Marcael: A Terraneu Novel, Book Five (18 page)

Two days ago, he had been released from the medical dome. Today he was
attending another joint council meeting. Everyone had offered their words of
support and apologies again for the horrific outcome on his mission to Earth.
Then the councils had voted on and passed the idea of a memorial in the park to
honor those lost on off-world missions. His men would be the first names on the
wall.

“My team was doing our duty to Terraneu.” Marcael insisted, “I just ask
that we use the information gathered for the good of the community.”

“Well said Marcael.” Amber smiled at him, “We won’t have the loss of your
men be for nothing. The data gathered is already being put to good use.”

“Speaking of which, I can make the radiation cleansers for the atmosphere
that you suggested Gwen, but that isn’t the only problem.” Kneus turned to the
other council members, “It won’t do any good unless we shut down the nuclear
reactors that are causing the damage. That is going to take more than a probe
to accomplish I am afraid.”

“We can send out probes to find the ones still emitting radiation the
next time the portal opens.” Gwen argued back, “Until then the satellites can
do some good in cleaning up the existing radiation levels.”

“That wouldn’t mean sending another team to stay on Earth for six months
would it?” Mairi asked apprehensively.

“A team would have to go to Earth, but they wouldn’t have to stay for six
months.” Knollig assured his mate, “The team could launch the probes and
satellites and then leave the equipment to gather the data.”

“What if someone found it?” Catherine asked from her spot at the table.

“We could cloak it so that no one found it.” Kneus offered his solution
to the issue, “We only sent Marcael and his team to gather information for the
six months between port pad cycles because the initial readings were promising,
and we really needed a “human” take on the status of Earth. We will not make
that mistake again. Until the reactors are found and shut down Earth will be
off limits for extended missions.”

“What about survivors?” Jen looked at the other council members, “We are
going to need to make policy for away missions that come in contact with
survivors.”

“I say we leave them.” Thian was always the blunt one, “There isn’t any
place for them here, and we can’t ask the Antilleans to take on that burden
either.”

The argument turned heated as the council members argued on what to do.
Kniam finally stopped the discussion. “We need to focus on what is best for
Terraneu
.” He looked around calmly, “As
hard as it may be to face, the reality is that random Earth survivors are not
equipped to fit in on Terraneu. Our best resolution to the problem is to
continue to fix the atmosphere of Earth, and then take a wait and see approach
to what further can be done. As hard as it will be, I am stressing patience.”

After further argument, the councils agreed. In six months, they would
send more satellites and probes to Earth. The community members with any issues
or comments could come before the council to argue them.

“Now to another matter that needs to be addressed.” Kniam drew in a heavy
breath, “With Knuan no longer a threat thanks to Marcael and the STARR units,
and the issues with Earth being resolved…Knaleg has brought it to my attention
that there are a few places that we might want to explore here on Terraneu.” He
looked to his brother and Knaleg stood up.

“When Cat and I did our survey of the areas around Terraneu we did find
locales that some might find interesting. If we don’t use those sites to create
settlements then we could use them for possible vacationing destinations.”

“There was a breathtaking beach I wouldn’t mind seeing again.” Catherine
sighed. “It had the perfect sandy beach and clear turquoise water. With a nice
cabana or a few living domes it would be perfect.”

Her mate laughed, “It was hot and smelled funny.” Catherine laughed at
his description but before she could argue he hurried to add, “My favorite
place was farther north. It was cooler than we get here in Terraneu and the
trees were different. We found frozen water that Cat called snow.” He had a
comical look of happiness on his face, “She said on Earth people did
recreational activities on it. She called one of them skiing.” He turned
excitedly to the males around him, “You put two sticks on your feet and race
down a hill. That sounds like great fun. I would love for Knayan and Ella to be
able to try it.”

“There were a lot of different places we found in our journeys.” Cat
agreed, “It would be nice for everyone to enjoy them, but the time it took to
get there and back was too long. It’s not realistic to expect vacationers to
spend that long on the road.”

Kneus muttered thoughtfully, “There is the possibility that we could use
the teleportation technology from the Elyon to travel to these locations
faster. Anyone that wanted to go on a day trip or to get away for a few days
could get there in seconds.”

All of the females perked up at his words, but it was Amber who spoke
first.
 
“So if we get someone there and
set up this transport equipment, we can travel there anytime we want?”

“We would have to work on infrastructure and making the domes habitable in
any climate. I also strongly recommend using solar cleaning instead of water to
conserve resources, but I think it is something we want to work on right away.
With the swimming pond and park, we created entertainment for the community
here. But these destination vacation spots would add much needed variety.”
Kniam looked to Marcael, “We would need someone to protect the travelers. Even
with Cat and/or Knaleg along the caravan would require additional security. We
would have to use the sorrem to pack the initial transporter equipment. With
the sorrem going…” He trailed off to see if Marcael would follow his train of
thought.

