Imlay's Cure

Lady Blue Crew 3

Imlay’s Cure Dr. Imlay Jones has never understood what all the excitement is around sex. It is dirty, sweaty, and, most times, just plain boring. He prefers his test tubes and medical bay. But when Livewire leaves to go on a mission, Imlay suddenly realizes he doesn't want the man out of his sight. There's something about the crazy mechanic that draws Imlay like a flame. When Livewire doesn't return, Imlay is beside himself. When it's discovered that Livewire is being held hostage, Imlay insists on going on the rescue mission to retrieve his missing mate. But rescuing Livewire doesn't stop once they get him back onboard the Lady Blue. Livewire can't stand to be touched, trusts no one, and has constant nightmares about his capture. Only Imlay's gentle touch can calm the man. Can Imlay overcome his aversion to sex in order to bring his mate back to the land of the living, or will he lose Livewire forever to the memories that haunt him? Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Science Fiction, Shape-shifter Length: 39,501 words

IMLAY’S CURE Lady Blue Crew 3

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

IMLAY’S CURE Copyright © 2011 by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61034-827-3 First E-book Publication: October 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.

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IMLAY’S CURE Lady Blue Crew 3 STORMY GLENN AND LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 “Remy, can I speak with you for a moment?” Livewire asked as he leaned against the doorway leading onto the bridge of the Lady Blue. He loved his job as a mechanic aboard the spaceship, but he needed to talk to the commander about taking a little time off. “Do we need more parts, Livewire?” Livewire chuckled at the panicked look on Remy’s face. The Lady Blue was a good ship, but she’d gone too long without repairs and upkeep. It was taking a lot of parts for Livewire to bring her back to her former glory. “Well, we could always use more parts, but that’s not what I need to talk to you about.” “Oh, well then, what’s up?” “The exterminator is getting ready to return to Beta Five. I’d like to go with him.” “I thought you said we didn’t need any more parts.” “I need some time off the ship. I figured I could land here, and you all could pick me up after you dropped the doc off at End of the Line.” “Livewire, I’m not sure we’re going to be headed back this way anytime soon.”

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“I’ll take my chances.” Livewire mentally crossed his fingers as he felt the commander’s intense gaze move over him. He really needed some time away, even if it was just for a few days. If he didn’t get off the ship pretty soon, he didn’t know what he was going to do. “I suppose we could pick up a job on End of the Line that will bring us back this way,” Remy finally said. “There’s always cargo needing to be transported one way or another.” Livewire breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Commander.” “Well, you’d better hurry,” Remy said as he turned back toward the vid-screen on the front of the bridge. “The exterminator is leaving in about ten minutes.” A small chuckle escaped Remy’s lips as he shook his head. “There doesn’t seem to be much left for him to do since Gigi and Pax launched the worms out the escape pod.” Livewire laughed. “Yeah, that was pretty cool.” “Cool, hell,” Remy snapped. “I still have to pay the guy.” Livewire continued to laugh as he walked off the bridge and headed for engineering. He needed to grab his bag, which was already packed and sitting on the end of his bed, then get to the shuttle bay before the exterminator left. He’d been prepared in case Remy agreed to let him have a little leave. Livewire didn’t need a lot of time, just long enough for Imlay Jones to be transported to End of the Line and taken off the ship. One more day onboard with the man and Livewire couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t attack the handsome doctor. The man was driving him crazy. Imlay Jones was simply a job. Livewire knew that. They were to transport the man and his medical equipment from Lost Star Three to End of the Line. Livewire had known since the minute he met the doctor that they were mates. He had no idea how he’d known, but he had. And being around Imlay day in and day out was agonizing. Imlay had very clear ideas on what he thought about sex, and they were in direct contradiction to what Livewire thought. Imlay found

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relations between people disgusting. Livewire couldn’t think of anything but jumping the man and fucking him into the wall. Hence, the reason he needed off the ship until Imlay was delivered to End of the Line and no longer on the ship. Imlay had made it more than clear that any type of physical relationship between them wouldn’t happen. And if Livewire stayed onboard, he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop it. The thought of Imlay getting off on End of the Line and both of them going their separate ways was too much for Livewire to bear. He wasn’t going to be around to watch his mate just walk away. This was a much better solution for both of them. Livewire paused when he reached the middle deck of the ship and heard noises coming from the sick bay. He knew he should keep on going down to the lower level to get his bag, but Livewire couldn’t pass up the last chance he would have to see his mate. Livewire walked down the corridor to the sick bay and peeked inside. He could see the doctor moving about the room and assumed he was putting stock away. Imlay was stacking boxes in the cupboards and rearranging the shelves. “Is there something you wanted, Livewire?” Imlay asked. Livewire jumped a little when the doctor didn’t even turn his head to look at him when he spoke. He knew he had been quiet. Over the last couple of weeks, Livewire had perfected the art of sneaking around the ship to spy on the sexy doctor. Livewire felt like he could have been a speck of dust on the floor for all of the attention Imlay paid him. He’d caught Imlay watching him a time or two, but over the last several days, the doctor had taken great strides to avoid him. Maybe that was what finally threw Livewire over the edge. He couldn’t stand being ignored by his mate. It was more than any one man could handle. “Livewire?” The doctor had a dark brown eyebrow raised as he glanced over his shoulder. “I believe I asked you a question. It does require an answer.”

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Livewire barely suppressed his shiver as desire spiked through him. It was always that way when Imlay spoke to him in that deep tone. It was commanding, dominating, and arousing as all hell. “I’ve come to say goodbye, doctor.” “Oh?” Livewire pressed his lips together when Imlay turned away and continued stacking boxes of medical supplies in the cupboard. He hated being ignored, but he’d grown used to it with Imlay. Livewire felt like the man simply pushed him out of his mind when he didn’t want to deal with him—which seemed to be most of the time. “I have business down on Beta Five. I’ll be disembarking here. The Lady Blue will pick me up after dropping you off at End of the Line.” Livewire held his breath as he waited to see if his words would get any reaction from the doctor. He’d settle for any sign that his words made a dent in the thick-headed man, even a nervous tick. “Oh?” Livewire grit his teeth and clenched his hands when Imlay didn’t even turn around. His mate simply did not care. Something came over Livewire in that moment, knowing this would be the last time he ever saw his mate again and the man simply could have cared less. He growled and leapt across the space between them. Livewire grabbed the doctor and spun him around before pushing him back against the wall next to the cupboards. He wrapped his fingers in Imlay’s hair and smashed their lips together, taking from the doctor what he wouldn’t freely give. Livewire groaned as the sweet taste of the man blasted across his tongue. Had anyone ever tasted so sweet? So delicious? The kiss sent the pit of Livewire’s stomach spinning as he covered Imlay’s mouth hungrily. Every ounce of want and need that he had been suppressing since the doctor boarded the Lady Blue exploded as he savagely explored Imlay’s mouth.

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Livewire heard Imlay whimper. It was probably the only thing that could have gotten through the lust-filled fog in his brain. No matter how angry he was, harming his mate wasn’t allowed. And besides, Livewire wasn’t used to being the aggressor, but desperate times called for desperate measures. This would be their only kiss, and Livewire didn’t want to go their separate ways without at least tasting Imlay just once. Regret filled Livewire as he slowly pulled away and looked down into Imlay’s deep green eyes, eyes that he could have drowned in. Livewire rubbed his thumb across Imlay’s kiss-swollen lips. A piece of his heart broke off at the wounded look in the doctor’s eyes. Maybe leaving was the best thing for both of them. “We could have been so good together, Imlay,” Livewire whispered before pushing away from the man. He took a step back, then another and another until he reached the doorway. “Goodbye, doctor.” Livewire knew he left something behind as he turned and walked away from the sick bay. His steps quickened as he ran down the stairs to engineering and grabbed his bag. He made it back upstairs to the shuttle bay just as the exterminator was loading up his equipment. He gave a quick nod to Remy then boarded the shuttle and settled into a chair. Tears prickled the corners of his eyes as the shuttle lifted off and left the Lady Blue. He was leaving behind more than a ship that he loved and a crew he had grown fond of. He was leaving behind the one man that made him feel complete. It was just unfortunate that Imlay didn’t feel the same way. They really could have been good together. **** Imlay stood in the sick bay with his trembling fingers touching his kiss-swollen lips. A whoosh of air left his lungs as his out-of-control

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heart beat wildly behind his ribs. That kiss had rocked his neatly organized world. Imlay couldn’t believe Livewire had made him come in his pants. Imlay pressed his back against the wall as his mind whirled with thoughts and emotions. He wasn’t sure what he should do now. Imlay was rooted to the spot, still feeling the buzz coursing through his body after such an explosive orgasm. Looking down his body, Imlay could see the soiled spot in his pants where his body had released its pleasure of its own volition. For weeks he had been trying his best to stay away from Livewire. The attraction he felt was not something Imlay was used to. His life was neat and in order. There was no place for a man who talked to machinery and didn’t have a serious bone in his body. Imlay groaned as he walked to his quarters, taking a quick shower and then changing into clean clothes. As he tucked his shirt in, a panic of epic proportion seized him. Imlay ran from the sick bay down to the shuttle bay. His feet felt like they were running through quicksand as he tried to make it to Livewire. There was no logical reason why he was running for a man he had ran from, but Imlay couldn’t explain it. He just had to. His heart thundered when he saw the shuttle blast off, carrying Livewire away from him. Imlay wanted to shout out for the man to come back, to not leave him. A lump formed in his throat when he realized he had waited too long. Imlay stood there in the middle of the shuttle bay feeling like his world just flew away in that shuttle. “Doc?” Remy approached him from the launching pad. Imlay hadn’t even noticed he was just standing there, literally staring off into space. He cleared his throat, his eyes darting around, trying his best to clear the moisture from them. Imlay was not going to cry in front of the commander. He wasn’t. “Are you all right over there?”

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The only thing Imlay could manage was a nod. He turned on his heel and headed back to his quarters. Livewire was gone. Those three words circled around in his head until Imlay clutched his temples, trying desperately to make them stop. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hands as he left his quarters and marched back to the commander. Imlay spotted Remy heading up to the command deck. “Commander?” Remy stopped in his ascent to look back at Imlay, a knowing sadness playing in his eyes. “Yes, doc?” The question was asked in a gentle tone. Imlay ignored it. He had more pressing matters and was trying to draw up the courage to ask. “Make him come back.” The request was between an anguished plea and a simple statement. Remy stepped down and walked over to Imlay, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “I can’t.” Imlay bit his bottom lip as he tried to figure out what to do. There was no way he’d accept the fact that he and Livewire would never see each other again. Imlay wasn’t sure what he would do with the man if the mechanic did come back, but he’d work that out when he saw him again. “I’m staying onboard the Lady Blue once the cargo has been delivered,” Imlay stated, then he spun on his heels and headed back to his quarters. It was going to be a tortuous wait for Livewire to return, but Imlay had that one single kiss to keep him company until his mechanic was back onboard. His mechanic? Imlay groaned. Livewire was making him think things he had never thought of before. It was scary, unknown, and took him outside of his neat little box. Was the man worth it? That was something he needed to figure out before reaching End of the Line. He had told Remy he was staying onboard once the cargo was offloaded, but Imlay had to do a lot of soul searching to figure out if it

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was what he really wanted. Imlay walked to his quarters and sat on his bed, feeling lost and alone. “We could use you, doc,” Remy said from his doorway, scaring the hell out of Imlay. His hands fluttered to his neck, giving the commander a slight nod. Imlay didn’t trust his voice right now. It felt scratchy and hot, like tears would spill if he opened his mouth to say just one single word. The lump only increased when Remy walked away. Imlay’s hands clutched the side of the bed he was sitting on as he remembered how Livewire had taken what he wanted. It shocked Imlay to realize how good it had felt. Sex was always so messy and wet, something he had tried once—albeit a hand job only—but Imlay found no satisfaction in it. What puzzled him was the plethora of satisfaction he had found in just that one single kiss. Imlay ran his fingers over his lips once more, remembering the sweet taste of Livewire. What he wouldn’t give to try that kiss again. **** Imlay stood at the portal window, his hands clasped behind his back. They had delivered the cargo on time and were now on their way back to Beta Five. It had taken over a week, but they were going back to collect the mechanic. Imlay was mentally doing a little jig in his head, but outwardly his posture was stiff as his eyes watched for Livewire’s shuttle. He was also scared shitless of what he would say. How on Lost Star was he going to tell Livewire he was interested but frightened out of his mind? Would the mechanic make fun of him? Tease him unremorsefully? Or would he guide Imlay through the process of a relationship? “I can’t raise him on the com link.”

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Imlay turned his head to see Remy talking with the hawk shifter, Colt. His ears perked up, knowing they were talking about Livewire. He ached for every little tidbit of information about Livewire like table scraps. “I’ve been trying to reach him for hours, but I’m getting no response,” Remy continued as he and Colt walked past Imlay. Imlay’s stomach knotted at the commander’s words. An ice-cold chill ran down his spine as he walked away from the porthole window and followed the talking pair. “We’re going to have to land. Livewire only wanted a few days. But if he has decided to go his own way, I want to hear it from his own two lips,” Colt commented to Remy. “I’m going,” Imlay stated from behind them. When they turned to look at him, Imlay repeated himself with a little more solidity to his words. “I’m going.” “There’s no need for you to go searching for him, doc. He’s probably laid out somewhere drunk. We’ll make sure he’s okay,” Remy said as he crossed the corridor toward Imlay. Imlay took a step back, glancing from Remy to Colt, and then back to Remy. “I’m going,” he stated firmly, his shoulders squaring off to show how serious he was. If Livewire was in some kind of trouble, Imlay was going to be there for him. Remy studied him for a moment. A look of hard concentration crossed his face before he gave Imlay the nod he was hoping for. Imlay knew that he was part of the crew now and subject to Remy’s commands. But a small part of him knew that he would go searching regardless of the commander’s decision. Imlay had a feeling Remy knew this as well. “We’ll be touching down within the hour. Be ready,” Remy stated in a commanding tone, letting Imlay know that the search party wouldn’t wait on him if he lagged behind. “I’ll be ready.” Imlay hurried to his quarters to pack a small medical bag with a few necessities for any kind of a scenario they

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might face. He prayed to the gods he wouldn’t need it. Maybe Livewire had turned his com link off and everyone was making a fuss over nothing. He could only pray that was the case, but the knot in his stomach said it was worse than that. Until he saw Livewire with his own eyes, Imlay wouldn't stop worrying. Imlay’s pulse beat in his ears as he joined the crew at the retractable ramp. The crew of Lady Blue had their game faces on as they stood there waiting for the ramp to touch ground. Imlay’s hands started to sweat when everyone began to exit. “Livewire’s com link is still active. Tank has locked onto his signal. I warn you now, gentlemen, it’s not the nicest side of the planet. Be ready and on alert for anything.” Remy rattled off more, but Imlay was too busy being stuck on the part where Livewire was in the dangerous part of the planet. They grabbed a shuttle, giving the driver Livewire’s coordinates as Imlay sat there nervously. He’d never been on a rescue mission before, and from what he was feeling, he didn’t want to be on one again. He was about to puke. “We’ll get him out, doc.” Blade patted his knee. Instinct made Imlay pull back. He wasn’t used to touching. Blade didn’t seem offended, but right at the moment, Imlay wouldn’t have cared if he was. He was too worried about Livewire to care what anyone thought of him at the moment. “Here you go.” The shuttle driver stopped outside a seedy building. Imlay swallowed when he saw men with guns walking the outside perimeter. Just what did Livewire get himself into? “Looks like we’re going in hot. Anyone who wants to return to the ship may do so.” Remy looked over at Imlay. “This may get ugly.” “Retreat, hell,” the crew called out as they exited the shuttle. Imlay placed his hand on the seat, ready to push out of the shuttle when Remy laid a hand on his shoulder.

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“You should stay here, doc. Those men with guns aren’t the welcoming type, and I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire.” Imlay shook off Remy’s hold. “I can take care of myself.” “I’m ordering you to stay behind,” Remy growled. “Retreat, hell,” Imlay said with a vicious bite. They locked eyes, Imlay refusing to be the first to look away. If the situation was as grave as Remy said it was, Livewire needed him. His mechanic was in there somewhere, and Imlay wasn’t going to sit back and hope he made it out. No, Imlay was going in and making damn sure he made it out. “Your neck, doc. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Remy growled as he exited the shuttle, Imlay right behind him.

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Chapter 2 Imlay pushed past Crank as he raced to the room at the end of the hall. Phaser fire was echoing all around him, but Imlay concentrated on the one room that hadn’t been checked. The crew was keeping the men busy, giving Imlay cover as he pushed the door open and then came to a dead halt. There was no way he was truly seeing this. No way. His head swam as his eyes blurred. His hand shot up to cover his mouth as Imlay dropped to his knees and vomited his stomach content. He coughed a few times before getting to his unsteady feet, wiping his mouth. Imlay had to pull himself together. But how could he? This was Livewire, not some unknown entity he was dealing with. Imlay stumbled back toward the door, his voice refusing to work at the first attempt he made to shout. “Help!” he cried out when his larynx unfroze. His fingers dug into the rotted door frame as he rested his forehead against it to take a steady breath before turning back to the room. Bile rose again, but Imlay swallowed it back. He crossed the room and wondered where in the hell he was supposed to start. “Holy fucking hell,” Blade whispered when he entered the room. “Is that…Livewire?” Imlay wiped the free-falling tears from his eyes before reaching into his bag, pulling out a pair of snips to free Livewire’s hands from behind his back. He cried out when he saw the dirty rag wrapped around Livewire’s right hand. The blood and puss had dried to a cake, cementing the filthy fabric to Livewire’s hand and wrist.

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Imlay glanced up to the unrecognizable face of the mechanic. Both of Livewire’s eyes were swollen shut, and his lips were cracked and bleeding. There was a trail of dried blood weaving a sickly pattern from scalp to chin. Even Livewire’s beautiful head of black hair had been shorn off. Imlay worked quickly through his blurry focus as he freed the mechanic. He had to shut down his emotions in order to function. Imlay would take his feelings out later to examine them, but right now Livewire’s life depended on his medical training. “We got another one, doc.” Imlay’s head snapped up at Blade’s words. He gave a gruff nod when he saw a fragile-looking man chained to the wall. “Get him down.” “On it,” Blade said as he began the task of freeing the unknown man. “I need help with him,” Imlay barked out. There was no way he could lift Livewire on his own. The man was just a few inches shorter than him. Blade hit his com link, advising one or more of the crew to get their asses in the room. Crank came through the doorway a moment later, a whole dictionary of curses falling from his lips as he gently lifted Livewire up into his arms. Imlay’s blood ran cold when a bloodcurdling scream escaped Livewire. It didn’t even sound human. Crank froze as he stared at Imlay. He couldn’t process it right now. If he did, Imlay would fold into himself and weep for what was done to his Livewire. Imlay swallowed a few times and then turned to Crank. “Give me your phaser,” Imlay demanded. “No doing, doc. We’ll make it out—” “I didn’t ask you what you fucking thought, now did I? Give me a goddamn phaser!” Imlay shouted as he grabbed it from Crank’s hand. He clenched his jaw and led the two men out. Crank carried Imlay’s mechanic while Blade carried the unknown man. There was no way

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Imlay was leaving anyone behind. The stranger looked just as bad as Livewire—if that were possible. Imlay dropped to one knee and fired when a gunman rounded the corner. He wasn’t a fighter, not by any means. But Imlay was fighting for his mechanic. No one was going to stand in his way. Adrenaline was pumping through his system like a tsunami, making him braver than he normally was. The rest of the crew laid cover fire, helping the three men get back to the shuttle. Remy had paid the driver to wait. It was a hefty fee considering what was going on, but the shuttle driver braved it. The crew crawled in as the driver hauled ass to get them out of there. Imlay handed Crank his phaser back as he carefully took Livewire from Crank’s arms. It was his responsibility to care for the man. He may not have been strong enough to carry his mechanic, but caring for the man was something Imlay was going to take full responsibility for. No one asked how Livewire was. Only a blind fool wouldn’t be able to see the torture displayed over the man’s body. Livewire shook in Imlay’s arms as if he were out in a blizzard. Two of the crew members removed their shirts and leaned over, covering Livewire’s naked body the best they could. Imlay was thankful, but didn’t say a word. He wasn’t used to showing emotion and didn’t know how. He was afraid if he opened the floodgates, there would be no stopping his chaotic emotions from flying out. “Is he going to be okay, doc?” Crank asked as he looked at Livewire. “He will be.” Imlay wouldn’t have it any other way. He refused to have it any other way. His Livewire would come back to him, healthy and whole, if it was the last thing Imlay ever did. The ride back to the Lady Blue was long and tedious. Livewire screamed at every little bump. He screamed if anyone touched him. He screamed if anyone tried to talk to him. He just screamed. By the

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time they reached the docking bay, Imlay felt like his heart was bleeding right along with his ears. As soon as they reached the ship, Imlay allowed Crank to carry Livewire once again. He quickly walked beside them as they boarded the ship. Imlay reached over and rested his hand tentatively on Livewire’s shoulder, needing the physical contact with the man. “Take them both to sick bay. I’m going to need two of you to assist me. I’ll also need Gigi to make something for them to eat. Clear broth would be best or maybe some Brilliam tea.” “We’ll see to it, doc,” Remy said. “Whatever you need, you’ll get it.” Imlay clenched his fists. “I need to know what happened to them so I know who to kill.” A slight smirk crossed Remy’s lips. “I’ll get on that, too.” “Thank you, Commander.” Imlay’s hands trembled as he clasped them together in front of him and tried to look like he was in more control than he really was. Each time he looked at Livewire, a piece of him died. No one should have to suffer what the mechanic had suffered and Imlay was just guessing from the man’s injuries. Until he was able to talk to Livewire and find out for sure, he’d wonder. “Put them in those two beds.” Imlay pointed to the beds against the wall when they reached the sick bay. “Crank, Blade, go scrub up and put on gloves. I’m going to need your help.” Imlay stayed with his two patients as the two men went to scrub up and grab gloves. His main concern was for Livewire, but he couldn’t dismiss the fact that he had two patients. He was a doctor. It wasn’t in him to forget about a patient. Imlay made sure each man was stabilized then injected them with antibiotics. He knew at the very least they both had infections. Once Crank and Blade returned, he supplied them with antibacterial cleaner and directed them to start wiping down the patients as he went to wash up.

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Imlay took just a moment to breathe once he was inside the washroom. He leaned his head against the wall and drew in several deep breaths. If he didn’t get control of himself, he’d never be any good to either man. Livewire started screaming again. Imlay jerked then hurried over to the sink to wash. He grabbed some gloves and walked back into the sick bay as he snapped them on. Livewire was thrashing around, screaming. He’d screamed so much he was hoarse, his voice barely making a sound. The other man was unconscious. “Doc?” Crank glanced up at him as he tried to hold Livewire down and keep him on the bed. “Should we strap him down?” Imlay’s first instinct was to scream at Crank that no one was going to tie his man down to anything. His second was demand that Crank not even touch Livewire. Luckily, his doctor’s training took over, and he was able to calmly assess the situation without attacking anyone. “No, I’ll give him a sedative. After what he’s been through, strapping Livewire down will do more damage than it would good.” Imlay quickly grabbed an injection gun and filled it with a sedative. Deciding both of his patients could use it, Imlay injected the two men with the sedative. After a moment, Livewire settled and his hoarse screams faded away. “Okay, let’s see what we’re working with here,” Imlay said as he started assessing Livewire’s injuries, starting with the top of his head and working down to his toes. Partway through his evaluation, Imlay had Crank turned Livewire over so he could check his backside for damage. He immediately saw injuries that made his heart sink. Imlay glanced up at Crank and Blade. He could see their horror at the injuries Livewire had sustained. “You gentlemen understand that the confidentiality of this room cannot be broken, correct?” Crank blinked as he looked up. “Doc?” “Nothing you see in this room is to leave this room.”

