The Bond That Consumes Us (23 page)

Haylie reached out and gave Fallon’s arm a squeeze. “I figured with everything that happened, you might consider staying here with us.”

The pain she’d been trying desperately to ignore threatened to poke through her defenses. Fallon took a deep breath and smiled, not really caring if it looked fake or not.

“I was thinking about it, but things didn’t work.”

“What the hell did he do? Cause I can kick his ass for you if you’d like. You have to do that to these stupid Briel on occasion.”

Fallon let out a surprised laugh, and quickly covered her mouth when two of the engineering crew turned to look at them. Haylie took a step closer and lowered her voice.

“Look, Taber is a good man. When I first met him, I thought he was an emotionless soldier who only did his duty. God, there was a time I didn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.”

Even though she knew the answer, Fallon had to ask. “And now?”

“I’d give my life if it meant saving him. And I know he’d do the same for me. Since I’ve bonded with Kamran, I have a whole new perspective on Taber.”

Fallon nodded. She knew he’d do anything to protect her—he’d proven that over and over recently. But she couldn’t stay just for a sense of security—hell, she couldn’t stay for the mind-blowing sex. She needed more than that. She wanted a man who could be her partner and share his life with her.

“I told him I loved him,” Fallon said softly, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor.

Haylie squeezed her arm a bit tighter. “What did he say?”

A single tear slipped down her cheek and Fallon quickly brushed it away. “He didn’t say anything.”

“But I thought he told you he loved you before?
Mi tramsi, shalla
, remember?”

He had said those words to her, and at the time she had no doubt that he’d meant them. Fallon looked up at Haylie and smiled.

“Yes, but he knew I wouldn’t understand them. And it was just after we’d made love. I’ve had guys tell me that in the past and not mean it.”

Haylie was about to say something else when her eyes went wide and she suddenly gasped. It was Fallon’s turn to grab her.

“Are you okay?”

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Wide eyed, Haylie looked at Fallon and swallowed hard before first nodding, then shaking her head. “Sorry. Kamran was just startled by something. It hit him really hard.

I’ll be fine in a second.”

Fallon waited while Haylie tried to catch her bearings again. She couldn’t help but remember the feelings she’d had when Tony was beating Taber senseless. She’d somehow felt more connected to him in those moments than ever before. That was why his rejection of her love hurt so much. She could only imagine what it would be like to be linked so securely to another. After a few minutes, Haylie seemed to get control of her emotions.

“Sorry. I’m sorry,” Haylie said a little breathlessly.

“Don’t worry about it. I just hope your husband is okay.”

“He’ll be fine. But I think we’re going to have a long conversation as soon as I get back to our home just to make sure.”

Fallon smiled. “It’s great to know that someone at least is happy.”

She turned back to face the shuttle. It wouldn’t be long before they would have the supplies loaded for the return trip and they’d be ready to board. Maybe another twenty minutes.

“I’m sorry to see you leave. I hope that doesn’t happen,” Haylie said softly. “I need to go check on my husband and daughter. You take care of yourself.”

“Thank you. For everything you’ve all done for me. Please give my best to Sara.”

With a final hug, Haylie walked off toward the tube, while Fallon resumed her wait.

If she was completely honest with herself, her leaving wasn’t all about Taber. She’d clung to her dreams for so long, they’d become some sort of idealized view of what her life could be like. Sitting in med bay, waiting to hear if Taber would be okay or not, her mind had raced through the possibilities of what it would mean if she were to stay on Eurus. Was she ready to give up everything and stay with a man who may or may not love her?

The minutes dragged on, each one playing havoc on her internal stability. It wasn’t until one of the engineering crew sauntered over to her that her heart began to pound.

He’s not coming for me.

“Hi there. You looking for passage back to Earth?”

“Yes, please.” Her stomach did a flip as the words left her.

“Do you have clearance from Eurus administration for departure?”

“Yes, I—”

“No, she doesn’t.”

