Mathew's Redemption

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption Michelle Hasker All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2008 Michelle Hasker

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption Michelle Hasker When Matt’s best friend and boss finds a mate, it means a lot more lonely nights for him -- until Matt meets Stacey and realizes his mate has been right under his nose the whole time. It’s unfortunate, because now that he’s found her, he’ll have to give her up. A man with a past like his and no future doesn’t deserve a woman to love him. If only the sexy, stubborn woman would take no for an answer.

Prologue Tiny hands roamed over his chest. A small mouth followed, scattering kisses over his abdomen and lower. Matt moaned and stretched, reaching for his lover. His mate. Though he had yet to see her face, he knew they would meet soon. It was destined. When two mates were near each other, they would dream of the other, their souls even traveling outside their bodies to meet for an erotic rendezvous. Once they met, their mate’s face would be revealed to them, confirming what they should have already guessed. Though he hadn’t yet met his mate in person, their dream encounters had quickly developed past hello right into I need to fuck you now. The intensity of his emotions for a woman he hadn’t met outside his dreams was unsettling, but it was something he’d been raised to accept. With a woman as wonderful as this for his mate, he did accept. Oh, did he accept. His lover eagerly sucked his cock into her mouth. She worked him with her lips, teeth and tongue as she massaged his balls, gently tugging on first one and then the other. When he felt the all too soon telltale tightening, he pushed against her until she reluctantly released his dick. Like the tease she was, she continued to stroke him even though she had to know how close he was to orgasm. That she cared more for his pleasure than her own pushed him even closer to the edge. In a swift movement, he rolled, pinning his lover beneath him. Though her face remained anonymous, he enjoyed running his hands all over her body as he leaned down to press kisses on her throat and chest. He licked his way down her body, and then kissed her pussy. Slow strokes of his tongue on her clit brought deep sounds of pleasure from his lover. She came with a mew, her honeyed juice rousing his inner beast. Matt rose over his faceless lover and slid his dick into her wet pussy with ease. Her nails dug into his shoulders when he pushed in all the way, and then he hesitated, enjoying the feel of

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her muscles gripping him tightly. It only took a few thrusts to bring her to another orgasm. Her sweet cries of pleasure, combined with the way her body milked him, sent him over the edge. He came with a roar, his body buzzing as his release raced through him. When the spasms subsided, Matt pressed gentle kisses on his mate’s neck and chest. He looked up to tell her how wonderful she was, and stared into brilliant green eyes. Her hair was black as midnight. Shock that he could see her features was overrun by the realization of what she was. She wasn’t even Areyl. Not a lion at all, more like a panther. She didn’t look at all the way he’d imagined his mate would look. Not only that, but she was the woman he’d met today during a meeting calling for peace between Leandros and Incarum. Both planets were being attacked by the Wylfenne, and hoped to pool their soldiers and resources to push the Wylfenne back to their planet. “Come and find me, my love. I’m waiting for you.” Her voice wasn’t that of the woman he’d ended up mated with, but he didn’t know why. She’d sounded so different in his dreams. Was it because he wanted someone else to be his mate? It was too late for that.

*** The memory of Chandra’s evil laughter echoed in Matt’s ears. It was the same laugh he’d heard moments before she’d died. Matthew sat up with a gasp, chest heaving as the remnants of the memory faded. Chandra had been his mate, but she was dead. There was no use replaying those memories and dreams trying to find a way to make it untrue. He knew the truth. Why couldn’t he accept that? He glanced at the clock and decided to shower. If it wasn’t for Cade’s party, he’d go back to bed, but as it was he was going to be late. Sairah wouldn’t like that at all.

Chapter One Matt paced the room like a caged lion, tugging on the stupid tie Cade had made him wear. He didn’t care if this was a celebration of the birth of Cade and Sairah’s first litter or not. He hated dressing to the nines and making nice with a room full of people who knew he’d once been a powerful commander like Cade, and pissed it all away with one mistake. That he’d been suckered by a beautiful woman didn’t matter. He’d cost ten men their lives and had not only been demoted, but made to start all over again -- with this stigma attached. Cade had been the only one who’d stood by him, and it was for him that Matt was here tonight in this ridiculously tight suit enduring scathing glances and listening to hushed whispers. Sairah walked toward him with a smile. Her gorgeous red hair was cut in a boyish style that made her look years younger but still as sexy as ever. The loose white dress swayed with each step, but showed she’d lost her pregnancy weight quickly. It was probably the long hours she still kept in the lab. He frowned. “Wipe that frown off your handsome face.” He scowled. “I mean it, Matthew. It’s my party and no one cries unless I want them to.” “I’m not going to cry.” He crossed his arms and gave her a look that usually made his subordinates shake in their government-issued boots. “You don’t scare me.” Sairah smiled, slid her arm through one of his and pulled him to her side. He sighed, but couldn’t stop his grin. Cade had lucked out with his mate.

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“I want you to meet one of my lab assistants. She used to work on your ship, but I made Cade give her to me. She’s been wonderful, and really helped out when I had the triplets.” “I told you to stop the matchmaking, Sairah. This is Leandros, not Earth. No one will ever give me a chance to redeem myself, and I won’t subject a woman to the harassment I face on a daily basis.” “It’s not as bad as you think.” Sairah patted his arm. “Besides, I kind of hoped you’d keep an eye on her.” “Why? Being seen with me would ruin her reputation.” “It’s not her reputation I’m worried about.” “Then what is it?” “Her low self-esteem. She has fewer friends than you think you do. Stacey is reclusive like you, and probably doesn’t even know what happened all those years ago.” “I have no doubt someone will step in to enlighten her quickly enough. Save the woman some pain, Sairah. Match her with a guy who’s looking for a mate.” “Stacey’s one of my best friends, Matthew. Do you mean you’ll refuse to watch over her tonight for me?” “You’re dooming her if you insist on this, Sairah. You have no idea how ruined her reputation will be, do you?” Matt looked around desperately for Cade. He had to talk some sense into his mate. “Cade won’t save you. He cares about Stacey too. She’s been a godsend to me since Devon, Derek and Donald were born.” Matt couldn’t help his double take at the names. “You named them finally?” “Yeah. It was hard, but I think those are the names we’re keeping.” “You aren’t sure?” “She’s sure.” Cade stepped next to them. “Don’t even try to change her mind, Matthew. For a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to take it, it’s amazing how hard it is to pick three names. Imagine if we’d only had one baby!”

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“Knock it off.” Sairah poked Cade in the chest. Matt had to bite back a grin watching his commander being taken down a notch by his wife. A short woman with messy blonde hair that curled in ringlets just past her ears walked up to them. Matt’s slacks seemed to grow another size smaller when he looked into her green eyes. She was gorgeous, and the tiny red dress she wore showed off every single curve on her body. His hands itched to stroke breasts that threatened to spill out of the tight gown. Matt lowered his hands to hide that his flag was at halfmast. “I think I should go back to the lab. I want to run some more tests on those samples we picked up.” Her light melodious voice ran straight up his spine and made his dick even harder. “Absolutely not!” Sairah grabbed the woman’s hands. “We’re all taking the night off, including you. I want you to meet our good friend, and Cade’s right-hand man, Matthew Richards. Matt, this is my best friend and assistant, Stacey Quinn.” Instead of holding out her hand, Stacey blushed and ducked her head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she mumbled to the floor. “The pleasure is all mine.” Matt bowed since she didn’t want to shake his hand. Of course she’d have heard all the rumors. Sairah’s praise wouldn’t earn him even a smile of kindness. Her automatic rejection stung. Her tanned skin flushed. For a second he wondered if she was embarrassed, but vetoed the idea as impossible. Women didn’t look twice at him once they knew who he was and what he’d done. It was a shame. One sniff of her honey floral scent had him stiff and aching. He wanted to take her upstairs to the guest room he’d used on occasion and bed her thoroughly. Her curves teased and tantalized him. Matt’s breath came quicker at the image of her spread out on his bed at his mercy. He’d fuck her so hard and good she’d scream his name to the stars. Why the urge to pound his cock into her was so strong, he didn’t

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know. He didn’t care either. He couldn’t have her. She deserved a better man than he could ever be. Sairah winked at her friend. “Stacey’s shy.” He almost snorted. Almost. At times like these minding manners sucked. “Really? Are you sure? I thought maybe it was rumors of my past that made it impossible for her to make eye contact with me.” Stacey gasped and looked up at him. He realized what a mistake it had been to goad her into a reaction when the full impact of her beauty slammed into him. Forget half-mast. His dick went from semi-erect to jackhammer hard in under six seconds. The desire to fill her pussy to bursting grew even stronger as she stared at him wide-eyed. “I don’t pay attention to rumors, Commander Richards.” “I’m not a commander. Not anymore.” He bit out his retort, trying not to show how much her sexy voice affected him. Hard, and horny as hell, he was surprised he hadn’t shot his load in his pants at her husky voice. She had a mouth made for sin. What would it take to get her on her knees? Stacey shifted her gaze to Sairah. Her expression reminded him of the way a doe looked when he was closing in for the kill. “Work is a sore subject with Matthew. I’d try to avoid discussing it.” “And my personal life is off-limits as well,” he added, taking perverse pleasure in the way Stacey flinched. He needed to do something to keep her from recognizing his arousal. He was sure all the other females in the room could tell, Sairah included. “Don’t make me kick your ass, Matt. All we did was introduce you to Stacey, not pick out a china pattern.” “China pattern?” Matt wasn’t sure he wanted to know what Sairah was talking about, but curiosity won out over his need to remind her not to threaten him. “On Earth you pick out a china pattern when you register for your wedding.” Matt growled deep in his throat. Cade’s hand on his shoulder worked like a bucket of ice water.

