The Bond That Consumes Us (12 page)

“If the mate doesn’t pursue such a drastic measure, then they are taken to a
ti mara
.

The closest thing in your language is monastery, though ours isn’t for the same purpose. It’s a place where the mate can be alone to deal with his or her grief. The island where the
ti mara
is located is quite beautiful.”

“How long were you there?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Taber’s heart pounded in his chest, and his throat tightened. He had to look away, letting his eyes drift back over the crowd.

“Too long…and not long enough.”

The spell they had been under was broken when a drunken couple tripped and stumbled into Fallon. She let out a small squeak as she fell forward, her arms pin-wheeling as she tried to catch her balance. Taber’s arms were around her waist, pulling her hard against his chest.

“Shit,” she yelped. The couple continued on completely oblivious.

“Are you hurt?” Taber asked, his lips close to her ear.

She shivered in his arms before he set her gently back on her feet. Fallon stepped away quickly, her hands drifting to her sides, rubbing where his touch had been only moments ago.

“I’m fine. I better get back to the bar.” Fallon paused, biting her bottom lip and looking up at him. “Are you going to be here all night?”

While he knew he shouldn’t, that anyone who knew his people would know the significance behind the act, Taber couldn’t resist. He turned to face her, giving her a deep bow. “Until you are done for the night. I will be escorting you back to your quarters.”

She paused for a moment, a curious look on her face before she nodded and returned to work. He kept his eyes on her the entire time until he knew she was safe back behind the bar.

“Fallon okay?”

Taber turned to see Jenny, the female security officer from earlier standing beside him. She was no longer in uniform, instead wearing a loose-fitting green shirt and tight black pants. Her black hair rested loose on her shoulders, part of which fell forward to cover half her face. She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck, looked up at him and smiled.

It was obvious the woman was trying to catch his attention. He’d seen other women perform similar displays in the past. But unlike Fallon, Jenny’s actions did little to stir his emotions.

77

“Fallon is fine. She’s returned to work.”

“And are you working? I’ve noticed you haven’t done much in the way of moving around.”

Jenny brought a drink up to her lips and took a long sip out of a straw. The red coloring she’d put on her mouth was bright red and made her pale face seem even whiter. The fact that she’d been paying enough attention to him to notice he’d barely moved meant others would have noticed as well. Perhaps even the killer.

“While this wasn’t a planned event, I’m here to ensure this wake went forward without any disruptions. The crew of this ship deserves to mourn their losses.”

“Yeah, Nate was a great guy. I’m going to miss him. And while Lukas was a pain in the ass, he didn’t deserve that.” Jenny frowned and stared into her drink for a moment before looked back up and smiling. “So when will you be getting off duty? I can’t imagine you Briel work twenty-four hours a day. I can show you around the ship. I know some great spots.”

Jenny took a step forward, and reached out and picked off something invisible from his sleeve. Taber made sure to keep his body still, not reacting to her in any fashion. He did look from the spot on his arm where she’d touched him and back into her eyes, raising his eyebrow. To her benefit, Jenny blushed and took a step back.

“I thank you, but I have many duties to attend while I’m on ship. I’ll be returning back to the colony once the murderer has been caught.”

“I’d love to visit Eurus someday. I hear it’s beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

Taber returned his attention to the crowd. When he looked up, he saw Fallon standing behind the bar, staring at him. For once, he couldn’t read her expression, so instead he simply stared at her.

“Well, I better get back to the party. I hope the captain doesn’t work you too hard.”

“Thank you.” He nodded as Jenny disappeared back into the crowd.

The rest of the night continued without incident. No one approached Fallon for anything more than a drink or quick conversation. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred, and the wake began to wind down as the computer announced the approaching the ship’s equivalent of dawn.

When only Fallon, Lance and himself were left, Taber left is post and began to pick up several chairs that had been knocked over, as well as empty glasses.

“Hey, thanks,” Lance called out when he saw what Taber was doing. “If life in security ever gets boring, we could sure use another set of hands here.”

Taber let out a sigh and shook his head. “I prefer the tedium of the security office to the hectic pace you two keep.”

“Well no offense, you’d make a shitty bartender.” Lance stacked four glasses together as he wiped down a table. “You need to be able to make conversation with people that will keep them coming back for more.”

78

“Conversation isn’t, what is the expression, my strong suit?”

Lance chuckled. “Yeah, I picked up on that.”

Taber was sure to keep his eyes averted from Fallon, who was currently busy behind the bar restocking the bottles they used to mix the drinks. Instead, he stayed near Lance, nodded when necessary to acknowledge the progression of the one-sided conversation. It was only when Fallon yawned and Lance began to rub the back of his neck that he clapped his hands together, getting both their attention.

“I believe it is time I escorted you both home.”

