Crank's Craving

Lady Blue Crew 6

Crank’s Craving Kidnapping your mate is wrong. Even Crank knows that. But when his mate's life is threatened, all Crank can think about is getting the little neon-green-haired man to safety. It's just too bad that Anok refuses to be mated. Crank goes into mating heat the moment he scents his mate. With Anok refusing to be mated, Crank's only choice is to be sedated until his commander can decide what to do with him and Anok can be dropped off on the closest planet. Giving him up at that point is impossible, unless he wants to go feral and have to be put down for the safety of everyone, especially Anok. Anok is confused about the emotions Crank creates in him. He's seen what mates do to each other firsthand, and he wants no part of it, but he can't deny the draw to the handsome cougar shifter. When Crank gets sedated and everyone starts blaming him, Anok decides he needs to know what being mated means. He can think of only one person that can show him, and he's unconscious. But is he brave enough to have Crank awakened? Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Science Fiction, Shape-Shifter Length: 36,881 words

CRANK’S CRAVING Lady Blue Crew 6

Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen

EROTIC ROMANCE MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance ManLove

CRANK’S CRAVING Copyright © 2011 by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61034-900-8 First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Crank’s Craving by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

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CRANK’S CRAVING Lady Blue Crew 6 STORMY GLENN AND LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 Crank stared across the mess hall at Anok, the little neon-greenhaired man they had found on Paktil. The man was also his mate. The need to drag Anok off to a dark corner and claim him was overwhelming. The only thing that kept Crank from doing just that was the angered scowls Anok kept sending his way. Okay, maybe he shouldn’t have kidnapped Anok from Paktil, but they were in trouble at the time, and protecting his mate was the only thing in Crank’s head. Unfortunately, it meant he was now dealing with a very pissed-off mate. Crank didn’t think Anok would allow himself to be claimed anytime soon. But it would happen. Crank knew it deep in his bones. Anok was meant for him. Unlike the other crew members on board the Lady Blue, Crank was a cougar shifter. That in itself came with a set of issues Crank wasn’t ready to face yet, but knew he would have to, and soon. Now that he had smelled his mate, he had less than one full moon to claim him. If a month passed without tasting his mate’s blood while claiming him, Crank would go feral and have to be put down for everyone’s safety. Sometimes it really sucked being a cougar.

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Other times it was magnificent—like now. Even standing across the room he could smell Anok’s sweet scent. It wrapped around him and sank into every pore of his body. Crank would be able to scent out his mate anywhere, anytime. Anok’s distinctive scent was ingrained in Crank’s very blood. That was how it worked for cougars. One scent of their mate and they were hooked. No other being in the world—any world—would ever smell so delicious or arouse Crank as much as Anok did. Crank growled when the ship suddenly lurched and Anok grabbed the table in a death grip. Anok’s face paled and his eyes started to dart around the room as if he were frantically looking for an escape route. Anok suddenly jumped up from his seat and ran for the doorway Crank was leaning against. Crank stepped back and let Anok through. The moment Anok made it past the doorway, Crank spun around and grabbed the little man around the waist. Anok started to struggle frantically. Crank could smell the fear and panic pouring off of the man in waves. He had to calm his mate. He just wasn’t sure how to do it. The only thing he could think of was taking Anok to his quarters. So, that was what Crank did. He picked Anok up, tossed the man over his shoulders, and carried him down the corridor to his quarters. Once inside, he set Anok on his feet then reached back to lock the door. The moment he turned back, pain exploded in Crank’s jaw as Anok punched him. Crank shook his head and rubbed his jaw as he glared at Anok. “What in the hell did you do that for?” “Because I am not a fucking bag of potatoes!” Anok snapped. He jabbed his finger into Crank’s chest. “That’s the second time you carried me off, and I’m getting damn tired of it. You…don’t…own…me!” Crank growled and clenched his hands. “Mine!” “I don’t fucking think so.” Anok waved his hands back and forth in front of him as he started backing away.

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Crank didn’t like the fact that his mate felt the need to back away from him. His mate should never leave his side. He stepped over and grabbed Anok’s arms and yanked the man against his chest. “Mine!” he growled once again. Crank didn’t realize he had partially shifted again until Anok’s eyes widened and the man gently patted his chest. Fear was slowly beginning to fill Anok’s face. “Okay, whatever you say.” Crank frowned. That wasn’t right. His mate should never fear him. “Why do you deny me? You know we are mates.” “Not in this century,” Anok snapped as he started to struggle again. “I’m no one’s mate.” “You’re my mate!” Crank gritted his teeth when pain suddenly radiated up his leg from his shin. “You kicked me in the shin.” Anok’s eyebrow arched. “I’ll kick you higher up if you don’t let me go.” As if to prove his threat, Anok raised his leg. Crank instantly turned to the side and Anok’s knee landed on his thigh. It wasn’t painful, so Crank didn’t think Anok was trying to hurt him. He just didn’t understand why the man was so insistent that he be released. None of the other members of the crew had this much trouble claiming their mates, not even Tank. At least Tank knew Zackary cared about him while they waited to complete the Paktillian ritual that would allow them to be mated. They had even done more than their fair share of fooling around while they waited. He shouldn’t be having this much trouble, not now that he had found his mate. “Why are you being this way?” “Because you fucking kidnapped me!” Anok shouted. “You kidnapped me, and now you’re trying to force yourself on me.” Crank’s nostrils flared as he instantly released Anok. The rage that suddenly flowed through him made his hand tremble as he pointed his finger at Anok. “I’ve never forced anyone in my life, and I’m not about to start with my mate. If you don’t want me, fine. I’ll have

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Remy drop you off at the nearest spaceport, and you’ll never have to see me again.” Crank saw Anok’s mouth drop open just as he spun around and unlocked the door. He hit the button to open the door and stepped through the doorway, turning to look over his shoulder at his mate— his ex-mate. “You can have the room until we drop you off. I wouldn’t want to be accused of not being hospitable.” Crank turned back around and stormed away. The anger he felt at Anok’s words was mirrored by the deep ache he felt in his chest. His mate, the man he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with, didn’t want him. Crank had no choice now. Anok didn’t want him, and he would never force the man. He was going to go feral, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. **** Anok stared slack-jawed and stunned at the door as it swooshed closed. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen anyone so pissed in his entire life. Crank was livid. His anger was barely overshadowed by the pain radiating in his hazel eyes. Anok shook his head and walked over to sit on the side of the bed. He didn’t understand any of this. He just wanted to go home and back to what he knew. It hadn’t been a perfect life. Hell, it had barely been a life. But it was his life, and it was the only thing he knew. The crazy ass shit that occurred on board the Lady Blue freaked the hell out of him. Paktil or End of the Line was much safer as far as he was concerned. The crew members on this spaceship were nuts, and he needed to get the hell off this hunk of junk. Anok jumped to his feet and ran toward the door just as the ship shook again. He grabbed for the door and missed, crashing into the

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wall. Anok groaned when his head hit the wall. He reached up to grab his aching skull as he slowly slid down to the floor. When he pulled his hand away from his head and looked down at it, Anok blanched. Fuck. Blood. That couldn’t be good. Anok started to struggle to his feet when he heard the door swoosh open again. He heard a low animalistic growl just as he looked up into the face of a cougar. “Oh, my.” Anok’s eyes widened. “Nice kitty.” He shuddered when a long pink tongue scraped over the side of his head where he was bleeding. “Oh, that is so gross. That can’t be sanitary.” Anok couldn’t believe he was thinking of sanitation when a full-grown cougar was staring him in the face. He must have hit his head harder than he thought. The cougar butted his head against Anok’s hand as he tried to push him away then gently placed his mouth around Anok’s hand. It pulled gently, just hard enough to get its point across but not pierce the skin. Anok got the idea and climbed to his feet. The cougar pulled Anok by his hand through the corridor and down the stairs to the next level, then once again down the corridor. Anok finally figured out where they were going when they walked into the sick bay. The cougar pulled Anok over to a bed then released him only to butt his head into Anok’s abdomen until he sat down on the side of the med-bed. As soon as Anok was seated, the cougar growled once and backed away. When he reached the door, the cougar turned and jumped through it, disappearing down the corridor. Anok blinked as he stared down the corridor after the fleeting cougar. He shook his head, confused out of his mind. He wasn’t stupid. He knew that had been Crank. He just didn’t understand why the man came to him in cougar form instead of on his own two feet. “I have got to get off this freaking ship!” Anok felt panic set in. He wasn’t sure why Crank was being so nice to him after the way he had left his quarters. None of this made

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any sense. Anok wanted familiar. The unknown scared him half to death. “What do we have here?” a tall and elegant man asked as he walked into sick bay. Anok totally forgot why he was there. He was so busy concentrating on Crank that everything else had ceased to exist. “Let me take a look,” the man said as he walked over to Anok’s med-bed. He winced when the man started poking at his head. “Are you a doctor?” The man chuckled as he released Anok’s head and walked over to a cabinet built into the wall. “No, I’m a gynecologist.” Anok was even more confused now than ten minutes ago. “Uh, no thanks, doc, but I think I’m the wrong kind of patient.” “Nonsense. Now sit still so I can get you patched up.” The tall man turned and headed back toward him. Anok wasn’t so sure he wanted a gynecologist examining his head. Anok inwardly chuckled at his thoughts. He definitely needed his head examined. “Okay, tell ole Imlay how this happened,” the doctor said as he set some medical supplies down on the bed next to Anok. Anok sighed as he swung his legs back and forth. “I was walking out of the room and missed the door, hitting my head on the corner of the shelf instead.” Anok bristled when he noticed the unbelieving look the doctor was giving him. He thought about his explanation and realized how absurd it truly sounded. “Honest, that’s what happened.” “You know anything said between doctor and patient is confidential. You can come to me for more than just your injuries.” Anok gaped at Imlay. Did the doctor think Crank had done this to him? There was no way he was going to let the doctor think that. He may want off of this ship, but Anok did have his honor. “Crank didn’t do this. It happened just how I said it did,” Anok snapped.

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“Okay. I’ll let it go…for now.” The doctor finished with Anok’s injury and began to clean up the mess. Anok jumped down off of the med-bed and stormed toward the door. It pissed him off big-time that the doctor was basically calling him a liar. He had run into people like him all of the time. Just because he used the streets to survive didn’t mean he was an automatic shady character. He resented Imlay’s implication that he was. It only confirmed that Anok didn’t belong on this ship. He wasn’t used to confining spaces for one, and secondly, he wasn’t going to stand there and be called a big fat liar. “Thanks,” he mumbled over his shoulder as he left sick bay. To his surprise, Crank was waiting outside for him. Anok walked right past the man as he made his way to the mess hall. He wasn’t sure how he felt about Crank, and he definitely wasn’t sure how he felt about Crank following him around everywhere. “How is your head?” Anok waved Crank off. “Examined and certifiably broken.” Crank grabbed Anok’s upper arm, swinging him around to face the angry look on the cougar’s face. “That’s not funny. What did doc say?” Anok saw the worry in Crank’s eyes, but he was still angry at Crank and now the doctor was added to that list. Nobody on board this ship made any sense to him whatsoever. “Doc said it wasn’t an accident and that I was a big fat liar. Thank you so much for sending me to him. Any more referrals you have waiting in the wings?” Anok winced when Crank’s fingers tightened around his upper arm. He saw pure rage mar Crank’s handsome face. Okay, that hadn’t been his goal, but Imlay had pissed him off. Anok pushed a hand through his hair as he exhaled loudly, wondering how he was going to get out of this crazy mess. “Look, my head is fine. The doctor patched me up. No harm, no foul.”

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Crank’s features softened as his grip eased up a little. “Are you hungry?” Anok closed one eye as he stared at Crank, unsure if this was a trick. The man seemed to have a thousand different emotions and was rapidly tossing them at Anok like missiles. He wasn’t sure what to expect from one second to the next. “Sure.” Crank followed Anok to the mess hall, walking too closely, in Anok’s opinion. He felt as though he was in a prison and Crank was his damn guard. The walls were closing in on him after being confined in one place for so long. Anok wasn’t sure how much more he could take being on board the Lady Blue. “I don’t need you walking so close to me. Geez, do you think I’m gonna steal something?” Crank grunted as he eyed Anok. “I don’t think that at all. But you’re my mate, and where you go, I go.” “I’m not your mate,” Anok ground out. His jaw hurt from clenching it so tightly by the time they made it to the mess hall. He had to think of a way to ditch the cougar shifter. They both stepped through the door to see other crew members sitting at the table eating and talking. His plans of ditching Crank looked like they were going to have to wait. “Anok!” Pax smiled from ear to ear as Anok joined his friend at the table. Okay, maybe one person here didn’t irritate the crap out of him. “Hey, Pax.” They tapped knuckles as Anok looked around the table. Everyone was watching him a little too closely, which made Anok very uncomfortable. He strummed his fingers on the table as he tried his best to ignore the inquisitive looks. Anok rolled his eyes when Crank set a steaming plate of food in front of him. He had a feeling Crank was glued to him now. Anok wasn’t used to such attention, and he definitely wasn’t used to being catered to. He didn’t like it one damn bit.

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Everyone turned and looked when Tank came walking into the mess hall. Anok liked Tank. He seemed like a pretty nice guy. It was Crank and Imlay that rubbed him the wrong way. “We’re not in the Turok system like we originally thought,” Tank said as he grabbed a plate and began to pile it high with the food setting over on a buffet table. “Do you want to be more specific?” Remy, the commander of the Lady Blue, asked, as he sat back in his chair and waited for Tank to finish speaking, just as the rest of them did. Somehow Anok knew he wasn’t going to like this. He was told that they had come out of the wormhole by Paktil. He had been looking forward to getting off of this damn ship. Anok sat there impatiently waiting for Tank to finish chewing the roll he had shoved into his mouth. He could see that Remy was growing impatient, and Anok was right along with the commander. “You see, Zackary and I had assumed we were back in the Turok system, just like the last time when we were shot through the wormhole. I think the readings got a little confused about exactly where we were.” “Spit it out, Tank.” Remy growled as he sat forward, his fists landing on the table in front of him. “We’re in the Galaxias system. Venus is the planet we’re closest to.” No! Anok groaned when he heard the news. It would take them months to get back to Paktil. What the hell was he going to do now?

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Chapter 2 Crank could see the devastation on Anok’s face. It irritated the fuck out of him that his mate was being so difficult. He knew that the feelings of aggression whirling around inside of him weren’t all due to Anok’s resistance. He was in mating heat and ready to climb across the table and attack his mate. Crank sat there bouncing his leg as he tried his best to concentrate on the meal in front of him. He wasn’t hungry, not for food at least, and having his mate near, scenting him so close, was driving him fucking nuts. “It looks like we’re back to taking odd jobs to get back to our galaxy.” Remy sighed as he pushed his plate away. “Let’s try to keep them legal gigs. It seems our luck turns to shit every time we take on something dealing with the black market,” Livewire commented offhandedly. “Not that I care, but I’m tired of having to deal with cutthroats. Why can’t we get a sweet old lady who wants us to transport Hyberian kittens or something?” That made Crank smile. Leave it to Livewire to think up some shit like that. “Or some medical doctor wanting us to transport medical supplies?” Crank teased. “Hey, that haul led me to my mate, didn’t it?” Livewire gave Crank the evil eye as he leaned over and kissed Imlay on the cheek. “Or we could get some more silkworms,” Pax said excitedly. “If I remember correctly, we were short a few of those.” Colt narrowed his eyes at his mate and then smiled. “What did you do with them?”

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Pax had the decency to blush as his eyes darted around the room. “Freddy, Emily, and Darla are flying around the hydroponics room.” The table exploded with laughter as Pax turned a deeper shade of red, which was a feat considering the man had blue skin. Crank stole a glance at Anok to see a look of bewilderment on his mate’s face. He knew Anok had no clue about the silkworms and that Pax had befriended the little creatures. It must be hard to be around a whole crew of strangers and trying to understand half the things they joked about. “I think Darla and Freddy are dating. Every time she flies near me when I enter the room, Freddy tries to dive-bomb my head.” Pax chuckled. “That’s too funny.” Adwaka held his side as he giggled. “But not as funny as when you and Gigi decided to free the Uryclian Mucus Slugs. Now that was hilarious!” Pax looked indignant as he glared over at Blade’s mate. “The exterminator was going to kill them. They were only trying to survive. I think a few of them were mates. Did you know they leave behind a slime trail that calls to their mate? Yeah, I bet you didn’t know that, Mr. Smarty-pants.” Instead of making Adwaka feel the least bit contrite, he laughed even harder. “You would know something like that, wouldn’t you?” “What the hell is a Uryclian Mucus Slug?” Mo asked. Crank stared over at him, trying to remember that Mo knew nothing of their time. Mo was a human they had picked up on Old Earth when they accidently went through another wormhole and went into the past. Crank had yet to figure out exactly why Remy allowed the guy to come along with them. “Their mucus is deadly. The slime they leave behind can eat right through you,” Pax explained to Mo. “But they were really nice.” Crank smiled when he saw Anok double over with laughter. His mate was gorgeous as hell when he smiled. Crank’s cock sat straight up and took notice, damn near making Crank yowl and attack. He

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managed to breathe through the instinct to take what was his and calm down, but not by much. “That’s not as funny as the time we stopped on End of the Line to buy the charges we needed for the Beta Five job and ended up with a stowaway.” Blade laughed. “I’ll never forget the way Remy reacted to that one.” Tank snorted. “Yeah, me either. He tossed me around the kitchen like pie dough and then knocked me on my ass for wanting some steak.” Remy chuckled. “Hey, what can I say? I was in the midst of mating heat.” Crank glanced around the table at Remy’s words. He knew exactly how Remy felt now. Crank didn’t have a third form to shift into, but he was real close to losing his goddamn mind. His skin felt tight and achy as he glanced once more at his mate. Crank inwardly smiled when he caught Anok looking at him. He knew the little green-haired god felt the connection just as much as he did. What Crank couldn’t understand was why Anok was fighting it. The longer his mate fought the claiming, the more aggressive Crank would become. He knew he should inform Remy of his condition, but Crank wasn’t ready to step down from his duties just yet. “What was that line you pulled on me when I was taking Gigi and Pax shopping?” Tank teased Livewire. “Something along the lines of, ‘You got any screws loose, I’m your man. Crossed wires? I can uncross them. Let me show you what I can do.’” “Fuck you.” Livewire laughed as he hugged Imlay close. “I needed a job. It worked, didn’t it?” “All right, men, time to get back to work,” Remy said as he stood. “We need to find a job to get us to the Andromeda system.” Everyone sobered at the mention of Andromeda. Crank knew they were going to have to pass Tronos to get back to the Turok system, something nobody on board the Lady Blue was looking forward to. If

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the Elite Force caught them, the crew members would all spend the rest of their natural-born lives behind bars…if they made it to the court system. “Tank,” Remy called. “Try and contact Venus. See if we can land. We need to scope the place out and see if any jobs are available.” “Yes, Commander.” Crank knew that fate was one ironic ass bitch. Venus was the planet of sex and love, and he was headed there with a mate that didn’t want anything to do with him. Crank was not going to survive this. **** “Can you believe we’re going to Venus?” Gigi asked as he bounced around on the balls of his feet. Did the man ever sit still? “I’ve heard stories about that planet.” “But you were born in the same galaxy. Why haven’t you ever been there?” Adwaka asked. “That would be the first place I’d visit, given the chance.” Gigi shrugged as the group of mates headed toward the media room. “Never had the chance.” Anok had been to the place, and he wasn’t looking forward to returning. As a matter of fact, he was told never to come back. Anok wanted to tell the commander that he was banned from Venus, but handing over the explanation as to why he could never return stopped Anok in his tracks. Maybe he could stay aboard the Lady Blue when they docked and no one would be the wiser. As badly as Anok wanted off of this tin can, he wasn’t suicidal enough to risk running on Venus. “Aren’t you excited?” Adwaka asked him with bubbly exuberance. “Yeah.” Anok put on his fake smile, the one he gave when he felt just the opposite. Pax tilted his head, studying Anok, but thankfully

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his friend didn’t call him on his lie. They had worked the streets together for a lot of years. Pax knew Anok pretty well, and he knew Anok was lying through his teeth. “Just think of all the things we can do.” Gigi clasped his hands together and continued to bounce. “I hear they have these amazing mud baths that make your skin all soft and silky. Remy would just love that.” “Nope, not me,” Adwaka said as he shook his head. “I don’t do mud. I’m more interested in trying out their Fountain of Youth.” Anok frowned. “You know that’s a myth, right? There is no Fountain of Youth. It’s just a spring of mineral water.” “Yeah.” Adwaka winked. “But they have private rooms with pools in them, and I intend to share one with my mate. Blade is a coyote shifter, and they love water. I can just imagine the things we could do together in one of those pools.” Anok couldn’t help but smile at the lecherous grin on Adwaka’s face. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to feel that way about someone. Adwaka seemed to be totally wrapped up in his mate. His thoughts briefly went to another shifter, and he wondered if cougars liked water. He just couldn’t ask. Who would he ask anyway? If he even brought it up to one of the mates, he knew the news would be all over the ship in a matter of moments. Anok preferred to keep his private life just that—private. “What about you, Anok?” Pax asked, a sly smirk on his face. “What do you hope to visit?” “I think I’ll just stay on the ship and catch up on my rest,” Anok said quickly, shooting Pax a glare. Pax knew exactly what he was saying. “I don’t know when I might get the chance again. Being a courier doesn’t give me a lot of chances to just relax.” “What’s a courier?” Adwaka asked. “I transport important documents and stuff from place to place.” Adwaka blinked. “Isn’t that what we do?”

