9781631053283HeartsLastChanceMichaels (15 page)

RiKar
frowned and stroked his dark
blue beard. “I will have to check with
BeHah
; we are
normally taking holiday at that time.”

“I know. If our Bonding could be held early in the week, it
should not affect the council’s recess at that time.”

Tricia peered over his shoulder, noting the background
seemed similar to
KiRah’s
sitting room and stifled a
smile.

“I will present your argument and request to the council.
Blessings.”
RiKar
bowed and the
screen went blank.

Brock turned to face Tricia. “Normally he is a little
more chatty
about what has been happening. He did not
mention any news of
LoGar
or
SaLie
.
What is so humorous?”

Tricia held her sides as she tried to rein in her laughter.
“Did you notice the background? I think he was visiting your sister.”

Brock’s ears turned red. “I am usually more observant than
that.” He shoved his communicator back into his pocket and sank into a chair.
“Am I acting like a rude Earthling?”

“No, not at all.
You’re simply
preoccupied, sweetie.” Tricia perched on the arm of the chair and put her arms
around him. “Hopefully they will switch the date and on the day of our Bonding,
I’ll be in a good mood. Otherwise, I’ll be chomping at the bit to get it over
with so I can return. You do not want a
Bridezilla
—or
in this case, a
Bondzilla
—on your hands.”

“A what?”
Brock nuzzled her neck
and slipped one hand up her shirt to free her nipples from her bra.

“It’s what they call uncooperative, demanding brides on the
days leading up to the wedding.” Tricia slid onto his lap. “
Oooh
,
keep that up. Take me to bed or lose me forever, you big stud.”

“Your wish is my command.” He struggled to his feet and
kissed her as he carried her into the bedroom.

* * * *

Brock was thrilled when two days
later,
RiKar
informed him the council had approved the new
date. Tricia rejoiced and enlisted his help in putting up her small Christmas
tree and various decorations. He helped string lights in the window of the café
and put up the tabletop tree she said she’d inherited from her grandmother.
Tricia took him shopping, and introduced him to the concept of gift wrapping.

“So let me get this straight. You buy a gift, put it in a
box,
then
wrap it up in red and green paper?”

Tricia laughed.
“Or any colorful paper.
My brother and I have a tradition of seeing who can wrap one gift in the most
creative way. Once I bought him tickets to a basketball game and wrapped each
ticket individually. Then I placed them in a small box, and wrapped it. That
went into another box with, I don’t remember, socks or something, and that box
was wrapped. I think I ended up with five or six boxes all wrapped together.
Dave loved it.”

“It seems like a waste of paper.” Brock looked at the
various rolls of wrapping paper. “Do you have a system?” They were spread all
over the living room with piles of gifts stashed on the couch. The coffee table
was filled with rolls of tape, stickers, and bows.

Tricia raised her head.
“System?”

“Yes, so you use equal amounts.”

“Every year I find I seem to favor one roll over another. No
system, sweetie.” Tricia resumed cutting a length to fit. “Sometimes I make
sure everyone’s gifts are wrapped in a certain paper, but normally I just wrap
and go.” She held up the charm bracelet. “I thought
KiRah
would enjoy this, but I’ll probably have to wear it in order to get it to her.
Correct?”

Brock nodded. “And the necklaces you bought for my mother
and
SaLie
. I guess I’ll have to tuck the ones for my
brothers in my pants or hold them.”

Tricia looked contrite. “I’m sorry. I love shopping for
others and I forgot to think about what I was buying for your family. Too bad
they couldn’t transport here for Christmas Day.”

“
KiRah
might, but I would not
encourage
SaLie
. And
BeSai
would never agree to come.” He changed the subject. “Are we going back to your
parents’ house for Christmas Day?”

“Yes, and then we head to my aunt’s house for dinner. We
won’t be able to stay long, because the day after Christmas is another huge day
for us. That’s the day people return everything that doesn’t fit, or they don’t
like. I open an hour early to take advantage of those shoppers also.”

“Amazing.
No wonder you have been
so successful.” Brock stood up and went into the kitchen for a can of soda. “Do
you want anything to drink?”

“I’m good.”

He popped the tab and returned to the living room.

* * * *

Christmas morning, he awoke to find Tricia trailing her
fingers down his bare thigh.

“Morning.”
She dropped a kiss on
his lips. “You know the one thing I’ve never done on Christmas?” Her nails
lightly raked his limp cock.

“I can guess.” His body responded as she pushed the covers
back to kiss her way down to his naval.

