused from the table and left the hall through a side door.  Once outside, she drew in a few lungfuls of the crisp air as she kept her eyes tightly shut. This was much harder than she had thought. After confiding in her parents about the dreams, she had known that there was no way she could go back from there. She was irrevocably attracted to a woman she had known for less than five days and the sight of her with another woman stirred inexplicably potent emotions in her. She sighed and opened her eyes to gaze out over the skyline. Her mother had been gentle as she had suggested that perhaps if she and the empress talked, Angela would better understand what was happening to her. A suggestion she had quickly agreed had some merit; until the alien woman showed up at the banquet with a date. What did that mean? Had this ‘mate’ thing simply been a phony excuse for her amusement? Angela pursed her lips as she felt a coldness spread through her at the thought that she might’ve just upended life for the mere enjoyment of another woman.

“There you are.”

Her eyes grew wide as she spun around. “Howard? What are you doing here?”

He gave her an apologetic smile. “I needed to see you and I couldn’t wait until later. I was an idiot and I wanted you to know.”

She almost told him that she was aware of that. The fact that he had crashed the event to tell her that only reinforced the point.

“That’s why I decided not to wait.” She read it in his eyes even before he made a move. Her heart sank when he went down on one knee and held out a ring box. She closed her eyes as tears threatened. Why now? Wasn’t it enough that she was barely able to keep it together as it is?

“Angela Burkhouse, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He was smiling broadly.

“Oh, Howard!” She blinked back the tears. “I can’t marry you.”

A look of disbelief crossed over his feature, quickly followed by confusion.

“Why not? I mean, we’ve been together for three years and we’ve talked about this.”

She nodded. “Yes, we talked about this just a few hours ago and I told you that I would want us to wait until…”

“Your bloody captaincy? Is that all that you care about?” He climbed to his feet. “And what happens once you’ve made captain? Do you think that I would wait for you while you fly off to who-knows-where to fight in some silly battle?”

There it was again. The self-absorption. Had she known before that a simple kiss would open her eyes to what was right before her eyes, she would’ve done it a long time ago.

“I don’t expect you to wait for me, Howard. It wouldn’t be fair to ask that of you.”

“You’re right on that account. My parents always had their doubts about your ambition and how it would impact our relationship.”

She wanted to slap him then, but after four glasses of wine and a dangerously jealous storm brewing in her blood, she was scared she might not stop at a slap. Nor did she want to remind him that his parents had him and his sister at a very advanced age because, as two renowned medical experts, they probably also wanted to establish their careers first before they started a family. The only option left to her at that moment was to leave and she turned away from him. The less was said; the less she had to apologize for later.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me while I’m talking to you,” Howard hissed.

Angela was brought up short by his hand on her arm and before she could tell him off, a flash of white shot past her. She could only stare in stupefied shock as she saw Howard dangling in the air, choking, as he was held up by his neck with his feet kicking desperately.

The empress looked like an avenging angel with the soft breeze tugging on her blonde strands and her eyes burning like blue flames in her pale, beautiful face.

***

The moment the dance had ended, Solmiri had spotted Angela leaving the table. Her first instinct was to leave Kuni on the dance floor and follow immediately, but she quickly remembered where she was. Angela may be her heartmate, but as long as the woman had not accepted, she had no right to her. Steeling herself and keeping the smile on her face, she had led Kuni back to the table and stiffly took her seat. The grand admiral had signaled a server to their table to refill their glasses, but the wine had tasted bitter as she was intensely aware of the empty seat opposite her.

“That was truly spectacular, Your Highness,” the grand admiral said with genuine appreciation and Solmiri gracefully accepted the compliment with a nod.

“We learn to dance at a very early age.”

“It shows. It would take me a lifetime to achieve that level of competence. I have two left feet and my spouse had very sore toes the day after our wedding.”

Solmiri chuckled softly when the captain nodded with a small grimace.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

The captain rolled her eyes at her wife. “Not as sorry as I was when I found out that our daughter had inherited her mother’s left feet.”

The mentioning of Angela made her aware of the empty seat once again and she felt herself deflate. She gave a forced smile.

“At least, if she gets a good teacher now, she might be more proficient on her own wedding day.”

The two women shared a quick look before they smiled back at her.

“Speaking of which, she said she needed some air,” the captain said as she looked around before her dark gaze returned to Solmiri. “Have you ever seen the night skyline of our city, Your Highness? It is quite beautiful. Perhaps you would like to join me as I go in search of Angela.”

Solmiri threw a glance at the grand admiral and found her watching her with a small smile.

“You will appreciate the view. I’ll keep the ambassador company until your return.”

She gracefully stood and followed the captain to the door, but inside she wanted to rush through the door and call out for her mate. They had barely stepped outside when the captain’s badge emitted a soft peeping, she looked at Solmiri with an obviously fake look of annoyance.

“My apologies, Your Highness. It’s from my ship. I won’t be long.” She waited for Solmiri’s consent before she stepped aside. “This is the captain.”

Knowing now that she had been lured there under a false offer to watch the skyline, Solmiri couldn’t help but smile. It meant that Angela’s parents were aware of her claim and that they approved. It made her feel much better about her odds. She took a careful step out onto the terrace, but stopped just inside the shadows when she heard Angela’s voice.

“I can’t marry you.”

Her blood ran cold. Someone was trying to steal her from right under her nose. Rage welled inside and the ringing in her ears drowned out the other person’s response. Had her mother been right? Was she being too soft? If so, then it was time that she made her heartmate aware of just who she was and what she was willing to risk for her. She took a deep breath and threw a glance over to where the captain stood, talking over her communicator.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me while I’m talking to you.” The threat was clear in the man’s tone and without thinking, her instinct to protect her mate was foremost on her mind. She stepped out of the shadows and saw red when she spotted the man’s hand pulling Angela back. She moved, quickly and purposefully. It was only when she felt the soft hand on her back that she realized that she had the man by the throat and that he was struggling to breathe; his face already turning blue.

“Put him down.”

She blinked slowly as she looked from the choking man to Angela. There was a soft plea in her eyes.

“He threatened you.”

“Yes, and I was going to deal with him. Now, please, put him down.”

Solmiri pursed her lips and loosened her grip to watch the man fall to the floor. Angela nodded at her before she turned her attention to the man who was rubbing his neck.

“Unless you want me to report you for harassment of a senior officer, I don’t want you to bother me again, Howard. If you fail to adhere to my wish, I’ll make sure that you lose your rank and as well as your position at the academy.” She leaned closer to him. “Do I make myself clear?”

The man glared at Angela; a stubborn look on his face. Solmiri moved forward, but Angela quickly put a hand on her arm.

“If I don’t have your word, I’ll submit a report first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Fine,” he said through clenched teeth. “You won’t see me again. Good riddance, anyway.” With that, he stood and walked away.

“Why did you stop me? He doesn’t deserve to go unpunished.”

“What would you have done?” Angela asked as her dark eyes searched hers. “Kill him?”

“No.” She sniffed. “Torture him first and then kill him.”

They stared at each other in silence after her statement. Angela’s mouth pulled into a small smile and before long she was chuckling. Stunned, by the strange reaction and just as charmed by the melodious laughter, she could only stare.

“You’re the most beautiful being I’ve ever laid eyes on,” she said quietly and the laugher stopped abruptly as a skeptical look entered the dark eyes. ‘It’s true. I lack the words to describe what I feel every time I’m in your presence, but I could show you.”

Angela looked alarmed for a moment. “I don’t think…”

You are too soft with her.

Her mother’s words rang loud in her mind when she pulled Angela against her. She swallowed the woman’s startled gasp as she covered her mouth with hers.

Take this, Mother!

***

Angela was never one for elaborate romantic displays. It had always amused her to see how her stoic mother would melt when her wife did something so sickeningly sweet like cutting her toast in the shape of a heart or kissing a fruit before handing it to her. It was entertaining to watch but personally, she knew she wouldn’t be able to hide her cringe if Howard would try to do something like that. Luckily, with him, she never had to worry. He didn’t have time for such frivolities either. That made them a perfect couple in her eyes.

Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder how come she suddenly felt that all that time spent with him had been a great discredit to herself. Why else would she feel as if she were only really, really alive right now?

And yes—right now—as she was clinging like a wet sheet to the tall, lithe frame of a woman who was kissing her so hard that it felt as if she would pass out from pleasure at any moment. Like a desperate woman, she was sucking on the smooth tongue that was exploring her mouth thoroughly. Her breasts and thighs burned where they touched the empress’ body and she welcomed the heat, for she had never experienced anything close to this. As if they had a mind of their own, her hands slowly slipped from the strong shoulders, down the curved back to rest on the slender hips. She missed the weight of this body on hers as it pushed her down into the mattress; just like in her dreams. Her legs ached to hook themselves around the woman and hold her captive as they undulated together. Being with the blonde like this, felt natural. She acted on pure instinct and she rejoiced at the slight trembling she felt under her fingertips as they threatened to slip further down to the fabulously curved globes that were so beautifully accentuated by the elegant dress. An image of another set of hands running down the same curves brought her mind to a grinding halt and she broke the kiss. The blonde’s eyes were wide and her pupils so dilated, that only a thin sliver of blue was visible.

There were so many new things to learn from this unexpected phase of her life that she was embarking upon, but the most baffling to her was the effect she had on the alien woman. Not once, in three years, could she remember causing Howard’s eyes to look like that. Nor had he ever trembled in her grasp. Could she truly be the one responsible for all these signs that the empress exhibited so unashamedly? As she looked on, the pupils contracted and she once again was swallowed up by an intense sapphire gaze.