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“Sort of.” Anok chuckled. “You all usually transport cargo of one type or another. I transport actual documents and data files that can’t be transported by usual means.” “Is it illegal?” Anok shook his head. “No, it’s a very legitimate job, actually. I even have a registration card with the authorities that records me as a verified, insured, and bonded courier in several systems.” “Insured and bonded?” Adwaka looked totally confused. “It means the items I carry are insured against theft or damage,” Anok said. “It also means that I deliver when I say I will. It takes a lot of work to become bonded.” Adwaka’s eyebrows drew together as he glanced around the room at the other mates. “Could we become insured and bonded?” “No.” Gigi snorted. “We’re on the run, remember? The first time we set foot in one of the registration offices, the Elite Force would be on our asses.” “Oh.” “Just what did you all do to piss off the Elite Force, anyway?” Anok asked. He knew the crew of the Lady Blue was on the run, but the reason why had never really been explained to him. He’d never even picked it up from the bounty hunters in the bar. He just didn’t know. “We kind of pissed off the wrong people,” Gigi said. “We’re just not exactly sure what we did to piss them off. Someone in the Elite Force doesn’t like us. Until we prove our innocence, we’re on the run.” Anok opened his mouth to ask more when Remy suddenly stormed in to the room, Crank right behind him. Both men looked ready to tear his head off. “Mind telling me why Venus is denying us docking access after hearing that you were on board?” “Uh…” Anok licked his dry lips and glanced from Remy to Crank.

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Shit! **** Crank wasn’t sure what was going on with his mate, but pissing a whole planet off was pretty impressive. He wasn’t going to say that in front of his commander, or even the other mates, but he was a little proud of his neon-green-haired mate. “It was totally an accident, I swear,” Anok defended himself. “They are blowing this way out of proportion.” “Blowing what out of proportion, Anok?” Remy growled. Crank took a step in his mate’s direction. Remy knew better than to growl at another’s mate, another’s unclaimed mate, at that. A soft rumble sounded in his chest as he took a stance next to Anok. Remy cocked a brow at Crank but said nothing. He turned his attention back to Crank’s mate. “Well?” “I was delivering some documents to Venus and decided to take a tour of one of their temples.” “But that’s forbidden,” Gigi interjected. “What would make you do something insane like that?” Anok threw his hands up as he gaped at Gigi. “Have you been there? One side is nothing but luxurious spas, but the other side of the planet is where they worship. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before. I wanted to see it.” “So they banned you for going to the other side of the planet?” Remy asked. “Not exactly.” Anok’s face flushed. “They banned me because I knocked over one of the braziers and set a temple on fire. But it wasn’t my fault.” Anok was quick to state the last part. Crank gaped at his mate as Remy cursed. “You set a temple on fire,” Crank said incredulously. “How the hell do you set a temple on fire accidentally?”

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Anok’s scent changed from fear to downright indignation. “Easy. You back up and knock a brazier over. How the hell was I supposed to know it was there? Who puts a damn burning pot in the middle of the floor anyway?” “Seriously?” Gigi asked. “Then it looks like we move on to Mars. Maybe we can hit the casinos and win some credits to get us closer to our home galaxy,” Remy said as he exhaled loudly. “I wish you would have said something before I contacted them.” Crank watched Remy storm out of the mess hall and then turned back toward his mate. “Burned it down?” “To the ground.” Anok winced. Crank whistled low. “Amazing feat. I’m impressed.” He said the last part just for Anok’s ears. Anok’s eyes widened as he looked up at Crank. “I’ve been laughed at, called names, and been banned from Venus for what I did, but no one has ever said they were impressed.” A small grain of hope flared up in Crank. Anok seemed to be warming up to him. His mate grinned as his eyes twinkled. “I like that,” Anok whispered. Crank winked at Anok, making his mate blush. “I’m glad you like that.” Crank gave off a low purr as he moved an inch closer, feeling his cougar pacing restlessly inside of him. His cock was rock hard as he pressed his body close to Anok’s. He growled when his mate jumped away. “I told you we’re not mates.” “Mine!” Crank shouted. “No!” Anok countered just as loudly. Crank was ready to pounce. Instead, he shifted into his cougar form and ran from the room before he did something he would regret. He’d never take his mate unwillingly, but the heat was getting to him, and he was starting not to trust himself around Anok.

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“What the hell?” Colt stated as Crank ran past him. “Is there something we should know?” Crank ignored the hawk shifter as he raced toward his quarters. He needed an ice-cold shower and maybe a sedative from the way he was feeling. Soon Crank wouldn’t be in control, and that scared the shit out of him. Maybe he should go see Remy and be put out of his misery now instead of waiting for the next full moon. It would save a lot of grief for everyone on board. Crank shifted when he reached his room, feeling his skin buzz with need. His head began to hurt as he walked into his bathroom and turned the shower on. Crank stepped right under the freezing spray. Images of Anok bombarded his head the second he closed his eyes. Crank groaned and reached for his cock. His mate was so damn gorgeous. Anok just standing in a room breathing turned him on. Anok didn’t even have to do anything. As the images in his head began to turn more erotic, more fanciful, Crank started stroking his cock. In his mind, it was Anok holding him, touching him, stroking his cock. And it felt fucking fantastic. Crank couldn’t wait until he could claim his mate and make the images real. His breath caught in his throat as he rubbed his thumb across the head of his cock. In the fantasy building in his mind, he saw mossygreen eyes staring at him with want and need, just the way a mate should look. “Anok!” he cried out as his hand tightened around his cock. The orgasm that swept through Crank almost took him to his knees. His entire body shuddered as his release splashed onto the shower stall floor. Crank tugged on his cock a couple of more times then stepped directly under the shower spray to clean himself off. His heart began to ache almost immediately, leaving him feeling lost and empty. He shouldn’t have to fantasize about his mate. His mate should be there with him, not denying that they were even mates.

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Crank was shivering when he stepped out a few minutes later, but his body was still aching to claim Anok. “I am so fucked,” he grumbled as Crank went to his row of cupboards looking for fresh clothes. He turned his head when his bedroom door swished open to see Anok standing there gaping at Crank’s naked form. “Fuck.” Now what?

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Chapter 3 Anok gaped as he stood in the doorway and took in the most breathtaking male form he had ever seen. Crank should have been carved in marble and set in the center of museum as a masterpiece. The man was simply gorgeous. Crank’s massive chest was a work of art all on its own. Anok didn’t know what the man did to stay in such good shape, but he seriously needed to keep doing it. It was working for him. Sculpted muscles met with smooth skin everywhere that Anok looked. Thick, powerful arms, wide shoulders, and a chest that begged to be licked led down to a flat abdomen and a cock large enough to make Anok drool. The thick thighs and long legs below Crank’s groin were just a bonus. “If you’re a cougar shifter, why don’t you have a hairy body?” Anok asked, speaking the first thought that came to his mind as he gazed at all the smooth skin in front of him. Crank growled and slammed the cupboard closed. His movements were jerky as he pulled a pair of pants on then reached for his shirt. “You need to leave, Anok.” Anok blinked. His mouth dropped open as surprise and something similar to hurt rocked through him. Crank had been following him around like a lost puppy since he met the guy, and now he was telling Anok to leave? “What?” “Go, Anok,” Crank snapped. “I think it’s best if we stay as far apart from each other as the ship will allow.”

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“But—” Anok frowned, bewildered by Crank’s attitude. “I thought you were letting me use your quarters.” Crank’s lips pressed together as he stared at Anok for the longest time. He didn’t say anything for so long that Anok began to fidget, pulling at the edge of his shirt with his fingers. “Very well,” Crank finally said. He waved his hand around the room. “It’s all yours. Do with it what you will.” Anok’s mouth dropped open when Crank stormed past him, turning his body enough that they didn’t touch, then he walked right out the door. Anok stepped out into the hallway just in time to see Crank sprint up the stairs then disappear from sight. There was something seriously odd about that man, but damned if Anok could figure it out. Maybe he was the crazy one here and everyone else was sane? He seemed to be the odd man out, even when it came to Crank. Anok moved further into Crank’s quarters and let the door swoosh shut behind him. He’d been in the room before, but he’d never actually taken the time to really look around. It was simple but well kept. Oddly, it reminded Anok of Crank. Anok sighed deeply as he sank down onto the side of the bed. He grabbed a pillow and held it against his chest as he took in the rest of the room—the dresser, the bookshelf full of real paperback books instead of vid-disks, and lastly, the massive bed he sat on. It was covered in pillows as if Crank built a nest out of them every night when he went to bed. As simple as it was, the room was much nicer than Anok had ever had. He was used to sleeping in run-down hotels on whichever planet he was currently visiting. He kept everything he owned, which wasn’t much, inside of a knapsack. He’d never really had a place to call his own. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have one place to settle down and come home to every night. A shaft of pain stabbed Anok in the chest when he realized he pictured Crank in that

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fantasy. He wanted to come home to the sexy cougar shifter every night, not to an empty room, even if it was as nice as the room he was in. Anok didn’t understand the emotions he felt toward the handsome shifter. Crank was everything he tried to avoid. He was possessive, obsessive, and as sexy as sin. If Anok allowed him, he knew Crank would try and rule his life. Anok needed freedom. He needed to be able to go where he wanted when he wanted. It was one of the reasons he made such a good courier. He hated being tied down to one place. It was also one of the reasons he had no roots. The ability to go anywhere on a whim was one of the things Anok lived for. Just another reason he was so confused about the things he was starting to feel whenever he thought about Crank. He had never wanted to settle down in one place before. Why now? And why with this man in particular? What was the pull that Crank seemed to have over him? Anok dropped the pillow and slammed his fists down into the mattress on either side of him. It wasn’t fair. His life had been going just the way he wanted until he met—until he was kidnapped by— Crank. Why was he suddenly questioning things now? Why was he thinking about that damn shifter so much? **** Crank clenched his hands as he walked onto the bridge and spotted Remy cuddling in his chair with Gigi. He wished the two men all the best. He just wished he didn’t have to look at happy mates everywhere he turned, especially when he would never have his own mate to cuddle with. “Remy, can I talk to you?” He watched Remy and Gigi turn to look at him and his eyes settled on the smaller of the two men. “Alone.”

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Gigi blinked then slowly pushed to his feet. He leaned over and kissed Remy then started for the door. Crank could see the confusion on the mate’s face, tinged with a bit of hurt. He reached out and rested his hand on Gigi’s shoulder to stop him. “I’m sorry, Gigi,” he said softly. His anger wasn’t Gigi’s fault. “I just need to talk to Remy for a few minutes.” “It’s okay.” Gigi grinned and winked at Crank. “He’ll just tell me later.” A burst of laughter left Crank’s lips. He had no doubt whatsoever that Remy would do just that. He doubted there was anything Remy could keep from his little mate if Gigi wanted to know. Gigi laughed as he walked off the bridge. Crank reached over and shut the door then turned to look at Remy, who was regarding him with an arched eyebrow and a hint of curiosity in his smoky-gray eyes. “What is so important that you’ve run my mate off?” Crank rubbed the back of his neck as he walked across the room to look at the vid-screen. The space they were heading into was displayed over the screen, a large red planet taking center place between the stars. “How long before we dock on Mars?” “Tank says about twenty hours or so.” Shit! Crank closed his eyes. He rested his hands on the console and leaned over it. Twenty hours might be too long. Crank wasn’t sure he could hold out that long, not when he knew his mate was somewhere on the Lady Blue. “Twenty hours is too long, Remy.” “Too long for what?” Crank turned around and let all of the anguish he felt finally free. He heard Remy’s swift inhale when the commander got his first good look at him. After holding it back for so long, the heat that rolled through his body almost took Crank to his knees.

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“I won’t last that long, Remy. I’m barely holding on now as it is.” He clenched his hands when his claws threatened to extend and started pacing back and forth across the bridge. “You need to sedate me or something, lock me up before I hurt someone.” Namely Anok. “Please,” Crank pleaded as he glanced back at his commander, a man he had known more than half his lifetime. “I can’t take it anymore.” Remy took a tentative step forward, cocking his head to the side. “Have you discussed this with Anok? Does he know what’s happening to you?” “No, and I don’t want him to know. I won’t have him mate with me out of guilt.” Crank felt the sweat trickling down his back as he looked at Remy imploringly. “I’m begging you.” Remy’s lips thinned as he gave Crank a slight nod. “I’ll call Imlay.” The commander walked across the bridge and hit a button on the console. Crank looked down at his hands, noticing how badly they were shaking. His mouth was dry, and his head hurt like someone had been using a large object to bang away at it. Crank could also hear the blood pounding in his ears. This was happening way too fast. He should have had more time. “He’s on his way,” Remy informed him. Crank dropped into his seat, wondering how this all was going to play out. If he was sedated until Remy could figure out what to do with him, maybe that would give Anok enough time to get away. If he smelled his mate right now, even a small whiff, Crank would lose it completely. Crank’s heart thundered so fast that he became dizzy when he saw Imlay walk onto the bridge. This was it. He was about to take a long nap until Remy decided the best course of action. “Hi.” Imlay smiled at him weakly. “Are you sure about this?”

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Crank wasn’t sure about anything right now. All he knew was that his mate, or anyone else for that matter, wasn’t safe around him in this state. “Yes.” Imlay pulled the injection gun from behind his back and injected Crank so quickly that he didn’t even have a chance to tell Remy to give his mate a message. He wouldn’t even be able to tell Anok goodbye, but maybe that was for the best. Crank wasn’t sure he’d survive watching his mate walk away from him. **** “I don’t like this,” Imlay said as Remy laid Crank on the med-bed in the ICU. “There should have been another way to handle this.” Remy had tried to think of a way around this while telling Imlay to come to the bridge. He couldn’t think of anything. “At least with him sedated, it will give us time to figure out what to do.” “Why doesn’t anyone tell Anok what’s going on? He could make all of this go away. Is he that selfish?” Imlay asked as he put the injection gun on the table by Crank. Remy shook his head as he stared down at the cougar shifter. Remy could see the signs of his explosive expert’s anguish even while the man slept. Crank’s canines hadn’t receded, and his claws were still protruding from his fingers. He had been real close to going feral. “He doesn’t want Anok to mate him out of pity.” “Bullshit,” Imlay snapped. “It’s Anok’s duty to see to his mate. He needs to grow up and accept his responsibility.” Remy couldn’t agree more as he stared at Crank. But it wasn’t his place to force a mating. “Anok must have good reason to deny Crank.” “Yeah, well, I’d like to hear it.” Imlay waved a hand at Crank. “This is uncalled for.” “Just keep him sedated until I can figure out what to do.”

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Imlay sighed as he turned his back on Remy. “I can keep him sedated only for so long before it messes with his health. You better think of something fast.” Remy walked out of sick bay feeling nauseous. He was thankful Gigi hadn’t denied him. This was one fucked-up situation, and Remy hated that he was the one who called the shots in this particular case. **** “Is it true?” Adwaka leaned in and whispered to Gigi. “Did Crank really have to be put out of his misery?” Pax listened as he glared across the media room at Anok. It was one thing for someone to want his freedom. It was another to want it at someone else’s expense. The Anok he remembered would never have done something like this. “Yep.” Gigi nodded. “Remy told me that they had to put him down like a feral dog, whatever that means.” Pax pushed away from the sectional sofa as he stormed across the room. Anok was sitting off in a corner by himself, reading a damn book. “Why?” he demanded as he stood in front of Anok. “Why what?” Anok set the book aside and looked up at Pax in confusion. That innocent act was not going to cut it with Pax. He really liked Crank and was pissed off beyond belief that someone he considered his friend would do something like this. “Why are you making Crank suffer? Why does he have to be put to sleep in order not to lose his mind because you won’t mate him?” Anok tossed the book aside and stood, matching Pax glare for glare. “What in the hell are you talking about? I didn’t do anything to Crank.” Pax was so angry that he pushed Anok, something that he never thought he would do to another being. He growled when Anok pushed back. “You selfish pig!” he shouted.

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Anok’s nostrils flared as his eyes looked like his friend wanted to kick his butt. “Take that back, Pax.” “No!” he shouted. “You are a selfish pig. Are you so selfabsorbed that you don’t care what happens to your mate?” Anok stomped his foot as he pointed a finger in Pax’s face. “He’s not my mate.” Pax gave up. He wasn’t about to get into a physical altercation with Anok when the man refused to claim Crank. “You know, I used to look up to you. Now?” Pax tried his best to think of something cruel to say, something that would make Anok snap out of his selfishness. “Now you’re just a stinking rat.” Pax stormed away, heading toward his quarters. He was so mad right now that he was afraid he’d say something he’d regret. He was already feeling like scum for saying such horrendous things to Anok, but the guy deserved it. **** Anok’s mouth hung open as he watched Pax storm from the media room. He had absolutely no clue what the blue-skinned man was talking about. Crank was sedated? When did that happen? Anok hurriedly walked down the corridor, taking the steps one level down as he headed toward sick bay. He had to see this for himself. “You can’t come in here.” Imlay held his hand up when Anok entered the room. “Why not?” Anok asked. He was still pissed at Imlay for calling him a liar, and it showed in his attitude. “Because I have a patient to care for.” Imlay used the same snippy tone Anok had just used. “Is there something you needed?” Anok was getting really tired of this guy. “Is your patient my mate?”

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“Oh, now you want to claim him? Interesting. You didn’t want anything to do with him when he was hot on your heels, but now that he needs a drool bib you want to show concern? Get out.” Imlay growled as he pointed toward the door. Anok normally wouldn’t stand for someone talking to him that way, but Imlay’s words hit a little too close to home. Was he really the cause for Crank being sedated? Anok left the sick bay feeling like total shit. He was so wrapped up in visions of his freedom that he never stopped to consider the effect that decision was having on Crank. “You’re a real shit,” he said angrily to himself. Crank had been a bit dominant and demanding, but the guy had been very kind to him as well. Would it be that bad being together with cougar shifter? That was a question Anok needed to figure out. If he went to Imlay and demanded Crank be awakened, he better be damned sure that it was what he wanted. Anok felt confused as hell as he walked the corridors. His life had been perfect before all of this happened. Why couldn’t he go back to the way it was before he joined the Lady Blue crew? Never in a million years did Anok think he would find his mate, mostly because he didn’t believe in fated mates. And now, not only was he on the same ship with him, his mate was currently serving time in a vegetative state. Anok groaned as he walked into Crank’s bedroom and sat down on the side of the bed, feeling the loneliness consume him. Why did relationships have to be so damn complicated?

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Chapter 4 “Commander, can I talk to you?” Anok swallowed nervously at the hard glint he saw in Remy’s eyes as the man turned to look at him. Finding a time when Remy was alone so they could talk was hard enough. Seeing the blatant anger in the commander’s eyes was even harder. “What can I do for you, Anok?” Anok almost turned and ran from the room. His nerves were just about frayed. No one on the ship would speak to him. It had been going on that way for days. Anok wouldn’t have minded so much except no one would tell him how Crank was doing, either. And he needed to know. There was an ache growing in his chest that just seemed to expand with each passing hour. Not even stopping on Mars for a few hours had alleviated the feeling of loneliness Anok felt. The rest of the crew had gone off to gamble and find some cargo to transport. Anok had stayed in Crank’s room, unwilling to leave the ship even if he wasn’t allowed into sick bay. “Anok?” Anok turned to look at the commander again, surprised by the gentler tone the man used when he spoke the second time. He knew Remy was angry at him. Hell, everyone seemed to be angry with him. No one would explain exactly why except to blame him for Crank’s condition. “I know you’re angry with me. Everyone seems to be angry with me,” he began as he started walking slowly around the bridge. “I just don’t understand why.”

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Remy’s jaw firmed, and the anger started to return to his eyes. Anok quickly held up his hand. “Please, just explain it to me because I don’t understand. What have I done, and what does it have to do with Crank? Why is he sedated?” Remy’s head cocked to one side. “You really don’t know?” “No!” Anok pushed his hands through his hair, frustration riding him hard. “And no one will tell me anything. When they do design to talk to me, they just yell at me and tell me how horrible I am for what I’ve done to Crank, but I don’t understand what I’ve done.” “You wouldn’t mate with Crank.” Anok shook his head. “I don’t believe in mates.” That seemed to stun Remy into silence for a moment. He just stared for the longest time. Then his eyebrow arched. “You don’t believe in mates?” “It’s a myth.” Anok sucked in his bottom lip for a moment, nervously chewing on it as he considered that he might be wrong in his lifelong belief. “Isn’t it?” Remy dropped his head forward, burying it in his hands as he groaned. Anok stepped closer, raising his hand as concern for the large man filled him. He jumped back when Remy’s head suddenly flipped back and dark smoky-gray eyes peered down at him. “No, Anok, mates are not myths.” Anok stepped back to sit down. He stumbled and landed on the floor when he missed the seat. Instead of trying to get up, he buried his face in his hands. Remy’s words couldn’t be true. They just couldn’t. Because if they were, then Anok really was the jerk everyone was likening him to. “What makes you think mates are a myth, Anok?” Anok raised his head, one, to answer Remy’s question, and two, because he was surprised at the soft tone in the commander’s voice. “I’ve seen people that say they are mated do horrible things to each other. If being mated is supposed to be so special, they would never treat each other that way.”

