Crusader (Battle Born Book 1) (25 page)

Awkwardly hunched over the file box, Ashley hurried along after Bandar. Bandar handed his box to the soldier then reached back for hers. The soldier secured the boxes as Bandar lifted her into the helicopter. There were several rows of seats facing in different directions, so she moved to the nearest one and sat down. Bandar chose one facing hers as the soldier closed and secured the sliding door. She fumbled with the multi-strap safety harness so Bandar quickly helped her secure the restraint before returning to his seat and buckling up himself. The soldier signaled the pilot and the helicopter lifted off. There was a copilot as well, but Ashley couldn’t really see what he was doing.

Ashley stared out the window in stunned disbelief as the scenery rushed past. Three days ago her most stressful decision was which outfit to wear. How had her life become so complicated?

Are you all right?

She looked at Bandar, warmed by the concern in his gaze.
I’m fine, just a little overwhelmed.

That’s understandable.

Rather than try to explain in more detail, she looked out the window. The Bunker was in New Mexico, so they must be heading east or northeast. She’d been so many places in the past two days, it was starting to blur.

Two days? Had it really only been two days since she met Bandar? She’d come home to find Letos in her apartment Thursday night and this was Saturday, so technically this was day three. She shook her head with a distracted smile. It felt as if her life had been in crisis for months not days.

Bandar was the only bright spot in all the turmoil. He’d been incredibly patient and supportive. Their whirlwind romance was in keeping with the other nonstop events, but he was the one aspect of the tumult she didn’t regret. She imagined telling Raina about Bandar. Her pragmatic friend would insist that Ashley have her blood tested for mind-altering substances. It was a little hard to believe that she’d fallen in love so quickly.

The thought brought her up short. Was she in love with Bandar? She looked at him and had her answer. He was staring out the window, his profile tense, yet captivating. Even without his mesmerizing gaze, she found him magnetic. Unless his personality and all the memories he’d shared had been some elaborate setup, she could easily picture herself at his side for the rest of her life.

He turned his head and smiled at her.
What are you thinking about now? Your emotions just surged into my mind.

I’ll never tell.
She punctuated the claim with a secretive smile and looked back out the window.

* * * * *

Morgan was waiting for them when they arrived at the Bunker. The helicopter put down in a large parking lot and the soldier opened the door for them.

“I’ll bring in the boxes,” he shouted and Bandar nodded.

Bandar hopped to the ground and helped Ashley down. They ran across the parking lot toward Morgan. She led them into the large maintenance bay, the only part of the complex that was above ground. “Letos is alive, but unconscious. Odintar is working on him.”

“Who is Odintar?” Bandar asked.

“He was part of the Mystic Militia. He lives on Bilarri now but—”

“What’s he doing on Bilarri if he’s part of the Mystic Militia?” Bandar cut in. “Weren’t they Ontarian?”

“His mate is half Bilarrian, a fact she didn’t know until she was swept up in the Shadow Assassin mess.”

They were doing it again, tossing around unfamiliar terms without explaining them to her. “Isn’t Nazerel a Shadow Assassin?”

“He was,” Morgan stressed. “The organization no longer exists.”

“And who are the Mystic Militia?”

“They were a task force formed to apprehend the Shadow Assassins. They completed their objectives and the task force was disbanded,” Bandar told her. “Now Nazerel works with Morgan as an unofficial ambassador representing the three planets in our star system.”

“Ontariese, Bilarri and Rodymia?” she listed with a proud smile.

“Very good.” Even Morgan seemed impressed.

And obviously Odintar was a healer if he was working on Letos. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“Sorry to confuse you.” Morgan offered a rare smile. “We coordinate with so many different groups that it’s easy to forget who knows what.”

“Is Irron on his way?” Bandar asked. “I’m sure he’s anxious to get his hands on the new information.”

“He’s already here. I only have one helicopter, so I sent a Mystic after the doctor.”

That sounded so strange. Was it more impressive that she had a helicopter at her disposal or that she had Mystics on her staff? “And how many Mystics do you have?”