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“Remy’s going to want to know.” “I will give a full report to the commander, but beyond him, no one is to know the extent of Livewire’s injuries unless he chooses to tell them.” Imlay swallowed hard as he looked down at the bloody, inflamed marks on Livewire’s back. Imlay could tell by the extent of the injuries exactly what happened to the mechanic, and it made his heart weep. “Livewire is entitled to his privacy.” “As long as you give a full detailed report to Remy,” Crank said, “no one will hear a word of this from our lips.” “Very good,” Imlay said then started repairing whatever damage had been done to Livewire. The next couple of hours were stressful for everyone. Imlay’s back ached by the time he stood up straight. His head swam a little bit, and he staggered back. Only a strong hand placed in the middle of his back stopped him from toppling over. “Thank you,” he said as he smiled over his shoulder, only realizing when he did that Remy stood behind him. “Oh, Commander, I didn’t see you there.” Hell, he hadn’t seen anyone. He’d been too focused on treating his patients. Both men had been cleaned. Their wounds had been attended to and sutured if needed, then covered in bandages. The stranger seemed to have just a few less visible wounds than Livewire, but there were signs of long-term torture. Whatever had happened to the two men, the stranger had suffered longer. “That’s okay, doc, you seemed pretty intent on what you were doing.” “Yes, well.” Imlay cleared his throat and glanced beyond the commander then around the room. Except for the two patients, Blade, and Crank, the commander was the only other person in the room with him. “I’m sure you’re waiting for a full report, Commander,” Imlay said. “If you could give me just a few more minutes to get my patients situated I’ll be right with you.”

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“Take whatever time you need, Doc. I’m not going anywhere.” Imlay nodded and turned back to his patients. He gestured to the bed in the other room. “Would you please transport Livewire into the other room? I believe he is going to need to be isolated for a while.” “Isolated?” Remy snapped as Crank carried Livewire into the isolation room. Imlay and Remy followed right behind him. “Is this something I need to be concerned with, Doc? Can Gigi get it?” “No no, Commander. Livewire is not contagious. There are signs that he has been given Paktillian Dust.” Imlay stepped over to Livewire and pointed to the red rash around his nose. “See this? It’s indicative of snorting Paktillian Dust, a very addictive drug. A single dose can be addictive to the user.” “And that means what?” Remy growled, glowering. “I’ll keep Livewire sedated as long as I can, and hopefully it will get him through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms, but I can’t keep him under for too long. The longer Livewire is sedated, the harder it will be to bring him out of it.” Remy sighed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, Doc, what are we looking at here?” “Whoever had Livewire not only gave him Paktillian Dust but…” Imlay swallowed hard. “He has numerous bruises and abrasions over most of his body. His left pinky has been severed at the knuckle. He has three broken ribs and a small skull fracture near his right temple. There are several marks on his back, which suggest he was whipped repeatedly and—” “And?” Remy growled. “He’s been tortured, Commander.” Remy waved his hand at the unconscious man on the bed. “I can see that, doc.” Imlay swallowed again. “You don’t understand. Livewire wasn’t just roughed up or smacked around. Someone purposely did this to him, slowly and methodically…” Imlay closed his eyes as a rage so deep it made him shake overtook his body. “This was done on

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purpose to cause Livewire the most amount of pain and damage as possible, Commander.” “Holy mother of—” Remy rubbed his hands down his face as he stared down at Livewire with horror written all over his pale face. “Is he—how much—damn!” Remy suddenly spun away and stormed across the room to lean against the wall with his hand. He stared down at the floor for several moments before turning around again to look at Imlay. “How bad is it, Doc? Will he recover?” “Physically, there should be no problem. With the medications I’ve given him, Livewire should recover in a matter of days. Emotionally…” Imlay spread his hands out and shook his head. “I just don’t know. It all depends on how strong Livewire is.” Remy pointed at the doctor. “You do whatever you need to do to bring Livewire back to us, you understand? I don’t care what it takes. As of right now, he is your top priority. Whatever you need, doc, just ask for it, and I’ll ensure that you have it. I want my mechanic back.” Not as much as I do. Imlay watched Remy storm from the room. Never once since he was a small child and knew he wanted to be a doctor had Imlay ever wished to be something else. But right now, knowing exactly what had happened to Livewire, Imlay wished that he was clueless. The knowledge of how horribly the man he now considered his had been abused would haunt Imlay for the rest of his life. Even if Livewire recovered, Imlay would never forget the wounds he had cleaned and sutured, the injuries done to the vibrant man. These were the things of nightmares. “What about the other guy, doc?” Blade asked from the doorway of the isolation room. Imlay turned to look at Blade then walked to the doorway to look at the other patient he had worked on. “His injuries were not as severe as Livewire’s, but there were signs of previous abuse. I believe he was held longer than Livewire.”

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“How can you tell?” Blade asked. “Many of his injuries had healed.” Imlay walked over to the sleeping man and pointed to the fading pink scars along his back. “These are at least three weeks old. Livewire was only gone for a week.” “Was he given Paktillian Dust like Livewire?” Crank asked. “Strangely, no.” Imlay looked up at the two crew members. “There is one other thing, though.” “What?” Crank and Blade both asked at the same time. “With the extent of the infection in Livewire’s injuries, I’d say he’s been held for no less than six days, which means—” “Which means he was taken right after he landed planet-side,” Crank growled. “Correct,” Imlay replied. “Whoever was holding Livewire had to have taken him right after he reached Beta Five. I’m a doctor so I wouldn’t know for sure, but my gut instinct says they were waiting for him.” “If that’s true, Doc, then they had to know he was coming,” Crank said. “Even Remy didn’t know Livewire was going to be staying on Beta Five until right before he left.” Imlay nodded as he remembered watching the shuttle carrying Livewire fly away. If only he had reacted sooner, maybe none of this would have happened. Livewire would be healthy and whole and down in engineering, right where he should have been, instead of lying in a medical bed after being tortured nearly to death. “We need to talk to Remy,” Crank said as he started toward the door, “and see if Livewire contacted anyone before he left the Lady Blue. There has to be an explanation as to why someone was waiting for him.” “I’m not positive of the exact time, you understand,” Imlay hurried to clarify. “I could be off by a few hours but no more than a day. The infection in his hand was pretty severe. Another day and I

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would have had to amputate his entire hand. It takes a few days for an infection to reach that level.” “No, I believe your instincts are correct, Doctor.” Crank grimaced. “They knew Livewire was coming and they were waiting for him. We just have to figure out how they knew and who they were.” “Yes.” Imlay clenched his hands as he gazed back down at Livewire’s abused body. “I’d like to know that myself.”

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Chapter 3 Livewire was walking in a fog. He could hear some kind of noise around him, but he couldn’t make out what it was. His memory was a bit hazy, and his entire body ached like a river of fire was churning through it. It felt as though his body was coming out of a long slumber. Livewire kept his eyes closed and his body still as he listened to his surroundings, trying to access if he was still being held captive. He fought the heaviness in his chest and the sudden buildup of saliva in his mouth as he tried his best to focus. It only lasted a few minutes before his entire body began to sweat. His muscles locked into place as a need so deep that it felt as though it was clawing at his very soul took over. Livewire’s mouth fell open as a scream from the bottom of his stomach worked its way up and out, filling the room with his horror-filled anguish. He needed. The drugs those bastards forced on him were screaming for him to return to them, torturing him into craving their very existence. “Get away from me!” Livewire growled and lashed out when a hand landed on his shoulder. “It’s Imlay. You’re safe, Livewire.” Livewire thrashed and screamed, trying his best to get the hand off of his hot skin. The simple touch felt like it was burning a hole in his shoulder. A growled ripped from his chest as Livewire swung his arm out, trying his best to connect with flesh. They weren’t going to make him use again. They’d have to kill Livewire first before he inhaled one more fucking flake.

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He howled when strong hands grabbed his upper arms, forcing him to comply. Livewire gnashed his teeth, trying to bite his way free. “Sedate him, doc, now!” They were going to pump him full of drugs, make him do whatever they wanted. Livewire renewed his efforts, growling and snapping at anything that came close to his teeth. His head snapped up and his teeth locked onto tender flesh as Livewire fought to get his attackers off of him. “Now!” Livewire felt a slight pinch. He felt the hands holding him down. A whimper escaped his lips as tears fell from his eyes. They’d won. Whoever was holding him down had won. Before he allowed the darkness clawing at his mind to take him under, Livewire said the one word he had chanted his whole captivity, the only thing that had let him keep a piece of himself intact. “Imlay.” **** Blade prided himself on his control. It was what had gotten him through many dangerous situations. A cool head was what he always maintained. It had saved him on more than one occasion. But not even Blade was immune to what had just taken place. He slowly released Livewire, his unsteady hand coming up to wipe away tears and then run through his hair. “Is he sleeping now?” he asked the doctor as he stayed close, ready to restrain the mechanic again if necessary. “He is.” Imlay’s voice had an inflection of tears in it as the doctor turned his back on Blade and Crank. The slim man’s shoulders shook as he pretended to work at something across the room. “Go.” Crank nodded toward the door. “I can take it from here.”

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Blade looked down at the bite mark on Crank’s arm before he nodded. He slowly backed away and then turned on his heel to leave isolation. He walked into the adjoining room, going straight for the bed of the unknown man. His fists clenched at his sides as he stared down at his mate. “Who did this to you, little one?” The words left his lips, knowing he wasn’t going to get an answer. Blade’s hand lifted, his finger brushing back the golden locks that were resting on the man’s forehead. His head snapped around when the infirmary doors slid open. Pax stood there unsure as his eyes locked onto Blade’s. “How is Livewire?” Blade wanted to tell the little blue man, but not only did doc swear him to confidentiality, it wasn’t his place to tell Livewire’s tale. “He’s fighting it.” Pax wiped at the moisture in his eyes as he stepped further into the room. “That’s good, right?” Blade nodded as he stared back down at the unconscious man lying so peacefully on the medical bed. “Yes, Pax, it is.” Pax ventured closer, his eyes dropping to the bed. “Who is he?” Blade ran a knuckle over the soft skin as his heart broke. “My mate.” “Your mate?” Pax whispered. Blade nodded but didn’t look away from the man sleeping in the bed. He could hear the astonishment in Pax’s voice, the anxiousness that he wouldn’t let himself feel. He wasn’t sure who would survive if he gave in to that anguish. “He has a beautiful mist, Blade.” “Yeah?” Blade glanced over at Pax. He wasn’t sure he believed in all that mist stuff, but he was interested to hear what Pax had to say. “What color is it, little man?” Pax smiled. “It’s green, a bright, vivid green. That’s means he’s a good guy.” The smile on Pax’s lips wavered a moment. “But there’s a

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lot of dark around his mist. I don’t know if that means he’s going to the other side or if he’s been beaten down so much that he’s starting to lose himself.” “I won’t let him go to the other side, Pax. He just needs a safe place to be.” Blade smiled as he looked back down at the sleeping man, wondering who he was, what he was like, and how much the man would fight their mating. Blade had every intention of winning, but knowing his luck, it would be a long-fought battle. “I’ll make sure he’s safe.” “Are you hungry? Gigi’s been cooking up a storm. I could bring you something.” “That would be nice, Pax, thank you.” Blade gestured toward the isolation room. "You might want to bring something for Crank and the doc. I don’t think they’ve eaten since we got back.” Pax nodded rapidly and hurried to the door. Blade knew the man was grateful to have something to do. They all were. The waiting was stressful on everyone. It had already been several hours, and except for Livewire’s screaming, there was no sign that either man was going to wake up any time soon. If Blade never heard Livewire scream again, he’d die a happy man. That just added to the stress. It was heart-wrenching to hear. The way that Livewire scratched at his skin and cried was even worse. Blade swore to himself that if he ever found out who had hurt Livewire and his mate, he’d rip them apart with his bare hands. No one deserved what happened to these two men, and Blade still wasn’t sure exactly what happened. He doubted anyone would until one of the two men woke up and told them exactly what had occurred. Blade sat down in the chair next to the medical bed and stroked his hands through the little blond’s hair. Despite the bruises on the man’s face, he was astonishingly beautiful. Blade was interested in finding out what he looked like without all the bruises. He was sure to be stunning.

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Blade inhaled sharply when deep green eyes suddenly blinked up at him. He leaned closer and tried to look as nonthreatening as possible when fear filled those eyes. “Hey, you’re safe. No one’s is going to hurt you here.” The man just continued to blink up at Blade until he grew nervous. “Hey, doc,” Blade called out, “the little guy is awake.” **** Imlay rushed back into the main room of the sick bay and directly over to the bed with his other patient in it. He grabbed his medical pad and began scanning the man, checking his vitals. Once he was satisfied that the man was healing, he put on his physician persona and smiled down at him. “Hello, I’m Dr. Jones. How are you feeling?” Imlay’s eyebrows arched when the man recoiled back from him. He knew he shouldn’t be surprised considering how they had found the man and his healing injuries, but he’d never really had anyone be afraid of him before. “Can you tell me what happened to you?” Maybe if he knew what happened to the guy, he could find out what happened to Livewire. Imlay frowned when the man didn’t answer. “Can you tell me your name, at least?” “Adwaka,” the man murmured. “Do you hurt anywhere, Adwaka?” Adwaka gave a half shrug, but he winced as his shoulders moved so Imlay knew that he was hurting. “I can give you something for the pain if you wish, nothing addictive, just something to take the edge off.” Adwaka shook his head. “Well, if you change your mind, you just let me know.” Imlay drew in a deep breath and glanced over at Blade, a question in his

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eyes. Blade nodded. Imlay looked back to Adwaka. “Adwaka, I need to know what happened to Livewire.” Adwaka’s eyebrows drew together as the man frowned and turned his face away. Imlay sighed deeply. He had hoped Adwaka would tell him, but he guessed that was asking too much considering the situation. Maybe after the man had healed some more he would be ready to talk. “I’m going to go back and sit with Livewire. If you need anything, just tell Blade and he can get me.” Disappointed, Imlay turned and started back toward the isolation room when Blade called out to him. “Hey, Imlay, what if—” “You’re Imlay?” The words were whispered so quietly that for a moment, Imlay thought he had imagined them, but something told him to stop. He turned and looked back to find Adwaka staring at him with a very curious look on his face. “Yes, I’m Imlay, Imlay Jones.” “He talked about you,” Adwaka said softly. **** Livewire blinked his eyes open. He lay motionless for a while as he took in his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the overhead lights. If he were still in that room, it would be dark. The second thing he noticed was a slim figure standing across the room, his back to Livewire. His eyes landed on Imlay as the man slowly turned around. Nothing was said between them for a moment as their eyes locked together. “How are you feeling, Livewire?” Livewire recoiled when Imlay took a step in his direction. His eyes darted around wildly as Livewire tried to figure a way out of the room he was trapped in. The space was too small, too confining.

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Livewire couldn’t breathe. His lungs were starting to seize in his chest. “Calm down, Livewire, you’re safe. No one is going to hurt you again.” Imlay held a hand up but made no move to come near him. Livewire moved his arms and legs, testing his muscles. A wave of dizziness washed over him as Livewire pushed himself up onto his elbows. He had to hold still and let the feeling pass. “Don’t get up. You should rest. Your injuries are still healing.” Imlay’s words sent off an explosion of memories inside Livewire’s head. Images of objects being used to beat him down until he was lying helpless on the floor of his small prison made Livewire sit up so fast, he nearly fell off of the bed. “Whoa.” Imlay advanced forward until Livewire gave off a warning growl. Imlay stopped in his tracks and backpedaled to his original position. Their eyes locked and Livewire felt a slight twinge of remorse for the sound. The doctor stood tall, his eyes telling Livewire he wasn’t going to back down. “I’m fine. You can leave.” Livewire’s voice was scratchy and rough. His throat felt swollen and strained. He was a little astonished. He couldn’t believe that was his voice. “I’m not going anywhere,” Imlay stated firmly as his fingers curled around the edge of the desk he was leaning against. Livewire watched the move, remembering how fingers had curled around his throat as he was forced to inhale Paktillian dust. “Get the fuck out!” Livewire’s head began to pound as he raised a hand in hopes of steadying his weaving head. His entire body stilled when he saw the bandages around his hand. Livewire howled at the remembrance of what had happened. His head snapped up when the door slid open, Crank stepping in and taking a step off to one side. “What the fuck are you, his bodyguard?”

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Crank just shrugged and watched Livewire carefully. He could see pity in Crank’s eyes, and it pissed him off even more. “Get the fuck out, both of you.” When no one made a move to leave, Livewire lashed out and knocked the contents of the table sitting next to him to the ground. The items hit the floor with a loud crash as Livewire tried to make sense of everything. “Can you tell me what happened?” Imlay asked softly from across the room. Livewire’s eyes snapped up as his entire body recoiled from the memories. “No,” he simply said. “No, you don’t want to, or no you don’t remember?” Imlay pressed further. Livewire lay back down, giving the room his back. He cradled the wounded hand to his chest as he closed his eyes, trying his best to forget anyone was in the room with him. Trying his very best to just forget everything. **** Gigi loaded a serving cart with everything he had cooked. “Don’t forget to grab the container for drinks,” he reminded Pax. After three days, Imlay had finally allowed them to make Livewire and Adwaka some real food. Gigi knew he had gone a little over the top, but he wanted the two men to have a good meal now that they could have solid foods. Pax ran across the kitchen, grabbing the large container along with cups. He walked it over to the cart and set it down. Pax gave a firm nod of his head as if to tell Gigi that he had done the right thing. Gigi cupped Pax’s face. “It’ll all work out. Livewire just needs time to heal.” Pax’s eyes brimmed with tears as he nodded. “I think he needs cake. We have to take him cake.” Pax didn’t wait for Gigi’s approval. The blue man raced across the kitchen and pulled the glass cake dish

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out of cold storage and sat it on the counter, looking as though he was using his whole concentration on cutting a couple of very neat slices. Gigi waited patiently as Pax slid the pieces onto a plate and then carried them over to the cart. “It looks good, Pax.” “Livewire likes cake,” Pax murmured as tears welled up in his eyes. He hugged his arms around his waist. “Then we should definitely take him some cake.” Pax nodded as he walked beside Gigi. He wished he could reassure Pax that everything was going to be okay, but somehow, he didn’t think it would. That didn’t mean it would be bad, just different. While no one had explained exactly what had happened to Livewire, Gigi knew it had been very bad. Imlay still wouldn’t let him or Pax see Livewire. He was being kept in the isolation room for everyone’s safety. But Gigi had heard the man’s screams. Everyone had. They had echoed throughout the ship. Gigi knew Livewire was suffering and he wanted to help. Gigi pushed the serving cart through the sick bay doors Pax held open for him. He plastered a bright smile on his face and began his campaign to make everyone feel at least a little better. “Adwaka, isn’t it?” Gigi asked as he carried a plate of food over to the blond man sitting up in the bed. “I’m Gigi, and this is Pax. We’ve brought you something to eat. Doc said you could move up to something more solid now.” Gigi handed the plate to Pax and grabbed the napkin the man held out to him. He ignored Blade’s arched eyebrow and the slightly frightened look on Adwaka’s face and just went about his business, tucking the napkin into the front of Adwaka’s shirt. “You’re in luck today,” Gigi said as he reached for the plate Pax held out then presented it to Adwaka. “We actually have ham today, real ham, too, not that yucky stuff the food processor creates.” Pax giggled as if right on cue, catching Adwaka’s attention. “Gigi hates the food replicator. It tried to eat him once.”

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“Nasty thing.” Gigi shuddered. “It malfunctioned and tried to eat all of us. I would have been perfectly happy doing without it altogether, but Remy, my mate, convinced Livewire to fix it.” Gigi rolled his eyes for effect. “Of course, Livewire just fixed it so he could discombobulate my molecules and beam me down to a planet.” Adwaka watched Gigi with wide eyes, but a smile started to curl up the corner of his lips, which was exactly what Gigi wanted. “When you’re feeling better…” Gigi dropped his voice and leaned forward a little as if telling a secret. “And if we can sneak you out of here, I’ll take you down to my hydroponics lab and show you all of the fresh fruit and vegetables Pax and I are growing. It’s really cool. You can eat the stuff right off the vine.” “That sounds nice,” Adwaka murmured. “Thank you.” “Ah, think nothing of it.” Gigi gestured to Pax and then himself with his thumb. “Us little guys have to stick together or the larger crew members think they can make all the rules.” Adwaka’s face tinted a little as he glanced over at Blade, making Gigi tingle with curiosity. He wanted to ask what that look was about, but he didn’t want Adwaka slinking back into silence. He’d been waiting three days to meet the man. “Oh, do you like cake?” Gigi glanced back at Pax then watched the man quickly grab one of the pieces of cake. Pax handed it over, and Gigi held it out to Adwaka. “Pax and I made this earlier. If you don’t like this flavor we can make something else. It’s chocolate.” “Can’t go wrong with chocolate.” Pax beamed. Gigi felt Adwaka jerk when he reached out and patted his leg. He decided he wasn’t going to pay attention to that. Everyone needed a little human touch every once in a while. It would help Adwaka not be so afraid. “We’re going to take some food in to Livewire. If you need anything, just holler. We’ll hear you.” Gigi jumped up and glanced at Blade, catching his slight nod of appreciation. Gigi smiled back. “Where’s my cake?” Blade asked.

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“In the kitchen.” Pax snickered. Gigi giggled as he walked toward the isolation room. It had been three days since Livewire had been brought back. Pax and Gigi had made a plan to drag him back into the world, kicking and screaming if they had to—although they could really do without the screaming. They had heard enough of that to last them a lifetime. “Hey, doc, we brought Livewire some food,” Gigi said when he walked into the room. “And cake,” Pax said as he held up the last piece of cake. “It’s chocolate cake.”

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Chapter 4 Livewire started to growl when he realized someone had come into the isolation room. He didn’t want company, anyone’s company. He just wanted to be left alone. He rolled over, ready to tear into whoever had come into the room only to spot the pensive looks on Pax and Gigi’s faces. “Hey, Livewire,” Pax said softly as he inched forward, almost as if he were afraid to come too close. He held up the plate in his hands. “We brought you cake.” A memory floated back to Livewire from what felt like so long ago, another lifetime. “Cake god.” The words strangled in his throat, barely loud enough to be heard. Pax’s head nodded rapidly as he took another pensive step, the small plate holding the cake outstretched in Pax’s hands. “It doesn’t matter what you put in it…” “It’s all up to the cake god.” As Livewire recited the words his chest began to hurt. He tamped the feeling down as he faced the two men staring at him as if he were going to lash out at any second. “He decided you wanted chocolate, buddy,” Pax said as he took one more step toward him. Livewire wanted to erase that apprehensive look from the little blue man’s eyes, but after what had just happened to Livewire, he wasn’t sure he knew how. Things happened. Bad things happened, and Livewire wasn’t the same for them. Livewire sat up, feeling confused. He swallowed a few times, giving Pax a nod. Gigi was close behind with a covered plate in his hands, taking small measured steps as well.