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Remy grimaced then slid down to sit on the floor across from him. He folded his hands together and dropped them into his lap. He didn’t look like he was going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe that meant some of Anok’s questions would finally be answered. “I don’t know what matings you’ve seen, Anok, but I can tell you that on this ship, mates are treated with the utmost respect and care.” Anok pursed his lips as he thought about the differences between the matings he had witnessed and the ones he’d witnessed on the Lady Blue. Remy was right. The relationships between the men on the ship were some of the closest he had ever seen. He could practically see the love between the mated couples. “Okay, I can see the difference in how the relationships are on the ship, but I still don’t understand how that pertains to me and Crank.” “When a shifter, Crank in this case, scents his mate, the mating heat kicks in.” Anok’s eyebrows shot up. “The mating heat?” “Once cougar shifters have scented their mates, a biological change comes over them. If they don’t claim their mate within one full moon, they go feral.” Anok inhaled sharply. “Feral?” He frowned when a sudden thought hit him. “Wait, it hasn’t been a full moon yet. If Crank has one full moon to claim me, then why is he currently sedated?” Anok knew he had trouble trusting people because of the things he had seen and experienced, but he desperately wanted to believe what Remy was telling him. His only problem was that Remy’s words weren’t ringing true. “I don’t know, Anok. I’m a wolf shifter, not a cougar. I can only tell you what Crank has told me in the past. The longer he goes without claiming his mate, the worse the mating heat becomes until he loses his mind and goes feral. Apparently, his symptoms were bad enough that he asked to be sedated until we can find a way to help him.”

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Anok pulled his knees up to his chest as a sudden chill swept through him. “What symptoms?” “His loss of control is the hardest part, I think. Crank is afraid that he might attack you and claim you against your will if he’s around you anymore. The longer he goes without claiming you, the more he slips into his animal mind, and the harder it is for him to understand why he doesn’t just claim you.” Anok swallowed hard. “Claim me? What does that mean exactly?” Remy frowned. “You really don’t know anything about this, do you?” “N–No. After some of the things I’ve seen people who say they are mated pairs do to each other, I’ve tried to avoid them as much as possible.” “Tell me what you’ve seen that scares you so much.” Anok swallowed again as the lump in his throat began to build. “M–My mother was mated. She found her mate after I was born. My father had died by then, so I was thrilled to have a stepfather. But he—” Anok licked his suddenly dry lips. Pictures of the past flashed through his mind like a horror movie. “He was a monster. He hated being mated to my mother. He blamed her for not being able to mate with some high-society woman. In the end, he killed her, strangled her right in front of me.” “Holy shit!” Remy exclaimed. “No wonder you don’t believe in mates.” “I just don’t understand how someone that is supposed to be mated could do that to someone they were supposed to care about. I thought being mated was supposed to be this wonderful thing, that it was like finding your other half.” Anok wiped at his eyes when he realized tears were forming in them. “If killing your mate is what being mated is like, I want no part of it.”

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“Anok,” Remy said as he sat forward and laid a hand on Anok’s thigh, “I want you to let me call Gigi in here so you can talk to him. I think you will be surprised by what he has to say.” Anok snorted. “Gigi hates me. All the mates do. He won’t come and talk to me.” “They don’t hate you, Anok,” Remy said quickly. “They just don’t understand. They see Crank suffering needlessly, and they don’t understand why you won’t end his suffering.” “Because I don’t fucking know how!” Anok shouted. It was only after the words left his mouth that Anok realized he had yelled at the commander of the Lady Blue. He felt his face pale as he stared across at the large man. Was he about to die? But Remy didn't look angry, just thoughtful. Remy just tilted his head to one side as if considering his words before speaking them. “And if you did know how to help Crank, would you?” “Of course I would.” “Why?” “Crank doesn’t deserve this.” Anok pressed his lips together as he stared down at his fingers, twisting them together as nerves rattled through him. “He doesn’t deserve any of this. Maybe it would be better if you just let me off on the nearest planet.” “Would you allow Crank to claim you?” Anok tilted his head back to look at Remy. “What does that mean exactly, and use small words because I don’t seem to understand anything else.” Remy chuckled. “It means you would belong to Crank.” “I would be his property?” “No, you would be his mate.” “Isn’t that the same thing?” “In a way, yes, but I don’t think it means the same thing you think it does.” Remy sat back where he had been before, pulling his knees up and resting his arms on them. “You would belong to each other,

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Anok. Crank would be yours just as much as you would be his. It works both ways.” Anok dropped his head back against the console wall behind him. “Seriously, Remy, my head is starting to hurt here. You’re not saying anything except a whole lot of words. What do you mean exactly? How would I belong to Crank?” “What are you so afraid of, Anok?” Anok turned his head so Remy couldn’t see his eyes. “Nothing.” “Now who’s not saying anything but words?” Anok growled and swung around to glare at Remy. “I won’t be anyone’s slave. I saw what that did to my mother. No matter what she did, she could never please him. And he became really mean when she didn’t please him. I refuse to be someone’s punching bag. Not even Crank is worth that.” “So, you admit that Crank means something to you?” Anok shrugged. “He’s okay.” “Anok.” “He’s…intense,” Anok said. “He stares at me, and it feels like he wants to consume me.” “I imagine he does. His need to be near you, to smell your scent, to touch you, to even protect you—it is consuming, Anok. I feel the same way about Gigi. As safe as I know he is on board the Lady Blue, every second he’s out of my sight is one second too long. I’d glue him to my side if he’d allow it.” “So, why don’t you?” “Because he’d kick my ass if I tried.” Remy laughed. “I love Gigi, but he’s nuttier than a bedbug. He may listen to me when it comes to his safety, but if I ever tried to pin him in he’d throw a temper tantrum that would peel the paint right off the walls.” Anok blinked. He’d always had the impression that Gigi did whatever Remy told him to. It was the same with the other mates. If Remy or Blade or Tank said jump, the mates jumped. He’d never seen

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a single one of them throw a temper tantrum or disobey an order. He wasn’t so sure Remy wasn’t feeding him a line of shit. “I want to talk to Gigi. I want to hear his side of this whole mating thing.” **** Gigi sat on the sectional sofa in the media room staring at Anok. He really didn’t want to talk to the guy after what happened to Crank. He actually argued with Remy about it until his mate explained to him why Anok wasn’t letting Crank claim him. He still didn't like it. “So, what do you want to know?” Gigi asked with a little more attitude in his tone than he had intended. He couldn’t help it. Even after Remy told him about Anok’s misconceptions, Gigi still wanted to throttle the guy. Anok smoothed his hands down his pants, fiddled with his shirt, and scratched at his neon-green hair. “I’m not sure. Remy tells me that mates don’t jump at their beck and call, but…I don’t know, do you?” Gigi surprised his own self with the strength of the laughter that escaped his lips. Boy, Anok really was ignorant when it came to mates. “I jump at his beck and call, sure.” “See, I knew it!” Anok started to get up, anger making his irises darken. “Sit the hell down. I wasn’t finished.” Gigi pointed to the space Anok just vacated. “I also give him hell, too. I do the opposite of what he says half the time, and the other half I’m busy thinking of excuses for why I did it in the first place.” “I’m not following you. Can you speak English?” Gigi sighed dramatically as he wiped his hand down his face and shook his head. He peeked between his fingers to see Anok

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practically chewing his bottom lip off. The panic in the man’s eyes was shining. Gigi dropped his hand and looked at Anok as he twisted his lips in exasperation. “Dude, I stowed away on board the Lady Blue, ignored Remy when he told me and Pax to leave the exterminator alone, helped Pax shoot the slugs out of an escape pod, stole the shuttle, and flew with the mates back to Hyberian to prove my innocence when I was accused of destroying the Hyberian ceremonial Golden Crown of Feathers. I’ve defied Remy, argued with him, gotten flippant with him— are you getting the point?” “But that sounds like a normal relationship, not something mated couples do.” Anok looked even more confused than before. Gigi growled, unsure how to get it through Anok’s thick head. “That’s because it is a normal relationship. We don’t always see eye to eye, but I would do anything in the galaxy for my mate and vice versa.” “If being mated is like a normal relationship, then what makes being mated so special?” Anok practically whined out his frustration as he asked the question. Gigi’s impatience dwindled when he saw true frustration in Anok’s eyes. The man was honestly trying to understand what a mate was. “It’s on a deeper level,” Gigi said, and then his brain took a dump. He stood, stomping his foot on the floor. “Hell if I know. All I know is that Remy bites the shit out of me every time we have sex, and good god, I love every minute of it.” Gigi was once again exasperated. He never thought too deep into what it meant to be a mate, and Anok was making him realize he really didn’t have the answers. He wanted to throttle the green-haired man for making him question his bond. “I can feel Blade’s emotions even when we’re not in the same room.” Gigi and Anok snapped their heads around to see the other mates standing behind the sectional. Adwaka took a step closer and then

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walked around to have a seat. “We had to perform a ritual to bind us on the deepest level.” “So I have to perform a ritual to bind with Crank?” Anok asked. “It’s different for every species. It all depends on your customs,” Zackary answered. “I had to smear dead people on me, as Tank so eloquently phrased it, in order for us to bind.” “Crank is a cougar. He’s a shifter. As far as I know, you just have sex and let him bite you,” Pax stated as he sat down next to Adwaka. “Doesn’t that hurt?” Anok looked horrified at the idea of letting Crank bite him. “For a split second, and then good god almighty.” Pax laughed as he fanned his face. “Then the real fun begins.” “You’re basically there for each other. You always make sure you let Crank know how much you love him, and you try and kill anyone who comes between you.” Zackary smiled widely. “I thought I was going to have to kill you.” “Me?” Anok gaped. “Why?” “Because my Tank smiled at you. What better reason?” Gigi stood there with his mouth hanging open. “Dude, that’s a little intense even for me.” “Yeah, but no one gets my Tank to smile at them, no one.” Zackary closed one eye as he glared at Anok. “I thought I was going to have to take you out, Cortez-style.” “Okay, no more fruitcake for you,” Pax said as he moved an inch away from the computer expert. “It’s making you fruity.” Everyone chuckled, including Anok. “Do you understand yet?” Gigi asked when the laughter died down. He sure hoped so. He was getting a headache from trying to think of valid reasons for Anok to allow Crank to mate him. Anok splayed his hand, ticking reasons off on his fingers. “One, we have sex and he bites me. Two, we have a deeper bond than a normal relationship. Three, I try and kill anyone who makes him smile other than me.”

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“And don’t forget the most important thing of all.” Zackary snickered. “What’s that?” Anok turned to Zackary, raising a brow high in the air. “You do whatever it takes to drive him completely batty and never listen to a damn thing he says.” The mates laughed harder at Zackary’s words, giving each other high fives. Gigi could see determination in Anok’s eyes as he nodded and then walked out of the media room. He sure hoped they helped, because if they didn’t, he was going to toss Anok out of an air lock. **** Anok walked the corridor slowly, thinking of everything the mates had told him along with Remy’s advice. Maybe he had been wrong about mates. Maybe using his mom and stepdad as examples to live by had been a mistake. He had to admit, all the mated couples on board the Lady Blue seemed to really love and care about each other. Would Crank be the same way? Would the cougar shifter treat him with love and respect? Anok couldn’t believe he was seriously considering giving up his single life to settle down with one man, and on board a ship no less. He must really have it bad for Crank if he was even contemplating something as life altering as mating the large man. Anok took a deep and cleansing breath as he stepped into sick bay. Imlay was at his desk working but looked over his shoulder at the sound of the swooshing doors. He was surprised Imlay wasn’t giving him the stink eye like he normally did. Had Remy talked to the doctor? “Can I help you?” Anok felt his heart beat out of control, thundering behind his ribs as his entire body broke out into a sweat. He opened his mouth, but

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his throat was too dry to use. His whole body shook as Anok swallowed a few times, gathered his courage, and then tried again. “I want you to wake Crank.”

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Chapter 5 Crank felt as though he were walking through a heavy fog. His limbs were weighted down, making it hard for him to move without extreme effort. He blinked a few times, nothing coming into focus. He tried to reach out, but his arms remained glued to the bed he was on. Crank tried again, managing to lift his hand an inch high. His eyes shot open when a smell he couldn’t resist slammed into his gut. Crank leapt from the med-bed, sniffing the air as his canines lengthened. Whatever that all-consuming, delicious aroma was, he wanted it. He snapped his jaws open and closed a few times, his teeth aching to take a bite. His head snapped around, following the scent until he felt his prey in his hands. “Be still, let him take in your scent. He won’t hurt you, Anok.” Crank roared at the unwanted voice nearby. Someone was there to take away his prey. He curled his fingers around the one holding that fragrant aroma, refusing to share. “Mine!” “I’m going to leave you two alone. He will try to kill me right now for being so close to you. Just don’t make any sudden movements, and whatever you do, don’t run. He’ll just chase you.” Crank roared again in the direction of the invading voice. It shouldn’t be here. It shouldn’t be near his prey. He spun around, giving his back to the voice as he held tight to the intoxicating scent. “You’re holding me too tightly,” the aroma complained. Crank could smell fear, and an abundance of fear from his prey. That wasn’t right. His prey shouldn’t fear him. Crank ran his hand over his prey’s head, soothing it as he sniffed the air. The voice’s aroma was no longer mingling with his prey’s.

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This was good. Really good. Crank dipped his head, lapping at sweet and succulent flesh. His tongue scraped across the most heavenly taste as his cock became rock hard. His gums itched, and his teeth ached to take a bite. Just one bite. “Crank?” Crank whimpered as he sniffed the luscious and heady aroma. He used the tip of one of his canines to scrape it along tender flesh as he ground his cock into his prey. Crank purred when his cock was taken in hand and played with. It felt so good to have his prey’s hands on him. “Crank?” Crank grunted, not wanting anyone to interrupt what was taking place. His fingers curled into the softest hair he had ever felt as his balls drew tight to his body. Crank buried his face in the silky strands, inhaling deeply before roaring out his release. “Crank!” He blinked a few times, the room finally coming into focus. There were bright white lights blinding him. Crank closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them again, allowing them to adjust. This was the ICU in sick bay. Crank sniffed the air, scenting his seed and…his mate. He slowly looked down to see Anok wrapped tightly in his arms, turning a funny shade of red. Crank immediately released his mate. “Why am I awake?” Anok stood there blushing. Crank could see his seed covering his mate’s hand and shirt. He was mortified to think that he had forced himself on Anok. Had he? How? He remembered asking Remy to sedate him, and he remembered Imlay coming onto the bridge. So why was he standing here awake? “You should go,” he said as he turned Anok and pushed him toward the door.

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Anok just turned right back around and came back. “Anok, please.” Crank could still smell Anok’s sweet scent, only now it was combined with the scent of his seed. That just made it more intense for Crank. His mate was covered in his seed. Crank clenched his hands, unsure of how much longer he could hold out before he attacked Anok. “I’m not leaving.” Anok’s lips firmed. His jaw turned firm and stubborn and he crossed his arms over his chest. “And you can’t make me.” Crank tossed his head back and roared. He had to make Anok leave. Asking hadn’t worked, but he knew what would. It had in the past. Crank looked down at Anok and bared his teeth. He could see the fear building in his mate’s eyes and it broke his heart, but he knew this was best for both of them. The growl he started to release caught in Crank’s throat when Anok stepped closer and tilted his head to one side, baring the soft skin of his neck. Crank licked his lips as his eyes narrowed in on the soft pulse beating rapidly in Anok’s throat. “A–Anok, you really need to go,” Crank whispered as he felt the last bit of his control start to slip away. The need racing through his body threatened to make him feral. “It’s for your own safety.” Anok’s head snapped back up. His hands landed on his hips as he glared at Crank, all signs of his earlier fear gone from his eyes. “What do I have to do to get you to claim me? Get naked?” Crank’s mouth dropped open. “Fine!” Anok rolled his eyes and reached for the buttons on his shirt. Crank nearly swallowed his tongue as he watched Anok undress. He started to ask Anok what in the hell he thought he was doing and why things had suddenly changed between them when Anok whipped his shirt off. Crank knew the second his cougar took over and he lost his last thread of control. It happened the moment Anok unzipped his pants

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and pushed them down his legs. Overwhelming heat swamped Crank when he got his first good look at his mate’s smooth skin. Every sane thought Crank had flew right out of his head. He had warned Anok, avoided him. He had given him the chance to escape. He had even taken to being sedated. He had done everything he could do to save the man. He was done trying to keep from claiming his mate. If Anok wasn’t smart enough to avoid him, Crank would take what the man was so willingly offering. He reached out and grabbed for his mate, pulling Anok up close to his bare chest. The deep growl that built in his throat rumbled through his chest. Crank felt the tremble in his hand as he smoothed it down the side of Anok’s face, but it was nothing compared to the shudder that racked his body when he claimed Anok’s lips. Crank didn’t think he had ever tasted anything so sweet, so exquisite. The man was ambrosia himself. Crank growled against Anok’s lips and tried to pull his mate closer. He would have wrapped Anok up under his skin if he could have figured out how to do it. Since he couldn’t, Crank figured another way to get closer to his mate. He swung Anok up in his arms and carried him over to the medbed. He stared down at the thin bed for a moment then growled. It was not a fit place to claim his mate. His mate deserved only the best. Crank grabbed the sheet and wrapped it around Anok’s body and carried him out of sick bay. He stumbled to a stop and growled, tightening his arms around his prize when he found several people standing outside the door. “Mine!” Crank recognized the dominance in the tall, black-haired man who stepped forward and raised his hands in the air. He knew he was supposed to submit to the man in some manner, but with his mate in his arms, and still unclaimed, Crank couldn’t quite remember why. “Okay, Crank,” the man said. “We’re not trying to take your mate from you. We just want to make sure he’s okay.”

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Crank’s head tilted to the side as confusion filled him. Why wouldn’t his mate be okay? He gazed down at the man in his arms. A renewed energy seemed to fill Crank when he saw Anok’s bright smile shining back up at him. He raised his head and looked back at the man before him. “Mine!” “Crank—” “I’m fine, Commander,” Anok said from Crank’s arms. “But I can’t make any promises about you if you don’t get out of the way. I don’t know where Crank is taking me, but I don’t think it’s an air lock.” “Are you sure, Anok?” Crank growled. “I’m sure, Commander.” Anok chuckled. “Very well.” Crank didn’t understand what was happening beyond the fact that someone was trying to keep him from claiming his mate. He curled his lip back and bared his teeth, growling until the forbidding man stepped back. Crank stormed past him, growling at anyone that he felt was too close. He carried his mate down the corridor and up a set of stairs, then down another corridor until he came to a room that smelled like him. He knew this was where his den was located. Crank rushed through the door then closed and locked it behind him. He scanned the room until his eyes fell on the pile of pillows on the bed. There, that was where his mate was supposed to be. Crank carried Anok over to the side of the bed then set him on his feet. He quickly reached over and arranged the pillows until each was placed exactly where he wanted it—creating a nest for his mate. Crank was mildly surprised when he turned back and his mate still stood where he had set him. He quickly pulled the sheet from Anok’s body and dropped it on the floor, kicking the offending piece of material away. It smelled of the sick bay and kept him from seeing

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Anok’s beautiful skin. He hated it. He’d shoot it out an air lock at first opportunity. Crank picked Anok up then carefully laid him down in the middle of the pillows. His breath caught in his throat at the picture before him. Crank wasn’t sure he had ever seen anything as beautiful as his mate naked and cocooned in the nest he had made for him. That Anok smiled up at him instead of running from the room made it even better. Crank crawled up onto the edge of the bed then slowly climbed over the circle of pillows until he knelt between Anok’s legs. His breathing became labored as he ran his hands over Anok’s legs, from ankle to knee. “So soft,” he whispered absently. Crank was intrigued by how soft Anok’s skin felt. His fingers seemed to just skim right over it as if it was made of pure silk. But, did it taste just as nice? Crank bent over and stroked his long tongue up one of Anok’s legs. Damn! Anok tasted just as good as he felt, just as good as he smelled. Crank wanted to consume his mate. He couldn’t seem to get enough. Crank continued to lick at Anok’s skin, trying to reach every inch of flesh his tongue could reach. He frowned when he noticed that Anok seemed to be pulling away from him. Crank growled and jumped up to hover over Anok. He bared his teeth and growled again. “Whoa, big guy,” Anok said as he patted Crank’s naked chest. “Just calm down. I’m not going anywhere. My legs are starting to cramp with the way you’re pushing down on them.” Crank frowned and glanced down at Anok’s lower body. It was only then that he noticed his legs lying over the top of Anok’s, pressing him into the mattress below. Crank quickly slid his legs inward until Anok’s legs rested on the outside of his. He rubbed his hands up and down his mate’s legs as he looked up at him, worried. He was much bigger than Anok. His job was to

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protect Anok, even from himself. To harm his mate would be to harm himself. “I’m fine, Crank.” Crank watched his mate for a moment longer until he was satisfied that Anok was telling the truth. Then he returned his attention to devouring Anok’s body, one silky inch at a time. He decided to start at the top this time, licking a path across Anok’s throat. “Damn, you’re good at that,” Anok whispered as a soft tremble shook his body. Crank ignored his words and continued to lick his way down Anok’s slim body. When he heard Anok’s breathing hitch just as his tongue stroked over the man’s brown-hued nipple, Crank growled. Arousal was flooding his body like a tidal wave. He reached under one of the pillows and grabbed the bottle of oil he kept hidden there. Popping the top, Crank liberally coated his fingers then closed the bottle and tossed it aside. He went back to licking at Anok’s nipples as he reached down between his mate’s legs and stroked his finger across the tight hole waiting for him, pressing in just a little. Crank groaned, just catching the echo of Anok’s soft cry as his finger slid into the man’s ass. The sweet sound was music to Crank’s ears. He felt ten feet tall and phaser-proof. Crank pressed in another finger then scooted down further to watch what he was doing. Watching his finger sink into Anok’s tight ass was something he could do forever. If his cock hadn’t been so achingly hard, Crank would have done just that. But, maybe he’d save that for another time. Right now, he knew if he didn’t get balls deep into his mate’s ass, the show would be over before it began. Once Anok was sufficiently stretched, Crank sat up on his knees. He grabbed Anok by his hips and flipped him over onto his hands and knees. The yelp of surprise that fell from Anok’s lips made Crank

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growl with satisfaction. Anok seemed way too calm for someone who was about to be claimed. Crank pulled back on Anok’s hips then fit the tip of his cock into the man’s ass. He watched as he slowly sank past the first ring of muscles. It took everything in Crank to pause and give Anok a chance to adjust to his invasion as the power of being inside his mate for the first time swept through him. Little by little, Anok’s body accepted him, and Crank slid in further until his balls rested against Anok’s ass. As soon as he felt he could fuck his mate without harming him, Crank began pounding into Anok’s ass. The sheer ecstasy of the moment overwhelmed Crank and he tossed his head back and roared his pleasure. He could feel the spines at the end of his cock starting to extend and knew his orgasm was just moments away. He leaned over Anok, covering all of his mate’s smaller body with his own. “Mine,” he growled low in his throat right before he struck, sinking his teeth as deep into Anok as he could get them. The deeper the mating bite, the better the mating mark would be. It would also create an instant erogenous spot for Anok. Crank’s orgasm took him by surprise when sweet, hot blood flooded his mouth. He thought he had a few more seconds. Instead, the succulent taste grabbed a hold of him and tossed him headfirst into the most intense orgasm he could ever remember having. The spines just under the head of his cock finished extending and locked inside of Anok’s tight ass. Crank couldn’t have pulled out if he wanted to. He didn’t. He was perfectly satisfied staying right where he was. Crank quickly extracted his teeth and licked the bite wound closed then rolled to his side, taking Anok with him. He reached for his mate’s cock, chastising himself for forgetting Anok’s pleasure until he felt the cooling spunk covering the man’s cock. Crank smiled and still closed his hand around Anok’s cock, giving it a couple of good lengthy strokes. Anok shuddered in his arms.