“Somebody’s happy to see me.” Her voice was muffled. He felt
her warm fingers stroke his balls, then her mouth closed over the tip of his
cock.

“
Yessss
…” Brock’s breath hitched,
enjoying the sensation. “Watch the teeth, love.
Ahhhhh
…”
He tangled his fingers in Tricia’s hair as his climax built.

At the last second, she wrenched her mouth away and
positioned her body above his, guiding his shaft into her moist entrance.

Brock glided his hands over her hips as he watched her
impale herself on his cock. Bucking his lower body in time with hers, he
watched her puffy lips glisten with each thrust. “I love watching my cock
disappear into your pussy.” He took one hand and circled her distended clit,
then traced the lips, which hugged his dick. “You like that?”

She threw back her head and let out a cry as he stroked her
clit again. He felt her channel spasm and he thrust harder, feeling himself
close to release. His fingers teased her clit as she panted
,
then found her breasts when she leaned forward.

“I’m coming…come with me Brock…oh my God…fuck me Brock…fuck
meeeeee
…” Her voice became high pitched as her climax
broke.

Brock felt his load shoot high inside of her as he gasped
her name. He gathered her close, kissed her hair.
“Merry
Christmas.”

She lifted her lower body off of him and rolled to his side.
“Thank you.
Merry Christmas
bro’che’lov’vey
.
”

Surprise flooded him. “You said ‘Brock my love’ in my
language. How long have you been practicing?”

She hugged him. “
KiRah
taught me.
I’ve been saving it especially for today.”

“I like it. Say it again.”

Tricia complied and he pressed a kiss to her hand, feeling
his throat constrict. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Shall we get up and see what Santa left for
us?” Bouncing out of bed, she headed for the bathroom. “First, I’m going to
clean up, and put on the coffee,
then
we’ll open
presents.”

Brock shook his head. “You wrapped them earlier in the
month. Have you already forgotten what you bought?”

“That’s the fun of it. You never know, Santa’s elves may
have delivered something late at night.” The toilet flushed, water ran,
then
he heard her rinse her mouth.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached for
his boxers, pulling them on as Tricia emerged in her naked glory. He gathered
her in his arms and plunged his tongue into her minty sweetness, then swatted
her bare butt before taking his turn in the bathroom.

A CD of Christmas tunes was playing when he made his way
into the kitchen.

“Brock, put your robe on or a shirt, please? I want to take
pictures and don’t really want to share you in your underwear with my friends
on Facebook.” Blowing him a kiss, Tricia pointed her camera at him.

He ducked inside the bedroom and pulled on a pair of sweatpants,
then rejoined her. “Does this meet with your approval?”

The camera flashed.
 
Tricia licked her lips.
“Oh yeah.
And you’re
all mine.” She poured him a cup of coffee,
then
led
him into the living room where two Christmas stockings were draped over each end
of the sofa.
“One for me and one for you.
Let’s see
what Santa brought.”

Brock chuckled to himself the absurdity of her attitude. He
knew darn well she’d wrapped all the gifts herself. Why she was pretending
‘Santa’ had brought them, he didn’t know, but went along with it. Reaching into
his own red and green stocking, he drew out chocolate covered cherries, socks,
a silly looking Christmas-themed tie, and a kazoo.

Tricia put her lips to her own kazoo to show him how to play
it. She proceeded to play Jingle Bells,
then
put it
down in favor of her coffee. “Mom always gave us a silly toy in our sock.
Wonder what she’ll put in this year’s?” She stood up and passed out the small
pile of presents.

Brock was astonished at his pile. She’d managed to buy him
clothes, more ties, a bottle of spicy-smelling scent, and soap attached to a
scratchy rope. He noticed her pile of colorful socks, brightly colored tops,
new jeans, and a hat and gloves.

Tricia frowned,
then
reached under
the tree to bring out another package, tossing it at him. He caught it and
opened it up. Inside
was
a knitted hat, scarf, and
gloves in the same pattern as hers, only a different color.

“This is amazing. When did you get me all of this?” Brock
looked at her mischievous smile.

“I had Stacy and Mara
wrap
it.
After you fell asleep last night, I got it out of the trunk of my car.” Tricia
stood up.
“Ready for more coffee?”

“Yes.” She brought the pot in,
then
got out the camera again, taking more pictures.

Brock snapped his fingers, transporting a tiny box to his
hand, which he placed in his pocket. When Tricia sat down after capturing a
picture of the tree and all the presents under it, he cleared his throat.

She looked surprised, then shocked when he knelt at her feet
and pulled out the box.

