Cali & Drake (The Alliance Book 1) Read online

  “That’s one of my problems,” Diandra insisted. “We know nothing about him. If you ask me, for Cali to have a physical relationship with him, is just wrong.”

  Nellia scoffed loudly at Diandra’s words. “It’s not as if life-partners have to remain untouched. Loads of people have intimate encounters every day on Cestori when they know nothing about each other. How is this any different? If we’d met Drake on a night out from classes at the Academy, you’d be pressing Cali to have fun.”

  “This isn’t the Academy and we aren’t those people anymore. We have bigger responsibilities now.” Diandra wasn’t backing down and Cali had to admit she had a point. “I’m not telling Cali to stay celibate. I’m saying she doesn’t know this male. She’s attracted to him, but what about his character?”

  “If he had been inclined, he could’ve killed her when she was alone with him in the medical unit.” Vareen offered. “So he isn’t totally crazy.”

  “He could have seduced her into staying in his rooms and not worried that she would end up hurt,” Nellia smiled at her.

  “Thanks—” Cali was tired of being reminded of how badly it would end for her. She wasn’t that thin skinned to fall apart over sex with one male.

  “What changed your minds anyway? You said that Cali needed to be careful, now you are saying she should go for it.”

  “Cali is facing a life without love being forced to life-partner with Vathral. As the most emotional of the group, it will be the hardest for her.” Vareen looked to Diandra. “I’m sorry, this must be painful for you as well, but we’ve got to face reality. If a way could be found to keep Cali away from Cestori and you to have Vathral, we’d have seen it by now.” Vareen pointed out, and Cali flinched at the look that crossed Diandra’s face. “There isn’t anywhere to run. Atheon isn’t an option. Titus is too barbaric, and we don’t know of any other planets that would suffice for our needs.” Vareen took a deep breath, breaking eye contact with Diandra, she added. “The crew is going to become suspicious if we don’t start back soon. We’ve had a great adventure, but we all know it must end. Even The Reliant can’t stay out here forever.”

  “I find myself agreeing with Vareen,” Nellia spoke softly. “We’ve been out here for a long time and going back is inevitable. Why shouldn’t Cali take this taste of passion while she can? Not that I understand the attraction to Drake. To me, he’s wild, dangerous, and terrifying.”

  Diandra just pursed her lips, refusing to argue anymore.

  “You asked us here for our opinions.” Vareen turned to her. “I’m sorry Cali but what we think isn’t as important as what you want. You’re the one who’s got to live with the choices you make.”

  “So it comes down to knowing yourself, and if you can live with walking away from Drake when the time comes,” Nellia warned.

  That was the crust of her problem. Would she be able to return to Cestori once she’d had a taste of passion with Drake?

  Chapter Thirteen

  For the last few days, Drake could only curse himself. Cali wasn’t coming back. He’d thought honesty about his intentions would be better than more lies between them, but obviously, he was mistaken. The only person to visit his quarters had been the tall dark-haired one. Vareen. She’d come by yesterday to updated him on the search for other stasis pods.

  “We’re picking up faint readings coming from the orbit of a distant moon of Titus. We’ve changed course and should arrive in approximately forty-eight.”

  “Why so long?” Drake sat straighter in his chair at the news they’d found something. He remembered hearing the guards boasting about this being the fastest ship ever made on Cestori as they walked him to his quarters.

  “We aren’t traveling at maximum speed. We’re trying to conserve energy,” Vareen supplied that information from the doorway. She’d refused his offer to have a seat, and he wasn’t going to argue.

  He may not be a good liar, but he was finding they weren’t either. “I thought this ship was advanced enough to need limited energy supplies.”

  Vareen smiled coldly, “No point in pressing our luck.”

  “Can you ask Cali to come to my quarters?” He wanted to speak with her about the pods they were tracking. An urgency had come over him now that he knew there were others from his ship in stasis.

