Jude hated waking Octavia. They were at the bunker, and it was time to see how effective their mission had been.

He eased himself to the edge of the seat in the Foxhound and felt Octavia stir against him.

“Are we back already?” Her voice sounded sleepy.

“We are,” said Jude. “You go straight to see Sophia.”

“No. I kind of missed the last bit of the attack thanks to being buried under a wall. I want to see how badly we’ve fucked with the State.”

“You need to get to medical,” said Jude. “Don’t forget, your heart stopped.”

“You got it going again,” said Octavia. “You always will.”

Of course he would. She was his. He’d do anything to keep her safe. “Even so, I want Sophia to check you out.”

Tobias stood beside the Foxhound with the others, his expression blank.

“You too, Tobias,” said Jude. “I want you to get to medical to make sure nothing is broken.” He wasn’t worried about any physical injuries Tobias had. Tobias’s mind had been fragile ever since his rescue from the buried building over two years ago. This could set him back months in his recovery.

He shook his head, a grimace crossing his face. “I don’t need to see Sophia.”

“Yes, you do.” Sophia strode into the vehicle bay, a medical bag in her hand. “I want everyone who is injured and can walk to go straight to medical. We’re ready for you.”

“I’m fine.” Tobias staggered away.

Sophia grabbed his arm and turned him toward her. Her normally stern expression softened. “I heard what happened. You’re not going anywhere until I’ve given you a thorough check over. You don’t get buried under a wall and get away without any injuries.”

“It’s not as if it was my first rodeo,” said Tobias. “I’ve been there and done that. I’ll survive this just like the last time.”

“You’ll survive better with me taking care of you.” Sophia glared at Tobias until he shrugged and looked away. “Excellent. I’ll take that as a yes. Get yourself to medical. I’ll follow shortly.”

Tobias slumped away, his hands clenched by his sides.

Sophia turned to look at Octavia, who was still in Jude’s arms. “How about the two of you?”

“Octavia was buried under the same wall as Tobias,” said Jude.

“Take her to the medical bay.” Sophia’s sharp gaze darted to Jude’s blood-stained pants. “What’s wrong with your leg?”

“It’s nothing serious.” In truth, Jude’s leg was burning. He hadn’t had a chance to patch-up the wound and could feel blood leaking down his leg and pooling in his boot.

“I’ll see exactly what’s wrong with it when I get your pants off,” said Sophia. “Set Octavia down. I don’t want you collapsing on your way to medical.”

“She’s not going anywhere.” Jude tightened his grip on Octavia.

“Stubborn Ember men,” grumbled Sophia. “Fine. Collapse, and it’s on your own head. Where’s Lincoln?”

“I need immediate tender loving care,” said Lincoln, who hadn’t moved from the bench.

Sophia sighed. “I’ll send for Anastasia. Can you walk?”

“I can hobble.”

“Good enough.” She looked around at the dirt- and blood-covered squad. “Does anyone else have serious injuries?”

“If you’re offering to take my pants off and give me a thorough physical exam as well, I’m always game.” Holden grinned at her.

Sophia arched an eyebrow. “In your dreams. Everyone who needs treatment follow me.” She turned and hurried away.

“You’ve got no chance there,” said Jude as he strode along the corridor with Octavia in his arms, Holden by his side.

“Is she still hot for your brother?”

“More like it’s the other way around,” said Jude. “Tobias hides it well, but she pushes his buttons.”

“Why aren’t they together, if he’s so into her?”

“She works too hard keeping us all alive, and he’s rarely here.”

“If they really like each other, they’ll find a way to be together.” Octavia smiled up at Jude.

“Yes, I guess they will.” He smiled back at her. He was glad to see a little color returning to her cheeks.

They reached the medical bay.

“I’ll leave you to get treatment. I’m in need of a shower. Catch up with you later.” Holden nodded at Jude and Octavia before strolling away.

