15. Arden
Chapter 15
Arden
T he build rose steady and high. Arden shivered in the grip of rapture. Her longed-for Mates were buried deep and being pleasured.
Arden saw the faint aural glow surrounding Shane envelope them all. It hovered over them as incandescent ecstasy took her in its gorgeous grip.
She embraced the uniqueness of each of her Mates, anticipating the lives they would make for themselves. She burst with hope for their future, full of love, anchored by their strength and support.
She understood the abiding joy Shane felt being in a family with them. He had a river of contentment flowing within him, ready to be tapped by his Mates when they needed.
She felt the steadfast devotion Kano held for each of them. Unending. Unwavering. Unto death.
She saw Rally’s healing ease his heart as he melted into the elation of his Mates’ generous love. He accepted and trusted.
She knew the depth of Vai’s happiness in witnessing his Mates’ bliss bring healing. She rejoiced with him in their MateBond, which protected them from spiritual harm. She burned with his hungry passion for them.
Their delight soared as they peaked together, her Lio Nels roaring their pleasure.
Panting in the aftermath, Arden saw the glowing aura covering them separate into tiny flames above their hearts to be absorbed there.
They groaned as they separated their bodies.
Kano picked Arden up, tossing her onto his shoulder, shouting back as he carried her into the grooming room.
“Mistaray!”
They piled into the Mistaray, which looked like a single, giant, freestanding white tusk suspended over a dip in the floor. Water sprayed over them, and they efficiently and affectionally washed each other.
Arden and Shane soon found themselves wrapped in warm blankets, being cuddled close in the sitting area on a huge couch while their Lio fed them. Vai and Kano fed Arden on one end, facing Shane who sat in Rally’s lap on the other.
Arden loved seeing Shane gradually relax his inhibitions as Rally welcomed his admiring glances and casual touches.
When she was full, Arden began feeding Vai and Kano. Shane did the same for Rally.
Kano leaned in close to Arden, his expression questioning.
“Arden, we want to ask you something.”
“What?”
Vai watched her steadily.
“May we take your name for our own?”
Arden felt stunned.
“You want my name? Pon’Vogel?”
Her gaze went from one Lio Mate to the next.
“ Why ?”
Vai spoke solemnly.
“You gave us new names, fresh identities. You brought us Shane.”
Rally kissed Shane’s cheek. Kano caressed her arm lovingly.
“You found us and Claimed us. We are so proud to be yours , Arden.”
Rally spoke softly.
“Being yours gives me courage. I’m finally ready to go back to Lio Fleet Draux. I want to carry your name when I do.”
Shane beamed at Arden.
“I, too, would be honored to carry the Pon’Vogel name.”
“I love that! I love you! All of it! Yes!”
Vai, Kano, and Rally roared their joy while she and Shane laughed.
Rally smiled broadly.
“Do you like my Vessel? I named her The Ardent , after one of the most passionate and beautiful people I know.”
Shane looked at Arden appreciatively.
“She’s gorgeous.”
Arden blushed at the heated looks all her Mates gave her.
“So, this makes you Captain Rally?”
Rally nodded while leisurely sifting his fingers through Shane's golden hair.
“Yes. And I am seeking a Trade Negotiator. Do you know any of those?”
Shane grinned at Rally.
“I might!”
“Kano is Chief Officer. Vai is clearly Abassan. I have nine additional Crew. Ten, with Bergie.”
“What about me?”
“What do you want, Arden?”
Arden licked her lips, need for her delicious Mates rising within her. Her gaze swept them possessively.
“I want to be yours, like you are mine.”
Rally and Shane were halfway up, coming to her at the other end of the long couch, as Vai and Kano kissed her shoulders, caressing her exposed arms and legs.
Bergstrom abruptly rushed into their quarters, wearing only a hastily tied cloth around his waist. He sported a wildly tangled mane, his fur matted and fluffed in unusual places.
Everyone looked at him in surprise. Bergstrom spoke anxiously.
“You done? Is it done?”
Arden laughed.
“It?”
“Yeah. The thing. Your thing.”
Shane shook his head in amazement.
“Our MateBond?”
“Yeah, that .”
Shane looked concerned at how mussed, rushed, and confused Bergstrom was.
“Are you okay?”
A female’s voice called through the open entryway.
“Get back here, Bergie! We aren’t done with you!”
Feminine giggles and several masculine chuckles rang out.
Bergstrom looked back over his shoulder as a sinuous tail waved at them from the entryway.
“I gotta get back to the place. With the people. Them !”
He pointed behind him.
“So, are you done ?”
A masculine voice snickered.
“Because he isn’t!”
Arden took pity on the poor male.
“We are MateBonded, yes.”
The other room erupted in cheers. Bergie looked relieved.
“I Declare this Coalition Claimed and Sealed!”
This time Arden and her Mates joined the cheer with the Crew.
Bergstrom turned, speaking as he left in a rush.
“Have fun! I know I will!”
Shane called after him.
“Bye, Bergie!”
Arden looked over at Shane.
“How about that !”
Shane grinned.
“Now we are all happy!”
Their Lio Mates growled their agreement.
Arden bit her lip, gaining their immediate attention. She husked.
“Where were we?”
This time her Mates growled with sexual intent.
M uch later, through the calm, cool mist of dreams, verses came to her, embedding in her mind.
"In caverns deep where glimmers play, Light’s glow will guide the way. With luminescence, the path they pave, To free the missing from a stardust grave.”
Arden awakened with a rush, sitting up, knowing instinctively who needed to hear the words she’d dreamed.
She and her guys were piled into bed together.
Vai awakened, watching her, his expression concerned. Arden reassured him.
“I’m good. I dreamed verses for my sister Astor.”
“Verses?”
“Yes. It seems like she’s going on her own grand adventure.”
She sensed Vai using some of his woo-woo to assess internally and externally. She smiled when he relaxed.
“All is well. Comm her tomorrow. Rest now, love.”
Vai reached up and Arden snuggled back into his embrace. Rally moved closer, dropping his arm over her hip. She enjoyed the warmth of her lovers cuddled close. Contentment settled deep.
She’d found her Mates. They were together. She was home.