9781631053283HeartsLastChanceMichaels (10 page)

“That wouldn’t have happened. The longest relationship I was
in only lasted a year and a half, and I tried to break up with him three
times.” Tricia hugged him. “I’d come to realize I was getting bored every three
months.
Which makes me wonder how I’m going to feel about you
in twelve weeks.
”

“You said so yourself you have feelings you don’t normally
have. So there’s hope, sweet Tricia.” Brock kissed her damp forehead. “Do you
want to sleep or clean up first?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I should probably clean myself up
and at least brush these tangles out of my hair.” Tricia placed a kiss on his
shoulder before leaving the bed. She paused at the door to the washroom. “You
want to help me wash my hair again, big boy?” She posed in a provocative
manner, one hand on a hip.

Brock flung back the covers and lunged for her as she dashed
into the other room. He caught her around the waist and backed her up against
the mirrored counter.

“I’ve got an idea. Turn around.”

“Again?”
She turned to face the
mirror.

Brock slipped his arms around her and cupped her breasts as
he nudged her legs apart. “Look at us.” He watched her face as she looked at
their images. “That is hot, baby.”

Brock took one hand and placed his cock between her legs.
Tricia’s blue eyes darkened as her arousal spiked again.

“There you go…look how hard you make me.” Tricia shifted her
stance and placed her hands on the counter to give him better access. The tip
of his cock moved inside her pussy and she closed her eyes.

“No
, love…keep
them open. I want
you to see what I see when I slowly fuck you.” His right hand returned to her
breast, and they moved together in a quiet rhythm. “You’re beautiful.” Brock
kissed the back of her neck. “I love you so much, and I am thrilled I was able
to bring you here to my planet.”

He noticed she was having trouble keeping her eyes open as
she panted, getting closer to the release he knew she craved. “Just a little
more, baby.” He picked up the pace and saw her throw back her head as more
cries broke from her throat.
“Yes, Tricia, now.”
He
poured himself into her,
then
placed his hands over
hers on the counter.

“That…was…intense,” she panted, then grimaced. “Ooh, I think
I’m getting sore.”

He pulled away to turn on the shower knobs. “Let me get us
both cleaned. Then we can sleep.” Brock led her into the warm water and
appreciated the way his
Chosen
looked with
streams of water flowing over her.

Chapter Six

Brock went to the Council of Elders every day, trying to get
more information on his sister’s Joining, which would lead to his brother’s return
home. Tricia busied herself with learning more about the living habits of what
was sure to become her extended family. Finally, Brock returned home with the
news his sister was now officially
Joined
to
JeWal
and
Du’Kah
. No one seemed
happy about the union, but at least Brock had been able to communicate with
both of his brothers, and
NiKoh
assured him he would
return in a day or two.

“At least he’ll be home, and the lines of communication will
be open between you and
LoGar
.”
 
Tricia tried to be optimistic. “When can
you and I return to Earth? I still have a business to run.”

“I know.” Brock kissed her hands. “You’ve been so very kind
and patient with me throughout this entire ordeal. Thank you.”

“Brock, when two people love each other,
and are committed to each other, you work together to solve issues.
What
use would it do for me to be angry? This is your family. If the roles were
reversed, I would hope you would be there for me.”

“Absolutely.
Though I doubt your
sibling would ever announce his intention to mate with another female, just so
he could stay close to the one he wants more.”

Tricia laughed. “I don’t see Dave doing that. Right now he’s
more interested in having fun and testing his alcohol limit. Tell me about
NiKoh
. How much older is he and what is his occupation?”
They sat alone in the dining area.
ReNei
had retired
for the evening and
KiRah
was entertaining
DaTil
in the other room.

“
NiKoh
is seven years older, and
SaLie
is two years younger than him.
NiKoh’s
training is in military operations, and he supposedly excels in negotiation
tactics.” Brock shook his head. “I know
,
he obviously
forgot his training the minute his siblings were involved.
SaLie
will be okay on
Xaxon
. She is a Healer, and her
knowledge should be utilized well, should
JeWal
ever
let her out of his bedchamber.” A look of disgust filled his face. “You still
find this humorous?”

Tricia tried to hide a smile. “Do you find the concept of a
threesome so revolting? Or is it just because it involves your sister?”

“Please.” Brock shot her a look. “Can we agree to disagree
on this subject?”

“Then don’t question my sense of humor.” Tricia finished her
light snack. “Maybe when we return to Earth and some time has passed, you’ll be
able to accept your sisters’ decisions.”
 
She placed her hand over his.