As Jude pushed through the door, Sophia gestured to an empty bed. “Place Octavia on there. Then sit on the bed next to her and try not to bleed all over my floor.”

He perched on the edge of the bed and watched every move Sophia made as she assessed Octavia.

“How’s she doing?” Jude felt uneasy now Octavia was out of his arms. He’d hold her forever if she’d let him.

Sophia glanced at him. “You did a good job. Using that adrenaline pen saved her life.”

“She’s going to be okay?”

“I am here,” grumbled Octavia. “I can tell you myself, I’m going to be fine.”

Jude grinned and ducked his head. He reached over and caught hold of Octavia’s hand and tangled their fingers together, noticing the scrapes and cuts on her knuckles.

“Octavia may be tiny, but she’s stronger than she looks,” said Sophia.

“You tell him,” said Octavia. “I don’t have to stay in here, do I?”

“That you do,” said Sophia. “I need to monitor your vitals for the next twenty-four hours. You need fluids and some pain meds.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“Your heart stopped,” said Sophia. “It’s very necessary.” She raised a finger as Octavia began to protest. “Jude will back me up on this.”

“Absolutely,” said Jude. “Do whatever Sophia tells you. You need to make a complete recovery.”

Octavia sighed and sank back. “I can recover in my bed.”

“But then I’d need to be sitting by your side,” said Sophia, “which would mean I can’t give anyone else my attention.”

Octavia grumbled under her breath but didn’t protest anymore.

Despite her resistance, Jude could already see Octavia’s eyelids growing heavy. He stroked his fingers along the back of her hand, watching as she struggled against the sleep that was growing ever closer.

Sophia rested a hand on Octavia’s shoulder once she’d finished her examination. “Get some rest. I’ll get Clarissa to fix your IV drip shortly.”

Jude watched as Octavia’s chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, her grip on his hand now loose. She was back now. She was safe. And they’d beaten the State. It didn’t feel like life could get any better.

The door to the medical bay opened. Heath strode through, his expression growing concerned as he saw Octavia on the bed.

Jude carefully disentangled his fingers from hers and walked over to him. “She’s sleeping. Sophia thinks she will be fine.”

Heath clasped Jude on the shoulder. “I’m glad to hear it. Are you up to giving an update? The others are already in the briefing room.”

He looked over his shoulder. Octavia would be safe here with Sophia looking out for her.

As if sensing his conflicting thoughts, Sophia gestured toward the door. “You can go, for now. But I want you back here straight after the briefing. You have injuries of your own that need treating.”

“Take care of her for me,” said Jude.

“I take care of all of my patients,” said Sophia. “And when you see Tobias and Lincoln, tell them to come here immediately. They ignored my order to get their injuries treated.”

Heath and Jude shared a smile as they hurried out.

“I would not like to be in their shoes when Sophia finally gets her hands on them,” said Jude.

“They only have themselves to blame if she jabs them with a needle,” said Heath. “They both snuck into the briefing room and told Danni they were fine.”

“They will be. We need to keep an eye on Tobias, though. He didn't do so good on the mission.”

Heath nodded. “I’m already watching him. He’s missed appointments with Sophia. I know he’s struggling.”

“We’ll get him fixed up. Although, it would be good if we could get him to stay in one place for more than five minutes.”

“I’m working on that.”

Now that Jude was away from the fight, he felt his own tiredness hit him. The throbbing pain in his leg grew.

Heath’s hand rested on his shoulder again. “It’s almost over. You never know, Danni might even let you have a few days off after this.”

“I really would believe in miracles if that happened.” He smiled at his brother as they entered the briefing room. At the table sat Colton, Holden, and Evan, along with Tobias and Lincoln, who looked surprisingly cheerful given he’d been in a copter crash.

Heath and Jude settled into empty seats. The group focused on Danni, who stood at the head of the table.

“I’ll keep this brief,” she said. “I’m aware some of you are still suffering from your recent encounter with the State.” Her gaze went from Lincoln to Tobias. “I’m pleased to report the mission was a success. The building has been destroyed.”

