Dante kept her in his lap for the short flight back to the Malora. They talked the whole way, updating each other with the highlights of what they’d experienced with since they’d parted only a few hours ago. It was hard to take it all in. Everest’s involvement. Dante’s suspicions that he was related somehow to the stranger who’d planned to experiment on him. And now, Everest and Downs were both dead, killed by some terrible, secret organization she hadn’t even known existed until recently.

Dante listened intently to everything she shared too. He even took an audio recording of her recital of events, though he stopped the recording when she told him about taking the chip out of Nico’s neck.

“Veth, woman. You should have told me what you were planning.”

“If I had, you would have been complicit in my crime. I didn’t want my decision affecting anyone else on the team.”

He gave her a look of rueful frustration. “And how did that work out for you?”

“Not great,” she admitted.

“And what did we learn?”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “That you’re not nearly so sexy when you’re lecturing me.”

“Apart from that.”

“Next time, no going it alone.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek to take the sting out of her next words. “But that goes for you, too. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone, Dante. Your team, your commander, and me, we all know what kind of man you are, and how important you are to us.”

“I’ll do my best, but charging into danger is kind of my forte.”

“I remember. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here now. I don’t need you to stop being who you are. I just don’t want you doing it alone. If you bring your team with you, I know they’ll bring you safely home to me.”

“I can do that. I like the idea of coming home to you.”

“I like it, too.”

As he set the shuttle down on the floor of the shuttle bay, she settled deeper into his lap and asked the question that had been foremost in her mind since she’d found herself adrift in a dead ship. “What happens now?”

Dante chuckled. “It feels like something monumental should come next, doesn’t it? I feel that way too, but the truth is, nothing much is going to change. Not yet. We still need to wrap up our investigation, which means the only one of us going anywhere is Dr. Castille. He’s got a lot to answer for.”

“Yes, he does. But at least I know now that he wasn’t the reason my team was killed. That was Downs, and she got her orders from the Gray Men.” Just saying their name made her feel uneasy. They were still out there, and she was on their radar, now. Even if she wanted to go back to her old life, it wouldn’t be the same. It was time for something new.

Dante tightened his arms around her in a comforting hug. “We’ll find them eventually. And when we do, we’ll end them. That’s why Nova Force exists. It’s what we do.”

She believed him. But between today and the day they found the last member of the Grays, she knew the only time she’d truly feel safe was when she was with him.

When they landed, Dante insisted on taking her to the med-bay to get checked out, despite the fact the only one around to do the check was herself.

Once they were there, he folded his arms across his chest and glowered at her. “You’re not doing it yourself. You’ll slap on a bandage and tell me you’re fine. Get the diagnostic system to look you over. If it says you’re good, then I’m letting you out of here, but not before.”

“This is your revenge for me using that restraining field to keep you in bed while you healed, isn’t it?” she asked.

“Maybe. But it’s still happening,” Dante stated.

“And I’m backing his call,” Dax added. The commander had met them in the shuttle bay with the latest news. They’d found Nico in the med-bay and moved him safely back to his quarters, where he was still asleep. Castille was secure in his holding cell, and the rest of the team were on their way back to the Malora. Eric was still working on getting some of the systems back online, but he’d restored communication, and help was on the way. One advantage to being in the middle of a system-sized shipyard—getting the Malora repaired would not be an issue.

“Alright. Alright. I’ll run the damned program, but I’m telling you, I’m fine.”

“Sweetheart, have you looked in a mirror, lately? You know I think you’re gorgeous, but a black eye is not the sexiest look for you.”

“I’ve got a black eye? Why didn’t you tell me? I thought it was just swollen from the antiseptic she threw in my face.”

“This is going to be an interesting report to read, isn’t it?” Dax asked Dante.

“You have no idea, sir. My Shortcake kicked some serious ass.”

“Which is not something you should be proud of. I’m a doctor. I’m supposed to heal people, not hurt them.”

“Special circumstances, remember?” Dante reminded her.

“You’re going to need to keep reminding me of that for a while.” She hit the scan button and held as still as she could manage. Now that she was paying attention, she could feel the aches and pains that she hadn’t let herself register before. Dante was right, again. She was a bit of a medical mess.