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Livewire held his hand out, and Pax placed the plate onto his palm. Livewire winced at the contact, fighting down the bile in the back of his throat. It was only the plate that had come into contact with his skin. Pax was careful not to touch him, but the closeness was making him jittery. Pax must have seen it because he took one cautious step back, but not before whispering, “I miss you, buddy.” Pax glanced over his shoulder at the doctor, and then back at Livewire. “You’re not blue anymore. Your mist is pale silver now. You’re lost.” The blue-skinned man hurried back across the room as Livewire sat the plate on his bed. He thought of Pax’s words as he gazed at the pale blue man, conveying with his eyes that Pax had never been more accurate in his life. Pax gave him a slight nod, telling Livewire he understood. Gigi was the next to slowly approach him. His steps were a little more assured, his smile genuine. “And for dinner, we have pig à la swine.” He lifted the lid, showing Livewire that it truly was food and not some trick. The steam billowed from the plate, the aroma filling the air around him. “If you don’t want this, I’m in good with the cook. I can make sure he cooks up whatever you want.” Livewire licked his lips as he swallowed a few times, fighting the ever present lump in his throat. His eyes darted around until they locked onto Imlay’s, feeling helpless as to what to do. “You’re allowed to eat,” The doctor encouraged him, his deep green eyes telling Livewire that Imlay had no qualms about guiding him through this visit. “And if you’re not,” Gigi leaned in to whisper, “I’ll knock the doc out so you can eat it.” The little human winked at him before pulling back. Livewire was very confused now. The plate trembled in his hands as he looked back to Imlay for help. “Okay, fellas, that’s enough for today. You may come back tomorrow.”

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Livewire glanced over at the two small men. They both waved at him, their eyes gloomy as they exited the isolation room. Livewire watched as Imlay crossed the room and removed the plate from his hands. “No,” Livewire protested. “I’m only putting it on a stable cart so you don’t spill anything.” They both turned when the door slid back open, Pax holding up a cup. “I forgot to give you your drink.” Pax padded across the room, giving Livewire a wavering smile as he set it down on the small portable table and then waved once more before leaving. “That was very nice of them,” Imlay commented as he arranged Livewire’s dishes. “It smells delicious.” “Then you can have it.” Livewire pushed the small table away with some force, making his drink spill to the floor. He stared at it for a moment and then down at his wounded hand. His eyes examined the bandages, feeling like the galaxy’s biggest freak. Spilling his drink was not what he had meant to do, but Livewire couldn’t bring himself to admit it to the doctor. Imlay bent at the waist and began to clean the mess up. It was on the tip of Livewire’s tongue to apologize, but it died where it lay, never being spoken. “I’m not hungry.” Livewire turned over, giving Imlay his back. “I’ll put it away for later.” Livewire rolled over, glaring at Imlay. “I said I don’t fucking want it.” Imlay seemed to ignore him as he replaced the dome covering and set the dish on his desk. When he grabbed for the cake, Livewire grunted. “Leave it.” Imlay nodded, leaving Livewire alone as he sat at his desk. He studied the doctor’s back, a memory surfacing. “Why do you stay?” he asked to the doctor’s back. “What?” Imlay turned his head slightly, a look of confusion in his deep green eyes.

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“Why won’t you leave me alone?” Imlay looked a little surprised at Livewire’s question, so he continued. “You wouldn’t give me the time of day before, and now you won’t leave my side? I don’t need or want your fucking pity, doc.” “And you won’t get it.” Imlay sighed. “I feel sympathy for what you’ve gone through, Livewire, but I refuse to pity you. You survived. Many in your position have not.” Livewire snarled as he held up his pinkyless finger. “You call this surviving?” “No, I call that a missing pinky, nothing more.” “Do you know what they did to me?” Livewire shouted. He wanted to shock the doctor, to get that understanding look off his face. It drove him crazy. “They—” “Beat you within an inch of your life, actually. You were whipped, your head bashed in, your pinky cut off, and most of your body was beaten with some sort of cylindrical item causing bruising and a number of broken ribs. I imagine it was a pipe of some sort. You were also forced to inhale Paktillian Dust, for which you’ve suffered withdrawals over the last several days. Does that about cover it?” Livewire blinked as tears sprang to his eyes. How had the doctor known? “I…yeah,” he whispered. “But you survived, Livewire. You’re alive and you’re safe back aboard the Lady Blue.” Imlay waved his hand toward the door. “Your friends are here to make your recovery easier on you. Chasing them away will only hurt you and them.” “And you?” Imlay’s eyebrows shot up. “Me?” “How do I chase you away?” Livewire gasped when Imlay chuckled. He’d never heard that sound come out of the man’s mouth, even if it was self-deprecating.

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“I let you chase me away once before, Livewire, and the results were not so good. You won’t be able to do it again.” Imlay picked up the vid-pad he’d been studying. “I’m not leaving, Livewire.” Livewire stared at Imlay as the man turned back to the desk and went back to studying the vid-pad in front of him. Imlay might not be leaving, but Livewire got the distinct impression that he was being ignored. Livewire didn’t like Imlay ignoring him. It had pissed him off in the past, and it pissed him off now. He started thinking, trying to devise a plan to make the doctor go away. The only thing he could think of was sex. As much as he didn’t want to be touched, he knew making a pass at Imlay would send the man running. There didn’t have to be contact. Just encroaching on the doctor’s personal space had always chased the man away before. He climbed from the bed and padded quietly across the floor to stand behind the doctor. His heart pounded just a little faster as he reached out to touch Imlay on the shoulders. His first touch was tentative, not as self-assured as he would have liked it to be. “It won’t work, Livewire.” Livewire jumped back when Imlay turned around to look up at him. The doctor’s face was full of strength, shining with a steadfast determination that made Livewire rethink his plan of attack. “It won’t work. You can’t scare me away, so stop trying.” “I—” Imlay stood so quickly that Livewire didn’t have time to step back before the man was right in front of him. His eyes widened when Imlay reached out for him, gently caressing the side of his cheek. Livewire forgot to be scared as he stared into Imlay’s deep green eyes. “I tried to stop you,” Imlay said softly. “Did you know that?” “Stop me?” Livewire frowned in confusion. “Stop me from what?”

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“Leaving the ship. I reached the shuttle bay right after you launched, and Remy said he couldn’t call you back.” Imlay smiled. “That’s when I informed the commander that he had a new medical officer aboard his ship. I would not be staying at End of the Line with the cargo. I’d be staying on the Lady Blue and going back for you.” “You came back for me?” Livewire whispered. Something deep inside of Livewire shifted, and he leaned into the hand cupped around his cheek, seeking the touch of another for the first time in more days than he could remember. “I did, Livewire.” Imlay’s thumb rubbed over Livewire’s high cheekbone. “I didn’t realize until you were gone how much I wanted you to stay, and by then, it was too late. You were gone.” Imlay inhaled roughly. “And then it was too late. I won’t make that mistake again.” “I…you…” Livewire snapped his mouth closed when he couldn’t seem to put his thoughts into understandable words. He was sounding like a fool, and he was very afraid he was acting like one, too. Livewire spun away from Imlay. The intense way that the man watched him was unsettling, as if Imlay knew something Livewire did not. He started feeling claustrophobic again, like he couldn’t get enough air in his lungs. Livewire leaned one hand against the bed and pressed the other against his chest, trying to draw more air into his lungs, but despite how hard he tried, he still couldn’t breathe. Livewire felt like he was going to pass out. The room started to spin. “Livewire, you need to sit down.” Livewire waved his hand at the doc. He didn’t need to sit. He needed to breathe. “Sit now, Livewire.” Livewire’s eyes widened at the stern tone of Imlay’s voice. He slowly looked up at the doctor as he sat down on the side of the bed. “Now breathe,” Imlay directed. “In and out, in and out, slowly, deeply.”

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Livewire’s mouth opened and closed. Imlay arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest as if daring Livewire to disobey him. Livewire watched Imlay as he slowed his breathing and took in deep breaths. Little by little, the room stopped spinning as air filled his lungs again. “Good, now lie down.” Imlay pointed to the head of the bed. “You’ve had quite the exciting morning, and you need your rest.” Livewire had no idea why he followed Imlay’s commands as he stretched out on the bed except that the steel he could hear in Imlay’s voice brooked no disobedience. One he was lying on the bed, Imlay picked up the blanket at the bottom of the bed and spread it over him. Imlay stepped to the top of the bed and brushed his hand over Livewire’s cheek. “Sleep, Livewire. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Livewire yawned as he watched Imlay walk back over to his desk and pick up the vid-pad. He didn’t understand why he was listening to the man. He hated people telling him what to do, especially after what had happened to him. He couldn’t understand why he was yawning, suddenly feeling totally exhausted, or why his eyelids felt so heavy. “Sleep, Livewire.” Livewire closed his eyes, deciding he was too tired to fight it any longer. He’d argue with Imlay later…after he napped.

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Chapter 5 Tank rechecked the coordinates. They had picked up another job. The Lady Blue was supposed to pick up a shipment of Trillian silk and deliver it to Lost Star Three. It was an easy enough job. Too bad every crew member was wound up tighter than hell. Every single one of them wanted to find the person or persons responsible for Livewire and Adwaka’s condition. “I think I found our computer expert,” Crank said from the chair next to him. He flipped the vid-pad around and handed it off to Tank. “His name’s Zackary Cortez.” Crank leaned over and tapped the vidscreen with the tip of his finger. “A fucking Paktillian, but he comes highly recommended.” Tank ran his thumb over the vid-pad. Odd. He was expecting to see the Paktillian trademark of eyes that resembled snakes with yellow irises. The black pupil slits instead of the traditional round one’s in most species. There were slits evident, but they were encased in a crystal blue. Tank had never seen a blue so pale before, at least not in anyone’s irises. “How do we know he’s kosher? Paktillians aren’t known for their loyalty. They sell their specialties to the highest bidder.” Tank looked up from the vid-pad to Crank. Crank leaned back, lacing his fingers behind his head. “I’m told he’s Livewire’s cousin.” Tank cursed as he looked back down at the face that was extremely hard to read. “Would that be wise after what happened? How do we even know these two get along? We could be inviting trouble aboard.” Tank ran his fingers over the vid-pad once more.

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Zackary had highly placed cheekbones, dark black hair that seemed to have a mind of its own, and small pointed ears peeking out from a crop of black hair that curled around his ears. “Dude, stop molesting my vid-pad.” Crank reached over and snagged it from Tank’s grip and then placed on the console in front of him. “I don’t need your drool short-circuiting it.” Tank flipped Crank off as he turned his attention back to his task at hand. He was running the exterminator’s name through the database, trying his best to come up with something, anything. There was no way Livewire had a welcoming committee without the responsible party being tipped off. The big oaf may have acted less than intelligent when he boarded Lady Blue to get rid of the sluglike worms, but Tank was beginning to think it had been a façade. “What if his cousin had something to do with what happened to Livewire? Should we invite him onboard to finish the job?” Crank asked as he turned his head to look at Tank. “Maybe I should find someone else.” “No,” Tank said quickly as he scratched at his chin. “If he was responsible, then we could keep a close eye on him having him onboard.” “That’s a little too risky for me. We need to talk to Remy about this half-baked plan before we do more harm than good.” Tank swiveled his chair around, getting to his feet and leaving the bridge in search of their commander. He wanted to get the bounty off of their heads just as bad as the next guy, but one of their crew members had suffered greatly, and Tank wanted to make sure Livewire never saw that kind of torture again. Remy walked out of the mess hall with a large piece of cake in his hand, smiling at Tank as he took a large bite. Damn, maybe he needed to get a piece. The three-layer cake looked good as hell. Snapping his mind back on the reason he sought his commander out, Tank leaned against the wall. “We need to talk.”

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**** “I think it’s safe enough to move you into sick bay with the regular population,” Imlay stated as he watched for Livewire’s reaction. It had been eleven days now. Eleven whole days and the mechanic’s screams had dwindled down to just once in the past four days. Imlay wanted Livewire to start mingling slowly again with the crew members. The longer he stayed in isolation, the harder it was going to be for him to continue with his recovery. Imlay could see the uncertainty in Livewire’s eyes. They were broadcasting his fear as Imlay kept his eyes on Livewire. This small room had become his safety cocoon, but it was also his crutch. Something Imlay planned to gently remove from under him. They had to take baby steps, and this was Livewire’s first attempt at standing on his own two feet again. Livewire’s fingers curled around the sheet until they were ghost white. “I don’t want to be out there,” he snapped. He spoke in an angry tone, but Imlay could hear the fear Livewire was trying to mask. Imlay walked over to the bed, laying his hand on Livewire’s thigh, something he had been doing for the past several days to get the mechanic used to touch again. Livewire gave his usual flinch, but didn’t pull away. The touch wasn’t just for comforting Livewire. Imlay needed it as well. “You’ll be fine. I’ll still be with you.” “But—” “No, Livewire.” Imlay made sure the mechanic was looking him in his eyes, seeing that Imlay wasn’t going to hear any protest. He reached a hand out, stopping short from Livewire’s cheek as the mechanic recoiled and then stilled. Imlay’s fingers closed the gap a little further, just hovering near Livewire’s cheek. When Livewire gulped, but made no move to retreat even further, Imlay ran the back of his knuckle down the mechanic’s soft skin.

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“I am in charge of your care, your well-being. I am not abandoning you,” Imlay spoke softly as Livewire began to lean into Imlay’s fingers. “No one is going to hurt you out there. I promise.” His fingers slid from Livewire’s cheek to settle under his chin, lifting the mechanic’s face to see the seriousness in Imlay’s eyes. “We are going to do this together.” Livewire’s eyes shifted downward as his jaw became visibly firm. He gave one slight nod, acknowledging Imlay. “Good.” Imlay’s fingers drifted away from Livewire as he took a step back. “I’ve already settled you into one of the beds out there. We just need to get you into it.” Imlay waited, but Livewire made no move to get off of the bed. “Livewire.” The mechanic’s head snapped up, his beautiful gray eyes pleading with Imlay to not make him go through with this. Imlay touched his cheek again, drawing Livewire from the bed with that single touch. Livewire’s body instinctively followed Imlay’s hand as he got to his feet. “Good.” Imlay gave Livewire an approving smile as he removed his hand and took another step back. Livewire immediately tried to retreat, but Imlay touched the back of his hand. “Follow me.” He spoke the command gently, making the mechanic focus on his eyes. Livewire took one precarious step toward Imlay, and then another, slowly following him to the doors. When they reached the threshold, Livewire stopped. “I can’t—” “Yes, you can.” Imlay shored his voice up, making it firm, yet gentle, as he moved behind Livewire, his chest close to Livewire’s back. A thin sheet was all that would have fit between them now. “Take a step, Livewire.” His lips were close to Livewire’s ears. “Just one.” Livewire took that step, and then another, Imlay staying close to him as they walked out of isolation and into the sick bay. Blade and Adwaka looked their way but said nothing as Livewire concentrated

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on his feet, his head lowered and listening to Imlay’s softly spoken instructions. Once they reached the bed, Imlay reached out and pulled the sheet back. “Get in,” he coaxed the skittish mechanic. Livewire crawled in, turning his back to Blade and Adwaka. “Gentlemen, Livewire will be staying out here. Please take care not to crowd him right away.” “I don’t—” Imlay placed his index finger loosely over Livewire’s lips, seeing the mechanic glaring at him, but Livewire made no move to rid his finger. Imlay bent at the waist. “Good,” he whispered into Livewire’s ear. If Imlay wasn’t mistaken, the praise had a positive effect on Livewire. His body seemed to settle as he watched Imlay carefully, as if begging for Imlay to tell him what to do next. “Sleep, Livewire.” Imlay straightened, walking over to his desk, but keeping in the mechanic’s line of sight. It was important that Livewire trust Imlay. The doctor had to let the patient know he wasn’t going to abandon him. That he was there for the long haul and he wasn’t going to back down. Livewire needed an anchor in the aftermath of what had happened to him, and Imlay planned on being that anchor. A year ago, hell, a month ago, Imlay never would have fathomed that he would become someone’s rock. It didn’t fit into his neat little box of his life. Livewire had taken him out of his comfort zone and tossed him into the unknown. Now it was up to Imlay to heal the mechanic from the inside out. Devise a cure that would allow Livewire to lead a full life again. But the antidote wasn’t in a medicine bottle. Imlay was going to have to become that cure. He watched Livewire from the corner of his eyes as he updated Adwaka’s and Livewire’s reports. His mechanic seemed to slowly relax and drift off to sleep. Imlay finally took a long and exhausting breath, resting his forehead in his hands.

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“You’re doing a good job, doc,” Blade said as he approached the desk, “with both of them.” As strong as he had to be for Livewire, Imlay still wasn’t used to compliments and touches. He gave Blade an appreciative smile as he studied his hands. “I’m trying.” “That’s all any of us can ask.” Blade patted Imlay’s shoulder, and the doctor had to try his best not to flinch. It seemed Livewire wasn’t the only one who needed to get used to touch. Little did Livewire know, Imlay was gaining just as much from the touches as well. Imlay sighed and went back to his work, throwing himself into it as he watched over his mechanic. **** Livewire woke hungry as hell. His eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the sick bay. He noticed Imlay at his desk bent over and asleep, his face resting on the cold metal. Livewire flipped the sheets back and sat up, glancing over his shoulder at the other patient. Adwaka was fast asleep, Blade resting his head on the mattress next to the little man. Livewire touched his feet to the cold floor. He crept softly over to Imlay’s desk, standing there for a moment to stare down at the doctor. Imlay really was a very handsome man. Livewire’s fingers itched to reach out and run them through the doctor’s dark brown hair. Livewire had resigned himself when he left Lady Blue to the fact that he would never see Imlay again. But when his life had turned into a living hell, Imlay was the only one that had gotten him through that horrific ordeal. Memories of the man kept him from giving up. But after what those sick bastards had done to him, Livewire couldn’t bring himself to trust anyone—except doc. “Did you need something, Livewire?” He jumped as Imlay lifted his head, his dark green eyes fixed on Livewire with an intensity that made Livewire tremble.

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“I, uh…” Livewire ran his hand over the back of his neck, not really knowing what to say. Those green eyes drew him in, commanded him, took over his entire being, and that scared the hell out of Livewire. “What is it?” Imlay pulled his head up, stretched, and then settled his arm over the back of his chair, waiting patiently for Livewire to gather his thoughts. “Food.” The monosyllable was the only word that popped into his brain at the moment. He scuffled his feet in front of him, looking at the doctor from under his lashes. “I can go get you something.” Imlay stood, ready to leave sick bay. “No!” Livewire grabbed Imlay’s lab coat and then quickly dropped his hand, feeling like a total idiot. How did he tell the doctor that he was afraid for Imlay to leave his side and that the fear of his nightmares returning made it hard for him to breathe? “I’ll go.” Livewire glanced up at Blade, seeing the shifter pick his head up from the mattress, glance over at Adwaka, and then quietly move away. “I’m hungry as well.” Relief flooded Livewire. He felt foolish for his fears, so turning back to look at doc had become an impossible task. Livewire just stood there in the middle of the room, his fingers playing with his gown. “Go lay back down.” Imlay’s hand gently touched the small of his back, making Livewire jump and rush across the room. Livewire didn’t crawl back into bed. He just took a seat on the side of it, staring down at his abused and mangled hand. “It was just a partial amputation.” “Just?” Livewire growled. “Crank lives without his entire pinky. Maybe you two can form a club now.” Imlay smiled as he patted Livewire on his thigh.

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Livewire looked up at the doctor like he’d lost his damn mind. “This is funny to you?” “Not by any means. But I must inject levity into such a somber room. Maybe I can hang out with Lady Blue and peek under her skirt.” Livewire was thrown off balance. He wasn’t sure how to interpret the doctor. Imlay wasn’t making fun of him. Livewire could see that in Imlay’s eyes. But still, what was he supposed to think? Imlay had never acted like this before. Livewire was becoming confused on how to handle it. “Just go with it, Livewire.” Imlay winked at him before taking a seat at his desk. Livewire turned his head when he heard a soft giggle. Adwaka was awake and watching the two. His small hand was covering his mouth as the little tickles of laughter fell from his lips. He remembered the small man from the room they had been held in. Livewire was shocked to see him onboard. “I wasn’t going to leave him behind. No one gets left behind,” Imlay said from across the room. Livewire nodded absently as Blade walked back in with a few trays balanced on his arms, Tank following close behind with two more. “Figured everyone should get a bite to eat,” Blade said as he set the dome-covered dishes down on one of the empty beds. Livewire’s stomach grumbled loudly at the tantalizing aroma that filled the room. Adwaka sat up and smoothed his sheet out over his lap as he waited for Blade to bring him his dish. Imlay got up from his desk, snagged a plate, and brought it over to Livewire. “Let’s see what we have here.” He lifted the covering, revealing slices of pot roast smothered in gravy with baby potatoes and some sort of green vegetables. Imlay set it on a small mobile table and then wheeled it over to him.

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Livewire kept his back to everyone, embarrassed that Imlay was practically treating him like a child. He could hear Tank and Blade talking behind him, but Livewire kept his eyes front and center. “I can get it myself,” Livewire snapped when Imlay picked up his fork. He may be fucked in the head right now, but he wasn’t an invalid. “No need to get testy,” Imlay said softly as he reached for Livewire’s head. Livewire swung his arm out, knocking everything from the small table. He grabbed his temples with his fists as memories crashed through the floodgate he had been shoring up. He shouted at anyone who came near as images of a pipe swinging mercilessly at his head had Livewire falling from his bed and curling up, trying his best to protect his body, The vicious, booted feet were kicking at him as cold, hard hands yanked his hair back, shoving that god-awful drug into his face. “No!” “Livewire!” Someone shouted his name as Livewire heard the small cry from the man shackled to the wall. He hated himself for not helping the small man, for letting him get beat. It was his fault, his damn fault the man hung there suffering. “I’m sorry,” Livewire cried out as his fists pounded his temples. His entire body hurt. Everything on him, including his eyes was on fire. “No! Someone, make it stop. Please, just make it go away.” “I have you.” Strong arms wrapped around Livewire, making him curl into himself. It was a trick. They were making him feel safe so his guard would lower and then they could attack. “Stop hurting me,” he sobbed into the doctor’s arms. “Make them stop hurting me.” **** Imlay rocked Livewire in his arms as he cried along with the man he loved. The only thing he could do right now was hold his mechanic

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close and let him know he was safe. Imlay made shushing noises as he rested his chin on Livewire’s head. Tank and Blade stood by, but not too close, just in case Imlay needed them to subdue Livewire. He knew it wasn’t necessary. Livewire was fighting memories, not Imlay. He could see that he wasn’t the only one affected by this. Tank was wiping at his eyes as Blade swallowed continuously. Imlay lay on the floor with Livewire until his man settled down and then held him some more. He ran his hand up and down Livewire’s back as the man lay in his arms and cried. Imlay wanted to tell Tank and Blade to get the hell out—to yell at them for witnessing such a private moment. But logic prevailed, and Imlay just lay on the floor with his man, keeping Livewire close and rocking him in his arms. Livewire finally fell asleep and Tank picked him up carefully and placed him in bed. Imlay covered his love with a sheet as he stood watch over him. His heart broke as he watched a once strong and selfassured man lay crumbled right before his eyes.

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Chapter 6 Remy sat ramrod straight in the commander’s chair as Lady Blue docked on Paktil. After what happened back on Beta Five, he didn’t trust a goddamn soul. No one was permitted to leave the ship unless it was absolutely necessary. And no one was permitted onboard who hadn't been cleared. Most of the crew reacted just about how Remy thought they would. Gigi had pouted but understood the precautionary measures. Pax wasn’t the least bit fazed. He didn’t like leaving the ship. They were still trying to track down the traitor. Tank had dedicated all his free time to the task. Blade barely left the sickbay and Imlay downright refused to. “I want the ship sealed tight until we check the cargo from top to bottom. No one is permitted entrance, and no one leaves unless you hear it directly from me,” Remy said to the bridge as they waited for clearance to step onto the spaceport. “Blade, Colt, you’re with me. I want that cargo thoroughly checked and a background check ran on the handlers. Crank, you guard the ramp. Only crew members are permitted to load our cargo.” “Yes, Commander,” the bridge said in unison. Remy was biting at the chomp to get a hold of whoever sold Livewire out. And when he did, the fucker was going to know who and what Remy was. They disembarked and went straight to the Paktillians that were waiting for them. The smiles faltered on their faces when Blade and Colt started opening crate after crate, their arms pushing through the inventory that lay inside.