“Both?” Fallon’s voice was nearly as loud as Lance.

“Of course. It would be irresponsible of me to allow anyone to walk unescorted with a murderer on ship.”

The real reason lay with the fact Lance spent as much time with Fallon as any man.

It was possible if the killer really was targeting the men in her life, that Lance would be high on that list. Or he could be the murderer. Expecting more protest, he turned to face them and crossed his arms across his chest.

“I trust there won’t be any arguing?” He punctuated the question with a raise of his eyebrow.

Lance looked at Fallon and rolled his eyes. She let her gaze skirt from her friend to Taber and quickly to the floor.

“Not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but it seems a bit ridiculous—”

“Lance, just let him,” Fallon said with a sigh. “It’s easier than trying to argue with him.”

Taber nodded. “Excellent. Now I believe we should be off. You both look ready to collapse.”

Thankfully, Lance’s quarters were closer to the bar than Fallon’s. That would give him precious extra minutes to be with her alone, even if she didn’t talk to him. Taber needed her, and that need was becoming more acute each day.

Upon reaching Lance’s quarters, Taber checked inside to ensure no one was waiting for him.

“Is it clear, crazy over-protective security guy?” Lance said with a chuckle.

“You are safe. Secure your door once we leave.”

“Night, sweetie,” Lance leaned over and gave Fallon a hug. “Don’t let this guy boss you around.”

“I never do.”

Taber felt the surge of anger return, only this time it was more difficult to push it away. He had to physically walk a short distance down the hall to give himself the space to calm his nerves.

“You okay?”

79

A shiver ran down his back at the sound of Fallon’s voice. His heart pounded so loud and strong, he was sure she’d be able to hear. When they’d made love last night, when she’d let him control her desires, his connection to her strengthened. She was his and he’d kill any other man who touched her in that way. Somehow, he didn’t think she’d want to hear those words from him. Swallowing, he looked at her and nodded.

“Let me get you back to your quarters.”

They walked in silence until they reached her door. Taber waited for her to release the door lock, before gently nudging her aside and walking in first.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you’re checking my place. You did it for Lance after all.”

“I would do the same for anyone who is in danger.”

“Even Jenny?”

He stopped mid-stride and turned to look at her. She was busy rearranging the data pads on her desk. The neat pile now in total chaos.

“If I thought a serial killer was targeting her, then yes, even Jenny. Would you expect me to do anything else?”

His question seemed to catch her off guard. She looked up, her lips parted slightly, as if she were getting ready to be kissed. The thought made his cock hard, which he didn’t bother to try and hide.

“Well?”

She shook her head. “No. Knowing you the way that I do now, I would be shocked if you didn’t do everything in your power to help someone else.”

“But you didn’t like me talking to Jenny. You’re scared I would take her to my bed—fuck her the way I did you.”

It wasn’t a question. He’d watched her after, had recognized the look of frustrated jealousy she’d been trying hard to hide. She was in as much torment as he was—neither of them willing or able to do anything about it. Their discomfort went beyond sex, with no easy answer.

“I’ll leave you to your rest. I will be just outside your door for what little remains of the night and for the morning. Don’t open the door unless you check who it is, and either I or Sean is there.”

Fallon simply nodded. “Thank you.”

“Sleep well.”

Taber stepped outside her door, locked his hands behind his back and prayed his mind would ignore the fact the woman he wanted more than his bond mate was sleeping only a few feet away—and he couldn’t have her.

80

Fallon had somehow been able to sleep. It was weird because she didn’t think she was going to be able to. The only thing that had helped was the fact she knew Taber stood just outside her door, there to protect her.

Now, she’d never been much for the whole damsel in distress routine, but she had to admit there was something appealing about it. Especially when her knight in shinning armor was a seven-foot-tall, alien wall of muscle who took great pleasure dominating her in the bedroom. Still, she knew there was a lot more to Taber than the ability to keep the monsters away at night. And it was that part that had captured her attention.

Hers and mostly every other hot-blooded female on the ship.

She’d spent most of her conversations at Nate’s wake answering questions about Taber. Both men, but mostly women, wanted to know everything she had on the mysterious Briel standing against the wall. Though funnily enough, it was only Jenny who’d had the balls to actually approach him. The woman had the sensitivities of an asteroid when it came to moving in on someone else’s man.

Fallon checked with the computer and, yes, the alien in question was still standing outside her door. Even though she’d slept for five hours, she doubted he’d taken a break or allowed Sean to cover his post for him. She’d seen the flash of anger on his face when Lance had hugged her in the corridor. The ferocity of it had caught her off guard but told her more about him than any conversation ever could. He’d somehow claimed her as his own but wasn’t quite willing to tell the world about it.

The funny thing was she felt the same way about him.