“Angela…”

Her name sounded like a caress, whispered in that husky tone. She nervously licked her lips and felt a wave of heat hit her in the pit of her stomach. She could still taste the other woman on her lips. She quickly looked away to hide her reaction, but her chin was caught in a gentle, but firm grip as the empress watched her.

“What is wrong? Tell me.”

Where to start, Angela thought to herself. Everything felt foreign, yet familiar. Enjoyable, but scary. She shook her head as she returned the strong gaze.

“You…you’re so intense,” she ended up saying. It was true, but it failed to fully describe what the woman was doing to her—the havoc she caused inside of her. The empress froze for a brief moment as she only stared at her; then she slowly dropped her hands from Angela’s hips. She instantly missed the touch.

“Perhaps if you could see yourself through my eyes, you would understand what I’m dealing with.” It was said jokingly, but the look in the empress’ eyes was serious. “Believe me when I say that this is the most restraint I’ve ever shown in my whole life.”

Angela blushed at the open way the woman’s eyes took in her body and lingered on her breasts. This was too unreal to fully comprehend that a woman who looked like that, an alien empress, could be ogling her. She needed to be sure before she could truly believe that this was not a hallucination.

“You and the ambassador seem to know each other quite well,” she said quickly and held the empress’ gaze to gauge her reaction.

***

Margaret stood when her wife entered the hall, a thin smile on her face.

“What happened? Where is Angela?”

Noticing that the ambassador could overhear them, Norma smiled. “She decided to stay and talk with the empress. Would you care to dance, darling?”

“Ambassador Kuni, will you excuse us for a short moment?”

The woman smiled warmly. “I will be fine, Grand Admiral. Please, don’t rush back on my account.”

With a graceful bow, Margaret led Norma to the dance floor but was quickly pulled in the opposite direction by her wife.

“Where are we going?” Norma didn’t answer but led her through a door that opened up in a small anteroom. She blinked at her wife. The woman didn’t expect them to have sex in here with two hundred people just outside the door. “Norma, no.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, darling,” Norma threw over her shoulder as she opened a hidden panel and they entered a surveillance room. The officers shot to their feet at their presence, saluting briskly.

“At ease,” Margaret said, her confusion clear. “Why are we here?”

“Bring him in.”

An officer left the room and returned with a pale-looking Howard. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she looked at the young man. He seemed to cower under her scrutiny.

“What is he doing here?” she asked and noticed that her wife’s body appeared stiff with barely-contained rage. What had the stupid boy done to unleash Vicious Violet? Norma rarely became like this. As a matter of fact, her crew had been complaining that their captain had softened too much over the years and rarely led any off-ship missions anymore.

“You wanna tell her?” The question was directed at the cowering man. When he didn’t speak, she continued. “He tried to manhandle Angela when she turned down his marriage proposal.”

Margaret was irritated by the news. She wasn’t really angry, because she knew that Angela would’ve wiped the floor with the weasel. Still, she hated the idea that he thought he had the right to try and intimidate her daughter.

“Is that true?” When he didn’t say anything, she nodded. She was here in her capacity as a mother and not a soldier. Margaret wouldn’t dream of abusing her position in that way. “Well, if it is, then I should thank you.”

“WHAT?!” Norma snapped. Howard, too, looked discombobulated as he gaped at her.

“You’ve done our family a big favor by taking yourself out of the equation. I had hoped that Angela would see the light one day, but I never thought you would be so helpful in the matter.” She pointedly looked at the bruises that were forming on his neck. “I can see that you made a big mistake in underestimating her.”

“That’s the empress’ work,” Norma offered as she glared at the young man. “She almost snapped his stupid neck. I hope you’ve learned your lesson and will stay away from Angela in the future. Since the empress already stepped in, I don’t see any reason to lodge a harassment complaint with the Spacefleet Academy…for now.” She nodded at the officer and Howard was escorted from the room. They, too, left the surveillance room and once they were back in the anteroom, Margaret pulled Norma close.

The brunette’s eyebrows shot up. “I thought you said…”

“I say a lot of dumb things, my love. You should know that by now. May I at least have a kiss?”

“Of course.”

Margaret felt happy and buoyant as she led her wife through the waltz. Howard Bern was out of Angela’s life. She had feared that he would be the reason her daughter wouldn’t want to move on. She was still going to support any choice her daughter made, but Howard’s absence made the promise so much easier to make. At least Angela would not be returning to him.

CHAPTER 6

Solmiri smiled, although she was a little fearful of Angela’s reaction once she found out that she had been involved with Kuni before. It had been a long time ago and they were simply good friends now.

“Yes. We are childhood friends.” She steeled herself. “We had a romantic connection when we were younger, but that didn’t last very long.”

The dark eyes appeared smooth and calm like the surface of a deep, dark lake, but Solmiri wasn’t fooled by the tranquility the woman displayed. Had she been in her situation, she probably would’ve told her off and left. The Nouri were possessive by nature. When you come from a race of extraordinary attractive people, you learn quickly to guard your lover from the temptation she presents to others.

“Is she mated?”

She cleared her throat. “No, not yet.”

“I see.”

Solmiri doubted that. The air between them had gone from sexually charged to strained very quickly. Perhaps it would be good to clear the air between them once and for all.

“I brought her with me to make you jealous.”

Angela’s mouth fell open as she blinked at her in shock. “Are you serious?” She frowned. “Why would you do that?”

She shrugged. “I saw you with that young man and I…”

“Howard?” She shook her head. “I thought that it was strange that you knew about him. Have you been spying on us?”

This conversation was veering in a direction she didn’t want to go, but since she had thought to be honest with the brunette, she had only herself to blame.

“I might have sent a team to source some information for me.”

“How?” She looked genuinely surprised. “We have an impenetrable interstellar detection system. It is quite sensitive to any tampering and no one has…” her words died off as reluctant admiration filled her eyes. “I forget that you are a very advanced race. Not that I can overlook the fact that you’ve just proven to us how overconfident we’ve been in thinking that we were completely secure from outside attacks.”

“I promise you that it wasn’t as easy as you make it sound.” It was easier. Not that she was going to say that out loud and cause mass hysteria. However, if she was going to have to wait until her mate was ready to accept her, offering their services as security consultants to upgrade their system was what she would have to do. The brunette was pensive for a moment and Solmiri hoped that the line of questioning pertaining to Kuni, was over and done with.

“Why didn’t it work out between you and the ambassador? By the way, am I allowed to ask an empress these questions of would I be overstepping any boundaries?”

She felt almost insulted that Angela had to ask that. Her displeasure must’ve shown, because the brunette quickly spoke again.

“I have to ask, since I don’t even know how to address you, except as Your Highness.”

“Solmiri.” She was probably pushing her luck, but since the opportunity had presented herself, she was boldly taking advantage of it. “Or eti.”

“Eti?”

“Beloved.”

The dark eyes were hooded as they watched her. “I’ll take that under advisement. Now, you still haven’t answered my question… Solmiri?” At her nod, Angela repeated herself. “What caused you to break up?”

“Firstly, it wasn’t serious, to begin with. In our culture, the only true, romantic connection you’ll ever have, is with your heartmate. You are aware now that she isn’t my mate and we knew from the start we wouldn’t last, especially when I started dreaming of you.”

“Me? Really? I wasn’t even born yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. If we’re destined for each other, we will meet, unless one of the mates dies.”

“What happens then?”

“The dreams stop. The Nouri mate will have to look for a substitute amongst others who have lost their mates, too.”

“It’s very sad.”

“I agree. It happened to Kuni.”

Solmiri saw compassion fill the dark eyes as her mate grieved for her friend’s loss.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It happened a long time ago.”

“It doesn’t mean that the hurt is gone. She has shared some intimate moments and memories with this person and…” Angela stopped abruptly and her face paled a little as she looked away to avoid her gaze.

Solmiri cocked her head as she blinked in rapid succession. To say that she was very pleasantly surprised by the news, was an understatement. Her heart was beating fast as she processed the news. As a non-Nouri, she wasn’t sure if Angela would be able to establish a psychic link with her. But it was a relief to know that she had been agonizing over something that was already well in the works. If Angela was having the dreams, then it won’t be long now. She gently turned the woman’s face, so she could see her eyes. The brunette looked mortified.

“You’ve started to dream of me, haven’t you?”

Angela closed her eyes and Solmiri knew only one way to get the other woman to respond.

“Do you enjoy it when I lie on top of you?” she asked softly as she allowed the yearning to show in her eyes. “When I push you down into the bedding even as you arch your back to…”

“Yes!” The word exploded from Angela’s lips and it made Solmiri weak in the knees to think of everything they had unwittingly been sharing.

“Good. It means that it’s almost time for you to claim me.”

***

Angela’s eyes shot open, as the words penetrated her foggy mind.

“Cl…claim you? I don’t…What does that mean?”

Solmiri smiled broadly. “It means that you will come to me when the time is right.”

“Oh.” She shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. This is a…”

“It’s too late to stop this, Angela.” She cupped the beautiful face in her hands and held the brunette’s gaze captive. “It’s too far gone already. This is how it’s supposed to be. It was my duty to find you, and it’s yours to set us off on this new journey. You’re the one in charge now.”

She was in charge? How was that even possible? “But I don’t know what to do! What do you expect me to do?” She was feeling dizzy and her stomach was doing funny fluttery things.

“Do you trust me, Angela?”

She stared at the woman. She didn’t know her; but from deep inside her, Angela felt a strong sense of confidence in the woman beginning to spread.