Fallon spun around to see a deeply frowning Taber marching toward her. Her heart began to pound and her hands suddenly grew damp with each step that brought him closer to her. The crewman quickly scurried away when Taber looked at the smaller man and growled.

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“What are you doing?” she asked, more than a little breathless.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” His dark blue eyes flashed with a mixture of annoyance and something she could have sworn was lust.

Unable to look him in the eye, Fallon dropped her gaze to the floor. “I don’t think it’s really any of your concern.”

“You were going to leave and not even say good-bye to me.”

She heard the hurt in his voice and felt guilty. She’d never intended on making things worse—just saving her own fragile heart.

“You were in med bay. I thought it was best if I just…left.”

Taber lifted her chin with his hand, forcing her to look him in the eyes. When he took a step closer, the air left her lungs on a sigh. He was so big, imposing, that she’d always been a bit overwhelmed being close to him. But she also felt safe and secure—

and something that felt like an awful lot like being loved.

“It wouldn’t be for the best if you were to go,” he said in a low grumbling voice. He ran his thumb along her bottom lip, sending a shiver through her.

Fallon sucked in a deep breath, inhaling his scent. “Why? I didn’t think I mattered to you.”

He stiffened, his eyes clouding over, but he didn’t look away.

“
Mi tramsi, shalla.”

Fallon’s stomach flipped and her eyes widened. Even though she knew what the words meant, she wanted,
needed
him to tell her.

“What does—?” Her voice broke and tears filled her eyes.

Taber bent his head down and brushed the tip of his nose against hers, keeping his eyes locked on her.

“I love you.”

He said the words simply, without dramatic flare, but full of meaning. Before her mind had time to analyze things too much, Taber bent down and pressed a gentle kiss across her lips.

Shock hit her like a lightning bolt. He was kissing her—in public. There wasn’t any secrecy, the need to mislead people to think there was nothing between them. Taber was claiming her as his and he didn’t care who knew.

The moment her mind fully realized the meaning behind his kiss, Fallon’s body relaxed against his, pressing every inch she could against him. She could feel his cock growing against her stomach, telling her all she needed to know about his feelings. He loved her and wanted her—now.

And that was what she wanted too.

Driving her fingers into his hair, she pulled him closer, deepening the contact of their kiss. Everything else around them faded and all she could see and hear was the shallow gasps of their breathing and a deep purr coming from Taber. Her body 155

responded to his silent commands, her pussy growing damp and her nipples tightening. When he ground his hips against hers, Fallon just about came on the spot.

Taber pulled his head back with growl, gasping.

Fallon’s eyes were drawn to the crowd of onlookers and she immediately blushed.

Several of the men were grinning at them while others had a look of surprise that quickly morphed into smiles and laughter.

“Shit,” she muttered.

Taber took her by the hand and led her closer to the group. Her face was flaming now and she tried to hide her face with her free hand.

“What are you doing?” she said with a giggle.

“Listen, everyone,” Taber said in a voice that filled the shuttle bay. “I want you to all know that this woman, Fallon Reist, is my mate. If another man so much as looks at her in a manner I don’t like, you will answer to me.”

“Taber!”

“She is more important to me than the air I breathe, the food I eat or the water I drink.”

He then turned and took both her hands in his. When he dropped to both his knees, Fallon felt her world tilt on its side.

“I’ve been told this is the traditional manner in which your people claim their mates. Will you stay with me here on Eurus, be my wife?”

The sudden rush of his emotions hit her, sucking the air from her lungs. More than his words, she could
feel
how much she meant to him. And while she couldn’t hear his thoughts, she knew there was a connection between them deeper than anything she’d ever felt before.

Bending down, she placed a kiss on his forehead.

“Yes, I’ll be your wife.”

The crowd, now completely entranced with the drama unfolding in front of them, let out a cheer, clapping and laughing their support. Fallon couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled from her and kissed Taber’s lips once more. A small smile softened his face and she could see the emotion, love in his eyes.

“You honor me,” he whispered.

“Trust me, the honor is mine. You are the best man I’ve ever known.”