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“What is the meaning of this?” one of the Paktillians asked in outrage. “We’ve never been searched before.” “It’s our new policy. If you don’t like it, take your business somewhere else.” Remy growled at them and then realized he was taking it out on the wrong people. He sighed as he tried to rein in his anger. “I’m sorry, but we had a bad run-in and must be careful now.” This seemed to smooth the man’s ruffled feathers. “Understandable. I will not take offense to it.” Remy hated politics and false politeness but knew he had a business to run and pissing of the clientele would put them out of business fast. No matter his personal feelings, he had to remain professional. “Thanks.” Remy pasted a false smile on his face as he jerked the guy off, figuratively speaking. “Remy.” Blade gave his head a slight nod, indicating he wanted the commander to come over. “Excuse me.” Remy left the wanks as he walked over to one of the crates Blade had been checking. The coyote shifter pointed to the inside of the crate. Buried beneath fine silk was a tracking device. He cursed, keeping his back to the Paktillians. “Are they watching us?” “Yes,” Blade coughed out. “Act natural. Load the crates—” “But they’re bugged,” Blade protested in a low but menacing voice. “Load the crates, and then once we get out of here, we’ll tear them apart and collect the devices, shooting them out of an air lock. As bad as it sounds, we still need to make a living. The credits we made off of the medical deal won’t last us forever.” Remy could tell Blade didn’t like it, but he followed his orders. Remy walked back over to his clients, giving them the best reassuring smile he could pull out of his ass. “Is everything well?” one of the Paktillians asked.

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Remy memorized his face. Once back onboard, he was going to do a thorough background check. One had already been performed, but apparently this one slipped through the cracks. “Everything is fine. We’ll be loading the crates now.” Remy finished the final contract and accepted payment as Blade and Colt loaded the crates. As the Paktillians left the spaceport, one of them looked back. Big mistake. It told Remy right away who the traitor of this shipment was. Now he only needed to figure out why someone would put tracking devices in crates only traveling one planet over. Just as the last crate was loaded, a squeaky-looking man came running onto the spaceport, hauling ass straight toward Remy. Blade and Colt pulled their phasers out and aimed them directly at the young Paktillian’s head. “Is this the Lady Blue?” he asked as he gasped for breath. “And you are?” Remy crossed his arms over his broad chest as he glared at the short man. He looked harmless, but so did Orillian pups until they opened their mouths to show their razor-sharp teeth. “Name’s Zackary Cortez. We spoke over the com link. You said to meet you here. Sorry I’m late, but I couldn’t find a shuttle coming this way, and then the driver tried to rip me off so I had to make a quick run for it. Then, wouldn’t you know, my mom calls. You gotta take a call from your mom, you know? Anyway, I had to run back home and help her with her vid-screen. It was on the fritz. So once I got that done, I had to haul ass to make it here on time.” Zackary took a deep breath and looked up at Remy. “And here I am.” This guy was definitely related to Livewire. There was no doubt about it. Even if he couldn’t see the slight resemblance, the quirkiness gave it away. “I haven’t finished doing a background check on you,” Remy said as he sized the small man up. “No offense, but I’m very good at what I do. I could hack, wrong term, finesse my way into any data bank and upload whatever I

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wanted on my profile.” He smiled up at Remy, blinking a few times as he waited. “Then why should I let you onboard my ship?” Remy growled and glared down at the small man. “Because this is my first real job, and my mom would kick my ass across the galaxy if I fucked it up.” Was this guy for real? He wasn’t the least bit afraid of Remy from the way he was smiling, but his mother scared the hell out of him? Remy would like to meet her just to shake her hand. “Get onboard, but the lower levels are off-limits. You can stay on the upper deck. If I catch you anywhere near the lower levels, I’ll shove your ass into an air lock and ask questions as your ass is floating away.” Zackary giggled as he saluted Remy. “You got it.” “I have a job for you as soon as we get the last crate loaded.” “Cool. I can flex my brain and show you my mad skills.” Zackary rubbed his hands together as he followed Blade and Colt onto the Lady Blue. “What the hell did I just do?” Remy grumbled as he walked onto the retractable ramp, looking over his shoulder as the ramp began to close. He spotted the Paktillian who had looked back as the group had walked away. The man was hiding behind some skids stacked over in a far corner. They locked eyes, and Remy pointed his finger like a gun, winking at the fucker as the ramp finally closed. “There are tracking devices in the crates we just loaded. Blade will give them to you, and I want you to tell me what you can about them,” Remy said to Zackary as he walked toward the air lock between the cargo bay and engineering. “You are not permitted to wander my ship unescorted for any reason.” “Yeah, yeah, or you’ll shoot my skinny ass out into space. Heard you the first time,” Zackary said with a smile. “No worries. I’m not a spy. Just a guy with too much time on my hands and nothing challenging enough to keep me occupied.”

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Remy grunted as he left the cargo bay, again wondering what the hell he had just gotten his crew into. He hadn’t told Zackary that Livewire was aboard. He wanted to feel the guy out first, have him watched around the clock to see if he could possibly be the informant. Remy could see now that whoever he assigned to the chatterbox, he was going to owe him big time. **** Imlay checked over his report, making sure it was accurate and complete before sending a copy to the commander. He could feel the weariness in his bones from two straight weeks of vigilance. It was wearing on him and finally catching up to him. Imlay crawled onto the empty bed in between Adwaka and Livewire. He just needed a few moments of shut-eye. Maybe ten minutes tops. “Well, hell’s bells. I didn’t know you were here, cuz.” Imlay shot up out of the bed he was resting in and flew over to Livewire, covering his man’s body as he shouted at the stranger standing in the doorway. “Get the fuck out!” Livewire instantly woke up and rolled Imlay, placing him on the bottom and growling at the intruder. Sharp fangs slid from their sheaths in Livewire’s mouth as long, black nails burst through his fingernails. Imlay lay there astonished as he saw Livewire’s skin turn an odd shade of brilliant reds and oranges. Imlay wasn’t sure which grabbed his attention more, the stranger in the doorway or Livewire. “You still do that funny trick.” The stranger giggled as he shook his head. “Uncle Catrelle used to do it all the time whenever I came over.” Livewire blinked, staring at the small man in the doorway and then down at Imlay. The doctor was totally fucking lost. He wasn’t sure what to make of this situation. Imlay tried to push Livewire

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aside, but in his current state, Livewire gave off a low warning growl. Imlay pulled his hands back, dropping them on either side of his head as he watched Livewire defend him. “Okay then. I’m off to see the rest of the ship. Come see me when you turn pink again.” The stranger turned around and walked away. Imlay quickly looked over at Adwaka, the small man sitting there with his mouth hanging slightly open. All three snapped their heads toward the door when the stranger ran back into sick bay. He looked around desperately and then dove under the empty bed, his legs still hanging out. Blade came barreling in, spotted the legs, and then yanked the small man from under the bed, sliding his arms under the little man’s and then locking his hand behind the stranger’s neck. “I’m innocent. I want a lawyer. Shifter brutality!” “Shut the hell up, Zackary,” Tank snapped. “Remy told you the middle deck was off-limits.” “I got lost looking for the bathroom. You can’t prove anything. Call my mom!” Zackary’s feet were dangling in midair as Blade began to carry him out of sick bay. “Wait!” Livewire’s voice was gravely, as if he had pebbles in his throat. “He’s my…” His voice went silent for a moment as Livewire shook his head. “My cousin.” “About time you said something, you big oaf.” Zackary glared at Livewire. “I thought you were going to let them shoot me out of an air lock.” Imlay was still fucking lost. He petted the side of Livewire as the beast lay over him. Livewire leaned into his touch as he spoke to Blade. Imlay wasn’t sure if Livewire was even aware of what he was doing. But he did notice Livewire’s cock getting hard. The gown concealed it from everyone else, giving Imlay an up close and private view. He quickly averted his gaze, feeling something surge up inside of him that he never felt before.

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“What the fuck did I tell you?” Remy’s voice could be heard as he approached sick bay. “Uh, not to eat all the ice cream?” Zackary continued to dangle from Blade’s hold as he blinked up at Remy. “Wrong. Now I know you’re a damn spy.” Remy growled as he stepped closer, his nostrils flaring. “I’m not a spy! I’m just a guy whose curiosity has gotten him into more trouble than the law allows. I still have seven lives left. Six if you shoot me out into space.” Remy’s attention went from Zackary’s to Livewire’s. Shock registered for just a split second then he quickly masked it. “Tell me if I should shoot him out into space, Livewire.” “You can’t make him do your job!” Imlay shouted from below Livewire’s creature form. “That’s not fair to have him make that judgment call in his condition.” “What condition?” Zackary asked. “He turns red and orange all the time. Don’t you, good boy?” Zackary made kissing noises at Livewire, as if he were a fucking pet. Imlay growled as he once again tried to get Livewire to move his enormous ass. Livewire just hunkered down, giving Imlay no way out. “That’s it. I’ve fucking had it,” Imlay shouted as he wiggled from beneath Livewire. “In two weeks I have had a total of maybe twenty hours of sleep. If you don’t carry his scrawny ass out of here and let me get some rest…everyone is getting the white pills!” Blade ran from sick bay, along with Remy. Adwaka flipped the sheet off of his body and tried to get out of his bed. “I’m not sure what pills you’re talking about but if those big men ran, I need to go, too.” His small voice carried over to Imlay, making him sigh in frustration. “Not you, Adwaka. Get back in bed. I just need some rest.” Adwaka stood by his bed, his eyes darting to the door and then back at Imlay before finally crawling back into bed.

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Imlay gave up. He slid back down under Livewire and closed his eyes. He didn’t care at this point if the ship caught fire and crashed. He was getting some overdue sleep. Livewire settled over him and rested his head on Imlay’s legs as the creature closed his eyes as well. In under a minute, Imlay was fast asleep. **** Livewire didn’t sleep. He just laid there with his head resting against Imlay. The strong scent natural to the doctor filled his senses, giving him back control of his body. Livewire slowly returned to his human form. He stayed cuddled up next to Imlay as he lifted his head and glanced around sick bay. His eyes landed on the door leading to the isolation room. He wanted Imlay away from prying eyes while he slept. Livewire crawled from the bed and carefully lifted Imlay in his arms then carried him into the isolation room. It wasn’t easy. Livewire was still weak and Imlay wasn’t exactly small, but Livewire had need on his side. He needed Imlay somewhere safe. Livewire pulled Imlay’s clothes off. Those that he couldn’t pull off, he cut off, dropping the cut material on the floor. He wanted to stop and look, to spend hours gazing down at Imlay’s perfect body, but he knew the man needed his rest. Imlay worked too hard and with very little time off. Livewire knew he would need to do something about that. Once Imlay was naked, Livewire covered the doctor up with a blanket then climbed onto the bed beside him. He curled around the doctor and protected him as best he could. If anyone came into the room, they would have to go through Livewire first to get to Imlay. Livewire knew he was more awake now than he had been in days. Maybe shifting had healed whatever was wrong with his brain. Maybe not. All he knew was an overwhelming need to protect and care for

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the man cradled in his arms. In all of his confusion, that was the only thing that made sense to him. Livewire grabbed on to that thought and held on tight. Imlay was his. He knew that deep down in his soul. Despite the need he felt to follow the doctor’s commands, he knew it was his duty to see to the man’s safety. Livewire lay curled around Imlay for what seemed like the space of a few minutes, but he knew it had been hours when he heard Blade enter the sick bay and start talking to Adwaka. He sat up and checked on Imlay and saw that the man was still asleep. Livewire knew Imlay would need food when he woke, even if it was just to refuel his body. He gently rolled from the bed so he couldn’t disturb his mate and padded across the room. Blade and Adwaka looked up when he paused in the doorway. Livewire swallowed past the lump that instantly built in his throat. This was what he needed to do. “Imlay needs food,” Livewire whispered. “I can bring him something,” Blade said as he stood and started for the door. “No, I…” Livewire swallowed again. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before opening them. He was trying to remember that he could trust Blade. “Can you watch him, please? Keep him safe?” Blade’s eyes widened, but he nodded his head. “Of course.” Livewire’s steps were measured as he slowly made his way to the sick bay doors. It took all of his courage to push them open and step through them. As he made his way down the corridor and up the stairs to the crew deck, Livewire just kept repeating to himself that it was his duty to see to his mate’s needs, even feeding him. The loud voices he heard coming from the mess hall stopped the second Livewire stepped through the doors. Livewire trembled when every head in the room turned in his direction. He clenched his one good hand and plastered a wobbly smile on his face. “I need to get Imlay something to eat.”

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“Oh,” Gigi said as he smiled brightly, almost too much so, and gestured with his hand. “Let me throw something together for you. Have a seat. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.” Livewire eyed the other crew members as he walked over to sit at the empty end of the table. They were all still watching him. It was unnerving. “Did you shoot my cousin out an air lock?” Remy chuckled. “No, but I thought about it. He’s currently up on the bridge with Tank doing some research on our latest cargo haul.” “We had another cargo haul?” When did this happen? And where had he been? He didn’t even remember them landing. “We picked up a load of Trillian silk for transfer to Lost Star Three,” Remy said. “We found tracking devices stowed away inside the crates of silk,” Crank added. “Tank and your cousin are trying to figure out where they came from and who put them there.” The sudden frown that came over Remy’s face made Livewire nervous. The big commander was a thinker, and Livewire knew whatever the man was thinking, he wasn’t going to like it. “Livewire, I believe whoever put those tracking devices in our cargo might be connected to whoever took you. I don’t want to dredge this all up for you again, but I need to know whatever you know. Can you tell us anything about the people that took you?” Livewire shuddered and glanced down at his hands. He plucked at the edge of the gauze wrapped around his injured hand as he tried to remember anything beyond the pain. So much of his time on Beta Five had been filled with pain he barely remembered anything else. “They were waiting for me,” he whispered. “I didn’t even get off the landing platform before they took me.” “Who are they, Livewire?” Remy asked softly. “Can you describe them?” “Paktillian, I think, but I can’t be sure. Not all of us are exactly the same.”

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The sudden silence in the room made Livewire glance up. A real chuckle escaped his lips when he saw the shock on the crew’s faces. The sound almost surprised him. It was the first real laughter he had felt in weeks. “Saw that, did ya?” “Uh, well.” Remy cleared his throat. “We saw something, but I’m not real sure what it was. Maybe you could enlighten us.” “You know I was born on Paktil.” Remy nodded. “Well, not all Paktillians are born the same. There’s a gene, a mutated gene created by centuries of Paktillians being subjected to Paktillian’s disease. While I’ve never had the disease myself, someone in my direct lineage did. I inherited that mutated gene. It enables me to shift into something different although I’m not exactly sure what.” “Well, you’re not a wolf shifter,” Remy said. “I can tell you that much.” “You’re not a cougar either,” Crank added. Colt chuckled. “Or a hawk.” “And you didn’t look much like Tank does when he shifts,” Remy said. “So I don’t think you’re a lion shifter either.” “What’s that leave?” Livewire asked. Remy shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.” “Well, that’s helpful,” Livewire snorted. “I’m such a freak that none of you even recognize what I am.” “Oh, I have no doubt you’re a freak, Livewire.” Remy laughed. “I’ve heard the things you say to Lady Blue when you think no one is listening. If that isn’t freakish, I don’t know what is. You’d think you were courting the old girl.” “I started to wonder if you were even gay after hearing you,” Crank said, grinning widely. “I mean, geez, Livewire, she’s a hunk of metal.”

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Livewire smiled despite himself. He knew the guys were just trying to make him feel more at ease, and it was working. He could feel the tension in his shoulders lessening. He didn’t feel the overwhelming urge to run and hide that he usually did. It actually felt like they were all just sitting around the mess hall talking like they used to. “The Lady Blue needs a gentle hand if you want her to run at peak performance.” Livewire grinned. “She has feelings, too.” The easy banter around the table continued until Gigi brought out a tray piled high with food, including two pieces of chocolate cake. Gigi set it down on the edge of the table then stepped back, making sure he was far enough away as to not touch Livewire. Livewire was grateful for Gigi’s understanding as he stood and reached for the tray. “Thank you.” “Anytime.” Gigi beamed. “And I mean that, Livewire. If there’s anything you need, just ask.” “I know.” Livewire grimaced as he looked down at the tray of food for a moment. “I’m trying, Gigi.” “Just remember that you’re not alone,” Gigi said quietly, as if his words were for Livewire’s ears alone. “You have a lot of friends here, a lot of people rooting for you.” Livewire nodded and carried the tray out of the mess hall. He was too choked up to give voice to the words caught in his throat. He knew everyone on the Lady Blue was behind him, rooting for him. And he’d always be thankful for them. But there were just some things a man had to do on his own. Climbing out of the hellhole he’d been in since landing on Beta Five was something Livewire knew he needed to do himself—with his doctor leading the way.

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Chapter 7 Imlay sat up on his elbows as he watched Livewire walk into isolation with a food tray balanced on one hand and the plates of cake on the other. His eyes followed Livewire’s moves, watching the mechanic set the tray down and then both plates. Imlay noticed a few changes. For one, he was in isolation with no clue as to how he had gotten there. He felt better, rested. The massive headache that had thumped in his head for the past few days was gone, and Imlay felt a little more energized, like someone had put fresh batteries in him. The second thing he noticed was the Livewire was back to human form. Imlay watched the cut lines of Livewire’s biceps flex and bunch as he went about preparing the food plate. His tongue crept out and slid across his bottom lip. His mouth was dry as sand. Imlay noticed the gown flap open behind Livewire’s, revealing a sensual back and ripped hard thighs. Imlay averted his eyes, afraid he would be busted ogling the man. Livewire, and Imlay for that matter, was trying to get used to touch. There was no sense the man becoming uncomfortable if he saw Imlay molest his backside with his eyes. The third thing was what caught and kept Imlay’s attention. “Did you leave sick bay?” Livewire flinched like a kid getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar. His face flushed as he turned to Imlay and gave one short nod. Imlay could see in Livewire’s eyes that he didn’t want a big deal made out of it, so he shelved it for now.

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“I went to the mess hall and got you something to eat. Sit up.” Livewire flicked his good hand up and down, telling Imlay he wanted him up. Imlay scooted onto his backside as he sat patiently waiting for his love to bring him his food. Livewire pushed the small, mobile table over to him and picked the fork up, handing it over. “Gigi made this plate of food for you.” Once again Livewire’s checks blossomed pink under the florescent lighting. Imlay grabbed the fork, his fingers brushing across the back of Livewire’s hand. The mechanic cleared his throat as he stood there in front of Imlay. He couldn’t take it. He patted the space next to him. “Have a seat.” Imlay said it off-handedly, making the instruction no big deal. When Livewire stayed rooted to the spot, Imlay sat his fork down and held his hand out. Like a snail crawling across the floor, Livewire’s hand slowly raised and then settled in Imlay’s palm. Imlay gave a gentle tug, pulling his mechanic closer until Livewire finally sat down. “Would you like some? It’s delicious.” Imlay wedged a little closer as he stabbed at the meat and then raised it for Livewire. The doctor was well aware that Livewire’s last meal had taken a nose dive and that his mechanic was probably starving. The shift probably tossed his appetite into overdrive. The mechanic didn’t open right away, and Imlay didn’t lower the fork. They were having some kind of showdown with their eyes, neither backing down. “It’ll hang in front of your mouth forever, so you might as well give in.” Imlay twisted his lips sideways as he waited. Was that a smile? Did the side of Livewire’s mouth just tug a minute amount? Imlay breathed a sigh of relief when Livewire finally opened, his soft lips closing around the tines. Hell if that wasn’t a turn-on. Don’t lick your lips, don’t lick your lips. Imlay lowered his

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eyes to his plate, his heart jumping out of his chest and trying to make a landing at his feet. “Good?” Livewire nodded, opening for another bite. The fork clattered against the plate as Imlay’s hands shook. Taking a deep and cleansing breath, Imlay stabbed at another piece of meat and repeated the erotic act. Imlay’s eyes dropped, watching Livewire’s throat muscles work strategically to swallow the meat. Oh, bloody hell. Did the temperature go up in isolation? Maybe he needed something to lower his temperature? How hot was it? “This is good,” Livewire murmured. “I imagine you’re pretty hungry right about now. You burn off a lot of fuel when you shift like that.” Imlay could have bitten his tongue when Livewire’s eyes suddenly became downcast and he glanced away. He should have kept his mouth shut. They had been making such progress. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked softly. “I…I didn’t want you to see that.” “Whyever not?” Imlay asked. “You have a beautiful form when you shift.” Livewire’s mouth was hanging open when his head snapped back around. He looked stunned. “You think that…that thing is beautiful?” Ah, that explained Livewire’s reaction. “Yes, but I think any form you have is beautiful.” Livewire just stared at him, but each time he opened his eyes, Imlay could see the gray in them bleeding over until his pupils were almost gone. Imlay didn’t know what it meant, but it was sexy as hell. Livewire inhaled suddenly, his nostrils flaring. He lifted his hands and started to reach out then stopped, hesitating. “I want—” Livewire swallowed hard. “I want to touch you.” “Then you’d better put this over on the desk,” Imlay said as he held out the plate and fork in his hand. This was the first clear

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indication Imlay had seen that Livewire wanted to come back into the land of the living. He was all for it—especially if it involved Livewire touching him of his own free will. While Livewire set the dishes of food on the desk, Imlay scooted back and made space for the man on the bed. He waited until Livewire turned back around and walked back to the bed then flipped the blanket back. He wondered if he had made the right choice when Livewire shuddered. Imlay started to reach for the blanket to pull it back over him when Livewire grabbed his arm. “No.” Livewire swallowed again. “Please.” Imlay stared at Livewire for a moment then dropped the blanket. He scooted back against the pillows and laid down on his back, watching Livewire watch him. Imlay almost swallowed his tongue when Livewire licked his lips. Was anything sexier? Livewire knelt on the edge of the bed and ever so slowly moved closer until their bodies almost touched but not quite. Imlay held his breath when Livewire reached out to touch him. He could see that the mechanic’s hand was trembling. “Pax says you have a red mist,” Livewire whispered out of the blue. “Oh?” Livewire nodded. His hand hovered just over the top of the skin on Imlay’s chest. “I can feel why. You give off a lot of heat.” “I’ve always run a little hotter than everyone else.” “It’s nice.” Livewire looked up to meet Imlay’s eyes then smiled. “Warm.” Imlay swallowed. “I’m glad you think so.” Livewire’s hand was suddenly on Imlay’s bare chest. Imlay felt like he couldn’t breathe. The pensive frown that creased the skin between Livewire’s eyebrows concerned Imlay. He didn’t know whether Livewire wanted him or just to touch another living being. Whichever it was, Imlay knew he would do it if just to help Livewire

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heal. But he was really hoping Livewire looked so intense because he wanted to be touching Imlay—the man. Imlay clamped his jaw together as Livewire’s hand started moving over his skin. The touch was light, tentative, and it was driving Imlay out of his mind. He tried desperately to remember that this was for Livewire, not because his body was one huge raging hormone. As more of his chest was covered, his hands began to dig into the sheets beneath him, holding onto something so he wouldn’t reach for Livewire. Considering his actual level of practical knowledge when it came to sex, he wasn’t sure what he would do with Livewire if he did have the man in his hands. Imlay knew the particulars of the sexual act. He was a doctor, after all. He just had no real experience beyond a quick rub off with an old schoolmate. He’d never seen the need before now to go any further. With Livewire’s hands caressing him, the need was blatantly clear. Imlay was always the person to shun advances, claiming he was too busy in his medical career. Considering the hollow feeling that had been left in his chest after his last, correction, only experience, Imlay wasn’t so quick to want to repeat it. Now? Now lying under Livewire’s exploring hands, Imlay wanted things he never dreamed of. He wanted things he’d only heard whispered in private conversations. Imlay just wanted. He averted his eyes when Livewire’s fingers traced over his collarbone. The look in his mechanic’s eyes was too intense. Livewire pulled his hand back, sitting on his haunches. “All you have to say is no,” Livewire growled softly. Imlay swallowed, cursing his inexperience. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. “I—” Livewire rolled back to the edge of the bed, his body posture telling Imlay his man was feeling rejected. Imlay couldn’t let him think that. “I’ve never…”

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Livewire’s head turned slowly as his brows drew down in a frown. Imlay could see the wheels turning in Livewire’s mind, the two words being worked out like a mathematical problem. Imlay reached over and took Livewire’s hand in his, guiding it back to his chest. “Show me.” Livewire turned back around, getting onto his knees once again. His fingers hovered over Imlay, his eyes questioning and uncertain. “Touch me, please.” Imlay chewed on his bottom lip as he waited to see what Livewire was going to do. “What if I hurt you?” Livewire’s fingers brushed across his abdomen, making Imlay’s belly quiver. His cock was so hard it was almost painful. “You won’t. I won’t let you.” Imlay reached out and stroked Livewire’s arm, caressing it as he coaxed it closer to his body. Livewire looked curious and frightened, so Imlay lowered his hand and waited. He didn’t have to wait long. The back of Livewire’s knuckle touched Imlay’s cock, and then slowly added pressure as his hand ran up and down Imlay’s shaft. He sucked air through his teeth as his legs spread further apart. “I’m burning. Touch me.” Imlay wasn’t sure where the bravery came from, but it surfaced, giving him the ability to reach down and unsnap his pants. He took Livewire’s hand in his and pushed it past his waistband. Livewire’s eyes shuttered closed as his fingers glided over the head of Imlay’s cock, spreading the beads of moisture around. Imlay grabbed the bed beneath him once more, his hips involuntarily hitching at his mechanic’s touch. “Livewire.” Imlay gave a throaty little plea. He was so close. So damn close. Livewire’s eyes shifted as he crawled further onto the bed and stretched out beside Imlay, his strong fingers wrapping around Imlay’s cock, stroking it, squeezing it. Imlay’s fingers tightened, digging deeper into the bed. Livewire leaned closer, his lips touching Imlay’s nipple through his shirt.

