Raised to Kill (Kindred Tales)

“Husband,” she whispered, looking up at him. “I…I think I am beginning to love you, too.”

“Mmm, in that case, come here and show me, wife.” Brand pulled her close to his chest, pressing their naked bodies together intimately. “I want to make you come again,” he murmured, his big hands sliding down over her body. “I want to make you come until it feels so good you can’t think about anything else except your husband touching you.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Allara said breathlessly. “I…would like that very much, husband.”

“Then spread your legs for me baby. Gods, I wish I could go down on you! But for now, just getting to touch you is enough.” And he cupped her pussy in his big palm.

As her husband began to pleasure her yet again, Allara told herself to let go of her past and her people and the Unbreakable Oath, which she had apparently just broken.

Who’s going to know, whispered a little voice in her head. You pressed the transmitter, so they’re going to think that he’s dead and your mission is complete. Who’s going to know that you and your Kindred husband are actually still alive and living and loving each other?

Who’s going to know?

No one, Allara told herself as she gave herself up to the pleasure of Brand’s hands on her body. No one at all.

Twenty-Eight

“Are you certain you want to take this mission, Commander Brand?” Sylvan asked, frowning. “You’re still in the middle of your Claiming Period.”

“That’s exactly why I want to take it, Commander Sylvan,” Brand told him.

They were still lingering in the Council room, having finished the daily meeting and Brand was trying to make his case.

“Think about it,” he said to Sylvan. “It’s a diplomatic mission to a beautiful planet. The Dardens are supposed to be an extremely laid back and eminently civilized people. And their planet—Darden Three—is a tropical paradise. Pink, sandy beaches, warm, clear seas, sunsets that last two standard hours—what better place could there be to continue my Claiming Period with Allara?”

“Well, when you put it that way, it makes me want to take my own wife, Sophia, for a vacation to Darden Three,” Sylvan said thoughtfully. “But are you certain you won’t be too distracted with diplomacy to pay proper attention to your bride?”

“Looking at the Dardens’ proposed schedule, it doesn’t seem too onerous,” Brand told him. “They pretty much just want someone to come to a couple of state dinners and maybe make a speech about how the Kindred and the Dardens are the best of friends, etcetera, etcetera.” He shrugged. “I could do that in my sleep. And in the meantime, we’ll be spending our Tasting Week in a tropical paradise.”

“Well then, I suppose I can hardly deny you the right to take this mission.” Sylvan smiled at him. “But are you certain your new bride is ready to journey so far from her new home? Darden Three is light years from the Mother Ship—communication won’t be easy.”

“She’ll be fine. In fact, one of the reasons I want to take this mission is that Darden Three isn’t far from the Q’ess home planet,” Brand said. “I was thinking of sending a message to Allara’s family to let them know she’s all right and that our joining is going well. Who knows…?” He shrugged. “They might even invite us to visit. And then, once they see that their daughter is being treated well and that we truly love each other, they might decide that other Kindred can call brides from among the Q’ess.”

Sylvan shook his head in admiration.

“So you’re planning two diplomatic missions in one? Truly, I made the right choice when I placed you on the Council, Brand.”

“Well, thank you, Commander.” Brand smiled with pride. “I’m just doing my best for our people.”

“You’re doing an excellent job. And you’ve convinced me—go to Darden Three and contact the Q’ess on your way back. Are you going to tell your new bride that she might be seeing her family again soon?”

Brand shook his head.

“I want to keep it a surprise. That way, if the Q’ess refuse to meet with us for some reason, she won’t be disappointed.”

“A wise idea. May the Goddess grant you safe travels and much success.” Sylvan offered his forearm for a warrior’s clasp. “And be sure you enjoy this very special time in your Claiming Period.”

“Thank you, I will.” Brand took the offered forearm and clasped it firmly. “I’ll make you proud, Commander.”

“I’m certain you will.” Sylvan smiled at him. “And as soon as you’ve established good relations with the Dardens, I’m going to take my wife there for a second honeymoon. Pink sandy beaches and two-hour sunsets are just what we need.”

Brand smiled and nodded as he bid his commanding officer goodbye. He was whistling as he made his way back to his suite where Allara was waiting. He couldn’t wait to tell her the good news—they would be spending their Tasting Week in paradise!