Page 69 of Controlled

“I am well aware that you are not who you pretend. I hope when you realize that you can trust me you will explain who you are and why you are here. But even with that mystery in place, I am sure that you will keep my mate’s cousins safe. Are you interested in the job?”

“I would be honored, sir.”

“Then rejoin your class for now. I will make the arrangements.”

“Thank you, sir.”

By the time they returned to the Citadel, Flora could stand on her own again. She still felt weak and shaky, so Noratu kept his arm around her waist.

President Zevon and a male Flora did not recognize were waiting in the landing bay. “I heard that you had quite an adventure,” Zevon said as Noratu helped Flora climb down from the ship. “Congratulations on another successful mission.” Before she could respond, he motioned to the man next to him. “This is Commander Polot and he had a few words for you.”

Polot stepped forward and cleared his throat. “I lost my ship today, but thanks to you, Lady Flora, my ship is all I lost.” He covered his heart with his fist and bowed from the waist. “You will always have my thanks. If you need anything, you have only to ask.”

“You are welcome, sir,” she said softly, embarrassed by the praise. “But I could not have done this without my mates.”

Noratu led her out of the landing bay and Flora found the corridor lined with people. Each person she passed repeated the gesture and said thank you. Even grumpy Gwala offered her thanks with a show of respect. Flora was blinking back tears by the time they reached the end of the line of people who had showed up to honor her.

“I didn’t do anything any mystic wouldn’t have done,” she said quietly as the crowd started to disperse.

“Perhaps not, but you did something that most mysticscould nothave done,” Draven pointed out. “You are extraordinary, mate. Whether you like it or not.”

Flora was still feeling unusually emotional when they left the Citadel an hour later. President Zevon saw them off, reinforcing how proud he was of her performance. She tried to stress that the mission had been accomplished by a team of nine. Even the power exchange required the assistance of her mates. Everyone dismissed her protests and focused on her dramatic rescue. She was pleased by all the praise, but hoped the other triads wouldn’t resent her abilities once their shock wore off.

“I hope the president won’t need us for at least a week,” she said as Draven set their ship in motion. “I’m pretty sure I can sleep that long.”

“You’ve earned it,” Noratu said, squeezing her hand.

“You better sleep now.” Draven shot her a smoldering look. “As soon as we get home, I am taking you to bed. If we make it to the bedroom.”

Anticipation tingled through her body. She thought she was too tired to care, but apparently not. “What did you have in mind? I’m awfully tired.”

“After we’ve fucked you into oblivion, then you can sleep for a week,” he promised with a wicked smile.

“Missions always make him—what is that human word? Oh, yes, horny.”

Draven looked back at Noratu, disbelief scrunching up his brow. “You just made that up.”

Noratu laughed. “No, it is a real word.”

Draven looked at her for confirmation. “Humans refer to needing to fuck as horny?”

She laughed, embarrassed to admit it. “Yeah, they really do.”

“Well, my love, you better take a long nap because I am seriously horny.”

It sounded even sillier in his deep, slightly accented voice. She laughed as her heart filled with joy. She loved her new life and her amazing mates. She closed her eyes, a smile still bowing her lips. “I’m charging my batteries, Master D. I can’t wait to blow your horn.”

The End