Colton grinned and leaned back in his seat. “They didn’t have a clue what hit them. Tobias’s plan was genius. There was nothing they could do to stop us.”

Holden nodded. “It was like fucking poetry in motion seeing that place go up.”

“It’s a shame some of us were still inside when it did,” said Jude.

Colton shrugged. “We all got out. Everyone survived. It was a win all round on our side.”

“The latest news feed from the State suggests they’re spitting mad,” said Danni. “Heads will roll for what happened. This is a mistake they couldn’t afford. That vaccine has taken them months to create. With their facility gone, they will have to start from scratch.”

“We won’t let them get this far next time,” said Heath. “Now we know what their plan is, we can stop them before they even get started.”

“My concern is, if they’re willing to wipe out so many people, it must mean they no longer consider us an asset,” said Danni. “We don’t know what their plans are for this planet, but it won’t be anything positive for the remaining human population. Once we’ve served our purpose as a free labor source, we’ll have no further value for them.”

“This setback will buy us a few months. Maybe more.” Jude tried to keep his thoughts focused on the debrief, but they kept sliding back to Octavia. He should leave her alone, let her recover and get back to full strength. But she drew him like a magnet. He didn’t feel complete unless she was by his side. He grinned to himself. He had it bad, and he didn’t give a fuck. Octavia made him happy.

“We’ll keep a constant watch on their communications,” said Danni. “Jude, I want you to lead on that.”

“No problem,” said Jude.

“Now we have Octavia here, as well.” Lincoln smiled slyly at Jude. “She can help you keep busy, and show you around her channels.”

Jude didn’t mind the teasing. “You can bet she will. But she needs to recover first.”

“Of course,” said Danni. “You all need time out after this. Lincoln, you need to be in the medical bay.”

“I’ll go as soon as this is over,” said Lincoln. “I’m just trying to avoid being yelled at by Sophia for as long as possible, though. She never likes it when I play with her equipment.”

Tobias snorted and shook his head.

“She only yells because she cares,” said Danni.

“Then I must be the love of her life,” said Lincoln.

Tobias grunted and shifted in his seat.

Danni turned to Jude. “I saw you limping when you came in. Get back to medical and have your injuries treated.” Her gaze drifted to Tobias. “And, I have a direct order from Sophia that you must attend your next appointment.”

Tobias’s shoulders rose, and he frowned. “I’m okay.”

“Not according to Sophia. You’ve missed two appointments with her. And you have injuries from this mission.”

“Cuts and scratches, that’s all.”

Lincoln laughed. “Why are you so reluctant to spend time with Sophia? You worried she might figure you out?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’re into her,” said Lincoln. “I bet she secretly likes you. That’s why she’s so mean to you. She could be your woman if you wanted her to be.”

“She’s not anyone’s,” grunted Tobias. “She’s her own woman. She told me herself, she’s too busy for a relationship.”

“Have you been asking for one?”

“Shut it.” Tobias’s gaze went to the door.

Jude could see the lines of anxiety running across his brother’s forehead. He knew it must be killing Tobias to be in the briefing room. If he spent any more than an hour underground, he got the shakes.

Danni cleared her throat. “Tobias, I want you to increase the number of sessions you’re having with Sophia. There’s to be no argument. If you don’t, you’re off active service until Sophia says otherwise.”

Tobias glanced around the table, and his shoulders slumped.

Jude felt a pang of sympathy for him. It wasn’t a secret Tobias had been having therapy sessions with Sophia to help with his post-traumatic stress.

“Speak to Sophia and make the arrangements,” said Danni. “We need everyone on this team operational.”

Tobias looked at the door again and nodded.

“Very well everyone,” said Danni. “Those who need treatment, go to the medical bay now. Otherwise, the rest of you take some time out. Well done on an excellent mission.”

The debrief broke up. Jude, Lincoln, and Tobias made their way slowly to the medical bay.

