Page 69 of The Alien's Major Dilemma

"Well, I suppose that's one way to make sure she minds her business. I wondered why she was uncomfortable yesterday."

"As loathe as I would ever be to share your affection with another, I cannot regret that she got a glimpse of the joy and pleasure you bring me."

"Do you think it will help?" Marissa asked.

"If she lets it," Cooper said. "If she doesn't let it eat her up with jealousy."

Marissa nodded. She knew she could see the danger in the other woman but she also suspected there was an aching loneliness.

They were making noises about getting food when there was a knock on the door.

"Major Ozark," John called through the door. "Are you decent?"

She raised an eyebrow at the question then called back. "No!"

"Are you dressed?"

The second question made them both snort and Cooper answered this time.

"The Commander wants you in his office," John said. "He said not to rush you if you were, ah, busy but since the noise has stopped, I figured it was safe to interrupt."

"Oh god," Marissa said, and buried her face against Cooper's chest.

"We'll be dressed and ready momentarily," Cooper called. "Is there time for a shower?"

"A quick one," John said. "And we'd all appreciate it if you both took one. This whole hallway is making people lonely."

"Oh god," Marissa repeated, and pulled the blanket over her head.

Cooper chuckled and pulled it back. His beautiful mate was blushing and it was one of the cutest things he'd ever seen her do.

"Give us fifteen, uh, I mean twenty minutes to get ready," he called. "And a little privacy."

"I swear, I'm not waiting in the hallway for you to have a quickie."

"Then go wait somewhere else," Cooper told him.

Marissa protested but Cooper silenced them with a kiss, then a quick trip down her body to taste her pleasure. He moaned into her, making sure she knew how much he enjoyed this, then set about pushing her over the edge one more time. She was so sensitive, it didn't take more than a couple minutes, then he was licking at the juices coating his lips while he helped her stand.

They were ready in fifteen minutes and John returned looking pleased with himself.

"What are you so happy about?" Marissa asked as they followed him down the hall.

"I know something you don't," John said. "And I'm enjoying that for a little bit."

"Are you going to tell me what it is?" Marissa asked.

"Nope," John said. "You'll find out in a few minutes. And it's good. You're going to like it. But I get to know about it first."

Marissa humphed at him and Cooper enjoyed the banter. He missed the camaraderie he'd had with his unit before being sent out as a scout.

John opened the door to the Commander's office and saluted, then winked when they walked in. The door closed behind them and the Commander gestured to the chairs by his desk.

"Marissa, I'm going to cut around a lot of bullshit and let you know that Mintonar sent in an official statement about your ability to return to duty."

Cooper could feel Marissa's shock and disappointment with the news but also her intent to remain impassive while listening to it.

"He says that while you are physically and mentally fit to return to duty, your bond with Cooper has given you additional skills that are going to take time and practice to use. As you havealso agreed to help him with his medical research, decisions have been made to kill two birds with one stone, and you're being reassigned. Along with the rest of your team."

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