She’d been ready to jump across the bar and strangle Jenny to within an inch of her life when she’d seen her flirting with Taber. It was completely unlike her to react like that. She’d had boyfriends in the past who’d been worse flirts than Taber, and it hadn’t risen more than her eyebrow.

What it had done for her tonight was make her realize she couldn’t dismiss her feelings for Taber as easily as she thought she could. Whether she liked it or not, she needed to try and see where things could go between them, or else she’d always regret it. That was something she wasn’t prepared to do.

Standing, she walked over to the door, took a deep breath and pressed the release button. Taber turned his head just enough so he could see her out of his peripheral vision.

“Good morning,” he said, a slight note of exhaustion in his voice.

“Good morning. When did you last sleep?”

81

He paused, frowning, before he straightened his back. “Forty-six hours ago.”

Holy shit!
“That was before we…”

“Were together. Yes.”

Without waiting, she hooked her arm around his and yanked hard in the direction of her quarters. “In. Now.”

“Sean will be by to relieve me in two hours. I will rest then.”

“No, you’ll come in here now, I’m going to lock the door and you’re going to sleep.

Forty-six hours is insane. Even for a Briel, I’m sure.”

She didn’t think he was going to listen at first, but after a few more tugs, he allowed her to pull him inside. Clearly, he was tired. She could tell by the way his shoulders sagged forward just an inch or so. His normally sharp gaze was sluggish, focusing on a spot a bit longer than he needed to. Still, he was strong, alert, and she knew if someone broke her door down at that moment, Taber would be more than ready to take them on.

“When was the last time you ate?”

Looking down his muscular frame, she was surprised he didn’t eat every few hours. It must take a shit load of working out to keep in that kind of shape. Come to think of it, she’d never seen him in the gym.

Just the once—investigating Lukas’s death.

“I ate before seeing Captain Zane, yesterday morning.”

“Do you normally treat yourself this crappy?” How the hell did he live for so long without dying from neglect?

“Only when I’m working.”

“Don’t you work all the time?”

A small smile crossed his lips at her comment.

“That’s what I figured. Okay, I want you to sit down,” she said, giving him a shove toward the one comfortable chair she had in her entire place. “And I’m going to get you something to eat before I put you to bed.”

“Fallon—”

“Don’t even start. If you want me to stay in my quarters, and I assume you do, based on your stalking me last night, then I suggest you let me mother you a bit.”

That seemed to catch his attention and he let her push him into the chair. Leaning over the back of his shoulder, she licked the ridge of his ear. “Good boy.”

He chuckled. “I thought I was the one who gave the orders.”

“Not when you’re being stupid. Now, do you have any allergies that I should be aware of?”

“Allergies?”

“I’m about to make you an Earth classic and I want to make sure I don’t end up putting you in med bay. Is there anything you can’t eat?”

82

Taber sighed, letting his head fall back against the back of the chair, which moved his cheek against hers.

“I can eat anything you make.”

“Excellent!” Fallon pushed away from the chair, just escaping his reach with a giggle. “Ha! I’m too fast for you.”

“Care to test that theory?”

“Only after you’ve been up for another fort-six hours. How the hell can you go that long without sleep?”

There was a long pause as Fallon pulled out a jar of peanut butter from her storage cupboard. For a moment, she thought he may have fallen asleep and all her efforts would be for nothing. She was about to call for him when he finally said something.

“I stayed awake once for fifty-two hours. It was in the war.”

Good god!
“Were you in battle?”

She made short work of the sandwich and grabbed some nutrition bars and a couple apples for good measure. Before she rejoined him, she yanked the tie from her hair, letting it fall free around her shoulders. He’d wanted her hair free when they were together and she wanted him to stay put and rest. If that meant distracting him to do it, she was all for it. Walking out, she placed the simple feast on the table at his side.

“Here you go. Best peanut butter sandwich this side of Earth.”

Taber started at her before focusing on the meal, his eyes locked on the plate with the sandwich. He swallowed hard, finally looking up at her. Fallon forgot to breathe when she saw the unshed tears in his eyes. Crawling onto his lap, she gently caressed his cheek.

“Are you okay?” she whispered, touching her hair. “Did I do something wrong?”

Nodding once, he gave her a small smile. “Yes, I was in battle. It was the first time I’d seen combat like that. I’d only been in the Protectorate for a few months.”

She reached over and grabbed the sandwich off the plate and held it to his mouth.

“You need to eat something. So open.”

He actually looked shocked at her actions. “You made this with your own hands?”

