Love Without Boundaries (31 page)

The low growl increased to a deep rumble. Dar once more focused on the cat. “I’m sorry,
Chief
but you’d want me to do this.”

A beam of light burst from the weapon and Aran slumped to the ground. Oh, no. Ellie beat on the guard with her free fist. “What did you do? What did you do to him?”

He holstered the weapon and snapped flex-cuffs on her wrists. “He’s tranqed, which is what he ordered if he acted out of character during his muata. You’re under arrest for illegal passage onboard the Z.”

“Where is she, Dar?” Aran strove for calm. Not quite managing it, his claws popped and retracted in a steady rhythm by his side. He’d spent the last day of his muata in a drugged sleep thanks to Dar’s actions.
The minute he had awakened, his thoughts centered on Ellie.
His mate.
Aran had rushed into his uniform and charged after his second. Fortunately, the man had been waiting right outside his quarters.

“You’re being irrational,
Chief
.”

Aran glared and grabbed Dar by the collar slamming him into the wall of the ship corridor. Crew members passing through gave them a wide berth.

“Which cell did you put her in?”

“She’s in D32.”

Aran released him and ran down the hall. He had to get to his mate. Concern and worry had a hold on him he couldn’t shake. He glared at Dar running by his side. “She’d better be fine.”

Dar paled. “I didn’t hurt your mate, Aran. I’d never do that. She’s been fed and clothed.”

Aran growled and slowed. His claws bit into his palms. Jealousy ate into his anger. His next words came out slow and precise. “You watched her dress?”

The guards monitored the camera in the cells twenty-four seven if a prisoner occupied them. Had they seen his mate without clothes?

“No. We kept the cameras on as is protocol but Shyla is assigned to her.”

Some of his jealousy tapered off, knowing another woman had the duty of watching Ellie but his anger still raged hot and heavy.

“Look,” Dar said, running a shaking hand through his regulation cut. “You weren’t acting yourself. There’s no special guest request on her. She stowed away, Aran. You would have done the same thing.”

“She’s my mate,” Aran snapped when they reached the security section. He was being unreasonable and couldn’t help it. Dar was right and his actions followed the proper way to handle any trespasser on board.

Two guards at the door nodded when they approached. Aran entered one step ahead of Dar and bypassed the first cells, which were currently empty. “
And
you put her in a top security cell.”

This specific section housed only the most dangerous criminals if the Z had to transport them. Once more he pushed back the anger at his friend and lieutenant. Another guard sat at a desk monitoring multiple screens that covered several areas of the ship. He snapped to attention when he noticed them.
“Chief.
Sir.”

Aran returned the salute with his arm across his chest. They bypassed the second set of steel doors which barred crew members with low level clearance from going any further.

He and Dar waited as the bio-scan confirmed their identity then the heavy doors slid open giving access to the four high level cells that were rarely used.

Shyla glanced up from her station. “Chief T’Kar.”

“We’re here to see the prisoner, Shyla.”

Dar flushed. “Come on, Aran. She freaked out a little.”

Aran growled.

“A lot.
She freaked out a lot when I knocked you out. Plus, she wouldn’t tell me anything but her first name and when I asked her to submit prints, she kicked me and refused.”

Aran exhaled and tried to calm the animal inside. He knew his behavior was irrational but a part of him was going quietly insane with his new mate out of his sight and reach. A mate he never would have taken if he’d been in his right mind but one he refused to let go now that he had her. His mating cycle had been particularly intense and now Aran had no idea how to explain to her what she meant to him.
Would always mean to him.

He reached D32 and the woman within jumped to her feet with a gasp. She still wore the shirt to his uniform which skimmed her thighs.
“Aran!”

“I thought you gave her clothes!” How many people had seen her like this?

His oversized shirt slouched on her. The collar gaped in the front and slid off her arm, revealing the slender line of her neck and the graceful curve of her shoulder.

“She didn’t wear them.” Dar jabbed a finger at the pile of clothing on the narrow bed.

Ellie ran toward the electro bars and Aran held out a hand. “Wait, Ellie!”

He didn’t want her zapped. He keyed in his personal access code and the bars winked out. Ellie hurried through. Aran curled his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. He inhaled her sent and the tension riding him dissipated. Now that he held her, he could focus on the truth of Dar’s words.
His mate.

“Are you alright, Ellie?”

“Yes.” Her voice trembled but she met his gaze evenly. “What about you?”

