Cupping her chin, he kissed her then and quickened his strokes until she was breathless from it. Then, in one blinding wave, she cried out as she came.

His eyes flared even brighter an instant before he joined her. He buried himself deep inside her and held her close as he nibbled and teased her ear. His whiskers teased her flesh.

It felt so good to have him in her bed. To have him with her. Period.

Galene held him tight in her arms. "Felicia was right. I just want to wear you like a blanket." She tugged his muscled arm over her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

He arched a brow at her. "Should I ask why you were discussing that with our daughter?"

She laughed. "We weren't talking about this. Rather how aggravating males are in general."

"Not sure that's a better answer. Either way, I seem to come out a loser."

"Are you trying to pick a fight?"

He kissed her shoulder. "I would never pick a fight with you while you're naked. If I say something stupid, you have to remember that you've drained all the blood out of my brain hours ago, and left me with no ability to think clearly."

"Oh, you clever charmer. You've become far more debonair over the years." Her gaze fell to the collar on his neck and she felt a wave of sadness again at what he'd been through.

Alone.

And all because she hadn't stayed and fought for him... the one person she should have fought hardest to keep.

But never again. That was one promise she wouldn't break. Not ever. She would never again allow anyone to ever divide them.

Fain's breath caught as he saw the haunted expression on her face. Every time she glanced at the symbol of his slavery, it stole her joy. He couldn't stand it.

She deserved nothing but the best. And all happiness.

Kissing her lightly, he rolled from the bed.

"Where are you going?"

He reached for his pants. "To get this minsid collar off. I will not be the cause of your sadness anymore. I've given you enough tears. You will never shed another over something I've done. I promise you."

Galene choked on a sob as he entered the bathroom to wash. Not from sadness, but over the sheer joy she felt. Yet as she listened to the sounds of his dressing, a horrible dread consumed her. She'd meant what she said.

The G.o.ds had conspired against them from the beginning, and stolen too many years that should have been theirs. And though she didn't want to believe it, a part of her couldn't help wondering if they weren't cursed. If they weren't meant to be divided.

Her link buzzed.

Frowning, she pulled it over to see that it was the notification she'd set for Jory Hinto's arrival.

She flinched involuntarily before she returned it to the table and went to join Fain in the small bathroom. He was just leaving the shower as she entered.

"Something wrong?" He lowered the towel with a worried frown.

How she treasured that note of concern in his voice. The knowledge that she finally had someone to lean on. While she was strong and could stand on her own, it was nice to have someone at her back. To know that Fain would catch her should she ever stumble.

"Jory just requested clearance codes."

Fain cursed. "Is he coming in this bay?"

"It's what I told them to do. We have a few minutes before they arrive." She stepped past him.

Fain caught her hand. "Have I told you how proud I am of the commander you are? 'Course, you were always bossy..."

She laughed at him. "And you, Fain Hauk, do honor to your forefather and namesake. In your eyes and form, I see that brave soldier who stood so valiantly and fought with his family to hold back an invading army to save our race. He had nothing on you."

Fain couldn't breathe as she spoke those words. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever said to him. "I love you, Stormy."

"And I, you. Forever and a day."

He heard a knock on his door.

"Fain?"

Reluctantly, he pulled on his pants and left her to open it, and greet his brother who was in the hallway outside Fain's quarters. "What do you need?"

"The Septurnum are arriving. I thought you'd want to join me in the bay."

"I'm just waiting on Galene."

She stepped out of the head, fastening the cuff of her formal suit.

Fain pulled his jacket out of his closet and shrugged it on, then followed Galene, Sumi, and Dancer off his ship and into the bay. Hermione and Ryn were already there, waiting with Nykyrian, Jayne, Syn, Maris, Saf, and Caillen, as well as Venik, Ushara, and a small welcoming party of somber Tavali. Ryn's eyes were red and swollen, but they were the only thing that gave away his broken heart. The rest of his composure was that weird mixture of rigid aristocrat and lethal warrior that was uniquely his.

Except for his left hand, where he finally wore a black wedding band that he idly stroked with his thumb.

Fain paused beside Ven and Ushara. Ven grimaced as he saw the collar on Fain's neck. He pa.s.sed a covert glance to Hermione and Ryn before he quickly put himself between them to block their view and removed it. Had they seen it, Ven would have had some interesting questions to answer from the UTC, since the contract he'd made with Fain for the kids was technically illegal and in total contradiction to Tavali law. He was lucky Fain wasn't the type to rat him out. But having made the pact with full knowledge of what he was in for, he was Andarion enough to abide by the terms, no matter how appalling they were.

"Thanks." Fain rubbed at his neck where the skin had been chafed and bruised from it.

Without responding, Ven quickly slid the collar into his pocket before the Danes saw it. Yeah, you should have thought about that before you locked it on my throat, huh, genius? That was the bad thing about Ven, he didn't always think things through completely. He had a bad tendency to react first and then live to regret his impulsiveness.