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“Please forgive Matthew’s behavior, Stacey. He’s not used to socializing because Cade keeps him locked up on the spaceship all day long.” “Sairah.” The one word, issued from between Cade’s clenched lips, silenced Sairah quick as lightning. “I’m sorry, Stacey. I might be used to the childish bickering between my mate and best friend, but you’re not. I apologize if either of these two have made you uncomfortable.” “No.” Stacey smiled at Cade, but her expression quickly turned to one of unease when she looked at Matt. Perhaps she’d picked up on his predicament. “I know how Sairah is.” “Hey! Standing here!” “It’s those Earth customs she was raised with.” Cade winked at his wife and leaned down to whisper to Stacey. “You should have seen her during her first meeting with my father.” “After I knew the jerk was your dad, you mean.” “Temper, temper.” Sairah crossed her arms and glared at Cade. “You know, as entertaining as this has been, I really should get back to the lab.” “No!” Cade and Sairah shouted as one. They both turned to Stacey, and Matt saw his chance to escape. Matt slipped past Cade, slid his arm around Stacey’s shoulder and turned her to the door. “I’ll just escort you safely back to the lab then, if that’s okay with you.” “Yes,” Stacey stuttered, but didn’t pull away. “Tell Matt about your trip to Earth where you studied big cats for several years,” Sairah called after them. Stacey’s cheeks flushed, and he wondered what it was about her trip to Earth that he should know about. “What does she want you to tell me?” He pulled Stacey closer as he guided her to the front door. He couldn’t wait to step outside and release her. Ever since he’d put his hand on her, tingles of awareness had raced from the point of contact through his

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body. The longer he kept his arm around her, the harder resisting her became. Maybe she’d doused herself with some sexual attraction spray before coming here tonight. But if that was the case, why didn’t another male challenge him for her? Once they’d stepped outside, Stacey tried to step away, but Matt held on to her. He didn’t understand how she could make him hot with one glance, or how her body made his burn with lust from a single touch, but he wanted to. “You don’t actually have to walk me to the lab.” She tried to pull away again. “Oh yes, I do. Cade is watching from the doorway and Sairah is peeking out a window.” “How do you -- oh!” He assumed her gasp was because she caught sight of Sairah unashamedly peering through the curtains. “I’m sorry you had to leave the party early.” “I’m not.” In fact, he was ecstatic. He reached up and tugged his tie loose. “I’m grateful.” “Grateful?” Stacey stumbled and looked up at him, meeting his gaze. “That’s not how you came across to me.” “I hate parties and I hate mingling with people who don’t like me when they don’t even know me.” He knew she saw through him. She could smell his desire the same way Sairah and Cade had. “Oh.” “Why did you really want to leave? It can’t be to check on lab samples. No one is more work oriented than Sairah, and she didn’t want you to leave.” “I can’t stand parties either.” Her sad expression tugged on his heartstrings, and he found himself asking a question he had no right asking. “Why’s that?” She looked away and started to walk again. “It’s okay. I know you don’t really want to know.”

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A quick glance revealed the street was clear. Matt led her across to a small park. He’d often come here to sit and think about the past after a visit with Cade. It would be the perfect place to convince Stacey to confide in him. Without questioning him, Stacey followed him to a bench. He gestured to the seat. She hesitated, her expression wary, but she did sit down. “I’m curious to know why a woman like you didn’t want to stay and be the center of attention at the party.” His hands itched to stroke her unruly curls. “Oh, I wouldn’t have been the center of attention. People rarely notice me.” Stacey blushed a deep red and stared at the garden path. “I highly doubt that. You’re a very beautiful woman.” He stopped when she snorted. “You don’t believe me?” “You don’t know these people well, do you, Matt? Sairah said you spend most of your time working or hiding from the real world. Perhaps you find the world as uninhabitable and the people as hostile as I do?” He blinked for a minute, unsure how to answer her. “Think about it, Matt. I’m a large woman. Men like their females sleek and athletic. They don’t want a woman who shape-shifts into a large lioness.” “I see nothing wrong with your size. I find you very attractive. Men like curvy women. Women with meat on their bones.” “I’ve got fat on mine.” Matt tried not to chuckle at her self-deprecating expression. He didn’t want her to think he was laughing at her when he was actually having trouble understanding how she believed those things about herself. “Honey, I like your body just the way it is.” “Matt, please don’t do this. I know Sairah and Cade were matchmaking, and I can guess why they wanted to pair us.” “Don’t do what? And why would they want to pair us? Please enlighten me.” He leaned back on the bench and studied her pale features instead of pulling her close and kissing her senseless.

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Her green eyes widened when she turned to him. “You’re a loner. I’m a loner. It’s obvious. They know neither of us has a mate, and they know we aren’t going to find one.” His chest tightened at her words. Pain flared as memories tried to surface. “Been there. Done that. Didn’t get the T-shirt.” Stacey held her hand over her mouth and giggled. “You got that from Sairah, didn’t you?” Matt nodded. “But I mean it. I have no interest in a mate. I don’t have one and there’s no sense wasting my time looking for someone who’s de -- doesn’t exist.” “What were you going to say before you caught yourself?” “Nothing.” “I don’t have a mate and never will, so I wouldn’t presume to judge you. We’re total strangers, Matt. Sometimes it’s easier to confide in a total stranger than in your closest friends. When you know you’ll never see someone again…” The need to interrupt her was overwhelming. Why couldn’t she just leave him alone? Did she feel the same intense attraction? He couldn’t tell because his hormones were running rampant. Instead of thinking about her lush lips, he concentrated on her answering her. “How do you know you will never find your mate?” “My mate is dead.” “I’m sorry. What happened?” At the pained look in Stacey’s eyes, he decided it might be better to change the subject. “Well, what do you think we should do to pay Sairah and Cade back for their matchmaking?” Stacey leaned closer. Her hand slid onto his thigh. Desire pounded furiously within him. She licked her lips and lowered her voice. “Why do anything? Since we’re both free to do as we wish, why don’t we have a little fun?” “But you have to…” No. She didn’t have to remain a virgin if her mate was dead. There would be no big ceremony to formally announce her mating. She was now destined to spend the remainder of her life alone. Perhaps he wasn’t the first man she’d asked for a little fun. “Are you a virgin?”

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“Yes, but only because I stay so busy in the lab I don’t have time to go out and meet nice guys. Not much sense in it either as I won’t ever find my mate. It seems foolish to distract other males from their possible mates.” “You know males don’t need to remain virgins. They don’t share the same restrictions as women.” “It’s okay, I don’t hold it against you.” Stacey smiled up at him. Her hand traveled further up his thigh. He tensed as his cock strained against the close confines of his pants. “If you aren’t a virgin when you mate, the binds won’t be sealed.” “It’s okay. You didn’t make the rules.” “It seems wrong to take your virginity. What if you find a mate and can’t be properly mated because you gave your virginity to an outcast?” “Do you know how many women aren’t virgins when they finally find their mate? Sairah almost didn’t make it to the mating ceremony a virgin. How can I prove to you that I want you, and this?” “I just don’t want an angry male coming after me for seducing you.” “I thought I was seducing you, but I’m obviously not doing a good job of it. This is why I stay in the lab.” Stacey sighed and pulled her hand away. Matt breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been centimeters from his very hard cock, and if she’d touched it he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have come right in his pants. “I do desire you, Stacey. But I won’t take what’s not mine.” “I should have said I wasn’t a virgin.” “I’d have discovered the truth.” “But by then it would have been too late.” She had the temerity to grin up at him. “You’re a sweet girl, Stacey --” “I’m no girl, and I’m not feeling very sweet right now.” She crossed her arms under her breasts and snorted. “You’re too stubborn to listen to me.”