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Crank grabbed a blanket and pulled it over the both of them then nuzzled his face into the back of Anok’s neck. A soft purr filled the room as Crank’s complete satisfaction was freed. “Are you purring?” Crank grinned and purred loud enough that it rumbled through his chest. Anok started laughing. “You are purring.” “I’m a cougar, Anok. I purr.” Anok tilted his head to one side and glanced back at him. “Does being a cougar explain those little things at the end of your cock?” Crank grinned. “Yep.” “Well, I’m not a cougar, so do you want to explain what they are to me?” Crank grinned wider. “Nope.” “Crank!” Crank felt the spines loosen, but he wasn’t ready to give his mate up just yet. He grabbed one of Anok’s legs and pulled it up to his chest, hooking his arm under it to hold it in place. He knew the spines wouldn’t recede all of the way for a while. Each time he moved, they would scrape across Anok’s sweet spot. “I’ll show you instead,” he said as he started rocking his hips, slowly this time. Now that he had claimed Anok, he didn’t feel the same burning need to claim him. This time, he just wanted to love him. “Oh, sweet hell,” Anok groaned as he arched, pushing his ass back against Crank. Crank’s grin was spread all of the way across his face. He could feel Anok’s cock filling at an alarming rate and knew the man was in the throes of ecstasy. He just continued to move slowly as he held Anok to his body. “I can do this all day long,” he whispered into Anok’s ear right before he licked across the still-healing mating bite, which he knew

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would be incredibly sensitive for Anok. It was one of the reasons he had bitten so deep when he claimed his mate. Anok started bucking against him. Crank rolled slightly, pushing Anok into the mattress. The new position gave him an even better angle. Crank pushed up on one knee and started fucking Anok into the mattress. When Anok’s hands came out from beneath him to grab at the blankets, Crank covered them, entwining their fingers together. He leaned over and scraped his teeth across the bite mark until Anok started to whimper. The louder Anok moaned, the harder Crank thrust into him, each sweet little sound spurring him on. “Crank, please,” Anok pleaded. “Are you mine?” Crank whispered into Anok’s ear. “Crank!” “Are you mine?” “Yes!” Anok shouted. Crank sank his fangs into the soft skin between Anok’s shoulder and throat before the word even died down. Anok screamed. Crank felt the man’s tight ass clamp down around his cock as he came. It was enough to drag Crank over the edge into ecstasy. Crank roared as he the spines expanded once again and took hold inside of Anok. He collapsed down next to his mate as his release filled the man’s ass, each spurt making Crank shudder. He could hear Anok panting heavily beside him. The man’s heartbeat was as rapid as his own. Crank reached over and smoothed the neon-green hair back from Anok’s sweaty face. He was concerned. He had just fucked his mate twice in a matter of minutes. “Anok?” Anok grabbed his arm and pulled it around him like a blanket as he scooted his body back to snuggle against Crank. He sighed deeply. “Damn cougar!”

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Chapter 6 Anok walked slowly to the mess hall. Never in his life had he had sex that much in a twenty-four-hour period. It was as if a switch had been flipped inside of Crank and now all he could think about was fucking Anok. Not that Anok was complaining, not at all. But his ass was. His ass was protesting big-time. Anok stopped right inside the mess hall doors as all eyes fell on him. He knew that if he walked over to the table, everyone would know. There was no way they wouldn’t. To hell with it. It wasn’t like he was hiding his mating with Crank anyway, and maybe now everyone would stop treating him like a Paktillian disease. “What’s up, Anok?” Pax smiled knowingly as Anok walked slowly to the table. He gave Pax a tight grin as he tried to lower himself into a chair. It wasn’t an easy feat. If Crank tapped his ass one more time, Anok would probably implode. “Looks like someone made Crank a happy man,” Gigi teased as he shoved a piece of fruit into his mouth. Anok wished Gigi would shove the whole bowl into his mouth so he wouldn’t be able to say another word. He was a private person and hated when someone pointed a spotlight on his business. Not that he was ashamed of Crank, he just felt the details of their mating were intimate and nobody’s business but his and Crank’s. “Is there any breakfast left?” A change of subject was in order.

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“I’ll go grab you a plate if you tell us what happened. We’re dying to know.” Adwaka leaned his chin onto the palm of his hand, his eyes greedy for information. “What the hell is wrong with you guys? I don’t kiss and tell,” Anok huffed as he tried to readjust his butt in his seat. It seemed that no matter what position he sat in, his backside protested. “You don’t have to. Your walk says it all, honey.” Gigi laughed, and the others joined him. “Don’t get your panties in a ruffle. You’ll see. Around here, we get bored very easily and spill all of our beans.” Gigi leaned in a little closer and wiggled his eyebrows. “Wanna start now?” “No,” Anok said as he pushed away from the table. He was determined to go find something else to get into. Sitting around a gossip circle didn’t appeal to him in the least. “Okay, but our ears will be waiting here when you get bored and want to chat.” Pax chuckled. Anok didn’t understand the blue-skinned man. He should be the last person to want to talk about sex. Those were darker times that Anok didn’t like to think about, so he pushed it from his mind. He was a courier now and proud of his job. Well, was proud of it anyway. Anok had a feeling his courier days were over. Anok climbed the steps and walked to the bridge, spotting his cougar right away. He smiled as he crossed the bridge and took an uncomfortable seat next to his…mate. Wow, Anok couldn’t believe he was actually mated. It thrilled him and scared the fuck out of him all in one. “Hey, babe.” Crank smiled at him and then reached out, running his hand over Anok’s head. “How do you feel?” Anok looked around the bridge to see a few sets of eyes glued to him. What was wrong with these people? Were they always this damn nosy? Anok scooted closer, ignoring the watchful eyes. “A little sore.” He whispered his confession. “But in a good way,” he quickly added when he saw the distressed look cross Crank’s face.

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“Come here, babe.” Crank reached out and snagged Anok from his seat, pulling him onto the shifter’s lap. Anok wasn’t going to lie to himself. It felt good to sit in his mate’s lap. He rested his head against Crank’s chest as the pilot spoke. “We’re approaching Andromeda territory.” Anok could feel Crank’s arm tighten around him. It was an unsettling feeling. He knew there were a lot of dangers in the universe, and that there were also many dangers just being aboard the Lady Blue. “I want the cloaking system engaged immediately,” Remy said as he sat forward in his chair. “And I want to get through this system as fast as fucking possible.” “Yes, Commander,” Tank said as his hands flew over the console. “Do you think we’ll get caught?” Anok asked Crank. It was one thing to give up his courier job to be with his mate, but something totally different to rot in an alien prison. Some of the prison systems scattered throughout the galaxy were horrendous. There was one planet that was specifically for species serving life sentences, and Anok had a feeling that was what they’d be facing if they were caught. “So far we’ve managed to elude them, babe. We’re pretty good at what we do,” Crank said. Anok didn’t hear any boasting in his mate’s voice. He stated it as a fact. “Why exactly are the Elite Force after you?” “It’s a setup. Plain and simple.” “A setup?” “We saw something we weren’t supposed to see, and a dirty general went down. Apparently he knew the right people in the right places and got us kicked out of the Elite Force. We were doing okay until recently. The nephew of the general sold us out and he’s rising in power right now. We believe that they are trying to take us out of the picture so we can’t say anything.” “Is there anything you can do about it?”

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“That’s what we’re doing, baby.” Crank smiled at Anok. “We have to stay ahead of the Elite Force and the bounty hunters until we can prove our innocence.” “And how exactly do you plan to prove your innocence?” Crank shook his head. “You got me, babe. I’m clueless at this point.” “Do you have anything on this guy that you can use against him?” Anok asked. “Information can be a powerful weapon. Why do you think I get paid to carry documents from place to place instead of just sending a data stream?” “You used to get paid for transporting documents.” Crank growled as his arms tightened around Anok possessively. “If you think—” “I know, I know.” Anok held up his hand to stop Crank. “I’m out of the document transporting business.” “Anok, I don’t want—it’s just that—damn!” Crank’s head dropped back against the headrest. “I don’t mean to sound like an asshole, Anok, but the thought of you out there unprotected gives me hives.” “Really?” Anok cocked an eyebrow as his fingers curled into Crank’s shirt. “And just where would these hives be?” Anok made sure his voice had dropped, sounding sweet and husky. Apparently it worked. Crank’s head snapped up so fast Anok was surprised it didn’t pop right off his shoulders. He swallowed hard then licked his lips. Anok could see desire ignite in Crank’s hazel eyes, turning them a deep chocolate brown. Holy hell, his mate was hot when he was turned on. “You wanna see my hives?” “Honey.” Anok grinned. “I’m concerned about any swelling you might have.” Anok leaned in closer, his lips barely touching Crank’s ear. “Tell me where it’s at, and I might be able to help to reduce the swelling.” Anok dragged out the last word as his tongue flicked across Crank’s earlobe.

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Anok yelped and frantically grabbed at Crank’s shoulders when the man jumped up from his chair, damn near making Anok fall on his ass. “Hey!” Strong arms instantly cradled him, stopping his descent. “Sorry, Anok.” Anok glanced up then chuckled. Crank’s face was beet red, not a sign of desire anywhere. He patted Crank’s broad chest. “Just warn me next time you decide to jump up so fast.” “Does that mean you don’t want to—” Anok slapped his hand over Crank’s mouth and quickly glanced around the bridge. No one was paying them any attention, but he could see a few shoulders shaking as if they were laughing. He frowned up at Crank. “I do, but I’d appreciate it if we just went and did it and didn’t discuss it in front of everyone. Some things are private, like our sex life.” Crank’s eyebrows shot up nearly to his forehead as his mate cocked his head to the side, giving Anok a very strange look. “You do realize we live on board a very small ship with a lot of nosy people, right?” Anok’s eyes narrowed. “You do realize if our sex life becomes gossip, we won’t have a sex life, right?” he countered in a huff. Crank’s amusement slid off his face as he swallowed, his eyes darting around the bridge. “Right, no gossiping, gotcha.” “Good, now let’s go see about that swelling of yours,” Anok whispered as he grabbed Crank’s hand, pulling him away from his duty station. He wondered how he went from denying Crank to all-out lusting after the massive cougar. Oh well. At least the men on the ship had been honest about what being a mate was all about. Crank acted nothing like his mom and stepdad, and Anok would forever be thankful for that.

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Anok’s feet barely touched the floor as he raced Crank to their quarters. He had his mate inside the room and undressed in less than five minutes. “Now, show me your boo-boo.” Crank chuckled as he held his cock in his hand. “It’s right here. Now kiss it and make it better.” Anok couldn’t have stopped the laughter if he had tried. He dropped to his knees, examining Crank’s large and swollen shaft. “Hmm, this may be something for Imlay to look at. It seems to have swollen to an abnormal length.” Crank tapped the tip of his cock against Anok’s cheek. “No doctor. All I need you to do is kiss it.” Anok bit the inside of his mouth to stop from smiling. He cleared his throat, trying his best to play along. “I’m no doctor, but I think ice would help. The head seems to have turned an angry purple. Did you get stung or something?” “I’m not sure, now taste it.” “I thought you said kiss it?” “Same thing.” Anok parted his lips, letting his tongue flick out to barely touch Crank’s cock. “There, is it all better now?” Crank growled as he tried to make Anok take his cock into his mouth. “I need another kiss, longer this time.” “I’m not so sure about this. What if your condition is contagious?” “I sure as fuck hope so. Now suck it.” Crank tapped his cock against Anok’s lips. “Say ah.” Anok snickered before opening his mouth, lapping at the head of Crank’s cock as his mate slid in. “Oh hell, I think it’s getting worse,” Crank moaned as he rocked in and out of Anok’s mouth. Anok placed his hands on Crank’s muscular thighs as he tried desperately not to gag. He wasn’t joking when he said Crank was abnormally large. What the hell did the guy eat to get so big?

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“Shit, babe. That’s it,” Crank encouraged as his fingers glided through Anok’s hair. Small tingles exploded throughout Anok’s body at his mate’s touch. He’d do whatever it took to have Crank continue to praise him. “Oh yeah, the balls. Get the balls, baby.” Anok released Crank’s cock to trail his tongue down to Crank’s wrinkled orbs. He lapped at one, and then the other, taking one into his mouth. His finger slid along Crank’s perineum, massaging the smooth skin as he continued to suck and lick Crank’s sack. Anok made his way back up to Crank’s cock, still massaging the delicate skin. He took the head back into his mouth, sucking vigorously as his inserted one finger into his mate’s tight ass. “Anok!” Crank shouted as he came down Anok’s throat. Anok smiled around his mate’s cock as he licked him clean. “I take it you liked my treatment?” Crank growled, lifting Anok from his knees, tossing him to the bed. Anok wasted no time. He was hornier than shit and wanted to come, too. He grabbed the base of his cock as Crank dropped to his knees, swallowing him whole. “Fuck yeah,” he shouted as his hips left the bed, fucking Crank’s mouth in an uncoordinated and frantic manner. Crank stilled Anok’s hips with his large hands as he worked Anok’s cock, using his throat muscles to squeeze and massage Anok’s cock. “Here it comes,” Anok warned as his body exploded in a euphoric pleasure. White lights burst behind his eyes as Crank drank down his seed. Anok lay there panting as his vision started to clear. He grinned when he saw Crank pulling in ragged gulps of air as well. “I think your swelling problem has been taken care of.” Crank waved Anok off as he fell on his ass, resting his back against the row of cupboards behind him. “That it has.” Anok rolled from the bed, crawling over to his mate and settling in the apex of Crank’s thighs. “Can I ask you something private?” “We’re mates. I would hope nothing is private between us.”

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“How did you lose a finger?” Anok held his breath, waiting for Crank to push him away or yell at him. He was shocked as hell when Crank chuckled. “I’m an explosives expert, baby. Danger is my middle name.” Crank wiggled his hand, showing off his missing digit. Anok took Crank’s hand in his, kissing the gnarled lump. “You have an excellent attitude about it.” Crank shrugged as he pushed his fingers through Anok’s hair with his free hand. “Life’s too short to walk around pissy. It happened because I was too full of myself and thought nothing could touch me. This is just a reminder that I’m mortal.” “I don’t know about that.” Anok snickered. “You have to have some sort of powers. You certainly shook up my world.” **** “Zackary, make sure you keep an eye out in front of us and behind us. Hyberian is a little too close to Tronos for my liking. We might have gotten off Mars safely enough, but we could still pick up a tail anywhere in this system.” “Will do, Commander,” Zackary replied then turned as the question that had been burning in his mind since they left Mars filtered to the top of his thoughts. “Are we really delivering red dust to Hyberian?” “Yep,” Remy replied. “Why?” “I guess it has something to do with medicine because the medical facility on Hyberian requested it. What it’s for, I have no idea.” Zackary frowned. He hated questioning the commander, but with their past history transporting stuff, Zackary couldn’t help but wonder. “It’s nothing illegal, is it, because that doesn’t seem to be going so well for us lately.”

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Remy chuckled. “No, red dust from Mars is not illegal, a little strange to be transporting or requested, but not illegal at all.” “Good, good.” Zackary turned back toward his console. “’Cause our luck lately sucks.” “Too true, my friend, too true.” Remy laughed. “Hopefully, we can drop this stuff off on Hyberian and get back to the Turok System without any hassles. We still have those damn fish on board. “Pax could shoot them out an air lock like he did the worms.” “And he just may have to if we get caught. We already have enough crap going on without adding transporting illegal fish to the mix.” “I’m sure Adwaka’s uncle didn’t mean for it to be this big of a headache,” Zackary said as he turned to look at Remy. “He was just trying to get us a gig.” Remy’s eyebrows drew together. “Zackary, this isn’t Adwaka's fault. Hell, it isn’t even his uncle’s fault. If the blame lands anywhere, it’s on my shoulders for agreeing to the job in the first place. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I did it.” “There is no way you could have known we’d get sucked into a wormhole,” Zackary snorted, “no matter how good of a commander you are.” “Maybe not, but it’s my responsibility as commander of the Lady Blue to try and be prepared for anything.” Zackary nearly jumped out of his seat when right as Remy finished speaking the alarm he had programmed into the computer started blaring. He quickly spun around and pushed a series of buttons. His heart sank as his screen displayed a ship in hot pursuit. “I think our luck just got worse.”

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Chapter 7 Crank gaped at the vid-screen as he escorted Anok onto the bridge and over to his chair. It couldn’t be. There was no way after all these years. There was only one ship that he knew of that looked like that. And it belonged to Blay, the one man he had hoped never to see again. “Tank, open the com-link,” Crank said as he walked over to where Tank and Zackary were seated. “Commander?” Tank looked over his shoulder at Remy. “Why do you want to open the com-link?” Remy asked Crank. “I think it’s best if we just outmaneuver them and get the hell out of here.” “Because I know that son of a bitch.” Crank growled as his fist crashed down onto the console. “Open the fucking com-link.” “All you had to do was ask,” Tank grumbled as the vid-screen came alive. Crank stood there for a moment taking in his old acquaintance. Blay hadn’t changed a bit, just grown a little older. Crank doubted it was natural for a man to still look like he did years later. “Blay.” “Crank.” Blay said his name with disdain. “Long time no see.” “Not long enough.” “I hear there is a bounty out for you.” Crank’s hand came up quickly and he pointed a finger at the vidscreen. “I should have known you’d try to collect. You always were a backstabbing, no-good bastard.”

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“There is no need to call names.” Blay smiled smugly at Crank, his eyes still the same cold and calculating purple. “I’m just doing the universe a service by putting you behind bars where you belong.” Crank would wonder for years to come why he had thought Blay had been the one. He had known about mates, but he thought fate had gotten it wrong when she didn’t pair them together. What a fucking fool he had been. “Why don’t you go back to the boy toys you loved to hide from me and leave us be?” Crank growled. “What do you have to gain from having us arrested?” Maniacal laughter filled the bridge as Blay wiped at his eyes. “You always did have a sense of humor, Crank. It was by far your only endearing quality. Why else would I waste my time on you, Crank? Credits, and lots of them.” Crank could see his mate bristle at Blay’s words. He had hoped to keep the past just that, the past. He hated with every fiber in him that his dirty laundry, and biggest mistake, was being aired in front of the crew he had grown attached to and considered family. But what Crank hated most of all was that Anok had to sit there and listen to it. “This is about credits?” Crank snapped. “How fucking pathetic is that?” Blay leaned forward, his eyes scanning the bridge of the Lady Blue. “I assume the green-haired boy is yours? You always did have odd taste. And if you want to talk about pathetic, then you need to remember who was the one doing the begging because it wasn’t me.” Crank ignored Blay’s attack against Anok. He knew the man was only trying to get under his skin. He steeled himself as he answered Blay’s question, knowing how much it was going to hurt his mate. “You’re right, I was the one begging, but I’ve grown a brain since then. I’ve also learned what it means to be accepted for who I am and not what I can bring those around me, something you would know nothing about. Now, back the fuck up, or we’re going to blow you out of the galaxy.”

