Maxar (The Mating Games Book 4) Read online

“Two?”

  “Yes, had Cravr done his duty to begin with this situation would have never escalated to this point.” Maxar knew he was right. Maybe they needed to hire outside security. A specialist could train some of their males to eventually take over. Establishing law and order planet wide was a lot for one male to be in charge of so he would discuss that with Razar. They could afford to ease part of Cravr’s burden.

  “He’s probably a busy male.”

  “You may be right. We may have overloaded him. Things haven’t worked out as we hoped they would. It seems when a world is rich, it makes them a target.”

  “That’s something you didn’t expect?”

  “We’ve been mostly isolated here. Only the ships that transported produce back and forth came here. Few of us were allowed to interact with off-worlders. That leaves us with a lot to learn and the lessons are painful and expensive.”

  “You’ve made a good start. Admitting you don’t know is the first step in gaining the knowledge you need. I tell Shandra that all the time.”

  Great, she was comparing him to a small child. He wanted her to see him as a protector as well as a desirable male. How would that ever happen when he continued to show her his ignorance? Taking a long look at her, he was floored by her beauty every time. It would be his fondest wish to wake up next to this female.

  “Maxar?” She asked.

  He shook his head to clear it. “Yes?”

  “I lost you there for a minute. You spaced out on me.”

  “It is not possible for you to lose me.”

  “Okay.”

  Things were uncomfortable again and he wondered if she was not ready for such declarations from him. Maxar wanted to prepare her because he intended to mate her. As soon as Razar was convinced Ernie was innocent, he would pressure him to allow their mating. She was his, it was that simple and soon she would know it too.

  Chapter 5

  Proof of Betrayal

  Ernie didn’t know what to think or maybe she just didn’t want to think it. All day while she worked her way through the boxes of her late husband’s possessions she had Maxar on her mind. She had known he wouldn’t come but wanted him to anyway. Nothing she was feeling made any sense but she felt something warm and yearning for him anyway. Even Shandra sensed something in him that drew her to him. The child had invited him back to visit even though she barely knew him.

  When she had opened the door to his familiar face, her heart had jumped in her chest. She had stood there stupidly unsure of what to say or do until he had asked to be invited in. Common courtesy had taken a hike along with her ability to think the moment she’d seen him. Was it his incredible physique? All those muscles and that streamlined body could get to a woman. Maybe it was those warm sexy eyes? They drew her in and she could get lost in them forever. No, it was definitely his big, caring heart. He was friendly to everyone showing them they mattered. He had a charity he’d started that helped survivors of tragedies like war, crime, and plague throughout the galaxy recover and find homes.

  If she could make her perfect man, he would be just like the one sitting across from her. “Was there anything else you discovered that might help” She asked.

  “I looked at all the videos of the exits but he didn’t wave the laser around in the air.”

  “How long does it take to set up a camera after it’s requested?”

  “Not long. Why, did you have something in mind?”

  “It’s a long shot, but I requested cameras be put through out the factory everywhere equipment was the day before the breakdowns. Jerry was making me nervous so my concern was he wasn’t doing his work. To avoid being accused of picking on him, I had them put all over the factory. Since we had all signed an agreement to being monitored, I didn’t tell anyone I did it.”

  “I’ll check on that. If they went in they just might be the answer to our current concerns.” Maxar pulled out his com dialing Cravr.

  “Hello, talk fast.”

  “Cravr, this is Maxar.”

  “I’m working on the security. Can’t you give a male a little time?”

  “There’s something I need you to check on.”

  “Something else?” His tone wasn’t welcoming.

  “It’s related. Ernie put in a request for cameras in the machines in the factory. Were those placed that night?”

  “Let me pull that up. Yes, it looks like all but one went in. We were short and had to order it.”

  “Can you send a copy of the first nights videos to my com?”

  “Sure why not. I’ve nothing better to do.”

  “It may save you a lot of work in the end.”

  “You guys never seem to worry about that. What’s changed?”

  “I’ve just realized what a massive undertaking you have.”

  “Finally someone recognizes it. All sent. Good luck.” The line was dead but hopefully he had what he needed. “He put in all but one camera. We’ve got the tapes to look at. You have any popcorn?”

  Ernie chuckled making Maxar smile. She was glad he’d used the joke correctly. He didn’t always get the proper response especially when it came to Earth jokes and he pouted sometimes when she or other didn’t laugh. “I’ll be right back.”

  She went to the kitchen digging out the popcorn then the butter. It was best with real butter applied melted. Popping and seasoning took five minutes since she used the microwave. The smell was appetizing, so much so that Shandra materialized right in front of her. Ernie got a small bowl filling it for her before she carried the larger one to Maxar. He was already going through the video. She set the popcorn on the coffee table then sat next to him trying to see the screen. Her whole future might be riding on this especially since she had four job offers but none were tempting her.

  “See anything yet?” She asked nervous as hell.

  “Not yet.” He answered patiently as he moved the com where she could see it better.

  “What’s that?” She asked as she pointed to a shadow moving along the wall near the dryer that had broken down.