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“I’m not too stubborn. Tell me what it is you want me to know.” Matt shifted to try and ease the burning pain in his dick. He didn’t want to adjust it and draw her attention where it shouldn’t be. “You know the dreams mates share. They are born destined to fall in love and be together.” “Yes, I know all this.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I used to dream about my mate. The dreams started when I was in my twenties and lasted for about a year. I never saw his face, just his body as he made love to me. And then suddenly the dreams stopped.” Stacey didn’t continue. In fact, she looked like she was about to cry. “I’m sorry.” Matt wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “It’s not your fault, but I appreciate your sympathy. To have been on the verge of meeting my mate and lose him hurt me, but I’m sure it would have hurt more once we’d been mated. It’s the not knowing that gets me. I don’t even have a face to put to a body. We must have been close for us to find each other astrally, but it is weird that I never saw his face.” “Not weird.” “What?” Stacey looked up at him. “I never saw my mate’s face either. Neither did Cade or Sairah. Their meeting instigated it. Even though Cade had been in cat form, and Sairah human, their souls recognized each other.” “What about your mate? I mean, I know you can make love if you are still unmated, but where is she?” His jaw tensed. Matt wasn’t sure whether to be glad Stacey didn’t know about his past, or frustrated. “She’s dead.” “So you were mated.” Matt closed his eyes and nodded once. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life regretting ever finding her.”

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“Is that why you signed up with Cade’s ship? So you could travel far distances and not have to spend much time on Leandros?” “Yes. It worked well until he took Sairah as his mate. I’m sure I can find another commander willing to take me on.” “You don’t seem upset about it, though.” Stacey’s hand crept back onto his thigh. She squeezed him, and he wondered if she was trying to comfort him. “I’m not upset. I don’t need comfort. My mate deserved death, and Cade deserves happiness. Sairah is perfect for him. You’re the one who deserves sympathy. At least I had some time with my mate. You’ve never known yours. At least not in the physical sense.” “How was sex with your mate? How did it compare to the dreams?” Stacey slid closer to him. Matt fought the instinct to wrap his arm around her and pull her even closer. He was an outcast. Just sitting here with her was enough to risk Stacey being ostracized by the others in the community. No one dared defy the all important Commander Cade and his wife, but Stacey was only a lab assistant. “Matt?” “Oh. Sex. Well…” He shifted on the bench, suddenly uncomfortable. “What’s wrong?” “The dreams before I met my mate were better than the actual mating.” Heat filled his face at his admission, and he looked back at Cade’s house. “But I know Cade and Sairah claim it’s even better in person than their dream sex was.” “Everyone’s told me that it’s better in person than in dreams.” She rubbed his back. He tried to pull away, but she grabbed onto him. “Don’t be ashamed. Is it possible you were mistaken?” “No.” Matt shook his head. “In the last dream I saw her face. She was my lover.” “But not in the ones from the start?”

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“It was only in the last one that I saw her face. It was also the day I met her. Since we both knew the score, we didn’t see a reason to put off our mating. We had a private ceremony with just her family and Cade.” “Judging by your expression, I’m going to guess that wasn’t exciting either.” “Perhaps if we’d followed tradition instead of breaking it in our haste…” He wasn’t fooling her, so why bother trying to think up any more excuses? “Not everyone can have their dreams come true and it’s foolish to hold on to them once you no longer need them.” Stacey rubbed his back and put her head on his shoulder. “I’m attracted to you, and I know you’re attracted to me. If you won’t make love with me because of your honor, would you at least allow me to pleasure you?” Matt stiffened. He wanted to look at Stacey to gauge her expression, but with her head nestled on his shoulder, he couldn’t. Chandra had loved to pleasure him in their dreams, but in real life she was more selfish. It was weird how she seemed like two different people. Or maybe not so weird considering what she’d done to him. “I’m not asking you to have sex with me. I feel your pain and I want to help you the only way I can think of.” She pulled away and looked up at him. She licked her lips and stared into his eyes. “Please, Matt. Let me take you home.” “I’m not a lost puppy dog. I’m a grown man who could hurt you. Take advantage of your innocence.” Her smile turned devious. This time when she licked her lips, he knew it wasn’t because they were dry. “You can’t take what’s freely given. I’d gladly give you my virginity, but I’ll settle for giving you what Sairah calls ‘head’.” “I won’t take your virginity.” “Would you stop being so honorable and go home with me? I won’t ask you again to take it.” She batted her eyelashes. “I’ll make it worth your while.” Matt chuckled. “Isn’t that supposed to be my line?” “If you were a regular guy, maybe. But you aren’t. Now take me home so I can ravish you.”

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She was willing. He was willing. There was nothing to keep them from enjoying each other. It had been so long since he’d had a willing woman. Paying for relief when he visited various planets had gotten old fast and was something he only did when he was really desperate. Tonight he felt more desire for a total stranger than he had for his mate. What was the irony in that? He wasn’t the only one who’d made mistakes. Even the gods had fucked up when they’d planned out his life.

Chapter Two Stacey locked the door and leaned against it. She drew in a fortifying breath, and looked at Matt. He was so handsome she’d been hard-pressed to keep her desire under control at the party. From the minute she’d laid eyes on him, she’d wanted him. Even if she hadn’t been so sure her mate was dead she’d have risked it all for this night. What a shame Matthew was so heroic he wouldn’t consent to sex. She was desperate, but not enough to force him to do something he would regret later. After he’d been introduced to her, she’d noticed the impressive bulge in his dress slacks. The scent of his desire aroused her even more. He smelled like soap and male, a scent that pleased her more than the overpriced colognes so many men preferred to wear. She’d have wanted him even if he was mated. Something about him called to her. It was odd to feel so strongly for this man. The same hunger she’d felt for her mate, she felt for Matt. Maybe since her mate had died, the gods had given her another chance for love. Unless Matt felt the same way, it didn’t matter. Though he’d seemed reluctant at first, once she’d set her purse on the hall table, Matt pinned her up against the door. His mouth met hers in a kiss that took her breath away and curled her toes. His lips moved over hers with a determination she struggled to match. He cupped her cheeks as his tongue slipped between her lips. Stacey melted into him, her body humming as his hands caressed her face and his mouth devoured hers. Maybe she’d get lucky and he’d agree to more than just oral pleasure. “I’m not going to take you up against the door.” “You aren’t going to take me at all.” She wished he would, though. “I’m going to take you to Earth’s heavens and beyond.” “Okay, that’s corny, but it works.” She sighed when he pulled away.

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“Corny?” “You missed out on that saying during your time on Earth?” “Apparently.” She shook her head, but took his hand and led him up the stairs to her bedroom. He stripped off his clothes as fast as she did. They landed on the bed in a tangle of arms and legs, laughing and rolling like it was a game. Matthew pinned her under him, so she took advantage of the position and nipped at his nipples. She licked them until they hardened, and then she slid her hands down his sides and around to his ass. Though he’d undressed and tackled her before she could get a good look at his cock, the way it dug into her belly left no doubt how large and hard he was. For a man who was determined not to have sex, he was certainly taking the time to seduce her the right way. Between the slow kisses and the way he smoothed his hands up and down her body, he made her feel cherished. He touched her as if he’d known her for months instead of having just met her an hour ago. Gentle kisses tickled her stomach as he moved lower. She was so ready for him it was a relief he was finally getting down to business. Matt licked and nibbled on her belly. She jumped when his hand caressed her mons. Slow, gentle motions meant to arouse her consumed her with hunger. Instead of this teasing, she wanted more. She needed satisfaction. “Please, Matt.” She slid her fingers into his hair and whimpered in need. “Please, please, please.” His response was to part her folds and slide his finger along her slit, dipping inside and smearing her liquid desire around her pussy lips. With his intense perusal of her pussy, Stacey was glad she kept the area hairless. While some men liked it, and some didn’t, she had heard there was more sensation if you kept the skin free of hair. Though she had nothing to compare this to, except dreams, she had to admit she wanted to come from the gentle caress alone.

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“I’ve never been with a woman who kept this area shaved.” His voice sounded wondrous as he continued to stroke her. “I only started doing it last year. I --” Her explanation was cut off when he suddenly licked along the length of her pussy. Shivers raced through her as she gasped, “Matt!” Her breath came hard and fast. She didn’t realize she’d tensed until Matt grunted. She eased her fingers apart so she wasn’t pulling his hair anymore, and tried to widen her legs to give him more room to pleasure her. The thought made her giggle, but the next swipe of his tongue, followed by pressure on her clit, dragged a moan from deep in her throat. “You’re delicious.” “Thank you,” she purred, his touch turning her on as much as his physical presence did. She’d thought it impossible for reality to compare to her dreams. Now she was experiencing it in person, and realized it could be even better. Her body hummed in response to his attention. Matt stopped licking her and looked up, his eyes half closed in what she hoped was pleasure. “Don’t thank me yet.” He turned his attention to her clit. It took only a few leisurely swipes of his tongue to bring orgasm crashing down on her. “Wow.” When she caught her breath she wondered if he found her as silly as she felt. All she could think of to express her feelings was wow. Matt chuckled and kissed her belly. “As much fun as that was, I need to get back to work.” “Work?” She pushed up on her elbows. Disbelief had to be obvious in her facial expression, but she didn’t care. “You just gave me an orgasm and now you’re leaving?” “You know we can’t be together. Somewhere there might be a man who could be your mate.” “I didn’t ask for you to be my mate. I asked you to come back here for some mutual satisfaction.” “In that case, are you telling me you aren’t satisfied?”