Her concern warmed him. “Fine but I’ll need you to accompany Dar and me to the security office for a few questions.” Her face paled before Aran finished his sentence.

Fear emanated from her pores. The smell offended his senses. When she jerked out of his arms, it offended the heart of the animal in him. Without conscious thought, he growled.

Ellie’s eyes widened and she stepped away so fast she bumped into Dar. His friend took one look at his face and jumped away putting plenty of distance between them. Aran fought for control and forced back the reactions of a mated male.

He took a deep breath and released it. In a calmer voice he said, “Ellie, please come with us.”

A slight hesitation and finally a resigned.
“Okay.”

Aran relaxed. Dar took the lead after shooting him a glare. Aran shrugged. He wouldn’t apologize for instinct. They went through the scan, Shyla waving as they passed. The small security office was outside of the cells. Aran decided it as good a place as any to get to the bottom of the story on their mysterious guest.

The swivel seats around the black oval table were upholstered in thick red fabric. Dar waved Ellie to a chair sitting on one side of her while Aran sat on the other side of the table in hopes of maintaining some professionalism. With muata no longer blinding his senses, he cut right to the chase. “Who are you? Why are you running?”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. Her hands clasped together on the surface of the table but the knuckles shown white. Aran reached over and covered her hands with his. He didn’t want her to lie. “Trust me.”

Her gaze landed on Dar for a full moment then back to him. Aran knew the exact moment she gave in.

“My name is Elliana Cage.”

Aran froze.

“My stepfather is Palo Hinder,” she continued.

Aran didn’t even bother to curse.
Just what he needed.

***

Ellie exhaled softly. A weight floated from her chest along with the truth she’d revealed. Dar’s eyes widened and he looked inches away from reporting her. Aran’s reaction was less noticeable but his grip on her hands tightened.

“You attempted to murder Senate Leader Hinder,” Dar accused.

“That’s a lie!” She couldn’t stop her outburst. “It was an accident.”

Dar tipped his head to the side, both brows rising. His mouth opened and closed. “You sent him to an emergency medical center. You stopped his heart with a stunner during a psychotic episode. What part of that is an accident?”

Aran withdrew his hand and Ellie felt the lost in her gut. Her heart rate increased. “I don’t have episodes,” she gritted out. How much to tell? She glanced at Aran.
Green eyes that had burned with fire for her the night before stared back in amazement.

The lieutenant pressed a hidden panel on the table and a section slid away to reveal a computer screen. His fingers clicked a couple of times and glided over the surface. Within moments, he’d pulled up the file on her. Ellie swallowed as he swiveled the screen in her direction.

“Is this you, Ms. Cage?”
His voice devoid of all emotion.

Ellie licked her lips and glanced at the small image of her at a formal affair. Hair coiled on her head and make up flawless, it wasn’t a bad photo at all. She shook away the inane thought, not bothering to read the warning notice underneath and the certificate demanding her arrest on sight. All of it and the allegations about her attack were lies. “It’s me.”

Aran snarled and jumped to his feet. Ellie’s heart jumped. Would he leave now that he knew? Abandon her to the Palo’s security forces
who
would surely make her conveniently disappear. Her fingers clenched and unclenched as she waited. His movements were smooth and coordinated as he drew closer.

Her first sight of him in the fully pressed uniform had almost made her swoon. The grey shirt molded to his broad chest. A chest she’d kissed and caressed. His black pants hugged his thighs and cupped the bulge between his legs with loving care.

Aran’s steps ended by the seat at her side where he sat and pulled his chair close behind her.
His arms encircled the chair back and curled around her waist. He rubbed his face along her cheek, nose nuzzling. Ellie sunk into the sensation. The feelings of protection and security enveloped her. Her arm came up to wrap around his neck of its own volition. Fingers buried deep in his hair.

Aran placed a kiss on the juncture at his neck. Directly on the mark he’d made when he bit her she realized. Her skin tingled with remembered pleasure. He rested his chin on her shoulder and spoke. “Tell us everything, Ellie. It’s the only way we can see if we can help.”

Dar choked and shot a glare at Aran but he paid his lieutenant no mind. His hands made lazy circles on her belly over the material of the shirt she wore.
His shirt.
Ellie had been unable to give up the warm garment that still bore a hint of his intoxicating scent.

“Do you think it’s fair to make promises, Aran?”

She noticed he dropped the formality of referring to him as Chief.

“We listen to her story,
then
we formulate a plan.” Solid steel and aggression coated Aran’s tone.

