One by one his teammates showed their support for Torkel Alonson, a man who'd been there for each of them at one time or another.

Kyele didn't hesitate. "Agreed."

Torkel nodded and dropped into his chair. The day had obviously taken its toll on him as well. "V'hor should arrive any time now but you all should also know the latest news I received from Dr. Maku."

Kyele froze, halting the movement of the knife in his hand.

Torkel lifted his head to the ceiling. The muscles in his neck drew taut. "Vee managed to send a genetic sample from this Niko."

Arak's Chosen gave them a clue that one of the leaders in charge of the Marenian slave trade was possibly Lothar's son Niko. In addition, Niko hinted to Sylvie that he was their Unit Leader's brother. None of them wanted to believe it possible, least of all Torkel who'd been adopted by Shaya and Marlin Alonson as a baby.

When Torkel faced them, his brown eyes glowed with torment. "There are similar components in our blood."

Jaron cursed.

"Not an exact match, which could mean anything, but there is a familial connection." Torkel braced his forearms on the table. "I plan to share this information with the Commander and if he agrees, the Jutak council will need to be informed."

No one spoke. The Commander supported them fully. He'd been good friends with Torkel's papan, Marlin since his days on the Jutak council. The council on the other hand was a wild card. The implications of Torkel having blood ties to such a nefarious Marenian could give them cause to ask for him to step down from the Jutaks.

"Any questions or concerns about this information?" Torkel presented the words in a neutral tone, but they all understood the magnitude of his revelation.

Kyele leaned back in his seat, legs sprawled and used his friend's words but in a milder tone. "Fuck the governing council."

Rydak's lips twitched.

Murmurs of approval followed.

"It's late, and the only thing I want to do is go to my Chosen and hold her close." Torkel wrapped his knuckles on the table. "Meeting over. Jaron, keep me aware on what Maku discovers."

"Do you realize what you've done?!" Nikol snarled to Arlo.

His supposed partner curled his lip, no remorse in his dark eyes. "I don't care. We almost had one of the punans' women."

Nikol grabbed Arlo by the shirt. Anger flowing hot and free added strength as he lifted his fellow Marenian to the tip of his booted toes. "Because of you, the Jutaks are more on guard. You attacked one of their home bases. No one has ever dared to attack the Jutaks on Enotia."

Arlo smirked. "Perhaps you aren't as well informed as you seem to think. Not long ago Torkel Alonson's Chosen was snatched from his bed thanks to help from one of their own."

Nikol narrowed his gaze. He hadn't known how Faye had been taken but he'd gone through a lot of effort to try and save her only to rescue the wrong woman. "The one responsible for that act is dead now."

Struggling in Nikol's grip, Arlo sneered. "It means they have weaknesses in their defense. Why can't you see that! Your father will be pleased to know this."

"My father!" Nikol shook him, but it wasn't enough. Rage poured out at the implied threat and Nikol tossed him across the room.

Arlo skidded over the floor, crashing into a nearby table. His out of control slide didn't stop until he slammed into the back wall. He crawled up to his hands and knees, the shock in his eyes doing nothing to assuage the surge of emotions coursing through Nikol.

He charged over and grabbed Arlo by his hair, yanking his head back until their faces were close. "There's a reason no one is to bother that Jutak Unit. Stay. Away. From. Enotia. Do you understand?"

"What difference does it matter? All of the Jutaks deserve to die, especially the traitor with the shorn horns."

Nikol breathed out heavily. He glared at Arlo. "Listen very carefully to me. You will not draw more attention to us. Lothar gives you leeway but even he would not approve of your reckless actions. Understand?"

Arlo nodded, a glimmer of fear showing at last. Lothar loved creating mayhem but not if it jeopardized his business or risked him losing the credits he made with his illegal enterprises.

Nikol dropped Arlo and rose to his feet. No one went after his brother and he wasn't gong to let Arlo's petty vendetta against the Jutak Unit leader change that. If he had to, Nikol would put Arlo down like an uncontrollable animal. He didn't care if he'd have to deal with his father's punishment for such an act against one of his loyal followers.

