Maxim reached out, took the probe thing from the doctor’s hands and tossed it to Ryston.
“Thank you for your professional opinions on this matter. We will see to our mate. Privately. If we’re going to put something in her pussy, it’s not going to be a probe.”
Oh. My. God. The combination of Maxim’s command and his blatant innuendo had me dripping in eagerness for him. I imagined exactly what he was going to probe me with. Then I glanced at Ryston and imagined his probe. I gulped, then again when Ryston studied the medical device and placed it on the exam table before moving to stand beside me. I was flanked by two big, very serious Prillon warriors who said I belonged to them.
The doctor nodded once. “As you wish, Governor. May I offer you the ATB? That is standard protocol for all new Prillon brides, and is meant to ensure her comfort and pleasure. She will experience extreme discomfort if not properly prepared for the claiming ceremony.”
Properly prepared? What the hell was this doctor talking about? I had no idea, but Maxim nodded and the doctor went to a cabinet to retrieve a small metal box. The ATB was about the size of a lunchbox, although without a handle.
Ryston stepped forward to take it as Maxim led me to the door, which slid open with a whooshing sound for him, just like in the sci-fi movies. What, was I not tall enough to activate the sensor or something? I searched the wall for a sensor, but could find nothing before Maxim led me into the corridor.
“Doctor,” Maxim called over his shoulder.
“Yes, Governor,” he replied.
“The she you are referring to is my mate. She is Lady Rone to you.”
“Yes, Governor,” he repeated, this time a little more contrite.
Maxim’s satisfaction coursed through my veins, which distracted me temporarily from my situation. I stalled, making Maxim tug on my hand before he, too, stopped.
“I do not know where we are going and I am walking around with just a blanket.” While I didn’t mind him stripping it from me, I wasn’t keen on that happening in this strange white-and-green hallway.
I felt his annoyance through our joined hands.
“If you are so frustrated and angry with me, then perhaps you would be happier with a new mate.”
Maxim looked down at our interlocked fingers. I felt Ryston’s satisfaction through our connection. How could he be so content with the situation and Maxim so disappointed in me at the same time?
“Ah, I see,” Maxim said, his voice losing all the harsh edges. For once, it was soft and smooth, quiet even.
“See what?” I asked, a snap in my voice.
“The collars share our feelings too well, don’t they?” Maxim asked, stroking his knuckles down my cheek, then sliding back and forth over the damn collar. I felt that, not just against my skin, but through my emotions. Maxim’s anger and rising lust. Ryston’s longing and envy at his touch.
“Our bond, the connection between us, is very intense. It will take some time, but you will begin to filter our emotions. For now, know I am not angry or frustrated with you, mate. I am angry at the doctor’s strict adherence to the rules. I am angry at myself for being a hypocrite. I am also upset with myself for not taking care of you and your basic needs, such as providing you with clothing and comfort. Ryston.”
He only said his second’s name, nothing more, and the man went ahead of us down the hall and around a corner out of sight.
Maxim stared down into my eyes, his sincerity and desire to make me happy coming through the collar loud and clear. “Being a mate is new to me. I am sorry for my shortcomings. Ryston will have clothes ready for you in our suite of rooms. In the meantime—”
He picked me up into his arms and carried me down the hall. I gripped his shoulders, afraid of falling, but I shouldn’t have bothered. I felt dwarfed in his hold, his firm embrace. He wasn’t going to let me fall. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to me. I sensed it in him. When I relaxed, I knew he sensed my trust and pleasure at his care as easily as I had sensed his frustration moments ago.
“In the meantime, I’m to roam the base naked?”
Maxim looked down at me with his dark eyes as he continued to walk. “While you can sense my feelings, do not doubt that I can sense yours. Arousal is pulsing from your collar to mine, and Ryston’s. Because of this, I feel I can be bold. You will remain naked when you are in bed with me.” Something shifted in his gaze and I felt a burst of heat, of longing through the collar. Yes, he was aroused too. I gasped at the quick flare, my clit pulsing. “Or against the wall, lying on the table with your legs spread wide, on your knees before me. Between me and Ryston. How would you like to be taken?”
His voice shifted from dark command to rough need. Images of being between the two warriors made my nipples harden and my pussy grow wet. I wanted that. It made no sense. These two were strangers from a strange planet and yet I wanted them with a fierceness I’d never known before. Oh yes, I wanted them, and based on the desire coming from my mate, I’d have them. Soon.
***
Maxim
Rachel was light as air in my arms, yet heat coursed through me everywhere our bodies touched. How something as soft and fragile as this female could hold such strength, implacable will, was a wonder I wasn’t not sure I would ever understand.
Yet, when she rested her head against my shoulder and relaxed in my arms, I felt like a conqueror of worlds.
The collars we all wore linked us together with an intimate telepathic bond I had heard about but could not have imagined. Such strong emotions coursed through me, and not just my own. My mate’s. Ryston’s. Their reactions to my feelings created a loop that rubbed me raw and made me vulnerable in a way I hadn’t felt since I was a very young boy.