“Danni doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” grumbled Tobias. “I don’t want Sophia poking around in my head.”

“I thought you’d like extra sessions with the doc,” said Lincoln. “It will give you a chance to get to know each other better.”

“She thinks I’m messed up,” said Tobias. “That’s hardly a turn-on.”

“You never know,” said Lincoln, “she might like fixing broken guys.”

“Tobias isn’t broken.” Jude could see the sheen of sweat on Tobias’s forehead. He was close to cracking.

Tobias gave him a grateful look. “I know I’ve got problems. We all have. I’m nothing special.”

“Maybe Sophia thinks you are,” said Lincoln. “That’s why she’s willing to spend so much time on you. I bet she’ll give me a shot of serum and kick me straight out of medical.”

“You deserve that if she does,” said Jude. “You always mess with her equipment.”

Lincoln chuckled and winked at Tobias. “Not all of her equipment. I’ll leave that to Tobias.”

“You said yourself, all Sophia does is yell,” said Tobias. “Why do I want to be around that hassle?”

“Because when she isn’t yelling, she is cute,” said Lincoln.

Jude smirked. “Say that to Sophia’s face. She’ll probably punch your lights out if you tell her she’s cute.”

“What’s wrong with cute?” asked Lincoln. “Cute is great. Cute is adorable.”

“Exactly,” said Jude. “Cute is the last word I’d use to describe Sophia.”

“She isn’t cute,” said Tobias. “She’s smart and sexy. She knows her own mind and goes after what she wants.”

“A determined, hot-headed woman.” Lincoln grinned. “That’s just my type, as well.”

“You’ve already got yourself a hot-headed woman,” said Jude. “If Anastasia hears you making comments about another woman, you will pay.”

“I only have eyes for my beautiful dragon hybrid,” said Lincoln. “She has my heart and soul. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jude smiled. He felt the same about Octavia. He just needed to get her alone so he could tell her how he felt and what he wanted to do with her.

As they entered the medical bay, Sophia emerged from the office. She sighed and shook her head. “Clarissa, Daisy. I’m going to need help.”

***

THE ROOM WAS DARK AS Octavia opened her eyes. For a second, she had no clue where she was. Then the familiar antiseptic scent of the medical bay drifted up her nose. She must have slept through almost a whole day.

She flexed her fingers and toes before stretching out. She felt bruised and achy, but other than that she felt good. The power of dragon serum.

Octavia looked around the room. The other beds were empty. There was a small light on in Sophia’s office, and she could hear the gentle whirr of medical equipment around her.

Easing out of the bed, she stood on her bare feet. She did feel good, not shaky or weak like she’d done when they’d traveled back to the bunker. She felt better than she had done in months.

She padded over to Sophia’s office, where the door was ajar. Poking her head around the side, she spotted Sophia. Her arms were on the desk, her fingers interlaced. Her head rested on top of her hand, her eyes shut.

There was a woman dedicated to her work. She’d never seen Sophia out of the medical bay for more than a few moments. Maybe when they both had some down time, she’d take her for a coffee or a beer at the Down and Out. It could be her way of saying thanks for making her feel so much better.

Octavia slipped back into the main room. She looked around and shivered. She’d had enough of this place. She wanted her own bed.

She walked to the door. Actually, she didn’t want any more sleep. What she wanted, more than anything, was to be with Jude.

Inching open the door, Octavia checked the corridor. It was empty. She hurried out, heading toward the living quarters. Nerves ran through her as she hurried to Jude’s door. She’d never felt like this about a guy before. She’d never gotten to know anyone the way she’d done with Jude. The fact their relationship started over the airwaves, forcing them to talk and show their loves and hates, what got them excited, and what left them cold. She really knew him. Even though they’d only met in person a few days ago, it didn’t matter. She felt as if she knew the true Jude, and loved every part of him.

His door was locked as she reached it. Octavia hesitated. Maybe he was asleep. She should let him get rest. He must be exhausted after what they’d gone through.

