Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (21 page)

“Computer, turn on the water.”

“Authorization water consumption override required,” the computer voice responded.

“I authorize it.” Zalora looked up at the ceiling. Soap was in her hair still. Some had gotten in her eye. “Please I authorize it.” She dropped the bar of soap. “Damn, I’ve used too much for too long.” She stomped her foot, splashing soap on her legs. “I’ve gone crazy with the soap. What have I been thinking? What a damn mess. Computer, I authorize the water.”

“Authorization code to override required,” the computer repeated.

“I heard you before. I don’t know any code.” She hit her hand against the wall.

“Water consumption override denied.”

“Damn, I have to wash this off. What am I going to do?” Zalora leaned against the metal wall, moaning. She gazed at her reflection. She looked hysterical. Laughter welled up from inside, and she started to laugh uncontrollably. “I’m a soapy mess. Computer, please help me.”

“Captain Val Braeden contacted for help. Do you require medical attention?”

“No, no, no don’t call medical.” She slammed the wall, and more soap splashed into her face. “Computer, don’t call Val Braeden.” She stomped her foot.

“Contact made. Help requested. Val Braeden is en route.” The computer beeped.

“Damn it, I didn’t mean for you to call him. Computer, tell him I’m okay. Stop the request. Tell him to return to his meeting.” Zalora held back her head with her eyes closed. “Computer, please turn on this water. Please, computer, don’t call Val. Please help me.”

“Help is en route.”

“Don’t.” Zalora leaned on the shower’s wall, her head against the metal side. “Please don’t call him for this.” She felt like crying.

“Do you require a hand?” Zalora screamed. Turning quickly, she nearly slipped on the soapy floor. As fast as light, Val was inside the shower keeping her from falling. His uniform now covered in soap too. “I see you’re enjoying the soap? It smells nice.” He sniffed. “Are you trying to wash my scent off?” He pulled her close. “I don’t want you to do that. But you can’t.”

“Oh, you scared me. No, I’m not trying to wash off your scent. I’m just showering. The soap smelled nice.” She slapped at his arm. “How did you get here so fast? How did you grab me so fast? I didn’t want you to come. It’s a mistake. I begged the computer to help me by turning on the water. It called you instead. I didn’t need you. All I need is more water.”

“So you’ve overused our water allowance for today?” His eyebrow rose as he looked at her. “I think you need me all right.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize. I got bored. I got carried away. I’m not used to being on a spaceship. Please override as the computer requests.”

“I thought you didn’t need my help?” Val hugged her tighter. Zalora rolled her eyes at him.

“Just do it. Now you’re here, you can override it for me.”

“I can?” He cocked his head, looking at her.

“Yes.” She stared into his bright eyes.

“Okay, I guess I will. Computer authorize water consumption override Val Braeden command code VB65874.” The water poured down on them both. Val still in his full uniform with boots stood under the flow. “I guess you do need help in the shower. I offered to help you this morning. You told me you could handle it.” He slapped her bottom.

“Don’t.” She giggled.

“Don’t what?” He grinned. Val turned her with her back to the water. He helped rinse her hair. The water fell in a steady stream, washing all the soap away, soaking him. After they’d removed the soap from her, he turned the water off. A bit roughly, he pushed her against the metal wall of the shower, kissing her hard. “Come here, you water-greedy girl. I have to punish you now. It is a minor violation to overuse your water consumption allowance.” He pressed himself against her. After he kissed her more, he scooped her up in his arms, stepping out of the shower.

“What are you doing?”

“Punishing you, as a captain should.” He placed her in front of the vanity, parting her legs. He ran his hand over her pussy as he smiled in the mirror. He looked as if he had a wicked plan. Releasing his penis from his uniform, he pressed his fully erect cock into her.

“This is punishment?” She pushed back, encouraging his penalty.

“Yes.” He ran his hands over her breasts. She watched him in the mirror. He was erotic. While still fully dressed in his uniform and boots, he fucked her. Soaking wet from head to toe, his uniform clung to him. His expression was concentrated as he plowed deep into her pussy. She grabbed the side of the sink, holding on while he took her. Power combined with skill, he had his way with her. She fully surrendered, bracing herself as he moved within her. She wanted to fall to the floor as a quivering heap of desire, but she stood taking his punishment.