  “I don’t think that’s a wise decision.” Vareen hesitated then biting her lip, added, “Cali, against all logic, is my friend. You don’t know the whole story, and while you think she might get hurt, I know she is sure to—”

  “Then tell me the whole story.” Drake interrupted. He took it as a good sign Cali had told her friends about his attraction to her. It meant she was thinking about him.

  “It’s Cali’s choice to tell you or not.” Vareen frowned furiously. “I’m only going to advise you to be careful. Cali can be overly emotional when it comes to her interactions with people.” Vareen shook her head, “I’ve got to get back to my duties. Per Cali’s orders, I’ve kept you updated.”

  “Thank you.” Drake hurried to add before Vareen could disappear, “I’ve assured Cali and want you to hear it from me as well. I mean no harm to anyone on this ship.”

  “That’s a loaded statement,” Vareen bowed her head slightly and backed away. “What your intentions are, and the reality of what is to come might very well be two different things.”

  Drake frowned at the cryptic statement, but before he could comment the doors slid shut.

  That conversation had him thinking all night. The last thing in the world he wanted was for Cali to be hurt, that’s why he’d warned her away. If she came back it was because she was willing to take the risk.

  Drake snorted. What a risk it would be too. He hadn’t told Cali the whole truth about anything. There were serious consequences of them being together, and he knew that once he held her he’d never want to let go. There was something special about his attraction to her.

  All of that was true. However, he argued with himself. I’m honorable in my intentions and determined to keep her safe. Drake read between the lines of Vareen’s warning. Something was going on that Vareen felt would get her friend hurt, beyond a relationship with him that is. He just needed to get Cali to talk to him so he could figure out how to help her.

  Does she even want your help?

  Hmm… Drake rubbed his temples. He needed to get a grip, talking to himself wasn’t helping. It all came down to one thing, no matter how hard he tried to talk himself around it, he was determined to have Cali, and damn the consequences, she was going to be his. The decision was made.

  There were things he didn’t know about her, and there were a lot of things she didn’t know about him. None of it mattered, however, all he could focus on was the intense need to claim her.

  Standing up and striding toward his room he was stopped when his door chimed.

  “Come in,” he called out impatiently. Turning toward the doorway he froze, it was Cali.

  “Drake—”

  He didn’t let her finish. Pulling her into the room, he backed her against the wall.

  “Lock the door.” Cali was forced to look up since he was a head taller than her. “Do it now Cali.”

  He watched her trembling hand as she felt for and found the console. Not breaking eye contact she ordered, “Computer, lock down this door. Only my voice authorization is to release the lock.”

  “Confirmed,” the computer-animated voice intoned.

  The moment Cali locked the door, he grabbed her hands into one of his and pressed them over her head. Leaning back to put some space between them, he looked his fill. Cali’s eyes were bright with passion, her lips pink and inviting. Her heavy breaths drew her uniform tight against her breasts and Drake frowned at the material in the way.

  Taking the fastening at her throat, Drake slid the zipper down until the creamy globes parted the material as if seeking his attention. With one finger he trailed a path between her breasts, pushing the material slightly to the side as he went. Turni
ng his attention to the other side, he repeated the process until her breasts were uncovered. Drinking in the sight of her, he relished when gooseflesh spread across her skin.

  “I’m—” Cali went to say something, but he pressed a finger against her lips.

  “No,” he insisted. “No talking tonight. We can talk after…”

  His words caused a tremor to run through her body. Leaning back into her, so their bare chests rubbed against each other, Drake growled softly in pleasure at his bodies reaction. Thankfully his pants were of a thicker material than the uniform they had offered him. If he had been wearing that, his painfully swelling erection would have burst through the damn thing. As it was, he feared his control would snap, along with his poor trousers.

  His hands now trembling with pent up desire, Drake brushed one thumb across Cali’s lower lip. Her tongue swept out to taste him and he growled louder. The temptation was too much. He bent and pressed his lips against hers.