“I’m supposed to trust you,” she said quietly.

“I know, but knowing what you know about me since our first meeting to this moment; do you trust me?”

She nodded. “Yes.” Solmiri had been consistent in her pursuit of her. She had been honest about her relationship with the ambassador. And her kisses; those heavenly kisses that reach into the deepest corners of her soul with such ease. “I trust you.”

The beautiful face lit up at her admission.

“Then trust me when I tell you that we are in for the most beautiful adventure of our lives. Nothing will compare to it and nothing will diminish it.” The confidence with which the woman spoke, somehow settled her fear a little. There was, however, one particular task she feared she would fail at.

“I’ve not been with a woman before—ever. I might disappoint you.”

Her breath hitched when Solmiri closed the small distance between them so that their bodies touched once again.

“That is what the dreams are for, eti.” The voice was smooth like silk. “We are very well-matched. I, for one, am looking forward to your claim.”

She blushed as a vision of them kissing hungrily surfaced.  She took a shuddering breath to control her racing heart.

“When do I claim you?” She blushed deeper when she realized how that must have sounded. “I mean, when will it happen. I don’t know what to look out for.”

“Soon.” Solmiri’s tongue flicked over her lips. “Only you’ll know when the time is right.”

***

“When are you leaving?”

Norma didn’t miss the concern in the older woman’s voice as she poured them each a wine. Martha utterly adored her only grandchild and just like them, she feared losing Angie.

“Tomorrow. It will only be for two days. Margaret needs to be at a meeting with the Alliance directors next week. Luckily, the Omnitel is not scheduled for any flights for the next two weeks.”

Martha nodded; her expression pensive as she stared into her wine. The wine bar was busy, but with the staff running the show, for now, she thought to pull the woman aside for a quick talk.

“This empress? Is she good for Angie?”

Norma reached over to squeeze the woman’s hand and felt her eyes well up when hers was grabbed in a desperate hold.

“I can tell that she loves Angie, Martha. She can barely keep her eyes off her.”

A tear ran down the woman’s cheek. “I was worried about that child, especially after she took up with that boy. He felt wrong for her.” She wiped at the tear and smiled. “I pray the empress is different.”

“She is the total opposite of Angie.” The older woman’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, that kind of different.”

“Like us different?” The two of them had started to call themselves the dynamic duo to the chagrin of her more studious wife and daughter.

Norma recalled the sexy dance and the way the woman had defended Angela from Howard. The empress ticked the right boxes, even though she’ll still need some more assurance that her child was okay. “Exactly.”

Martha’s dark blue eyes gleamed as she held up her glass for a toast. “In that case, let’s drink to a new Burkhouse adventure.”

“I’ll definitely drink to that.”

***

“You’re quiet; even for someone who rarely says a lot.”

Angela wiped at her forehead. “Is there something wrong with the air filtering system?”

Margaret, who was their pilot for the trip, glanced over her shoulder. “I wish there was. It’s cold in here.”

“Feeling a little hot, aren’t you?” Norma teased. “That happens to the best of us, child. Believe me, your nerves will eventually settle.”

She didn’t say it out loud, but she knew what nerves felt like. This was different. The heat felt like it was coming from the inside. Building up like an overheated power core ready to explode.

“Your mother is right, Angela. Although, you must remember that we won’t allow you to be coerced into something you don’t want.”

It felt reassuring to hear that, but for some reason, she felt that the choice had already been made for her. Wasn’t that what the empress had said? None of them had a choice in the matter.

Norma reached out and squeezed her hand, her dark eyes were serious. “This is simply a visit—a very exclusive one. The empress wants to impress you, but in the end, the decision is still yours, honey.”

“I know, Mom.” She rose. “I need something to drink. Does anyone else need something from the processor?”

Her parents declined the offer and Angela rushed from the room. She locked herself in the bathroom and splashed water on her face. Her face was a little flushed and her eyes had a feverish gleam to them. Was she having a reaction to the inoculations Dr Joas had given her? But they weren’t any different from the ones administered to the crew whenever they go on a mission. Her parents took the same shots and they were fine. Was her mother right? Could this be the result of nerves? She left the bathroom and requested a glass of icy water from the processor which she drank quickly. It seemed to have the opposite effect; instead of cooling her down, it seems to make her even hotter.

Perhaps she should ask to be placed in quarantine upon arrival. She would hate to bring something infectious to the Nouri. Especially since they would be the first-ever visitors allowed on their floating world.

***

“You could’ve warned me, you know.”

Solmiri glanced at Kuni, but the redhead kept looking straight ahead.

“There have been many rumors doing the rounds over the past few days. As your best friend, I thought nothing of them since I was under the impression that I would hear it straight from the source, should these reports be true.” She turned to look at Solmiri. “So, you can imagine my shock last night, when during the meal, I look at you only to encounter the most beautiful shade of blue eyes.”

Solmiri grimaced. “I’m sorry, Kuni. I wanted to tell you, but I was…” Her words faded away.

“It happened almost three decades ago, Miri. I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ve lost my mate. You should’ve told me.”

She recalled Angela’s words of the previous night as she listened to her friend.

“Maybe because I’m scared that although you’ve made peace with it, it doesn’t mean that the hurt is gone.”

A bleak look came into the greenish-blue eyes before Kuni blinked it away.

“It doesn’t mean that I won’t be happy for my friend now that she has finally found her heartmate.”

“In that case, I should’ve told you and I apologize for the misunderstanding, my friend.” Their gazes locked and held for a few moments.

“At least she’s beautiful.”

Solmiri snorted. “Unlike the Jukril ambassador, you teased me with?” The Jukril were a part-Bovidae species and when they had invited the Nouri to a banquet, their chief mediator and ambassador, had openly fawned over Solmiri, prompting the teasing from Kuni, who could barely contain her amusement.

“She was very eager to please you.” The green eyes twinkled. “If only you could’ve seen your face.”

They both looked away quickly before they burst out giggling. They used to get into trouble a lot as youngsters for disrupting official events. She almost laughed out loud when she caught the sharp look directed at Kuni by her mother, the Official Imperial Physician. The large hall was filled with various Nouri dignitaries since her parents thought that it was only proper to welcome their guests with a full hall to honor their presence. She wasn’t sure how the Burkhouses would react to the spectacle, but she had warned her parents that if her guests felt overwhelmed by all this, she was taking them away from here. A fragile truce had quickly been reached, thanks to Mikron’s interference. The imperial mage had a very calming influence on them all and had ended many disagreements between her and her parents even before they got started.

“How is the courtship going?”

“Very good. She’s already established a physic link with me.”

The responding gasp made her smile.

“She’s dreaming already?” Solmiri nodded. “Then…It’s very close. You do realize that she might go into heat any day now?”

“I do.”

Kuni blinked. “Does she?”

“Yes. I told her she’ll know exactly when she was ready to consummate our bond.”

The redhead’s eyes were huge as they watched her.

“I’ll be sure to keep my distance.”

Solmiri nodded. “That would be for the best.”

A mate in heat was possessive and unpredictable. Now that she was aware of her history with Kuni, Angela might set her sights on the redhead. The double doors swung open and the royal messenger stepped in.

“I present the Grand Admiral Margaret Burkhouse and her spouse, Captain Norma Burkhouse.” The hall grew quiet as everyone stared at the door. A long delay followed which caused the messenger to step back out and see what was keeping their guests. When he returned, he was carrying a body in his arms and had two worried-looking mothers crowded around him.

“Commander Burkhouse collapsed.”

Solmiri moved as fast as she could, but Enora, the Imperial Physician, had reached Angela before her. The brunette was pale and clammy. It only took the woman a few moments to determine what was ailing Angela before she turned to face Solmiri with a shocked expression.

“She’s in heat.”

That was sooner than even she had expected. In response, her body was already starting to grow warmer in anticipation of what was to come.

***

When Angela opened her eyes, she felt funny. Not only was she hot and thirsty, but her skin felt tight and uncomfortable. More sensitive than usual. She turned her head and immediately spotted her parents, who were staring back at her with mixed looks of concern and confusion.

“Water, please.”

Norma picked up a carafe and poured some into a glass. After she had finished the water, she asked for more and noticed the look that passed between the two women. With her thirst quenched, she laid back against the pillow and took in the room with a widening stare. She knew this place. It was the same room she had seen in her dreams.

“Where am I?”

“In a bedroom suite. Do you remember what happened?”

It took her a moment to organize her thoughts. They had left Earth at ten o’clock in a speed shuttle provided by the Nouri. The journey, which would normally take a few days, lasted all of three hours as a result of what she suspected was some time-folding technology that she had heard about, but never actually seen in practice until today.

“We arrived on Nourima.” Other than that, she couldn’t recall anything else. “What happened?”

Her mother studied her with a solemn look in her eyes.

“You collapsed as soon as we reached the Imperial Grand Hall. How do you feel now?”

“Not bad. A little hot and thirsty. Perhaps I’m only coming down with something.” She tried to sit up, but was quickly pressed down against the pillows.

“We were inoculated against all possible pathogens we might encounter before we departed from Earth.”

That she remembered. Then what could be wrong with her? She rarely fell ill.

“According to the Imperial Physician, you are in heat,” Norma said slowly.

She blinked. Heat? Not only was it an archaic term, but the meaning to her was insulting. “Animals have heat cycles. Humans don’t.”

“I thought so, too, until it was explained to us. The eye color change, followed by dreams and the heat cycle; ending in the consummation of the bond.”