  “I’m not sure.” Maxar said as he began to fiddle with the buttons on the com zooming in on the shadow. “What the hell?”

  Leaning over she looked as the picture began to come into focus. It reminded her of the conversation she’d had with Maxar where she’d said it wasn’t like Jerry would wave at the camera with a laser in his hand but that was nearly what he was doing. He had a laser in his hand as he opened the access panel to the dryer unit. A flash of light showed he’d turned it on just before he shut the panel. His wicked work done for now, he exited not realizing he’d been caught on camera.

  Maxar tuned to her pulling her into his arms and kissing her with incredible passion. Ernie didn’t intend to but she melted into him. His tongue snaked into her mouth dueling with hers. His hands stroked her body lighting her on fire. Her breath came faster, her heart pounded, and heat flashed through her. Her mind refused to think about what they were doing as instinct took over. Liquid filled her passage preparing her for his possession. She’d loved her husband and she’d had a couple lovers before that but she’d never felt anything like what Maxar was doing to her.

  He moaned as he broke their kiss. Her cheeks were flushed as reason began to take control. What was she thinking letting Maxar do that to her? She wasn’t that kind of woman. She had a child to think of and a career to salvage. What was she doing on the couch acting like a hussy? Ernie pulled back then stood and paced.

  “Did I do that wrong?”

  She looked at him confused at first until she remembered the rumors that most Mazlans had no sexual experience because of the percentage of males to females being so large. It was a rumor she had discounted, after all the Mazlan males were hot. They could get females even if they had to import them. Her fellow mechanics both got all the male they could handle. Some of the males had experience now, Bella and Doxy had taught them.

  “Um, no. That was hot but I can’t get involved, not with anyone. I’m tr
ying to carve out a life for me and my baby.”

  “I respect that, I do but don’t you feel a pull between us?”

  “I don’t want to lie to you. You are attractive to me, I do feel something but I can fight it.”

  “If that’s your decision, I guess we’ll leave it be for now.” He went back to looking at the videos while she felt a chill settle over her. A sense of loss ran through her making her want to throw herself into his arms where she’d be safe and warm. It was a feat of strength that she managed not to.

  Maxar went back to looking through the video and she went ahead with fixing supper. The feeling that hit her was entirely too domesticated. It was like family, Maxar, Shandra, and her. It was what she wanted for Shandra and if she was honest, what she wanted for herself too. Supper was in the cooker so she had no excuse to hide away from him now. She rejoined him in the living room but she didn’t get too close.

  He stopped scrolling on his com to give her a long, hard look. What he was trying to see mystified her. It was like he was trying to read her thoughts, of course that was impossible, wasn’t it? These Mazlan males had some mad skills or so she had heard but mind reading couldn’t be one of them. His nose flared like he was scenting the air. Could he know how turned on she had been less than an hour ago? How turned on she was now that he was making her think about him that way?

  “Once I’m done scanning all the video I believe we have more than enough on Jerry. If you want to take the rest of the week off to recover emotionally, I’ll understand.” She started to say something but he interrupted. “Razar needs to suffer for what he’s done. His mate was angry that he suspended you and she has bene punishing him.”

  The thought of little Lista facing down the big guy made her smile. That the mates held all the control here was obvious. It was endearing that these big, strong males catered to their mates. Many Earth females found it tempting but Earth approved those who could go. Most of the interested females never got approved. Thinking of Maxar with some other Earth female cut like a knife.

  He continued to scroll through the video from the time the cameras were installed up until now. Maxar was slow and methodical so by the time he was through, supper was done. “Come in here and we can all eat supper.”

  She was sure he would stay even if she had rejected their relationship. The guy had to know it wasn’t lack if wanting on her part but poor timing. It saddened her to think she was throwing way this thing between them even though she might never find something like it again. They ate mostly in silence only broken by Shandra’s enthusiastic playfulness.

  Once they were done she began to clear the table with Shandra and Maxar helping. She washed and he rinsed making her think once more that he was too perfect. A chance at another male like him would never come again if she lived to be a hundred. When she walked him to the door to say goodnight he leaned over kissing her so softly she wanted to lean in. This would require a night of thinking before she made a final decision.

  “Ernie, if you change your mind or you need anything, call me.” He gave her one last hug before he turned to go. She waited until she heard the hover car start up then take off before she collapsed on the couch.

  Ernie knew she couldn’t afford to fall apart or be overcome with doubts. One problem was solved but a new problem had been created. Her time with Maxar made her see she wanted him. Would it be so bad if she gave in? Wasn’t her happiness worth something too? It wasn’t like Shandra didn’t like him almost as much as she did.

  Looking around she saw everything was cleaned up and put up. It was time to get the little one ready for bed. The first thing was giving her a bath which was usually a simple matter. Shandra loved baths so she usually played until she was tired then she was ready for bed. Tonight she wanted to see how much water she could splash on the floor.

  “No Shandra. Mama is tired and it will take all night to clean this up.”

  “Maxar can help.”