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“Give it your best shot, boy. And just so you know, I’ve already contacted the Elite Force, and they are on their way.” Blay smirked coldly. “Have a nice life, Crank.” Crank was steaming by the time the vid-screen died. He winced when he turned to look at his mate. He could see the hurt look on Anok’s face, and it made Crank’s stomach burn knowing that Blay had hurt the man. “Kill him,” Crank growled. “Crank?” Remy said as he leaned forward in his chair. “As much as I’d like to shake him loose, I’m not going to kill him because you have an axe to grind with him.” Crank didn’t want to hear a damn thing Remy had to say. The commander had no idea how foul Blay really was. Crank had firsthand experience. “He wasn’t bluffing when he said he contacted the Elite Force. They’ll be here soon. Blay plays for keeps. The only way to shut him down is to do it permanently.” Remy looked as though he was considering his warning. Crank glanced over at his mate. Anok sat in Crank’s chair with his back ramrod straight, staring straight ahead. Crank desperately wanted to go to Anok and explain, but he had to take care of this situation first. “There’s no other way?” Remy asked. Crank shook his head. “He’s found us. He’ll never let us rest now.” Remy gave a quick nod to Tank. “So be it.” **** “What the holy hell was that?” Mo asked as a loud, vibrating noise shook engineering. He had to place his hands on the hull in order to stay upright as the entire ship shook. “The pulse cannons,” Livewire said as he ran from the room. “We must be in deep shit if the bridge is firing them.” Mo took off after Livewire. “What in the hell are pulse cannons?”

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“Really big fucking guns!” Mo could feel that when they fired again and the ship shook so hard he almost hit the floor—again. As soon as the floor stopped rocking, Mo ran after Livewire again. He was breathing heavily and was just a tad wigged out by the time they reached the bridge. Mo’s eyes widened as he took in the scene displayed on the vidscreen. “Is that real?” he whispered. It was like a scene from a science fiction movie—two spaceships fighting, shooting beams of red light at each other as they flew through the stars. “It’s very real,” Livewire said as he ran to a computer terminal and started tapping away. “So you’d better hold on to your ass.” Mo grabbed the doorframe and held on tight. As he watched the other ship fire on them, he was seriously considering grabbing his ass and holding on, or kissing it good-bye. “I’ve got you a little more power on the shields, Commander,” Zackary said from his console. “But they won’t hold up forever. If we keep taking damage like we are, they won’t last more than another ten minutes or so.” Oh, that couldn’t be good. Mo gulped and gripped the doorframe tighter. He was trying real hard to remember why he had ever begged to be allowed to fly on a spaceship. “Mo!” Remy shouted. “What?” “Get over to that console and start firing.” Remy pointed to a console just to the side of Blade. “Me?” Remy swung around to glare at him. “Is there anyone else on this damn ship named Mo?” “No, but—” Remy growled. “On it, Commander,” Mo said as he raced across the room and sat in the chair next to Blade. He stared down at all the blinking lights on

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the console in front of him then turned to look at Blade. “Uh, how do I fire?” “Hit the red button, dumbass!” “Right, the red button.” Mo glanced down at the console again— and the multitude of red buttons. “Uh, which red button?” Blade huffed and reached over, slamming his hand down on a large, round red button. “Hit that one as many times as you can but keep an eye on these numbers here.” Blade pointed to a small screen. “If the number gets below twenty-five, stop firing.” “Why?” “Because it means our power reserves are low.” “Right.” Mo didn’t have a clue what he was doing, but he started hitting the red button over and over again, keeping a watchful eye on the reserve screen. He could hear the others on the bridge shouting, but he was afraid to look away from the screen. When a huge shudder suddenly shook the ship, he couldn’t stand it any longer. Mo glanced up. The bridge was silent for a moment as everyone stared at the screen and the ship displayed there, sputtering and sparking. “Did we win?” he asked, glancing at Remy. “No.” Remy shook his head. “But we sure as shit wounded him. Unfortunately, it looks like his friends arrived. As much as I’d like to see this bastard go down, we’ve sustained some damage. If we don’t get the hell out of here now, we never will.” “Plotting a new course for Hyberian, Commander,” Tank said. He grinned over his shoulder. “We’ll be taking the scenic route.” Remy nodded. “Everyone man their stations. Livewire, check on your mate then get your ass down to engineering. I want an assessment of the damages before we land on Hyberian.” Livewire jumped out of his seat and raced off the bridge before Remy even finished speaking. Mo knew he was running off to check on his mate and wondered what it would be like to care about someone so much that he ran to get to him.

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He’d had a couple of relationships back on Old Earth, but they were all short-term. He’d never found anyone he wanted to be around for long. Mo knew he didn’t get along with a lot of people—except maybe those on board the Lady Blue. They were just as crazy as he was. “What would you like me to do, Commander?” Remy stared at Mo for a moment then shook his head as he climbed out of his seat and walked over. “I guess we should teach you what a weapons console is. If you want to remain on this ship, then you’ll be expected to carry your own weight.” “Cool.” Mo grinned. “Just tell which red button goes to what.” **** “Anok, can I speak with you?” Crank asked as he held his hand out to his mate. He could see the tension in Anok’s shoulders and the tight press of his lips. He knew Anok was upset, and he’d bet almost anything that it concerned Blay. Crank barely suppressed his growl when Anok stood up and walked past him, ignoring the hand he held out. He sighed and followed his mate, stopping briefly to tell Remy he’d be back in a few minutes. Remy’s eyes darted over to where Anok was walking out the door and then he nodded. “Be quick,” Remy said. “I need you on the bridge.” Crank nodded and followed Anok. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation for him or Anok. Blay had caused him a lot of damage, both mental and emotional. The man was a monster, but Crank had been too stupid to see it until it was too late. Joining the Elite Force had been the only thing that had saved him from sinking into a deep depression after discovering just how cruel Blay could be, and now he didn’t even have that. As long as he had Anok, he didn’t care, but after what his mate had heard on the bridge,

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Crank couldn’t even be sure he had a mate. Anok could decide he wasn’t worth it and run for the hills. Anok was sitting on the edge of the bed staring down at his hands when Crank entered their quarters. Crank grimaced and reached back to rub the back of his neck. His chances of keeping the man weren’t looking good. “I’ve never tried to hide anything from you, Anok. We both had history before we met. Blay was part of my history. It was a long time ago, and I never thought I’d see him again.” “Did you love him?” Anok whispered. “I thought I did at the time, but now I know I was just infatuated with him.” Crank’s heart nearly broke when Anok sniffled. He walked over and sat down on the bed next to his mate, reaching for Anok’s hand. “What I felt for Blay is nothing compared to what I feel for you. It’s like being in two different star systems. It isn’t even close.” “You love me?” Anok tilted his head up just enough that Crank saw a hint of a flush on his cheeks. “I do love you, Anok,” Crank said. He cupped his hand under Anok’s chin and tilted his head up until he could look directly into his mate’s eyes. “You mean more to me than anyone alive or dead. You’re everything in this universe that I crave.” Anok looked down at their entwined fingers. “I’ve never been in love before.” “And you hate that I have,” Crank surmised as he squeezed Anok’s hand. “I can’t change that fact, baby.” Crank’s stomach knotted when he saw the single tear roll down Anok’s cheek. He hated Blay more now than he did when he first discovered his ex’s deception. The bastard had hurt Anok, and to Crank, that was by far the worst thing Blay could have done to him. He wanted to see the son of a bitch go down.

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“I know we both have pasts. It just hurt to hear about yours from your old lover. It stung right here.” Anok placed his hand over his heart. Crank swallowed as he asked the most important question of all. His heart beat faster as his palms became sweaty. “Do you forgive me?” Anok glanced up at him, his brows pulling together. “There’s nothing to forgive. It just hurt, and I needed to absorb what that foul man was saying. It’s your past, Crank. We all have one.” Crank noticed how Anok hadn’t said I love you in return. He hoped his mate was telling the truth when he said there was nothing to forgive and that not speaking the words was just an oversight due to the overwhelming situation. “You should go. They need you on the bridge.” Crank released Anok’s hand and stood, glancing down at the most handsome man he’d ever laid eyes on. “You’ll join me?” “In a minute.” Crank left his quarters feeling like he’d just lost his best friend. He was terrified that Anok would get off on Hyberian and never be seen again. Crank growled as he walked back to the bridge. Blay was going to pay for this, if it was the last thing Crank did. **** Anok knew it wasn’t Crank’s fault. He knew this with every fiber in him. But the words coming from that vicious man hurt like hell. He loved Crank, he honesty did, but Anok needed time to himself to clear his head. He knew one thing for sure. Blay was going down for airing Crank’s private business in front of everyone. If there was one thing he hated most of all, it was his private business being out there for all to examine. And since he was mated to Crank, his business was Anok’s business.

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Anok pushed from the bed and left their quarters. He had found one thing on board the Lady Blue that seemed to cheer him up, and Anok was heading straight for it. He needed a little cheering. He smiled when he entered the hydroponics room. Bob and Hercules yapped and ran straight for him. Anok took a seat on the floor as the two puppies jumped all over him excitedly, licking at his face. “Okay.” He laughed as he scooped Hercules up into his arms while trying to stop Bob from climbing up his body. “I missed you guys, too.” Anok looked around the hydroponics room. He understood why Gigi and Pax kept the pups in here. There was plenty of space for them to run around, and the rest of the ship posed a danger. Having two curious puppies loose on a ship full of wires and whatnot wasn’t the smartest move. Anok smiled when three moths flew his way, dancing around him as if they, too, missed him. “Hello, Freddy, Emily, and Darla. How’s it going?” Anok sighed as he looked around the room. He really was acting like a shit. Crank had been upfront about everything, even confessed his love, and what did Anok do? He ran like a scared chicken. Anok set the puppies aside, giving each one a good rub before getting to his feet. “I have a mate that needs to know that I love him. I’ve never told anyone that before, and it’s scary. So wish me luck.” Bob and Hercules barked as they ran around Anok’s legs. He guessed that was their way of saying it. “You guys have fun and stay out of trouble.” Anok left the hydroponics room, heading for the bridge and his cougar shifter.

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Chapter 8 Crank watched Anok walk onto the bridge. He wasn’t sure what Anok was about to tell him, so he braced himself. There was no way he could blame the guy for how he felt. If roles were reversed, Crank would have been livid. “Hey,” Anok said as he took a seat next to Crank. “Hi.” Crank was a nervous wreck. He wished Anok would just come out and say whatever it was he was planning. The suspense was killing him. If his heart was going to be ripped out of his chest, he wanted to know. “I want to apologize for the way I acted,” Anok said as he scratched a fingernail back and forth over the console. Crank didn’t say a word. He was still terrified Anok would say to hell with it and walk away. He waited with bated breath as Anok continued. “I know I should have taken it like a man, but what Blay said hurt like hell. I was a tiny bit angry and took it out on you. I’m sorry.” Wait, what the hell did Anok have to be sorry for? “You shouldn’t be the one apologizing,” Crank admitted. “It was my past that was announced for all to hear. I should be the one groveling.” Crank turned his chair, seeing the struggle in Anok’s eyes. “Don’t you dare beat yourself up over this.” Anok crossed his slim arms over his chest, arching a neon-green eyebrow as he stared at Crank. The look was making Crank crumble inside, but he refused to let Anok shoulder the blame. This was ridiculous, utterly ridiculous, yet Crank was sweating bullets under Anok’s stern gaze.

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“Let’s make a deal here.” Anok sighed in resignation. “No more talk about Blay or anything else that will send either of us over the edge. I love you too much to argue with you.” Crank’s breath caught in his throat as he looked around the bridge. As usual, everyone pretended to be doing their jobs, but he knew their ears were glued to Crank and Anok’s conversation. “Did you just admit that you loved me?” Crank knew for a fact that Anok had never told anyone those words before. He felt honored that Anok would give them to him—especially after what had just happened with Blay. “Don’t make such a big deal over it.” Anok may have said the words, but he could see the uncertainty in Anok’s eyes. “Now you tell me?” he whispered. “When I can’t do anything about it? You little devil.” Crank felt better when Anok gave him a mischievous grin. “I’m trying my best to recreate your swelling syndrome.” Crank laughed out loud at his mate’s teasing. He was happier than hell that things were good between them again. Fuck Blay. There was no way he was going to allow any ex-lover to come between him and his mate. Not gonna happen. “Not to worry, my symptoms are worsening as we speak.” Crank winked at Anok before turning back around to his console. “No fair. I need to take you back to our quarters for an examination. Can’t you call in sick or something?” Crank laughed harder at the anguished look on Anok’s face. “I think it’s a little too late for that, considering my boss is sitting right behind us.” “Drat.” Anok pouted as he sat back in his seat. “Let me know when you get off. I definitely want to be there.” Crank heard a slight snicker from behind him but chose to ignore it. “You’ll definitely be there, babe.” ****

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“Not that I’m trying to be the bearer of bad news, but don’t we owe Hyberian some credits for the silkworms?” Livewire asked Remy. Remy sighed as he tossed his hands into the air. “I know. But I’m hoping they forgive our debt, considering they accused my mate of breaking their ceremonial crown only to find out the shopkeeper was a crook.” Livewire wasn’t so sure about the commander’s plan. Credits were credits. “We owe a lot more credits than they may be willing to forgive, even if they are standing there with mud on their faces.” “Look, Mom, go away. I don’t need someone lecturing me about the shit we’re sinking into. Let me handle the delegates while you guys unload the cargo,” Remy snarled as he stalked away. “Well, excuse the hell out of me for trying to keep our asses from being handed to us,” Livewire quipped as he walked back up the ramp. “Mo, get your ass out here,” Livewire yelled at the human. “I need some things from the shops, and you’re going along for shits and giggles.” “Oh goody me,” Mo said sarcastically as he headed Livewire’s way. “Do I get to ride shotgun?” “What the fuck did you just say?” Livewire hated when Mo talked retro-Earth. It confused the hell out of him. He wasn’t sure if he should be offended or not. “Never mind.” Mo waved Livewire off. “What kind of planet is this one?” “One you should be more familiar with. It’s a naturalistic planet. Nothing technological about it,” Livewire stated as he and Mo walked down the dirt path leading to the small shops that decorated the surrounding forest. Livewire would never admit it, but he liked the simplicity of this place. It had such a homey feel to it.

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“No shit.” Mo laughed as they neared the shops. “The buildings are actually made out of trees. I bet the Keebler Elves live in one of them.” “Who?” Livewire blinked at Mo. There the guy went again, talking a different fucking language. “The little cookie guys.” Livewire just stared at Mo. Mo sighed. “Never mind.” “You are one strange ass dude, my man.” Livewire shook his head as he chuckled. It was true, but Mo had grown on him. He liked the caveman, even if he didn’t understand half the shit he was saying. “This is so cool,” Mo said in awe as they entered the first shop. “I feel like I’m back at summer camp.” Livewire rubbed his temple. He could feel another headache coming on. What in the hell was summer camp? “May I help you?” a stout woman asked as she came from a back room, smiling at the two of them. “I’m looking for something special for my mate,” Livewire replied. Blade had told him about the wood-carver here who he had commissioned for a piece of work. Blade had bragged about how talented the young man was. Livewire was looking for something different though. Somehow he knew Imlay would be in a tizzy if he had matching statues with Adwaka. “You didn’t tell me we were boyfriend shopping,” Mo complained. “I thought we were here to get some parts or something.” Livewire rolled his eyes. “Did I not just tell you that this planet is not technological? What part of that didn’t you understand?” Mo crossed his large arms over his chest, giving Livewire a peeved stare. “And did I not tune you out like I do ninety percent of the time?” “It’s not my fault then, now is it?” He turned from Mo and smiled at the woman. “I’d like something special.”

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“Of course,” the woman said hesitantly as she looked from Livewire to Mo. “Is he your mate?” “Oh hell no!” they shouted in unison. “Well, then.” The woman smiled as she patted the front of her shirt. “Tell me about your mate so we can pick out the perfect gift for him.” “He’s a doctor that knows how to use a scalpel,” Mo recited as if bored out of his skull. “So you remember?” Livewire chuckled. “Good to know.” “Mykel!” the woman shouted over her shoulder and then looked back at them. “My son is the best wood-carver around. Whatever you want, he can bring to life.” A young man ran from the back room, looking expectantly at his mom. “Yes?” “This gentleman is looking for a unique piece for his mate.” She pointed to Livewire. Mykel turned to look at the two and inhaled swiftly and loudly. “Mother, it’s him.” The woman leaned in close to her son. “Which one?” Livewire wasn’t sure what the man was talking about. Did they recognize him from the bounty data circulating? They couldn’t have. As he told Mo, this place wasn’t technologically advanced. So what in the hell was the young man talking about? “Him.” Mykel pointed at Mo. Livewire’s balls unclenched. As long as Mykel wasn’t pointing a finger at him, it was all good. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but since it didn’t concern him, he didn’t give a shit. “About my gift.” “Right,” the woman said as if realizing Livewire was still standing there. She leaned back into her son and whispered loud enough for all to hear, “Go pack your things.” Livewire was confused as hell but pushed the bizarre conversation to the side. Instead of Mykel going to do as his mother said, he

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walked around the counter and tilted his head back, staring up at Mo. “I’m ready.” Mo glanced sideways at Livewire and then back down at Mykel, his brows furrowing. “Ready for what?” “Our mating,” Mykel simply stated. Oh snap, this couldn’t be real. A burst of laughter shot from Livewire as he leaned against a counter, hysterics taking over as he laughed so hard his sides hurt. This shit was too funny. “Hold on, little alien man. There isn’t going to be any kind of mating going on here.” Mo turned to Livewire. “What kind of place did you bring me to?” “He—” Livewire pointed to Mo and then Mykel, his laughter consuming him. He wiped at his eyes as he tried once again. “He’s your mate.” Livewire burst out laughing, unable to stop the chuckles from bubbling up and spilling out. Mo looked like he was about to pass out. His tanned skin paled as he shook his head back and forth rapidly, backing toward the door. “I’m human. That shit doesn’t apply to me.” He held his hands up in front of him as if warding off evil. “Hell no.” “Mykel,” his mother called out, “go do as I said.” Mykel took one more longing look at Mo before rushing from the shop. Livewire had a feeling he knew what Mykel had run off to do, but there was no way he was telling Mo. The man would run as fast as he could, and Livewire was having too much fun watching Mo squirm to let him get away. **** Crank checked off the cargo as it left the Lady Blue. Miraculously, the Hyberian officials had forgiven the debt that the crew owed them. He wasn’t sure what Remy had said to them, but every last one of them was grateful. It was a huge load off of their minds.

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Crank’s hand stilled when he saw Mo racing toward the ship at a breakneck speed. Not again. The last time they were here, Gigi had come barreling down the path, the Hyberian officials hot on his trail. Crank braced himself as Mo collided into him. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Crank yelled as he picked himself up from the ground. “Help me! Hide me! Do something, quick!” Mo’s eyes darted around as if a ghost were after him. Crank chuckled at the turned tables. “I thought you didn’t like me.” Mo gaped at him as he curled his fingers into the front of Crank’s shirt. “I never said that. In fact, I think we should be best friends. Now hide me, damn it!” “What’s going on?” Remy asked as he approached the two. “Beats the hell out of me.” Crank shrugged as he pushed Mo’s hands away from him. “I think he’s been sneaking into the Latrishonia cargo boxes.” “Mo?” Remy turned to the human, his brow raised. “The little alien dude—he said—oh, hell no,” Mo shouted as he ran up the ramp and onto the ship. “Don’t look at me. He’s human. Enough said.” Crank went back to counting the cargo boxes that Blade and Colt were carrying off of the ship. “I’ll be back,” Remy growled as he walked up the ramp after Mo. Crank’s hand faltered once again when Livewire and some short man came walking up the path, the young man’s arms carrying luggage. He quirked a brow at Livewire, but the mechanic just laughed and boarded the ship. “May I help you?” Crank asked as his eyes darted over to Blade and Colt. He noticed Colt smile and head their way. From the friendly way Colt was looking at the stranger, Crank felt they must know each other. Made sense since they were both from Hyberian. “Mykel.” Colt gave the man a slight bow. “Who is it?”

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Crank was curious as hell as he listened to the two. Who was who? “He is called Mo,” the little man replied, smiling brightly. “Can you help me locate him?” Colt chuckled as he nodded. “I can do that.” “What’s going on here?” Remy asked as he walked back down the ramp, his eyes bouncing from Crank to Colt, and then settling on Mykel. “Hyberian Law states that once a mate is found, we are bound to them, never to leave their side. It’s Hyberian Mating Code Beta four five, subsection six, sir,” Mykel stated proudly to Remy. Remy crossed his arms over his chest, looking perplexed. “And who is your mate, young man?” “Mo.” Colt chuckled. Remy’s arms fell from his chest as a wide grin crossed his face. He waved his hand toward the ship. “Then by all means, go aboard. Mo’s quarters are on the crew level. I would be happy to point the way.” “Thank you, sir.” Mykel smiled broadly and carried his luggage onto the Lady Blue. Crank snickered as he watched Remy chuckle, following behind Mykel. “Poor Mo.” “Yeah.” Colt laughed hysterically. “My heart’s bleeding for the guy.” **** “Okay,” Remy said, “I asked you all in here because I wanted to give you an update on where we stand. The Hyberian government forgave our debt to them because of the whole Gigi fiasco.” “Hey!” Gigi grumbled. “That wasn’t my fault.” Remy chuckled. “No, angel, it wasn’t. And just so you know, I was informed that after an investigation, it was discovered that the

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shopkeeper had a whole lot more items hidden away that he had claimed were stolen or damaged. It seems that Gigi uncovered a huge plot to defraud the Hyberian government and their people, which is why our debt to them was forgiven. They never would have known if Gigi hadn’t come back and tried to prove his innocence.” “See, told you this wasn’t my fault.” Remy smiled and pulled Gigi over closer to his side. “Now, as I was saying, our debt to Hyberian has been forgiven. We delivered the red dust to the medical facility here and were paid for that, but we still need to get the fish to Paktil. Assuming that contract hasn’t been canceled and we can still collect on it, we should be doing good.” “Then what, Remy?” Crank asked. “Are we going to continue to float around and take black market jobs or what?” “We’ll get caught eventually,” Colt added. “We can’t keep running like this. We need to start trying to prove our innocence.” “That’s kind of why I asked for this meeting,” Remy said. “I’m tired of running. I’m tired of my mate, my family, and my ship always being in danger. And I’m damn tired of not having any place to land where it’s safe. Something needs to be done.” Remy grimaced as he glanced around the mess hall table, meeting the worried eyes of everyone on board the ship. “Any ideas?” “I still think you need to get something on this guy that betrayed you,” Anok said. “I’ve carried a lot of documents over the years, and I know for a fact that information is the biggest commodity in the system.” “Bigger than credits?” Pax asked. “Oh yes,” Anok said. “Information is more precious than credits. With the right information, you can make anything happen.” “I’m against blackmail, Anok,” Remy said. “It doesn’t sit right with me.” “Good, ’cause that’s not what I’m talking about.” Remy frowned. “Then what are you talking about?”