Dar sighed. “And exactly what do you think the Commander is going to have to say about all of this?”

Aran shifted and moved his head from her shoulder. Ellie missed the contact instantly. Need uncurled in her belly.

“I’ll handle Jax.”

There was silence for a whisper of a second. The two men battled it out with non-verbal communication. Ellie sensed the exact moment Dar gave up.

“Fine.
Ms. Cage, please continue.”

At Dar’s words, her hand dropped from Aran’s hair to fist in her lap. She took a deep breath and launched into her tale. A tale too horrific to believe but was the truth none the less. She spoke of her mother, the death of her father and her mother’s subsequent marriage to Palo Hinder. Then she told them of her discovery.
The CD.
The proof that the senate leader killed his wife in hopes of inheriting her fortune.

When she finished, Dar shook his head then thrust his hand through his hair. “Those are serious claims. Do you realize the election is coming up and Hinder is up for renewal on his seat?”

Ellie knew that which was also why she ran. Palo wouldn’t let the truth jeopardize his chances. Aran growled. The low sound escalated to a loud rumble. Fury emanated from him as he slammed to his feet.

“Nothing happens to my mate.”

Mate. Ellie frowned. They really needed to discuss what he’d done to her. Even now she felt the stirrings of desire return. She needed to focus on her survival but instead she eyed Aran’s lips and wanted to kiss him.

Their gazes clashed and the growl cut off abruptly only to be replaced with a low purr. Ellie flushed as Dar watched the both of them. Aran pushed her chair back and helped her to her feet.

He didn’t look at Dar when he said. “Send clothing to my quarters. I’ll get her ready before we get Jax involved.”

Dar rose slowly to his feet. “Do you need anything else?”

Ellie searched Aran’s jeweled stare.

“No,” he answered and with another tug, Ellie followed him.

Aran reached his room at the exact moment his control broke. The door closed behind them as he yanked on the edge of the shirt she wore.
 
He pushed the material high enough he could cup her satiny warmth. Dampness greeted his palm.

“Ellie,” he groaned.

She writhed against the wall where he balanced her. Aran pinned her wrists above her head with his free hand. He leaned the weight of his hips into her softness. His arousal throbbed, each twitch demanding he take her. Take what was his.

“Ellie.”
He couldn’t say anything more.
Had no words to offer.

She stretched up on her toes, head tipped back and nipped at him. Aran jerked back. When he looked down she smiled.
A smile of possession.
Heat surged in his loins. Aran kissed her. Pressed his mouth to hers and plunged into the splendor of her taste. She opened for him.
Like a flower bud parting for the sun.

Without muata blinding him, Aran could luxuriate in her every touch. He released her hands wanting to feel her every where. His hand continued to brush over her seam. Moisture coated his fingers as he glided one into her entrance.

“What are you doing to me, Aran?”

Her hands were on his shoulders, in his hair. His animal leaped toward her with recognition. “Mine.”

The demand came from the heart of him.
His nature.

Her fingers struggled with the clasps on his shirt until Aran helped remove it. Fire licked across his flesh where her fingers touched. Every stroke seared him. He tried to hold back but a rough growl rolled up his chest.

Ellie’s hands paused on his mid-section. Aran stilled worried that he’d frightened her. Her lips curled up. “You do that a lot.”

He did. Argorans mimicked their cat sounds in human form and retained their ability to think when shifted. The dual nature played a large part into what made them a deadly foe.

“Does it bother you?”

Her lips parted to answer when his door chimed. Aran turned and wrapped his arms around her as the door opened. He knew Dar wouldn’t have interrupted him which left only one other person who had access to override his locks.

The man who entered carried the scent of anger though his bland features gave away nothing. He didn’t stray passed the threshold, zeroing in on the two of them. The uniform of the crew fit the large frame with ease and did nothing to hide the man’s bulk.

“Chief T’Kar is there anything you want to share with me?”

Aran cursed under his breath. He eased his hands from Ellie while maintaining his protective stance in front of his mate. Jax strolled in further and eyed him with piercing grey eyes.

“Chief?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jax covered it well but Aran’s senses tuned in to the every minute emotion. Right now his commander was pissed and with good reason. Aran visualized squeezing Dar’s neck.

Jax folded his arms over a formidable chest covered in three grey stripes which designated his rank. “Before you go rampaging, Dar didn’t say anything.”

Aran flushed.

“I occasionally view my own security footage,” Jax continued.
“Especially when a high level cell is activated for use.”