“You would need someone that knows how to care for them.” Marcael
suddenly broke out laughing. This would be an adventure that Brennae could have
and he would be there to experience it with her. They could claim mate status
and hold off on having children while they explored Terraneu. Brennae loved
animals and would probably tame half the planet by the time they got back but
it would be worth all the strays she adopted just to be with her. “I know just
the person who would be perfect for the job.” Marcael went to stand up but
Kniam waved him back to his seat.

“There is one other thing.” Kniam looked around at the others, “We want
to know if you would like to join the male council.”

Marcael was stunned. “Why would you need me on the council?”

“We had decided on asking you to the council before the discussion today
about adding vacation spots.” Knollig answered him, “Now that we are thinking
about branching out, I think our decision is an even wiser one.”

“I agree.” Knaleg continued for his brother, “We are going to need more
members on the male…” he paused to look at the five females, “and female
councils to help run the community. We are growing fast and need to stay
connected to what the community needs. We are going to ask Baylech to join
also.”

Cat hadn’t missed her mate’s glancing at them. “We have a couple of
candidates in mind for the women’s council. We will get back to you with their
decisions in a few days.”

“Well Marcael.” Kniam brought the attention back to him, “What do you
say? Would you like to sit on the male council?”

“Yes.” Marcael nodded, “I would like to be a part of the male council.”
His mind was still reeling.

“What about the mission guarding the teleport caravan. Would that cause
any problems or delay any
plans
you
might have?” Amber’s blue-green-purple eyes danced with amusement.

“Nice try Amber.” Kniam snorted, “You make me stay out of their business,
and then you break your own rule.”

“What?” She appeared offended. “I just want to make sure the mission
doesn’t interfere with any plans he may have.”

“Okay.” Kneus laughed, “If you say so.”

“That is a weak defense.” Knaleg was holding back his laughter as well, “Even
for you.”

“Are you taking mate status with Brennae?” Thian blurted out, “There I
asked for you Amber.” He smiled at her across the table.

Everyone broke into laughter at Thian’s bluntness.

“You can’t just ask that outright Thian!” Amber choked out through her
laughter, “You have to try to be
discreet
.”

“Why?” Thian seemed genuinely puzzled.

“I swear Thian.” Jen was laughing with everyone else, “After all these
years you would think you would have figured that out.”

Thian looked around at the women laughing and said with exasperation,
“After eight hundred years I still won’t have you women figured out.” His words
just caused the women to laugh harder. The men, Marcael noted while smiling at
their women, did not disagree with his assessment. Marcael had to agree with
Thian also. He would not understand the women of Terraneu after eight hundred
years either.

Brennae was so excited. Her mother had told her of the decision to send
out a caravan to the north. They would be using sorrem to travel, and would
need someone willing to leave Terraneu to care for the animals. She knew Iesti
wouldn’t be interested but had waited politely for him to decline before she
jumped at the chance to go. It was only after excitedly saying she would do it
that Brennae’s heart sank. She hadn’t even asked Marcael what he thought of her
leaving. She was the worst partner ever! They had agreed to discuss with each
other before making any decision that would affect the other.

“I’m sorry mother. I have to talk with Marcael before I agree.”
 
She knew Marcael wouldn’t stand in her way of
going, if it would make her happy. She just wasn’t sure that months away from
him would be bearable. Since he had returned from Earth, she wanted to spend
more time with him, not less.

“That is always a wise decision.” Her mother smiled at her, “Talk with
Marcael and then let me or your father know what you decide.”

She hurried along the path, lost in thought. When she reached Marcael’s
dome she knocked but he didn’t answer. Figuring he was at The Watering Hole
with friends or at the training dome, she turned along the path to go home.

Entering her living quarters she said hello to Star and was surprised to
see Jasper. Giving each sacath a quick hug, she promised to play with them
later. Hurrying into her bedroom, she stripped off her work clothes as she
went. She had just entered her bathroom when the hairs on the back of her neck
stood on end. Someone was watching her. She was turning to go back into her
bedroom when she felt the press of a hard body against hers. With a shriek,
panic set in and instinct took over. She threw her elbow back hard and then
stomped down on the nearest limb. The sacath, thinking to join in on the attack
were growling and hissing louder than the exclamation of pain she heard from
her attacker.

“Brennae! It is me.” She spun around and saw Marcael hopping and trying
to hold his side at the same time. Star was trying to gnaw on one foot, and
Jasper was stalking around and about to bite into Marcael’s calf.