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“Oh, gods.” Imlay hitched his hips again, feeling his cock slide through Livewire’s tightly fisted hand. He did it again, and then again, fucking Livewire’s fist. A rumbling purr tore from Livewire’s throat as Imlay’s head fell back and he hissed. “Make me come.” Livewire sped up his hand, stroking Imlay’s cock harder, faster. Imlay arched his back, crying out as hot seed exploded from his cock, hitting his chest and chin. His mind was racing, his thoughts scattered as he experienced his second orgasm with the man. He lay there panting, fighting for air to inflate his lungs as his eyes slowly opened. There was something akin to wonder in Livewire’s eyes as Imlay looked up at him. It was shadowed by need, a need Imlay could feel pressing against his thigh. Imlay reached down and gave the gentlest of pressure against the bulge raging behind Livewire’s gown. “Can I?” Livewire swallowed hard then nodded. Imlay scooted down then lifted the fabric covering Livewire. His breath caught in his throat when he got his first real look at what Livewire had been hiding this entire time. “Damn!” “What?” Imlay quickly glanced up. He could see the worry in Livewire’s gray eyes. “You didn’t mention you were hung like a horse.” A slow smile started moving across Livewire’s lips. “You didn’t ask. You were always too busy running from me.” “I’m not running anymore.” “No,” Livewire whispered. “You’re not.” Imlay looked back down at the more-than-impressive cock jutting up from Livewire’s groin. He licked his lips. “When you’re feeling up to it, I’d really like to get to know this guy a little better. For now…” Imlay leaned forward and licked away the drops of pre-cum pooling on the head of Livewire’s cock. Livewire hissed and bucked. Imlay looked up, afraid he had done something wrong. Didn’t guys like blow jobs?

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“Livewire?” “Jes—don’t stop,” Livewire groaned. “Take all of it.” Imlay blinked as he looked at the cock in his hands. He was supposed to swallow all of that? Was it even possible? When Livewire’s hands tangled in his hair, Imlay decided that if it wasn’t he’d find a way to make it possible. He experimented at first, allowing just the head in his mouth. It wasn’t an easy fit. Livewire filled so much of his mouth. Imlay swiped his tongue along the edges of the head then up over the top when more drops of pre-cum shot out. He was absently surprised at how good Livewire tasted. He was under the impression that cum tasted sour. It didn’t. He couldn’t quite place what it did taste like, but he liked it. “More,” Livewire pleaded. Imlay tried to breathe through his nose as he sucked more of the man’s cock into his mouth. If Livewire wanted him to take more, he’d give it his best shot. He swallowed hard and swallowed more and more until curly hairs tickled his nose. Imlay blinked in shock. He’d taken all of Livewire. He had swallowed down all of the man’s massive cock. He must have done it right because Livewire was groaning, his lower body grinding up against Imlay. Imlay started getting caught up in Livewire’s need. He sucked the cock in his mouth as he pulled back, letting his tongue work up the heavily veined sides. Livewire suddenly spread his legs. Imlay glanced up to find Livewire watching him. There was so much want and desire sparkling in the man’s gray eyes that Imlay paused for a moment to take it all in. “Imlay, please,” Livewire whispered. Imlay jerked, realizing that he had stopped moving. He kept his eyes locked with Livewire’s and sucked the man back into his mouth until he felt the man's cock hit the back of his throat. “My balls,” Livewire begged, “touch my balls.”

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Imlay arched an eyebrow. “Please!” Imlay reached down and grabbed Livewire’s balls, gently rolling them around in his hand. He started bobbing his head up and down on Livewire’s cock, moving faster and faster as he watched Livewire begin to pant. There seemed to be a direct connection to how fast he moved and how loud Livewire became. He wanted the man to scream. “I’m close, Imlay,” Livewire groaned. “Gods, I’m so close.” Livewire’s legs bent as he drew his knees up, cradling Imlay between them. His hands moved down to cup Imlay’s face. “Let me fuck your mouth.” Imlay climbed onto his knees and nodded, giving Livewire the go ahead. Livewire bucked up, his cock driving deep into Imlay’s mouth. Imlay gagged and pulled back a little until he could swallow again. Livewire’s hands tightened in his hair. “Imlay,” he panted heavily, “gonna…” Imlay nodded his head that he understood then tightened his lips around the cock in his mouth. When Livewire bucked up, he dove down and started bobbing his head again, moving his mouth up and down the thick shaft. Livewire suddenly stiffened, his body going taut as a bow string. “Imlay,” he roared as he came. Imlay’s eyes widened as shot after shot of spunk filled his mouth. He swallowed down as much as he could then licked the sides of Livewire’s cock where some had escaped and trickled down. Overwhelmed, Imlay scooted up and laid his head on Livewire’s abdomen. He didn’t remember that Livewire didn’t like touching until he felt the man’s fingers stroke through his hair. Imlay glanced up to see a small smile on Livewire’s face. “My first blow job.” “You’re very good at it.”

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Imlay smiled and closed his eyes, resting his head on Livewire since the man didn’t seem to mind. Livewire had given him no indication that he should move, so he wasn’t going to. He liked it right where he was. “You’re my mate, you know.” “I know.” Imlay laid a soft kiss on Livewire’s belly. “You think I went this bonkers over a mechanic?” Livewire smiled as he ran his hand over Imlay’s hair, making him sigh.

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Chapter 8 Blade took the plate from Adwaka and sat it on the empty bed. His fingers were itching to run them through his mate’s golden blond hair but Blade held back. Adwaka hadn’t said much about his ordeal, and Blade wasn’t too sure about his mate’s receptiveness to touch. Watching Livewire recover was hard on everyone. Blade didn’t want to set his mate off. Adwaka seemed timid and afraid of his own damn shadow, but at the same time freaked out whenever Blade tried to leave his side. Blade was surprised he didn’t go into a tizzy when he went to get everyone’s food or drag Zackary from sick bay. “Is there anything you need, Adwaka?” “No.” Adwaka smiled and folded his hands together in his lap. “I’m good.” “Okay, then I’m going to take these dishes back to the kitchen.” Blade grabbed the dishes and stacked them on the tray. He lifted the tray and started carrying it toward the door when he heard small footsteps padding behind him. When he turned, Adwaka was standing right behind him, smiling. “Shouldn’t you stay in bed?” Adwaka shook his head. Blade frowned. He wasn’t sure if it was such a good idea for Adwaka to be leaving the sick bay. “Hey, doc?” “What?” A moment later, a sleep-tousled-looking Imlay appeared in the doorway to the isolation room. Livewire stood so close behind him that Blade couldn’t help but wonder if they were glued together. “Is it okay for Adwaka to leave sick bay?”

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Imlay rubbed his hand over his face then walked closer, Livewire right behind him. Imlay stopped in front of Adwaka and stared at him. “How do you feel?” “I’m okay.” Imlay checked Adwaka’s eyes then grabbed his medical scanner. Blade stood there watching until Imlay finally nodded his head. “Okay, you can go, but don’t overexert yourself. If you start feeling weak at all, come right back. Better yet, have Blade carry you back.” When Adwaka beamed and looked up at him, Blade knew he was in trouble. Adwaka was going to storm right in and wrap himself around every good sense he had. He could see it coming. “Come on.” Blade turned and headed out of the sick bay, Adwaka hot on his heels. “Let’s go so you can explore the ship.” **** Livewire smiled as he watched Adwaka follow Blade out of the sick bay. It was good to see Adwaka smiling after so much time watching him cry. He liked seeing the little man happy, but he was concerned about Blade’s intentions. Blade had never seemed like the accepting type to him. The man was nice enough, but he always held something back. If he was going to become involved with Adwaka, Livewire knew he’d need to talk to him. Adwaka had already suffered enough. “Are you hungry?” Livewire turned to see Imlay looking at him. He surprised himself when he held out his hand to the man. Maybe this whole touch thing was getting easier. Imlay was certainly helping. Still, Livewire knew he needed to stretch his boundaries just a little bit more. “What I’d really like is a hot shower and then maybe we could go to the mess hall to eat.” Imlay smiled slowly. “If that’s what you want.”

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“What I want isn’t possible in a room full of people, but I think we need food first.” Livewire grinned when Imlay’s face flushed. This was a facet of the good doctor he had yet to encounter, a very interesting facet. “Did you know the showers on this ship were built big enough for two?” Livewire saw where his doctor was going with this idea. It was hard to miss with Imlay’s green eyes turning into a dark swirl of desire. Livewire’s eyes shifted as he perused his mate’s body. “Are you inviting me into your shower, Imlay?” The most beautiful blush spiderwebbed up Imlay’s neck and across his already glowing cheeks. Livewire stood there in amazement for a moment, wondering how a creature so stunning could be his. It didn’t seem real. Imlay had pulled him from the pits of hell and brought him back to safety. Livewire still couldn’t figure out how he felt as good as he did. It perplexed him that just one bout of sex, a rub off and blowjob no less, had made him feeling as though he had gained a small fraction of his old self back. Imlay lifted one shoulder in a shrug and nodded, his eyes darting around the sick bay. Livewire wouldn’t deny that he loved the fact that he was Imlay’s first. It made him feel empowered and very protective of the tall and slender man. He cupped his hand behind Imlay’s neck and pulled him forward, laying a kiss on his mate’s forehead. “Let’s eat first.” The small pouty look made Livewire smile as he led his mate out of sick bay and up to the upper deck where he could feed his mate. His health came first before Livewire claimed him. Imlay was going to need all his strength for the claiming Livewire had in mind. Livewire was relieved to see the mess hall empty. Even though he was comfortable with his mate now, he wasn’t too sure about everyone else. He was aware the crew had landed on Beta Five and

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rescued him, but the feeling of mistrust was still running strongly through his veins. Imlay held onto his hand tightly as they walked through the mess hall and into the kitchen. Gigi and Pax were there preparing dinner. The smells wafted past Livewire’s nostrils, making him inhale deeply. He could smell onions and cilantro sizzling in the frying pan. Thank the gods Remy had hired a cook. The food replicator had nothing on Gigi. “Livewire!” Pax smiled as he slid down from the stool he was sitting on. The little blue man kept his distance though. Livewire was thankful for that. He just wasn’t ready for any other contact right now other than Imlay’s. “Hi, Pax. My mate is hungry.” “Woohoo, look at you, Livewire.” Gigi giggled. “Laying the pipe down on doc, are ya?” the squirrelly human asked as he sautéed his spices. “That’s none of your business,” Livewire growled. He could see Imlay turning a deep shade of red as his mate took a step behind him. Livewire was ready to demand Remy give Gigi a good spanking. Shit, he’d probably enjoy it. Scratch that. “I’m just saying.” Gigi sighed dramatically. “You two look all glowy. I like it.” The side of Livewire’s mouth pulled back when he saw Pax roll his eyes and throw leaves of lettuce at Gigi. “Behave.” “Go sit out in the mess hall, and I’ll bring you two something to eat.” Gigi ignored Pax as he shooed his hand toward Livewire and Imlay. “Thanks.” Livewire pulled his mate along as they left the kitchen. He moved a chair back, waiting for Imlay to take a seat. Imlay looked cross but sat. “I can seat myself.” “I’m perfectly aware of that,” Livewire replied as he sat down next to Imlay. He reached over and laced his fingers with Imlay’s,

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grateful when the man didn’t pull away. Imlay still seemed a little peeved, though. “I doubt there is much you can’t do. You are an amazing person.” Imlay sighed and the tension that held him so stiff seemed to melt away. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be prickly. I just don’t believe what happens between us is anyone’s business but ours.” “I agree. What is between us is very private and not for public viewing.” Livewire waved his hand back toward the kitchen. “But Gigi didn’t mean anything by what he said. He’s happy for us. And just because he makes a comment does not mean we’re parading ourselves out in front of him.” “I know, I just—” Imlay shook his head. “I suppose I am unused to public displays of affection or even talking about sex. It’s just not something I have had much experience with.” Livewire chuckled softly as he squeezed Imlay’s hand. “And I can’t even begin to tell you how much I like that.” “What?” Imlay’s head snapped up. “You like the fact that I get embarrassed so easily?” “No.” Livewire rubbed his thumb over the edge of Imlay’s jaw. “I like the fact that I am your first.” Imlay’s face flushed again. His eyes widened and he cleared his throat. “Technically, you’re not—yet. We haven’t—” “We will.” **** “Anything?” Remy asked as he walked onto the bridge. He arched an eyebrow when Zackary jumped back from Tank. He didn’t know exactly what they were doing, but the two men seemed to be standing awfully close together. “Uh, some,” Tank said, “but nothing concrete.” “What do you have?”

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“These…” Zackary held up one of the transmitters found in the crates they had picked up on Paktil. “These things are pretty advanced, technically speaking. You can’t even find them on the open market yet. Strictly military.” Remy froze. “Military?” “Yeah, you know, the Elite Force.” Zackary shook his head as he set the transmitter down and grabbed his vid-pad. “I never really thought I’d see one. They’re really hard to get, even on the black market. Whoever planted these things has serious connections.” Remy pressed his lips together as he considered the implications of what Zackary was saying. He didn’t like his conclusions, not one bit. “Tank, I want you to call everyone together in the mess hall, and I mean everyone, even Adwaka and Livewire. We all need to talk.” Tank nodded and turned to put the ship into autopilot then hurried from the bridge. Remy turned his attention back to Zachery. “Bring everything you’ve got down to the mess hall.” Zackary nodded. Remy waited for Zackary to gather his stuff then followed the man off the bridge. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but if the Elite Force was involved, things were going to get very dangerous for all of them. Remy rolled his eyes when Zackary gave the air lock a wide berth, prancing away from it as he hurried along. “I don’t think you’re a spy any longer, Zackary.” “Hey, a man’s gotta protect his assets. I’m just a guy who watches men that have threatened to send my ass out of an air lock. I told you I only had seven lives left. I’m not taking any chances here, bub.” Zackary sped up and practically ran down to the mess hall. Remy wasn’t going to regret how he handled Zackary when he first came onboard, but he did feel slightly guilty for how jumpy the little Paktillian was now. It wasn’t his intention, but Livewire’s safety had come first. It still did. Until they found the responsible party, or parties, Remy wasn’t letting his guard down.

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Remy pushed through the mess hall doors to see Livewire and Imlay sitting intimately close, sharing a meal. He smiled at the way his mechanic seemed to glow now. Imlay was helping his mate slowly come back to them all. The room soon filled with his crew, everyone looking at Remy expectantly. “I think our problem of the tracking devices is bigger than we first suspected. Tank and Zackary have traced them to the Elite Force.” Curses rang out around the table as his crew digested the ramifications of Remy’s words. “Why would they track crates going only one planet over? That just doesn’t make any sense,” Blade asked as he pulled Adwaka closer. Remy didn’t miss the move, wondering if the little Orillian was ready for a coyote shifter. Coyotes were very territorial and extremely insane when it came to their mates. After what happened to Adwaka, Remy prayed Blade knew how to handle the small man. It seemed Blade’s view of mates only meeting a need and that their importance didn’t come first was falling to the wayside. Somehow, Remy knew the coyote would change his tune when he finally met his mate. “Whatever is going on, I’m guessing it’s aimed at Lost Star Three. We could drop the cargo and haul ass. Or we could warn them.” Remy eyed everyone in the room. “Fuck that,” Colt snapped. “I still haven’t forgotten how that little bitch ass concierge betrayed us. I say let the Elite Force do whatever the hell it is they have planned and keep our noses out of it.” “Th–They plan…” Adwaka trailed off, turning his face into Blade’s chest. Blade reached over and smoothed his hand down his mate’s back, making small grunting and whimpering noises in Adwaka’s ear, a coyote’s way of calming his mate. “Go on, Adwaka, no one is going to be mad at you,” Remy encouraged softly. He had a feeling the little Orillian had the answers

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they needed to put the pieces together for this mystery as well as Livewire’s. Adwaka took a deep breath as he lifted his head from Blade’s chest. Blade ran his hands over Adwaka’s hair, nodding at his mate. Adwaka chewed on his lower lip before meeting Remy’s eyes. “It’s painful.” Blade gave a low growl, but Remy had no choice but to ignore it if they were going to figure this out. The last thing he wanted to do was make Adwaka relive his torture, but they needed to know what they were dealing with. “Take your time.” “When I was…” Adwaka’s fingers curled into Blade’s shirt. “Chained to the wall, I heard them talking about taking over Lost Star Three. I don’t think it was the Federation of United Planets as much as a few rogue members of the Elite Force. They talked about…” Once again Adwaka buried his face in Blade’s chest. Remy took a seat. This was going to take a while. Gigi got up and moved closer, sitting next to Remy and placing his small hand in his. Remy gave Gigi’s hand a light squeeze as he waited for Adwaka to continue. The Orillian raised his head once more. “They talked about using the Lady Blue to haul their secret weapons to Lost Star Three,” Adwaka whispered and then looked over at Livewire. “That’s what they were trying to get out of you, the location of the Lady Blue. You were brave and didn’t tell them anything.” Remy could see admiration shining in Adwaka’s eyes as he stared at Livewire. Adwaka held onto Blade as he turned toward Remy. “They said you guys were already outlaws with a bounty on your heads. They said that setting the crew up would be easy. They also said that they were going to make a lot of credits off of the deal on Lost Star Three and turning the Lady Blue over to the Federation of United Planets.” “Do you know who they are, Adwaka?” Remy asked. “Did you ever hear any names mentioned?”

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“Pierce!” Livewire suddenly shouted. Remy turned to look at him, surprised by the man’s outburst. “Pierce?” “Yeah.” Livewire’s face flushed a bit. “I heard them talking about Pierce, but that’s all I know. They, the ones that had me, seemed to be concerned that Pierce would show up and be upset with them if they didn’t get the information out of me that they were looking for.” “Okay.” Remy folded his hands together around Gigi’s. “So we’re looking for someone named Pierce.” “I might be able to do a search of Elite Force records if we get close enough to the planet.” Zackary glanced around the room for a minute then lowered his voice as if parting with a deeply held secret. “Their security measures suck.” Remy chuckled at Zackary’s tone then sobered quickly when he realized that they would have to fly close to his home world in order to break into the Elite Force’s database. He didn’t relish being anywhere near his birth planet. It brought him nothing but bad memories. “We have a choice here, men. We can go ahead and drop this cargo off at Lost Star Three and pretend we know nothing about being set up. The merits of this would be finding out more information. The downside would be that we’d be walking right into a trap.” The frowns that were sent back to Remy didn’t make him think his crew was in favor of that plan. “If we head toward Tronos, we’ll be going into Federation territory. From what Zackary has said, that could be a death sentence. The bounty on our heads seems to have gone beyond the Turok System.” “Get me to Paktil, and I’ll get our lady in the best shape she’s ever been in,” Livewire said. “No one will be able to overtake us.” “Ahhh, we just left Paktil,” Zackary whined. “Just toss me out an air lock now. My mom is gonna blow a gasket.”

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Chapter 9 Imlay squatted down as he watched Livewire reach under the propulsion system. He was on his back with his hand shoved up into the machine, but all Imlay saw were the strong movements of his well-defined thighs, the cut of his sculpted biceps, and the flat planes of his abdomen. Imlay felt like a downright pervert for zeroing in on the outline that sat in the crotch of Livewire's pants, but Imlay couldn’t help it. It was huge. “Do you need any help?” Imlay asked Livewire’s bulge. “I think he’s okay for now.” His mate chuckled. Imlay could feel his face and ears heat up at getting caught ogling. It was true he had had Livewire’s cock in his mouth, but it was still embarrassing. Imlay licked his lips at the remembrance of how good his mate had tasted. Never in a million years would he have thought to give someone a blowjob. “If you keep licking your lips and looking at me like you want to eat me for desert, I’ll never get this done,” Livewire warned as the bulge in the front of his pants grew larger. Imlay was having the same effect in his pants. “I’m going to go stand over there.” Imlay pointed behind him as he stood and backed away. The temperature was once again rising all around him. Damn it was hot down here. Imlay began to wave his hand in front of him to cool his heated skin. “That may be a good idea until I’m done here,” Livewire said before looking back at his task at hand.

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Imlay bit his bottom lip as he took one step in his mate’s direction. The bulge seemed to be calling him. Imlay wondered what it would feel like when Livewire claimed him. Would it hurt? From the noise he heard coming from Gigi and Remy’s quarters, it must be real pleasurable. But Gigi was strange anyway. There was no telling what made him happy. Imlay remembered the size of Livewire’s cock when he had to stretch his mouth wide open to take the girth. Imlay gulped. Could he take that much manhood into his anus? No, he couldn’t. It was impossible. There was no way in hell. It couldn’t happen. Imlay could feel his entire body shaking as he began to freak out in engineering. He had invited Livewire to his shower. What was he going to do once both of them were completely naked? Play vid-games? Imlay wrung his hands in front of him as his eyes darted toward the door. He really couldn’t do this. No, no, no, it would hurt. There was no way. “Doc!” Imlay’s eyes snapped over to Livewire, wondering if his mate read his mind. He had a questioning look on his face that told Imlay that he really could. Imlay shot to the door, needing to escape. He yelped when a strong arm caught him around the waist and hauled him back. “Breathe,” Livewire whispered in his ear. “I’m the head case, remember? I get to freak out, not you. Now, why are you so pale and shaking?” Imlay shook his head back and forth as he covered his face. “It’s going to hurt. Don’t lie to me, Livewire. Tell me the truth. It’s going to hurt, isn’t it?” Livewire turned Imlay in his arms, kissing the tip of his nose. “I won’t lie. It’ll be uncomfortable the first time until your body adjusts to mine.” Imlay wailed as he hung from Livewire’s arm. “I’ve been curious. I won’t lie. But I’m scared out of my mind. You’re so…so big.”