Long ago, Nikol had risked everything for Alonson's freedom and he wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Chapter 11.

'Kill the Jutaks'

The words from the last attacker kept stringing through Joni's head on repeat. Sweat dampened her palms no matter how many times she rubbed them on her short skirt. Tendrils of hair slipped from the messy top knot, leaving moist strands to curl about her temple.

What the hell was wrong with her?

'Kill the Jutaks.'

Joni twitched in her seat, frantic to get to her feet and run but she didn't know why. Panic coiled about her mid-section and the uncomfortable ball had her cursing. Sylvie glanced her way, looking refreshed after showering and changing her clothes. Joni smiled and hoped it didn't resemble the grimace it felt like. Faye had invited all of them to hang in the rec room to relax after all of the excitement. Fortunately, Joni had left clothes here from her last stay.

She tuned back into the conversation in time to hear Faye's remark. It caught her off guard and she blurted out her question. "They don't give blowjobs on Enotia?"

Lissi's brow creased, her gaze bouncing between Joni and Faye. "I am not sure what a b-blow...job is."

Sylvie swirled her drink in her glass. "It's oral sex on the guy."

The poor woman still looked confused, so Joni took mercy on her and cupped her hand in front of her mouth as she gestured by pumping her fist.

Lissi flushed beet red. "Well, no. That is something a sex worker would do. Maybe. But it is not a typical act that a female performs in the bedroom."

Faye snorted. "That explains why Torkel likes it so much."

They all laughed but Lissi leaned forward, eyes earnest. "You will teach me this blow job, Faye. Please."

Faye jerked, almost falling off her chair. "Um...yeah, because that wouldn't be weird."

Sylvie snickered, drawing Lissi's gaze.

"Oh no," Joni's pseudo-best friend protested. "I'm not really an expert on this sort of subject matter. You should ask Joni."

Joni froze. Then hurled her arm, sending her cup and its contents in Sylvie's direction. The few drops of the fruity drink sprinkled the violet colored shirt. "Witch. As if I am?"

A giggle broke through. They all turned to see Lissi holding her middle as she rocked with her laughter. The Enotian was pretty no doubt about it. Her blonde air trailed over her shoulder as she tried to contain her mirth.

Joni pointed at the trouble-making duo, Faye and Sylvie. Neither looked remorseful. She faced Lissi. "Fine. I'll teach you but only because your Chosen is a Sex God and no man that gorgeous needs to go without experiencing a quality blow job at least once in his life."

Lissi gasped and wiped tears from her lashes. "Your sacrifice on my behalf is appreciated."

Joni pursed her lips, refusing to laugh. Sylvie and Faye had no such compunction and burst into more laughter. Joni clapped her hands. "Alright, alright, lady clowns. Now Lissi listen carefully, because I hope to never need to explain this again."

Lissi scooted forward on her knees. Sylvie and Faye, the traitors leaned in as well. Joni cleared her throat and leaned back, allowing the sofa to take her weight from her position on the floor. For added courage she stole Sylvie's drink and finished it in one swallow. Something melon or berry like.

Sylvie glared but Joni ignored the look and started. "Okay, first, you have to ease into it. Start with slow kisses down his torso."

"Shouldn't I kiss his cock?" Lissi interrupted.

Faye pressed a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

"You don't want to just jump into kissing a man's junk." Joni flipped Faye the middle finger. "Now, no interruptions."

"Of course, Joni. Please continue." Lissi's brow creased in concentration.

Joni smothered her humor. Torkel's little sister had an undeniable quality about her that made you like her instantly. "Thank you. So, you're kissing his torso. Slow licks here and there, maybe a nip catching his skin in your teeth."

Lissi winced.

"Not painful." Joni put up two fingers in a pinching motion. "Maybe a little pain. It goes hand and hand with pleasure sometimes if you catch my meaning."

By Lissi's becoming blush, Joni was pretty sure she understood exactly what Joni meant. That meant not only was the Team Three leader hot as hell but he obviously knew his way around a woman's body. Joni squashed a moment of envy.

"I understand, Joni."

