Page 62 of Rescuing Mara

We wait for T’Rak to leave his chair so we can show him our support. Then, we wait for the airlock to open so we can enter the Ring.

The doors slide open, and the sounds of the Ring grow louder. The minute we set foot on the Ring we hear L’Ren’s shrieks of joy as she launches herself at D’Var, Kepti standing a few feet away, smiling. I see M’Ran and the other advisors standing on the other side, but this time, there is no one to greet T’Rak.

I feel his grief, and D’Var and I walk towards him. We each grab hold of one shoulder.

“We are here for you.”

The words echo through our mental link, a wave of gratitude comes back.

“Be with your mates,” T’Rak says gruffly. “I have things to take care of and I plan on getting really stupidly drunk. I would rather do that alone, but I promise I will reach out if I need you.”

We both let him go and I step back. I understand his need to be alone, to drink the sorrow away until you forget.

Marra takes my hand and holds on tight. “Will he be alright?”

I nod. “In time. We are not done with the Sterotheri yet, but for now, let us focus on what needs to be done here.”

Before grief can take over, L’Ren is at our side, hugging Marra, and they both cry and talk about how happy they are to be together again.

L’Ren hugs me fiercely when she is done embracing Marra.

“I am so happy you are okay,” she whispers.

“Right back at you,” I reply, making her laugh and cry at the same time.

Next is M’Ran, who is eagerly awaiting his introduction to my mate.

“Marra,” I say gravely as I take her hand and pull her towards my trusted advisor. “I would like for you to meet M’Ran. He is one of my most trusted advisors, as he was my fathers before me. He has been taking care of our people so I had time to grieve.”

M’Ran looks like he is about to cry. He bows deeply then takes Marra’s hands in his. “It is my utmost pleasure to meet you, my Queen.”

Marra laughs. “Not yet, M’Ran, and no need for formalities. I am just Mara.” M’Ran’s frown is so deep she hastily corrects herself. “But you can also call me my lady if that pleases you.”

M’Ran beams at her. “That would please me greatly, my lady.”

“Great save,”I sent to my mate, and she snickers. Suddenly, I cannot wait any longer to have her alone, and I excuse us.

“We will meet with you tomorrow, M’Ran. Now it is time for me to take my mate to our new home.”

* * *

Mara

O’Rec pullsme through the crowd, barely giving me time to look around.

“O’Rec!” I protest. “What are you doing, rushing like that.”

“I need you, Marra. It was not right on the ship, but here, now that I can finally take you to my living quarters, see you in my bed. The need is overwhelming.”

He barely finishes his thoughts as a pulse of need hits me, shooting straight to my sex. I feel like my whole body is on fire, and suddenly, I don’t mind his haste. At all.

We’re both breathless by the time we reach a beautiful square with a big door on one side. Part of me wants to check out the wonders of this station because it’s spacious and beautifully decorated. Not at all like the dark, unsavory ones I’m used to visiting. But then O’Rec opens the door and pulls me inside. He spins me around, shoving me against the door, then his lips are on mine.

The kiss is hungry; his lips are firmly on mine, making them part instantly, and his tongue thrusts inside. He lets out a pained groan when he rips his mouth from mine.

“Bedroom,” he pants, then he lifts me into his arms and sets off on a determined path. We cross some sort of courtyard. Plants in every variety surround a tiled square, even more beautiful than what I saw on the outside. I raise my head to look around, but suddenly, images flood my mind, and I take in a sharp breath.

I see myself lying in a big bed with soft sheets. I am naked in this vision, and O’Rec is buried between my thighs, my hands locked on his horns, pulling him closer. His tail is wrapped around my upper thigh, and I can almost feel the tip tickle the sensitive skin of my sex, making me moan.

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