Can a war-weary commander win the heart of his independent mate before the Pylorians silence her forever?
Dracus has known nothing but war. With Morax hostilities escalating and a rebellion brewing among his own troops, he doesn’t see that changing any time soon. Then Addison visits Lunar Prime. Now he is in the grip of bonding fever and all he can think about is claiming his mate. She is stubborn and independent. Good thing he thrives on challenge.
Addison is brought to Lunar Prime when her life is threatened, but secrets draw her back to Earth. Her attraction to Dracus is instant and powerful. Still, she is not willing to redefine her life to please a male. Even one as tempting as Dracus.
Copyright © 2022 Cyndi Friberg
“Dracus,” she sighed. “You’ve been really kind, and I think you’ll make someone a wonderful mate. But my life is back on Earth.”
Without warning, he picked her up and set her on one of the tables scattered around the room. She gasped and grabbed his arms, his rock-hard biceps to be exact. He eased her legs apart and stepped between them. Their faces were closer to level but he gently tilted her head back until she met his smoldering gaze.
“This requires a much longer conversation but know this. You have lived in my dreams since Leko freed my mind from Pylorian control. You are my mate, Addison. And I am yours. Nothing can change that.”
His large, warm hand pressed against the side of her face as his mouth settled over hers. This kiss was very different than the night before. His lips slid and pressed, coaxing rather than taking, but she could sense the smoldering possessiveness underscoring the exchange. She’d expected aggression and demand. He seduced, arousing her desires gradually.
Tempted by his patience and his unique scent, she opened, allowing his tongue into her mouth. Again his approach wasn’t what she expected. He eased just barely past her lips, touching the tip of his tongue to hers and then retreating. A hint of his taste teased her senses, leaving her hungry for more.
She inhaled deeply then ventured past his lips, seeking out more of that evocative flavor. Faintly spicy, yet sweet, the more distinct his taste became, the more she wanted. He pulled her closer and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hands moved boldly over his back as the kiss deepened.
His hand slid into her hair and he made a loose fist. He wasn’t hurting her, but the subtle aggression sent tingles ricocheting all through her body. He was so damn big and powerfully built, and she barely knew him. A faint voice in the back of her mind warned her to be wary, but her body wasn’t listening.
Her legs tightened and her hips began to rock. She wanted to touch him, feel him as he pressed against her and thrust into her. A strangled moan escaped her throat and she tore her mouth away from his. Her chest heaved, heartbeat thundering in her ears.
“I can’t…we can’t do this right now.” She forced the words out despite her body’s protests.
He panted harshly, eyes tightly closed. “I should not have begun this. We do not have time to discuss it properly.” His eyes opened and his gaze captured hers. “Say you will meet me tonight.”
She unhooked her ankles and rested her hands on the table to either side of her hips. “I can’t be your mate, Dracus. My life is on Earth.”