Brock drained the contents of his goblet, wiped his mouth,
and stood up. “Come, we’ve given
KiRah
and
DaTil
more than enough privacy, I don’t hear any voices.”
He headed for the door.

A gasp drew her attention as she followed him into the living
area and found the couple rearranging clothing.
KiRah’s
bright blue face betrayed her embarrassment.

“I—we—
DaTil
and I were saying good
night.”
KiRah
rose to her feel, untangling her skirt
and tossing her thick scarlet locks over her shoulder.

“
TriSha
, I am happy to know you.”
DaTil
bowed, his orange curls plastered to his face in
front of his ears. He adjusted his tunic and took
KiRah’s
hand as they walked toward the exit.
“Blessings to you both.”

Tricia watched the couple embrace at the door and turned to
look at Brock, whose eyebrows furrowed in a deep frown. “You know they will be
Bonded in a few years.”

“I know. I used to think it was funny to spy on
NiKoh
and
BeSai
before they were
Bonded
.
SaLie
and
LoGar
were fascinated with the
Xaxonities
.
But
KiRah
is a baby.”

“She’s what, eighteen? From what your mother has said, she’s
almost of age,” Tricia reminded him. “I know she’s your baby sister, but you’re
going to have to accept her choice. How did she first feel when you told her
about me?”

Brock looked at her. “That is different.”

“How so?
ReNei
told me how she tried to dissuade you from pursuing me.”

“I knew what I wanted, and nothing was going to stop me.”
Brock folded his arms across his chest.

Tricia tipped her head to one side. “Then how do you know
you’re right and
KiRah’s
wrong? Flip it around,
Brock. You’re the youngest and pursuing someone nearly thirty years younger
than you. Your older siblings question your decision, even expressing
disapproval at every turn. How does that make you feel?”

“Do not use your Earthling psychology on me.”

“Then quit acting like a jackass, and be happy for your
sister.” Tricia’s temper flared. “Yes, your sisters haven’t followed an exactly
approved path, and neither did your brother. You went outside your solar system
and brought me home, an alien who has to drink water all the time, because your
liquids are too spicy for me. But all you can say is, ‘I know what I wanted and
nothing was going to stop me.’ Can’t
KiRah
say the
same? Or does she have to grow up in order to say that?” She put her hands on
her hips. “If she’s anything like teenagers on my world, she may run off with
DaTil
just to get away from you. Is that what you want?”

“Of course not.
Datil
—”

“
BaRok
!”
KiRah
burst into the room, clutching the hand of a tall man
whose multi-hued hair hung in strings around his face. “Look who I found
outside!”

“
NiKoh
?
We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.” Brock clasped his brother in a huge
bear hug. “I’m happy to see you home.”

Tricia saw
NiKoh
wince. “I’m happy
to be back also.” He patted Brock’s shoulder. “Not so hard. The medical scan
said I had cracked ribs. I’m to take it easy for a few days.”

“Apologies.”
Brock let go and
stepped back. “Come, I want you to meet
TriSha
.”

“Ah yes, your Chosen.”
NiKoh
limped over and took her hand. “I have only been hearing my brother talk about
you for the past several decades. I am happy to meet you at last. Hopefully
your stay has not been too unpleasant.”

“I’m happy you’re still in one piece.” Tricia placed her
other hand on top of his. “Your mother has been anxious about your return.
Please, sit down. I imagine you must be tired.”

NiKoh
swung his head to look at
Brock.
“Wise and compassionate.
You have chosen well.”
At Tricia’s urging, he took a seat on the sofa beside her.

KiRah
came running into the room
again. “I told Mother you were back.
 
She will be down shortly.” She dragged two of the chairs closer and sat
in one of them. “Tell me all about it. Did you have to kill many of the
Xaxonites
? How does
SaLie
feel
about living there now? Did
LoGar
look well? What was
SaLie’s
Joining like?”

“Hold on, little sister. Wait until Mother appears, so I do
not have to tell the story twice.”
NiKoh
reached out
and took
KiRah’s
hand. “Sit,
BaRok
.
Now I am home, I know you will soon have to take
TriSha
back to her world. Congratulations on gaining approval for Bonding.
RiKar
told me after I was debriefed.”

“He and
TiGra
worked day and
night, keeping us informed.” Brock stood as
ReNei
entered the room.

“My son.”
ReNei’s
voice cracked. “Are you in pain?”

NiKoh
struggled to his feet and
placed his hands on his mother’s shoulders.
“A little.
BaRok
doesn’t know his own strength.” He gathered her
close. After a moment,
ReNei
drew back, holding onto
his elbows while gazing at him. Neither spoke for several minutes.
ReNei
sighed as she gripped
NiKoh’s
hands, easing him back down to a sitting position. Then she took the seat
beside him that Tricia had vacated for her.