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Livewire chuckled softly against Imlay’s neck. “Thanks for the ego rub.” “Livewire, I’m serious.” “I’ll be gentle, I promise, Imlay.” Imlay could see the sincerity in Livewire’s eyes. But that didn’t stop the knot forming in his abdomen. There was just no logical way this could work without pain being involved. No way at all. “I have a solution if you’re so afraid,” Livewire said as he walked Imlay backwards, leading him to his mate’s quarters. “W–What would that be?” Imlay asked as he followed his mate, watching him suspiciously. “You’ll see.” Gods, his mate was devilishly handsome when he bit his bottom lip. He let Livewire led him into his quarters, looking around as he was seated on the bed. “Take your pants off.” “But, you said—” “Will you trust me?” Imlay exhaled loudly as he stood. “Turn around.” Livewire cocked his head, studying Imlay, but finally did as he was told. Imlay shucked his pants and shoes quickly and then crawled onto the bed and covered his body with a sheet. “Okay.” His mate spun around and then growled, his eyes shifting to that red and orange color again. Imlay swallowed repeatedly. It was scary and sexy at the same time. The sheet was slowly plucked from his fingers as Livewire joined him on the bed, settling his broader frame between Imlay’s legs. Imlay hissed when Livewire took his shaft into his mouth. Never before had he experienced such great pleasure, and Imlay was sure he wasn’t going to survive this. Livewire’s hands seemed to be all over Imlay’s body as he sucked Imlay’s cock to the back of his throat. Imlay cried out at the foreign sensations tearing through his body. Livewire worked his throat as his head slid back and forth, pushing Imlay’s legs until they were crushed against his chest. His

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mate used one arm to brace Imlay’s legs as his free hand began to massage Imlay’s sac. Imlay grabbed the pillow and shoved it over his face, biting into it to stop the shouts from reaching the upper levels. His mate pulled it away, their eyes locking as Livewire’s eyes conveyed to him that he wanted to hear every single sound. Imlay arched his back when he felt a finger breach him. It was frightening and exhilarating at the same time. Livewire got to his knees, sucking his cheeks in as his mouth rode Imlay’s cock. “I’m close,” Imlay panted as Livewire inserted another finger. Imlay’s brain was malfunctioning as Livewire took him to heights he never dreamed of. There was no way something existed that felt this damn good. His bit his lips as he felt slight pressure at his anus, wondering if Livewire had taken him. It didn’t hurt like he thought it would. It just felt full…strange. Imlay’s mind shattered as Livewire did something inside his anus and Imlay exploded, his cock releasing his seed as his mate drank him down. Imlay was gasping for air as his body became boneless. He couldn’t move a muscle right now even if he tried. Livewire stretched out beside him, kissing his neck and then claiming his lips. When they broke away, Imlay found that he could breathe no better. “Are we mated now?” Livewire chuckled. “No.” Imlay couldn’t understand what just happened. He felt his mate breach him. There was no mistake about that. “Why?” “I only inserted a butt plug. It’ll stretch you out and prepare you for me.” He wiggled his brows as he grinned. “Don’t look so disappointed. In a few hours”—Livewire smacked Imlay’s exposed butt cheek, making him yelp—“this will belong to me. Now, I must finish my work.” Livewire rolled from the bed and gathered Imlay’s pants, helping him put them back on. It felt strange having something in his anus as he walked out of Livewire’s quarters. Imlay wondered if anyone would notice how odd he was walking. Imlay shook his head. He was the inexperienced one,

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so he was going to trust that Livewire knew what he was doing. Or he was going to strangle his mate. **** Livewire was so damn hard that he was ready to jack off right under the propulsion system. He had held back, wanting to bring his mate great pleasure while inserting the plug, but damn if his stiffy wasn’t ready to explode. He readjusted himself before crawling back under the machine. It would be his luck to get his cock caught in one of the main components. He’d take the pinky loss over a cock loss any day. “What are you doing?” Livewire rolled his eyes when he heard Zackary. His cousin always meant well. He was just a handful and Livewire wasn’t ready to deal with that yet. He rolled his shoulders, preparing himself for the cringe he knew was coming when Zackary’s hand landed on his calf. Livewire was shocked when it didn’t happen. Once again, he had felt like a small piece of him was returned when he had sex with Imlay. Something was going on with that but Livewire couldn’t figure out what, yet. “I’m tickling my lady’s panties, why?” “Oh, okay. Do you need any help? I’m pretty good with the ladies.” Livewire pushed his body from under the propulsion system, studying his cousin. “I thought you were gay?” “I am.” “Then what’s with the…never mind.” Zackary giggled. “Just because my cock bounces toward men like a moth to a flame doesn’t mean I’m not charming.” Livewire laughed as he lay on his back looking up at his cousin. “What ladies?”

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Zackary shrugged. “Does my mom count? I’m always nice to her.” Livewire shook his head as he slipped under his lady once again. “Go find Pax or Gigi while I get this done.” “Whatever. You always were the strange one in the family.” Zackary pouted as Livewire heard him walk away. Livewire blinked. He was the strange one? Livewire shook his head and tried to get it back on what he was doing. If he didn’t get this shit repaired and running straight, things could get very dicey. He had a trick or two up his sleeve, but he wanted to implement something that would make the Lady Blue run just a bit better. He had every confidence he could do just that, too. Being a mechanic was the one area Livewire knew he excelled at. He could just touch a machine and know what needed to be fixed on it. He’d always had that ability. The things he wanted to do to Imlay were another story. He wasn’t inexperienced like the doctor, but he wasn’t a raving slut either. It was a little daunting knowing he was going to be Imlay’s first. It also drove Livewire crazy. He just couldn’t decide which emotion to go with. “Livewire?” “In here, Remy.” “Oh hey, I wanted to know if there was anything else you wanted to add to this list of items before I send Crank planet-side.” “Yeah.” Livewire slid out from under the propulsion system and reached for the vid-pad Remy held out. He typed in a few things he needed then handed the pad back. “Tell Crank to go to the East Side Market and look for a guy named Duby. Tell him I sent him. He’ll give Crank the best price.” “Yeah, okay, anything else?” Livewire shrugged. “Don’t get caught?” Remy snorted as he turned to leave. “Yeah, I’ll pass that on.”

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**** Imlay was stocking the supply closet when he heard the swoosh of the sick bay doors. A throat cleared behind him, and Imlay knew Livewire had joined him. He knelt into the closet, trying to find anything to do with his hands, knowing why his mate was here. Suddenly Imlay didn’t feel so hot. “Almost done?” Livewire’s voice held confidence and a touch of desire. It had to be desire from the huskiness Imlay heard. Imlay pushed the hair from his eyes as he pushed to stand his full height. Using courage from the depths of his toes, Imlay turned to face his mate. His eyes met Livewire’s gray ones as Imlay’s insides turned to jelly. His hand waved back at the closet as his mate’s eyes kept him mesmerized. “Almost.” Imlay was stalling and he knew it. His feet felt like weights were added as he tried to cross the room and gather the last of the supplies to put away. Imlay could feel Livewire’s eyes following him. “You showered,” Imlay said without turning back toward his mate. “I had to. I didn’t trust myself with your naked body, and the shower isn’t the place I want your first time to take place.” Imlay dropped the supplies. Just the mention of his virginity being taken had him flustered. He knelt down and picked everything back up, carrying it over to the closet. Imlay had never taken this long to put a few items away. But he knew that once he was done, it was going to be time to face his mate. He gulped. Imlay jumped nervously when Livewire’s arms snaked around his waist and a soft kiss was planted on his neck. Thank goodness his mate didn’t say anything about it. It was embarrassing enough without the nervous twitch being pointed out. He had no choice but to toss

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everything else on the shelf when Livewire started pulling him out of the closet. “You’re stalling, babe.” Livewire nipped his shoulder. Gee, really? You think? Imlay’s body was sweating, his pulse racing, as his cock filled and began to leak inside his pants. This was it, the big moment. Why weren’t there any drum rolls? There should be drum rolls when a man was about to lose his cherry. Maybe some kind of parade declaring the virgin was about to be sacrificed to the gods…or god. Imlay was panicking, and he knew it. This wasn’t the first time either. Every time he thought the moment was upon him, his mind went into a mental nuclear meltdown. “I have you. Just give yourself to me, and let me guide you through this.” Livewire continued to play havoc on Imlay’s nerves by sucking on his neck as his mate walked them backward to Imlay’s quarters. “I’ll take over. You don’t have to do anything. I’ll do it all.” Imlay was grateful to have the responsibility taken from his hands. He was so afraid he would be a lousy lay, that Livewire would leave his bed in disgust because the poor inexperienced doctor hadn’t a clue what he was doing. Imlay nodded, letting Livewire know he had full control of the situation. “Go shower, babe. I’ll be waiting.” Imlay pulled from Livewire’s strong arms and walked into his bathroom, closing the door behind him. He sagged against the sink as he thought about what he and his mate were about to do. Imlay shoved a hand through his hair as he stood up straight and regulated the water. His clothes floated to the floor as Imlay stepped into the shower and got under the spray, trying his best to let the hot water relax him. It really wasn’t working, but he was trying. It took him what felt like twenty hours to lather his body, and then all of five seconds to rinse it off. Imlay soaped his body again. One

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could never be too clean, and it bought him precious minutes. Imlay washed, rinsed, repeated…five times. This was silly. It was only sex with his mate. Only…mindboggling sex where his mate would take him and bind the two of them together for life. Only…two sweaty bodies groping each other to find their own orgasms. Only…oh hell, he needed to get out of the shower because this was utter nonsense. Imlay shut the water off and stepped out, grabbing a towel to dry off with. He stood there drying every single inch of skin…and then dried off again. The towel skipped through his hair as he dried it until his scalp began to hurt. Imlay dropped his hand and stared in the mirror. “This is it. You’re a goner, buddy.” “Are you talking to me?” Livewire called out from the other room. Crap. Stall tactics were over. It was time to get his ass claimed, literally, and there was no two ways about it. Imlay wrapped the towel around his waist and took a deep and steadying breath. He nervously stepped into the other room and almost swallowed his tongue. Livewire was laid on his bed like a sex god, and he was totally naked.

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Chapter 10 Gulp. Imlay swallowed hard, and then swallowed again. His throat had gone desert dry. He stood in the doorway to the bathroom and couldn’t get his feet to move. “Come here, Imlay.” Livewire held his hand out. Imlay’s feet obeyed his mate as he padded across the floor. His fingers fluttered over his towel as he took a seat on the edge of the bed. Only the very bottom of his butt cheeks made contact with the bed. His body was coiled and ready to jump away. Livewire killed the plan when his arm wrapped around Imlay’s waist and pulled him back to a warm and solid body. Imlay’s cock was tenting under the towel, giving away his desire as Livewire pulled him down to lay stretched out next to his mate. Imlay could feel his pale skin flush as Livewire’s arms wrapped around him. “Hi.” A sexy-as-sin grin pulled at Livewire’s lips. They lay stretched out together, their bodies molded from shoulders to toes. It didn’t quite match up perfectly though. Imlay was five inches taller than Livewire. But his mate made up for that in body girth. Livewire was chiseled, muscular, maybe from working with machines all the time. Whereas Imlay had more of a runner’s body…okay, his mind was babbling. “Hello.” Imlay felt strange lying in bed using pleasantries. Why wasn’t Livewire making a move? A hand landed on his hips and Imlay yelped. “Relax, babe.” Livewire leaned forward and lapped at his neck as his hand wandered on circles over his naked hip. Where had his towel

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gone? Imlay could feel the light touches of Livewire’s finger teasing his flesh as his tongue seduced Imlay’s neck and shoulder. This was good, real good. It felt wonderful. Imlay let his head drop to the side as Livewire teased and sucked, licked and nipped. Imlay was relaxing, forgetting his fears, and his mate’s hand ran up his back and then a finger traced down his spine, making Imlay shiver. “That’s it, babe.” Livewire took his lips in a mind-altering kiss as the finger that trailed his spine dipped further down, running between his crease. Imlay moaned when his mate tapped the plug with his finger. He cried into Livewire’s mouth when his mate jostled it. The sensation felt so good that Imlay wanted more, so much more. He lifted his hips, driving his cock into Livewire’s stomach and then pushing back against his mate’s hand. Imlay wanted the plug out and Livewire’s cock in. “Please,” he begged and then buried his face into the crook of his mate’s neck. Imlay moaned when all of the sudden, he was empty. His hands quickly grabbed Livewire’s shoulders as he rolled them, putting Imlay underneath so much solid muscle. Instinctively Imlay lifted his legs, offering his mate anything he wanted or needed. Livewire’s shifter reddish-orange hues stared down at him, his eyes reassuring Imlay that he would stop if need be. “Don’t stop.” Livewire grinned and then grabbed the lube from under the pillow. His mate leaned back, snapped the cap, and then made everything slick and wet. His lubed fingers glided into Imlay’s already stretched hole. Imlay arched his back, feeling like he was going to explode when Livewire stroked over his prostate. Imlay wrapped his arms around Livewire’s neck, pulling his mate close as Livewire’s cock touched his hole and then popped past the ring, burying itself deep inside of him. His mate didn’t move. Not one muscle twitched while Imlay breathed through the wide girth. This is

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what he had wanted, what he had been dreaming of for the past couple of weeks. Imlay hitched his hips, trying to get Livewire deeper inside of him, to feel that enormous cock tickling the back of his throat. Livewire pulled back and then rammed forward, watching Imlay’s eyes, studying him. “Harder…yes, harder,” Imlay begged as his feet tried to climb up Livewire’s back. “You’re so big, so huge.” His fingernails dug into Livewire’s skin as his hole stretched to capacity and beyond. If Imlay had only known, really known how good this felt, he would have jumped Livewire as soon as he met him. So much wasted time because Imlay had been too afraid. Imlay pushed that thought aside, refusing to let it mar their perfect moment. It was happening now and that was all that mattered. “Give me more, Livewire.” “How much more, babe?” Livewire was panting. Imlay could tell he was holding back, big time. “All of you. Show me the real you.” Imlay wasn’t sure what he was asking for, but this wasn’t enough. He needed more, so much more. Livewire reared back, pushing one leg so far back that it touched Imlay’s ear. His mate began to power drive into him, giving Imlay what he had been begging for. “Yes, yes, yes,” Imlay cried as Livewire unleashed his beast. His fingernails grew long, his fangs emerged, and his skin darkened and then lightened with those brilliant hues of sunset colors. Livewire was giving him everything. Imlay gasped when Livewire leaned forward, turning Imlay into a pretzel as Livewire got impossibly close and he whispered in his ear. “I’m going to claim you, mate.” Imlay’s head bobbed up and down, his heart beating out of control. “Do it,” Imlay challenged, his voice almost as deep and gravely as Livewire’s. He cried out when Livewire sank his fangs in,

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sealing his lips around Imlay’s neck. Imlay’s cock exploded without a single touch as Livewire claimed him. The large cock inside of him began to move rapidly as Livewire used his cock to make Imlay come a second time. His balls were drawn so close to his body that Imlay could feel them pulsing as they emptied. Or was that his cock? Imlay wasn’t sure and didn’t care. His fingers dug into vivid red and orange flesh as his mate sealed the wound and then drove deeper, harder. Imlay’s world was colliding with Livewire’s, a kaleidoscope of colors crashing all around him as Livewire took him to the highest peak and plunge off of the other side. Livewire took his hand as they both fell over the edge of the summit and began to free-fall into the murky unknown, the depths of which he felt his body sinking into a blissful tidal wave. Livewire’s powerful thighs lined up with his as his cock slid across every ridge, every nerve ending inside of Imlay, making him whimper and cry out. Livewire’s entire body went rigid as he buried his cock deeply into Imlay and growled, hot seed filling Imlay’s depth. He clung to Livewire, his breath ragged as he rested his cheek on Livewire’s shoulder. His mate was lapping at Imlay’s neck, making a soft purring noise. Imlay began to squirm and then laugh. “That tickles.” Livewire’s deep chuckle made Imlay grin from ear to ear. “That was perfect, babe. Simply perfect.” His mate’s eyes seemed to glow as Livewire pulled back and stared down at him. Imlay felt his face blushing and wished he could smack himself for it. Was he ever going to stop being a damn blushing virgin? Imlay hissed and yanked his right hand from his mate’s shoulder as he swung it wildly around. The pain radiated up his arm as his lips automatically sucked at the deep ache. Imlay soon forgot about his hand when Livewire began to glow, actually glow. His red and orange hues became iridescent, making Imlay shelter his eyes.

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“What are you doing, Livewire?” Livewire shook his head from side to side as his wide eyes stared down at Imlay. “I’m not doing this, Imlay, you are.” Imlay broke eye contact when a small white glow caught his eye. He gasped as he watched the light travel around Livewire’s chest and then down his arm to his injured hand. “My healing powers,” he whispered as he watched the light glow brighter around Livewire’s injury. “They’ve never been this strong, this—shit!” He watched in fascination as the light shone brighter, and then jumped when Livewire yelped, cradling his injured hand to his chest. The light traveled back up Livewire’s arm, swirling around his mate’s neck, and then…and then…holy mother! Livewire’s entire head began to glow in that white, brilliant, and blinding light. The light shone bright for a few seconds, but it felt like a millennium to Imlay before it finally ebbed away, leaving Livewire in his human form. “Your hand.” Imlay pointed to the hand cradled at Livewire’s chest. His mate let it go and brought his hand out in front of them, twisting his wrist and flexing his fingers. “It’s—holy wow.” “Healed.” Livewire flexed a few more times as they both stared at five healthy and full fingers. The amputation was no longer, his pinky was fully restored. “You did this?” Livewire asked as his gray eyes locked onto Imlay’s. “I knew I had healing powers. That’s why I trained in medicine. But never on this scale.” Imlay waved his hand at Livewire’s. He had a feeling deep down inside of him that Livewire’s hand wasn’t the only thing healed. “You healed my body, and all I did was leave crackers in your bed.” Livewire belted out a laugh that was infectious. Imlay began to laugh along with his mate, having no damn clue what the crazy mechanic was talking about.

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His mate was back, fully restored, mind, body, and soul. Imlay grinned up at him like a loon as Livewire pulled Imlay into his arms and embraced and held him close. It was an overwhelming feeling to know he had cured his mate. But in a turn of play, Livewire had cured him, too. **** “Get ready, men,” Remy said from the commander’s chair as they descended toward Lost Star Three. Blade’s gut was in knots as they reached the spaceport. Everyone aboard the Lady Blue knew this was a setup, knew that a few rogue Elite Force were probably waiting somewhere for them. They had to drop and go, in and out. Once the ship docked, Crank, Blade, Colt, Livewire, and Remy ran down to the cargo bay. They were going to work as a team to get all four crates off of Lady Blue as quickly as possible and then haul ass off of this planet. This shouldn’t take more than ten, maybe fifteen minutes tops. At least that was what they all prayed. The retractable ramp touched down and the crew went into action. Crank and Blade worked as a team while Colt and Livewire worked to get their two crates off of the ship. Remy stayed on the spaceport, his hand on his strapped phaser as his eyes scanned the entire area. Blade was sweating by the time he and Livewire had the second crate offloaded. The large crates might contain silk, but they weren’t light. Remy signed the registration sheet and gave the receiver the documents that accompanied the load. Every T was crossed and every I dotted. They were good to go. And then the first blast shot past Blade’s head. “Incoming,” Remy shouted as the five men hauled ass back to the ramp. Blade hit his com link. “Tank, we have company. Get us out of here pronto,” Blade shouted as he pulled his phaser from the thigh strap and returned fire.

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Blade was the second to last to run up the ramp, Remy following close behind. “Fucking Tyvak,” Remy shouted at the men swarming the spaceport. Blade knew that name. It was the junior officer who had done everything in his power to sink the Elite Force group that the Lady Blue crew had once belonged to. The man had had a hard-on for this group for some unknown reason. Tyvak was the one who had gone to the Federation of United Planets and ratted them out as being the ones to inform on the corrupt general. It was supposed to be kept confidential. Blade raised his phaser, aiming directly for Tyvak’s head as the ramp began to close. If that fuckwad was the one responsible for Adwaka and Livewire’s capture, he was going to see him dead. Blade let a round go, but the bastard jumped out of the way just in time, smirking at Blade as the ramp closed and Tank shot Lady Blue out of the spaceport. “Fucking Tyvak,” Remy growled as he left the cargo bay and headed back up toward the bridge, his crew trailing behind him. Blade was dying to go check on Adwaka. His mate was left with Gigi and Pax. But he knew he was needed at the helm along with the rest of the crew in order to get Lady Blue out of Lost Star Three’s atmosphere. Fucking Tyvak. **** Livewire smiled when he entered engineering and saw Imlay waiting for him. What a sweet sight to see after that round of bullshit. “Are you hurt? Were you hit?” Imlay’s hands were all over Livewire’s body. He frantically checked Livewire from head to toe. Livewire stood there and allowed his mate to touch every inch of him. Not because he was actually hurt, but because he was getting a boner at the slim hands’ inspection.

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“I think I was shot in the groin. Could you lean in and check it real close?” Imlay twisted his lips and harrumphed as he slapped the back of Livewire’s head. “That isn’t funny. Do you know how terrified I was?” Livewire thought it was hilarious. As badly as he wanted cock-tomouth, he was needed in engineering to make sure his lady was in top peak performance for their escape, not a blowjob. Too bad. “I’m fine, babe. No one got hit, unfortunately.” Imlay’s eyebrows shot up. “What?” “Not us, them. Our crew knew the bastard setting us up.” Livewire grabbed his vid-pad and began systematic checks. “That’s disturbing,” Imlay said as he followed Livewire around, his eyes still scanning his body. “I’m fine, Imlay. I promise.” Livewire chuckled when Imlay gave him a peeved look. He knew his mate was only looking out for him, worried that he was really injured, but he wasn’t. Livewire performed a systems reading to make sure the ship hadn’t sustained any damage as Imlay stood close-by with his arms crossed over his chest. Livewire sighed and set his vid-pad down, pulling Imlay into his arms. “I’m fine, babe.” Imlay sank into his body, his arms wrapping around Livewire’s waist. “You can’t stop me from worrying about you.” “I know.” Livewire kissed the side of his mate’s neck, knowing that this was what Imlay needed right now. He needed the comfort of Livewire’s body cocooning him, letting him know everything was okay. Livewire didn’t have any qualms about giving his mate what he needed. It was his job, and Livewire intended to take care of his mate. Imlay pulled away. “I’m going to go up to sick bay. Let me know when you’re done down here.” Livewire smacked his ass. “As soon as I’m done screwing around with my lady, I’ll come see you.”

