Page 8 of Lacey's Warriors

They silently stared at each other and, even though neither of their expressions changed, she swore she could feel hints of emotions. Almost like words, but not, more like images and feelings. Both men were deeply hurt by her refusal, and another slice of guilt cut into her already nauseous stomach. She wished Roxy was there to talk with, but she was pretty sure her friend was still busy with the two hot alien guys that she was in love with.

“Those guys with Roxy? Are they her bondmates?”

“Yes,” Chel said, dropping his hand from Gwarnon’s arm and facing her with the full power of his gorgeous eyes surrounded by his long lashes. “They felt her in our galaxy the same time that Gwarnon received word from an informant about your location.”

“Huh,” she said. She leaned her elbows on her knees, holding her head in her hands for a moment as her tired thoughts circled in her head.

“Lacey…may I call you Lacey?” Chel asked in his warm, soothing voice.

“Sure.” She sighed as she looked up at him.

“I have a proposition for you. It does not require bonding.” He knelt before her quickly as she frowned. “I will modify the crystal implant to the best of my ability so that we will find a balance between the flow of information and your still human brain. But I ask that you supplement any knowledge you receive by letting us train you. We are both very skilled Warriors and have experience with battling many of your potential opponents. We ask you this boon as a fellow Warrior, not as ouralyah.”

Too tired to argue with him that she wasn’t theiralyah, she nodded. “I can agree to that. But no bonding. I don’t mean to sound like a bitch, but—uh, you seem like really nice guys, and I don’t want you to get your feelings hurt. I just—Ican’tbond you. I have to return to Earth. I hope you understand.”

Thoughts of her mom and daughter tried to intrude, but she pushed them away.

She’d cry later, when she didn’t have an audience of men who might not be her enemies, but who weren’t quite her allies, either.

Gwarnon seemed to vibrate with tension and looked like he wanted to argue with her, but his voice was empty as he said, “As you wish.”

“You are tired.” Chel reached out his hand, hesitating before he touched her cheek. “May I scan you?”

Unwanted tingles of pleasurable anticipation filled her belly, but she whispered, “Sure.”

Warmth flowed from Chel as he placed his rough fingertips on her jawbone. His gaze grew distant for a moment before he focused on her again. “You need food and sleep. It appears the modifications done to you are all functioning properly, thank the Lord of Life for that. If it pleases you, we would be humbled if you would stay on our ship with us. We believe you will find it more comfortable.”

“Is that allowed? Won’t the NevShoo worry that I’ll get on your ship and flee?”

“No,” Gwarnon gave a humorless smirk. “Even the Lord of Life would not try to challenge the Baladium’s defenses. Once we entered their territory, we fall under their jurisdiction. It is one of the reasons Kadothians are forbidden from competing in the Baladium.”

Chel took a step back then offered her his hand to help her off the couch. She ignored it, scooting off the edge and trying to sidle past them. Warmth stirred in her belly as neither moved out of her way, electric lust snapping in the mere inches between their bodies. Just a little sway on her part would lead to her falling into their arms.

Firming her spine, she lifted her chin and said, “I would appreciate a room aboard your ship, if you have one. Aprivateroom.”

“Of course, you can have our quarters,” Chel said quickly, Gwarnon having gone back to his glowering silence.

“You don’t need to do that. I can sleep with Roxy. She’s going to be on your ship as well, right?”

“That will not be possible,” Chel said with a faint hint of pink to his cheeks. “She and her bondmates are celebraiting their reunion. I do not believe they would like to be disturbed.”

Her own blush warmed her cheeks as she mentally chastised herself for acting, literally, like a blushing virgin fresh out of bootcamp. “Understood.”

“Follow me,” Gwarnon said, walking away from her without a backward glance. “We will show you to your quarters.”

Chapter 2

Gwarnon

The door to their temporary rooms sealed shut behind him with a hiss, and Gwarnon fought with all of his might to keep from crumpling right there. Against all odds, he’d found hisalyah, but she’d rejected them. Repeatedly, and with great vehemence. His heart had shattered into so many pieces, he feared he would never be able to retrieve them all from the dark pit of his depression.

Chel gripped him by his shoulders and spun him around so they faced each other. Reaching up, he gently traced his thumb over Gwarnon’s cheek then down to his jaw in a gentle stroke. He could feel the other man’s worry pouring through their bond, but couldn’t find the strength to reassure Chel. Not when he was barely holding on. He sank deeper into himself, shielding his emotions from the world, shielding himself from the relentless pain of living.

“No!” Chel suddenly shouted in his face. “Do not close off from me. Not now, not when there is finally hope.”

“Hope?” Gwarnon could barely speak as a hint of the seething emotions beneath the surface of his calm leaked through in that one word. “There is nohope. She rejected us.”

“No, she didn’t. Well, not entirely.” Chel gave him a gentle push in the direction of the couch. “Sit before you fall down.”

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