Dar! If he hadn’t allowed his confusion to dictate his actions and tranqued Aran there could have been time to talk to his friend and explain everything to him.

“I’m waiting, Aran.” He also looked seconds away from loading Aran with more of the tranquilizer in the dart gun discretely tucked into the waist of his pants and to the side of his regulation weapon.
 

Jax was a good friend and a good Commander. After their conversation about his latest muata, the man had the right to be wary. “Allow me to introduce you to my mate, Ellie.”

“Are you out of your mind, T’Kar?” Jax snapped, losing the stern posture and storming to the middle of the room but keeping a respectable distance between
he
and Aran. “Do you think I wouldn’t recognize one of the most wanted women in this part of space?”

Grey eyes narrowed on Ellie. “Elliana Cage, I presume?”

Aran scented her fear and had to shove his cat down hard to keep the animal from growling at his superior officer. Jax allowed a lot but threats would not go over well in this situation. Aran was in the wrong and they both knew it.

“Yes.” Ellie’s voice squeaked when she answered.

Jax frowned and paced. “Not only are you wanted for attempted murder, you have boarded the Z illegally. Now…” He paused to shoot a glare at Aran. “Now you have two of my men…my security team embroiled in your mess.”

Her fingers clenched on his waist but Aran ignored the small pricks of pain from her nails. If Jax didn’t back off Aran was going to throw his Commander against the door and pin his throat with his claws in warning.

Jax waited but Ellie didn’t speak. When Aran risked a glance down her face was pale and she had her head down in defeat.

“Have you anything to say?” Jax continued.

Aran’s cat surged from his control.
“Stop!
You go too far, Commander.”

Jax glared.
“Obviously not far enough.
What were you thinking, Aran?”

He relaxed. The use of his name signaled the lack of true fury in his friend. “I wasn’t, Jax. Muata remember?”

Jax exhaled and pointed at Ellie. “You’ve caused a lot of trouble.” He focused on Aran. “What’s the plan? You do have a plan I hope.”

***

Ellie stepped to the side of Aran not willing to let him hide her. She was to blame and wouldn’t have him suffer for her actions. This entire mess was her fault. “I didn’t mean to get anyone in trouble. I didn’t know what to do. Palo is setting me up.”

The handsome man had a frown dark enough to have Ellie wishing she’d stayed behind Aran. Cold grey eyes stared at her as if he could see down into her soul. She shivered not enjoying the sensation at all.

“If you expect me to take you at your word, you’re a fool, Ms. Cage. Tell me the full story and don’t leave anything out. I’m not besotted like my chief of security and I’m not afraid of Aran like my lieutenant.”

Aran snorted but for the first time hope struggled to rise in Ellie. Her decision to run was faulty. She’d fallen right into Palo’s trap. Without access to her money and no idea where to go, she’d allowed him to force her into behaving rashly. Taking a deep breath she straightened her shoulders and told Aran’s Commander everything she’d shared with him.

When she was done, he had one question. “What proof do you have and it better be damn good, Ms. Cage.”

“You should probably call me Ellie at this stage.”

His nose curled.
“Commander Brom, for you.”

She gaped but then his grey eyes crinkled with humor. Ellie smiled. “It’s nice to meet you under the circumstances and I’m sorry for sneaking on board your ship.”

“We might only patrol the borders but the Zanian IX is a battle cruiser, Ellie.”

Aran’s hands came over her shoulders and squeezed gently. The door chimed again and Jax rolled his eyes.

“I’m sure that’s my lieutenant here to rescue you from my wrath.”

Aran didn’t move, merely barked out, “Enter.”

Dar hesitated when his gaze landed on Jax. He entered anyway, his arms holding a bundle of clothing. “Shyla sent some of her things. I assumed you want to keep Ms. Cage’s presence a secret a little longer.”

Ellie accepted the clothing. “Thank you. It’s Ellie.”

“We’ll wait for you out here, Ellie.” Aran directed his next words to the two men. “Dar is right. We need to keep this to ourselves until we figure out what to do.”

“That all depends on what evidence she has. Otherwise what she’s accusing Hinder of will be near hard to prove.”

Jax’s statement was the truth but Ellie was confident if she could get to the disc she’d recorded her findings on it would make matters easy. She hurried to the cleansing room and showered before dressing in the green top and tan pants. The fit was a little loose in the waist but outside of that she and the guard must have been fairly close in size.