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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“You know I am!” Stacey glared at him as she pushed up to sit. “I didn’t get to return the favor.” “You don’t have to. I didn’t expect you to.” She crossed her arms. “Then why did you get naked?” He gave a soft chuckle and turned to get off the bed. “You’re not going anywhere, buddy.” “It’s okay, Stacey. Trust me when I say I got pleasure from you.” “Not the kind I want you to have.” She leaned forward and crawled toward him. “You can’t leave without letting me satisfy you.” “You aren’t obligated to me. I wanted to give you pleasure.” “But you can’t give me even a little piece of yourself, can you?” “Why would you want a piece of me?” He looked genuinely confused, and she wondered what he’d been talking to Sairah about earlier. Maybe whatever was keeping him from letting her touch him was what he had said might taint her if she was seen with him. Maybe if he realized no one cared who she was with or what she did his attitude would change, but for right now it looked like he would remain unconvinced. “I know how to do it, if that’s your worry.” He held up a hand. “Please, I don’t want to know where you learned how to do it or on who.” Before she could respond, he tilted his head to the side and frowned. It didn’t take a genius to realize he was communicating telepathically with someone. She tried to ignore the jealousy that filled her. Whoever it was -- most likely Cade -- had a close bond with Matt. Sometimes men formed very tight bonds with one or two other men, but rarely with a woman other than their mate. “I have to --” “Go. I can tell.” She sighed and dropped down onto her stomach. While she watched him dress, she wondered how to ask him to come back. She owed him.

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 24 -

No, it wasn’t even that. She wanted to taste him. She wanted more, but she’d settle for whatever she could get. “I’m sorry. There’s trouble on the ship, and Cade shouldn’t leave the party.” “It’s okay, Matt. I understand.” “I have a feeling you understand a lot, Stacey.” “More than most people give me credit for.” She forced a smile and clenched her fists to keep from reaching for him. Perhaps he would be back.

*** The need to see Stacey was so strong Matt found himself standing in front of the lab before he’d consciously made the decision to go to her. He knocked on the door and immediately regretted it when he glanced around and noticed how busy the street and sidewalk were. People would see him going inside. Stacey would eventually learn how bad his reputation was, but not until it was too late. “Matt!” A warm smile lit up her face. She had cute dimples. He didn’t want her to ever stop smiling. “Come in. I was just thinking about you.” “You were?” Matt let her lead him inside even though he knew he shouldn’t have come here. He leaned against the door and closed it with his back, trying to put some distance between them. “Yes.” Stacey dropped to her knees and unbuttoned his pants. “What are you doing?” Panicked, he looked around the lab and sighed audibly when he realized they were alone. “You won’t take me against a door, but I’m animal enough to take you that way.” She snickered and unzipped his pants. “Of course I’m not going to take you. I’m just going to suck on you.” He choked and gasped for air when her hand wrapped around his erection and pulled him free from his underwear and pants. Before he could draw in another breath, Stacey’s tongue flicked at the tip of his cock. With a groan, he thrust toward her mouth, hands burrowing in her hair.

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She drew him in deeper, sliding her tongue over him and then sucking on him. He was lost in sensation. Lost in her. The knowledge scared him, but he couldn’t have pulled away from her even if he’d wanted to. Whatever it was about her that did this to him, it was out of his control. The sensation of her delicate hands and her mouth on him sent him to the edge, but it was the hum that made him explode. By the time Stacey finished licking him and tucked his cock back in his pants, he could breathe again. “What was that all about?” His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended, but she smiled and waved her hand. “We’re even.” “I told you that you didn’t owe me anything!” He didn’t care how mean he sounded now. “I don’t hold you to it.” “I know you don’t.” She leaned into him and played with the buttons on his shirt. He probably should have gone home to change, but he hadn’t wanted to be away from her a minute longer than he had to. An emotion he didn’t want warred with his anger. Hell, who am I kidding? I’m already in too far, and I’ve only known her a short time. How the hell is this possible? How can I even feel this way about someone who’s not my mate? The strong desire to be with Stacey, combined with their lust, was a surefire combination that would destroy them both. “I have to go.” He zippered his pants and turned to the door. Stacey’s hand on his shoulder halted him. “You don’t have to run from me. I only want what you’re willing to give. If you really don’t want me to do anything like this, I won’t. Please don’t alienate me now. I have so few friends as it is.” “I --” Matt cleared his throat and tried again. “I don’t plan on alienating you. I won’t tell a soul what transpired here tonight. Or at your place. You’re better off without me, Stacey.” He turned and looked at her. “I’m not a good man. I’ve killed men, and I don’t regret my mate’s death at all.”

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 26 -

“You’re a soldier. Of course you’ve killed men.” “I also got my own men killed with my negligence. It’s better you hear this from me than a stranger. It’s for your own good that I want you to pretend we never met.” He yanked the door open and fled through it before she could respond. It wasn’t because he was afraid she’d cry or get emotional, but because she felt the same connection he did. Where he ran from it, she embraced it. Perhaps Cade could send him on a solo mission for a few months until Stacey found someone else to fixate on.

Chapter Three Matt raced through the huge open field behind Cade’s house. Even though Stacey had given him release from his sexual frustration, it wasn’t enough. He wanted to take her hard and fast. To pound into her while she screamed his name loud enough to alert the neighbors. Once wouldn’t be enough. And that was why he was here, racing through the empty fields in cat form. A female streaked past him, her tan coat a blur as she disappeared into the thick grass. The first thing that registered was a female in heat. The second was Stacey’s scent. He’d recognize her anywhere. The urge to possess her overrode his common sense. The animal in him wanted to chase the moving target, and the cat wanted to mount her and fuck her within an inch of her life. Like a shot, he raced after her, bounding through the grass. In a matter of seconds he found her and pounced, tackling her. They rolled through the thin brush until they came to a stop with him pinning her to the ground. She twisted and rolled until she was on her stomach, her ass too close to his groin for him not to rub against her. Need to mount her warred with his conscience, and he decided to change back to two-legged form rather than do something they’d both regret. Stacey must have felt him shift because she also returned to two-legged form. She turned her head to the side and grinned at him while she rubbed her backside against his rock-hard dick. “What are you doing, Stacey?” He should move away from her delectable ass. He really should. Instead he cupped her rounded curves and squeezed.

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She purred and pushed back into his hands. “I was frolicking in the grass. What are you doing?” “I was minding my own business until you showed up.” “You really are a grump, aren’t you, Matthew? No wonder Cade is afraid you’ll never find a woman who could tolerate you. I wasn’t bothering you, and then all of a sudden out of nowhere you ambushed me.” “I didn’t ambush you! You teased me. Ran right in front of me waving that tail and shaking your ass.” “I did not shake my ass.” Her laughter made her brush against him even more. He growled, and shoved her flat on the ground. The scent of her desire was more than he could resist. Instead of pulling away from her, he spread kisses on the back of her neck and shoulders, while he slid one hand between her thighs and rubbed her wet pussy. Stacey moaned and arched against his hand. She rubbed and pressed against him, more of her juices coating his fingers. Hot and smooth, she tempted him like no other, not even his mate. He had to have her. One hand on her ass, the other on his dick, he rubbed the head of his cock against her opening. She moaned and pushed back against him, taking in the tip of him. Sanity prevailed, but barely. He spread her juices on his dick and then on her rosette. Though he wanted to just ram his cock into her, he pushed the tip of his finger inside her. When she didn’t protest, he imitated the motions he wanted to make with his dick, adding another finger when she seemed ready for it. “You won’t be the first to take me there, Matthew. I’m ready for you.” Anger filled him at the thought of another male taking possession of any of her orifices. He replaced his fingers with his cock, and slowly slid into her. She mewled and pressed back against him, making it hard to keep from shifting back into a lion. He’d take her as a cat, but only once they were both in that form. He’d chase her and chase her and tackle her and claim her.

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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“Yes!” Her sweet scream of pleasure brought him out of his erotic daydream while the tight hold her firm ass kept on his cock made him erupt. He grunted as he came hard enough for his vision to blur. He had been so wrapped up in his fantasy, he’d almost missed seeing how she writhed under him during her orgasm, and the small sounds of pleasure that escaped her.