“Jasper, No.” She yelled just in time. Jasper froze and it was comical to
see the opened mouth sacath staring longingly at the leg he was intent on
sinking his teeth into.

Marcael looked down at his pet and shook his head, “Jasper.” At his
admonishment the sacath dropped to the ground and gave him a ‘who me’ innocent
look.

The fact that he was naked and semi-aroused finally registered. “Marcael,
what are you doing? I warned you not to sneak up on me.”

“I was lying right there on your bed.’ He defended himself, gesturing
behind him at the rumpled bedding. “I thought you saw me and the strip tease
was to get me excited.” He looked down at his waning erection, “Which had
worked by the way.” He looked dejectedly at her, “I was just trying to be
spontaneous and join you in the shower.”

Brennae laughed at the look on his face then stepped into his arms. “I’m
sorry Marcael. I was distracted and didn’t see you. I have exciting news.”

“Well tell me.” Marcael’s expression turned to curious.

“There is going to be a mission to the north.” She practically danced on
the spot, “They are taking sorrem and they want someone to go that is trained
in their care. They asked me to go.” She looked up at him, “What do you think?”

“I support whatever decision you make Brennae. I want you to be happy,
and if taking this mission is something you want to try then I say you should
do it.”

“What about the time I would be away?” Brennae watched his face for any
sign of unhappiness.

“I was gone for six months on the Earth mission Brennae. You stood by my
decision, I will stand by yours.”

Brennae beamed happily then her smile faded. She didn’t want to be away
from Marcael, but this mission would be exciting. “I think I’ll go.” She said
softly.

“Okay.”
 
Marcael looked at her
quizzically, “Why do you not look happy about it?”

“I am happy.” Brennae hedged and moved out of his arms to step toward the
shower. The sacath backed away, they hadn’t gotten used to the water yet. Once
they were older, it would be work to keep them out of the shower if Cebat and
Tabec were any indication.

“Brennae.” He joined her in the shower and walled her in with his arms so
she had to look at him. “Talk to me.” He pressed closer so she felt his warm
and eagerly wakening body against hers.

Brennae had moved into the spray of water. When Marcael blocked it with
his body, she had to look up again. Her eyes must have shown her uncertainty.

With a heavy sigh Marcael asked, “Would it help you to know that I would
be going as security?”

“Why didn’t you say so?” Her excitement was back, “We would be together
on a mission.” She started to run her hands up and down his arms.

Marcael was returning the favor by rubbing circles on her back, his
fingers moving lower as he talked. “It was your news to tell, besides that I
wanted you to decide without my interference. Even if I was not going you know
I would support your right to do the mission right?”

“I know you would Marcael.” She hugged him tightly, “Being able to do
this together makes all my doubts go away. We will be seeing new parts of
Terraneu that only my Aunt Cat and Uncle Knaleg have seen.” She would have gone
on in her excitement but with a press of his hips, Marcael stopped her.

“I think we can talk about your aunt and uncle later.” He smiled
roguishly at her, “I have more
pressing
needs
right now.”

“Pressing needs you say.” Brennae smiled naughtily back. “Well I have a
cure for that kind of thing.” She bent her head and slowly kissed her way down
his chest to his taunt abs. The water from the shower washed around her bent
head as she moved lower. Flicking her tongue into his belly button made him
squirm, but it was his reaction when she grabbed his steely arousal that made
her laugh softly. He almost kneed her in the face when he jumped in the air.
Then she squeezed his balls to get his attention, “No kicking.” She was on her
knees with is arousal in just the right position. Moving her lips to lock onto
the tip she gently drew him into her mouth. She didn’t need to moisten the
length the shower was doing that for her. She just enjoyed the texture and
taste of him as she sucked him in, then pulled her mouth back. He had his hands
fisted at his sides, and she was glad he didn’t grab her head. He was large
enough that she knew he could choke her if he got out of control. It was when
her tongue went to run circles around the tip of his arousal that he must have
had enough. With a growl, he sat on the bench seat in the shower and pulled her
onto his lap in one movement.

The heat and humidity from the water made the earthy smells from indoor
bathroom oasis even stronger and her senses were overwhelmed. When he went to
kiss her she rasped, “Foreplay is over-rated,” and sat down hard. The feeling
of her body stretching her to take his size, and the hot water of the shower
beating down on them from above was intense.

“I agree.” He pushed up every time she pressed down so that the sounds of
their lovemaking echoed around the bathroom.

Grabbing his hair and fixing her lips on his neck Brennae bit down, not
enough to break the skin, but enough to leave a mark. “I like it hard like
this.” She gasped when he leaned her back and latched his mouth onto her
breast.

“What about this?” He bit and flicked her nipple in his mouth, and her
body responded by squeezing down on him.