“Val.” She collapsed, leaning down, resting her head on the vanity. “Val, it feels…I like this punishment.” She could feel his release. He stilled, and then pulled from her.

“I’ve got to go back to my meeting. I came only to help you.” He winked in the mirror at her. “I think I’ve helped you now. I certainly came.” Quickly, he disrobed, going to the closet. He removed a clean uniform.

“I’m sorry to bother you with my emergency.” She turned, leaning against the counter.

“It was worth it. I love saving you. Especially from simple things, like soapiness.” He looked around at her as he dressed. “Did you get your nightgown I left?”

“Yes, where did it come from? It’s lovely. I love the color, too.”

“I have my resources. I’m glad you like it. I’m going to like looking at you in it when we have more time.” He walked over to where she still leaned against the vanity watching him. He sweetly pecked her on her cheek. His lips were warm, welcoming. “I’m sorry I have to leave again.” He took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth, kissing it. His eyes were wild, bright amber, with elongated pupils. His intense look made her hot all over, and she shivered. “Darling, are you cold?”

“No.” She smiled as a hot flash hit her.

“I hate to fuck you then run off. Guess you deserve it as your punishment.” He smirked. “But we’re in the middle of getting things prepared for our adventure.” He frowned. “I enjoyed this break. I always enjoy every moment with you.” He kissed her again. “I’ll make sure you’re awoken to get ready to go in plenty of time. Plus you’ll be briefed along with our medteam. I may not see you before we meet at the platform to leave.”

“Really? Aren’t you going to rest before we go?” She rubbed his arms then pulled him closer to her.

“No, I have too much to do. I can go a long time without sleep, if necessary. I may take a nap in my office.” He looked past her in the mirror, ran his hand through his hair as if fixing it.

“Why? Am I a distraction?” She put her hands on her hips.

“Yes.” He looked down at her. “Very much so.”

“I see.” She frowned.

“I love the distraction you are. But we only have six more hours before we leave. Get your rest. The senior medtor will exam you before we leave to make sure our baby is doing well. Tantia will fetch you for your appointment.”

“Okay.” Zalora nodded.

“I told the medtor you were sleeping a lot. He confirmed it’s to be expected at this stage in pregnancy as well as the result of our new mating. So rest some more. ” He kissed her lips, changed his boots, then he was gone. She stared at the doorway he’d left through.

“You sure do move fast, in many ways.” She grinned and turned to look in the mirror. Her hair was a wild mess of curls, but she had a new glow.

Approximately twenty soldiers, including Val and Kade, waited near a loaddisk in the launching bay on the platform. The medteam was behind her as she walked toward where everyone congregated. Val nodded as she approached. His expression was blank. His posture was stiff, militaristic, and reminiscent of the day she saw him step out of the cloud of dust on Tallusia. She carried her jacket over her arm. It helped hide her trembling. As soon as they came to a stop, Val addressed them all. His disposition was entirely business.

“Good, this looks like everyone.” He glanced over the group. “We’ll be arriving at Terrian in one hour. Upon arrival, we’ll take four soldiers, the medteam, along with Zalora to the designated meeting place. It’s about a one click walk to rendezvous with Tomron. Terrian’s a frozen wasteland, so all of you have been issued appropriate uniforms. The rest of our crew will wait at the ship, standing in readiness. We will be in constant communication with Black Beast. Four spacedisks are accompanying us, but they are not landing on the planet. They’ll remain ready, in formation above. ” He turned to face Zalora. “Zalora, my mate, is present to provide insight regarding the Realmist emotions. She will be able to tell us the level of deceit we will encounter. We already know Tomron’s determined to deceive us. Zalora’s a skilled Tallusian empath. King Zambali, her father, recommended for her to accompany us. He believes her skills are invaluable.” Val turned to look at the center of the crowd. He would not look directly at her. “We know this is a game or perhaps a trap set by Tomron. This is a risky mission. I have every intention to return unharmed. As you know, Tomron and the Realmist are insane, bloodthirsty with blind hatred toward us. Despite all, we’re going to do what we can to rescue our family members and our people.” He nodded toward Kade. “Not to mention the Tallusian prisoners they hold. If any one of you wish to opt out of this mission, please do so now. I will not penalize you for your decision.” He paused as his gaze passed over everyone. Again, he would not look directly at her. No one stepped forward or commented. “Especially the medteam, you’re not combat soldiers.” He closely observed them for any signs of wanting to back down. Still no one stepped forward. “Very well. Let’s go.” He turned. Kade fell into step behind him, followed by the others. The four spacedisks’ pilots went to their ships.