She turned away. She couldn’t stay away from him. Her hand went to the alert button, and she pressed it.

A few seconds later, a sleepy-eyed Jude opened the door. He only wore boxer shorts, his lean, muscular chest on display.

His eyes widened. He grabbed hold of Octavia. “Is everything okay? What are you doing here? Why are you out of the medical bay?”

His hands ran over her as he spoke, as if checking for injuries. His touch ignited a heat inside her. She only wanted that feeling to burn brighter and hotter.

“To answer all of your questions, everything is fine. I’m here because I want to see you. And I’m out of the medical bay because I feel better. Can I come in?”

Jude blinked, his fingers tightening around her wrist as he stopped his teasing examination of her body. “Of course.”

He let her in. They stood together in the half-dark, their gazes locked. Jude’s fingers traced up Octavia’s arms again. This time, it didn’t feel like he was checking her injuries. He stroked and caressed her skin, pushing the sleeves of her shirt up as he did so.

Her fingers splayed across his chest, tracking across the hard muscles of his stomach. “How are you feeling?”

“Right now, I feel incredible.” His voice was low and thick with desire.

“I mean, you got treated by Sophia after we got back?” Octavia licked her lips. Maybe he was still injured and couldn’t give her what she wanted. If so, she’d wait, even though her desire for him made her legs shake.

“I got treated,” said Jude. “I’m fine. How about you?”

Her gaze went to his mouth. “Never better.”

He closed the gap between them, crushing her lips against his, his tongue slipping into her mouth.

She wrapped her fingers around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

Grabbing her thighs, Jude lifted Octavia off her feet. She wrapped her legs around his waist.

He turned and carried her to his bed, easing her down onto her back.

The whole time, their lips remained melded together as they tasted each other.

Octavia’s hands grappled with his boxer shorts, yanking them down.

Jude stood and kicked them off. He was naked before her. His hard cock rested against his stomach as his lust-filled gaze ran over her body. He reached down and unbuttoned her shirt, slowly, taking his time.

With a frustrated sigh, Octavia yanked the rest of the buttons open. She didn’t want tenderness, she wanted him to strip her and take her. Her hands went to her pants, but he stopped her. “Is something wrong?”

“No. Everything is perfect.” Jude eased her hands away and unzipped her pants. “I want to do this myself. I want to be the one to get you naked.”

A shiver of desire ran through her. She watched as Jude eased her pants down. She wore no underwear, so once her boots, pants, and shirt were gone, she was naked.

She lay on the bed, a swirl of pleasure running through her as she saw the eagerness in Jude’s eyes. His gaze trailed over her breasts and down to her thighs. She eased her legs apart and heard him suck in a breath.

“I’m all yours,” she said to him.

With a primal sounding grunt, Jude pushed her legs apart and ducked between them.

A gasp shot out of Octavia as he tasted her, his tongue tracing across her sensitive folds as his hands caressed her thighs.

She thrust her pelvis up, unable to stop herself.

Jude held onto her hips and pushed his tongue into her, growling with pleasure, the rumble sending a shiver of heat into her center.

He slid two hard fingers inside, looking up at her as his mouth landed on her clit. He sucked and caressed it with his tongue.

Octavia’s eyes rolled back in her head. It had been such a long time since she’d felt desired. Seeing the lust in Jude’s eyes, and the way he devoured her, made her feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet.

The stroke of his fingers inside her, coupled with his mouth on her most sensitive spot, sent Octavia over the edge. Her back arched and a cry shot from her lips as she climaxed.

Jude didn’t slow. He kept on pumping her with his fingers, his tongue on her clit.

“Oh my God,” she gasped out as a second orgasm hit. Her thighs shook, and she grabbed hold of his hair as she writhed beneath him, holding his delicious mouth in place as her body felt on fire.