Morgan chuckled. “It depends on the day. Mystics are notoriously transitory. They go wherever the spirits lead them.” They reached the elevators and Morgan motioned them inside while remaining in the corridor. “Take a break while you can. I’ll let you know the minute Letos stirs.”

Bandar agreed and they descended to sublevel three. Ashley tried to pay attention to where they were going, but the corridors all looked the same. “How do you keep it all straight?”

“I’ve been here almost a month. Garin sent me back so I could help Nazerel and Morgan investigate—”

“Wait. Back from where?”

Bandar reached down and took her hand, entwining their fingers. “Morgan was part of the task force responsible for hunting down the Shadow Assassins. That’s how they met.”

“Wow, and they’re a couple now. That must have been one hell of a chase.”

“It led her all the way to Rodyte space. And no one could be more surprised than Nazerel, or Morgan, for that matter. Their connection was unexpected and intense.”

She laughed. “Is that a Rodyte thing? The ability to overwhelm defenseless humans?”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “What do you think?”

Rather than picturing all the ways she’d like to be overwhelmed by Bandar, she restated the original question. “You said Garin sent you ‘back’ to Earth. You’ve been here before?”

“It’s not as uncommon as you think.”

It was part answer part evasion, but she didn’t pry. Other elements of his statement were more interesting. “Tell me about the investigation. What did you come here to help Nazerel and Morgan investigate?”

While Morgan was chasing Nazerel, it became apparent that one or more of her supervisors wasn’t giving her accurate information. They’d been dealing directly with high-placed people on Rodymia, which compromised what Morgan was trying to accomplish. One of the reasons I’m here is to help them figure out who has been stabbing her in the back. Her network of informants and her powerful contacts could be invaluable to us, but only if Morgan is truly in control.

Are we speaking like this because you’re afraid we’ll be overheard? Here inside the Bunker?

It’s probably overkill, but we must remain vigilant until we’ve located the leak or leaks.

They came to a double door with windows inset in it. Ashley glanced inside and then stopped. “Is this the clinic?”

“Yes.”

“Can we check on Letos?”

Bandar hesitated. “I’m not sure the healer will want to be interrupted.”

“I’ll just stick my head in and see what’s going on. I promise not to interrupt if he’s still unconscious.”

He pulled her into his arms for a quick hug before opening the door to the clinic. “Don’t be disappointed if he’s still out. Morgan said Odintar is still working on him.”

The clinic was one open area, but curtain dividers could be pulled around each of the beds. The bed farthest away from the door had been enclosed, so that was likely where they’d put Letos. Ashley took several steps toward the area then sighed. There really wasn’t anything she could do until Letos regained consciousness. She was being selfish.

She was about to leave when a tall, dark-haired man opened one side of the curtains. “You can speak with him if you keep it short.”

Was this Odintar? With mile-wide shoulders and rugged features he looked more warlord than healer. His eyes were solid black, no rings, no distinction between his irises and pupils.

“Thank you.” She approached the bed as the men clasped arms and exchanged greetings. Letos looked better, but his face was still bruised, one eye swollen shut.

“Your mother is fine,” Letos said without opening his eye. “She’s bait, nothing more.”

Her heart gave a happy flutter and she slipped her hand around his. “I’m so sorry they did this to you. I can’t help feeling responsible.”

His lips curved into a sleepy smile. “Freeing you was one of many infractions. Don’t worry, Ashley. I can—find them.”

“How? How can you find them?”

“He’s out again,” Odintar warned. “He really needs to regenerate.” He looked at Bandar. “Do you know when the
Crusader
will be back in range? If they don’t return soon, I’ll need to summon help. He’s still in pretty bad shape.”

“Keyran said this afternoon, so any time now.”

“All right.” Odintar rolled his shoulders then returned to his position beside the bed. “I’ll keep at it for another hour or so.”

Ashley thanked him again and then Bandar led her from the clinic.

“He said my mother was all right. Can he sense her or did he just mean the last time he saw her?”