“Of course.” She grinned at him. “Like I said, best peanut butter sandwich out there. I mean, the jam isn’t as good as what you can get on Earth because I had to make it myself. And the hydroponics bay can’t quite get the strawberries to turn out right—”

Her gasp was swallowed by his kiss. It took a second for Fallon’s brain to clue in to what was happening, before her whole body responded. Closing her eyes, she relaxed against his chest, opening her mouth fully to his. It wasn’t like their crazy, lust-driven kisses from before. This time something had changed. He was less demanding with his lips, more gentle with his touch. When he finally broke the contact, neither one of them moved immediately away.

“What was that for?” She pressed another quick kiss against his lips.

83

“On my planet, it is a high honor for a female to make a meal for a male. An even greater honor if she feeds it to him by her hand.”

She couldn’t help the smile on her face. “Well, it is an honor, Taber. You are a most amazing man.”

Shifting in his arms, she brought the sandwich to his mouth and waited. He paused for only a second before taking a large bite and beginning to chew. A part of her was anxious to know what he thought of it, probably the same part that loved the fact a simple sandwich had turned into something bigger.

Because she realized she really did want bigger from him.

“So, do you like it?”

“It’s delicious.” He pulled her hand closer and took another bite.

“Good,” she said and kissed his forehead. “I actually have another whole jar of the peanut butter and a bit more bread, but I’m almost out of jam. My next batch of berries won’t be ready until next month.”

“I will have to ask the Eurus hydroponics bay to add some of these berries to their grow list.”

When he had only a thin strip of crust left, Taber reached up and held her by the wrist, preventing her from moving back. He put both the bread and her fingers into his mouth, sucking off the jam that had spilled over the side of the bread. The intimacy of the action sent a shiver through her, her nipples hardening at the thought of being sucked. A blush heated her face and she quickly looked at the table.

“Do you want something else to eat? I can make you something else.”

Taber cupped her cheek and she couldn’t help but lean into his hand. His thumb caressed her skin as his large hand held her.

“No. Thank you,” he said in a shaky voice.

“You are very welcome.”

He pulled her against his chest so her head rested on his shoulder. The position felt natural, comfortable, as if she’d done it a hundred times in the past. His body relaxed under her, and she cuddled in closer when he wrapped his arms around her.

“You asked about the battle I’d been in.’

“Only if you want to talk about it. I can imagine it wasn’t pleasant for you.”

His hand began to trace a lazy line along the top of her shoulder, tangling in her hair as he went. She thought his eyes were open, but she didn’t want to move to check, inadvertently break the fragile mood in the room.

“I was very young when I met Calantha. Barely old enough to have a mate, let alone know how to make her happy. When she…died, I was nearly lost. I joined the Protectorate, hoping it would chase away the feelings.”

Fallon reached up and caressed the base of his throat. “What feelings?”

84

He swallowed hard before resting his chin on her head. “Guilt, anger. I was young and my mate was dead. I had nothing to lose, so it made me the perfect soldier.”

“Did anyone know? That your mate was…” she struggled to find the right word.

“That she was gone?”

“Only my commanding officer. It was during that battle, my last with the Ecada, that he found out.”

Taber stopped talking, his hand paused mid-caress on her shoulder. She was dying to know more, find out all she could about him, but she knew better than to push.

Getting people to talk was as much of an art form as mixing drinks. She didn’t have to wait for long.

“We engaged the Ecada on one of our outer colony worlds. We’d pushed them back to a mountain, but they managed to find some tunnels and had dug in deep. They were still able to use their psychic abilities to confuse us. Most of the men were able to fight it, but I was too…new. I was trapped in a bunker with my commander. “

His hand began to move again, only this time the lazy pattern wasn’t as relaxed.

Fallon waited, listening to his heartbeat slowly begin to increase in rhythm.

“When the group of Ecada that had us pinned down began to mess with my mind, I went crazy. I started to attack my superior, nearly killed him.”

“Shit.”

“He was stronger, more experienced than I was. But I thought he’d stolen my mate, taken her and killed her.”

“Oh Taber.”

He gave her a gentle hug. “I don’t need your pity. It was a long time ago and something that helped me to move on.”

“Okay.”

Sitting up in the chair, Taber pressed a kiss against her temple. “I shouldn’t talk of these things. I’m sure you don’t want to hear about them.”

Fallon sat up and smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand. “If you don’t tell me what happened, I’m never making you another sandwich.”

He gave her a tiny smile and nodded. “I tried to kill my commander with my knife.

That’s how the Ecada killed so many of us. Confused our minds so we didn’t know who the true enemy was. But the commander was strong, easily forced me to the ground.”

It was hard to imagine anyone being stronger than Taber.

“What did he do?”

“He knocked me out and dragged me to safety. Once I woke, he forced the story from me. Similar to what you are doing to me now. He would have approved of your methods. Once he found out about Calantha and what had happened to her, he helped me get over the pain.”

85

She realized there was only one way his commander would be able to do that.

“He’d lost his mate too?”