Page 26 of Alien Knight Teddy Bear Troubles

“With whom?” Taeger demanded.

And here it was, the moment of truth. But she needed his help and she’d gone too far to turn back now. “My commanding officer made contact with a member of the Intergalactic Council.”

“Fuck.” One of Taeger’s men spoke the single word, but all five of them lowered their weapons.

“The council is not to be trusted,” Taeger said.

“Well, then I guess Earth is screwed, because we can’t trust the Caldorians and you say we can’t trust the council. Meanwhile, we’ve got the Vilitos, and now those fucking monsters rounding up people like pigs for the slaughter--”

“What are you talking about?” Smith interrupted but she ignored him, going toe to toe with Taeger.

“So who are we supposed to believe? Huh? Who am I supposed to believe?”

Taeger stepped forward until they were nose to nose and both breathing hard. She was angry and frustrated and ready to just start shooting things to let off some steam. He appeared to be just as angry, but she had no idea why...until he spoke.

“Me, mate. You will trust me.”

“Mate?” Smith was really getting on her nerves now.

“Mind your business.” She waved him away without looking over her shoulder, unable to tear her gaze from Taeger’s. “I am notyouranything.”

Taeger’s response was to bury his hand in her hair and pull her close, crushing her lips to his.

Everything she had been feeling flowed out of her in an explosion of lust and she gave him all of it. Her fear. Her anger. Her need. He devoured her as if starved for her release, her emotions, her trust. It went on and on until her body was on fire and her pussy was aching and wet.

“Jesus Christ.” Charlie cleared his throat. “Uh, Cass, you going to come up for air so we can get the hell out of here?”

She shoved her palms flat against Taeger’s chest and he pulled back, but just far enough to rest his forehead against hers, his heavy hand still holding onto her at the base of her skull, keeping her close, making her feel...safe. They were both fighting for air, his hard cock pressed to her abdomen as their breaths mingled.

“You are mine, Cassie. Do not deny it again.”

Damn and double damn. Even if she tried to deny his claim, the words would be a lie. She was his. And he was hers. Their gazes locked. Held. And that, apparently, was that.

“Captain, your first priority is to deliver the package to Earth.” Smith walked out from the ship’s entrance carrying the black case. “So, can we stay on mission? You can fuck whoever you wantafterwe get home.”

She blinked and Taeger was gone, Smith’s back pressed against the scorched hull of the ship, Taeger’s hand wrapped around his throat, holding him in place. “You will speak to my mate with respect. Understood?”

“Yes. Jesus. I was just trying to get things moving.”

Taeger was not amused. “What is in the case?”

When Smith didn’t answer, he turned to Cassie, who shrugged. “I don’t know, exactly. Some kind of weapon that we need to get to Earth.”

“You were the captain of this vessel. You did not know what you carried?” He sounded shocked.

She shrugged again. “I follow orders, Taeger. I was the pilot. He was in charge of the cargo.”

Taeger turned to Charlie. “And you?”

Charlie grinned weakly, his lined face looking much better and not as pale as he had even a few minutes ago. He took another swig of the Maju water and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m Cassie’s co-pilot. I do what I’m told. We’re soldiers, not spooks.” He cleared his throat. “Well, two of us anyway.”

Taeger turned to Smith and slowly lowered his feet back to the ground, but did not release his hold on Smith’s throat. “You are one of these spooks?”

Smith was nonplussed. “Guess so.”

“And what, exactly, is a spook?”

Cassie had had enough of the posturing and bullshit. “He’s a spy, Taeger. Covert operations. Stealing secrets. Getting information no one else can get.”

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