Ellie rejoined the men in the other room. Aran sat on his bed, elbows propped on his knees. To her dismay he’d put his shirt back on but at least he’d left it open and her view of his chest made her mouth water. She jerked her head away to keep from attacking him in front of his friends. His lieutenant, Dar, sat in the only chair in the room next to the small desk at the side of the bed.

But his Commander, Jax, leaned against the wall, one shoulder propped on the frame, head tipped to the side when she entered. His grey eyes tracked her movement as she made her way to sit beside Aran whose arm ensnared her waist as soon as she was close. Ellie tumbled onto the bed their hips bumping. When she tried to move beside him, Aran simply lifted her and sat her crossways on his lap.

Her mouth parted to protest but he whispered in her ear, “I need this Ellie.
Two men in my space and my new mate smelling sweet from her shower.
I want to hurt them.” He pressed a hand on her thighs. “Stay.”

Jax raised a brow but made no comment on her position. “Do you have this alleged evidence, Ellie?”

This was the hard part. “No.”

Aran stiffened beneath her thighs. Dar’s eyes widened.

“You.
Don’t. Have.
It.”
Jax didn’t straighten from his slouch but his grey eyes darkened like a storm about to let loose.

“I sent it to a friend.
For safe keeping.”

“I suggest you tell us who if you want us to have any hope of protecting you. This is a serious matter.”

Ellie took a deep breath. Aran’s reassuring presence helped when she admitted out loud. “I sent it to my friend Lissi Jaard. I couldn’t think of anywhere safer.”

Jax nodded. “Can we trust her? Is there any reason that she may have destroyed the evidence or lie about having it.”

Ellie’s gaze turned dark at his implication. “Lissi would never do that. Her father served on the government council. My father knew him and considered him trustworthy.”

Jax took a moment to accept this then asked, “Now how can we get in touch with her.”

“I didn’t meet with Lissi in person but I know she received the disc because she sent me a message link saying she received it and would hold on to it until I could get it from her on Enotia.”

“Whoa! Did you say, Jaard?” Dar glanced from Jax to Aran. “You both realize who she’s talking about, right?”

Aran’s thighs stiffened even more beneath her legs until she felt as if she sat on a solid slab of stone. Ellie worried her bottom lip and twisted her hands in her lap. She wasn’t in touch with Lissi much since their paths no longer crossed. Lissi made a likely choice when she’d panicked since Ellie didn’t think her stepfather would even think to question her. Palo Hinder had too much power on Rastor and would use his position to intimidate the few friends Ellie had there.

Jax swore as the answer came to him and he turned away. The tension in the room grew thick with the Commander’s emotions. Aran’s arms tensed around her waist and a now familiar rumble built in his chest. When Jax turned back to face them, his eyes swirled with rage he made no attempt to hide. His dark brows creased in the middle as he snarled. “You sent it to the Chosen of a fucking Jutak warrior? Do you know what those bastards will do if you’ve put her life in danger? And Rydak’s Chosen? Rydak! He’s deadly under normal circumstances. Not to mention Torkel’s connection to her.”

Ellie shivered, worry taking shape in the form of a lump in the middle of her throat. Jutak Warriors were the alliance’s elite soldier force. “I didn’t know. I mean I knew Lissi fell for a soldier on her home world but she never mentioned he was a Jutak. I would never put her in danger. I just thought it was the one place Palo wouldn’t look.”

Aran sat her on the bed and stood. The muscles in his chest twitched as he faced off with his Commander.
“Jax.”

His commander ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “Aran, if you weren’t the best security officer I’ve met in my years in the fleet, I’d dump both of you on the nearest asteroid.”

Dar snickered and received glares from both men.

Aran leaned toward her and caressed Ellie’s shoulder. The touch conveyed warmth and support. “We’ll take care of it.” To Jax, he said, “contact Lissi Jaard and make sure she still has it. Also have her tell Rydak that what she has is potentially dangerous if anyone discovers where Ellie sent it. We need to get Rydak’s Unit Leader, Torkel Alonson, involved. I’ve had dealings with him in the past and he’s fair.”

Jax sighed. “And how exactly are we to do all of this? There’s still the matter of the training exercise for the crew of the Z.”

Aran didn’t look the least disturbed. “We’re a few days out from Xenol. If we change our course slightly from Urala, we’ll still make the training on time. The Jutaks can meet us on Xenol since it’s not far from Enotia.”

Jax agreed. “I’ll reach out to Torkel and their Jutak Commander. We could be pulling them from a mission but the idea that Palo Hinder could be a murderer has too many political ramifications to ignore.”