“It would mean a lot to me if I could also claim you in the manner that is typical of my people.”

Fallon nodded and kissed the tip of his nose. “Of course.”

What she didn’t expect was for Taber to stand up quickly, scooping her into his arms. She let out a squeak and locked her arms around his neck.

“If any man gets in my way, I will be forced to kill him,” he said loud enough for most of the crowd to hear.

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People chuckled, but no one was foolish enough to test his words as he carried her toward the lift.

“Where are we going?” she whispered in his ear.

“My quarters.”

She shivered at the dark sensuality in his tone. Fallon leaned in and licked his ear, sucking on his lobe.

“I like how your people propose.”

“You have no idea how sweet it is. But you’re about to find out.”

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Taber ignored every turned head or startled expression as he carried Fallon through the crowded bazaar toward the Briel living section of the station. When he passed two of the elders from the council, he was forced to stop and acknowledge them.

“Commander?” one asked, her eyebrow rose in question.

“I am
hetmila
. My mate died many years before I came to this place. I am claiming this woman as my own.”

The elder looked at Fallon, who simply dropped her head to his shoulder and nestled in closer. His cock was about ready to burst at the subtle possessive motion. He needed to get her back to his quarters—now.

“It pleases me to see you with a woman who is worthy of you. Once you have…claimed her, you will need to present her to the council.”

Taber nodded and flexed his hands against Fallon’s leg and shoulder. The councilwoman smiled and nodded slightly, giving him permission to leave. He didn’t hesitate, and carried Fallon away, praying no one would interrupt him further.

“Who were they?” Fallon whispered in his ear.

His cock twitched when she kissed his earlobe, circling the ridge with her tongue.

“Members of the elder council. Our leaders.”

“I thought Kamran was your leader.”

“He reports to the council. Females lead our people in all matters of importance.”

“I think I like how your race runs things.”

“You’ll like how we do things better once you learn more of my culture.”

“Like what?”

“Like how hard I’m going to fuck you once I get you to my quarters.”

Fallon moaned and buried her face against his shoulder. Her lips brushed against his neck, her tongue tasting his skin. By the goddess, he was going to burst.

He turned to go down the corridor and ran into Sean. The human looked at them and smiled.

“I take it things aren’t a secret any longer.”

Taber leveled a glare at the human. “No.”

“I suppose you want me out of your way?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t let this brute make you do anything you don’t want to, Fallon.”

She giggled. “I doubt he could.”

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Taber was about to walk past Sean when Fallon reached out and grabbed his shoulder. “Thank you for everything, Sean. I hope you find someone for yourself.”

Sean looked surprised but quickly masked the emotion. “Have fun, you two.”

Without further delay, Taber carried Fallon to his quarters. The room was dark when he entered, the air cool, the way he like it. He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t brought her here before now, but he was glad he finally had. With the utmost care, he set her on the floor and took a step back.

“Welcome to my home. What little I have is yours,” he said and bowed to her, arms outstretched.

Fallon’s lips pressed against his bent head and he looked up at her. She smiled, caressing his cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

For some strange reason, Taber grew nervous as Fallon began to walk around, running her fingertips across the top of each of his belongings. He really had very little in the way of personal effects, but each one meant something special. First, she picked up a long wooden walking stick he’d brought with him from home.

“That was a present from my father the day I reached maturity. I take it with me when I can.”

“It’s beautiful.” She ran her hand down along the shaft and Taber had to fight back image of what her hands would soon be doing to his cock.

Fallon set the stick back in its spot and resumed her exploration. With every item she paused at, he gave her the history on it, why it was important to him.

“That was my mother’s favorite handkerchief. Father sent it to me upon her death several years ago.”

She looked at his with wide eyes, nodding knowingly. “I’m very sorry. My dad died when I was very little. My uncle practically raised me in his bar.

“He must be very proud of you.”

“He just likes to brag that his niece works in outer space. It gives him some great stories to tell his patrons. That and the fact I mix a lot of his house specialty drinks on the
Damara
.”