Dancer moved to Ryn. "How you doing, buddy?"

"Gutted." His tone was emotionless and hollow. His eyes, however, betrayed an anguish that ran soul deep.

Fain hated to see anyone in that kind of pain.

Dancer placed his hand on Ryn's shoulder. While Fain had known Ryn for years now, it was nothing compared to how long and how well Dancer, Jayne, Syn, and Nykyrian had known him. Since Dancer was one of Darling's closest friends and his wingman, they shared a special bond. And given that the four of them had been protecting and training Ryn's little brother Darling since he was a teen, Ryn felt indebted to them and considered them an extension of his family.

And family stood together. Always. Blood with blood. Especially during times of grief and need.

As Jory's ship pulled in and docked, Ryn closed his eyes. Jayne took his hand and rubbed his arm to comfort him. True to his princely bearing and tough Dane heritage, Ryn didn't show any emotion as he waited in somber silence. The only clue to his pain was his rapid breathing and the tight fists that he kept clenched at his side.

Hating that Ryn had to go through this, Fain took Galene's hand into his as the ramp lowered and a small party started down it. He immediately recognized the tall, blond, muscular Tavali dressed in the red and black colors of the Septurnum Tavali Nation at the rear of the group.

Vice Admiral Jory Woods Hinto, or Jupiter as he was better known. The code name, which literally translated to "G.o.dfather," had been given to him because when it came to making the impossible happen, Jory was almost Trisani with abilities. Had his father been anyone other than Gadgehe Hinto, Jory would have most likely been Gorturnum instead of operating under the True Red Flag Nation.

Yeah, he was that good.

As with the Gorturnum's nefarious pilots, Jory flew like a phantom beast through the most treacherous zones, undetected and never caught. In and out with a speed that left everyone wondering what kind of engine powered his ship. It was inhuman the things he could do, and his skills were legendary. Many speculated that his mother had to be Trisani or some other similar psionic species. No one could just develop the talent he had by sheer skill or experience.

But right now his movements were slow and methodical as he came off his ship, cradling his sister's limp body to his chest.

Fain winced at the same time Ryn's faade slipped and he stumbled back, then caught himself and straightened.

Jupiter cursed out loud. "How do you weigh so friggin' much when you're so krikken tiny? What do you eat? Lead pellets? I swear to G.o.d, Mack, I've carried t.i.tanium plating that weighed less than your fat a.s.s."

Mack lifted the ice pack from her bright red hair and opened her eyes to glare at him. "Stop b.i.t.c.hing, you little brat, and put me down. I told you not to carry me. But noooo, you wanted to show off your ma.s.sive man-muscles to whatever woman might be present. Now you feel like a wimp and I feel like a blimp. Thanks. Like I don't feel bad enough. Mess with me and I'll puke all over you, and that'll learn you quick enough, won't it now?"

"Mack!" Ryn shot across the distance that separated them and swept her up in his arms before Jory had a chance to set her down. Laughing and trembling, he held her cradled like a baby in his arms as he spun circles with her. "I can't believe it! You're alive! You're here!"

With her eyes closed, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tight. "I'm so sorry we couldn't tell you, love. Dumba.s.s burned out his subs.p.a.ce transmitters and by the time they were repaired, we were in League territory and didn't dare transmit."

"Hey now! Dumba.s.s saved your life. You could show a little appreciation, you know."

"I am. It's why I'm not calling you a moron." She winked playfully at Jory, who laughed it off as he took her insults in stride. It was something the two of them had always done good-naturedly. As snarky siblings, they lived to trade insults. They didn't mean them and they both knew they would die before they'd ever allow the other to be hurt or allow anyone else to insult them.

Jory shook his head. "I would be offended, but I'm so glad she's still alive after that attack... she can call me anything at this point and I wouldn't care. Mack's got a free pa.s.s at me for at least a good decade or better."

Coming to a sudden stop, Ryn held Mack with one arm and pulled Jory to his chest with his other and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, little brother. I owe you more than I can ever repay."

"Actually, we owe you and Darling. Had y'all not made those mods to her ship... they had her tight-to-cross, Ryn. And they hit her with everything they had. It was one of the worst firefights I've ever been in." Jory sank his hand in Mack's bright red hair as tears welled in his eyes. "Anything you or Darling ever need. Ever. My life. My ship. It's yours."

He clapped Ryn on his arm, then wiped at his nose and sniffed. "Anyway, Da is really sorry he had to turn back. The League hit our north fleet and did some major damage to the Pharester station. As his vice admiral, he's authorized me to act in his stead for this mission. Whatever you need us to do... name it. I'm your number one b.i.t.c.h with a blaster."