“I can’t believe you changed your mind and fucked me.” Her words were like a splash of cold water. Changed his mind? He shoved her away from him, hardening his heart when she cried out. Even taking her in the ass was crossing a line he’d have killed a man for doing with his mate. If anyone found out what they’d done, her life would be ruined. No man would want her after him. He didn’t want another man to have her. Quickly, he shifted back to lion and raced as far from her as he could. Damn fool. Stupid jackass. You almost ruined her life. It’s bad enough you went to her house and then the lab. You almost stole her virginity. What the fuck is wrong with you? The sun had long gone, to be replaced by the moon, when he finally made it back to his clothing. Finding Stacey waiting for him knocked him for a loop. Her eyes glowed in anger. At least she was clothed and not as much of a temptation as she was last time. “If you’re waiting to kick my ass, that’s fine. I won’t stop you. I deserve it.” “I’ll say you do. You can’t fuck a woman and then race off.” As she spoke, she poked him in the chest. “You worked me up and then poofed. Inconsiderate jackass.” When he realized he’d backed away as she advanced, he froze. He’d accept her anger. He deserved it. “Nothing to say?” “I acted like a jerk. I deserve your anger. Your revenge.” “Who says I care enough about you to seek revenge?”

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 30 -

His breath caught in his throat. Just because he had feelings for her didn’t mean she had them for him. Feelings. He shuddered. He didn’t need to have any feelings for anyone. Stacey struck him in the chest. She studied him for a reaction, but he’d been trained well. There was none. He knew it. He’d taken worse than that without breaking. He tuned out the stream of creative curse words he knew had come from Earth, and focused on not jumping on her and fucking her senseless. She landed several punches on his chest and stomach before he could prepare himself, but he welcomed the pain. “Why don’t you fight back? Try to stop me?” Tears poured down her face. Something tugged at his heart. He hardened it and shook his head. Her punches became weaker as she wore herself out. She finally dropped to the ground and made a sniffling sound that brought him to his knees. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I love you, you know.” She sniffed again. “I don’t know why. You certainly don’t deserve it.” “We’ve only known each other a short time, Stacey. You can’t call this love.” “Fine.” She looked up at him with hope in her expression. “If you insist it’s not love, then it’s desire. I want you more than I want air. I need you. Is it wrong? Probably. We aren’t mates, but maybe because we both lost ours, a connection opened between us. Who says you can’t find love a second time?” “You don’t know me. I’m not someone you can love.” “I think I should be the judge of that.” Stacey smiled and cupped his cheek. “I do love you, whether you want to hear it or not.” “You can’t. We can’t.” He didn’t want to tell her about his past, but she wasn’t giving him a choice. “Yes, we can. Take me out to dinner and we’ll talk. Get to know each other. I’ll give you a chance to make it up to me.”

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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Matt shook his head. “I can’t. You don’t understand. A man like me has many enemies and few friends. To be seen with me is to kiss any friends you have goodbye. I’m not worth it.” “I think you are. If I’m willing to give it a try, why aren’t you?” “I don’t want you to get hurt.” Her eyes lit like green jewels. “So you do care about me.” “No.” He shook his head quickly, but she was already laughing and picking up his clothes. “Get dressed. We’re going to a quiet little restaurant. You’ll love it.” He sighed and tugged on his clothes. It would be hopeless to continue refusing her. She’d already proven to be relentless.

*** She took him to her favorite place. Ryan’s On the Beach. Not only was it near the ocean, but there were several areas available for couples who wished to enjoy a semiprivate dinner. Their server led them through the crowded main room and into a small patio area. The weather was warm and dry, and the view spectacular. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was relaxing, and the scents of the tropical plants spread all over the patio helped create a romantic atmosphere. They’d only been seated a few minutes when Ryan stopped by their table. “Stacey, doll. How are you?” He greeted her with his usual kiss and hug. She wondered what Matt thought of it, but didn’t get a chance to find out because Ryan gasped and stepped back. “What?” It wasn’t usual for Ryan to be caught off guard. Did he know about the past Matt tried so hard to hide? “Let me guess…” Matt leaned back in his chair, an expression on his face that said I dare you to start something. “You know who I am.” Ryan blinked and looked back and forth between them. “Why the hell aren’t you two mated?”

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Matt choked, leaned forward and pounded on his chest. Stacey was torn between concern for him and curiosity about Ryan’s statement. “What makes you say that, Ryan?” “You know where I got the money to start this restaurant, right?” Stacey nodded. “You were an advisor.” “I can tell when people are mates. When Areyls are meant to be together their auras will have a deep purple haze when they are near each other. Once mated, the haze will calm to a harmonious blue. Honey, you two are so purple I can barely breathe.” “You’re wrong.” Matt smirked and took a sip of water. “I was already mated once. She’s dead, but everyone knows you can only have one mate.” This time Ryan smirked. “Shows what you know. You haven’t been mated yet, buddy. Even if you had, it’s possible to find a heart mate to spend the rest of your life with. While the connection isn’t as intense as that of soul mates, it is usually enough to ensure a life of happiness for the couple.” “You couldn’t be more wrong about us,” Matt continued to argue. Ryan looked at Stacey in confusion. She shrugged. “He’s got a point, Ryan. We don’t have shared dreams, nor can we communicate telepathically. There was a time, years ago, that I did share dreams with a man, but they stopped as abruptly as they started. Maybe we are heart mates as you suggested?” “You two are mates. There’s no ands, ifs, or buts about it.” “You’ve spent time on Earth too.” Matt hadn’t asked it as a question, but Ryan treated it like one. “Yes, I did. I enjoyed their food and wanted to bring some of that back here to Leandros. Every week I get a shipment of delicacies that can only be found on Earth. As many of our kind spend time on that planet, and grow to love the food, I make good money specializing like I do.” Matt looked around the restaurant. “I can see that you do.”

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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Ryan pointed a finger at Matt. “If you hurt this woman you’ll have to answer to me. I’m not wrong about you two.” Ryan gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then whispered, “Don’t let him get away, sweetheart. It’s meant to be.” As soon as Ryan walked away, Matt leaned close. “Don’t think I don’t know why you brought me here. You wanted Ryan to convince me to make love to you, didn’t you?” “I don’t need help in that department. You did it quite nicely the last time.” Matt shook his head. She wondered what thoughts were going through his mind. “You feel it too, Matthew. That instant connection. The urge to mate.” “Fuck, Stacey, fuck. I don’t have any mating urges.” “None you will admit to.” “You asked me to bring you to dinner to make up for teasing you earlier, and now all you can do is harass me?” “You told me you deserved whatever punishment I decided to give you. Perhaps I think you already punish yourself enough.” She bit back a smile when his mouth opened and moved, but no words came out. He clamped his lips shut, and made single word responses to her questions until dessert when he finally loosened up enough to share some of his past with Cade. She didn’t bother to tell him that Sairah had already filled her in on much of it. They’d really wanted her and Matt to hit it off, and had told her almost his whole life’s story. That she’d already been halfway in love with him by the time she met him was something she didn’t want to reveal yet. He was frightened enough by both her instinct to mate with him and his instinctive need to block his mating urges. She was positive they were mates. But how to prove it? Matt stared across the table. The urge to run his fingers through her hair and comb some sense into her head was almost as strong as his urge to mate. Though some soul mates fought the mating when it came upon them, he wasn’t fighting anything. He wanted to brand her as his, but this wasn’t mating. He’d been mated. Even if he wanted

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to mate with her, he couldn’t. The Council had seen to that when they ordered the reader to block the part of his mind that would allow him to have communicated with any future mate. The look in her eyes was one of love. Even when she didn’t speak the words, it was there. What he felt for her was close enough to love, wasn’t it? Usually when a couple mated, they fell in love after their need for sex decreased to a more bearable level. Why he was even contemplating asking the Council for permission to take Stacey as his partner was beyond him. As his mate she’d suffer. He didn’t want to do that to her. But every time he thought back to Ryan’s exuberant greeting, jealousy flowed through him. He didn’t like the thought of anyone else having her. Of anyone else touching her. Kissing her. Fucking her. He clenched his fists under the table. They could move to Earth. It was more than obvious from her choice in restaurants and the language she favored that she had enjoyed her time there. “How would you feel about living on Earth?” “Living on Earth?” When her eyes lit up he wanted to kick himself. “I just wondered because you spent so much time there.” She leaned back in her chair. “I know you don’t love me, but you feel something. It’s a starting place, Matt. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone, and you’re the closest I’ve ever felt to a true mate. If Ryan is to be believed, then you are my mate.” Matt didn’t respond right away. He knew there were people who could do what Ryan claimed. Did he believe Ryan was making it up? Maybe. Then again, the man cared for Stacey, so why would he try to convince Matt -- a total stranger -- that they were meant to be together? Maybe he didn’t feel the mating need he’d felt in those dreams long ago, but this urge to make her his was almost as strong. If they’d had the mind connection he’d wonder if it were possible to have two mates. Maybe it was. Didn’t he owe it to both of them to find out? The Council would be able to help him. But would they be willing?