"This is where you want to bring your hand into play. Start gentle, stroking his shaft although some men like a rougher hand. You'll have to figure that out on your own, okay?"

Lissi nodded eagerly.

"Some men like you to play with their balls." At Lissi's frown, Joni coughed. "It's the underside, right below the base."

"Ahhh." Lissi grinned and perched her chin on her fist as she adjusted her seat to sit cross-legged on the floor. "You are good at this, Joni."

Sylvie fell back howling with laughter. Faye pulled her shirt collar up and over the lower half of her face to muffle her own fit of humor.

Joni chose to ignore their childish displays. "I'm no expert mind you. It all boils down to what each man likes. I promise Rydak will give you plenty of vocal signs. Anyway, you're stroking, rubbing and getting into it. Both hands are good. Then you want to take him into your mouth."

Lissi's blue eyes grew round.

"No teeth!" Joni felt she needed to add the warning.

Sylvie rolled over and stretched out on her side, face propped on her palm. "Some men like a little teeth action."

Joni stared and even Faye gazed at her.

"Not that I'd know," Sylvie quickly said, ducking her head.

"Freak," Joni muttered in good spirits with a bright grin.

Sylvie lifted her head and winked. "Arak might only be half-Argoran shifter but he's all animal."

"Do you want to take over?" Joni braced her hands behind her and crossed her legs at the ankle. The move caused her skirt to shift to mid-thigh. She twisted her foot from side to side admiring the dragon fly tattoo she'd gotten on her eighteenth birthday. Such a little thing but one which never failed to bring her a small slice of pleasure when she gazed at it.

Sylvie waved her on. "I'm leaving the blow job lesson to the expert."

Joni bit her inner cheek to keep from grinning again. Witch. She loved her best friend. "Take him in your mouth, Lissi and treat him like your favorite dessert."

Lissi reared back. "Like a dessert? I don't understand."

"Suck," they all said in unison.

Laughter exploded once more. Joni gasped and caught her breath, one hand pressed to her chest. "Oh, my God. We're terrible. But yes, you want to suck and lick him. Pretend you've never tasted anything better."

Lissi's gaze narrowed. "And your males like these blow jobs?"

Joni smirked. "I ain't met a man yet that don't love having his dick sucked by his woman. Take it from me, blow jobs are the keys to his happy place."

"What are blow jobs?" A masculine voice asked.

The women all squealed. Joni came up to one knee, her knife palmed in her grip as she faced the door. Five men entered with varying expressions on their faces. Their meeting must have ended. It brought back Joni's fear and worry.

Torkel went to stand behind Faye. "Blow jobs are a gift from Earth."

Faye got to her feet, twisting her fingers together. "Hey, Torkel."

The Unit Leader smiled and cupped her cheek in his large palm. "Hey, my Chosen."

He guided Faye from the room without another word to anyone else.

Jaron scratched at his unshaven jaw, blue eyes twinkling. "I still want to know what it is."

Arak, the dark-haired shifter, didn't hesitate as he crossed the threshold and scooped his arms under Sylvie's back and knees to lift her against his chest. "I don't think I remember, so I will have Sylvie refresh my memory."

Sylvie giggled the entire time as her Chosen carried her from the room.

That left Rydak and Kyele. In self defense, Joni kept her eyes on Rydak as Lissi uncurled from the floor and strolled toward the Team Three Leader. She placed a palm on his chest and smiled. All of the men still wore their combat gear, not having the benefit of changing as they had.

"It's an Earth name for an old custom," Lissi lied, cheeks on fire.

Rydak's gray eyes reminded Joni of a cloudy sky during a thunderstorm. His thick lashes and model perfect face could have graced any fashion vid back on Earth. The man surpassed handsome and tumbled head over into beautiful.

Joni had seen him once without the ponytail during a training session and his blond hair had a tendency to wave. He'd brushed it carelessly back from his face while drying his bare chest with a towel and she'd almost swooned on the spot.

Rydak clasped Lissi's hand in his, the leather gloves he wore providing a nice contrast to her skin tones. "Let us go, Lissi. It is late and Torkel wants to debrief again early in the morning."