  Taking two handfuls of Cali’s glorious ass, Drake strode into the bedroom. Come morning, they would know everything they need to…about each other’s bodies at least.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Cali heard someone calling her, as if from very far away. “Captain.” Snuggling closer to the source of warmth next to her she struggled to regain the dream she’d been having. “Captain.” The voice was persistent; she’d give them that much. “Cali!”

  Opening her eyes, Cali couldn’t remember for a second where she was. Turning her gaze around the unfamiliar room, it dawned on her. She was in Drake’s bed, what time was it?

  “Cali, if you don’t answer I’m going to engineering and getting a laser torch!” Vareen’s angry voice threatened over her comlink.

  Finding her uniform she pressed her comm badge. “I’m here Vareen,” She spoke softly. She didn’t want to disturb Drake. His large frame was sprawled across from her. The blanket they’d been tucked into had slid to lay at his hips. “What do you need?”

  “We’ve arrived at the source of the other signals. You asked to be notified no matter the time.” Vareen reminded her.

  “I’m on my way to the bridge now,” Cali slowly shuffled off the bed with a loud groan.

  “What was that? Are you hurt?” Vareen sounded panicked again.

  “Later Vareen, Clear.” She pressed her comm badge again and it went quiet. Cali knew she would no longer be heard. Her muscles protested the activity and Cali had to grab her lower back. She felt sore all over, especially between her legs.

  Stepping into the jumpsuit Cali zipped it on. She’d never find her boots in this light and figured a quick stop to her quarters might be in order for a new pair. Tiptoeing out of the bedroom, she made it to the console and pressed her hand against the scanner.

  “Unlock.” She whispered and the flashing green light told her the door would open.

  Running her fingers through her hair she stepped in front of the door and exited into the hallway. The guards didn’t seem surprised to see her. It had been a few years since she had done the ‘walk of shame,’ returning to her dormitory disheveled and in the same clothes as the day before. The only difference, this time, was the fact she didn’t feel any shame in what she had done with Drake.

  Renewed sexual desire at the thought of his lips, and happiness that she had experienced his lovemaking, but no shame.

  Moving to the lift she distractedly called for the command deck. It was a good thing the bridge was right across the hall from her room. Once in her rooms she took the time for a solar shower, fixed her hair and grabbed a pair of boots. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she strode across the hall.

  “Captain on the bridge.”

  Cali looked at the holographic image and counted four signals. “What do you have Vareen?”

  “There appear to be four stasis pods caught in the orbit of this moon,” Vareen got her up to speed. “I’d just ordered them to be pulled into the docking bay. The life signs are being masked by the same kind of shielding around Drake’s pod. Any survivors inside are unknown.”

  “You’re with me to the docking bay,” Cali ordered and Vareen followed her to the lift. “Has the medical staff been notified?”

  “Yes, Nellia should be waiting in the docking bay before us.”

  Cali called for level six.

  “Are you going to tell me about last night, and today?” Vareen looked ahead when she asked the question and Cali could see her lips twitching.

  “Last night and today?” Cali blushed, “What time is it?”

  “You went to Drake’s room last night, and it’s now afternoon.”

  Cali didn’t know what to say. She’d been so engrossed with Drake she hadn’t realized almost twenty-four hours had passed.

  “Well?” The lift stopped and Vareen motioned for Cali to go ahead.

  “No, I’m not telling you about last night or today.” Cali softened as more memories flashed through her mind. Drake’s lips on her neck. Drake’s hands on her breasts and hips. Some things were not for public discussion.

  “Of course,” Vareen gave her a knowing look. “That’s probably a good idea.”

  “Cali,” Nellia motioned for her and Vareen to enter the docking bay. “They’ve just arrived. Scanning for contaminants should only take a moment.” Nellia eyed her with a hint of humor, “Are you going to tell me about last night—”

  “She doesn’t want to talk about it,” Vareen stopped Nellia with laughter in her voice. “We’re going to have to fill in the blanks with our imaginations.”