Chapter Four “Why have you requested to speak to us?” Councilman Cain demanded. Matt refused to allow Cade’s father to intimidate him. He was a soldier. A warrior. He’d been through more than most men saw in one lifetime. But today he was here to rectify a mistake. He glanced over at Cade and Sairah as they stood with Stacey. He’d wanted her to remain on Leandros, but she’d insisted on traveling with them. “Don’t waste my time, Lieutenant.” “I came here to tell you what really happened back on Alpha Nine.” “If I remember correctly, and I always do, you refused to defend yourself. Some thought you had a death wish. Why do you wish to come here and defend yourself now?” Matt looked at Stacey. “With all due respect, sir, I’ve found someone worth living for, and I don’t want Stacey hurt by my past. I wanted to come clean so she and I can leave Leandros and settle somewhere else.” “Then why not just go?” Matt swallowed. Cain never asked easy questions. “Because I don’t want Stacey tainted by my past. If she’s willing to give up everything to come with me, the least I can do is tell you what I was too stubborn to tell you before. I should have listened to Cade then, but I didn’t want to defend myself. I didn’t care what happened to me.” He didn’t want to ramble and make things worse, so he closed his mouth and prepared for Cain’s wrath. The man was easy to anger, and didn’t like excuses. Matt knew he would be judged and found lacking, but he had to go through with this for Stacey. The truth needed to be told.

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 36 -

“Where do you want to start, then? With the reason you let Chandra open fire on your ships and you didn’t order return fire?” Cain’s lips thinned in a frown. “Or perhaps why you stood here before the Council and refused to speak.” “I couldn’t return fire on Chandra. She was my mate.”

“Your mate?”

Voices raised around the room as Cain leaned forward to consult the thick folder

in front of him. Several other councilmen and councilwomen did the same, and whispered amongst themselves. “You weren’t mated when you were brought here before trial, Matthew. That’s why we had Reader Marion block the part of your mind that could communicate with your mate.” “Impossible, sir. I was mated to Chandra. We had the ceremony on her planet. Cade was in attendance.” “Commander Cade, please step forward.” Cade squeezed Sairah’s hand, and then followed his father’s order. “Yes, sir?” “Did you attend this so-called mating?” “Yes, sir. It happened about two months before the… incident.” Cade closed his eyes for a minute, and Matt knew he was remembering the loss of his cousin. “Was it a genuine mating?” “I guess so. They performed the ceremony differently on Incarum.” “Did it feel to you like a real mating?” Cade looked at Matt and frowned. He returned his gaze to his father. “No, sir. I’m sorry to say it didn’t have even half the power I felt when Sairah and I mated.” “That’s because it wasn’t a real mating.” Matt gasped, heart pounding in his chest. “I was mated to Chandra. I promised to protect her and care for her. It’s why I couldn’t fire on her ship. Not even to save myself.” “Son.” Cain’s voice was low and gentle as he leaned forward and put his hands palms down on the table. “You were not truly mated to Chandra. If you had been, we

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would not have been able to have Reader Marion perform that procedure. You would have been in tremendous pain. At Chandra’s death you would have felt as if your body and soul were ripping in half. You did not strike me as a man in mourning. You also failed to mention any of this at the trial.” “Men died because of my mate. I knew I deserved whatever punishment you dealt me.” The words reminded him of what he’d done to Stacey. Matt refused to look at her. He hadn’t confided the story to her. Guilt and shame were two things he’d always carry with him and he hadn’t wanted to see her dislike of him and his inaction. What was he thinking coming here before the Council like this? “Sir, I beg your forgiveness. I shouldn’t have called everyone here. I don’t deserve your compassion. I’d like you to see to it that Stacey doesn’t suffer from my actions here today.” Matt turned and began to walk toward the door that led to the temporary jail cells. He froze when Stacey cried out as if in pain. Slowly, he turned around. She scrubbed frantically at the tears sliding down her cheeks. “You can’t turn your back on me and what we could have together.” “I’m sorry, Stacey. Haven’t you noticed yet? I’m not an honorable man.” “You’re too honorable, Matthew. If you weren’t, I wouldn’t still be a goddamned virgin!” He winced at her shriek. “Thank you for sharing that with everyone.” “They don’t care. No one does. You’re the only one who cares! You think you should be punished because your mate went berserk and killed a bunch of people?” “My mate. My responsibility.” “Bullshit! You’re only responsible for your own actions. The only thing that’s your fault is that you were born with an unstable mate. You’ve punished yourself for years because of her actions.” “If I may interrupt your lecture…” Councilwoman Debra studied Stacey. “I’m sorry.” Stacey bowed her head, reminding Matt of the meek and mild woman he’d thought she was when he first met her. “You speak like a woman in love.”

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“I am, ma’am. I’m in love with the idjit.” “Your time on Earth is affecting your language, child.” Though she reprimanded Stacey, Debra appeared to be struggling not to laugh. “The man drives all common sense out of my head. I apologize to the Council, but every word I spoke, I meant.” Stacey turned her head and glared at him. “We’re going to do what should have been done during the trial. What would have been done if Matthew had tried to defend himself against the charges.” Debra looked up and down the table. The other council members nodded in agreement. “Matthew, please step forward and be seated before Reader Marion.” “Ma’am?” “You’ve left us no choice but to delve into your memories for the truth in all this. If things turn out to be what I suspect, then you’ve hurt your true mate more than you can ever know.” “My mate is dead, ma’am.” “I’m not a fool like you, Matthew. Take your seat and let Reader Marion do her thing. You know how taxing this is going to be for her. She’s got years to sift through to find what we need. I suggest you send her flowers when this is over. Red dahlias are her favorite.” Matt knew how horrible memories could be. Some of his were particularly nasty. He didn’t like the idea of someone poking around in his head and showing his memories to the world, but he did know that the Reader didn’t have a choice in the matter either. Reluctantly he took his place before the Reader. “You can just fast forward past the last week.” Though he worded it like a command, he knew the Reader would do whatever she thought best served the case. Matthew stared at the blank white wall behind Marion. It would be where she projected his thoughts and memories. He wanted to see everything she showed the others. He felt her probing his mind. The sensation was as unfamiliar as it was intrusive. It was as if hundreds of ants crawled through his head, and he didn’t like it one bit.

***

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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“What made you decide to request a meeting with the Council after all this time? You always say the past is better left buried.” Great. It was his conversation with Cade before arriving here. “I need to. I should have done this long ago.” Matt wondered at the pain in his voice. He hadn’t realized how much emotion he’d revealed. Perhaps it was only because he was with a man he trusted completely. “You didn’t listen to me all those years ago. What’s changed your mind? Is it Stacey?” “Leave her out of this. I don’t want her tainted by my past.” “If she’s going to be part of your future she needs to know about your past.” “I don’t want her to know.” Matt winced, watching Cade’s face darken in fury. “Why not?” “Because I love her!” The image faded, Cade’s smug grin slowly disappearing. Marion must be searching for something else to show everyone. He prayed she didn’t share any intimate moments. Surely they weren’t necessary. His hope was short-lived as an image of a very naked Stacey filled the screen. “Can’t you at least censor this?” He didn’t want everyone viewing Stacey’s assets, especially not spread open as she was. “I want you to make love to me, Matthew.” “I can’t.” “Neither of us have mates.” “I can’t, Stacey. You don’t know if you’re wrong. I won’t be responsible for ruining your one chance of a mating.” Stacey gave a frustrated shriek and kicked him hard enough to knock him off the bed. Before he could catch his breath, the image of the first time he saw Stacey popped up on the wall. His gaze locked on her like a homing beacon and didn’t budge.

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Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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He held his breath for what felt like an eternity before the tendrils snaked through his mind again. The screen went blank again and then reappeared with an image of him before the Council last time. The scene played backward, and quickly, but not quickly enough to miss that during the entire trial he’d remained staring at his clasped hands. He didn’t acknowledge anything that went on. There was no sound, and nothing but his clasped hands ever entered his vision. The pain of that day resurfaced. He remembered trying to block out everything. Apparently he’d done so well his memory of the trial was almost nonexistent. Still in reverse, but speeded up, the scenes changed to one of him grieving over the dead bodies of his men, and people scrambling to repair the damage to the ship. Then the dead men resurrected, and the ship returned to an undamaged state. The next part blurred and then began to play forward slowly. “An unidentified ship is approaching.” Matt closed his eyes to block out the pain. He knew what was coming next, even if no one else in the room did. He didn’t deserve to be alive. He didn’t deserve Stacey, and she certainly didn’t deserve a man like him. He heard several loud gasps and opened his eyes. It looked as if his vision had taken place underwater. The men’s voices as they asked him for orders, the first hit from the ship, and the appearance of his mate on the vidcom thanking him for making this so easy. Throughout the entire thing he remained as still as a statue, not uttering a word. Remembering hurt. How he could just stand there and do nothing. He’d wanted to. He’d wanted to kill her. To destroy her ship. But though he could hear the words in this vision, none of his crew registered them. He’d screamed the order to destroy her and her ship until he’d been hoarse, and not one word or sound did the men react to. His body had been as unmoving as his vocal cords.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 41 -