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“Information is power.” Anok slowly tapped his finger onto the tabletop as he spoke. “The more information we have, the more power we hold.” “Anok, you’re talking in circles.” Anok sighed and leaned back against Crank. “I’m not talking in circles. You’re just not listening to what I’m saying. There’s a data trail somewhere. There always is.” “A data trail?” Remy asked. “This guy’s activities have to be recorded somewhere. We just have to find the information and put it all together like a puzzle.” Anok tapped the table once again. “Because I’d bet anything, once we did, it would paint a picture for us that would show us how to prove our innocence.” Remy blinked. “Our innocence? Anok, you haven’t been accused of anything. They are not after you.” “Maybe not, but I’m a member of this crew just like Gigi, Pax, Imlay, Adwaka, Zackary, and now Mykel. That makes this my issue just as much as it’s your issue. As you said, we’re a family, and family fights together no matter what.” Crank chuckled and hugged Anok. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, baby.” Remy nodded at Anok. “I agree, and I thank you. You kind of put everything in perspective. We are fighting for all of us, not just a few. We all have a stake in proving our innocence.” Anok shrugged and kind of turned his face toward Crank as it flushed. “Any idea how we go about getting information?” Remy asked after a moment. Anok chuckled. “Well, that depends on which side of the law you want to stay on.” “I’d prefer to stay on the right side,” Remy said, “but it seems we are currently on the most wanted list, so I’ll take what I can get.”

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“Then your best bet is start with anyone you might know on the black market. If anyone owes you any favors or can be easily bought, start there. One piece of information can lead to another and so on and so on.” “We could start with my uncle,” Adwaka piped in. “Not until we drop the fish off at Paktil, we can’t,” Colt said. “Do any of you know anyone on Paktil?” Remy asked. “Not really,” Colt said, “but we could certainly ask around.” Anok’s hand went up. “I might know a few people we can talk to.” “No!” Crank growled. Anok rolled his eyes then reached up and kissed the corner of Crank’s firm jaw. “I promise I won’t go anywhere alone.” Remy snickered when Crank growled and kissed his mate until he was speechless and breathing hard. He turned and looked at the rest of the crew. “So, on to Paktil to deliver our cargo and find some information on Brystan Pierce and his nephew?” Anok gasped and sat up straighter. He stared at Remy, a picture of fear covering his face. “That’s who you’re after?” “That’s who’s after us,” Remy replied. His eyebrows drew together as the blood slowly drained from Anok’s face. “Why?” “Maybe we should just go back through the wormhole or something,” Anok said quickly. “We’d be safer back on Old Earth. Brystan Pierce is crazy.” Remy’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know Brystan Pierce?” “I’ve transported documents for him.”

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Chapter 9 “So, let me get this straight,” Mykel said as he followed Anok around. “This whole crew is on the bad side of the law?” Anok pinched the bridge of his nose. He liked Mykel, he really did, but the guy was getting on his last nerve. “Yes and no.” “Well, which is it? I’m a law-abiding citizen, and I don’t want to get into any trouble. I’ve won citizen of the week a few times back on Hyberian, and I’m proud of that fact. If this crew is mixed up in something illegal, they’ll take my awards back.” Anok curled his fingers in to stop them from shooting out and choking the shit out of Mykel. “It. Is. A. Set. Up.” He annunciated each word as he tried to get his breathing back under control. Mykel had done nothing but state statistics and Hyberian Laws to him since he met the guy. “I’m not sure that minor detail is relevant or will stand up in a court of law. You guys should turn yourselves in and let an attorney defend you.” Anok stopped walking as he gaped at Mykel. “Are you fucking serious?” Mykel stiffened. “There is no need to use foul language. And yes, I’m quite serious.” “I need to be alone.” Before I choke the shit out of you. Anok walked away from the law-abiding citizen before he made Mykel lose his awards. Anok was close to losing his lunch as it was. He walked into his quarters, his feet faltering as Crank emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered and looking yummy as hell. “There are laws against looking that damn good.” Anok groaned as he

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realized what he had said. He needed to stay the hell away from Mykel. “Really. Are you going to arrest me then?” Crank asked as he turned around, shaking his fine-looking ass at Anok. Not only could Anok feel his cock growing erect, but he could also feel the front of his pants getting wet. “I just might,” Anok said as he pressed his palm against his erection. “Or I might have to search you for illegal contraband.” Crank tossed his towel aside, giving Anok one wicked ass grin. “Come search me then, but be very thorough. You never know what weapon I might be hiding.” Crank chuckled. “Or it could be in plain view.” Anok groaned as he freed his cock, taking measured steps toward his cougar. He palmed his cock, giving it a few good strokes before circling around Crank. “Put your hands against the wall and assume the position.” One of Crank’s eyes lowered as he studied Anok before slowly turning. Anok jumped when Crank turned back around, pointing an accusing finger at him. “You’re not on the security force.” Anok smacked Crank’s ass, gaining a yelp from his large mate. “No. I’m a licensed and bonded courier. We sometimes have to go into places that no one else is willing to go. Now bend over, I’m going in.” “Hell no,” Crank shouted as he shot across the room. Anok went the other way, cutting Crank off on the other side of the bed. “Resisting a search, are you?” “That would be a hell yes. You’re not going anywhere near my unwilling place,” Crank said as he faked a right, nearly making it to the door. “Are you going to run out of here naked?” Anok growled. “Stop acting like a wuss and get over here.” Crank crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head back and forth. “Not happening.”

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“Not even for a cookie?” Anok asked in his most syrupy voice. “I can get you a cookie if you let me search you.” Crank wavered. Anok could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t quite sure what the hell they were talking about, but he was having a blast playing with Crank. Who knew sex could be this much fun? “How many cookies are you talking?” Crank asked as he took a step off to the side. Anok saw the move for what it was. Crank was getting ready to run again. He knew how to fix that. Anok began to strip, taking his sweet old time letting his pants fall from around his waist. He moaned as he ran his own hands over his body, licking his lips at his mate. “Just one little teeny tiny search?” Crank’s breath hitched. His chest was heaving heavily as his eyes locked onto Anok’s cock. “How teeny tiny?” “Are you going to keep asking questions or let me?” Anok hadn’t meant to snip at Crank, but he was hornier than hell. “Nope,” Crank said quickly as he shot back around the bed. Anok growled as he jumped onto the bed and leapt toward his mate. Thankfully Crank caught him at the last second. That shit would have hurt. Crank gulped as Anok growled. “Now bend over, buddy. You’re getting a full cavity search for your defiance.” “Are you serious?” Crank whispered. “Yep,” Anok said as he squirmed in Crank’s arms. “Now, do as I say or I’m gonna spank you.” Anok nearly swallowed his tongue when Crank visibly shivered. What the hell had he stumbled upon? If it was leading to where he thought it was, Anok was damn happy to oblige. Without another word, Anok dropped to his knees, parted Crank’s muscular mounds, and began a slow and sensuous lick. “Oh hell,” Crank groaned as he slowly bent over the bed. “Don’t stop, baby.” Anok hadn’t planned on it. His heart was racing out of control as his tongue swirled around Crank’s tight, puckered hole. His fingers

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dug into Crank’s flesh as he stiffened his tongue, probing his mate’s entrance. “Anok,” Crank groaned. He could hear the uncertainty in his mate’s voice, but if Crank didn’t say stop, Anok wouldn’t. He reached under Crank, cupping his balls as his tongue twirled and swirled, lapping at the ridges surrounding Crank’s hole. Taking a deep and steady breath, Anok breached Crank with one finger, taking it to the last knuckle. His mate stiffened. Anok held his breath, wondering if Crank was going to protest the invasion. When Crank’s muscle relaxed, Anok let out his breath. He wiggled his finger around, looking for Crank’s prostate as he slid his tongue around his mate’s delicious skin. “Anok!” Found it. Crank bucked his hips, impaling Anok’s finger deeper. He chanced it and added another finger. Anok couldn’t believe he was being allowed to do this. He had topped a few times, finding that he liked both positions. But Anok never thought the big bad Crank would ever allow him to top. What a sweet ass surprise. Anok scissored his fingers until he felt Crank relax once more and then added a third. The sight of his fingers deep in his mate’s ass almost made Anok come. His mate’s body was so giving, so silkysmooth. Anok leaned forward and nipped one of Crank’s butt cheeks as he removed his fingers and grabbed the lube. He was sure Crank was going to stop him at any moment. When Crank didn’t say a word, Anok lathered his cock and lined it up with Crank’s tight entrance. He stilled, giving Crank a chance to refuse him, but his mate didn’t make a sound. Anok held on to Crank’s hip with one hand as he guided his cock past his mate’s ring of muscle. He stopped when he felt Crank tense. Anok ran his hand up and down Crank’s back as he waited. This wait

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was torturous. He had to fight his hips to not shoot forward. He ground his teeth as sweat trickled down his face. Thank god Crank pushed back. Anok thought he was going to wither away and die by the time Crank was ready. He laid his other hand on Crank’s other hip, pulling out until only the head remained and then thrust forward, hard. “Fuck,” Crank shouted. “Do that again.” Anok smiled as he situated his footing, getting a better grip on Crank before jetting in and out of his mate’s tight ass. This was pure heaven, plain and simple. “Crank,” Anok moaned. “Harder, babe,” Crank pleaded as Anok kicked up a leg, changing the angle and making Crank shout out his pleasure. He could feel the tingling run up his spine and knew he was close. Anok tried to reach around and grab Crank’s cock but he couldn’t seem to reach it. “I got it,” Crank panted. “Just don’t stop.” “I won’t,” Anok promised as he thrust faster and deeper. Crank was the first to roar out his release. Anok’s eyes crossed as Crank’s ass began to pulse around his cock, making it feel like a tight fist was stroking him. Anok gritted his teeth as he thrust a few more times, and then he exploded, coming inside his mate’s warm channel. “Crank,” Anok mewled. Anok collapsed onto Crank’s back, rubbing his face back and forth as he gasped for air. Holy hell. That had been the best sex ever. “I’m glad you’re a private man because if you told anyone what you just did, I’d have to shoot you out of an air lock.” Anok chuckled as he rolled over, looking Crank in his beautiful eyes. “Mum’s the word.” **** Crank felt funny as he walked into the mess hall with Anok. He knew he was walking just fine, but he felt like every eye in the room

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was looking right at him. They knew. He knew they knew. He could see the sly grins aimed in his direction. The entire crew knew he had allowed Anok to fuck him. Crank was mortified. He was even more confused by how much he had enjoyed it. No one had fucked him since Blay, and that had been dismal at best. Blay didn’t care a lot if his partner got off, just if he did. Half the time Crank had to jerk himself off after Blay came and fell onto the bed. It was one of the reasons Crank had never allowed anyone to fuck him again. He left him feeling exposed and used, not something he enjoyed or wanted to experience again. Being with Anok had been totally different. Anok had been caring, loving. He’d made sure that Crank enjoyed himself, touching him with a gentleness that Crank craved. To say it had been mind-blowing would have been an understatement. Crank still didn’t want anyone to know, though. He was supposed to be the big, strong, Elite Force soldier. He wasn’t supposed to bottom for anyone. He’d made himself that promise after being betrayed by Blay. He just couldn’t figure out why he enjoyed being with Anok so much and why he wanted to do it again. “Hungry?” Anok asked as he handed Crank a plate. “Yeah.” Crank gulped. Somehow, he didn’t think they were talking about the same thing. Anok grinned. “Me too.” Okay, maybe they were. Crank quickly glanced around to see if anyone was watching them, but they had all gone back to whatever they were doing. Crank breathed a sigh of relief. He so didn’t want to go there with the crew. Anok’s need for privacy was looking better and better. “Honey.” Anok leaned up on his tiptoes to whisper in Crank’s ear. “Unless you say something, no one will know. They might figure out

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we had sex because neither of us are very quiet, but they won’t know who fucked who.” Crank swallowed hard. “Besides.” Anok stroked his hand along the side of Crank’s face. “Being loved by your mate, in whatever form it comes, is nothing to be ashamed of.” “I’m not ashamed!” Crank snapped. When Anok nodded and dropped his eyes, Crank sighed. “I’m not ashamed, Anok,” he said a bit softer. “I just—” “It’s okay, Crank.” Anok’s eyes were filled with a little sadness when he looked back up at Crank. “We don’t have to do it again. I understand that it was a onetime thing. No one will ever know.” Crank felt like banging his head against the wall. He was the world’s biggest idiot. His need to be strong was hurting his mate. He knew it stemmed from his experience with Blay, and he was angry with himself that he was once again letting that man hurt his mate. Crank grabbed Anok’s plate and placed it on top of his. He set them both down on the counter then reached for his mate. Anok’s loud yelp filled the air as Crank tossed the man over his shoulder and started for the doors of the mess hall. He stopped at the door and turned to face the crew. Crank noted their astonished looks. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in my quarters getting fucked in the ass by my mate.” He smirked when several jaws dropped. “He’s very good at it.” Crank turned and walked out of the mess hall doors, heading straight for his quarters. Now that he had actually said the words and shared with the entire crew, he felt freed somehow, as if everything that had happened with Blay was finally over. He was actually excited to have Anok fuck him again. Only this time, he wanted to be facing Anok so he could see his mate as he was taken. He wanted to experience every damn thing he possibly could with Anok.

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The moment they stepped into their quarters, Crank set Anok on his feet and reached for the buttons on the man’s pants. He had them undone and pushed down Anok’s legs in a matter of moments. “Crank, are you sure about this?” Crank grinned. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” He dropped to his knees and grabbed Anok’s cock, bringing it to his lips. “Let’s get this guy good and ready to fuck my ass.” **** Gigi gaped as he watched Crank carry Anok out of the room. He had no doubt that they were going back to their quarters to do exactly what Crank said. He frowned and glanced over at Remy. “Why don’t you ever let me fuck you?” Remy’s spoon stopped midair as his mate gulped. “I—you— because, okay.” Remy got up from the table, leaving his food sitting there. Gigi could have sworn he heard his mate cursing Crank’s name. Gigi giggled as he looked over at Adwaka, Pax, and Zackary, who were staring openmouthed at him. “What, tell me you never thought about it before.” Pax shook his head. “Not really.” “Me either,” Adwaka said. Gigi looked over at Zackary, but he had busied himself with his food. “What about you, Z?” “I don’t kiss and tell. Unlike some men I know.” He sniffed as he stood and walked away. Now it was Gigi’s turn to stare openmouthed. “Do you think…?” “If he and Tank do, it’s none of our business,” Imlay said as he, too, stood and walked away. Gigi shrugged. It wasn’t like he was serious. He couldn’t even imagine topping Remy. He liked the bottom way too much. He gave Anok kudos, though. If that’s what he liked, more power to him. ****

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Anok couldn’t believe Crank had said something to the crew. He had been disappointed, yes, but Crank didn’t have to prove himself by blabbing all of their business. He was thrilled and embarrassed, all in one. He felt like hiding his face any time he passed a crew member. Thankfully no one said anything about Crank’s outburst. He was going to have to teach Crank to use a little more discretion. Anok made his way to the bridge, looking for his loose-lipped mate. He found him standing in a conference circle with Remy and Tank. Anok took a seat over by Crank’s console, wondering what they were talking about. He jumped when Crank’s voice rose above the rest. “I don’t care. We’re not using him!” Anok was really curious now. He wondered what the hell Crank was so angry about. He got up from his chair and made his way over to the three men, listening closely. “It’s the only way, Crank. We need to send Anok, or we have no hope.” Well, that didn’t sound promising. “Need me for what?” “It’s not happening,” Crank growled, crossing his arms over his chest. “So you can just forget about it.” Anok arched an eyebrow. “Forget about what?”

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Chapter 10 Crank was livid. There was no way he was allowing his mate to take on such a dangerous mission. Remy wanted Anok to pose as a courier and sneak into Pierce’s home. How suicidal was that? “He’s not going to do it,” he stated adamantly. “I won’t allow it.” “Allow what?” Anok asked for the second time. Crank knew there was no use explaining anything to his mate. Anok would only take Remy’s side, and Crank was already getting a headache from arguing his point with Remy. “He’d be perfectly safe. Do you think I would send him down there alone?” Remy counter argued. “And who are you planning to send with my mate? Mo?” Crank cursed when he saw the shift in Remy’s eyes. “You are planning to send Mo with him, aren’t you?” “He’s the only one that hasn’t been seen on board the Lady Blue. He’s perfect. From what I’ve seen, he’s street-smart too.” Crank was ready to rip the hat from his commander’s head and knock some sense into him. “This is my mate we’re talking about. Would you send Gigi?” “If I remember correctly, Gigi was sent down to a planet through the food replicator with no backup. And he took off to Hyberian with only the other mates at his back.” Crank shook his head as he sliced his finger through the air, pointing over at Remy’s mate. “That remembrance didn’t answer my question. Would you voluntarily send him?” Crank could already see the answer in Remy’s eyes. Hell no, he wouldn’t send his mate if he had a choice. “Neither would I.”

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“I think I should have a say in this,” Anok cut in as he wedged himself between Remy and Crank. “I’m old enough to make my own decisions, Crank. I’ve been old enough for quite a long time now.” “But you weren’t my mate then. You are now. Hell fucking no.” Crank was getting tired of this argument. They weren’t going to see eye to eye on this no matter how long they debated the subject. “My answer is no,” he stated as he left the bridge. There was no way he was going to stand by and watch his mate be put in danger. No fucking way. **** “I guess that settles it then,” Remy said as he took a seat. Nothing was settled in Anok’s eyes. “I can do it. I know Crank is my mate. But if I remember correctly, I have free will. He can give his opinion, but the final say-so is up to me.” Remy shook his head as he sat back, looking weary. “No, Anok. I won’t go against Crank. Besides having a great amount of respect for him, I don’t need the headache he would give me if I sent you down there after he expressed his opinion.” His opinion. Who did Crank think he was? Anok could see that he was going to get nowhere with Remy. But he did know who would help him out. Anok sighed dramatically, looking for all the world defeated. “Fine, I won’t go then.” He left the bridge in search of the one man he knew would help him out. He found Gigi in the kitchen cooking dinner. “I need your help.” Gigi grabbed a hand towel and wiped his hands off before nodding to Anok. “Okay, shoot.” “Remy has this plan for me to go down to Tronos and steal some documents from Commander Pierce’s home—” “But Crank is in a snit about it, right?”

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Anok nodded. “Yeah. He’s not budging on his decision, either.” “Gods love high-handed men.” Gigi snorted as he tossed the towel aside. “So Remy nixed the plan, I take it?” “Yep, right in the butt.” “And a certain someone wants to implement the plan. Am I warm?” Gigi grinned. “Very,” Anok replied as he leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “If we don’t obtain any proof, we’ll be running for the rest of our lives. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to visit a planet for longer than twenty-four hours.” Gigi nodded and he crossed his arms over his chest as well. “I agree. I’d like an actual vacation once in a while. Living on the Lady Blue is great and all that, but I like putting my feet down on solid ground once in a while.” “So, can you help me?” Anok asked. “Can I help you?” Gigi grinned. It wasn’t a question. Gigi crooked his finger as he backed out of the kitchen. “Come with me, my friend. We need to consult the brain trust. Someone is bound to have a plan.” Anok gulped at the wicked grin on Gigi’s face. He followed Gigi out of the kitchen, wondering what in the hell had he gotten himself into. Crank was going to strangle him when he found out. They found the other mates lounging around in the media room. Gigi bounced down on one of the cushions and grinned at them. Anok’s eyes widened when they all stared at Gigi for a moment then turned off the vid-screen and leaned toward Gigi. “We’re in,” Adwaka said. “Don’t you even want to know what it is first?” Anok asked. “Nope.” Pax grinned. “It was getting a little boring around here. I knew sooner or later Gigi would come up with something to liven the place up.” “Actually,” Gigi said, “Anok came up with this one.” Pax whistled. “Way to go Anok.”