“So.
Begin at the beginning.
Before
KiRah
bursts with curiosity.”
ReNei
smiled in her daughter’s direction.

NiKoh
took a deep breath. “
SaLie
came to me, saying Mother was unhappy with
LoGar’s
choice and how
RiKar
had
told her about the shame of not knowing if any of
DaSie’s
progeny were his. She suggested we go storm the
compound,
that
RiKar
and
TiGra
had
arranged back up,
but we needed to leave immediately. Alarm bells went
off in my head, but you know
SaLie
, she can be very
convincing.”

ReNei’s
lips compressed. “Indeed.
Continue.”

“So we set off, and things went well until
DaShlek’s
guards surrounded us.
TiGra
expressed surprise when I called for our supposed backup. That’s when I
realized
SaLie
had lied to me. When
TaTur
showed up and our sister offered herself to
JeWal
as a hostage, we were both placed in
JeWal’s
care until further arrangements were made. That was
when I learned of
SaLie’s
plan to
Join
with
JeWal
, in order to also be with
DuKah
.”
NiKoh
lowered his head.
“Apologies, Mother. If I hadn’t jumped to conclusions…if I’d followed the chain
of command…she was so persuasive.” He lowered his head in his hands. “They
forced me to watch. It was brutal, even though it was obviously not her first
time. Forgive me, Mother.”

ReNei
touched his shoulder. “It is
not your fault.
SaLie
has always been headstrong and
rebellious. The only thing we can do is keep her in our thoughts and let her
know we will welcome her home anytime. Yes, I am sad and angry, but at least
two of you are staying on
TriJupe
and will continue
the bloodline.”

NiKoh
struggled to stand. “I
really must return home to
BeSai
. She knows I am back
on the planet and is eager to see me.”

“Of course.”
ReNei
stood and embraced her oldest son. “Bring her with you if you can tomorrow.”

“I will. Blessings, Mother.”
NiKoh
hugged Brock and
KiRah
in turn before leaving the
dwelling.

ReNei
turned to face Brock. “I
will see you in the morning.
Blessings.”
She moved
toward the staircase with
KiRah
trailing behind.

Tricia moved the chairs back to their original places. “
NiKoh
has a Bond Mate? Why hasn’t she been here during all
this?”

“
BeSai
has been unwell the past
months.” Brock led her upstairs. “She lost a child several months ago and has
been despondent over the loss. She was getting better until
NiKoh
and
SaLie
went after
LoGar
.
Her parents have been taking care of her, in addition to regular medical
visits.
NiKoh’s
son is at the Academy, training for
the military like his father.” He activated the panel, ushering Tricia inside
the bedchamber. “I think we can return to Earth tomorrow afternoon. How does
that sound?”

Tricia pulled her dress off over her head, kicked off her
shoes, and crawled into bed. After fluffing the pillows, she said, “It sounds
wonderful. How many Earth days have we been gone?”

Brock shed his own clothing and climbed in beside her.
“Tomorrow will be the beginning of the second day. One of our weeks equal one
of your Earth days, and we have almost been here seven days.” He took her in
his arms and caressed her full breasts. “I know you’re worried about the café.”

Tricia took his thick member in her hand. “I know Justin is
more than capable, but customers like seeing me throughout the day. And to be
honest, while I’ve enjoyed helping
KiRah
and your
mother manage the household, I never was the domestic type. I always preferred
to be outside or in the kitchen. I like to make messes, not clean them up.” As
she spoke, she moved on top of him and began kissing her way down his chest.

Brock groaned when she reached his groin. “Thank gods you do
not mind cleaning up after mating.”

She licked the tip of his cock. “Now that would be gross.
Shut up and enjoy this.” Tricia took him in her mouth and swallowed.

“
Ohhhhhh
…” She felt his hands grab
her hair and help guide her rhythm as he gently bucked his hips. “Tricia…I am
close…gods but you’re good at that…
ahhhhh
…”

Tricia felt his cock throb, and then tasted the salty spurt
of his seed. Accepting all of it, she let go of his penis and tipped her head
back to swallow his essence. Brock’s hands went to her breasts as she straddled
him. She enjoyed the feel of his warm hands roaming over the tips and curves,
then down her ribs to her soft apex. He touched the soft lips of her exposed
pussy and lightly skated over her clit with a finger. Tricia leaned back as his
fingers plucked at the sensitive nerve endings and plunged into her channel with
his other digits. Feeling his member growing against her ass, Tricia began to
lift herself, but he stopped her.