Angela covered her face with her hands. Only you’ll know when the time is right. Was this what Solmiri had been referring to? Why couldn’t she just tell her that she would feel dizzy and collapse before she awakened in a weird-feeling, overheated body? If this was what it felt like to be in charge, the Nouri needed to reconsider the meaning of the term.

“Where is the Empress?”

Norma had a naughty glint in her eye. “She had to transfer her governing power for a few days. Apparently, that would be how long your heat would last and since she would be unreachable for the duration of it, someone needs to rule Nourima in her stead.”

Angela felt hotter, if it was even possible, than before as she was listening to her mother. Judging by the tone of her voice, the older woman seemed to enjoy conveying the news.

“Don’t tease the child, Norma.”

She threw her mother a grateful look before she inspected the room. What were the odds that all the suites on the ship were identical? There weren’t a lot of personal items to make a clear determination, but she somehow sensed that this was Solmiri’s bedroom. The bed was the focal point in the room which also had a small seating area to the side, an elaborate writing desk and a huge mirror. Another door led off the side, which she assumed must lead to the bathroom. The walls were painted a tranquil grey and she admitted to herself that it was a very modest room. The only wall adornment was a painting directly opposite the bed and above the writing desk. At first, it was difficult to make out what it was, but the longer she looked at it, she came to realize that it was a naked image of a woman. It was tastefully done, considering the theme—seductive without being vulgar. Whoever painted it, did a fantastic job. The detail in the picture was so realistic and… She blinked once. Then again. Familiar. She slowly hoisted herself on her elbows as she stared at the painting.

“What are you looking at, honey,” Norma asked as she followed her gaze. After a moment, she too, cocked her head slightly. “You know what, that birthmark on the inner thigh looks almost exactly like yours. Same place; same shape.”

Angela fell back on the pillows and covered her face with her hands. The painting just confirmed it. Only her parents and Howard would know of that birthmark. Unless she had a dream lover who had seen her naked.

This was indeed Solmiri’s room.

***

Solmiri blinked at the tears as she embraced her father. He appeared more excited about the consummation of her bond than the fact that he would be ruling again after thirty years.  She broke the embrace and smiled at him. His eyes were also damp.

“Don’t let the people see you like this—all teary-eyed. They’ll think that I’ve left their fate in the hands of a feeble old man.”

He chuckled. “You have an important task ahead of you, my girl. I’ll take good care of your subjects until you return with the good news.”

Damone sniffed loudly and they both chuckled. Her mother hadn’t stopped crying since the news broke that Angela was undergoing her heat.

“I’m so happy for you,” she said, sounding a little nasal from all the crying. “Now, don’t keep your mate waiting. I’ll make sure that her parents are treated well and have the best time of their lives.”

She kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Mother.”

As she made her way to her suite, she encountered Kuni and Enora. Both women embraced and congratulated her.

“I expect you to tell me yourself this time. No more hearing things through rumors.”

“You’ll be one of the firsts to know.”

Kuni winked at her as she hurried away to catch up to mother. She took a few moments to steel herself before she continued to her suite. It felt strange to knock on her own bedroom door, but since she was sure the grand admiral and her wife were inside, she didn’t think it would look good if she were to barge in.

The door was opened and the captain smiled at her before she turned to look back into the room.

“We were just about to leave, Your Highness.”

“Solmiri, please.” The woman looked a little uncomfortable and Solmiri shrugged. “Only if you feel comfortable with it.”

The woman nodded and held out her hand to her wife, who took it.

“Your itinerary is finalized and my mother offered to take over as your tour guide in my place.”

“Is she not busy?”

“No. She looked forward to your visit and I can assure you that she would be honored to show you around.”

The grand admiral smiled broadly. “In that case, we’d love to have her as our guide. Now, we’ll leave you both while we go freshen up.” They left after waving at Angela, who was watching them from the bed.

Solmiri closed the door and walked over to the bed. The brunette looked much better than before. The color was back in her cheeks, although a little higher than usual. The fever must be ravaging her body by now.

“You should drink lots of water. I heard it helps to cool you down.”

“It doesn’t work,” Angela supplied quietly.

“Oh.” She moved closer. “What can I do to help?”

Angela blinked. “Are you really asking me that?” The look in her eyes was a mixture of incredulity and a flash of hunger. The look quickly dissipated. “What happens now?”

“As I stated before, you are in charge. You tell me what you want from here on.”

“I don’t…” Angela looked away. “I’m not sure what to do.”

Taking pity on the woman, Solmiri reached for the clasp on her official dress uniform and shrugged out of the jacket. Angela watched her with wide eyes.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to help.” She reached for the vest and pulled it over her head. Naked from the waist up, she stood; straight and proud, before her mate. “You said you weren’t sure what to do, so I’m narrowing your options for you.”

Angela suddenly looked less anxious as her eyes slowly moved over her. Dark eyes grew liquid with desire as the silence between them stretched.

“Show me more,” she said finally.

The husky order made Solmiri whimper softly as she reached for her pants. When she stood in only her undergarments, she found her earlier bravado disappearing. To her relief, Angela held out a hand to her.

“Join me.”

***

Angela knew to expect some differences between a male and female body. Soft curves compared to hard planes, smooth skin to a hairy one. She wasn’t ready for the awe she felt as she ran her hands down Solmiri’s naked body. It was so much more than she had expected or ever experienced.

“So soft,” she murmured under her breath as she contemplated running her lips over the skin under her hands. She had done so in her dreams and it had been nice. Would it be the same in reality? Angela pressed her lips against the closest skin she could find. A shudder raced through the woman under her and she smiled against the fragrant skin. This was unquestionably better than a dream.

“Please, don’t tease me.”

Her eyes met brilliant sapphire ones and once again, she was astounded by the beauty of the woman. Her mate.

“Tell me what you want.”

Solmiri reached for her hand and pushed it between her legs. “I burn for you right here.”

She found the blonde already wet and Angela tenderly cradled the woman in her arms as she caressed the slick lips. Her dreams, although pleasant, had left her woefully unprepared for the real thing. Suddenly impatient to experience more, she captured Solmiri’s lips in a deep kiss. The kiss deepened and as their tongues dueled, she carefully penetrated the woman. A strangled sound escaped the woman’s lips and emboldened by it, Angela pressed deeper, swallowing the blonde’s ensuing moan. Solmiri broke the kiss to stare up at her.

“You’ll make me come.”

“Is that bad?” She asked as she wiggled her finger a little and notice the other woman’s pupils dilate. Howard wasn’t a terrible lover, but she never experienced anything close to what the Nouri empress was feeling. It made her bold and she raised a questioning brow. “You didn’t answer me.”

“No.” Solmiri opened her legs wider. “It’s not a bad thing, eti.” She clasped Angela’s head in her hands and brought her in for a hungry kiss. “We have nothing else to do but love each other for the next three days.”

She pecked the woman’s lips before she began a slow, deliberated descent down the naked frame, her lips and tongue marking a teasing path toward the prize. Angela noticed the goosebumps she left in her wake and smiled as she kissed the smooth skin of Solmiri’s inner thigh. Solmiri drew her legs up, allowing Angela to lean in and place a soft kiss on the sweet-smelling mound. The other woman’s hips shot up at the contact.

“Eti.”

“Liked that?”

“Yes.” Solmiri’s chest was heaving as she tried to look at her. “I’ve waited for this all my life.”

“Then we shouldn’t make you wait any longer.” She hooked her arms around the slender thighs as she lowered her lips to Solmiri’s waiting sex.

***

Solmiri closed her eyes as she savored the feeling of her mate’s mouth loving her. Her hand stroked the dark head as she panted through the delicious sensations. It never struck her that she might have been holding back before. She enjoyed sex and had engaged in it as much as any Nouri, yet, she had never experienced this sense of freedom in giving herself to another. Her body obeyed Angela’s commands without hesitation.

The tip of a tongue slid through her folds to tease her clit and her fingers tightened in the short, sleek locks. She wasn’t going to last very long. It was surprising how the human could devastate her senses with such ease. She mumbled incoherently when the roving tongue found its way to her opening and Solmiri grabbed handfuls of dark hair as she arched her back off the bed in anticipation.

***

The blonde’s responses to her touch made her clit throb in sympathy even as she teased the woman relentlessly. She had secretly been worried that she might not be able to follow through considering how new and different this was for her. Now all she could think about was how much she didn’t want this to end.

“Angela…” Her name sounded thick and foreign as Solmiri drew it out. “Please, don’t stop.”

As if that were even possible. Not stopping her actions, she peered up at the woman and her heart almost beat out of her chest at the sight. Sweat-slicked and full, Solmiri’s breasts jutted into the air, the nipples rock-hard. But it was the acute pleasure on the beautiful face as the woman licked her lips compulsively, that made her double her effort to see how far she could push the woman. When she felt the gradual swelling under her tongue, Angela knew it wouldn’t be long anymore as she suckled harder.

“Oh…!” Solmiri's eyes shot wide, the blue strikingly clear, as her hips undulated impatiently. Angela held her down, eager to see the woman fall apart under her touch.

***

Her mouth and throat were dry from all the panting and her body was still trembling from the massive orgasm, but as soon as she could move her arms again, Solmiri reached for Angela. It was her turn now and once she had rolled the woman onto her back; she hurriedly pulled her clothing off. Her hands shook a little in anticipation as she revealed the toned body before her. Unlike her slender, almost waiflike frame, Angela was lean but sturdy. It was evident that she did a lot of strength training for her work. Solmiri recalled the way the woman and her team had taken down the heavily-muscled Minot at the tavern on their first meeting. It had turned her on to see that and seeing that same body splayed out naked before her, made her mouth water. She placed a gentle kiss on Angela’s lips, as she tried to rein in her hunger. This would be the woman’s first time with another female, even though, just moments before, she had effectively turned Solmiri’s brain to mush.