“Tricia, I know we have only been officially together for
several of your months now, but will you do me the honor of joining our hearts
as one? Please say you will marry me.”

Tears leaked from her eyes as she leaned forward and kissed
him. “Oh Brock, you’re not just doing this because of those stupid jewelry
commercials, are you?” She took the ring and gasped. “This is exactly what I
described last month!” More tears streaked down her cheeks.
“How?”

He cupped her cheek. “Justin helped me.” Taking it from her,
he held it up. “May I?”

Tricia held out her left hand, but kept her fingers curled.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” she whispered.

“Tricia, I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you
when you were five. I love your temper, I love your body, I love your
enthusiasm, and best of all, I love you,
tri’che’lo’vey
.
We will be
Bonded
on my planet in two of your weeks, and I thought it only fair we become, what
did you call it, engaged on your world.” His voice lowered.

“Oh Brock.”
She smiled through her
tears and uncurled her hand. He slid the ring on her finger and she threw her
arms around his neck. “That was beautiful. It came from your heart, not simply
repeating words from an actor on a commercial.”

“I thought that was your standard proposal. It is not?”

“No.” Her voice was muffled against his neck, which grew
wetter every second. “I love you so much.”

He patted her back and felt moisture roll down his chest.
“Tricia, I’m getting a little wet here.”

She giggled and drew back, wiping her eyes on the sleeve of
her pink cotton robe. “Here, let me help.” Taking her other sleeve, Tricia
dabbed at streaks left behind by her tears. “Right now, I’m ready to jump your
bones again, but it’s nearly nine-thirty and I’d like to be on our way in an
hour.”

Brock gathered her close again. “It’s the thought that
counts. We’ll have time tonight.”

“Maybe.
If we get
back in time.”

Chapter Nine

Two
weeks later…

“Congratulations.”
BeHah
looped
their wrists with a loose silver cloth while a gong sounded. “May your Bonding
preserve the bloodline and bring you happiness now and forever more.” He spread
his arms wide. “
BaRok
and
TriSha
are now
Bonded
.
Blessings on your
family, your Bonding, and for future generations.”
He removed the cloth
and handed it to
RiKar
.

Tricia let Brock lead her to the elder, who wound the cloth
around her waist. “
TriSha
, you are to wear this on
your person when you visit without
BaRok
. This
signifies you are now part of
ReNei’s
family. Since I
am the elder who has presided over this family, it is my duty to place my
approval on you.” Kissing her forehead, amid cheers from the audience, he
motioned her to turn around. “I give you
BaRok
and
TriSha
.” Tricia felt her face heat as those in attendance
applauded.

Brock, resplendent in a dark blue tunic and slacks, held up
their joined hands, then kissed her palm. Tricia noticed the diamond on her
hand sparkle a bit brighter. Brock led her down the short steps of the
dias
, and they greeted Brock’s
family in the front row. Proceeding down the aisle, they paused at the back of
the room, greeting those who followed.

“This will be similar to our wedding,” Tricia whispered,
then listened as he introduced more guests.

A sumptuous feast had been laid out in one of the Council’s
conference room. Tricia, Brock and his family, and the Council members sat at
the head table while the rest of the guests occupied the others. Waiters
brought out plates of food and goblets. One waiter in particular bowed to
Tricia, then presented a special container.

“From
ReNei’s
Cook, with her Blessings.”
The waiter handed it to her, bowed,
then
stepped away.

Tricia sniffed the contents. “Oh Brock, Cook sent the berry
drink. Isn’t she sweet?”

“Let me pour it for you, my lady.” Another waiter hurried to
take it from her. He sipped it,
then
poured it into
her goblet.

“Why did he taste it first?” Tricia whispered.

“To make sure no one tried to poison you. It’s happened
before. He’s trained to spot inconsistencies in food and drink.” Brock raised
his glass.
“To the Council.”

“To the Council.”
Everyone at the
head table toasted.

After the meal, Brock rose from his seat. Conversation
ceased as he began to speak.

“
TriSha
and I would like to
express our gratitude to the Council for granting me a fourth chance to be with
her, then for approving our application for Bonding, and finally, for allowing
us to push back the original date for this Ceremony. We will also be joined in
Matrimony on her planet sometime in the coming Seasons, to insure our pledge.
On Earth,
TriSha
will wear my ring and I hers, as a
symbol of our Bond. Without the cooperation of the Council, this would not have
happened, and we thank you.” He lifted his glass.

A gong sounded.
 
RiKar
rose as Brock reseated himself. “And now we need to
confess to a test we put you both through.” He clapped his hands. “Bring them
in.”