Ryn rubbed his nose against Mack's as he smiled and kissed her. "I don't know how I'm going to fight now, since I have no plans of letting you go ever again."

She laid her head on his shoulder and then smirked at her brother. "Notice Trevelyan has absolutely no problem carrying me weight."

"Yeah, he's a freak. We all know it."

Ven rolled his eyes at their antics as he faced Fain. "Well, since I'm not needed and there's no family tragedy, I'm wandering off. Let me know if something comes up and needs my attention."

Fain's gaze went past Ven's shoulder to see the real reason Ven was drifting off High Admiral and Presidium Trajen Dane Thaumarturgus was landing with his group of Gorturnum, and if Ven stayed around, he'd have to greet him as well. There was some kind of bad blood between the two of them, but no one knew what it was.

And Fain knew better than to ask after such questions.

He inclined his head to Ven. "I will."

And with that, Ven and his small contingency headed out.

Oblivious to them, Hermione cleared her throat and arched her brow at her son, who still held his wife cradled in his arms. "Have you forgotten something?"

"Um... yeah. Mack, meet my mother. Mom, meet MacAdough Hinto Dane, high commander of the Merry Crimson."

"Well... was. I'm rather in the market for a new ship at present, since me old one now lies in pieces, scattered about the galaxy. Know anyone interested in striking a bargain?"

Ryn screwed up his face thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, the crew of the Cruel Victory could use a co-captain. I've been told Amba.s.sador Dane's a bit of a p.r.i.c.k to work with and can be extremely unreasonable and demanding, but something tells me you might be able to wrap him around your little finger and bend him to your whims any time you want. His crew would probably appreciate your presence on those days when he's particularly irritable and nasty."

Laughing, Mack kissed his cheek, then turned in his arms toward Hermione. "It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Lady Tavali. I'm extremely sorry that we kept our marriage from you, but I didn't want to compromise Trevelyan's standing either in the Tavali Nations or with the Caronese. I'm well aware of what everyone thinks of us Septurnum and of the long-standing feud between our clans. And how me father would feel about it all. The last thing I would ever do is harm your son in any way." She sank her hand in Ryn's red hair and toyed with it where it fell along his collar. "Trevelyan is everything to me."

Hermione kissed her cheek. "Call me Mom. And the honor is mine. What happened between the Septurnum and Wasturnum was centuries ago. It's time we heal our Nation and bring our people back together." She hugged them both. "Now go and rest, both of you. Ryn hasn't eaten or slept since he heard of the attack. My son loves you dearly and that makes you dear to me."

As they left, Hermione approached Jory and led him toward Galene to introduce them. "I know you're well acquainted with Fain. His wife, Galene, Commander..."

"Hauk," Galene said, to Fain's surprise. "I'm the one leading the Alliance."

Jory saluted her. "Pleased to meet you, Commander. I have some hacks to make to my ship to return her to speed, but we'll be back in service in a few hours."

"Take your time. We'll be making several waves against The League. If you don't make it out on the next run, we can place you in one of the subsequent ones."

Jory inclined his head. "I look forward to fighting with you, Commander Hauk."

As he walked away, Hermione glanced back to where Ryn had vanished with Mack. "He lets her call him Trevelyan. I can't get over that. He hasn't allowed anyone to use his given name since he was six years old, and he walked out of the shower, b.u.t.t naked, and told me I was never to call him that again, under any circ.u.mstances."

"Yeah... okay," Fain said with a laugh. "Didn't even know that was his name."

Hermione nodded. "Oh, thank the G.o.ds this day ended much better than I was expecting. A few more victories like this and I might be able to sleep again."

"Speaking of..." Fain pulled out his link to call Chayden. "I'll let the others know that Mack is alive. It'll be a full load off their minds." He stepped away while they continued to talk war strategies.

Unfortunately, no one in their group answered his call.

He returned to Galene and Hermione. "It must be too loud for them to hear it. I'll go tell them in person."

"I'll go with," Jayne volunteered.

Galene pulled her to a stop. "Before you go, I meant to tell you that Nero and Hadrian are due for arrival within the hour."

The color faded from Jayne's cheeks. "Hadrian? Why?"

"They're coming to find our spy for us."

Fain was glad to hear that. Two Trisani trackers would do it. No one could hide from that for long.

But Jayne didn't appear as happy about it as he was.

"I'll kill him!" Jayne growled. "I told him to stay out of this!"

Galene exchanged a frown with Fain. "Why are you so angry?"

Jayne lowered her tone to a furious whisper. "You don't understand the bounty on his head. If anyone ever learns he's alive..." She broke off into sputters. "He's not supposed to leave home. Ever!" She growled again, low in her throat. "I swear, he's not going to be happy until I kill him for his stupidity. Or someone else does it for me!" And with that, she stormed off.

Dancer hesitated as he watched her leave. "You want me to come with you or stay with Galene?"