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Adwaka wiggled closer, drumming his fingers together. “What’s the plan?” “That’s kind of why we came to you,” Gigi said. “We need to come up with one.” “What’s the job then?” Adwaka asked. “Remy came up with a plan for Anok to sneak into Brystan Pierce’s house and steal some documents. Crank vetoed the plan totally, so Remy dropped it.” Gigi gestured to Anok. “Anok here wants to go through with the idea.” “You realize anything we plan could get all of our asses spanked, right?” Pax asked. Anok frowned. “Crank can’t spank me. I’m a full-grown man.” “Yeah,” Pax snorted. “Let me know how that works out for you.” Anok just stared. Pax couldn’t be serious. They were full-grown men. Their mates couldn’t spank them like little children. Could they? “We need to get Mo in on this as well,” Anok said after a minute. “Besides Mykel, he’s the only one that isn’t associated with the Lady Blue, and somehow, I don’t think Mykel would agree to anything illegal.” “We don’t have to tell him it’s illegal,” Gigi countered. “Taking Mykel might actually be a better choice. With the way he quotes law, Pierce would never see him as an infiltrator.” “That’s assuming I don’t strangle him first,” Anok said. “His constant quotes drive me nuts.” “Maybe he’d be willing to look the other way if the safety of his mate was at stake,” Adwaka said. “I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t do to keep Blade safe.” “Ditto!” the other mates said at the same time. “Okay, so we use Mykel,” Anok said as he sat down on the couch next to Gigi. “We just don’t tell him it’s illegal.” “Right,” Gigi said. “Now, how do we get Anok to Tronos and Pierce’s house?”

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Adwaka jumped up and down in place, his hand raised high. “I know, I know.” Anok smiled at the overexuberant man. “Go ahead, Adwaka.” Adwaka rubbed his hands together as if they were cold, smiling mischievously at them all. “The escape pods.” “You are one diabolical genius, my man.” Gigi chuckled. “Okay, so now we have our means, now all we have to do is convince Mykel to go and lie our collective ass off to our mates,” Anok said with a sigh. Somehow he knew convincing Mykel was going to be a lot easier than lying to their mates. **** “Are you sure this was cleared with the commander of the ship?” Mykel asked for the hundredth time. Gigi was ready to smack him upside the back of his head. Now he knew how Anok felt. He’d never seen a more uptight, rule-thumping, regulationquoting man in his life. Gigi was ready to shove Mykel in an escape pod of his own and shoot him out into space with no coordinates punched in. Maybe the guy would land on some other planet and quote the vegetation to death. One could only hope. “Mo, tell your mate everything is cool,” Pax begged as they made their way down the corridor.” “If you call him my mate one more time, the deal is off,” Mo threatened. “Deal?” The mates turned to Mo and stared. Gigi winced. He hadn’t told them that he had to bribe Mo into going. They didn’t need to know that he had promised to grill Mo the best exotic fish in the galaxy. And they didn’t need to open their big mouths about the Latrishonia either. “Nothing,” Gigi hurriedly said as he walked a little faster. He’d make it up to Mo once they got back.

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“Do you have everything you need?” Gigi asked Anok in hopes of changing the subject and getting the spotlight off of his deal with Mo. “Yep,” Anok said as he raised his silver courier case. “I have the fake documents right in here.” He patted the case. “Fake?” Mykel asked as he looked from Anok to Gigi. “You told me this was legal.” “Stop whining and get your ass into the pod,” Mo complained. Gigi watched in amazement as Mykel shut his mouth and climbed into the escape pod. “Damn, that’s all it takes?” Mo just shrugged. “I got it like that. You don’t. So don’t go ordering the little guy around.” “Aw, you do like him,” Gigi teased as the other mates climbed into the escape pod. “Get the hell in there before I shove you in,” Mo griped as he pointed toward the pod. “Mo likes Mykel,” Gigi sang as he climbed in, taking a seat next to Pax. Once Mo climbed in, Zackary set the coordinates. “On to breaking and entering we go.” Zackary chuckled as the escape pod deployed. “I knew it!” Mykel looked pissed off beyond belief as they headed for Tronos. Gigi giggled as he sat back. “Pull your panties out of your ass. Everything will be fine. Just do as we discussed.” Mykel sniffed the air as he turned to Mo. “Tell them I don’t break the law. Tell them that according to Hyberian Law number Two Seven Five, breaking and entering is a life sentence.” “I think they heard you, little alien man,” Mo said as he shook his head. “I think the people on the next planet heard you.” “Life?” Adwaka whistled low. “That’s harsh.” Mykel glared at the mate. “So is entering someplace you don’t belong.”

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“I do that all the time with my mad skills.” Zackary laughed. “It’s quite addicting. You should break a law, Mykel. Maybe you should start out small like littering.” Mykel crossed his arms over his chest as his brows pulled together. “You’ll thank me one day for my rules. Mark my word.” Zackary ignored him as he continued. “Go ahead, try it. Throw something on the pod floor. I guarantee you it’s an exhilarating feeling. A freedom like you’ve never known.” Zackary fell into Pax as he giggled. Pax smoothed a hand over his mouth, trying not to smile. “That’s enough,” Mo warned. “Mo likes Mykel,” Gigi sang once again. “Really?” Mykel’s face lit up as he looked up at Mo with hopeful eyes. Great, now Gigi felt bad. He was only teasing the guy, not trying to put him on the spot. He could feel his face heat up when Mo shot him a glare. Gigi curled his lips in and sat back, his eyes looking everywhere but at Mo. Thankfully their pod landed on Tronos without any mishaps. Gigi wasn’t sure he could take any more of Mo’s dirty looks. The man’s eye had a way of making Gigi squirm. The hodgepodge of men climbed out and wound their way through the backstreets of Tronos. They gathered behind a crop of trees outlining Commander Bryce Pierce’s home. Anok spun around, glaring at Mykel. “If you fold while I’m talking to him and confess our ruse, I’ll shove you in this case and courier your ass past End of the Line. Got it?” Anok held the silver courier case up and wiggled it around. “But I can’t fit—” Mykel paled as Zackary’s threat must have sunk in. “I guess I can tell a fib. That isn’t too bad, is it?” “No,” Mo said as he averted his eyes. Mykel beamed up at his mate. “Then I guess I can do it.”

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Gigi watched Anok and Mykel walk up the front walkway and knock on the door. “How does it feel to corrupt someone?” Gigi asked as they all waited for someone to answer the door. “Shut up,” Mo snipped. They fell silent when the front door opened and the two mates walked inside. Gigi crossed his fingers and prayed this hairbrained scheme of theirs worked. **** Crank was so fucking mad he was grinding his molars. “I know Gigi had something to do with this,” he said between clenched teeth as he guided the shuttle toward Tronos. “More than likely,” Remy sighed. “You can mate them, but you can’t take them anywhere.” If Crank weren’t ready to murder someone, he would have thought that statement funny. As it were, he did not. The only thing on his mind was getting his mate back. And then the real fun would begin. He was going to teach Anok about sneaking off to engage in a dangerous mission. “They’ll be fine. We’re the ones who need our heads examined,” Remy griped. “They’re not the ones on the hot list. We are. If we’re caught, we’re fucked. Just throwing that out there.” “If anyone has harmed my mate, I’m blowing the fucking planet to shit. Just putting that out there,” Crank countered. “You do realize the mates will be on said planet when you blow it to hell? Right?” Crank didn’t appreciate being corrected when he was this mad. He was allowed to not make sense at the moment. He knew they were taking a huge risk by going planet-side, but when he discovered Anok missing, Crank had gone ballistic.

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“Fly us to the outer perimeter of the city. We’ll have to foot it from there. I don’t want anyone detecting our shuttle,” Remy instructed. Crank only nodded. He was too damned pissed to answer Remy. He guided the ship to the outer perimeter of town and landed the shuttle behind a small hill. Remy, Crank, Blade, Colt, and Livewire disembarked. Tank had been climbing the walls when he was left behind, but someone had to man the ship, and it wasn’t going to be Crank. “I know where the commander lives. Hopefully Anok is finished by the time we get there and we can just grab our mates and leave,” Remy said as he led the through the backstreets of the city. Crank just grunted at Remy’s words. If anything happened to Anok, he wasn’t joking. Tronos was going to go bye-bye in a blaze of glory. His neon-green-haired mate meant the world to Crank, and he wasn’t going to lose him. The five men made their way silently through the city as they neared the commander’s home. Crank had a funny feeling in his gut the closer they got to their destination. “Something’s not right,” Crank whispered as they stole behind a few dwellings, almost at the commander’s home. “I can feel it in my gut.” “Let’s hope your gut is wrong,” Blade whispered as they approached a cluster of trees. Crank immediately spotted the missing crew members, minus his mate and Mykel. His gut twisted when Mykel came running out of the house, his hands in the air as he yelled. Crank shifted as he raced toward the commander’s home, determined to find his mate.

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Chapter 11 Mykel ran like the hounds of hell his mother told him about when he was a child were after him. He was scared out of his mind. His thinking was so fragmented he couldn’t even think of the statute that covered being accosted by a virtual stranger. He knew there was one. There had to be. He tried to remember where his mate was waiting for him, but even that thought seemed to be denied him. All Mykel could think about was how horrible it felt to have that man’s hand touch him. It made his skin crawl just thinking about it. No one should be touching him except his mate. Mykel didn’t even care at the moment that his mate didn’t seem to want to touch him. He just didn’t want anyone else to touch him. He’d rather wait for Mo to claim him. He didn’t care how long it took. Mykel ran for the bushes as fast as his feet would carry him, promising himself that if he was allowed back on the Lady Blue, he’d never set foot off of it again unless his mate gave him permission. Mykel screamed to the heavens as he was suddenly grabbed and pulled behind a bush. His loud cry was stifled by a hand slapping over his mouth. Mykel started to struggle, kicking out with his feet and digging his claws into flesh with his hands until he heard a soft voice murmur in his ear. “Calm yourself, Mykel,” Mo whispered. “You’re safe.” Mykel slumped against Mo and started to sniffle as tears of relief came to his eyes. “Hy–Hyberian Law Forty-Three Zero Seven, Subsection Six states that no one may touch or in any other way handle someone mated to another.”

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“What?” Mo growled. “Someone touched you?” “He…he tried to kiss me.” Mykel hiccupped. “He was disgusting.” “Who?” “Tha–that man!” Mykel whimpered when Mo’s arms tightened around him and his chest began to rumble. “The one we went to meet.” “Was it the man after the Lady Blue crew?” Mykel nodded. “He grabbed me and tried to kiss me. He put his hands all over me and told me he would pay me a lot of credits for my time.” “He tried to pay you to have sex with him?” Mykel swallowed hard. He knew he wasn’t supposed to lie, especially not to his mate. That had been drilled into his head from a very early age. But Mo just seemed to be getting angrier with every word he spoke. Mykel opened his mouth to tell Mo it had all been a huge mistake when Remy suddenly squatted down beside them and held his finger up to his mouth. “Ssshhh, someone’s coming out.” Mykel swung his head around to see Anok walk out of the house with the silver case attached to his wrist. He started down the walkway, but when he reached the sidewalk, instead of crossing the road to where they were hiding, he started walking down the sidewalk like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Where in the hell is he going?” Remy asked. A moment later, the front door of the house opened again and two huge bruiser-looking men walked out. They went to the edge of the sidewalk and glanced up and down then started following Anok down the street. “Oh,” Mykel whispered, “that can’t be good.” ****

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Anok could hear the footsteps following him. By the difference in sound, he figured at least two men were on his trail. But he could also hear more footsteps coming up behind them. He just didn’t know if everyone was an enemy or just the two directly behind him. He did know he couldn’t lead anyone back toward his friends. He knew that the moment he left the house. There had been something off from the moment he arrived at the house with Mykel until now. Anok didn’t know if it came from the money the man offered them for sex or the knowing glint in the guy’s eyes. He just knew something was off. Anok prayed that Mykel had gotten to safety. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to the pesky little man. Mykel might drive him crazy, but Anok never wanted anything bad to happen to him. Besides, not only would Mo kick his ass if anything happened to Mykel but so would everyone else. It wouldn’t matter if all of the mates had a hand in this crazy scheme. Anok would have his ass handed to him and he knew it. Anok’s heart jumped into his throat when he heard the footsteps behind him speed up. He was just coming to a darker part of town and knew the men following him had waited until now to jump him. There would be fewer witnesses in the dark. Anok walked around the corner of a building then put on the speed, running to the other end as fast as his feet would go. He knew the men in pursuit had seen him when he heard yelling. Anok just ran faster. He rounded another corner and ran right into a huge human brick wall. Before he could jump back, Anok was grabbed and pressed against the wall. Anok’s eyes widened when he realized he was in the arms of his mate—his very pissed-off mate. It looked like he might get his ass spanked after all. “Ssshhh.” Crank dipped his head and whispered into Anok’s ear.

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Anok stayed very still as the heavy footfall grew louder, stopped, and then moved on. He breathed a sigh of relief, ready to get the hell off of this planet. “Let’s go.” Crank grabbed Anok by his wrist and hauled him away. Anok could barely keep up as fast as Crank was moving. He had to run to Crank’s fast walk. Anok didn’t care, as long as it got him as far away from those dirty men as possible. He’d run into men like that on his courier jobs before, but none had seemed so vile as Pierce and the men who were in his home. “Where’s Mykel?” “Safe,” Crank growled as they cut down an alleyway. “Someplace you should have been.” “But I got the files we needed,” Anok said, a little too bratty. He was pissed. He knew what he was doing, and he didn’t appreciate Crank treating him like a greenhorn. Crank stopped dead in his tracks, whirled around, and glared at Anok. “Did they touch you?” Oh crap. Anok didn’t want to lie to his mate, but Crank’s eyes had shifted and his canines were peeking out from under his bottom lip. He knew that if he said yes, Crank would go back to Pierce’s home. Something he couldn’t allow. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.” Crank’s growl rumbled through his chest as the corded muscles in his neck flexed and bulged. Anok could see a large vein throbbing at Crank’s temple. “We need to get back to the ship.” He tried another tactic to divert Crank’s attention off of those men. “They’re hunting me down. I think they know why I was there. We have to hurry.” Crank’s nostrils flared but he began his fast-paced walk again. Oh yeah, he was definitely getting spanked for this. They cut down a few more streets until they made it to the outskirts of town. Anok was hard-pressed to keep up with Crank. He

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could feel his lungs burning, and his leg muscles were on fire by the time the rounded a small hill. “Why are we here?” Anok asked when all he saw were grassy fields. “Remy took the mates back to the Lady Blue in the shuttle. There were too many of us to take at once,” Blade said from the side of the hill where Anok hadn’t seen him. Anok knew the dangers of lingering around, but obtaining those files was the only way to prove the crew members of the Lady Blue were innocent. He’d take the nasty looks he was getting if it meant proving the men didn’t do what they were being accused of. “We have company,” Colt whispered. Anok’s head snapped around to see the two men who had been hot on his heels. Luckily, they hadn’t spotted them yet. Anok’s heart was in his throat when he saw one of them look their way. Crank growled and shoved Anok behind him as the crew members shifted. Holy hell! A cougar, a coyote, and a hawk now surrounded him, and…what exactly was Livewire? Anok didn’t have time to figure the orangish-red thingy out. He was too busy backing away. “What the fuck?” Mo asked as he looked all around him. “I can understand the animals, really, I can. But what in the hell are you supposed to be, Livewire?” “Your savior, jackass, now shut up and get behind us,” Livewire said in a rather strange, gravelly voice. Anok noticed the black nails at Livewire’s fingertips and did exactly as the…thing said. “Fuck you. I’ve taken on my fair share of fights back on Earth. These men don’t—” Mo grunted as he was hit from behind. Anok gasped when he realized there were more than just two men there. What the hell were they going to do now? ****

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Remy flew in low, anger clenching his jaw when he saw his crew members surrounded. There was no way any of his men were being taken. He was only flying the shuttle, but it had a few capabilities. Remy flew overhead, putting on a burst of speed and aiming right for the largest man that wasn’t a crew member. He hit the button, discharging a nonlethal phaser blast, knocking the man square on his ass. “Take that, you fucker.” He almost laughed with joy when the men who weren’t his crew backed away. “Talk about separating the herd.” Remy fired off multiple rounds of phaser blasts until the other men ran frantically from the hill. Remy knew they had precious minutes until reinforcements arrived. He landed the shuttle, lowering the ramp. “Get the fuck in here now!” He didn’t have to say it twice. Everyone took off toward the shuttle. He had his crew and was back in the air in under a minute. Remy wasn’t a fool. He knew they would have company soon. The only thing he could do was hightail it out of there and get back to the Lady Blue and out of Tronos’s orbit as quickly as possible. “Did you get it?” Remy asked Anok. Anok lifted his briefcase, a wide grin on his face. “Got it right here.” Remy nodded. He could see Crank cutting him a glare, but there was nothing Remy could do about that. The mission so far had been a success. He would have never told Anok to go planet-side after Crank’s performance, so he left it up to his mate. Somehow Remy knew Anok would go to Gigi. He wasn’t trying to sacrifice a mate, they were too precious, but he knew Crank would have never given his permission. Thank fuck Anok was on board and safe. “Let’s get home,” Remy said as he guided the shuttle toward his lady.

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**** Crank was so angry that he was incapable of speech right now. How dare his mate put himself and the others in danger. It was unacceptable, and he was about to teach Anok that he wasn’t going to stand for it. He walked briskly to his quarters, his mate in tow. He released his mate as soon as they cleared the doorway. “Strip.” He watched Anok as he pulled his own clothes off and dropped them on the floor. Anok looked confused and a bit frightened, but he set the case down and began to remove his clothing. Crank paced the room as he waited on his mate to finish disrobing. He had to calm down. The fear of what might have happened was making his pulse race as he took in a few deep breaths. Once Anok stood by the line of cupboards totally naked, Crank walked over to the bed and took a seat on the edge. He glanced up at his mate and then crooked a finger. Anok stood there with his hands cupping his cock as he took one tentative step toward Crank. “Come here, Anok.” Anok swallowed and then took another step, and then another, until he was standing directly in front of Crank. Crank pointed to his bare thighs. “Lie down.” “But—” “No talking,” Crank commanded as he once again pointed to his thighs. Anok took another step forward and then crawled onto Crank’s legs, belly down. Crank situated his mate until Anok’s cock was nestled between his thighs and then ran his hand over his mate’s bare bottom. “I didn’t—” Anok yelped when Crank’s hand spanked his mate’s bottom. “Do you really want to finish that sentence?” he asked as he massaged Anok’s bright red flesh. Crank let his thumb glide between

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Anok’s crease, barely touching his mate’s quivering hole before lifting his hand to land another smack. “Crank!” Anok howled as he wiggled around on Crank’s lap. If he honestly thought he was hurting his mate, Crank would stop. But from the hard length poking between his legs, he knew Anok was just as turned on as he was. What started out as a lesson soon morphed into something they both were taking pleasure in. Crank let his hand fly again. But this time Anok didn’t yelp, he moaned. Crank’s hand ran over the offended skin, massaging the hot, stinging flesh. He groaned when he saw how red Anok’s bottom was. He massaged Anok’s mounds with his thumbs, dipping his finger in to rim around his mate’s puckered hole. “Have you learned your lesson?” Crank’s voice was hoarse as he asked his mate the question. “Y–Yes,” Anok hissed as he writhed under Crank’s hands. Crank reached over and grabbed the lube as he kneaded Anok’s flesh with his other hand. His mate was moaning and curling his fingers into the bed as Crank lubed his fingers and then let a small amount drip onto his mate’s tight ass. Crank tossed the bottle aside as his fingers massaged the gel around the puckered muscle, letting his thumb dip inside. “Crank,” Anok groaned. Crank smiled as his thumb slid in and out, stretching his mate. His cock was already rock hard from the spanking and was now wedged between his stomach and Anok’s side. He moved a bit, letting the friction make his body tingle. His hand separated his mate’s cheeks as he slid two fingers into Anok’s ass, his breathing coming out raggedly as he watched the sensual play. It was driving Crank mad to go slow, but he wanted both of them to enjoy this. Crank pulled the cheeks further apart as he added a third finger, his mate getting louder as he lay there allowing Crank’s fingers to invade his body.

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“Get on your hands and knees,” Crank commanded as he helped Anok up. His mate wobbled a little, lust making him unsteady as he crawled onto the bed, spreading his legs apart and hitching his ass into the air. Crank had never seen a more alluring sight. His cock throbbed when he saw Anok’s hole slick and stretched. He climbed on the bed behind Anok, situating himself as their thighs touched. He could feel his mate shaking as Crank grabbed the base of his cock and pushed past the stretched starburst. Anok moaned loudly as Crank worked his cock into his mate’s body, inch by slow inch. Anok bowed his back, hiking his ass higher as he groaned out Crank’s name. It was a symphony to his ears to hear his name when his mate was in the throes of passion. Crank blew out a slow breath as his balls touched Anok’s. He placed his hands on Anok’s hips, his fingers digging in slightly as he tried to catch his breath. Already he was close to coming, and they hadn’t even started yet. “Crank, please, move,” Anok begged. Crank pulled back, leaving just the mushroomed head embedded in his mate’s ass before snapping his hips, sending his cock deep into Anok’s ass. “Yes,” Anok howled as Crank repeated the move over and over again. He reached up and grabbed a handful of neon-green hair, pulling gently as he rode his mate’s tight ass. As much as he wanted to make this last, Crank knew he was heading straight for the edge quickly. Electricity shot up his spine as he thrust harder, faster. “I’m coming,” Anok shouted as his hole started pulsing around Crank’s cock. Crank slammed his pelvis into Anok a few more times before he, too, was shouting. He snapped his hips at lightning speed before he felt his seed bathe Anok’s channel. Crank collapsed onto the bed,

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feeling his heart racing out of control. Anok fell down beside him, gasping for air, as they lay next to each other sweaty and sated. “I hope you learned your lesson,” Crank said as he tried to steady his breathing. He could feel the bed shaking slightly as trickles of laughter floated up to his ears. “Yeah, I’ve learned my lesson. Please don’t punish me again, sir.” Crank growled and pulled Anok into his arms, smacking his mate’s bottom. “Brat.”