The system finished and beeped at her, and the diagnosis flashed up on a screen, along with its recommended course of treatment. There was nothing seriously wrong. Just abrasions, bruises, and a slightly lowered body temperature from her time in the airlock.

“See? Even the computer thinks I’m fine. More or less. All I need is a mild pain-blocker, some healing accelerant, and rest.”

“You take care of the first two, I’ll see to the last one.” Dante looked over at Dax. “Permission to escort the doctor to her quarters and ensure she gets to bed? After that, I’ll help Magi with repairs.”

“Trin is already helping Magi, and the others will be here soon. You’re assigned to debrief the doctor and see to it she gets the rest she needs. You’re still supposed to be on light duty, anyway, Buttercup.”

Tyra went over to the dispensary and selected the medications she needed. “I’m never going to get used to that nickname for you.”

“Wait until you hear yours,” Dax said, laughing now.

“I have a nickname? Who gave me that?”

“Magi, of course. Apparently, your new name is Dr. Daisy.”

She considered that while injecting herself with the prescribed medications. “It could be worse. I was prepared for any nicknames to be dessert-related.”

They all laughed at that, then Dax took his leave.

“You’re really okay?” Dante asked as he wrapped her in his arms in a tender hug.

“I am. Honestly, I probably look worse than I feel right now. The pain-blocker is already helping, though, and in a few hours the swelling and bruising will be mostly gone. I’m going to be fine.”

“How long will it take for you to forgive yourself for not being able to help Downs?”

“That recovery won’t be as quick. I know she wasn’t a good person, but the way she died…” She would be hearing those screams in her nightmares for a very long time.

He gave her a gentle squeeze. “I know. Stuff like this leaves a scar. Just don’t let it cut too deep, okay? I’m not exactly the galaxy’s most gifted communicator, but if you need to talk about it, I’m here.”

She let her head rest against his chest and nodded. “Thanks.”

“You ready to head out?”

“I think so.”

“Good. Because despite your insistence that you’re fine, I’m not going to believe that until I’ve seen for myself.” He released his hold to take her hand and led her to the door.

“This is all a ruse to get me naked again, isn’t it?” she teased.

“Maybe. But it’s also true. When we got your distress signal and I realized you weren’t on the ship, I lost my mind. Then there was the explosion, and I lost my mind again not knowing if you were okay.” His hand tightened around hers. “I promised to take care of you, and I failed.”

“You didn’t fail. I’m still here, aren’t I? I went with her to protect Nico, but it was an easy choice, because I knew you’d come after me.” He’d been there for her since the day they’d met, and in her heart, she knew he always would be.

As badly as Dante wanted to get Tyra safely ensconced in his quarters, there was one more stop they needed to make on the way. The moment they turned left instead of right, Tyra’s footsteps quickened.

“We’re going to see Nico?” she asked.

“Yeah. He’s going to hear about your off-ship adventure eventually. This way he won’t be worried. Plus, I know you’ll want to make sure he’s healing up after the procedure you did.”

“You’re right on both counts.” She was smiling now, and it looked good on her.

It took Nico less than two seconds to open the door, and the moment he saw Tyra the boy’s eyes widened and he flew into her arms. “You gots hurt! How?”

“I’m okay, Nico. It’s just a few bumps and bruises.”

The boy clung to her. “You was gone when I woke up.”

Tyra stroked Nico’s hair, beaming down at him with obvious affection. “I know. Some bad things happened, and I had to go for awhile. I’m back now, though. How’s your neck?”

Nico gave her a calculating look. “If I tell you it hurts a little, can I have the rest of my ice cream?”

Her answering laughter was the most beautiful sound in the world. “You can have your ice cream even if it doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Okay. It doesn’t really hurt, but I’m starving! I haven’t eaten in hours.”

“Go get your ice cream, you little con artist. I need to take Doc Li to get some rest.”

Nico nodded, gave Tyra one last hug, stepped back, and gave Dante a startingly adult look. “You take good care of her.”

Dante raised a hand and gave him a crisp salute. “Yes, sir. That’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

Nico’s face erupted into a broad grin and he stood ramrod straight. “Carry on then, Sergeant.” Then he ran off giggling.

“He’s quite amazing, isn’t he?” Tyra asked as they watched him vanish down the corridor.

