“As you can see”—he gestured to the vidfeed that was still playing and waved his hand to turn off the display—”and have heard from Euouae, Selena is completely fine.”
Walking over to the drink dispenser, he grabbed his daily meal beverage and turned to leave. Kaede paused as the galley doors opened and glanced over his shoulder.
“If Selena hadn’t requested that I allow the six of you to travel with us to her moon, I would’ve spaced you for insulting my character. My genetics don’t define me or my life’s journey. You’re lucky that I’m trying to behave for Selena’s sake and that I’m not in the right mind to make threats in this condition. Neither of you is worth the despair I would cause her by making an example out of you.
“However, if you try to harm her or her clan, you will answer to me. Remember that.”
Chapter Forty Selena
An intense burning coursed through my veins, jerking me awake.
Breathing heavily, I felt trapped within the comforter as sweat dripped from my body, soaking the sheets beneath me. Glancing to the side, I found the male who had done this to me missing from my bed.
By constantly injecting me with his Bahzyl, he had triggered the same mating lust within me. My body ached for release. The juncture of my legs remained constantly slick, and the craving to be filled never subsided unless I passed out from exhaustion.
Growling, I yanked the comforter off and threw the offending fabric onto the floor. The room was too hot to be bundled up in such a heavy blanket.
“Vowels, where is Kaede?”
My golden companion appeared beside my bed, frowning as he studied me.
“He’s on the bridge.”
“Why in the Stars is he there instead of here?”
“You’ll have to ask him that.” He crossed his arms. “But you should know that the others are worried about you and have questioned him about your disappearance.”
“I can’t be around them when I’m in this condition!” I groaned, covering my face with an arm. “How am I supposed to face them in a constant state of arousal? I know that Zyxel, for one, would be able to scent it because he has a similarly sharp sense of smell as Kaede. There is no way I can deal with them in my current condition.”
“Kaede has calmed their worries, but you should know he showed great restraint.”
“Oh Stars,” I mumbled, lifting my arm enough to gaze at my companion. “Don’t tell me he threatened them.”
“He did, but only after they offended him.”
“Is everyone in one piece?” I groaned, covering my eyes. I wasn’t in the mood to do damage control, especially now. “Just forget it. I don’t want to know.”
“No one was harmed.”
“Praise the Stars,” I muttered, uncovering my eyes as I sat up. “I already have to worry about my mates and don’t need to deal with any more injuries.”
“LIU is fully capable of treating—”
“I know, I know, I know.”
Smiling, I studied my companion, taking in his baggy pants and vest, reminiscent of what the commander twins wore. I was glad to see him trying different outfits. I wanted him to feel free to experiment with his appearance, as long as he didn’t mirror anyone I knew.
“What did they do to anger Kaede?”
“I don’t understand mating habits, but from what I’ve gathered, it’s best you ask him yourself.” With a slight grin, he offered me his hand. “I can summon you a meal beverage if you want.”
“Thank you.” When I took his hand, a warm fuzzy feeling coursed through my arm. He pulled me out of bed. “But first, I think I’ll get Kaede and bring him back here.”
“I could summon him.”
Shaking my head, I waved him off. “Let me do this. I’ll ensure the male thinks twice before he leaves my side.”
“Your wish is mine,” he whispered, his voice like a caress along my spine as he disappeared.
Dressing was pointless when I planned to strip again within minutes. Grabbing a robe, I put it on and tied the cord around my waist as I exited the room and stormed down the hall, heading for the bridge.
Kaede had taken the reins during our initial time together as mates. I was going to give him a taste of what he loved doing to me by torturing him to no end. He would soon regret leaving me alone in my bed after rendering me so helpless.
The bridge doors opened, revealing the male I was searching for, sitting with his back facing me.
“What are you doing here, Selena?” Kaede growled as he audibly inhaled. “Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“How can I rest when I am in a constant state of arousal because of you?” I mocked as I walked up behind him. Placing my mouth to his ear, I dragged my hands down his chest and felt his muscles tense beneath my touch. “I think you need to be reminded that we are safe. Your siblings are traveling with us, and Oeta and her father are listening in case we call for help. Your vessel is in good hands. Let your Oetsae crew do their job and do yours.”
“And that is?”
“Ease the burning in our veins.” I nibbled his earlobe before pressing my hand on his living uniform disk.
Instantly, the uniform collapsed into itself, revealing a very naked Kaede in all his glory, sitting on his commander’s chair.
“Selena,” he hissed, gripping my wrist. “What are you doing?”
“Making sure you won’t ever leave my side until this is over with,” I explained, gripping his uniform disk in my hand as I circled his chair. As soon as his darkened eyes met mine, he released my wrist, letting me toss the disk on