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Chapter 12 Mykel stomped into the media room, his arms crossed over his chest as he glared angrily at the mates. Anok rolled his eyes. He was expecting a visit from the rule quoter, but he just wasn’t sure when Mykel would get around to his impending speech. Mykel looked at each and every one of them before stabbing his index finger into the palm of his hand. “You lied to me. That mission was not legal. Now I’m going to have to call my mom and tell her I don’t deserve the awards lining my shelves. Thanks a lot!” Anok blinked as he stared at Mykel’s retreating back as the man stormed away. “Was he serious?” “I’m afraid so,” Imlay said as he sat forward. “The guy gets a real hard-on for rules, and we just made him flaccid.” “Love your terminology, doc.” Gigi screwed his face up. “So, now what do we do?” “Jack him off?” Adwaka said and then pointed at Gigi. “I volunteer you. If he needs his hard-on again, then you should be the one to restore it.” “Ew. Why me?” Gigi complained. “Duh, you’re the ringleader,” Pax interjected. “I am not going near that guy’s groin.” Gigi protested as he stuck out his bottom lip and crossed his arms over his chest. “Not in a million years.” “It was a figure of speech, dummy.” Zackary giggled. “Mo and Remy would kill you if you literally tried to…yuck.” Zackary gave a body shiver that made Anok laugh. “Then what am I supposed to do to him?” Gigi asked.

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“Make him feel better,” Anok said. “I already told you, I’m not going near his—” “Gigi, just go talk to him and explain what we did and why it had to happen. I’d put an emphasis on keeping Mo safe since he’s one of the crew and we were essentially saving his ass, too.” “You could always offer him banana-flavored ice cream,” Zackary said. He shrugged when everyone turned to stare at him. “Hey, it works for me.” “I have a better idea.” All eyes turned to look at Pax. He rolled his eyes. “Mykel is upset because he believes his mom is going to take all of his awards away because he broke the law. Why don’t we make him an award for bravery or something? He did go down onto the planet and all.” Anok blinked. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea.” “For bravery and courage in the face of danger?” Adwaka asked. “No.” Gigi snorted. “For being dumb enough to listen to our crazy asses.” “They don’t give awards for that, Gigi,” Pax said as he smacked Gigi on the back of the head. “Hey!” Gigi shouted as he rubbed the back of his head. “Be serious, Gigi,” Pax admonished. “Mykel is really upset here. Since he’s one of the mates, it’s our job to take care of him.” “Fine, I’ll bake him a cake,” Gigi said. “Yes!” Pax clapped his hands together. “A celebration dinner. That’s a perfect idea.” “An entire dinner?” Gigi’s face fell. Pax raised his hand as if he were going to smack Gigi on the head again. Gigi quickly ducked and waved him off. “Fine, fine, I’ll make an entire dinner.” “What does he like to eat?” Anok asked. All he got in return were blank stares. “Well, don’t you think someone better find out?”

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“I’ll make the award,” Zackary said. “You all find out what Mykel likes to eat.” **** Crank sat down in his chair and swung around to stare at the commander. “All right, what did he get?” Remy arched an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted no part in this.” “It’s a little late now,” Crank snapped. “The deed has already been done.” “True, but if you’d rather—” “Remy, just tell me what he got.” Remy chuckled and gestured to the stack of papers in front of him. “I’m still going through them, and Anok might need to explain some of it, but it looks like he got copies of Pierce’s financial accounts.” Crank frowned. “What good is that?” Remy grinned. “There are two sets.” “Two?” “Yep.” Crank was so confused. “And that means what?” “There are the accounts that Pierce reports to the authorities and then there are these.” Remy held up a small stack of papers in his hands. “These are not so legal.” Crank grinned as he looked at the records in Remy’s hand. “So, now we just have to figure out who we can trust enough to send them to.” “Exactly.” Crank sat back feeling slightly better about their outlaw status when his mate walked onto the bridge. He held a hand out at his side, Anok immediately coming to him. “Are you still mad at me?” he asked as he stood close to Crank. “I should be. That was reckless and thoughtless.” Crank tried to sound stern, but the way his mate’s bottom lip quivered made him

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rethink the whole punishment thing. Yeah, Anok had him wrapped around his small finger. But Crank was never going to inform his mate of that. Stupid, he wasn’t. “So, you went on your little espionage mission and stole Pierce’s accounting records,” Crank said. “Any idea what to do with them now?” “Not my department.” Anok laughed. “I’m just the courier.” “Only if you want to get your ass smacked again.” Crank growled. Anok’s eyes narrowed to little slits. “I thought you were trying to get me to give up the courier business.” “Anok!” Anok snickered and leaned close to Crank’s ear. “Maybe you should threaten not to spank my ass. You might have better luck.” Crank growled and pulled Anok onto his lap. He could hear Remy laughing in the background, but he didn’t care. Just remembering how responsive Anok had been to being spanked made Crank so hard he thought his cock might shatter. He grabbed a large handful of Anok’s neon-green hair and yanked his head back. “You will not be transporting anything else. Ever!” Anok’s face grew serious as he stared up at Crank. “I know, Crank. And I’m sorry that I did what I did, but I am not sorry I got the documents. I’d do anything to keep you and the rest of the Lady Blue crew safe.” Crank softened and he knew it. Maybe that was what having a mate was all about. He couldn’t stand Anok being in harm’s way, but he had to admit, the man was good at what he did. “Okay, baby.” Crank loosened his grip on Anok’s hair and moved his hand around to cup his mate’s cheek. “But the next time you decide to get involved in some crazy stunt, I’ll really paddle your ass, and I won’t fuck you afterwards.” “Yeah, you will.” Anok chuckled. “You can’t resist my rosy-red ass.”

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Crank chuckled as he hugged his mate to his chest. Anok was right. He couldn’t resist fucking Anok’s ass when it was all rosy red. He’d have to find another form of punishment because it was obvious that spankings wouldn’t work—for either of them. “Remy.” Crank tilted his head toward the commander. “How do you control Gigi?” Remy sputtered as his eyebrows shot up. “What makes you think I control Gigi? You do remember that he planned this little mission, right?” Crank rolled his eyes. “Great, then I’m fucked.” Anok giggled against Crank’s neck. “Only if you ask nicely.” **** Remy laughed as he watched Crank run off the bridge, his mate in his arms. Crank was never going to get the upper hand with his little mate if he didn’t learn to say no. It wasn’t like he had that much experience in that area, either. Gigi just had to crook his little finger and Remy started drooling. Maybe they were both fucked, just in different ways. “We still need to figure out who to get these papers to,” Blade said from his seat. “Yeah.” Remy nodded his head. “And at the moment, I’m drawing a complete blank.” “What about your father?” Remy’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “The ambassador?” Blade shrugged. “He hates me. You know that. He disowned me when I was kicked out of the Elite Force. He’d sooner see me locked up than help me.” “But if you had proof that you were innocent, it might make a difference.”

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“Have you ever met the ambassador?” Remy scoffed. His father was unbending. Once he made a decision, right or wrong, he stuck to it. It wouldn’t matter to him that Remy was his son. He would never change his mind. Remy shook his head. “We need to find someone else.” Blade frowned. “I still think the ambassador is our best bet.” If it were anyone but Remy, that would be true. “As much as I hate to say this, we have to find someone else. Pierce could confess everything to my father and that wouldn’t make a lick of difference.” And it was sad how true that was. It made for a very strict upbringing. “We could always approach the general,” Tank suggested. “He’s not like the one who was charged with illegal weapons trading. General Merrick seems like he’s all business, no bullshit.” Remy ran his hand over his jaw as he sat back, wondering if they could trust the new general. **** Anok pressed the button on the wall as he waited for Mykel to answer his door. As much as the man annoyed him, he really hadn’t been out to hurt the guy’s feelings. The door swooshed open. As soon as Mykel noticed it was him, he hit the button, closing the door in Anok’s face before he could get a word out of his mouth. “Well, that went well.” “What did?” Mo asked as he walked from the media room. “I was trying to invite Mykel to the mess hall, but he closed the door in my face.” “You guys deserve it for the deception. I may have issues with him, but that doesn’t mean I’d try to make him go against his beliefs. And tell Gigi thanks for bribing me with lethal exotic fish,” Mo said as he stalked away. “I’m batting a thousand here,” Anok griped as he walked away.

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He pushed through the mess hall doors, shaking his head at everyone that was gathered for Mykel’s dinner. “He won’t come. I couldn’t even get a word out before the door was closing in my face.” “That’s because Gigi sent the wrong person to go get him,” Adwaka said as he and Pax headed toward the mess hall doors. “I would have done the same thing.” “Whatever.” Anok rolled his eyes as he waited for Adwaka and Pax to leave the mess hall before closely following behind them. He wanted to see Mykel have the same reaction so he could rub it in their faces. He crept along the corridor then hid behind a panel as Pax and Adwaka buzzed Mykel. He snickered when Mykel glared at them, his hand rising to hit the close button. But before he could, Zackary came racing down the hall. “Something’s wrong with Mo. He’s in the mess hall.” Mykel shot out of his quarters, running like hell to the mess hall. Anok rolled his eyes. If he wanted to be a complete shit, he could have done that. He pushed away from the panel and made his way back to the mess hall to see Gigi and Imlay smiling at an angry looking Mykel. “I’m getting tired of all the trickery around here!” Mykel shouted as he turned to stomp away. “Mykel, wait!” Gigi called out as Mykel made it to the doors. “We have an award to present to you.” Mykel’s step faltered as he looked over his shoulder. “Really? You guys aren’t tricking me again, are you?” “Nope,” Anok said as he walked over to the table piled high with delicious-looking meats and cheeses, side dishes, and steaming vegetables. “This is all for you.” Gigi hurried into the kitchen and then pushed a large cart out, a huge cake sitting atop. “And this is for you as well.” Mykel looked confused as hell as he walked back to the table. “What kind of award?”

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“Stupidity and gullibility,” Zackary mumbled right before Anok elbowed the computer expert. “For bravery and courage in the face of danger,” Imlay said proudly as he grabbed the award from Zackary and handed it to Mo’s mate. “You performed an outstanding job on Tronos, and we think you should be recognized for your efforts.” Mykel didn’t look totally convinced but smiled nonetheless. He studied the award Zackary had generated as his thumb slid over the plaque. “It says here that I died in the line of duty.” Mykel pointed to the small print. The entire room glared at Zackary as Tank’s mate blushed. “Oops, made the wrong one.” “I still like it,” Mykel admitted. “We really are sorry, Mykel,” Anok said as he stepped forward. “We needed you on that mission. No one else could have pulled it off but you.” “You knew we were going to steal something before we even left the ship,” Mykel protested. “Stealing is wrong. There are laws against it on every planet in the system, in any system.” “Not the Turok System,” Adwaka grumbled under his breath. Anok elbowed him in the side then smiled at Mykel. “And normally, I would agree with you, but the man that we stole from is the same man that has labeled the crew of the Lady Blue as traitors. He’s the one that ordered the bounty on their heads.” Mykel frowned and stared down at the plaque in his hands. “He’s the bad guy?” “He’s real bad, Mykel,” Anok said. “In fact, the papers that I took? They were his financial accounts. There were two sets of them. One he shows to the government and the other is a set of accounts for the illegal things that he’s doing.” Mykel glanced up and tilted his head slightly. “What are you going to do with the papers now that you have them?”

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“I think Remy plans to turn them over to someone that can make sure this man goes to a penal colony for breaking the law. We can only hope somewhere during the investigation that the Lady Blue crew are proven innocent.” “So, you’re bringing this man to justice then?” Anok nodded. Mykel straightened up and tucked his award under his arm. “Well, then I guess my mom wouldn’t be too mad if I helped bring down a corrupt man. She’d even be proud of this award.” Mykel suddenly frowned. “Although, we might need to take the whole dying in the line of duty thing off of it. She just wouldn’t understand that.” Anok crossed his arms over his chest and sent a small glare in Zackary’s direction. “I’m sure that can be arranged.” “So.” Mykel’s lips twisted together as he glanced over at the table full of food and the cart sitting next to it. “About that cake…”

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Chapter 13 Remy paced the bridge as Crank tried to raise the general on the vid-screen. Remy already said he wasn’t sure how much they should tell the guy since none of them knew him or what he was about. All Crank knew was that he was tired of running. This hodgepodge collection of men he considered family deserved better than that. “I swear I hate politics. As soon as I think I have him, someone puts me through to someone else who may know where the general is,” Crank complained. “I’m ready to throttle someone.” “Just keep trying,” Remy commanded as he took a seat. Crank tried once again to reach General Merrick. He was ready to threaten the next man he spoke with when the bridge door opened and Anok walked in pushing a large cart. Crank smiled at his mate as Anok stopped in the middle of the bridge and began to hand out dome-covered plates. “Here you go, babe. I thought you could use a break.” Anok lifted the lid to a plate of roasted chicken with all the trimmings. Crank’s stomach growled in approval. He grabbed the plate from Anok, giving his mate a big kiss before digging in. “Damn, this is good,” Remy praised as he scooped a forkful into his mouth. “Thank Gigi. He cooked it all,” Anok said before turning back to Crank. “Thanks, babe.” Crank kissed his mate once more just to show how much he appreciated the meal. Gigi may be a pain in the ass at times, but damn if the man couldn’t cook his ass off.

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Crank shoved a forkful of chicken into his mouth when his console beeped. He quickly set his plate aside, kissed Anok for the third time—because he was addicted to those plump lips—and then opened the channel. He frowned when only the voice system was engaged and not the vid-screen. That was a little unusual. “This is the Lady Blue,” he said as he waited. When the line remained silent for a moment, Crank looked over his shoulder at Remy. The commander set his plate aside and crossed the bridge, standing over Crank’s shoulder. “This is Remington Vystal, Commander of the Lady Blue. To whom am I speaking?” A throat cleared and then a voice that made Crank want to salute came across the link. “This is General Merrick of the Federation of United Planets. Are you aware there is a historically significant bounty on your head, Commander Vystal?” “Historically significant?” Crank mouthed to Remy. Holy fuck. Crank had no clue the amount being offered, but that would explain why everyone and their mother was after them. “I am aware of the bounty, General, but not the amount,” Remy replied. “Are you contacting me to turn yourself and your crew members in?” Crank wanted to curse. This replacement general was all about the rules. He would get along fabulously with Mykel. Mykel. Crank whispered to Anok to run and grab Mykel. Thankfully his mate didn’t have to go far. Mykel was following Mo around, who was heading for the bridge. “I can’t in good conscience turn my men over knowing we are innocent, General. If we could arrange a meeting then—” “I will not meet with you. You will turn yourself in as the law states, or I’ll be forced to hunt you down.”

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Crank shook his head incredulously as Remy straightened. “We’re already being hunted by a group of Elite Force officers and over half of the universe’s population, General,” Remy stated. “You can’t threaten us with a situation that is already taking place.” “They are allowed a meeting with you on neutral territory, sir, according to the Federation of United Planets Fair Conference Act of Twenty-Three Seventy-Three. Simply put, any faction deemed rogue by the Federation of United Planets has the right to meet with a representative of the Federation on neutral ground to seek resolution.” “Who is that?” the general asked. “Our lawyer,” Remy answered. “If he says we have a right to meet with you, then you have no choice, General.” Crank didn’t like how this conversation was going. If they had to force the general into a meeting, it couldn’t bode well for them. For all they knew, the general could have the agreed-upon meeting place surrounded with Elite Force officers ready to haul them in. Crank’s fingers itched to disconnect the link. “Very well, Commander. We can meet on Paktil in one week. I suggest you bring your proof.” The com-link went dead. “Well, he sounds like a guy I’d love to have a drink with,” Tank groused. “I respect him,” Mykel said. “He knows his laws and seems like the best man for the job.” “Get Mykel out of here before Remy chokes him,” Crank whispered to Anok. Anok nodded and pulled Mykel off of the bridge. “Is it me or did something seem off about that conversation?” Remy asked no one in particular. “I thought he was an arrogant bastard.” Blade gave his opinion. “That’s what I thought, too, until the end of the conversation. If we have a historical bounty on our heads, then why wouldn’t the general jump at the chance for a meeting? Something isn’t right. We

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shouldn’t have had to practically force him to meet us,” Remy said as he once again began to pace the bridge. “Then are we going to keep our meeting on Paktil?” Crank asked. “Until we discover why the general was hesitant, yes.” Crank spun back around in his seat, no longer hungry as he looked at his half-eaten plate of food. They were on the brink of either clearing their names or going to a penal colony for the rest of their lives. Crank’s stomach knotted as he pushed the plate away. “I got it!” Remy suddenly shouted. “I know what was bothering me so much about that conversation.” “What?” Crank asked. “I never told the general we had proof of our innocence. I just told him that I knew we were innocent.” Remy started shaking his finger at the blank vid-screen. “How did he know we had proof?” “Fuck!” Blade pushed his hand through his black hair. “We are being set up.” “I’m not trying to stir up the pot or anything, but I have a question,” Crank said. “How do we even know that was the general? It was just a voice on the vid-screen. They never engaged the vidscreen.” “I hate this shit.” Remy slammed his hands down on a console. “The Elite Force wasn’t run like this when we were there. I don’t know who the hell is in charge now, but they need to be removed from command. This is ridiculous.” “So, what do you want to do, Commander?” Crank asked. “Do we head to the meeting on Paktil, or do we try another route?” “No, we head to the meeting on Paktil.” Remy started pacing, rubbing his chin with his hand. “We still need to meet this man, general or not. I want to know who he is and why he was so hesitant to meet with us. If he’s involved in this, then we need to know. In the meantime, we’ll work on a second plan of attack.” Crank frowned. “You’re not using Anok again.”

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“No, no.” Remy waved his hand at Crank. “If the general is involved in this, then Anok would be of no use anyway. They know who he is now. The first plan was a good one, but it was a one-shot deal.” “We should probably arrive on Paktil a little early,” Blade said. “Zackary’s mom might know some people that can help us out. And I’m sure Anok knows people that know people. We might be able to learn a little before the meeting.” “I agree.” Remy started for the door. “Set our course for Paktil.” **** “We’re really going back to Paktil?” Anok asked as he stared across their room at Crank. He knew it would happen eventually. He just hadn’t expected it this soon. Anok wasn’t sure he wanted to go back to Paktil. Not all of his memories from that planet were good. “That’s where the meeting has been set up.” “Do I have to get off the Lady Blue?” “No, not if you don’t want to, but we could use your help.” Anok’s mouth dropped open. “I thought you didn’t want me to go on any more courier jobs.” “I don’t, but you know people, babe, people that may be able to help us. As you said, information is power. The more we know when this meeting takes place, the safer we all will be.” Anok wasn’t sure he liked the idea of leaving the ship. His courier job had taken him to many planets, and he had seen many things, not all good but not all bad. The one thing he would never regret, though, was helping out an old friend. In doing so, he was kidnapped, tossed over a handsome man’s shoulder, and whisked away to find happiness he never knew existed. Anok would trade in his courier job if it meant he could be Crank’s craving. What better life was there? “I love you more than I loved being a courier, hands down.”

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“Yeah?” Crank grinned as he reached for Anok. “I love you more than breathing.” Anok gasped as Crank licked across his mating mark. “Breathing is highly overrated.” **** Mo sat on the bridge, trying to fit all the pieces together. He didn’t think the general was setting them up. In his line of work back on Earth, people sometimes put hidden meanings in their messages. He had a feeling this was one of those times. If the general was reluctant to meet with them, then just maybe he was trying to tell them something. Mo wasn’t a big believer in people doing the right thing, but sometimes, every once in a while, a person grew a conscience. General Merrick could be one of those people. Mo rolled his eyes when the bridge door opened and Mykel walked onto the bridge. It wasn’t that he thought the little alien man wasn’t hot, because Mykel was drop-dead gorgeous, but mate? Mo didn’t know shit about mates, and the idea of having one nearly gave him hives. Mo shivered at the concept of the word mate. There was no way he was being trapped into a forever relationship. Mykel may be hot, but in Mo’s opinion, the man was a galaxy away. Mo frowned when Mykel set a small silver container down on the console in front of him. “What’s this?” he asked, pointing to the elaborately engraved canister. Mykel’s jaw clenched for a moment before he spoke. His eyes darted around the room, not meeting Mo’s. “Hyberian Law of Mating, Section Thirty-Four, states that it is unforgiveable for a mate to disgrace himself in front of his mate, claimed or unclaimed.” Mo sat up straighter, his frown deepening when Mykel hiccupped a bit and his eyes watered. “Wha—”

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“As I have brought shame to your house, you have the right to deny me and pursue another mate. I know my actions on Tronos have lessened me in your eyes, and I no longer deserve to belong to you. I beg your forgiveness, and I won’t stand in your way.” Mykel bowed his head and left the bridge before Mo could utter a word, not that he knew what he would have said anyway. He was confused as hell. Had Mykel just let him off the hook? And why did that thought piss him off so much? Mykel was supposed to be his mate. Wasn’t he?

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNHAGEN.MANLOVE HTTP://LYNNHAGEN.BLOGSPOT.COM HTTP://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/GROUP/LYNNHAGEN

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Stormy believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two or three men in cowboy boots. She also believes in love at first sight, soul Mates, true love, and happy endings. You can usually find her cuddled in bed with a book in her hand and a puppy in her lap, or on her laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of her stories. Stormy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website at www.stormyglenn.com Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart. You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

Also by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 1: End of the Line Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 2: Pax's Blues Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 3: Imlay’s Cure Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 4: Adwaka’s Blade Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 5: Tank’s Tweak

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/stormy-glenn www.bookstrand.com/lynn-hagen

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