When she picked up the long, blue-gray
settan
ribbon and rubbed the soft material over her lips, Taber shivered.

“I bought that on
Damara
.”

She looked at him, a puzzled expression on her face. He walked beside her, pressing his chest against her side, lowering his face close to her temple.

“It reminded me of the color of your eyes,” he whispered. When she gasped and tried to move away, he caught her by the hand. Sliding the ribbon from her fingers, he took it and tied it around her wrist. “It’s not as nice as your gift to me, but I want you to have it.”

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Fallon ran her fingers over the ribbon and smiled. “I’ll always wear it.”

She then reached over and touched the stone that now hung around his neck. The metal chain was warm, as was the stone, feeling more a part of him than ever before.

With her still touching him, Taber reached up and pulled the tie that held Fallon’s hair back in a ponytail. “I thought I said to wear your hair down when we were alone.”

She sucked in a little breath but kept her eyes locked on his. She didn’t move when he ran his fingers through the long strands of her hair, the softness in contrast with the rough calluses on his palms.

“Your hair is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. Like a sunset back on Briel during the summer.”

“I hated it when I was a kid. No one else had that color and I’d get teased sometimes. I even tried to dye it. But had I known back then that it was one of the things you’d like the most, I would never have gotten upset.”

He couldn’t help but think of her back then, a tiny little girl, surely with a stubborn independent streak, who wished for different genetics. Taber watched as Fallon parted her lips, about to say something. The temptation to kiss her was more than he could resist. Bending down, he kissed her firmly, pushing forward until her lips parted in surrender.

When her tongue entered his mouth, Taber’s body shot into hyperdrive, humming with the pleasure her touch gave him. His cock grew rock hard, painfully so, until he was forced to do something about it. Stepping against her, he slid his hand down her back until it came to rest on her ass. He pressed her hard against him and let out a soft growl, needing her to know how much she affected him. Fallon gasped but clung to him even harder.

When she broke their kiss, her breath was coming out in gasps as she looked up at him, desire coloring her eyes.

“Please, can I go down on you?” she whispered. “I want to taste you.”

Taber forgot to breathe, simply nodding his approval and waiting as Fallon dropped to her knees in front of him. Her long fingers worked quickly on the opening of his pants, freeing his shaft in no time. He couldn’t tear his eyes away as she opened her mouth and greedily sucked the tip of his cock.

A warm tingle started at the base of his spine and slowly made its way through his body. Fallon slowly swirled her tongue around the tip of his cock before running her tongue down the length of him till she reached his balls. When she sucked one into her mouth, he couldn’t stop the groan that escaped from him.

“By the goddess, you’re amazing,” he said and groaned as he buried his fingers into her hair.

Fallon purred, the vibrations tickling his balls, almost pushing him to the edge of his control. If she didn’t stop soon, he wouldn’t be able to stop his release. And he had no intention of coming until his cock was buried deep inside her.

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“Enough. On the bed.”

Fallon didn’t hesitate, placing one final kiss on his tip before standing up and walking over to his bed. She stood at the base of his bed and smiled as she stared at it.

“Damn, I’ve never seen a bed this big before.”

“I plan on showing every inch of it to you tonight. Perhaps longer.”

“Let’s hope Kamran doesn’t need you to solve any more crimes tonight. I’d hate to have to share you.”

The idea of sharing Fallon with anyone sent a surge of possessive jealousy through him. “No man will ever touch you again.”

Fallon’s eyebrows rose as she reached up and touched the side of her neck. “How could any man compare to you?”

Taber let his gaze drift down the length of her body until he couldn’t stand it any longer. He gripped the edge of his tunic and whipped it off over his head and sent it sailing through the air. His pants only took a second longer to get rid of, so he was standing gloriously naked in front of her.

“I believe you are overdressed.”

He didn’t give her a chance to move, instead wanting to slowly strip her of her clothing. She was his and no other’s. Having the privilege of seeing her naked would forever be a pleasure he would cherish every day from this point on.