“I’m not sure, but I agree with him. She is just bait to lure us into the open. Even interrogating her would be counterproductive. She doesn’t know anything.”

“God, I hope you’re right. I couldn’t deal with it if she ends up like him. One beating on my conscious is enough.”

He stopped her and turned her to face him. “This was not your fault. Letos was working undercover for the Integration Guild. There are always risks. He knew that when he took the assignment.”

“If he hadn’t helped us escape—”

He silenced her with a lingering kiss. “One infraction of many. I heard him say that to you. Now stop being so negative.”

He was right. She’d fallen into a pattern of pessimism and it needed to stop permanently. “He said he can find the ship. He hasn’t lied to us yet, so I choose to believe him.”

“Much better.” They continued down the hallway hand-in-hand.

She didn’t bother asking where they were going. She didn’t really care as long as he was by her side.

Bandar paused to refocus his mind as he scanned the door to his quarters open. He stayed on the
Crusader
the majority of the time, but occasionally it was more convenient for him to sleep here at the Bunker. So Morgan reserved this room for his use and he kept it stocked with clean clothes and toiletries. The officer’s suite to which Nazerel had taken them earlier was larger and nicer, but Bandar wasn’t sure it was still available.

Ashley stepped into the compact room and looked around as he secured the door. “Isn’t this a different room?”

“I forgot to ask Morgan if we could still use the suite, so you’re stuck with me.”

She looked at him and smiled. “Such a sacrifice.”

She wore jeans and a clingy top that showcased her curves. A hint of cleavage had teased him all day, making him desperate to have her naked and beneath him again. But he reined in his lust with stubborn determination. She’d just found out her mother was in serious danger. Sex would be the farthest thing from her mind.

“We didn’t get much rest last night.” He closed the space between them and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I say we lie down for a while and try to get some sleep.”

“I think I’m too tired to sleep. If that’s possible. My body is exhausted, but my brain refuses to spin down.”

“I’ve been there.” He pulled her into a loose embrace, stroking the back of her hair. “Why don’t you get comfortable and I’ll see if I can help you relax.”

Her eyes sparkled and a wicked little smile curved her lips. “Or you can help me work off this excess energy until I’m so tired I have to sleep.”

Her desire rippled across their link, mocking his good intentions. “I’d like nothing better than to make love to you, but I’m not sure that’s what you need right now. Slip off everything but your panties and get in bed.”

Her smile broadened and a lovely blush bloomed across her cheeks. “Are you still planning to help me relax?”

“Go on.” He urged her toward the bed then faced the door, calming himself with several deep breaths. “You’ll like this, I promise.”

Determined to maintain his sanity, he waited until she undressed and slipped beneath the covers before turning back around. He tugged off his boots, socks and jeans, which left him in underwear and a T-shirt. Could he really touch her, rub her naked body without losing control? He had to. She needed to feel safe and relaxed, not overwhelmed and vulnerable. This was his mate, and she needed comfort. His desires would just have to wait.

He pulled the bedding down to her hips and then crawled onto the bed. Though the same size as the one they’d shared before, somehow it felt more intimate this time. She glanced back as he straddled her hips, but said nothing. “Fold your arms beneath your head and close your eyes. You’ll think more clearly and feel stronger if you’re well rested. So relax, try to fall asleep.”

Sure, no problem. Off to sleep I go with the sexist man alive on top of me.

He couldn’t help but smile. It was doubtful she’d meant to share the thought, which thrilled him even more. Still, he needed to teach her how to close her end of the link. Only then would the connection be balanced.

Temporarily constricting the link, so it wouldn’t be so distracting, he went to work on her shoulders and arms. She was tense and resistant to begin with, but his touch remained soothing rather than arousing and she gradually relaxed. He scooted back onto her legs as he worked his way down her back. She lay perfectly still and silent for a long time. His fingers brushed over her sides, carefully avoiding the sweet curve of her breasts. How he wanted to slip his hands beneath her and caress those warm, soft mounds. But this wasn’t about him. She needed this more than sex. He thought his strategy was working and then suddenly she rolled over and raised her arms above her head.