“You must tell me if you want me to stop, beloved.” At Angela’s nod, Solmiri took a moment to take in her mate. They were absolute opposites. Where she was light; Angela was dark. It added to the mystery of the woman. Those dark penetrating eyes had eroded her willpower that first night and even now were shredding what little control she had left before she ravished the woman. “You are exquisite, eti.” The deep blush that resulted from the compliment made her cup her lover’s warm cheek. “You don’t even seem to be aware of it. How is that possible?” She kissed her and covered a full breast with her hand. “I want you to keep looking at me as I show you just how beautiful I find you.” She rolled a nipple between her fingers before she took it into her mouth, acutely aware of Angela’s racing heart. She used her teeth to pull at the hardening nub and licked it until it pebbled in her mouth. She did the same to the other nipple and by this time Angela’s breathing was coming harshly now.

“Look at me, eti. I want to see your eyes as I make you come.” The dark eyes held hers when she slid her hand lower until she reached the wetness she expected to find. She brushed over the straining clit and smiled when Angela exhaled loudly. She continued her caress, alternating between deep kisses and gently suckling her breast until she could feel a tension creeping into the body under her. When she could tell that the woman was about to come, her ragged breathing and jerky thrusting giving her away, Solmiri entered her. Angela cried out as she tumbled head first into her orgasm, clutching Solmiri close as she trembled violently.

CHAPTER 7

The room was quiet now that the fire inside them had finally been doused for the time being. Unable to get enough of each other, they had made love until they couldn’t anymore and were now lying next to each other, completely spent. The silence wasn’t awkward at all, but it was heavy with expectation. Unspoken words hung between them.

“I know I said that we don’t have a choice in this, but I can try and see if…”

Angela jerked her head to the side. Solmiri was staring at the ceiling, but even from here, the sheen of tears was visible in her eyes.

“Is that possible?”

The blonde cleared her throat softly. “I’m not sure. I don’t know. This is the first time that a Nouri had been paired with an off-worlder...a non-Nouri. There might be something that…”

For some reason, the idea of breaking this…whatever it was between them…sounded sacrilegious. There were forces at work that she didn’t understand; nor was able to explain. Solmiri had just confirmed that she, too, didn’t know exactly what was happening.

“Why would you want to dissolve this?”

Solmiri turned to look at her and the tear-filled eyes contrasted with her kiss-swollen lips and mussed hair. Was it possible that mere moments before they had been engaged in passionate lovemaking? Something as beautiful as what they had shared shouldn’t be followed by tears and heartache. Yes, heartache. The look in Solmiri’s eyes spoke of deep pain.

“Because this doesn’t seem to be what you want.”

Well…yes. She wasn’t completely thrilled by the idea that she hadn’t had a choice in the matter, but the build-up to this moment hadn’t been unpleasant at all. Angela loved to be in charge of her life and to have that taken from her was unsettling. But she wasn’t raised to be a selfish brat. Her mothers and grandmother had instilled good and solid values in her. Solmiri was just as much a prisoner of fate as she.

“And you? Do you want this?” She held the shimmering gaze until Solmiri abruptly broke contact.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Angela sat up and when realizing that she was naked under the covers, quickly raised them to cover her breasts.

“It does. This affects both of us.”

Solmiri blinked and a tear ran down the side of her face to disappear into the bedding. Just as Angela thought that she wasn’t going to get a response, Solmiri looked at her. There was a deep fear in her eyes. What was it about her that made this strong woman so vulnerable?

“I was born to love you, Angela, even before I knew who you were or what you were like. That is why I can’t bring myself to subject you to a bond that might cause you to hate me later.”

Both stunned and humbled by the woman’s words, Angela closed her eyes and lay in silence for a while. She couldn’t begin to imagine what it might be like to spend your life waiting for your mate and loving them unconditionally, without knowing anything about them. And to love so deeply. The look in Solmiri’s eyes spoke of a love that transcended time and space. She had brought her entire planet along on her search for a mate yet unborn and had covered many thousands of lightyears in the process. What a sacrifice for someone she wasn’t even sure would want her.

Angela felt her throat swell with emotion. If she stopped looking at this scenario in a theoretical sense, she’d realize that Solmiri had done all that for her. No one else. She had never felt so cherished by anyone outside her family before. But was that enough to sustain this strange bond that was growing between them? Solmiri was offering her an out. Should she take it? More importantly, could she take it? Already, subconsciously, it felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. The universe seemed at peace with her position here.

The bed dipped and she opened her eyes to see Solmiri rushing to the bathroom. She hesitated. If she followed the woman, she’d be expected to say something. What could she say? Terrifyingly though, she knew that she had to go to Solmiri. Some inexplicable part of her was pushing her to do so. Her mate needed her.

Angela jumped out of bed and followed the woman, hearing the soft sobs as she neared the bathroom. Solmiri stood in the shower cubicle, her body pressed into the corner. Her heart almost broke at the sight and she hurried walked over to pull the woman into her arms.

“Hush, darling. We can fix this.”

The sobs stopped abruptly and Solmiri pushed away from her to look at her. Her eyes were red and her face blotchy. The naked fear in the blue eyes made Angela smile reassuringly. Unlike with her, who still doubted some of it, this union meant everything for the blonde and perhaps she needed to put herself in Solmiri’s shoes to find an agreeable solution to this. If there was one.

“How? We don’t even know where to start.”

Angela shrugged. She hadn’t thought that far yet. Thus, she shocked herself with her response. “We don’t do anything.”

Solmiri’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “That won’t fix anything.”

“It will, because we’re not going to fiddle with destiny.” When the blonde only stared at her, she snorted. “We might just mess up something that wasn’t even broken in the first place.”

“Do you hear yourself, Angela?” Solmiri asked quietly; almost cautiously.

“I do. As long as we talk about things, I hope we can make this work for both of us.”

Solmiri blinked slowly. “You make it sound so…so… cold and sterile.”

“I would not describe what we did in bed earlier as cold and sterile, but we all have different ways of looking at things. What I know is that we were put on each other’s paths for a reason. Whatever it is, I don’t know, but I hope we can explore it together.” She felt the other woman leaning closer.

“It will get complicated the longer we stay together.”

“I expect it to.”

Solmiri fully leaned into her body and exhaled loudly. “What changed your mind?”

The million-dollar question. What had brought this on, she asked herself. She held Solmiri closer.

“I don’t know.” She reached around the blonde. “How about a warm shower? It’ll make you feel better.”

Solmiri pulled back once again to look at her. A long silence followed. “We’re not going to change anything?” Angela nodded and Solmiri cradled her face in her hands and kissed her gently. “What about this?”

Angela felt a stirring in her belly. “I…uh…I suggest we stick to the original script.”

A radiant light came into the blue eyes, blinding Angela with its beauty. There was still much to discuss, but it could wait just a little while longer.

***

The meal was delicious but quiet and out of the need to break the slightly awkward silence, Norma complemented her hosts on the food. They were joined by the Chief Healer and her daughter, Ambassador Kuni. Had it not been for the latter trying to keep a conversation going, the dinner could’ve been a morose affair. The queen looked up with a warm smile; her eyes still a little red from all the crying she had done after the confirmation that both Angela and Solmiri were in heat. She nodded in the direction, presumably the kitchen, from where the servers had come.

“Our chef joined us soon after our marriage. When we’re not entertaining, he prepares wholesome meals that…” The woman stopped talking and gave Norma a wide-eyed stare. “I didn’t mean any offence by suggesting that you are not our guests, but…”

Norma shook her head to stop the woman. “I fully understand what you’re saying, Your Highness.” She reached for Margaret’s hand. She was glad for the opening to talk about the real elephant in the room without coming across as impolite and unappreciative of their hosts’ hospitality. “Considering our situation, I would say that we’re more than that.”

“I agree,” the king said in his deep baritone, the expression on his handsome face was tender as he looked at his wife. The queen dabbed at her eyes and gave them an apologetic look. “We’re family now.” He gently touched her cheek. “It was a long wait, but finally we’re here.”

This was her chance to assuage both their fears. “I’ll admit that I have no idea what to expect, but I…” She blinked slowly. “Is my daughter going to be okay?” She felt Margaret squeeze her hand and she could tell that it wasn’t in admonishment, but more in gratitude. Because her wife was quiet, she had learned quickly that didn’t mean that she wasn’t apprehensive. She was simply more tactful and patient than her. Margaret adored Angela and the cryptic talk she had given Howard, only made it clear to her how much Angela’s life and decisions took up space in her mother’s thoughts. Every parent worry about their children.

The king and queen shared a look before he opened his mouth to speak.

“No, let me.” The queen put her cutlery down and folded her hands in her lap.

“Most Nouri find their mates between the ages of twenty and forty,” the queen offered as a fresh tear slipped from her eye. “Our daughter is ninety years old and I must admit it had been a demanding sixty years for Solmiri, as well as for us.” She inhaled deeply. “Every Nouri is born with one goal in life; to find their mate. The other half of their soul.” She reached for her husband’s hand before she looked at them. “Solmiri was born to love your daughter, Captain. She can’t do anything about that. Her mate is her destiny.”