Reaching up, he caressed her cheek before he slipped his hands under the edge of her shirt. It was easy to slip it off her, especially since she raised her hands above her head. When he tossed it aside, her full breasts bounced free, brushing her erect nipples against his naked chest. He heard her suck in a breath and shiver as he wrapped his arms around her.

“You promised to fuck me hard,” she cooed in his ear.

“One I intend to keep.”

He pushed her back against the bed, jarring a surprised giggle from her. When she tried to scoot back away from him, he was able to catch her by the legs, preventing her from moving.

“I believe you are still overdressed.” He tugged at her pants. “These must go.”

Fallon didn’t hesitate, and unfastened the front and deftly slipped the formfitting pants over her hips, allowing him to tug them off. Looking down at the soft curves of her body, Taber knew he’d been truly blessed when Fallon had walked into his life.

“Are you going to stand there and stare at me, or will I be forced to take control?”

The wrist tied with the ribbon he’d bought was beside her face. When she looked up at him with that mischievous smile, he knew exactly what she wanted.

“Move,” he said and waited only a moment before crawling onto his bed beside her.

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He rolled onto his back, dragging Fallon with him. Her legs fell naturally into a straddle as his cock pressed against her pussy. He could feel how wet she was, how much she was affected by their passion—as much as he was.

“I want you on top of me,” he said, running his tongue along the side of her neck. “I want to suck your breasts as you ride me.”

Fallon moaned, only hesitating for a moment before pushing her body down and impaling herself on his cock. Taber held her hips still for only a moment before allowing her to slowly rise and fall on top of him. The scent of her desire surrounded him, filling his lungs with each breath. Her wetness soon covered his groin, mingling with his sweat as she increased the tempo.

When he was fairly sure she was distracted with her own pleasure, he bent his head down and captured one of her plump nipples in his mouth. When he sucked the sensitive nub, flicking his tongue repeatedly over it, her pussy clenched around his shaft, squeezing him hard.

“Fuck,” she moaned, grinding her clit against him.

The motion of her hips was enough to push him over the edge into his orgasm.

Somehow he managed to hold back, determined to give as much pleasure as he was receiving. The next time she lifted her hips, he lifted her body up and off his cock, rolling her onto her back.

He didn’t give her any time to complain about the change of position and moved his face between her legs. With her swollen clit glistening from her cream in front of him, he was unable to resist the temptation. Leaning forward, he licked the length of her pussy. Fallon gasped, her hands flying to his head and squeezing hard.

“Oh my god. Please don’t stop.”

That was the last thing he intended on doing. Instead, he latched on to her clit with his mouth and sucked her hard as he slipped a finger deep inside her pussy. Her cream immediately began to flow down his forearm, covering him with her scent. He began to dive first one, then two fingers deep inside her, coaxing her orgasm closer.

With each flick of his tongue against her pussy, her hips bucked forward and her muscles began to vibrate. Fallon’s moans filled the room and it was enough to make him come merely from listening. He had to stop his body when he began to thrust his cock into the mattress in an attempt to relieve the intensity of his arousal. The last thing he wanted was to come without being inside her.

Spreading her thighs as wide as they would go, he pulled his fingers from her body and licked the cream that had trickled down to her ass. The puckered opening flexed against his tongue as he teased it. Fallon’s moan told him all he needed to know—she liked it.

“Do you want me to fuck your ass?” he asked, licking the opening again.

She moaned and ran her fingers through his hair. “Oh yes. Oh please.”

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His cock nearly burst at the thought. In a single motion, he lifted his body up and positioned his cock at the entrance of her ass. Spitting into his hand, he rubbed the saliva over his shaft before pressing his tip forward. It easily pushed past the ring of muscles, allowing him to fill her. He was forced to hold himself still for fear of coming too soon. But Fallon wouldn’t allow him much reprieve. She began to buck against him, changing his role from master to servant.

“Fuck, you’re so big.” Her eyes were squeezed shut tight as she bucked her hips.

“You promised to fuck me hard.”