“That feels good too.” She rotated her hips on the next upward thrust.
“You feel good.” She groaned and moved again.

Their movements became frenzied, their breathing heavy and loud until
Marcael found release with a muffled shout against her neck. Brennae felt his
shaft increase in girth then the pulsing of his release just as her muscles
started to spasm.

When they were able to catch their breath Brennae teased, “You are
supposed to use the shower to get clean. Not dirty!” She grabbed some soap and
started scrubbing him clean, and then handed over the soap so he could
reciprocate.

~*~*~*

When they were lounging lazily in her bed later that night Marcael asked
about something that he had just noticed.

“Why do you have so many pillows?” He pointed around the bed.

Brennae blushed when she thought about the reason for her pillows, and
then explained. “I read somewhere that if you are serious about lovemaking you
should have a lot of pillows. Small ones, large ones, round, square…” her voice
trailed off when she caught his astonished expression. “What?”

“What exactly do you do with the pillows?” Marcael had grabbed one and
held it up as if to gauge what it would do to enhance his lovemaking.

“You use them as props.” She went to take the pillow from him but he
dodged her and she ended up flat on her stomach. Laughing she went to roll over
but he stopped her with a hand to her lower back.

“Hold on.” She could hear the familiar heat in his voice. “I am beginning
to see how some pillows might be effective.” He moved his hold onto her hips
and lifted her up. Before she could ask, what he planned to do a pillow was
stuffed under her stomach. He followed the first pillow with another until she
was able to place her forearms on the bed and relax her body on the pillows.

Her heated check was resting against the cool bedding, “This is
nice.”
 
She knew with her butt pointing
in the air Marcael was getting a great view and with anyone else, she would be embarrassed
at the position she was in. Marcael was not just anyone though, he was her mate
and she would do anything he wanted.

“I wish you could see yourself sweet one.” Marcael was rubbing his hands
along her hips and thighs. His fingers trailing close to the vee of her legs.
“You are so perfect.”

“Remember what I said about foreplay?” Brennae groaned. “That applies to
right now as well.”

“You are an impatient minx.” Marcael moved behind her and Brennae felt
the length of him rubbing against her making himself wet. When she pushed back
against him, he slapped her buttock playfully. “Not just yet.” He rubbed
himself along her nerve endings. Every time she pushed back against him, he
would smack her buttocks again. She was ready to scream when she finally felt
him nudge against her. “Now I think you are ready.” Before she could agree, he
held her by the hips and drove himself into her. She dug her arms into the
mattress and used them for leverage to push back. She did not protest when he
pulled back because she knew he would not leave her. He did nudge her knees
apart to get better traction between her legs. Then he was pounding into her
harder than ever before.

She could feel his balls swinging and slapping against her with every
thrust. Just when she thought she would fly apart Marcael pulled out and
flipped her over. He did keep one pillow angled under her lower back and
buttocks. Then he pressed along her from hips to chest, only using his forearms
to keep a bit of his weight off her. Brennae wrapped her legs around his upper
thighs and pushed against him to get him moving again.

“I was so close.” Brennae dug her nails into his shoulders, “Make me fly
Marcael.”

He did not waste time building up a tempo, when Brennae told him to move
he just started flexing his hips madly. “You feel too good.” He placed frantic
kisses along her neck and shoulders. “Fly for me sweet one.” He moved his mouth
to her breasts and tormented them with his hot tongue, “Fly for me.”

When Marcael latched onto her breast and tugged the shooting pleasure
sent her over the edge. With a muffled groan, she went flying apart, her nails
dug into his back and her legs locked against his. She could feel Marcael tense
and seconds later with one last thrust, he found his release too.

Rolling to the side Marcael laughed breathlessly, “I really need to read
more if there is that kind of advice in books.”

Brennae smiled naughtily, “You would be surprised what you can learn in a
book.” She had tucked herself into Marcael’s side and yawned hugely. “There are
a few that I think you will appreciate. I can even skip to the good parts if
you want.”

Marcael tucked the blanket around them and ran his hands over her hair,
as was his habit. “I would like that sweet one.” He pulled her more tightly
against him and she heard him whisper, “How would you feel about filing for a
home in New Haven before we leave for the North?”

“That would be nice.” She kissed against his chest distractedly.

“Just nice?” Marcael sounded offended.

“My love,” she emphasized with kisses, “Where we live isn’t as important
as being together. We can stay here and join our two domes until we are
finished traveling. If you want a home in New Haven, then that would be fine
too. I just want to be with you.”

“I would like to get started on our home in New Haven. We should have a
few days before the trip north. By the way, did I mention I was asked to join
the male council?”

“What?” Brennae’s shocked yell echoed around the dome.