“Freeze it here, please.” Cain’s voice broke him free of the hold the past had on him. Marion paused the video. “Explain this, Marion. Why does it look like there’s a sudden fog in the bridge before the attack?” “I have seen this before, Councilman Cain. But not very often. Someone very powerful manipulated your commander’s mind. He hears himself yelling orders, but none of his crew is responsive. This leads me to believe his body and mouth were immobile. Against his wishes.” “Did I correctly hear him order Chandra and her ship to be destroyed?” Matt hung his head. What was worse? Ordering your mate’s death, or not being heard to order her death, so defending yourself against something you can’t begin to understand? “Gave the order no less than ten times, sir.” Marion’s voice shook. Matt looked up quickly and noticed she’d moved past the scene to his mating with Chandra. He couldn’t help it. He covered his ears and closed his eyes, trying to block the biggest mistake of his life from his memory. “Stop fighting this!” The authority in Debra’s voice made him lower his hands, but he kept his eyes tightly closed and fisted his hands in his lap. When he peeked at the wall again, he was in a dream with his mate. “Wait!” Stacey’s voice shook as she shouted. Marion froze the scene, and Matt looked back at Stacey. “Didn’t anyone else see what I did?” “The birthmark?” Sairah leaned forward in her chair. “Yes.” “Birthmark?” Matt looked back up at the wall. “Your dream lover didn’t have the small birthmark that is on Chandra when you were mating.” Stacey rose from her seat. “Reader Marion, can you please go back to when Matthew mated to Chandra?” Marion sighed, but he could tell she was as eager to see what Stacey had noticed as the others.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 42 -

“There. Stop the memory, please.” Stacey pointed up at the screen. “There on her left hip is a reddish birthmark. Reader, can you please go back to the dream?” Marion made his thoughts flash on the screen as she rapidly went backward to the last dream he had. Chandra grinned up at him from her kneeling position on the floor. An odd thing he hadn’t noticed before was that the dream was slightly fogged like the memory of the attack on his ship. “Go back a little more. To earlier in the dream.” Marion moved the memory back a few minutes. The fog cleared, and he could no longer make out the face of his lover. “There!” Stacey pointed at the screen. There was no reddish birthmark. No mark at all. “How did you manage to pick that out?” Cain frowned and looked at both Stacey and Sairah. “Because I didn’t want Chandra to be his mate, I was looking for differences. Like that game when you look at two similar images and determine what the differences are. I’m pretty good at them. I love puzzles.” Stacey crossed her arms. “Chandra isn’t his mate. I think she has -- had -- psi powers, and she used them on Matt. She put her own image on his dream lover somehow, and then probably continued to manipulate his mind. Perhaps the moment she’d been preparing for was the attack on his ship.” “How unfortunate for her that my ship was nearby and responded to the attack before she realized what was happening.” Cade wrapped his arm around Sairah. “I think, with this new evidence, we should change our guilty verdict on Matthew and revoke the ban on his mating abilities.” Debra shocked him with her suggestion. Matthew looked at the other members on the Council and glanced around the room, studying the reactions of his peers. The sneers he’d been given when he’d been called before the Council had been replaced with curiosity, puzzlement and nods of agreement to Debra’s statement.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 43 -

“Councilwoman Debra has a valid argument.” Another councilwoman farther down the table spoke up. “I don’t know. We’ve never had a case like this before. No one has ever been before us with this apparent manipulation of their mind. I want to know why you refused to defend yourself before us.” Cain narrowed his eyes and stared at Matthew. The heat from his gaze burned, but Matt refused to look away. “You wouldn’t have believed me. She was my mate and it was only fitting I pay for her crimes.” “That is so not fitting!” Stacey shouted. “I’ve tolerated enough of your outbursts, young lady!” Cain stood and glared at Stacey. “Unless you want to join your boyfriend behind bars I suggest you shut up.” Stacey clamped her lips tight and sat down. Almost immediately, she stood back up again. “Wherever my love goes, I’ll follow.” “Romantic, but foolish. Now shut up and sit down.” Cain looked back at him. Matthew shrugged. “We might not be mates, but we love each other. I believe we could still make each other happy.” “We still need to address this mating.” Debra slammed her fist on the table. “There was no mating,” another councilman argued. “Continue, Councilman Todd.” Cain sat back down. “There was no official mating. It took place on another planet so we can’t verify it ever took place. You didn’t attend an illegal mating ceremony involving Matthew Richards, did you, Cade Dalton?” Todd looked at Cade. “Nope. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” A burst of relief and release of guilt raced through Matthew. They were voiding his mating. He’d never heard of such a thing. Except for the time they voided Sairah’s grandmother’s mating. “It’s obvious the poor boy’s mind was played with. The images forced into his subconscious, combined with his integrity and honor, led to his downfall. Through his memories, we can see he did in fact repeatedly order the death of this woman Chandra,

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 44 -

and through no fault of his own his orders weren’t obeyed.” Debra’s defense of him was unnecessary. “It was my fault!” Matthew jumped up, breaking the connection with the Reader and almost knocking himself out in the process. He doubled over in pain and tried to catch his breath. “Many would agree with you, Commander Richards.” Cain smiled and rose. “However, we believe you did try your best to stop the attack, and through no fault of your own, you were unsuccessful. We mourn the loss of those great men and women, but do not find you responsible for their deaths.” Whispers traveled around the room, followed by clapping. “Be seated at the table again, Commander Richards. Reader Marion will restore your full mental abilities, and remove the block on the connection with your mate.” Matt was grateful to take his seat again. He dropped his hands on the table in front of him and blinked back tears. Everything was happening too fast to comprehend. Chandra hadn’t been his real mate. He still had one. He looked back at Stacey and pulled his hands off the table as realization swept through him. “No.” “No?” Cain walked over to him. “What the hell do you mean no, boy?” “No, thank you, sir. I don’t want my mating ability restored. I love Stacey.” Matt turned and looked across the room. He could see her tears and knew how hard she struggled to stay in her seat. Sairah and Cade each had one of her hands in theirs, and they surrounded her with love and their presence. He loved her more than he’d ever loved Chandra. There was no way he’d abandon her. Two guards grabbed his arms when he tried to rise, pushing him back down in the chair. He struggled against the tendrils of Marion’s power as she probed his mind. He didn’t want a different mate. He wanted Stacey. “I’m finished.” Marion dropped her head onto the table. A small twinge of guilt at how much extra work he’d given her was chased away by Matt’s anger at the reopening of his astral travel powers and mental telepathy. How he’d been able to

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 45 -

communicate with Cade and no one else boggled his mind, but now he’d be free to speak with his mate via mental telepathy. I don’t fucking want this, or you! Matt shouted the words in his head hoping wherever she was, she heard him and ran far away. Nice try, Mattie, but you are shouting at me, and I certainly have no interest in you. At least not that way. Matt spun around and glared at Cade. Sairah and Cade snickered. “He yelled at me with his mental connection when I’m sure he meant to reach his soul mate.” “I don’t want this!” Matt jumped out of his chair and raced across the room before the guards could react. He grabbed Stacey and turned around to see Cain had a hand on each of the men’s shoulders. “Stacey is the only woman I want.” Marion moaned. Matt looked over at her. “You’re the most dense man I’ve ever met, Matthew Richards.” “What?” Matt stared at Marion and then at Cain. “Do you know how a Reader regains some of her expended energy, Commander?” “No, sir. How?” “Sex.” Cain grinned. “Lots and lots of sex.” The group of peers snickered behind him, but he didn’t turn around to look at them. He didn’t care what they thought anymore. That shocked him. When had he stopped caring what others thought about him? When he’d faced the loss of Stacey. “Where were you and Stacey planning on moving when you left Leandros?” Debra wrapped her arm around Cain’s waist. “Earth. Stacey has spent time there and so have I. It’s the most similar to Leandros.” Matt pulled Stacey closer. “We’d hate to see you both leave. Especially since we have need of a new commander on the ship Talis.” Debra grinned.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 46 -

“I’m not willing to risk finding a mate to usurp my claim on Stacey. I love her and I want her for my own. She has no mate and whoever mine was obviously doesn’t know I exist.” “Oh, she knows.” Marion lifted her head and stared at him, her eyes narrowed. “She just thinks you’re dead.” “What?” “Did I forget to mention that Marion is one of the more gifted Readers?” Cain rubbed the back of Marion’s head. “She can tell when two Areyls are meant to be mated.” “And what does that have to do with me? How does she know what my soul mate thinks?” Matt frowned at Stacey. Was his soul mate here in the room? “You’re hugging her,” Marion snapped. “Stupid dense male.” “But --” “No buts. We’re having an impromptu mating ceremony.” A cheer rang out at Todd’s words. The council members moved to surround Marion. “Here? Now?” Matt looked around the crowded room. He didn’t want to make love to Stacey in front of so many people. Even Cade hadn’t had a crowd like this at his ceremony. “Here and now. You owe Marion. Besides, we haven’t had a mating here in over ten years.” Debra’s eyes glowed as she looked hungrily at her husband. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” A large circle gathered around Matt and Stacey, surrounding them and not giving them a chance to escape. “Consider this our apology for not examining your memories then. Had you tried to defend yourself it would have been done automatically.” Cain wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist and tugged her even closer. Before Matt could think of a response, the crowd pressed forward and began to chant. Their words, spoken in the ancient language, triggered a response deep inside of