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Imlay shook his head as he smiled. “Do you know how wrong that sounds?” “In every sense, yeah. But my lady needs me to flip her skirts up and check under her panties.” He winked at Imlay before getting back to his task. Imlay snorted as he left engineering. Livewire turned back around once his mate was gone. He wondered if Imlay knew just how much Livewire loved him. Imlay hadn’t a clue. Livewire would kill an asteroid over his mate. Livewire finished his diagnostics and then jogged up to the bridge. He wanted to know what was going on. He may only be the mechanic, but his mate was aboard so he wanted to be brought up to speed. “The lady is safe and sound,” he reported to Remy as soon as he stepped onto the bridge. Livewire was about to ask for an update when he noticed Remy sitting slightly forward, his body rigid, and his jaw clenched. Livewire looked around the bridge. Every single man was postured the same way. They were all staring straight ahead. Livewire turned his head to look out of the large vid-screen that displayed the space they were traveling through. His jaw clenched as well. The Lady Blue had just entered Federation territory.

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Chapter 11 Gigi diced onions and peppers, tossing them into the pans Remy had bought him as Pax mixed the batter in a mixing bowl for pineapple upside-down cake. Adwaka was watching them, or at least pretending to. His eyes had darted to the door a gazillion times since Blade had ushered him into the kitchen with them and then left. Pax felt sorry for him. He knew how it felt to be separated from his mate, Colt. But they had been together for some time now, so Pax was used to it. Adwaka wasn’t. Pax knew it was his and Gigi’s job to make Adwaka feel welcome. “Do you know how to cook?” Adwaka’s eyes briefly left the doors to stare over at Pax, his big green eyes widening as he shook his head, and then went right back to staring at the door. “Do you like to eat?” Gigi giggled from over by the stove. “I like to cook. So I hope you like to eat, or I’m up shit creek, feel me?” Adwaka once again looked away from the door, shook his head at Gigi, and then his eyes slid back to the door. All three jumped when the doors came bursting open, Zackary strolling in. Pax liked the computer expert, although Zackary was as strange as they came, and then some. He was even stranger than Livewire, and that was saying something. “Hot damn. It smells good as hell in here. Is anything ready?” Zackary asked as he sidled up next to Gigi, taking in a deep breath through his nose.

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“Not yet,” Gigi answered just as Blade slammed the kitchen doors open. “You.” He pointed at Zackary. “Didn’t Remy tell you to get your skinny ass to the bridge?” “The kitchen is on the way to the bridge. Tell him to hold his nuts and bolts.” Zackary waved a hand at Blade as if to dismiss him. Pax grabbed his bowl and held on as Blade chased the little guy around the counter and out of the door. Blade returned a minute later and held his hand out, Adwaka grabbing hold like his life depended on it, grinning like a loon at Blade. “We’re in Federation territory. Remy wanted me to let you two know,” Blade said before taking his mate out of the kitchen. “I hope he loosens up soon,” Gigi commented as he waved his hand after Adwaka. “It’d be fun for the three of us to hang out together.” “Don’t you mean you’d be thrilled to have another person to corrupt?” Pax chuckled as he finished mixing the batter. Gigi laughed. “Same difference.” **** Imlay waited for Livewire to enter sick bay. He was standing on the side of the closet, trying his best to hold back his laugh as he waited to attack. He had plans for his gorgeous mate, big plans. He just hoped they worked. “Imlay?” Livewire walked further into the room, a perplexed look on his face. “You said you wanted to see me.” Imlay pressed his hand against his mouth to keep from giggling out loud. He could never remember having as much fun with someone as he did with Livewire. The man seemed to bring out the humorous side in Imlay. “Imlay, where are you?”

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Imlay held his breath as Livewire walked further into the room. He could see the man’s shadow preceding him. The moment Livewire stepped into view, Imlay let out a loud yell and attacked, jumping Livewire and taking him down to the floor. “Imlay!” Livewire shouted. “What in the hell are you doing?” Imlay groaned as he buried his face in Livewire’s neck. The man really did smell spectacular. Imlay wanted to roll all over him. With that thought in mind, Imlay began tearing at Livewire’s clothing. “Imlay, wha—” Livewire started laughing as he halfheartedly fought Imlay’s hands. “Hey, that tickles.” “It’s going to tickle a whole lot more in a minute.” Imlay grinned then went back to stripping Livewire of his clothes. He’d taken great pains to ensure that his plans for Livewire were brought to fruition. He was freshly showered, plugged, and naked under his doctor’s coat. He’d even made sure there was a bottle of lube within easy reach. He wanted to get good and fucked. Imlay was a little astonished at his behavior but not enough to stop what he was doing. He’d never cared for sex before, but now he couldn’t seem to get enough. He kept waiting for Livewire to tell him his dick had fallen off from overuse. So far, so good. He hadn’t heard a peep out of Livewire. He had heard a lot of moaning and groaning, though—kind of like he was hearing right now from his mate. Livewire made the most wonderful sounds. “Someone’s hungry.” Livewire chuckled as he lifted his arms and let Imlay pull his shirt over his head. “Starving,” Imlay said. “It’s been forever, Livewire.” “What are you talking about? We fooled around this morning.” “And that was forever ago.” Imlay leaned down and sniffed at a black mark marring Livewire’s collarbone. “Mmm, you’ve been looking under someone’s skirts again.” “I have. That’s my job.”

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Imlay grinned down at Livewire then winked. “Maybe you should try looking under my skirt.” Livewire’s dark eyebrow arched. Imlay roared with laughter when he was suddenly rolled beneath Livewire and his doctor’s coat pulled up. Imlay looked up when Livewire growled. He could see desire ignite in the man’s eyes as he looked back down at him. Imlay reached over his head and grabbed the bottle of lube from its hiding spot under the mattress edge then held it up to Livewire. “Going to tighten my screws, Livewire?” “Until they snap,” Livewire growled as he snagged the lube from Imlay’s hand and pushed Imlay’s legs back to his chest. “Sweet mother of pearl,” Livewire groaned as he grabbed the plug and wiggled it. “You’re going to make me come. Don’t you dare make me come yet, you beast.” Imlay swatted his hands at Livewire, and then grabbed the base of his cock, giving it a tight squeeze. “I wouldn’t dream of it, my dear.” Livewire grabbed the plug and then popped it free, making Imlay cry out. “Fuck me, Livewire, now!” “As you wish, my sweet doctor.” Livewire lubed his cock and then tossed the tube aside. Imlay waited impatiently as Livewire ran the head around his hole, dipping in slightly, and then pulling back. “You tease.” Imlay swatted at him again. Livewire chuckled and then slammed home, making Imlay claw at the floor. “Warn a guy, beasty.” “I’ll show you beasty,” Livewire growled as his eyes shifted. Imlay was so looking forward to this part. He loved when Livewire’s creature came out to play. Yippee! Livewire grabbed Imlay’s ankles and powered into his ass, giving Imlay no allowance. He didn’t want any either. “Fuck me, you big, bad beasty,” Imlay shouted as he lifted his hips higher. “Make papa squeal like a pig!”

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Livewire laughed as he sawed in and out of Imlay’s puckered hole. Imlay became lost in that gorgeous face of his mate’s. There was nothing in the known or unknown universe that surpassed Livewire’s beauty. Imlay grabbed at Livewire’s hair. The newly grown hair was just long enough for Imlay to get his fingers twined into it, giving his mate a good yank. Livewire deepened his thrusts, growling at Imlay as he leaned forward and sank his fangs into Imlay’s neck. Imlay cried out as his cock exploded, painting both their chests and chins. Livewire thrust a few more times before sealing the wound and howling out his release. Imlay was toasted and broiled, no longer good for anything but a nap and some cuddling. The order didn’t matter. “Is my mate full now?” Livewire asked as he licked along Imlay’s collarbone. “Stuffed,” Imlay replied as he yawned. They both groaned when Livewire’s softening cock slipped free. Livewire tapped the side of Imlay’s hip. “Come on, babe. You still have a full day ahead of you.” “No fair.” Imlay pouted as he grabbed Livewire’s outstretched hand and was lifted to his feet. “Go put some clothes on before I have to seal the sick bay.” Livewire popped Imlay on his ass as he fixed his pants. “Be my guest. At least I can take a nap then.” Livewire shook his head as he gave Imlay a heated kiss and then walked back to engineering. Imlay sighed. That was the best damn lunch break he’d ever had. **** “If they detect our cloaking device, we won’t be lucky enough to see the inside of a prison,” Crank said as they slowly moved through Federation of United Planets territory.

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“No worries, no worries,” Zackary said as he continuously punched in sequential codes into the console. “That’s easy for you to say. They’d probably smack you on the wrists and send you home to mommy.” Tank growled as his eyes darted over to Crank. Oh hell, this was just too damn easy. Crank, along with everyone else on the deck, was having a fucking blast needling Tank about his mate. It had surprised everyone, especially Tank, when they discovered that Zackary was Tank's mate. Crank couldn't wait to see the fireworks that erupted when Tank eventually told Zackary. “I sure hope so," Zackary said. "I’ll send you guys postcards to whatever penal colony they drop you off on. Am I allowed to send fruitcake?” Crank bit the inside of his mouth to stop the laughter. “I think we’d be living with them.” Adwaka shifted nervously as he sat close to Blade. The little Orillian had become Blade’s shadow. Hell, the little fella had even followed Blade into the bathroom. Crank sure as shit hoped his mate wasn’t that clingy and needy. It would drive him batshit crazy. “How’s it going, Zackary?” Remy asked. Crank sat forward, waiting for the short man’s reply. The whole bridge did—everyone except Tank, who was scowling at the crew. “I’d probably be done if my fingers weren’t cramping and my butt wasn’t so numb. But hey, I’m just a guy who thinks hacking—oops.” Zackary flushed. “Entering into the Elite Force data files takes a little crafty work that can’t be rushed.” “Heads up,” Crank warned as a Federation of United Planets ship slowly moved toward them. Crank didn’t think the other ship was aware of them, but he didn’t want to take any chances. If the two ships bumped hulls, the cloaking device would be knocked off-line. Tank readjusted their headings, pulling the Lady Blue out of the other ship’s direct path. It was a slow-moving process, and it would

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be a close call. Crank had every confidence that Tank could pull the maneuver off. Tank wasn't the pilot because he was pretty. Zackary’s fingers were working so fast, they were just a blur. Crank had to admit, he was impressed. “I’m halfway there,” Zackary said as he twisted around in his seat. “Keep up the good work,” Remy said as he stood, walking over to the large vid-screen, leaning a hand on the wall, and staring out as the other ship approached. He had one hand behind him, resting on his lower back as the fingers of his hand played back and forth, twisting and untwisting. Crank was aware that Remy didn’t want to go anywhere near his home planet. He had escaped years ago, divesting the family name to pursue his own life and career. Remy’s father had disowned him when he was dishonorably discharged from the Elite Force. It was all screwed up. Tank cursed softly as the other ship approached. “Hang on,” Tank mouthed as the ship passed so close that Crank would have bet his last credits that they were going to hit. Tank swiveled around in his chair, giving everyone the thumbs-up. Remy nodded and Crank’s balls relaxed and stopped trying to crawl up inside of him. Zackary jumped up and did a little dance next to Tank’s chair, his arms and legs swinging wildly as his face bobbed around and his eyes closed. “Happy?” Tank chuckled from beside him. Crank could see the adoration shining from the lion shifter’s eyes. “I cracked the code,” Zackary sang as he continued his little jig. He continued to sing, “I’m just a guy who is awesome, stupendous, and a hot little cookie.” Crank chuckled at the little dork. Even Adwaka got in on the fun and was giggling from beside Blade as he bounced around in his seat. “Can you save the dancing for later and tell me who we are dealing with?” Remy asked with a smile on his face.

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“Fine.” Zackary plopped back down and sighed. “His name is Brystan Pierce. He’s—” Zackary’s brows furrowed as he scratched his head and began tapping his fingers across the console again. “He’s the commander of the Elite Force. He was just appointed six months ago.” Crank felt his stomach bottom out. They were so screwed. “Get us the fuck out of here.” Remy growled the order as he dropped down in the commander’s chair.

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Chapter 12 Livewire stood there as the retractable ramp lowered. His mate may have healed him, and his mate may have even restored him, but leaving the ship was something he wasn’t sure he was ready for. Unfortunately they needed parts that Livewire couldn’t just describe to anyone. He was going to have to go get them himself. “You good with this?” Blade asked from his side. “Yeah, I’m good.” Livewire hated that everyone could see how nervous he was. How could anyone miss the sweat running from his temples? Maybe he was and maybe he wasn’t, but the ship wasn’t going to fix itself. The Lady Blue was a very good ship, but she needed a hell of a lot of repairs before she was in tip-top shape. Livewire clenched his hands as he, Blade and, Colt left the ship. They were on Nebular Nine, the black market planet, and too close to Beta Five in Livewire’s opinion. If he never saw another Elite Force officer, it would be too soon. Imlay had insisted on going with Livewire, but he managed to finally talk his mate out of it at the last minute. Imlay was currently sitting in sick bay, ticked the hell off. Maybe Livewire could find a gift for his mate to ease himself back into Imlay’s good graces. “I just need to visit this old tavern where this guy I used to run with currently hangs out. This shouldn’t take too long.” Livewire hoped not. He wanted to get back onto the ship as quickly as possible. With the Elite Force after them and a large bounty still on their heads, he wasn’t sure how long it was going to be before another idiot tried to turn them in.

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“Show us the way,” Colt said as he clapped Livewire on the shoulder. All three had an armory strapped to their bodies, ready for anything. “It’s right over there, but let me do all the talking. The guy is super paranoid. He doesn’t even trust his own mother.” Livewire grabbed the handle to the door, walking into a dark tavern. He stood at the threshold scanning the room until he spotted the man he was looking for. “He’s right over there. You guys have a seat right here. This shouldn’t take long.” Livewire wasn’t too sure how true his words were. Ferris tended to grill a person for hours before he’d even say hello. Livewire approached the table, watching Ferris’s eyes dart around the room and then finally settle on him. “Do I know you?” “I would think so. We used to work on ships together over on Paktil. We ran some crazy eights together.” Livewire stayed standing, waiting for Ferris to invite him to sit down. “Never been to Paktil,” the man grumbled. “You got the wrong person.” “I got the right person. If I recall, you ended up being arrested for selling someone else’s ship for one credit and then telling the authorities that it had been stolen.” Livewire chuckled at the memory. Ferris had been pissed at the owner of the ship for refusing to pay for repairs, so he sold it right out from under him. Those were the crazy times. As much as Livewire looked fondly on his earlier years, he wouldn’t trade what he had now for anything in the world. He loved the crew he worked with now, and he finally found his mate. Besides the incident on Beta Five, his life was good, for once. “Ah yeah. I still say the bastard should have paid for those repairs. Served him right. How have you been, Livewire?”

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Livewire finally pulled the chair away from the grubby table and took a seat. He kicked back, tossing one arm over the worn-out chair as he nodded his head. “Good. I have a great crew and a mate now.” “Sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help you get out of that?” Ferris asked as he, too, sat back in his chair. Livewire grinned at his old friend. “Nah, I’m good. Listen. I need a few parts for my Lady. I need you to help me out.” “Lady? As in Lady Blue?” Ferris whistled low. “You’re aware that the Lady Blue is on the hot sheet, right?” Livewire nodded, watching Ferris closely now. They may have been old running buddies, but he didn’t trust anyone but the people onboard his ship. Now he knew how Ferris felt living with paranoia all the time. It sucked. “No worries. I could give two shits less about the bounty. I live under the radar myself.” Ferris boasted like being wanted was something to be proud of. Livewire chuckled at his old friend. “What for, you crazy bastard?” “A little of this and a little of that. I don’t have a bounty on my head like you do, though. Must be nice.” Yeah, the guy wasn’t playing with a full deck. Ferris nodded his head toward the door. “Let’s go get what you need so you can get the hell off of this rock.” Livewire nodded and got up from his seat, heading toward the door. Blade and Colt got up to follow him when Ferris pulled a phaser quicker than it took to take a breath and had it aimed at the pair. “And who might you two be?” Livewire groaned. This was not what he needed right now. “They’re with me, outlaws like us.” Ferris eyed Blade and then Colt, slowly lowering the phaser. “Any friend of Livewire’s is nuts. Let’s go.” Blade and Colt cocked their heads at Livewire, but all he could do was shrug and follow Ferris out to his shuttle. The guy actually dealt

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out of the back of the rust bucket. People really didn’t see that anymore. Ferris opened the back and splayed his hands at the many pieces and parts. “What do ya need, my man?” Livewire was amazed at the assortment Ferris had crammed into the back of his shuttle. There were parts there that he knew would be hard to find. He turned to Blade and Colt. “I hope you brought enough credits ’cause papa needs a new shuttle.” Livewire winked at the two as he turned back to the inventory in front of him. He grabbed what he needed and handed it over to Colt as he haggled over the price with Ferris. They finally settled on an agreed price when Livewire’s eyes widened, staring at the vehicle sitting behind Ferris’s shuttle. “Whose is that?” He walked over, running his hand along the frame of the combat vehicle. It was sweet as hell. It had an open frame structure, two front seats and two rear seats. It even had allterrain tires on the bad boy. It was a beauty. They could use this vehicle to travel when planet-side or take it out to the barren wastelands and have so much damn fun. “Is it yours?” Livewire asked Ferris. “Yep, acquired it in a deal. Everything works.” “Really?” Blade asked as he stepped up beside it. Livewire could see the wheels turning in Blade’s head. “What would we tell Remy?” “Who says we have to?” Livewire winked at the coyote shifter. “We could sneak it onboard.” “Like he would miss a buggy the size of the shuttle, hardly.” “We could tell him it was thrown in with the deal for Livewire’s parts,” Colt said as he admired it. Guys and their toys, gods love them. “I’ll give it to you for a steal,” Ferris said as he stepped up next to them, seeing how all three were practically drooling over it.

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“Is it stolen?” Livewire turned and asked. With Ferris, one never knew. The buggy could be the owner of the tavern’s and Ferris would sell it to them. “I want to see papers.” Ferris shook his head as he grumbled a few things but fetched the paper from the front of his shuttle. He walked back to them and shoved the ownership papers in Livewire’s hands. “Since when did you get so paranoid?” “Learned from the best. Now give me a price.” Blade and Colt were already loading the parts into the back, knowing it was a done deal. “A thousand credits and he’s all yours.” Ferris patted the frame above the driver’s seat. “Why so cheap?” Ferris snorted as he leaned into the interior of the vehicle. “What am I going to do with it?” Livewire shook Ferris’s hand, sealing the deal and feeling giddy as hell. “I’m driving,” he shouted to Blade and Colt. Ferris gripped his hand tightly as he leaned in. “Don’t forget to go visit your sister.” Livewire cursed. He didn’t have a sister. It was the code phrase worked out between them years ago that indicated he needed to haul ass out of there because company was coming. “Gotta go,” Livewire shouted as he jumped behind the wheel and steered the bad boy away from the tavern and back toward Lady Blue. They had a shuttle hot on their asses, two Elite Force uniforms hot on their tail. Blade used his com link to call ahead, telling Lady Blue to get ready for takeoff. They were coming in hot. Livewire whooped when the combat vehicle did everything he wanted it to and more. Colt and Blade were facing the rear and shooting their phasers as Livewire drove them to the spaceport. It was a harrowing ass drive, but Livewire breathed a sigh of relief when the spaceport and the Lady Blue came into sight.

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They didn’t waste any time. Livewire drove his new toy right up the retractable ramp as Crank and Remy waited by, hitting the controls to close it as soon as they made it onboard. “Should I ask?” Remy looked the vehicle over, and Livewire could see the commander’s wheels turning as well. Gods love men and toys. **** Colt chuckled as he exited the vehicle. He couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun. It was one big ass thrill ride. He couldn’t wait to take the bad boy down on another planet and just drive it around and have some fun. Colt grabbed the bulkhead as the ship lifted off. He checked the new vehicle out as he waited for the turbulence they would encounter when they left the planet’s atmosphere. Once the ship leveled out, he let go of the bulkhead and started for the air lock. “Any problems?” Remy asked. “With the parts, no, but we did encounter some Elite Force soldiers. That’s why we came in hot. They were on our tail.” Colt patted the new battle vehicle. “But I have to tell you, this baby performed like a dream. Left those damn elite soldiers in the dust.” “And how much did this set us back?” “A thousand credits, but I think we’ll recoup our money fast enough. Livewire got the parts he needed, and we got this little baby as a bonus. We’ll be fine.” “We need another job, but they seem to be getting more scarce with each passing minute.” Colt nodded. “Not many people are willing to take us on with a bounty on our heads and those that do are suspect. Maybe we need to find another line of work.” “Like what?” Remy snapped. “Caring for Trillian silkworms?”

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“Well, it’s not like we can go back and join the Elite Force,” Colt snapped. “They kicked our asses out, remember?” Curiosity ate Colt up when Remy suddenly smiled. “What?” “They kicked our asses out of the Elite Guard, but they did not kick us off the planet. As Tronos is an academic world, and the home of the Elite Force’s training facilities, not only do you have to have a pass to get planet-side, but bounty hunters are not allowed.” “We’d be recognized the second we set foot on Tronos.” “We would, but I wasn’t thinking of us going planet-side.” Colt stared in horror as Remy’s meaning became clear. “No fucking way!” he snapped. His put his hands on his hips as his horror turned to anger. “You are not sending Pax down to Tronos. I won’t allow it.” “Colt, think about it,” Remy said. “Tours land on Tronos all the time. No one really pays attention to the new guys checking the school out. It would be the perfect way for Zackary to get close to the Office of Intelligence and hack their system.” “No!” “Do you have a better plan?” Colt narrowed his eyes. He knew Remy was right, but the thought of sending any of the mates down to Tronos made his heart freeze in his chest. Pax hated leaving the ship anyway. Sending him into a known dangerous situation would be even worse. “I don’t like it,” he finally grumbled. “I don’t either. Do you think I want to send Gigi down to Tronos? My father is down there. If Gigi even mentions my name he’s likely to get his ass thrown in jail. And if my father learned who he is, he’d never get out.” “What about Imlay?” Colt asked. “He’s just pretentious enough to stop anyone from questioning him. We could send him down to check out the medical facilities.” “That wouldn’t get Zackary near the Office of Intelligence.”

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“It would if Imlay insisted on a tour of their entire facility.” Colt rubbed his hand down over his mouth and started working out a plan in his head. “If Imlay was a doctor and he wanted to check over their medical facilities before attending federation training then he would need to look over their entire facility, make sure it met his standards.” “I’m still not seeing how that would get him anywhere near the Office of Intelligence.” “Because he would demand to see their security measures, damn it. What doctor in their right mind doesn’t demand to see the facilities he’s thinking of attending, especially if he has some clout on his home world?” Remy’s eyebrows shot up. “Does he?” Colt grinned. “He will after Zackary gets done with his papers.” **** “You want me to do what for how many brownie points?” Imlay frowned when Remy chuckled. He didn’t like this new plan, not one damn bit. It sounded incredibly dumb to him. Why couldn’t they just continue to run for their lives? It sounded safer. “Look, Imlay, it’s real simple,” Remy said. “Zackary is going to draw you up some papers, make you into some bigwig doctor. You’re only task is to act all high and mighty and get Zackary, your assistant, as close to the Office of Intelligence as possible.” “Why?” Imlay narrowed his eyes. “What will this accomplish?” “We need Zackary to download the personnel files from the Elite Force’s database so we can discover how Tyvak and Brystan Pierce are connected. Once we know that, we may be able to figure out why they are chasing us.” “Duh!” Gigi snapped. “There’s a bounty on our heads.” “Yes, but it’s a bounty placed on our heads by a dead man. The bounty should have ended when Drake died. It didn’t. Which means someone has either kept it going or issued another bounty.”