“I can’t lie here and think about all the things they could be doing to her.” She arched her back and closed her eyes as if she feared he’d reject her. “I don’t want to think, period. Is that so wrong?”

How could she still fear that he’d reject her? The pain in her expression tore at his soul.

He leaned over her, entwining their fingers as he covered her mouth with his. Her lips parted and her tongue curled around his the second he ventured past her lips.
I love you, Ashley. And I will always be willing to make love to you.

Her breath hitched and her response grew wilder as if she was still struggling to believe. Her legs were trapped beneath the bedding, but her hips rocked and twisted as she fought to get closer to him.

He eased his hold on their connection and allowed his desire to flow into her mind.
I need you. I will always need you. Never doubt your power over me.

She tried to untangle their hands, but he closed his fingers, securing his grasp. If she needed a distraction, then he’d give her one. Probably more than one, knowing how insatiable he became whenever he was inside her. “You’re here for my pleasure and mine alone.” He sucked her bottom lip hard enough to make her gasp. “Do you understand?”

“Yes—sir.” She added the title with a breathless sigh after a slight hesitation.

The more aggressive he’d become the night before, the more wildly she responded. He wanted her so caught up in their passion that she wasn’t capable of thinking of anything else. He’d held back each time he touched her, afraid of frightening or hurting her. If she was still having doubts about his affection, then he’d make damn sure she understood the depths of his emotions.

Ignoring the sensual undulation of her hips, he focused on their kiss, stroking her, filling her with his scent and taste.
Mine.
The declaration was carried on every breath, every touch. He’d infuse her with the concept until she understood how truly special she was to him.

Ashley trembled beneath him, dizzy from his kisses and restless as hell. She ached for his fullness and desperately needed to touch him, but he held her firmly, ruthlessly focusing her attention on their kiss and only their kiss. His scent sank deeper with each panting breath, making her tingle and arch. His tongue slid against hers and curled around hers, bold and familiar. And his taste. She couldn’t get enough of his taste, wanted to savor it and yet needed to devour more and more of him.

Suddenly she tore her mouth away and cried, “More. Please more.” But she wasn’t sure what she was begging for, only knew this wasn’t enough. Without releasing her fingers, he drew her arms downward, pinning her hands to the bed on either side of her shoulders. “I want to touch you.”

“Not yet.” He kissed his way down her neck. His tongue explored and his teeth lightly scraped as her lips longed for more attention. He reached her collarbone and lingered. She shivered and shifted beneath him, needing more, always more.

Then his lips fastened onto one of her nipples and he sucked hard. She gasped pressing into the aggressive kiss as intensity spread through her chest. Her body pulsed with anticipation, but it was nothing compared to the hunger scorching her mind. He wanted her with a clarity that was staggering. And it wasn’t just a warm, responsive partner, Bandar wanted
her
. Never before had she enjoyed the security of feeling what her lover felt. She didn’t have to trust what he said or judge his actions over a period of years. She could feel what he felt. It was comforting and yet humbling to be so adored.

He moved to her other breast and demanded her attention with a firm nip. “Don’t analyze what you’re feeling. Just feel.” He sucked with firm, slow pulls. Her back bowed clear off the bed. He did it again and again, not stopping until both her nipples were pebble hard and deeply flushed.

Then he ripped the sheet away from her body and grabbed her panties with both hands. He stared into her eyes, gold rings glowing brightly, as he dragged the garment off then tossed it over his shoulder. “Are you mine?”

“As you are mine,” she countered.

“Oh I’m yours and you’ll never doubt it again by the time I’m through with you.” He pulled his T-shirt off and then his underwear, then paused, allowing her time to look at him. When her gaze finally returned to his face, he said, “Now show me how much you want to be devoured by your mate.”

They both knew what this was or at least where it was leading, but he’d never actually said it out loud before. “I’m your mate,” she whispered the words, still not quite believing she could be so fortunate. Joy bubbled up through her and she couldn’t suppress a beaming smile. “I found my mate.”

“No, your mate found you. Now show me.” He rocked back onto his heels with obvious expectation.

