Thorn's Bondmate (Zarronian Warriors Book 2) Read online

  "We've picked up several of the men on Earth who were dealing with the Witvians," Eirik said. "They've named all of their accomplices and we're in the process of arresting them as well. They'll be sent to the Universal Assembly for judgment."

  "What about the Witvians?" Thorn asked.

  "The Assembly has discovered that the Witvian Council sanctioned the business with the Earthlings. They've given us permission to surround Witvia with a security dome."

  "For how long?" Soren asked.

  "Ten annuals. Nobody will be allowed to leave or go to the planet during that time," Eirik said.

  "A harsh punishment," Soren said. "But, they deserve it as this isn't the first time they've betrayed their oath."

  "In three cycles, Thorn, you will take the Invincible to Witvia, and you, Soren, will take the Venturer. The Stargazer and the Defiance will go, as well. You'll protect the scientists while the dome is put in place and you'll make sure none of the Witvians escape."

  "Have we already received permission to use the timewaves?" Thorn asked.

  "Yes. The Assembly sent their permission today for the journey to and from Witvia."

  Eirik rose from his desk. "We'll complete the plans in the morning when you come to the Council Building."

  They bid Eirik good night and returned to Valan's home. As they entered, Lia and Daria came out of the kitchen. Each of them carried a huge vase of flowers in her hands. Valan groaned then took the vase from Lia. Hooking his arm around her waist, he pulled her to the stairs. "Thorn carry Daria's flowers for her," he said over his shoulder as he and Lia ascended the steps.

  Thorn took the vase, then followed Daria to her room. As soon as the door closed, he set it on a table and pulled her into his arms.

  "Thorn! Your parents will expect us downstairs."

  "No. They won't," he mumbled, busy kissing her neck.

  "How can you be sure?"

  "I just am," he said against her neck as he nuzzled it.

  "Shouldn't you go speak with Dane and Dev?" she asked, as she wedged her hands between them and pushed him slightly away.

  "In the morning," he whispered against her lips, as he gripped her gown and began raising the skirt to her waist.

  Daria covered his hands.

  He slid his fingers under the straps covering her breasts, and tickled her as he moved them over her breasts. His fingers brushed her nipples, then pinched them. Pulling a strap aside, he lowered his lips to her nipple.

  She gasped when he draw it into his mouth, then wove her fingers into his hair and held him against her.

  As he nibbled a path to her other breast, he said, "Raise your skirt for me, Daria."

  "No."

  Thorn stood up and backed her against the wall. Tipping her head back, he covered her mouth with his and jerked her gown up then began undoing his pants. Suddenly, he stopped, and held her against him. Shuddering, he released her, then smoothed her gown back into place.

  "Thorn?"

  "I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't do this again."

  "Are you angry with me, Thorn?"

  "No." He avoided her eyes.

  "Then, why did you stop?" She reached out and grabbed his vest, pulling him to her.

  "Daria?"

  She opened his vest, and shoved it from his shoulders as she nibbled on his chest. She licked his nipple, then whispered, "Wasn't there something you wanted to do, Commander?"

  Thorn cupped her head, and tipped her face up to his. For a moment, he stared into her violet eyes, then he grinned. "I wanted you to lift your skirt."

  Daria inched her skirt up. "Like this?"

  Thorn stepped back and watched as the hem of her gown moved up her legs. "Higher. Much higher."

  Teasingly, she lifted it another inch, then another. "Like this?"

  Thorn's eyes darkened. "You're playing with fire."

  "Then burn me."

  He grabbed her and lowered his lips to her neck and nibbled a path from her shoulder to her ear. "Undo my pants, Daria."

  She pulled the sides apart. "Like this?"

  "Yes."

  He groaned when she touched his cock, stroking her fingers up and down the shaft.

  He backed her against the wall. "Do you know what you're doing to me?"

  "The same thing you're doing to me."

  Thorn grasped her waist and lifted her. "Wrap your legs around me."

  She swung her legs around him and tightened them.