  “Do we have to hit random buttons on the pods to open them, or have the engineers cracked the code?” Cali asked to change the subject.

  “We have the code,” Vareen stated and showed Cali the handheld unit she was carrying. “I just have to attach this to the pods and they should open.”

  “It appears we are good to approach them. After you.” Cali waved at the docking bay.

  Vareen chose the one closest to them and strode to it. She pressed her decoding unit to the console and they waited. Finally, with a flashing of buttons and a whirring sound the lid opened.

  “Nellia, check this one before we open the others,” Cali ordered and Nellie began scanning the occupant with her hand held medical unit.

  While Nellia was scanning, she stood back and examined the male occupant of the pod. Since the pods were the same in size, Cali guessed this male to be about six-foot tall. She couldn’t see if he had any scars or markings on his body since a golden colored shirt covered him. Unlike Drake, whose shirt was in tatters, this male’s clothing was more finely preserved. His black pants and boots did match Drake’s, and his body was similar in musculature. Where Drake had black hair, this male was golden blond. His face, however, was softer somehow, less rigid.

  “He’s in the same state as Drake when we found him.” Nellia finished her scan.

  “Send him to medical,” Cali ordered. “We can move to the next pod.”

  Vareen stood ready at the next pod in line. When the golden-shirted male was transported, she placed her hand held unit against the next pod’s console.

  Another male was lying dormant inside. This one was wearing a red shirt with the same black pants and boots. His body frame was similar in size to Drake and the golden one. While she had thought the golden male was softer than Drake, this male radiated being pampered. His reddish hair had been cut stylishly to fall around his face. A small growth of beard neatly covered around his lips and chin. The rest of his skin was smooth, without any type of blemish and there was a nice smell coming from him.

  “This is more like it,” Nellia smiled faintly at the sight of this male. “He appears more refined than the others.”

  Cali wisely remained silent. This male was just as large and could do just as much damage. Cali would stake her seat as captain on it.

  Nellia scanned him, and found nothing wrong, so she transported him to medical as well.

  “That leaves lucky number three.” Cali joked as they
opened the third pod.

  “By the old gods…” Vareen’s startled exclamation broke off and Cali couldn’t blame her for being unable to finish her sentence.

  “How did he fit in the pod?” Cali couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Hurry to scan him and get him to medical.”

  The poor male was crammed into the pod. He had to be at least six-foot-five or six but it wasn’t just height, he was wide as well. Like the other two, his shirt had survived and covered his body. His hair was a pitch black and although Drake and the others had longer hair, this male had his hair shorn very short. His face had a few faint scars, but it didn’t detract from his looks. The overall impact was a rugged and deeply masculine male.

  “Vareen,” she looked over, “What do you think…” Cali broke off her question when she saw the dumbstruck look on her friend’s face.

  “He’s clean. As far as I can tell, all three of them are in perfect health.” Nellia stood next to her and watched Vareen. Their friend was still staring silently at the male in the pod. “I don’t think it’s wise to put him in the medical unit. In fact, I think all of them should be sent to holding cells.”

  “What?” Vareen had snapped out of her pensive staring of the male.

  “Why?” Cali asked at the same time.

  “Look at the size of them,” Nellia snapped. “That’s why. I’m not sure what’s gotten into either of you, but the safety of the ship comes first. These males are dangerous and should be isolated.”

  “Nellia, I didn’t know you to be so irrational,” Cali argued back. “Drake hasn’t proven to be dangerous at all.” Unless you count to my ability to walk straight, she added silently. “We should treat them as guests until they prove unworthy of that status.”

  “I agree with Cali,” Vareen was back to staring at the prone male. “They seem harmless enough.”

  “Harmless,” Nellia snorted. “I would hardly—”

  “Enough,” Cali didn’t want this male to wake up stuffed in a pod. “Transport him to medical. I’ll send additional security if that’ll ease your mind.”