The Colony Boxed Set 1. Grace Goodwin
gray sliding door that I hoped would open when I got close. I’d find my way back to the stupid transport room and chalk this up to a stupid, naïve moment of weakness.
I was thirty-two, not twenty-two. I knew better than to believe in fairy tales.
The door didn’t open and I gathered my will to demand to be released. I turned to find Maxim watching me intently. The doctor mumbled under his breath, but I didn’t want nor care to know what he said. Ryston stood by, waiting.
God, what kind of planet was this? People weren’t allowed to speak up for themselves? If the answer was no and I’d done something horribly wrong within five minutes of arrival, what was he going to do about it?
“Yes, my mate will always be free to speak her mind to me,” Maxim finally said. “And she’s right.”
I exhaled, not realizing I had been holding my breath.
“You can’t be serious,” the doctor countered. “The testing is a requirement of all Prillon—”
Maxim lifted his hand to silence him. “I’m aware of the testing requirements, but my mate is also correct. I don’t care if she’s fertile or not. It’s irrelevant.”
“But that was part of the reasoning for accepting mates from the Brides Program, to start families on The Colony. To grow.”
This wasn’t Noah’s ark, for God’s sake, but I doubted they knew that story and doubted they’d be happy to hear it. I was just glad Maxim was agreeing with me.
“It is not her sole responsibility to populate The Colony’s future generations, Doctor Surnen. Remember, the bond Ryston and I share with Rachel is stronger than regular Prillon mates. We have the collars and the bond that brings, but we also were matched by the Interstellar Brides Program’s matching protocol. We are doubly suited. I will not reject her, regardless of the results of your tests. Therefore, the testing is no longer necessary. She’s ours.”
The corner of his mouth tipped up as he held out his hand. I looked at it, so big, the fingers blunt and long, then walked over and took it. His touch was surprisingly gentle for one of his size. All at once I felt his emotions, his power, roiling through him. He was angry, whether at the doctor for his meddling, or for another reason, I had no idea. I could only hope he wasn’t angry with me.
“As governor, you need to lead by example,” the doctor added.
“Yes, I do. But finding mates through the Brides Program is unprecedented.”
“The very reason to ensure she is well.” The doctor was like a dog with a bone. Did he want to shove something in my vagina that badly?
Maxim reached out, took the probe thing from the doctor’s hands and tossed it to Ryston.
“Thank you for your professional opinions on this matter. We will see to our mate. Privately. If we’re going to put something in her pussy, it’s not going to be a probe.”
Oh. My. God. The combination of Maxim’s command and his blatant innuendo had me dripping in eagerness for him. I imagined exactly what he was going to probe me with. Then I glanced at Ryston and imagined his probe. I gulped, then again when Ryston studied the medical device and placed it on the exam table before moving to stand beside me. I was flanked by two big, very serious Prillon warriors who said I belonged to them.
The doctor nodded once. “As you wish, Governor. May I offer you the ATB? That is standard protocol for all new Prillon brides, and is meant to ensure her comfort and pleasure. She will experience extreme discomfort if not properly prepared for the claiming ceremony.”
Properly prepared? What the hell was this doctor talking about? I had no idea, but Maxim nodded and the doctor went to a cabinet to retrieve a small metal box. The ATB was about the size of a lunchbox, although without a handle.
Ryston stepped forward to take it as Maxim led me to the door, which slid open with a whooshing sound for him, just like in the sci-fi movies. What, was I not tall enough to activate the sensor or something? I searched the wall for a sensor, but could find nothing before Maxim led me into the corridor.
“Doctor,” Maxim called over his shoulder.
“Yes, Governor,” he replied.
“The she you are referring to is my mate. She is Lady Rone to you.”
“Yes, Governor,” he repeated, this time a little more contrite.
Maxim’s satisfaction coursed through my veins, which distracted me temporarily from my situation. I stalled, making Maxim tug on my hand before he, too, stopped.
“I do not know where we are going and I am walking around with just a blanket.” While I didn’t mind him stripping it from me, I wasn’t keen on that happening in this strange white-and-green hallway.
I felt his annoyance through our joined hands.
“If you are so frustrated and angry with me, then perhaps you would be happier with a new mate.”
Maxim looked down at our interlocked fingers. I felt Ryston’s satisfaction through our connection. How could he be so content with the situation and Maxim so disappointed in me at the same time?
“Ah, I see,” Maxim said, his voice losing all the harsh edges. For once, it was soft and smooth, quiet even.
“See what?” I asked, a snap in my voice.
“The collars share our feelings too well, don’t they?” Maxim asked, stroking his knuckles down my cheek, then sliding back and forth over the damn collar. I felt that, not just against my skin, but through my emotions. Maxim’s anger and rising lust. Ryston’s longing and envy at his touch.
“Our bond, the connection between us, is very intense. It will take some time, but you will begin to filter our emotions. For now, know I am not angry or frustrated with you, mate. I am angry at the doctor’s strict adherence to the rules. I am angry at myself for being a hypocrite. I am also upset with myself for not taking care of you and your basic needs, such as providing you with clothing and comfort. Ryston.”
He only said his second’s name, nothing more, and the man went ahead of us down the hall and around a corner out of sight.
Maxim stared down into my eyes, his sincerity and desire to make me happy coming through the collar loud and clear. “Being a mate is new to me. I am sorry for my shortcomings. Ryston will have clothes ready for you in our suite of rooms. In the meantime—”
He picked me up into his arms and carried me down the hall. I gripped his shoulders, afraid of falling, but I shouldn’t have bothered. I felt dwarfed in his hold, his firm embrace. He wasn’t going to let me fall. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to me. I sensed it in him. When I relaxed, I knew he sensed my trust and pleasure at his care as easily as I had sensed his frustration moments ago.
“In the meantime, I’m to roam the base naked?”
Maxim looked down at me with his dark eyes as he continued to walk. “While you can sense my feelings, do not doubt that I can sense yours. Arousal is pulsing from your collar to mine, and Ryston’s. Because of this, I feel I can be bold. You will remain naked when you are in bed with me.” Something shifted in his gaze and I felt a burst of heat, of longing through the collar. Yes, he was aroused too. I gasped at the quick flare, my clit pulsing. “Or against the wall, lying on the table with your legs spread wide, on your knees before me. Between me and Ryston. How would you like to be taken?”
His voice shifted from dark command to rough need. Images of being between the two warriors made my nipples harden and my pussy grow wet. I wanted that. It made no sense. These two were strangers from a strange planet and yet I wanted them with a fierceness I’d never known before. Oh yes, I wanted them, and based on the desire coming from my mate, I’d have them. Soon.
Maxim