  "Yes. Now, kiss me."

  Daria offered him her mouth. One of his hands slid beneath her bottom, the other cupped her head and held her mouth against his. Softly, she nibbled on his lips until his mouth opened and she explored him, teasingly stroking his tongue with hers. His heart pounded against her breasts.

  Thorn lifted his mouth from hers. "Open your eyes."

  Grey eyes met violet, and held, as he slowly lowered her onto him.

  She gasped, and dug her nails into his shoulders. "Thorn." She felt every inch of him inside her. It was incredible, beyond anything she'd ever experienced before. He pulled her against his chest and ran his hand down her back.

  "Do you like this?"

  "Yes. So much."

  "Hold onto me." He braced her against the wall and began to move.

  All she could do was feel, then feel some more. She slid her arms around him and pressed her face against his chest, panting as he thrust into her. "Thorn," she gasped as the flames rose around her. "Thorn."

  He slid his hand to her breast and thumbed her nipple as she lifted her head and kissed him. She pressed tightly against him, trapping his hand between them, as the pleasure overwhelmed her.

  "Daria." He groaned and he shuddered against her then braced his hand on the wall behind her and waited until his legs stopped shaking. He carried her to the bed and dropped onto it.

  Daria snuggled against him, yawned and closed her eyes. Absently, she stroked his arm, enjoying the texture of his skin and the rippling of the muscles beneath it.

  Thorn rubbed her back until she fell asleep. He didn't know what to do about her. Dane and Dev, and his parents, were becoming so attached to her. There were even times when he enjoyed her company. But, he knew himself well enough to know that he could never accept her lover's child.

  The fever made him too vulnerable to her. He rose and covered her with the sheet then eased her door open and stepped into the hallway. He'd have to get her moved into her own home as quickly as possible and definitely before her baby was born.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next morning, as Daria descended the stairs she heard angry shouting coming from the den. At first, she couldn't understand what was being said but as she reached the middle of the stairs and was even with the door it became clearer. Thorn was arguing with his father. So what else was new she asked herself. When her name was mentioned, actually yelled, she froze. Were they arguing about her? Before she could decide to move on, or stay there and listen, the door flew open and Thorn appeared in it with his back to her.

  "I didn't choose her—I just got stuck with her," Thorn said, his voice cold and harsh.

  Valan said something, but from this distance she couldn't understand his words but she understood Thorn's answer perfectly.

  "That's exactly what she is—a pleasure give and I won't claim her or the child she carries."

  Daria watched as he stalked to the front door and slammed it shut behind him. Shaken, she sat down on a step.

  Lia covered her hand and gave it a little squeeze. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, Daria."

  She nodded. "I wasn't spying. I was just coming down for breakfast." She tried to control the tears in her eyes.

  Valan pulled a pink cloth from his vest and handed it to her. She wiped her cheeks, then smiled at the cloth. Lia never had told her why he carried them.

  Valan smiled. "My Father gives them to me. He and Borg are famous for their practical jokes. When Lia was carrying Thorn and Soren she became very emotional and weepy. I kept it from Father
and Borg for as long as I could because I knew they'd find some way to amuse themselves with it. Eventually when they found out, they presented me and all of my warriors, with a dozen pink drying cloths each. For the last thirty-one annuals they've sent me a new supply on Thorn and Soren's birthday."

  Daria smiled but her lips trembled. "I think that's very funny and very sweet."

  Valan grimaced, then gave her a rueful look. "So does Lia."

  "I'll wash this and return it to you I wouldn't want you to run short."

  "Unfortunately, I don't think that will ever happen."

  Daria stood up and moved down the stairs.

  "Daria?" Lia asked.

  "Yes?"

  "Would you like to talk about what just happened?"

  She glanced at her then studied the patterns in the marble flooring. "There's really not much to say is there?" She hesitated for a moment. "What happened was an accident. It wasn't Thorn's fault. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, as usual."

  "There's more to it than that."

  "I know, but there's really nothing more to say about it."

