Krastin was dead.
Mal released a shuddering breath. Thadd and Poppy were alive. That’s what she had to hold onto.
Rhain pulled her into the huge shower.
The warm water felt like heaven, and a second later, a ray of light washed over them, and she watched the grime disappear off her skin.
She looked up into the rugged, masculine face, and the silver-gray eyes filled with promise.
“Rhain.”
He lowered his head and closed his mouth over hers.
She kissed him back, emotions filling every part of her. She hadn’t realized how empty she’d been until this man had filled her up.
His grip tightened, and he lifted his head, raw need in his eyes.
“I love you,” she whispered.
His eyes widened.
When he didn’t say anything, fear gripped her. She’d never said the words to a man before. It was crazy to blurt them out now, way too soon.
She went to take a step back, but he slid a strong hand into her hair.
“You have no idea the things you make me feel.” He nipped her lips, then his mouth ran down her neck. He bit her skin.
Mal cried out.
“You have no idea how much I love you, Mallory West.”
Oh. Warmth filled her.
“Mine,” he said.
“Yours. Always.”
His mouth was on hers again. He backed her up until her back hit the cool wall of the shower.
“And you’re mine,” she said. “My Rhain.”
“Yes.”
How the hell had she gotten so lucky? Of course, she’d had to cross the universe to find the right man for her. But finally, the universe had stopped being a bitch and given her this gorgeous, loyal, amazing man.
She kissed his chest. She slid her hand down his wet abs and circled his heavy cock. She stroked and his groan echoed off the walls.
Then he shifted and lifted her, pinning her against the wall.
He nudged her with his cock, and his gaze met hers. With one thrust, he was inside her.
Mal clung to him and cried out his name.
“Mal. Take me.”
“Rhain, I need…”
“Tell me.” He kept moving his hips, plunging deep inside her.
“You. I just need you.”
“You have me,” he told her.
His thrusts became harder, wilder. He slid a hand between their straining bodies and found her clit.
Mal bucked and splintered apart. She screamed, and felt her body clench on his cock.
Rhain turned into a wild man, driving deeper.
“I’m coming. Gorr, Mal—”
His big body arched, his cock lodged deep. He shuddered, his face twisting.
She watched the pleasure rock through him.
When he sagged against her, pinning her against the wall, she just held on. The feeling of connection felt too good. So right.
He nuzzled her neck. “I love you.”
She sighed against him. “I love you too, Rhain.”
He lifted his head, his face serious. “Stay. Stay with me.”
Her belly clenched.
The fact was, she didn’t want to be anywhere else.
With him, she belonged. With him, she knew someone cared if she was happy, sad, safe, or alive.
“I’ll stay.”
Chapter Eighteen
Later that afternoon, Rhain walked Mal into the medica.
After their shower, they’d slept for several hours, wrapped up in his bed.
No, their bed. Mal had agreed to stay.
Now, he just had one more thing to convince her about.
The first thing he saw in the medica was Thadd. His captain was standing, dressed, and looked fit and healthy.
“Thadd.” Rhain stepped forward.
His friend looked up. A small smile hit Thadd’s lips. They hugged, and Rhain slapped Thadd’s back.
“You’re healed?”
“I’m absolutely fine.” Thadd said the words fast.
Rhain studied his captain’s face and he didn’t miss the haunted look in the man’s eyes. He stepped back so Mal could hug Thadd as well.
Rhain’s gut contracted. Thadd might be physically healed, but he wasn’t over the horror of what the Zhylaw had done to him.
Tavith bustled over, grumbling.
“Captain Naveri would benefit from a few more days of rest.”
A fierce scowl appeared on Thadd’s face. “I can rest in my own bed.”
Tavith crossed his arms. “We all know you won’t stay in bed.”
“I…need to keep busy.”
Rhain kept his face blank. Mal grabbed his hand.
The medica studied Thadd for a moment, then sighed. “Fine.”
Thadd nodded and strode out.
“Is he really okay?” Rhain asked.
“His body is healed and the Zhylaw tech has been removed.” Tavith scraped a hand over his head. “His mind just needs a little time. It would help if he talked to someone.”
Rhain sighed. “Talking isn’t Thadd’s favorite thing to do.”
“I know, but it will help him heal.”
Rhain nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Mal shifted restlessly. “Poppy?”
Tavith’s face settled into grave lines. “Come with me. She’s through here.”
The medica led them through a doorway. Rhain squeezed Mal’s hand.
She sucked in a breath. The room was bright and airy, and the blonde woman was visible on the bed.
Poppy Ellison was a pretty woman. She’d been bathed, and wore a pale medica gown. There were scanner patches pressed to her skin, and at the moment, she was resting peacefully.
“Hi, Poppy, it’s Mal.” At her friend’s bedside, Mal took the woman’s hand.
There was no response.
“How is she?” Rhain asked.
Tavith sighed. “She’s undergoing the Damari transformation.”
Rhain pressed his lips together. “We guessed as much. “
“We’re keeping her sedated. She’s in no pain.”
“When will she be out of danger?” Mal asked.
Tavith spread his hands. “I don’t know. The transformation should’ve passed by now. It seems it’s responding to her Earth genetics differently. Her readings are confusing and unusual.”
Mal gasped, and Rhain reached for her.
“I don’t have the expertise to treat her,” Tavith said. “For now, we’ll keep her stable and pain-free.”
“And then what?” Mal’s voice rose.
“Then, we send her to people who can help her.”
Mal frowned.
“The overlord has already contacted his brother on Damar.”
She swiveled, her eyebrows rising. “When?”
“When you were sleeping,” Rhain said. “Tavith believes the Damari can help Poppy.”
Mal looked at her friend.
“My brother, Brodin is already en route. He’ll take her back to Damar, to his healers.”
Mal stroked Poppy’s hair. “I don’t want her to leave, but if it helps her get better…”
“It’s the best choice,” Rhain said.
Tavith nodded.
“All right,” Mal murmured.
Rhain released a breath. She didn’t mention leaving with Poppy. He’d half expected her to want to go.
“As soon as she’s well, she comes home,” Mal said.
Home. Warmth spread inside him. She’d called Zhalto her home. “Of course.”
She moved to him and pressed her face to his chest.
“She will be fine.” He prayed to the auroras that his words were true.
“I’ll inform you when Emperor Sarkany arrives from Damar,” Tavith said.
“Thanks, Tavith,” Mal said.
Rhain led Mal out of the medica.
“Emperor?” she asked.
“Emperor Brodin Damar Sarkany, Emperor of the Damari shapeshifters.”