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“Crap!” Imlay felt like he was going to be sick. He’d never participated in spy work before, and the thought of going to jail had his knees clacking together. Maybe he could dress Livewire up to look like him—it could work if the people were all blind—and send him instead. Imlay wasn’t the brave sort in the least. He gulped past the dry lump in his throat as he nodded. “I’ll do it.” “Woohoo. This should be real fun!” Zackary bounced around as Imlay felt bile rising to the back of his throat. “By the way, if I don’t make it back, tell my mom you shot me out of an air lock. Because if she found out I was in jail, she’d come visit with some fruitcake and then kick my ass.” Imlay massaged his temples. This couldn’t be happening. He was going planet-side with a hyperactive Paktillian who thought it was fun to illegally break and enter into a highly guarded facility. Why was he doing this again? “Calm down, Imlay. You have a few days to fret over this until we enter the Andromeda System.” Remy clapped Imlay’s shoulder as he walked off toward the stairs. “How cool is this?” Zackary asked as he twinkled his fingers in front of his body. “I get to show off my mad skills to everyone.” “No, you won’t. The object is not to get caught, remember?” Imlay reminded the hyperactive little shit. “Ah, man. Can I at least put it on my resume?” “No.” Imlay wasn’t sure why he was indulging Zackary in this insane conversation, but he planned on going to sick bay and lying down…for the next ten years. Imlay walked toward sick bay when he saw Gigi and Pax in the hydroponics room. Why he was going to torture himself, Imlay wasn’t sure, but he veered off to his left and entered the room with Gigi and Pax’s prize garden.

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Hercules and Bob came running toward Imlay, yapping at his heels. Well, Bob was, Hercules just sat back and watched him. The puppies really were adorable. “Hey, Imlay. I hear you’re going into a new line of work.” Gigi laughed as he walked over to Imlay. “It’s okay. If you get caught, we’ll send the slugs to Tronos.” Imlay didn’t see the humor in the situation, so he chose to ignore Gigi. Pax walked over and grabbed Hercules up into his arms and petted the dog’s head. “If you get caught, we’ll come bust you out. We promise.” Pax nudged Gigi and glared at the commander’s mate. “Sure, sure.” Gigi waved Pax off. “You know we got your back, Imlay. If we lost you and Zackary, that would leave me and Pax to deal with those muscle heads all by ourselves…again. No thanks.” Why wasn’t Imlay reassured? “Thanks,” he muttered as he walked out of the hydroponics and headed down the corridor. He needed his mate. Imlay found him arguing with the propulsion system once again. Imlay shook his head. His mate might be crazy, but he wouldn’t have him any other way. “I’m not happy with Remy’s decision,” Livewire growled. “If you don’t want to do it, then you’re not going to. As a matter of fact, I’m calling that shot. You’re not going.” For some strange ass reason, Imlay felt better. Knowing that his mate was against the idea and ready to fight for him gave Imlay the strength he needed to go through with it. Being on the run sucked, and the jobs weren’t coming in like they should be. If he could change that and make this a somewhat safer place for Livewire, he’d do it. “No need. I’ll go.”

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Chapter 13 Livewire wanted to hit something. He hated the fact that his mate was being put in such a dangerous situation. He couldn’t see any other solution besides having Crank blow the damn planet up. He felt helpless to keep his mate safe. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Once someone found his mate, they were supposed to live happily ever after, or some shit like that. Not send them on a fucking suicide mission. He set his tools down and led his mate into his quarters. They had decided to keep separate quarters because Imlay needed to stay close to the sick bay and Livewire needed to stay close to engineering, but he was quickly reassessing that decision. With the thought of his mate going down to Tronos and risking his life, Livewire could give a shit where he slept as long as Imlay was lying next to him in his arms. “Where are we going?” Imlay asked coyly. “You know,” Livewire said in a low growl. “To reestablish my claim on you. To take your mind off of everything and to have wild sex.” “Perv.” Imlay chuckled then bit his bottom lip. His mate looked adorable when he did that. Livewire licked at his mate’s bottom lip until Imlay gave it up and let Livewire suck it into his mouth. It tasted all Imlay. “You like me being a perv, admit it,” Livewire panted as he nudged a leg between Imlay’s, groaning when he felt his mate grind against him. “Maybe just a little.” Imlay separated his thumb and index finger slightly.

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“Liar.” Livewire chuckled as he enveloped Imlay into his arms. “Admit to me that you like it when I make papa squeal like a pig.” Livewire could see the different shades of bright red his mate was turning. “You can’t hold anything against me that I say when you’re blowing my brains out of my ears.” “Blowing your—” Livewire laughed as he removed his legs and began to walk Imlay backward. “If that’s what you want to call it.” He pulled his mate into his quarters and began to nibble at his neck. Imlay invaded Livewire’s senses and held him prisoner. He couldn’t seem to get enough of his doctor. Livewire reached between them and loosened Imlay’s pants, fishing inside for his mate’s cock. He moaned when his hand wrapped around Imlay’s throbbing erection. Pre-cum wet his hand as he gently stroked his mate. “Livewire, your hand.” Imlay swallowed loudly as he spread his legs further apart. “Don’t s–stop.” His mate’s head rolled back onto his shoulders as Livewire licked a path across the creamy flesh. He nipped at Imlay’s ear, lapping the sting away. “I plan on doing more than just holding your cock in my hand.” Livewire dropped to his knees, pulling Imlay’s pants down with him. Livewire cupped the back of Imlay’s foot, removing one shoe at a time. He glanced up at his mate, seeing Imlay’s dark green eyes watching him in wonder. Livewire pulled his mate’s pants free and then leaned forward, inhaling Imlay’s scent where it was the strongest. Imlay’s cock jerked as Livewire licked one orb and then the other, taking Imlay’s sac into his mouth. Imlay groaned and laid his hands on Livewire’s shoulders, rocking his hips forward. Livewire wet two fingers and slid them into Imlay’s hole, scissoring them as his lips wandered up, licking the large vein alongside his mate’s shaft and then taking the head into his mouth.

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Imlay bucked as Livewire ran his tongue around the mushroomed head, drinking down his mate’s pre-cum. “Fuck me, please,” Imlay begged as Livewire added a third finger. Livewire groaned when he felt Imlay’s ass clenching his fingers, holding them prisoner as Livewire took Imlay’s cock to the back of his throat, feeling the head tap the back of his throat and then slide down further. Livewire had to grab his mate’s waist as Imlay’s knees buckled, nearly taking his mate to the floor. Livewire let Imlay’s cock slide from between his lips and then stood, directing his mate to the bed. Livewire quickly disrobed, crawling between Imlay’s legs. Livewire tapped Imlay’s hip. “On your hands and knees.” Imlay quickly turned over and then pushed back, offering Livewire his ass. He reached under his pillow, snagging the lube as he laid kisses down Imlay’s back. “I love you.” He could hear Imlay’s breath catch as his body shuddered. “I love you, too.” Imlay lowered his shoulders to the bed, hiking his ass higher into the air. Livewire drizzled a line down his cock and then tossed the bottle aside. Using his thumbs, he separated Imlay’s ass cheeks, groaning when he saw the pink beauty waiting for him, quivering under his touch. Livewire grabbed his cock, smeared the lube around, and then lined his shaft up to Imlay’s tight entrance. Small explosions rang out all over his body as Livewire breached his mate and sunk deep, never letting up until he was balls deep inside his mate. Livewire held Imlay’s hips, his body jerking at the tightly fisted hold Imlay’s muscled paradise had on his cock. Livewire ran his hand up and down Imlay’s back as he pulled his cock back, leaving only the head inside the tight channel, and then thrust forward. “Yesss!” Imlay hissed as his shoulders came off of the bed and he began to rock back on Livewire’s cock.

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Livewire kicked Imlay’s knees further apart as he watched his cock continually dip in and out of Imlay’s honey jar. His thumbs massaged the two small dimples that lay cradled above Imlay’s rounded ass cheeks. “Come back to me, Imlay,” Livewire begged as he thrust harder, deeper. He knew he couldn’t seal the sick bay doors and lock his mate away from going on this mission. Imlay was his own man and would chafe at being told by Livewire that he forbade him to do something. But Livewire remembered his captivity all too well and feared his mate would fall prey to the same setup. His heart couldn’t take it if something happened to his doctor. “Always.” Imlay arched his back and mewled as Livewire grabbed his mate’s cock and began stroking it to his rhythm. Imlay’s body was shaking and shuddering as Livewire thrust his cock fully into Imlay’s warm body. Livewire’s pace picked up when Imlay’s body shot up and his cock exploded. “Livewire!” His mate’s echoed cry filled his quarters. The tight ring of muscle began to milk Livewire, pushing him over the edge as he let go of Imlay’s cock and grabbed his sides, pounding into him before his shaft erupted inside his mate. They both fell forward, panting and gasping as Livewire curled around Imlay. “Come back to me.” **** Zackary was sitting in the shuttle nervously annihilating all ten nails. He’d never actually gone to the places he had hacked…err…visited before. This was definitely one for the books. His mom would be very proud of him, if he didn’t get caught. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asked Imlay for the millionth time. “I’m too pretty to go to jail. Everyone will want my fruitcake.”

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“Is that a code word for sex?” Imlay asked as they made their way to Tronos. “No, it’s a code word for fruitcake. My mom makes the best fruitcakes in the galaxy. I don’t want to share them. Do I have to share them when we go to jail?” Imlay shook his head as he reached over and patted Zackary’s knee. “We’re not going to jail. Think positive.” “I’m positive we’re going to jail.” Zackary watched out of the shuttle window as they flew around the academy. Who knew it was this large? They were going to get lost, and then they would go to jail. He wasn’t sharing his fruitcake with anyone, no matter how big the bullies in jail were. “I’ll do all the talking. You just follow my lead,” Imlay said when they finally landed. “And remember, you’re my personal assistant. You don’t have to know anything medical, but you do have to know how to keep my schedule, take notes, and take my orders without question.” “Well, that sounds duller than dishwater.” Imlay chuckled, which lifted Zackary’s mood—but just a little. “So, I’m just supposed to stand there and look pretty?” “Yes, pretty much.” “I can do that.” Zackary licked his fingers then pushed them over his eyebrows. “I do pretty really well.” “Don’t get upset if I snap at you. It’s all part of the act.” “Right, no killing the doctor for being an ass. Got it.” “You’ll be fine.” Imlay patted Zackary’s thigh. “We’ll be fine.” Zackary blinked. “Who are you trying to convince, doc? You or me?” “Both of us, I think.” “That’s reassuring.” Zackary was beginning to think that this little mission was a bad idea. If the doc was nervous, then they were in trouble. Oh, he didn’t

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want to be in trouble. Someone would call his mom, and she’d get pissed, and then all hell would break out. Damn! “Is it too late to change my mind?” “Yes.” Zackary groaned when Imlay opened the door of the shuttle and climbed out. He grabbed his modified vid-pad and climbed out after Imlay. He gripped the vid-pad like a lifeline. He’d played with it until it sang just for him. Instead of being just a basic everyday vid-pad, it now boasted a huge hard drive and com-link back to the ship. “Dr. Jones, I believe,” a well-dressed man said as he stepped up to them and held his hand out to Imlay. “I’m Bertram Sylvester. I’ll be showing you around today.” Zackary blinked as Imlay turned into someone he didn’t know. Hell, he turned into someone Zackary didn’t want to know. Imlay’s nose tilted up in the air and he stared at the stranger with a touch of disdain in every cell of his body. “Quite right,” Imlay said. “And this would be?” the stranger said as he looked past Imlay to Zackary. “None of your concern,” Imlay said sternly. “Now, I’d like to see your facilities. If they do not meet my standards I will find another facility to meet my needs.” “Yes, of course.” Imlay clasped his hands behind his back and arched an eyebrow when the man didn’t instantly move. “I do not have all day, Barry.” “Bertram, sir.” “Yes, yes.” Imlay waved a hand in dismissal. “I’d like to go now. I still have a few more facilities to tour before I make my decision. My personnel must be trained by the best.” “I’m sure our facilities will meet your needs, sir. We are the premier academy in the Andromeda System.” Bertram seemed frazzled as he hurried off the landing pad. He kept looking over his

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shoulder, quickening his steps then slowing down. “Please, come right this way.” “Come, Z, I don’t have all day,” Imlay said as he started following the tour guide. Z? Zackary liked that. He bit his lips to keep from laughing as he hurried after Imlay. If nothing else, this mission was sure to be interesting. Not ten seconds on the ground, and Imlay already had some guy tripping over himself to make him happy. Zackary was glad he wasn’t mated to the doctor. He’d lose his mind. **** Imlay felt like he was sweating up a storm, but he didn’t dare wipe his forehead. He was playing a role here, that of a high-level, influential doctor that was looking for a new training facility for the people he would be working with. He had nixed the idea of being the doctor attending the academy for training. He didn’t think it would get him the full tour that would enable them to get close to the Office of Intelligence. Being the doctor to oversee a special facility was much better. It also fit the uptight persona he was playing. “I understand that you assisted in an outbreak of Paktillian’s Disease on Lost Star Three,” Bertram said as they walked. “I assist in many situations, Bob,” Imlay replied, wondering what in the hell Zackary had uploaded into his personnel file. “You’ll have to be more specific.” “Bertram, sir.” “Yes, yes, of course.” Imlay glanced over his shoulder at Zackary. He could see the amusement building in the man’s eyes, but Zackary kept his lips pressed firmly together. “Z, make a note of Banner’s name.” “Bertram, sir!”

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Imlay barely kept himself from laughing at the frustrated little man. He was quite aware what Bertram’s name was. He was actually having trouble coming up with new names to call him. “Where is our security?” Imlay glanced around. “Why do we not have security escorting us?” “Oh, Tronos is very secure, sir,” Bertram said quickly. “We have no need of guards.” “No need?” Imlay snapped. “Do you know who I am?” “Y–Yes, sir,” Bertram stuttered. He looked like he was trying not to wring his hands, but Imlay caught them doing the very act nonetheless. “You are Imlay Jones. Top specialist in gynecology and Paktillian diseases, sir.” Imlay almost choked. Gynecology? He was going to murder Zackary. He could see the sides of Zackary’s mouth fighting not to laugh. Maybe the little shit was going to get a fruitcake after all— right up his ass. “We should have security escorting us. I am a very high ranking official,” Imlay stated in his most haughty voice. Zackary’s eyes bugged out, his head slightly shaking. Imlay wanted to smack the little shit on the back of his head, but kept his hands behind his back. If Bertram saw Zackary, he would know something was going on. “Very good, we can visit the Offices of Intelligence, sir.” Zackary looked as though he was going to pass out as he followed behind them clutching his vid-pad with such force that his knuckles were turning white. Bertram stopped to speak with someone and Imlay wanted to smack him next. They didn’t have time for socializing. This was risky enough as it was without stopping so that Bertram could show off that he was the tour guide for the great Dr. Imlay Jones. “Shall we finish the tour? I do have other appointments to attend to, Bernard.” The tour guide sighed, as if resigning himself to being called anything but his true name. They entered the security offices, Imlay’s

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heart beating so hard he would swear it was going to burst right out of his chest. He saw the door for the records room and guided Bertram’s attention to something across the hall. Imlay saw Zackary duck through the door as Bertram led him into a monitoring station. Imlay wanted to turn around and run when a dozen men turn to look at them. Talk about walking right into enemy territory. Imlay had to focus. Falling apart and confessing everything wasn’t a smart move. He had to think positive, as he had told Zackary. Fuck if his words weren’t coming back to bite him on the ass. He would have to keep Bertram occupied while Zackary uploaded the information. Although Imlay had been on Lost Star Three his entire medical career, he hadn’t a clue what to look for in an academic school. Things seemed to be very different here on Tronos than they were on Lost Star. “One of my tours will be on Lost Star Three. How do you think their medical facility ranks compared to Tronos?” Imlay had to keep the man talking. If allowing him to boast about Tronos’s superiority, then so be it. Bertram sniffed. “Lost Star Three is second-rate if compared to Tronos, sir. They haven’t the advance training that your team would undergo in order to be the best.” Imlay tuned Bertram out as he watched the door. There was a small glass window in the middle of the door. It allowed Imlay to watch the room across the hall. When he saw Zackary walk out and look around, Imlay knew he had to shut Bertram up and continue on before Zackary went wandering around looking for him and getting them both thrown in jail. “My time is up, Benny. Show me back to my shuttle posthaste.” Bertram looked annoyed as hell but held his hand out for Imlay to take the lead. Zackary sidled up next to Imlay as soon as they exited

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the monitoring room. He prayed there wasn’t a camera in the records room. Imlay and Zackary needed to get the hell out of there pronto. “We are leaving now, Z. Did you take sufficient notes?” Imlay asked as they entered the docking area. “Verbatim.” Zackary nodded and almost ran to the shuttle. Imlay had to place a hand on his shoulder to slow him down. They had to keep the persona up just a bit more until their shuttle was pointing away from the planet. Imlay sighed when he saw their shuttle waiting on them. “Wait!” Imlay stiffened. They were busted. He just knew it. Who the hell had thought up this cockamamie plan anyway? Zackary’s body stiffened as he made a beeline for the shuttle. Imlay hoped he was sending an encoded message that they were caught and not leaving his ass behind. Imlay turned around to see the head of security heading his way. They were so screwed.

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Chapter 14 Livewire paced back and forth, pulling his hair out as Tank relayed the encoded message. His mate was down on Tronos, all alone and about to go to jail. “We have to do something!” Tank was sitting there looking pale as he finished the message. “They’re caught.” He visibly swallowed as his trembling hand pushed through his short hair. “My mate is going to jail.” “You have to land,” Livewire growled at Remy. “I’m not leaving him to a court martial. There has to be a way to get them out.” “We can’t land, Livewire.” Remy exhaled loudly as he took a seat in his commander’s chair. “We have to trust that the two of them can get out of the situation.” “Would you say that if it were Gigi?” “No,” Remy admitted. “Gigi would be a disaster on an undercover mission. He’d never be able to keep his mouth shut. However, as much as I love Gigi, I have to think about more than just him. I have an entire crew to keep safe.” Livewire arched an eyebrow. “Bullshit!” “Livewire, Imlay and Zackary are—” “On their way back to the ship,” Tank said. “What?” Livewire ran across the bridge to stare down at the monitor. He could see the little blip that indicated the shuttle was returning to the ship. “They’re coming back.” “Told ya,” Tank said. Livewire turned to glare at Tank only to see how pale the man was. Tank’s mate was on that shuttle right along with Livewire’s.

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They both had something to lose if the shuttle didn’t make it back in one piece. “You get the Lady Blue ready to get us the hell out of here,” Livewire said. “I’ll go down to the shuttle bay and retrieve our mates and send Zackary up here to you.” Tank swallowed and nodded. Livewire turned and ran off the bridge as fast as his legs would carry him. He reached the air lock and watched through the small window as the shuttle maneuvered into the bay and then landed. A moment later, the hatch opened and the man Livewire was waiting for stepped out. It seemed to take forever for the two men to disembark and enter the air lock. Livewire could hear the air whoosh in as the air lock pressurized then the door between Livewire and the man he lived for opened. Livewire yanked Imlay into his arms then pointed back toward the bridge. “Tank is waiting for you on the bridge, Zackary.” “You can just call me Z,” the man said as he strutted past them. Livewire watched Zackary disappear onto the bridge then turned back to the man in his arms. He gripped Imlay’s face between his hands and tilted his head down just enough that their lips met in a short, tender kiss. “Never again, Imlay,” Livewire whispered as he rested his forehead against the doctor’s. “I swear to the gods, I’ll lock you in engineering if I have to. You’re never going on a dangerous mission again. My heart just won’t take it. Here, feel.” Livewire grabbed Imlay’s hand and pressed it against his chest. He was sure the man could feel how quickly it was beating. Imlay looked down at his hand then his eyes flickered up to meet Livewire’s. There was a small twinkle and them as he grinned. “This could be a serious condition, Livewire. Maybe we should go to the sick bay so I can give you a physical.” Livewire gulped as arousal hit him like an asteroid being shot through a wormhole. “A physical?”

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“A full body physical, inside and out.” Livewire’s fingers curled around the hand lying on his chest, grateful that his mate had come back to him. They still weren’t in the clear. They still had to get out of the Andromeda System, but Imlay was back in his arms and that was all that mattered. Livewire could finally breathe again. “I’ve never had a full body physical before.” “Let’s see if we can’t change your status.” Imlay raced past Livewire, gaining a head start. “I don’t think so,” Livewire growled as he chased down the man who had not only cured him, but changed his entire world. **** Blade swiveled his chair around, watching Zackary decode the data he had sent to the Lady Blue from Tronos. “So tell us again why you thought you were going to jail.” Zackary giggled as he lifted his head from studying the console. “The head of security was chasing Imlay down. I took off to the shuttle.” “You planned on leaving Imlay?” Remy’s brows shot up as he sat in his commander’s chair. “Hey, I’m way too pretty to go to jail, and Imlay said I’d have to share my fruitcake. No way, no how. I’m just a guy that loves his mom’s fruitcake.” “Can we get back to the story?” Blade asked as his mate, Adwaka, scooted a little closer. Blade curled his arm around Adwaka’s shoulders, giving him a small hug of reassurance. “Oh yeah, that.” Zackary sighed dramatically. “The head of security just had to shake Dr. Imlay Jones’s hand—the top authority in gynecology and Paktillian diseases.”

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Blade fell back in his chair laughing as he listened to Zackary retell the harrowing adventures of Imlay and Z. “Did you pick his field of expertise?” Zackary blushed as he looked around the room. He gave a small shrug as he turned back around to the console. “Maybe.” Remy and Crank were laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes. Tank and Colt were chuckling on the other side of the bridge. “Hey, I got it.” Zackary sat forward as his eyes scanned the decoded information. “Commander Brystan Pierce came into his position six months ago. It’s like he just appeared out of thin air,” Zackary mumbled as his eyes jumped up and down, reading the data. “Wait. It says here that his next of kin is none other than Gregory Tyvak, his nephew. It also says that Commander Pierce put the bounty on the Lady Blue crew for…espionage? That doesn’t sound right.” Remy sat up with this news. Blade started seeing the puzzle pieces clicking together one piece at a time. “It’s not. Tyvak is the one who turned us in and then his uncle takes over the commander position of the entire fleet of Elite Force? Why do I feel like our dishonorable discharge was a setup to get rid of us and get his uncle into power?” Remy sat forward, resting his arms on his knees as he looked at each and every crew member. “Because I was next in line to take over as commander of the Elite Force. Each and every one of you knows my uncle is the king. I’m not directly in line for the throne, and I was commander of our group. My father pushed for my promotion to be commander of the Elite Force. It seems someone else wanted that position enough to dishonor us and put a bounty on our heads, gentlemen.” “So it wasn’t enough that we got kicked out, Commander Pierce wanted us silent…permanently?” Fuck. Blade knew they were totally and unequivocally screwed now. They needed substantial proof, hard proof, that they were innocent.

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He pulled Adwaka closer as he saw the hopelessness of the situation. How the hell were they going to get out of this tight situation? “We have a fight ahead of us, gentlemen. Are we going to prove our innocence or retreat into the shadows?” Remy asked his crew. “Retreat, hell!” The crew sounded off as the Lady Blue carried them out of the Andromeda System and back to familiar territory. “Then get ready for a bumpy ride, ladies. The Lady Blue is going into battle.”

THE END WWW.STORMYGLENN.COM WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 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. Stormy lives in the great Northwest region of the USA, with her gorgeous husband and soul Mate, six very active teenagers, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cat, and one fish. 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 Lynn Hagen and Stormy Glenn Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 1: End of the Line Siren Classic ManLove: Lady Blue Crew 2: Pax's Blues

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

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