  Valan escorted her and Lia into the dining room.

  Daria greeted Dane and Dev. They smiled at her, then asked for permission to leave. Lia granted it and they ran out of the room.

  "Do you think Thorn will be back?" Lia asked.

  "Yes. He's checking the Invincible but he'll be back in time for dinner."

  Lia smiled and took a sip of juice. "He'll change his mind. He'll-"

  "Please, don't," she pleaded. "This isn't Thorn's fault. He's just—Thorn. What happened between us was an accident and we both feel trapped by it."

  "Thorn is being foolish," Lia said. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to him."

  "We'll keep that sentiment to ourselves. Somehow I don’t think he would agree." Daria smiled. "In the meantime, I'll furnish Thorn's house and I'll begin researching Zarronia."

  "Thorn can furnish his own house." Lia said, her voice annoyed.

  "No. I want to do it for Dane and Dev. They've already chosen the furniture for their rooms. Besides, Thorn would make a mess of it. You know he would."

  "That's true," Lia mumbled. "It would be picture perfect, but it wouldn't have any warmth." Lia looked at Valan and asked, "Why didn't you knock some sense into him when he was younger?"

  "You wouldn't let me. Don't you remember telling me he'd come around eventually?"

  "Somehow, I can't imagine Thorn allowing anyone to get close enough to him to hurt him," Daria said.

  "Oh, Daria, you should have met him before he bonded with Naline. He was charming and kind, and he adored females. He wanted children and always said he couldn't wait to be a father. Didn't he Valan?"

  "Yes, Little Cat, he did."

  "That's why he bonded when he was so young," Lia said. "We pleaded with him to wait or to choose a female from Earth."

  "I'm so sorry," Daria said, seeing her unhappiness and distress. "If I could do anything to help you, I would, but Thorn will have to change on his own, if he even wants to change."

  "But, don't you see, Daria? He is changing. You're changing him. And, you've helped Dane and Dev, too."

  Daria thought about what she'd overheard Thorn saying to Valan. Even though he hadn't intended her to hear it, she knew he'd meant it. There was no way they could stay together as long as he felt that way about her.

  "Lia, do you really believe Thorn and I could live together and be happy knowing the way he feels about me? Knowing how he feels about my baby?"

  Lia looked at Valan, then shook her head.

  "At least he's home now," Daria said. "With Dane and Dev where he belongs."

  "Yes, Lia. Maybe Dane and Dev will bring the old Thorn back to us," Valan said. "Then, if Daria can ever forgive him, they might be able to work something out."

  Daria finished her juice, then rose. "Weren't we going to Thorn's house this morning?"

  "Yes, but you haven't eaten anything." Lia glanced at her food tray.

  "I'll eat later." Daria knew if she tried to eat now she'd be sick. "I can't wait to see the house. I hope it's as big as it looked on the viewing screen."

  "I'll get Dane and Dev and meet you on the front walk," Valan said. "When we return, Lia will fix you some food and you will eat it. Do you understand?"

  Daria nodded then smiled. "Wow, now I know where Thorn gets that commanding tone of voice." She laughed. "I promise I'll eat later."

  "Will you please talk to Thorn about the baby one more time?"

  Sighing, Daria agreed. "It won't do any good but I'll try."

  "Thank you. I promise, I'll never ask you again." Lia rose. "I'll get the house plans from Valan's desk."

  Daria followed her into the hallway. She'd try one more time to tell Thorn the truth, then never again. If he didn't believe her, it would be his loss. She didn't want to be stuck with him for the rest of her life anyway, she told herself, firmly.

  Lia joined her, and the five of them walked to the house she'd purchased for Thorn. It was only a few blocks away and set in the middle of a beautifully landscaped garden.

  Valan examined the bushes they passed, commenting that they needed some care as the house came into view. Daria stopped on the path and stared at it. It was exactly as it had seemed on the viewing screen. White with black, lacy balconies. Dozens of windows reflected the early morning light and welcomed them.