Norma sat in stunned silence as she allowed the woman’s words to sink in. Sixty years! The woman had spent a human lifetime searching for her mate. She squeezed her wife’s hand. She considered herself very lucky to have met Margaret at the age of twenty-four. Angela was the same age now. She prayed history repeated itself and her child would find the same happiness she had with Margaret. If the queen was to be believed, Angela was destined for a great life.

“I understand that it is unheard of for a Nouri to mate with a different race,” Margaret enquired softly.

The king nodded. “This is the first time it’s happened. There is no clear explanation as to why. Everything about this is new and instead of questioning it any more than we’ve done over the past six decades, we’ve decided to trust fate and see where it leads us.”

“For millennia, the Nouri had lived by the same ancient rules of our ancestors which are to keep the race pure and to first serve your neighbor before yourself.” The king had a pensive look in his eye. “Perhaps the time has come for us to consider a new way of existence. We do not intend to abandon our customs and ethics, but we hope to open ourselves up for what is out there that could help to further enrich our way of life.” His eyes were gleaming with joy as he looked at them. “Your daughter has been chosen to serve as our conduit into this new phase of our lives. Having met her parents, I can’t see her steering us in the wrong direction.”

Norma blinked rapidly to stem the tears of pride and utter joy at hearing those words. What parent would be left unaffected if they heard that their only child was to be the catalyst of significant change? She knew she had lost the fight when the queen graciously handed her a tissue. Holding onto Margaret’s hand, she thanked the woman as she dabbed at her eyes.

If the empress was born to love Angela and had been searching for her all this time, then she was willing to give this union the chance it deserved.

***

Three days later…

Angela stretched languidly and automatically reached out for the body next to her only to come up empty-handed. She cracked open an eye and frowned. There was a dent in the pillow where a head had been resting, but other than that there was no sign of Solmiri.

She looked around the room. She was indeed alone. Had she not just spent three long, enjoyable nights and days in bed with the gorgeous empress, she would’ve thought it all a figment of her imagination. Every morning, for three days straight, she had reached over to find the warm, dozing body of her lover. What was different today?

Raking a hand over her face, Angela sat up slowly and felt a pleasant ache in her muscles. After a faltering start, this quickly turned into a very memorable and pleasant experience for her. Solmiri had been quite a revelation; both teacher and predator, at times, but loving and patient all through the duration of the three days. She leaned back against the headboard and pulled up the sheet to cover her nakedness; noticing a few blemishes on her chest. She smiled. Solmiri sported a few mementos of her own.

The door to the bathroom opened and she immediately perked up when she saw her lover enter the room. She was dressed in a long, silky dressing gown and with her hair tousled, Angela felt her heart begin to race in anticipation.

“Good morning,” she offered softly and smiled when she received a warm one in return.

“Morning,” Solmiri responded as she skirted the bed to stand at Angela’s side of the bed. That was strange. Usually, Solmiri would get straight into bed and kiss her.

“Are you ok?”

The blonde nodded and nudged Angela’s leg to make space for her to sit. She appeared a little tense as she sat, looking at her.

“We need to talk.”

Oh! She knew that phrase well. It rarely leads to a good conversation. Swallowing, she nodded.

“Ok.”

“I’m pregnant.”

Angela’s jaw dropped as she stared at Solmiri. Pregnant? How? They are both female and even after three days of non-stop sex, there was simply no way she could’ve impregnated the woman. Solmiri took her hand and the touch pulled her from her shocked trance.

“I know what you’re thinking. As an evolutionary precaution against extinction, all Nouri girls are implanted with fertilized eggs as soon as they reach sexual maturity. These eggs lay dormant and are only activated once we enter our heat and consummate our bond.”

The room was quiet as Angela continued to gape at her lover.

***

Solmiri anxiously waited for her mate to respond. She expected some form of a rebuff since she had intentionally withheld the information. Her fear of scaring off Angela had once again ruled her head in making that decision.

“Please say something.”

Angela blinked rapidly before her eyes moved down to rest on her still-flat stomach. It lingered there for a long moment.

“How do you feel?”

Her eyes welled up at the softly-spoken enquiry. Of all things she had expected, this was the last. As much as she was in some way engineered to love her heartmate, what she had learned about the brunette over the past three days had made her fall head over heels in love with her. She wanted Angela more than she had thought possible and the idea of losing her terrified her. Her omission of the conception of an offspring could very well be reason enough for her mate to leave her.

“I…” She cleared her throat as it was slowly swelling with emotion. It also drew Angela’s eyes to her face. “I’m nervous.”

The dark eyes softened. “Almost all expectant mothers feel a little anxious in the beginning. Do you want the child?”

She took a shuddering breath as she held Angela’s gaze. This was it. She nodded slowly.

“As the empress, I’m expected to produce an heir. However, as your mate, I desperately want to have a child with you.”

Angela blinked slowly and she could swear the dark eyes shone brighter now. “Then we should probably come up with suitable names.”

The relief she felt at Angela’s acceptance, made her drop her face into her hands as she exhaled. She felt a soft caress over her hair and with a soft sob, burrowed into Angela’s arms. They lay in complete silence, holding each other. She didn’t know what Angela was thinking about, but she was already wondering what their child would look like.

“Shouldn’t we get some confirmation? See a doctor or something?”

Solmiri lifted her head. “I wanted to tell you first.” She received a warm kiss on the forehead before Angela loosened her grip on her.

“Call the doctor while I get ready.”

She watched her mate’s naked frame as she crossed the room to disappear into the bathroom. That was a sight she would never tire of.

“Call the doctor, Miri,” Angela called from the en-suite and she smiled as she walked over to her desk to access her communicator.

Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on the door and she glanced at a fully-dressed Angela. Her mate was dressed in a simple black tunic and trousers, but she still found her incredibly distracting. She grinned when Angela tilted her head in the direction of the door.

“The sooner we get this done; the sooner we can get back to other things.”

She chuckled as she went to open the door. They had spent a lot of time getting to know each other and Solmiri liked to think that had they not been destined to be mates; she would’ve liked to call the brunette a friend. Angela was witty, serious and kind. As a lover, she was a heady mix of a playful innocent and enticing vixen. She got the best of both worlds and she was eager to start her life as her mate.

Enora stood on the other side of the door, but she wasn’t alone. Two sets of parents were crowded in the background. She turned to Angela.

“Our parents are here.”

“Our…? I thought mine returned to…” She shrugged. “Let them all in.”

When she extended the invitation, she was almost trampled as five people rushed past her.  Her mother was already crying to the amusement of her father who was grinning broadly.

“She cried for three hours straight and I think the condition is contagious because she got Norma crying too on a few occasions.”

Solmiri glanced over to where Angela stood in a very cute three-way embrace with her mothers.

“Shall we commence with the examination, Your Highness?” Enora asked softly and everyone was suddenly focused on the physician.

“Yes.” She walked over to the bed to lie down and smiled when Angela came to lie next to her. Their fingers immediately locked together.

***

Angela had thought that having her parents there when she finally made captain, would be the greatest moment for her. She was wrong. This moment here would rank as one of her proudest.

She was about to find out if she was going to be a parent. The gentle caress of a thumb rubbing the top of her hand, made her look at Solmiri through a teary haze. She smiled as she wiped her eyes.

“Ok?”

She nodded as she squeezed her mate’s hand. Would it have been the same with Howard? This burgeoning feeling of fullness in her chest? She felt like she was about to burst from happiness. There were no clear explanations for a lot of the things that had happened between now and that fated kiss in that dingy bar. For now, she was simply happy to accept her good fortune. Her eyes swept over the people in the room. Their looks ranged from expectation to utter joy. Her mother, Margaret, was blinking rapidly as she clung to her other mother’s hand. The older Imperial couple were standing arm in arm, their eyes fixed on the doctor. She felt a strong gaze on her and turned her head to meet loving blue eyes.

My mate.

She would never again mock those fairytales her mother used to read her as a child.

For she was almost sure that she was caught in one.

***

The room echoed with their grunts as they coupled wildly. Solmiri was on all fours, her back arched and her breast swaying as Angela thrust forcefully from behind. Solmiri seemed to have been holding back on her. The confirmation of the pregnancy formally signaled the end of their mating period, but the heat would linger for a few more days before it mellowed to a less, mind-numbing craving. As soon as their guests had left, Solmiri had looked at her with an enigmatic smile on her beautiful lips.

“What?”

“Now that we’ve conceived, I was hoping we could do something for ourselves now.”

Not sure she understood what the woman was getting at, she had only stared at her. Solmiri had opened the nightstand and pulled out a phallic toy. Angela wasn’t completely new to sex toys, having bought one for herself a few years ago. She had kept it hidden from Howard, not wanting him to even consider incorporating it into their lovemaking. It fed a part of her fantasy that she wasn’t willing to share with him. Yet, looking at the toy on the bed, she found that she was more than eager to try out a few fantasies with Solmiri.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I want you to wear it.” At her apparent surprise, the blonde had dropped her dressing gown and cupped her breasts. “I want to be taken by my mate; branded by her.”

The words had the desired outcome. Until Solmiri, Angela had never thought of herself as a dominant partner. She never felt the urge to exert more energy than needed to keep her relationship with Howard afloat. However, it was different with Solmiri. The powerful woman willing took a step back in their relationship, almost as if she wanted to make it clear that her reign as empress wouldn’t extend to their private life. Here, Angela was the one calling the shots and she was more than willing to follow where she led.

“More, eti. I want more.”