“Yeah, he is.”

“If he’s going to be a witness, he’s going to need someone to take care of him for the next few months. Like a guardian.”

Dante nodded. “Yeah, he is. The Commander and I were talking about that earlier today.”

She leaned into his side. “I think it should be you.”

“You do? Why? I don’t know a damned thing about kids.”

“He idolizes you already, and there is no one in the galaxy I trust to take better care of that little boy than you. Bellex isn’t going to want him to testify, and we both know they’re more than capable of silencing him forever if they thought it would help their case. I can’t protect him from them, but you can.”

He scooped her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way back to his quarters.

The moment they were sealed inside, he set her down and leaned back against the door.

“Clothes off.”

“You know the rule, big guy. If I’m naked, you’re naked.”

“Right.” He shed his uniform with a speed borne of years of practice, and came to help her finish undressing. Despite her assurances, she was moving slowly, and as she bared her body to him, he saw why. Her ribs and stomach were bruised in several spots, and even though they were already responding to treatment, he knew firsthand they’d still be tender.

He circled her, taking inventory of the damage. “First thing we’re doing is taking a long, hot shower together. Then I’m going to kiss every one of these booboos better. Then, I’m keeping you in bed for the rest of the day. The droids can bring us something to eat later. Sound like a plan?”

“Sounds like the best plan I’ve ever heard.”

He stole another kiss, planting a hand on the soft curve of her ass. She ground herself against his already hard cock, tempting him to forgo the shower in favour of going straight to bed, but he didn’t give in. She’d been through hell, and nothing fixed that feeling faster than the bliss of a long, hot shower.

He led her to the sanitation room, and for once didn’t lament the lack of space. It meant they were wrapped around each other from the moment they stepped inside the shower cubby.

“Not too hot?” he asked as the water flowed over them.

“Perfect.”

“Tell me if I hit any sore spots, okay?” He slipped an arm around her waist while his free hand reached up to cup one breast in his hand. She reacted with a soft sigh and closed her eyes, letting her head fall back so the water hit her upturned face and streamed through her hair. He bent his head and kissed her, enjoying the sweet taste of her lips as he released her breast to slide a hand carefully down her stomach. When he reached her pussy, he parted it with his fingers, exposing her clit to his touch.

She rocked herself against his fingers, moaning again as he worked the delicate bundle of nerves between his thumb and forefinger. He kissed his way from her mouth to her jaw, and down the side of her throat. When he reached the point where her neck met her shoulder, he paused to press an open-mouthed kiss to the spot, and grazed her skin with his fangs. She shivered and proof of her arousal coated his fingers.

It was one of a thousand reasons she was perfect for him. She wasn’t afraid of who or what he was. She not only accepted his differences, she embraced them. Fangs and all.

He continued to pleasure her with his fingers as he started a slow inspection of her body, pressing a feather-light kiss to every injury he found, starting at the crown of her hair and working his way lower, until he was kneeling at her feet.

Tyra reached down to rest a hand on the top of his head. “I like you on your knees. It’s the only time I get to be taller than you.”

He withdrew his hand from between her legs and moved in close to her body. “Any time you want me on my knees, you just say the word.” He tapped her right leg and she lifted it, letting him drape it over his shoulder and she leaned back against the wall.

“So beautiful,” he murmured as he drank in the sight of her body rising above him. Neither of them was young anymore, but that made her more attractive to him. She was a woman in the prime of her life, and she was his.

Her fingers tightened on his scalp, drawing him in closer. “Need you.”

He didn’t answer her aloud. Instead, he buried his face between her thighs and lapped at her pussy, letting the scent and the flavor of her desire fill his senses. He parted her folds with his fingers so his tongue could find its way deeper, seeking out her clit again.

“Veth, that feels good. Make me come, Dante. Please?”

He’d been hard and aching from the moment he’d seen her naked, but once she uttered the word please, his cock turned to steel and his control frayed.

She must have sensed how her words affected him because she lowered her voice to a husky whisper and spoke again. “I don’t care how but make me come soon. I need to forget everything. Everything but you. Fingers, tongue, cock. All of them. Any of them. Just do it.”