  Dane and Dev ran to the porch and circled one of the huge pillars as she and Valan and Lia stepped onto the front porch.

  Close up Daria could see that the pillars were heavily carved with a geometric design, as was the front door.

  Valan pushed the door open and waved them inside. Daria stepped in behind Lia. The entrance hall ran from the front of the house to the back. To her left was a large dining room and to her right there were three sets of double doors.

  Daria slid the first set open and looked into the living area. The ceiling was vaulted, the walls painted a soft creamy color.

  Another set of doors were opened and led into the next room. She went through them, entering a shelf-lined room. All of the walls had floor to ceiling shelves, even over the doorway. The outside wall had a huge, wide window looking out over the side garden.

  She wandered into the hall and opened the last set of doors. Two of the walls were bare, and the other two were mostly windows. Hearing her name being called, she stepped into the hall.

  "Daria, come see our rooms," Dane called to her, his voice echoing in the empty house.

  Smiling, Daria climbed the stairs and followed the sound of their excited voices until she found them. Their rooms were on the left side. Dev sat on the floor in one, while Dane sat in the other, yelling back and forth at each other through the bathing chamber which connected their rooms.

  "Do you like your rooms?" she asked them, receiving an excited nod of their heads. Smiling, she explored the other three bed chambers. Two had their own bathing chambers attached but one was larger and obviously the master bedroom. The fifth bedroom would make a very nice nursery or small office.

  Daria looked out the windows of the larger one. From here she could see the entire garden including the tree she'd thought perfect for a treehouse. She'd have to remember to mention that to Valan. Turning away, she returned downstairs and went into the kitchen.

  It was a nice size and equipped with a food and beverage processor. Part of the room was a breakfast area with glass walls that looked over the back terrace. It would be very nice with a lot of plants and several comfortable chairs to sit in and watch as Dane and Dev played outside.

  Lia and Valan walked into the room and glanced around. "It's perfect," Lia said.

  "The garden needs work," Valan stated, again.

  "Yes, Valan, it does. Thorn can hire the workers to take care of it."

  "There's a tree in the back yard that will be perfect for a treehouse," Daria said.

  Valan looked out the window and asked which one. Daria pointed it o
ut. "You're right. When Thorn returns, I'll help him and the boys build one."

  "They should enjoy that." Daria studied the room again. "I've seen everything I needed to see. Have you?"

  "Yes," Valan said. "I'm expected at the Council Building soon. Lia get the boys, then we'll go."

  As soon as she left, Valan told Daria, "You don't have to speak to Thorn unless you want to Daria."

  "Did Lia tell you she asked me to speak to him?"

  Laughing, he said, "No, but I know my bondmate."

  "It's alright. I don't mind doing it for her. You've both been so kind to me."

  "We've been kind to you because we like you. Although, I have to tell you the first time we met we thought you would be perfect for Thorn."

  "But, why?" she asked, amazed.

  "You're exactly what he needs. You're strong, and you have integrity." Grinning, he added, "And, Thorn likes females with black hair and unusual eyes."

  Suspiciously, she asked him, "Is that why you took me to the starship and made me promise not to tell anyone about it? Were you testing me?"

  Valan nodded.

  "I should be very angry at you. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to keep silent?"

  "Yes, we do. And, that's why we know you would be perfect for Thorn. He'd never have to worry about you betraying him."

  Lia returned with Dane and Dev.

  "I'll walk you back to the house, then I must leave for the Council Building" Valan said.

  Lia chatted to Daria about the neighborhood and its convenient location as they strolled along the quiet paths. Occasionally, they passed someone else on the path and they greeted Valan then Lia. Valan made it a point to introduce Daria as Madami Thorn to everyone they met.

  When they reached the house, Daria excused herself and went into the living area to begin making furniture selections while her memory of the house was fresh. A few minutes later, she heard the front door close behind Valan and Lia walked in with a tray of food in her hands.

  She ate while they purchased furnishings for Thorn's house.