In response, she rolled onto her back and gestured for the woman to straddle her. Too late, she realized that the change in position would make it difficult for her to hold out. They watched each other as they moved together. Solmiri’s dazzling blue eyes bored into hers and the fact that she was the one responsible for the change filled Angela with a sense of triumph. She was the only one who would see her like this and she needed nothing more to prove to her that the woman belonged to her—with her. She grabbed Solmiri’s hips and guided them both to an astonishing climax. Afterwards, she held the sleeping woman in her arms as she thought about the many things that were still left unsaid between them. Hopefully, they would be able to reach an arrangement that would suit them both.

***

Solmiri moaned with pleasure as she lowered herself into the hot water. It had become a routine for them to soak their aching muscles in-between bouts of passionate lovemaking. The intimacy brought them closer, which not only enhanced their lovemaking, but it also fed their growing attraction for each other. She leaned back into Angela’s arms and closed her eyes. Having a mate was so much more fulfilling than everything she’d heard. For one, she trusted the woman completely and could let her guard down around her. The same could be said for Angela. There hadn’t been any declarations of love, but the human showed her in more ways than one just how much she welcomed their union. Now that the mating fever was abating, it was evident that the closeness was here to stay.

“We still have a lot to talk about.”

She angled her head to meet Angela’s eyes. They were calm, but Solmiri didn’t miss the slight tension around the woman’s mouth.

“Would you like to do so now?” The period in between their cravings for each other was steadily growing wider and they had an hour or two before any coherent thought was impossible.

“Yes.” Solmiri nodded in agreement and Angela continued. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am—to be who I am.” The silence lingered a tad longer. “I don’t want to give that up.”

She had expected this particular conversation to come up already. With a baby on the way and the Nouri expected to be introduced to their new Empress Consort, this will need some delicate negotiation.

“You want to remain a Peacekeeper?”

“Yes.”

“And being the Head of the Nouri Armed Forces is not an attractive proposition?”

There was a slight silence. “No. You already have someone more capable than I to fill that position.”

Angela was right. The current leadership had been at the helm for decades. It would seem she had nothing, save their child to use as a negotiating chip. And that was a level she wasn’t willing to sink to. Solmiri hoisted herself out of the warm water and comfortable embrace to kneel, naked, next to the bath. Angela looked aghast at the action and she quickly shook her head at her mate.

“This is important to you and I want to see us both reach an amicable solution.” She noticed a slight grimace on the full lips and realized that her word choice had insinuated that they were facing a problem that couldn’t be fixed, but might need some compromise. Solmiri ran a hand down Angela’s arm. “I understand that, unlike me, you weren’t prepared to let go of everything and settle down as is expected of the Nouri when they find their mate. Perhaps we could find a way of mitigating the impact on your career if you tell me what your plans are for the future as a Peacekeeper.” She saw Angela’s shoulders relax a little now that she was convinced that they weren’t facing a problem, but more like a probable solution.

“It doesn’t sound right for me to want this, considering we have a child on the way.”

Solmiri smiled. “You had your life before I came into it, eti. I understand that it will not be easy to just give it up like that. Help me find a way to keep us both happy and together.”

A warm light entered the dark eyes as Angela leaned closer to kiss her. Their faces lingered close, each inhaling the other’s breath before they drew away.

“I want to make captain.”

“Which, having seen you in action, is a guarantee. You will be a great captain.” A slight blush climbed up the brunette’s cheekbones. “Is that all?”

Angela exhaled loudly. “I had hoped to ask for a transfer to the Vimt sector.” Solmiri’s eyebrow rose slowly at hearing that and she saw Angela pursing her lips. “That is where the Alliance struggles to get a proper foothold since the area is still populated by unaligned planets, moons and asteroids.” She closed her eyes briefly. “It’s a tumultuous sector of the galaxy.” When she opened her eyes again, Solmiri read the regret in the dark eyes. “I know that it’s very selfish of me to…”

Solmiri rose and held out her hand. “I want to show you something.”

Angela looked confused, but she took her hand and allowed Solmiri to help her step out of the bathtub. Taking a few seconds to appreciate the other woman’s beauty, Solmiri handed her a towel. “Unfortunately, we’ll have to get dressed for this,” she muttered with a final look at the toned body.

***

Her parents’ celebrity on Earth and across the galaxy had brought unwanted attention to her as a young child and it had grown as she had attended school and Spacefleet and just as she had hoped for it to abate, Howard came into her life and it all had started again. They were on newsfeeds and everyone was speculating about their relationship until the only privacy she could find, was in the dark, nothingness of space.

However, that didn’t even begin to compare to the attention Angela was drawing now as she walked through the massive palace with Solmiri. Getting stared at was nothing new to her. It was the bowing that had her stomach in knots as she had to force herself not to tell the people to stop doing that. Solmiri, on the other hand, waved at them and even stopped to introduce her to the gawking public.

“Where are we going?” she asked curtly and Solmiri came to an instant stop to look at her. Mortified by her behavior, she tried to smile at the other woman but saw that it wasn’t convincing enough.

“Are you okay?”

She looked around her and quickly stepped closer. “I’m okay. I apologize for my tone.” The piercing blue eyes studied her for a moment before Solmiri smiled in understanding.

“It gets better with time. Once they become aware that you don’t like the attention, they’ll make an effort to stop staring.”

Hearing that, made Angela feel even worse. Why should she expect millions of people to change simply to abide by her wishes? It was childish and self-centered. If she was the first outsider to mate with a Nouri—the empress, no less—then she should expect people to stare. More so than usual. Her grandmother would have some choice words for her if she had been here. She reached out for Solmiri’s hand.

“They don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine; I promise.” The woman smiled and brought their joined hands to her lips. “I don’t mean to be difficult.”

“You’re not. You’re beautiful.” Angela felt the heat climbing up her neck and cheeks and Solmiri chuckled. “We need to hurry before I want you again and I doubt your parents would be amused if I were to ravish you in their presence.”

Her parents?

“Are they still here?”

“Yes. My parents requested that they stay longer until the fever was over.” She pulled Angela with her. “We need to hurry.”

The rest of the way, she remembered to smile at the Nouri as they acknowledged her presence with deep bows or waves. They used a teleportation station in the palace to take them to the docks and Angela’s face split into a wide smile when she spotted her parents. They were dressed casually, looking relaxed and very touristy, as they were staring at something in the window of a nearby shop. Both of them looked up when Solmiri’s presence was announced and to her embarrassment, her own. Norma rushed to her and Angela opened her arms to accept the older woman.

“You look happy.”

She smiled as she threw a look at Solmiri, who was trying hard not to eavesdrop.

“I am. Mother.” She greeted the quiet woman who stood a few feet away, watching her with warm eyes. “Am I not getting a hug?”

“In what capacity, Commander? As your mother, your superior or as your humble subject as the Empress’ Consort?” The dark blue eyes twinkled as they studied her.

“Always as my mother first.” Margaret moved in for a hug as Norma moved over to hug Solmiri. “Thank you for being here, Mother,” she murmured in her mother’s neck.

Margaret’s eyes had a suspicious sheen in them as she looked at her. “Wouldn’t miss this for the world, darling.” She, too, moved over to greet Solmiri and Angela was filled with elation at the sight of her mother trying their hardest not to stare at Solmiri’s stomach. She knew that her parents were here for her, but she also didn’t doubt that their unborn grandchild was another reason for them having stayed on longer. Her parents weren’t workaholics, but they took duty seriously and for them to have taken five days off from work spoke volumes.

“Ready, eti?” Solmiri asked. “We need to rush, remember.”

“Yes.” She followed Solmiri to a rather large spacecraft, the same one they had defended when the empress was chased by pirates. “You still haven’t told me where we are going?”

Solmiri had an enigmatic smile on her lips as she spoke without breaking her stride. “It would be best if I showed you instead.”

She raised an eyebrow as she watched her mate enter the rather spacious bridge and slid into the pilot’s chair.

“You going to fly us?”

“The empress is the best pilot in the Nouri fleet, Your Highness,” a uniformed officer offered proudly as Solmiri responded with a slow wink in her direction. Angela prayed they made it back in time before the low burn in her loins caught fire.

***

Margaret was stunned, when soon after expertly maneuvering through the surprisingly busy onboard shipyard and into space, the empress asked them to strap in. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if they were traveling a long distance, when the woman pressed a couple of buttons and everything around them blurred into a long, fuzzy line. Just as quickly as they had shot off, they came to an abrupt halt. Had she not memorized almost every significant beacon in the sectors under the Alliance’s realm, she would’ve missed that they’d just traveled seven thousand lightyears in the blink of an eye. She slowly turned her head to look at her wife, only to find her already looking at her; a stunned expression on her face.

As the Alliance had grown, the stronger and more impenetrable it had become as all the member planets merged their skills and technologies with the coalition. One of their biggest advantages to date had been the speed of their spaceships. Thanks to the Merplins, a race of nomadic traders which had joined the Alliance a decade ago, space travel had been cut drastically due to their ability to find and exploit the presence of new or forming wormholes.

This, however, was something entirely different. It was different from the speed charger the Nouri had loaned them to travel to Nourima. The Nouri could be practically anywhere in the galaxy at the press of a button. Margaret wasn’t sure if she should be excited about the prospect of adding this technology to their own, or troubled that they were completely overwhelmed by an unaligned race’s prowess.

“If your ships can do that, why didn’t you just outrun the pirates when they attacked you.”

Margaret blinked as she heard Angela’s question. That was very true. No one in this part of space and probably beyond could outrun a Nouri ship.  The empress leaned back in her chair to look at them as a slow smile formed on her lips.

“And miss an opportunity to see you again, Commander Burkhouse?”