He lost his mind. He rose to his feet and brought Tyra with him, taking care to slide her body down his so she didn’t hit her head on the showerhead above them. She wrapped her limbs around him and laughed, the joyful sound filling the tiny space. Her legs gripped his waist and she ground herself against his cock, rubbing her pussy against it until they were both shaking with need.

“Ready?” he asked as he took hold of her hips, guiding their bodies together at the perfect angle.

“So ready.”

He lowered her onto his cock in one slow, steady move that didn’t stop until he was buried to the hilt inside her. She buried her face in the crook of his neck and moaned, her fingernails digging into his skin. He lifted her slightly as he rocked his hips back, then drove into her with a hard thrust that made her gasp. Her pussy walls pulsed around his dick, and he let himself go, fucking her with hard, steady thrusts.

She raised her head and kissed him as he claimed her, her heels dug into the small of his back. He varied the angle of his thrusts until he found the one that made her quiver and moan into his mouth. He leaned forward, pressing her against the wall as he increased the pace, filling the room with the sounds of sex.

Her inner walls gripped him tight, milking his length as she reached orgasm. Flushed with pleasure, she lifted her head and stared into his eyes as she rode out her release. Her passion didn’t ebb with her orgasm, though, she continued to ride him, urging him to join her in bliss.

“I love you,” she whispered. “Now come for me.”

He grinned. “It’s so damned sexy when you try and tell me what to do.” He let himself get lost in her body, the pleasure of her touch, the sheer wonder of knowing she loved him. Within seconds, he was teetering on the edge, and when she kissed him again, he came hard enough he saw stars.

They stayed that way for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms, surrounded by water and steam. When he finally set her down on her feet again, he took his time and washed her from head to toe before finally shutting off the water, bundling her into a towel, and carrying her to his bed.

“How do you feel?” he asked as he curled up behind her, spooning her against his big body.

“Better.”

“Good. Then get some rest. As my doctor has pointed out to me repeatedly lately, it’s the fastest way to heal.”

He held her as she drifted off, counting his blessings that despite everything, everyone he cared about was still alive and well. At some point, he fell asleep too, because the next thing he knew they were both being woken up by the annoyingly persistent chirp of his comm.

“Strak here,” he answered it in audio only mode without bothering to check who was calling.

“Audio only? You’re naked again, aren’t you?” Eric’s voice was rife with humor.

“Aren’t you supposed to be busy repairing my ship?” Dante shot back.

“I’ve already got that fixed, sort of. She’s jury-rigged but holding. Your baby is fine.”

“Glad to hear it. Please tell me you didn’t wake Tyra for a status report.”

“Hey, Daisy. Glad you’re back with us. Trust me, you’re both going to be happy to hear what I have to tell you. I got the results of the DNA cross-match you asked me to run on Everest and your mystery man from the surface. Turns out you’re smarter than you look, big guy.”

“They’re related?” Dante asked.

“Weirder than that. They’re identical.”

“How can they be twins?” Dante asked. “The guy on the surface seemed older to me.

“Not twins. The samples show different age markers.”

Tyra sat up and joined the conversation, looking horrified. “Clones? The Grays are making clones?”

“So it would appear. There’s no line these bastards won’t cross,” Eric said angrily.

“Does Rossi know about this?” he asked.

“Not yet. I thought you and the doc would want to know first. Rossi is next on my list, though.”

“Thanks for telling us, Magi,” Tyra said.

“Anything for you, Daisy. You know that.”

Dante growled. “I told you to quit flirting.”

Tyra just laughed and patted his arm. “He knows I’m taken. Don’t you, Magi?”

“I do. But making your boyfriend all growly is my new hobby.”

Dante closed the link and set the communicator aside again.

“Did you just hang up on him?”

“Yep. He’s got work to do, and you’re supposed to be resting, remember?”

She snuggled into his side. “I think we should both get some rest. Tomorrow you can go back to protecting the galaxy.”

“Tomorrow, we’ll go back to work. You’re part of this team now, and no matter what you decide to do next, you always will be.”

“Not sure what comes next for me, but I’m sure that whatever it is, it somehow includes you and a certain little boy with a love of hamburgers.”

He wasn’t sure what the future held for any of them, but he was going to do his best to make sure that they faced it together.