Page 14 of Lashe
“Your theory would conclude with the organisms consuming any organic beings inside, and possibly absorbing power sources, too,” Stelis added. “It would be a sound predatory strategy.”
I glanced in the direction of my room. “When Lashe wakes up, we’re telling him about this. I wish he’d scanned this asteroid before he stepped foot out there on the surface.”
“The scanning system was inoperable until recently,” Stelis replied. “Lashe was eager to get repairs done on the outside of the vessel.”
“I know that, Stelis.” I began to pace. “I think there will be no more outside time while we’re here. We’re going to have to fix things from inside the ship.”
“Impossible,” came a gravelly voice from the main cabin.
I turned and watched as a sleepy-looking Lashe joined me at the front of the ship. He looked rumpled and cute, with skin a warm wash of green and blue hues.
“It’s not safe out there,” I said.
“There are two more ducts that need to be cleaned and that can only happen from the outside.” He leaned wide shoulders against the arched opening that separated the operator’s station from the main cabin. “It’s not as if Iwantto go out there again. I have to.”
“It’s way too dangerous, especially with what Stelis and I learned about this ‘asteroid.’” I crossed my arms and stood right in front of him. “We’ll look at the schematics of the ship and find a way to clean the ducts from another angle.”
“I know this DS Starcutter-III from top to bottom. I’ve practically lived in it for five years. There’s no other way.”
“There must be. I won’t let you put yourself in that kind of danger again. If anything happened to you, I’d—”
“You’d be stranded here, or so you think. Stelis could fly you home.”
“No. I don’t want you getting hurt. Or worse.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” He made to turn around, but I grabbed his arm and turned him back to me.
“What is wrong with you?” I demanded. “Do you think I wouldn’t care if youdied?”
“I think you’re confused. You’re stuck in a traumatic situation and you don’t know what you’re saying.”
I saw red for a moment. “I’ve been in traumatic situations. I was trapped by the person who wanted to destroy your peopleand extractlamifrom your Solas, remember? Don’t patronize me, Lashe.”
“That was not my intention.” He sighed.
“Whatwasyour intention?”
His eyes flared. The colors on his face shifted to sharp red and fuchsia. “Let it go, Anna.”
But my hand was still on his arm and I held him still. “No. Your behavior is confusing. First you kiss my hand and then you talk to me like I’m a child or some overwrought female.”
“You are neither of those things, Anna,” he said.
“Then what am I?” I spread an arm. “Because you’re sure not making any sense.”
“You’re my mate,” he said clearly and plainly, then he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
CHAPTER 8
Lashe
My mind went blank. No thoughts in that moment made sense. There was onlythis. I was seeped in sensations. Swept into an abyss of need.
She tasted as sweet as I imagined. Her lips parted on a gasp as I sank into her. The fresh, tender marks on my ribs burned anew, but it was a sweet, arousing pain that filled my balls and made my cock hard.
A groan came from deep in my throat. I cupped the back of her head and held her still as I deepened the kiss. I was well aware that this could be the last kiss between us. The only kiss.
I would take it. I would take anything she was willing to give me. A ripple of shock moved through me as I felt her respond. Her body shifted against mine. Her hands touched my chest. She moved her mouth with mine. I inhaled and caught the unmistakable scent of female arousal. She was not repulsed, not pushing me away.Not yet.