Norma chuckled disbelievingly. “It was a ruse then?”

The empress shrugged. “We sought out the pirates on purpose and fired on them before fleeing in the direct path of the commander’s ship.” She reached out to squeeze Angela’s hand. “I knew you were going to protect me and I also wanted to make sure that you remembered me.” Margaret almost snorted at that. The woman needed very little, if any, effort to make herself memorable. Angela’s face softened as she gazed upon her mate and Margaret knew that, unless they wanted to witness their daughter pouncing on her beautiful lover, they needed to diffuse the situation.

“I can’t help but notice that we’re in the Vimt sector. Is this what you wanted to show us?”

That seemed to snap both women from their fixed staring. Angela appeared confused as she looked out the viewscreen and then back to her mate.

“What are we doing here?”

Solmiri glanced over at her operations officer. “Officer Kell?” The young officer pushed a few buttons and the image before them shimmered before a planet became visible. Margaret pursed her lips at having not been able to notice that there had been something off about the view. The planet had been concealed. Why, she didn’t know. Planet E-124 was too toxic to sustain any type of lifeforms. Except for a few rogue elements who risked their lives to mine the mineral-rich planet, no one dared to come here. A few years ago, there had been talk of destroying it once and for all to deter these miners from risking their lives.

“You’re looking at the new Nourima.”

All three of them gaped at the empress. She surely must’ve heard wrong. Did she just say that they…?

“You plan to settle here? On Planet E-124?” Norma was glancing from the viewscreen to Solmiri. “The planet is deemed inhabitable because of its toxic atmosphere.”

“We’re aware of that. Our scientists as currently working on a method to clear the air and rehabilitate the planet for occupancy.”

“How?” Angela was blinking at the woman, her body stiff as if she was holding herself back from…What? Margaret was fascinated to see her usually composed daughter struggling to keep her cool. Solmiri rose to come and stand before her mate.

“At the moment, it is still in the theoretical phase, but we hope to run a counteraction test soon. Hopefully, we will meet someone who knows the exact composition of the planet’s core which would help in the implementation of our system.”

“Solmiri?” Angela’s voice broke as she spoke. “You’re not doing this because…?”

Margaret looked away, ashamed to be witnessing this emotional moment between the two women. Norma didn’t seem to be suffering from the same condition as she was openly staring at the two as if she was watching one of her movies.

“The moment I knew who you were, I decided to settle here. It’s close enough to Earth for your parents to see their grandchildren and for you to be with your family.” The empress pulled Angela into her arms. “You made my decision easier when you expressed your wish to be stationed in this sector. It means that I can wake up with you every morning.”

A soft sniff made Margaret reach for Norma. She had never said it out loud, but the idea of losing her daughter when the Nouri moved on, had weighed heavy on her heart. She wasn’t sure how much she had liked the empress before, but knowing that the woman had thought of them even before she had won Angela over, made her adore the woman more.

“I may know of the ideal person to tell you about Planet E-124. She’s a geologist and has spent some time on the planet.” Her words fell on deaf ears since Angela and Solmiri were engaged in a deep kiss.

“She said grandchildren, Maggie.”

Her eyes burned as she looked into her wife’s wet eyes. “Yes, she did.” How she could have ever considered a life without everything she had now? A loving wife, a beautiful daughter and grandchildren on the way. Skipping phases. Her father had warned her against skipping phases. Life had a schedule, he used to say, and failure to adhere to it will force the hands of fate to physically put you onto your destined path.

EPILOGUE

“She’s gorgeous, honey.”

Solmiri smiled when Angela blushed. “What can I say? I got lucky, Grams.”

The older woman chuckled as she looked up at Solmiri. “I absolutely approve of this union.”

Solmiri bowed her head. “I am most happy to hear that, Mrs Burkhouse. Your granddaughter means everything to me.” She wisely decided not to draw attention to the fact that both Burkhouse women blinked rapidly as they tried to compose themselves. She had wanted to meet the Burkhouse matriarch, ever since Angela had mentioned what a big impact that woman had made in her life. Her impression of the woman was that Martha Burkhouse was fiercely protective of her family. She spoke her mind and she meant what she said. Her love for her granddaughter was undeniable. She practically melted every time she looked at Angela. That was enough incentive for Solmiri to like the woman for she did not doubt that the woman would adore her great-grandchild the same way.

“I like the sound of that.”

Solmiri grinned as she reached for Angela’s hand. “We wanted to come and congratulate you in person.”

Martha’s eyes were wide as they swung toward Angela. They had asked Angela’s parents not to break the news to the older Burkhouse woman. They wanted to do it themselves and Solmiri jumped at the opportunity of a face-to-face meeting with her.

“You want to congratulate me?”

Angela squeezed her hand and smiled at her. “We’re expecting.” They still haven’t come to the point where Angela had expressed her love, but Solmiri wasn’t going to fret over that, especially not when the brunette looked at her the way she did right now.

A soft sniff drew their attention back to Martha. The woman’s cheeks were wet with tears as her gaze darted between the two of them.

“I’m going to be a great-grandmother?”

“Yes, Grams. We asked my mothers not to tell you, because we wanted to be the ones to tell you as well as to introduce you to Solmiri.”

“Are you…?”

“Solmiri is the one carrying.”

Martha pulled Solmiri into a crushing embrace and as her arms went around the smaller woman, Solmiri met Angela’s intense gaze over the silvery hair.

No, she didn’t need words.

***

The foam sloshed over the rim of the mug as it was slammed down on the table in front of her. She flicked a token at the man and lifted the mug to her lips taking a long drink. The beer tasted crappy, but it was cold and that’s all that mattered. Her trip to the outer rim of the galaxy had her drinking lukewarm piss on a daily basis and upon her return to civilization, she had promised herself to be less picky and to appreciate whatever was placed before her. As long as the mug was clean and the contents were at the right temperature, she was fine with whatever. On a small stage, a slender Hibren was dancing to a slow, hypnotic melody and she smiled. This was her final stop before she returned to Earth. Her cargo bay was filled with many core samples and other treasures from her four-month-long trip. She already had buyers lined up and she was also eager to see her mother.

“Captain Ford?”

She grimaced and took another long drink. The presence was still there when she lowered the mug.

“You have the wrong person.”

“I don’t think so,” came the quiet, but firm reply.

It made her smile. She loved stubborn women. They always begged so politely when she had them in bed and aching for release. With a cocky grin on her lips, she spun around to see who her conquest for the evening would be and almost fell off her chair when she encountered the most beautiful blue-green eyes. The woman’s face was covered by a mask but she knew immediately who and what she was dealing with.

Nouri.

They had moved into the territory a few years ago and there were rumors that they were thinking of rehabilitating Planet E-124. Whatever for, she didn’t know, but they were rich, powerful and frighteningly advanced. She realized that she wasn’t the only one doing the examining. Sharp blue-green eyes were studying her intently and she hated that she couldn’t tell what the woman was thinking.

“Who may I ask is looking for Captain Ford?”

“Ambassador Kuni of the Nouri.”

“And, dear Ambassador, what message would you like to relay to Captain Ford?”

There was a slight narrowing of the eyes. “Are you confirming that you are Captain Ford?”

“Well, I know the captain and if you like I could forward your message.” She ran her eyes over the tall, lean frame. “After I’ve bought you a drink, of course.”

The woman nodded and without a word, turned on her heel and walked away.

What the heck!

She followed the woman with her eyes, noticing how well she looked in the tight leather suit as she strutted through the tavern as if she owned it. A horde of eyes followed her, but no one tried to obstruct her path. That was quite intriguing and she loved intrigue. Downing the last dregs of her beer, she pushed her way through the crowd to the exit. Once outside, she looked around but saw no sign of the woman.

“Are you ready to talk, Captain Ford,” the husky voice spoke from the shadows and she turned to find the woman standing behind her. With a heavy sigh, she nodded.

“Fine. What do you want?”

“Your expertise. We’ve been informed that you frequently mine for minerals on Planet E-124 and are the only individual known to have remained on the surface longer than anyone.”

Ah, then those rumors were true.

This was also a golden opportunity to set herself up for life. The Nouri were stinking rich.

“What is in it for me?”

The woman’s lips pursed as she stared at her. “If you are found to be useful to us, you can ask any price you want.”

Any price? She chuckled as she bit down on her lower lip. The woman was watching her closely. How she would love to see the woman’s expression right now. “Any price? Really?”

“Yes, Captain.”

She scratched her head as she watched the woman.

“How about one night with you, Ambassador?”

THE END

OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

The Guardian Series

Book 1: A Guardian’s Touch

Book 2: A Guardian’s Love

Book 3: A Guardian’s Passion

Book 4: A Guardian’s Salvation

Book 5: A Guardian’s Eternity

The Eternal Series

(Guardian Series spin-off)

Book 1: An Eternal Family

The Stone Warrior Series

Book 1: To Be Unbroken

Book 2: Carved in Stone

Book 3: Shatterproof

The Regency Series

Book 1: The Discreet Servant

Book 2: The Enigmatic Steward

Book 3: The Alluring Cook

Book 4: The Reserved Doctor

Book 5: The Future Beckons

Book 6: A Noble Pledge

The Wolven Series

Book 1: Claimed

Book 2: Lycan

The Pharmac series

Book 1: Afterglow

Book 2: Hereafter

Other

Phantom of the Heart

Spoils of War

Random Convergences

Blood Oaths (Anthology)

Worlds Apart

Thicker than Blood (Anthology)

Immemorial

A Heart to Conquer (Novella: Book 1)