Not used to being so overtly sexual, she tentatively grabbed the backs of her knees and pulled her legs up and out, opening herself in blatant invitation. He lowered his head slowly then traced her slit with his tongue. She groaned and squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

“No,” he growled out the word and she opened her eyes. “Prop yourself up so you can see me as well as feel me. I want this imprinted on all of your senses so you’ll never forget or doubt.”

She didn’t want to move, wanted only to surrender to the pleasure, but his tone left no room for arguments. She grabbed the pillows and stacked them behind her back, angling her torso so she could see down the length of her body.

He didn’t object when she shifted her leg to his shoulder, so she pushed her luck and touched his arm. He allowed her caress for only a moment as his tongue explored her creamy folds. Then he grasped her wrist and guided her hand to her breast, immediately covering it with his palm.
See how well we fit. If your body were any sleeker, your breast wouldn’t fill my hand.
He slipped his other hand under her and squeezed one butt cheek.
And here you are perfect too.

Thank God he had such big hands. For once the thought didn’t make her feel less than beautiful. She’d never meet the Hollywood ideal, but her mate thought she was perfect.

And I’m the only one that matters. Now pay attention!
He lifted her to his mouth and pushed his tongue deep inside her. She gasped at the invasion as pleasure spiraled up her spine. When he finally lowered her hips, he replaced his tongue with two fingers and moved his mouth to her clit. He circled her once and Ashley came with a sharp, unexpected cry. Her inner muscles clenched his fingers and sensations seemed to trigger her nerve endings all at once.

“Sorry.”

He chuckled, his breath teasing her overheated flesh. “Sorry you enjoy this or sorry I’ve just begun?”

His fingers slid in and out, slow and steady. He wasn’t licking her anymore and she realized he was watching. She couldn’t see his fingers, just the steady motion of his hand, but she could feel how thrilling he found the sight, not to mention her own enjoyment.

He lifted his face and looked into her eyes. “Come for me, angel. I want to watch you this time.”

They’d made love face-to-face more than once, so he had to have seen her climax. But this was different. He was selflessly giving her pleasure, reveling in her abandon. So she let go of her inhibitions and surrendered. His thumb swept over her clit, taking her closer to the edge. She was suddenly squeezing her nipples, yet she couldn’t remember letting go of her other leg.

His ravenous expression urged her on, dared her to surrender even further. She pushed up with her heel, driving herself onto his fingers. But it truly wasn’t enough. “I need you. I want to come around your cock.”

He growled and lunged with blurring speed. Catching the backs of her knees on the bend of his elbows, he thrust his entire length into her waiting heat and watched her control shatter.

She cried out as her inner walls stretched around him. The fullness made each burst of sensation more intense. She kept her eyes open, her mind even more so.
Share my pleasure, love.
She urged.
Feel how much I love you.

His growl turned feral as he pulled his hips back. She watched his shaft emerge from her body, wet with cream. He paused for a heartbeat then drove into her again. His long, slow strokes filled her. She tangled her fingers in the sheet as she watched his shaft disappear again and again. She squeezed him with her core and caressed him with her mind, longing for a less passive role.

“Touch me, love. Never let go.” His voice was harsh, but his emotions were tender.

She raised her hands to his chest then his shoulders, thrilled by the freedom at last. She pulled his head down and kissed him, careful not to interrupt the steady rhythm of his hips. Their tongues dueled and their bodies fused as pure emotions surged back and forth across their link.

It was overwhelming and yet it made her feel grounded, connected as she’d never been before. She was half of a vibrant whole. Someone needed her as desperately as she needed that someone.

Drawing her legs up along his sides, she freed his hands to roam. He braced himself on one forearm as his other hand stroked her breasts and belly, her hips and legs, anywhere he could touch without disrupting the flow of their joining.

Suddenly he wrapped his arms around her and rolled in a tight half-circle. She landed on her knees, astride his hips and he urged her torso up. He didn’t have to tell her what to do. She was already rolling her hips, sliding her body up and down along the length of his sex.