A satisfied-sounding grumble came from Jude as he slid up her body, his tongue tasting her skin and his teeth taking gentle nips as he traveled across her flesh. He stopped at her breasts, sampling the nipples, stroking them and sucking them into his mouth. All the time, his fingers remained buried deep in her, stroking her, encouraging yet another orgasm.

He kissed her collarbone before traveling up her throat and joining their mouths together.

She wanted to offer him the same kind of pleasure and show him how much she desired him. Octavia pushed herself up onto her elbows. “Lie on your back.”

Jude’s nostrils flared, and he obeyed as he removed his delicious-feeling fingers from her center.

She shifted to make room for him and to get a better view of this incredible man. He was so gorgeous. His sculpted abs and hard muscles were the stuff of fantasy. Now, they were all hers, and she would enjoy them.

It felt good to have him in her control as she traced her fingers over his hot flesh and felt him shudder beneath her. Her hands stopped by his hard shaft and she traced her fingers down it, cupping his balls in her hands.

A moan slid from Jude’s mouth. “Fuck! That feels good.”

Straddling his legs, Octavia held the base of his cock in one hand and kissed along his upper thighs. Her tongue traced across his flesh before sliding up his shaft, teasing him with what was to come.

Her mouth grazed the tip. “Do you like that?”

“It’s so damn amazing.”

Her lips parted, and she took an inch of him into her mouth before slowly sliding it out.

The groan she received from Jude was long and deep.

“More?”

“Hell, yes.”

She took in another inch and then another, continuing until he filled her mouth.

Jude bucked beneath her. His hand stroked her head. She loved how he touched her scalp. It felt sensitive under his fingers.

She pushed his throbbing shaft to the back of her throat before withdrawing and focusing on the tip, sucking the head while her hands stroked up and down his shaft.

“Yes.” The word came out long and slow as Jude writhed beneath her.

Octavia circled his cock with her tongue, pumping him with her hand as the other stroked his thighs.

“You’re so fucking amazing.” Jude’s hands clenched the sheets.

So was he. Octavia increased her rhythm, clenching her lips around Jude.

He shook beneath her, his hand drumming on her shoulder.

She slid him out of her mouth, working him with her hand. “Come for me.” She went to slide his cock back into her mouth, but Jude stopped her.

“Ride me.” His hands pulled her on top of him. “I want to bury myself inside you. I need to look into your eyes when I come.”

Giving his cock one last, long suck, Octavia slid up his body, straddled Jude’s thighs, and sank onto his shaft.

Jude grabbed her hips and thrust up to meet her.

Octavia gasped at the feel of Jude’s cock inside her. It had been too long since she’d been with a man, and he stretched her to the point of pain.

He stroked a hand down her back. “I’ll go slowly.”

“No, I want to feel you. I want to feel this.” Octavia thrust her hips, getting used to him, feeling the ripple of pleasure run through her as she moved with him inside her.

Jude moaned. His hand tightened on her hip. “You’re too much.”

She kissed his lips. “We’re only getting started.”

He pulled her close as his tongue thrust into her mouth.

Octavia kissed him back, their tongues tangling, as Jude pumped into her—long, hard thrusts that grew gasps from her lips.

His hand sank between them, and his fingers found her clit. He stroked and caressed her sensitive flesh, his fingers firm as he fucked her.

“Jude.” Octavia was barely aware she was saying his name as her desire grew. Heat spread from her face down her body, meeting in her core as her orgasm hit. She cried out in pleasure as she continued to ride Jude, lost in the feel of his fingers and cock.

He grabbed her and drove in hard as he came.

Octavia fell forward, sated and happy. A smile crossed her face as she rested against Jude’s chest, feeling his heartbeat pound beneath her.

His fingers traced up and down her spine, sending shivers of delight across her sensitive skin.

“I told you it would be worth the wait.” Jude sounded like he was smiling.

Raising herself onto her elbows, Octavia kissed his lips. “It was. You were. I’ve found you, and I’m never letting go.”

With a satisfied growl, Jude rolled Octavia onto her back and showed her everything she’d been waiting for all her life.