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

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him. He closed his eyes and tested his mind. He pushed past his link to Cade and found something that made his cock stir. There was another connection to someone. “Matt?” He opened his eyes and smiled at Stacey. He couldn’t be sure just yet that the link was to her, but if Cain and Marion said it was, then he would accept their word. He wanted it to be true and maybe wanting it would be enough. “Stacey Quinn, I promise to love, honor and protect you every day for the rest of our lives.” “Matthew Richards, I promise to love, honor and protect you every day for the rest of our lives.” The chanting grew louder, signaling it was time to mate. Sairah walked over to Stacey and began to undress her while Cade reached for Matthew’s suit jacket. Matt shrugged out of it and began to unbutton his shirt while Sairah slid Stacey’s dress off her shoulders. Sweet, shy Stacey didn’t appear concerned that the others could see her naked body. Perhaps she really did believe he found her beautiful. Perhaps she now saw herself as beautiful. Whatever had changed her attitude, he was grateful for it. It’s our link. It’s open now. I can hear you. Feel you. And once we finish this ceremony we’ll be bonded forever. She wiggled so her dress slid down her body and pooled at her feet. When Sairah reached to undo the clasp on Stacey’s underwear, Matt pushed her hand aside and pulled Stacey up against him. He kissed her long, hard and deep, trying to put all of his emotion into the kiss. Stacey shivered and plastered herself against Matt. His teeth nipped at her lips, before he kissed his way to her ear. “Aren’t you glad I didn’t take your virginity before?” “No.” She swatted his rear. “I’ve been horny forever. But at least things worked out the way we wanted them to.” “What were the odds?”

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 48 -

“Stacey still recognized you. It was your inability to respond as her soul mate that confused her. Her body and soul hungered for you. She’s suffered a great deal, Matthew. I think you need to make it up to her. Now.” Sairah reached for Cade. As one they stepped back and began to chant. Stacey pushed his shirt off his shoulders. Matt thrust his arms behind him and shook the shirt to the ground. She moved her hands over every glorious inch of his broad chest and abs. She really wanted to take his cock into her mouth and suck him dry, but even more than that, she wanted him to fuck her. Long and hard. She needed to feel him buried deep inside of her. All those orgasms he’d given her with his mouth and fingers weren’t enough. She needed more. Impatient, she unbuttoned his slacks and worked them down his body until she realized he still had his shoes on. With a frustrated growl, she dropped to her knees and untied his shoes. Matt laughed and helped her remove his shoes, pants, and underwear. Before she could wrap her fingers around his cock, he opened her bra and cupped her breasts. He suckled on first one, and then the other before lowering her to the floor. Stacey winced when the cold tiles touched her ass and back. Matt quickly pulled away and scooped up their clothes. He slid his jacket under her back and ass, and balled his pants in his shirt and tucked it under her head. Do you even realize how sweet and romantic you are? Your actions speak louder than any words could. Matt lowered his body on hers and kissed her deeply again. Shivers raced through her body, not from the cold floor but from the way he kissed her. It was as if he sucked the very life out of her and then pushed it back into her. He cradled her head in his hands, caring about her comfort before his needs. She knew this past week had been impossible for him. He enjoyed her blowjobs, she had no doubt about that, but she knew he really had wanted to bury his cock in her and fuck her brains out. She loved that expression and hoped to find out if it was true.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 49 -

When he released her mouth and kissed his way down her neck to her breasts, she went from horny to desperately horny. He pinched her nipples and licked at them before taking tiny nibbles. “Matt!” She gasped and moaned, wriggling under him, wanting more. As if in response to her unspoken demand, he squeezed her breasts hard enough to give her a twinge of pain before he pushed them together and licked at both her nipples at the same time. “Gods, Matthew!” Stacey fisted her hands in his hair and writhed against him. He released one breast and slid his hand down her stomach. One swipe of his thumb over her clit made her cry out in pleasure as her orgasm shook through her. In a steady rhythm, he brushed his thumb back and forth on her sensitive clit. She writhed under him again, rubbing frantically against his hand. “More. I need more.” As he kissed and licked his way down her belly, Matt slipped two fingers inside her. He twisted and crooked them, rubbing them against her, sending tremors through her again. Stacey planted her feet firmly on the tile and thrust her pussy against his face. Unashamed of her need, she begged him for more. “Please, Matthew, please. You’ve given me much pleasure this past week. I need you buried deep inside me now. I’m tired of waiting.” She gasped and then cried out as another orgasm shot through her. “Yes, dear.” Matt winked and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before he moved back up to cover her body with his. With eager hands, she reached down and guided his cock to her opening and tried to push him inside her. Matt chuckled and pulled back. “I must insist we go slow with this part. I don’t want to hurt you too much.” Stacey sighed, but bit back a complaint. It would hurt. But the reward would be worth it. Matt eased inside her so slowly she wanted to scream, but she didn’t. Instead she bit her lip and tried to hold still.

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 50 -

The pressure of his thumb against her clit and the stretching sensation in her pussy sent her into another orgasm. She clamped tight around him as every nerve ending in her body spasmed. By the time she caught her breath, she realized he was in her all the way. Slowly, he ground against her, rubbing so that his balls brushed against her. “Ohmygosh that feels so good,” she squealed. Matt chuckled. “You’ve really spent too much time on Earth, dear.” Stacey squeezed tight around him and watched his eyes as they grew cloudy and then began to glow. She relaxed her muscles and then squeezed him again. “On your hands and knees. We need to complete the ritual.” “But --” “You already came once this way. Now we finish it.” Matt pulled out and helped her sit up. When she turned and got on her hands and knees, he slapped her ass. “You’re taking too long.” She giggled at his impatience, and then moaned when he entered her in one swift movement. There was a little pain as her muscles stretched to accommodate him again, but then only pleasure when he was completely inside her. Matt leaned over her, and balanced on one arm while he massaged one of her breasts with his free hand. He started with slow thrusts and gentle pinches on her nipple. Tingles spread through her, filling her with delight. With a slow, teasing motion, he slid his hand down her stomach to her clit. He rubbed the taut bud in a circular motion and ground against her. A moan slipped free when her instincts took over. She pushed back against him, purring like a cat. Sharp teeth nipped her shoulder at the same time Matt began to thrust into her hard and fast. Her orgasm swept up and over her, sucking her into its depths and leaving her breathless, her vision spinning as tremors continued on and on. When he came with a roar, the sensation of his cock getting even larger and his hot cum filling her was too much. She came so hard everything went dark.

Epilogue “I can’t believe how quickly everyone’s forgotten about what happened with Chandra.” Matt looked around Cade’s house at all the people who’d turned out to wish him luck with his new command. He was even taking Stacey along to work in the medical office on the ship. Sairah grinned. “It’s partially your attitude. Before, you walked around with doom and gloom, daring people to look at you. They were afraid of you, Matt. Now, with Stacey, you’re much more approachable. Being vindicated helps, of course.” “I can’t believe they proclaimed me innocent and redeemed my status as commander so easily. I keep thinking this is a dream. One I’ll wake up from, screaming when I realize there is no Stacey and I’m still all alone in the world.” Arms wrapped around him from behind. Stacey’s scent teased his nose. “You’ve always had us, Matt. You always will. It’s just that now you get laid too.” Stacey laughed and patted Matt’s cheek. “Trust me, I’m getting the better end of this deal.” She winked and slid her hand down his face, neck and torso, stopping just above his waistband. “And of course there will be plenty of time for sex on the ship.” “That’s what you think,” Sairah grumbled. “When’s the new guy coming, Cade?” “Any time now. He should be here tomorrow at the latest.” “Good luck breaking him in.” Matt was curious about the outsider who had been assigned under Cade’s command. He trusted the powers that be, but had to wonder at their decision. “He’s fine. It’ll be a walk in the park.”

Michelle Hasker

Leandros 2: Matthew’s Redemption

- 52 -

Matt heard the words, but didn’t believe them. Something was bothering Cade, but it was obvious he didn’t want to, or couldn’t, talk about it. Time would tell. Right now he had a bride to get on board his new ship, and a honeymoon to start.

Michelle Hasker Michelle Hasker loves vampires and things that go bump in the night, so it’s no wonder her creations are truly paranormal. While most people only dream of finding love, Michelle’s characters find it, but in the most unexpected places. Michelle has been writing for three years. She loves to hear from readers. You learn more about her and her

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