Time flew, as the space did outside. Zalora could hear Kade talk with his copilot. She knew Terrian was right outside their viewer. From where Zalora sat behind Kade, who piloted their ship, she could see out the front viewer. They were approaching a huge bright white planet. It was so bright she needed shades to look at it for too long. Terrian was much larger than Tallusia, at least six times as big. “Come in, spacedisks, this is Commander Kade Braeden. We’ve arrived at our destination. Remain in alert formation status. LDK4967 is preparing to land at designated location.”

“This is Pilot Rosling, copy that.” Kade broke away from the other ships. The bright planet grew even bigger in their viewer as they moved toward it. Then all she could see was white. Kade flew the ship into the atmosphere. After some bumps and slight resistance, they were into the atmosphere of the planet. The world was even whiter, blinding. Snow and ice covered everything. It had a frightening beauty. It looked bleak and lifeless in its iciness.

“This is a cold, hostile place. Does anything live here?” Zalora leaned forward in her seat. Her belt strained with her movement.

“Some indigenous animals. There’s an abandoned base here.” The copilot looked back at her.

“Is the abandoned base where we’re meeting Tomron’s people?” She looked at Val. He sat across the aisle from her. He’d watched her during the journey as if examining her. She’d felt uncomfortable at times by his pensive stare. His expression had remained impassive. His attitude was definitely aloof. It almost hurt her feelings. Others around him seemed apprehensive of his mood, everyone except Kade. Kade seemed to ignore Val’s moodiness. In fact, the rest of the team left both seats next to Val vacant, finding chairs away from him. His long legs stretched out in front of him, he looked relaxed, but his face and eyes showed it all.

During the journey, there had been very little conversation. Tensions were high among all the passengers. Under these circumstances, Zalora did not need to be able to read the Xihirian’s emotions to feel them just the same. With expertise, Kade sat their ship down. Beeps and other noises sounded until the ship came to a complete rest.

“Captain, the ship’s secured. We can debark.” Kade turned in his seat, looking to Val. He had a cocky grin on his face. Acknowledging Kade, Val stood and gave directions to the soldiers as well as their medteam. They moved to the bottom rear of the ship to the exit. The ones who would remain on board waited back from the doors. Zalora finished fully dressing in her hooded jacket, face mask, and gloves. They unlocked the ship’s passenger doors. They slightly opened, and frigid air poured into the ship. Her protective clothing seemed to keep her comfortable.

I hate the cold. Why couldn’t they have picked a hot planet?
The crew closed the door again for Val to finish his instructions.

“Zalora, I’ll be carrying you.” He pointed at her. “You can’t move fast enough. We won’t run due to the ice, but we’ll make the best time we can. Tomron has dictated that we cannot shift to walk there. We must maintain our humanoid forms.” He looked at the others. “If something happens to me, another will carry Zalora.” The soldiers nodded. Zalora decided it was worthless to argue. She knew she couldn’t keep up with a group of powerful Xihirians. Val turned his back to her and got down on one knee. He moved his head, directing her to get on. With experience, she hopped on his back. Their coats made it more difficult, but she was able to get a good hold.

“Perhaps this isn’t so bad. We’ll be warmer,” she whispered in his ear. He did not reply.

When they exited the ship, the cold air attacked her lungs. She coughed. “Cover your mouth and nose with your mask.” His tone was gruff. They began to walk away from the ship. The snow and ice crunched beneath their feet. They made good time. She buried her face in his jacket for more protection. The Xihirians could move fast even in this environment. The world was extremely bitter cold with a wind, which pushed against them. Their thermal uniforms, gloves, and masks were miraculous as they did provide excellent protection. The ground was mostly snow, very little ice. However, the snow was deep. It came up to their midcalves. The depth made it necessary to walk instead of run. The travel was hard and took a lot of energy. However, Val did not falter.