The doors opened and Tricia watched as two people entered.
Brock jumped to his feet, only to be restrained by
RiKar
as
SaLie
and
NiKoh
stood up
to meet them.

“
RiKar
…
SaLie
…
NiKoh
…wait!” Brock shouted.

“It is all right,
BaRok
.”
RiKar
struggled to contain him. “Sit down. All will be
explained.”

Tricia put her hand on Brock’s arm as he gripped the chair,
but refused to sit. She pushed back her chair to stand with him. “Who are those
people?”

Brock pointed to the newcomers. “That,” he said through
gritted teeth, “is
JeWal
, who kidnapped
SaLie
and did unspeakable things to her. The other one is
DaShlek
, who turned her over to him. Why are they here,
RiKar
?”

“Patience,
BaRok
.”
RiKar
gestured to all four,
then
to
ReNei
, who joined them.

“Mother?”
Brock gasped.

“Listen to him, my son.”
ReNei
nodded in
RiKar’s
direction.

RiKar
looked at the young couple.
“I’ve observed your world also, and know that couples on your planet either
come together in times of crisis or fall apart. With
SaLie
and
NiKoh’s
help, and with the approval of
ReNei
, we devised a scheme to test
TriSha’s
loyalty to you,
BaRok
.
SaLie
and
NiKoh
agreed to be sequestered elsewhere while
JeWal
and
DaShlek
agreed to
pretend they’d kidnapped your siblings.”

The crowd buzzed with whispers at the revelation. Tricia’s
eyes widened. Brock looked furious.

“It was a ruse?
A fake?
It never
happened?” Brock’s face turned purple with fury. “How could you let me believe
it had happened?” He lunged for
RiKar
, but
BeHah
held him back.

“We meant no disrespect to your family. We always put the
couples we approve for Bonding through a test in order to make sure their bond
is strong. You and Tricia displayed one of the strongest shows of support we’ve
ever seen, even when we had to show you the faked video.”

“That was faked? Thank
God…but
I cannot believe you put us through that!” Brock tried again to lunge at his
friend, nearly knocking Tricia off her feet in her efforts to restrain him. He
steadied her and held her close. “I thought
SaLie
was
in danger! I had trouble sleeping at night, worrying about
NiKoh
and if he was being tortured.” Brock’s voice broke. He sank into his chair and
put his head in his hands.

Tricia stroked his hair, her heart going out to him. “That
was a pretty mean trick,
RiKar
.
 
How could you do that to him, making him
feel his family was in danger?”
 
Stepping toward the elder, she balled her fists. “You didn’t witness the
pain he suffered, not being able to help his sister.
 
How could you face him every day,
knowing you were betraying your closest friend with a stupid loyalty
test?”
 
Furious, she struggled to
contain her anger.
 
“I think you
need to reevaluate your ‘tests’.
 
This was very low. Was everything a lie?” She looked at him.
Are you seeing
KiRah
?

RiKar
paled, but recovered.
Yes, that part was true.

Good.
Tricia
turned her attention back to Brock and kissed his temple, shoving a napkin
under the table to his lap.

Brock scrubbed his face with his hands,
then
addressed
JeWal
. “I hope this hasn’t affected peace
relations between our planets.”

“Not at all.
TaTur
and I enjoyed ourselves as we came up with more outrageous things to tell you
at the daily briefings.” The round man bowed. “Blessings on
your
Bonding

“Thank you.”

DaShlek
stepped forward. “You will
be happy to know my daughter
DaSai
is indeed with
child, and since she’s been sequestered with
LoGar
since their Joining, we believe the babe is of his line. As is our agreement in
the escapade, the child will take his last name and be of your line,
ReNei
.” He bowed and stepped back.
“Blessings
on your Joining.”
The two men pivoted and left the area.

ReNei’s
eyes filled with tears. “I
did not know that part of the agreement.” She gripped
SaLie’s
hand. “I’m to have another grandchild.”

“Congratulations, Mother.”
SaLie
embraced
ReNei
, as did
NiKoh
.
KiRah
hurried down to join them.

Brock hugged Tricia.
“Looks as if
everyone’s getting a happily ever after.”

“Yes, so it would seem. I love you,
BaRok
.”

“I love you,
TriSha
.”

*The End*

After the tragic death
of his mate,
NiKoh
is astounded when signs indicate
another Chosen awaits him.
GiNae
is the free-thinking
daughter of his housekeeper. Will
GiNae
have to give
up her dreams? Or will this unlikely
Bonding
even be
approved?
Book 2 in The
Chosen
series coming soon.