  “He had to go home because he had work in the morning.”

  “He can move in here.” Shandra pushed her bottom lip out.

  “You just can’t make someone move in with you.”

  “He have a child?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Ernie remembered the innocent way he had asked if he’d kissed her right. No, he didn’t have any children if the guy had never had sex.

  “Good. He can move in.”

  “Is that what this is all about? You’re mad because Maxar left.”

  Shandra burst into tears. “I didn’t want him to go.”

  “I like him too, Baby but he’s not ours.”

  “Make him ours. Marry him or I will.”

  “We’ll discuss this in the morning, Mama is tired.”

  “Okay, but then we need a plan.”

  “A plan for what?”

  “To marry Maxar.” Ernie just sighed. The universe was against her, she was sure of it now.

  She dried off her daughter before putting her into adorable teddy bear PJs. Shandra might not won’t to go to sleep, but she couldn’t keep her eyes open no matter how much she tried. Slipping out of the room carefully, she went to the bathroom to shower. Her body had betrayed her the second Maxar had touched her. It was unfair that a male she barely knew would have such a hart stopping effect on her.

  The water was warm and comforting as she poured soap into her hand to lather up on her skin. She started at her neck working her way down the slick soap felt good. When she got to her breasts she worked harder pinching and squeezing her nipples. It had been years since she’d taken care of herself like this. Once she’d been in a relationship it seemed wrong, when he died doing this made her feel guilty. It was time to let those feelings go.

  Moving over her stomach she moved her hands in circles. She moved to her back getting whatever she could reach. Rubbing her ass, she slid her fingers between the crack wondering what it would feel like to be taken there. Her husband hadn’t been adventurous but he’d met her needs all the same. In the past she’d not been kinky either. Ernie had heard that the Mazlans were hung like race horses. Maybe this wasn’t the time to wonder about anal penetration. He might tear her apart if they tried that.

  Finishing everything else, she saved between her legs for last. She shivered with anticipation for the release she would soon get. Would she want him less or more once she dealt with her urges? Sliding her soapy hand between her legs she slipped inside her folds. Jerking at the unfamiliar contact, she drew in a deep breath attempting to relax. Her body was sensitive due to disuse. That was easy enough to fix by touching herself.

  Ernie slid her fingers into her channel stretching and finger fucking herself. It was more fun when someone else did it but she moved fast and hard. Her other fingers moved to her clit as she circled it. Maxar’s face appeared in her mind before she imagined him naked. His fingers took the place of hers in her fantasy. His fingers were rough from the hard work he did every day. Maxar was no slouch in the factory knowing and occasionally doing every job in there. He even had a small amount of mechanical talent. Now those callouses were being put to good use. He was relentless until she cried out in her climax, his name on her lips.

  Chapter 6

  The Guilty Are Punished

  It was with the greatest of pleasure that Maxar called Razar in for a meeting. That was when he would show him the video and he would manipulate his brother into blessing his mating with Ernie. If she believed he wouldn’t pursue her that would make her easier to catch because she wouldn’t run. Nothing would prevent him from catching her except death itself. Once he’d kissed her any doubt that he might have had fled. Heat shot through him and his inner demon roared. The woman was his and his alone. It was just a matter of showing her that.

  Razar made it right before noon. Maxar suspected the timing was on purpose because he would claim he needed to get home to check on his mate. There was a surprise in place for Razar. He deserved to be punished for jumping to conclusions, not weighing the evidence fairl
y, and judging before all the information was in. When he’d given Ernie the time off, he’d been premature. It had been the precursor to letting her go. Now he would see how wrong he was and maybe he would be wiser in the future.

  Maxar motioned to the chair so Razar would sit. He turned on the big screen on the wall and began the show. Because no one had much time, he’d fixed the video to where it only went to the important screens shots. Razar began to cuss almost immediately.

  “I’ve come to dislike that man. He won’t have a job anymore.”

  “Keep watching.” Maxar directed knowing it was going to get worse. They would be pursuing some severe criminal charges against him. Some of his actions could have resulted in injuries even deaths.

  “Tell me why Ernie had these cameras installed. I’m glad she did, but it makes no sense.”

  The camera caught him walking over to Doxy. Maxar turned up the sound where the man made a disgusting sexual suggestion. It looked like he was about to do something near the machine but Doxy turned back and told him to leave her area. He left but he came back when Doxy left for lunch. That machine would have to be checked out since it hadn’t broke down yet. The man had done his work in a smart way so things gradually fell apart. Every machine in the factory needed to be checked out by having a full inspection done on them. Ernie would be busy when she got back.

  “Now that you’ve seen the proof, we have something to discuss.”

  “I know what you’re going to say but I’ve got to check on my mate.”

  He got up and went to the door to motion her in. “This mate?”

  Razar shot him a deadly look. “She shouldn’t be here.”

  Maxar just stepped back to let Lista handle his brother. “You know you fucked up badly. Now it’s time to fix it.”

  “Lista, I was only trying to keep the factory running. I know I made some mistakes but what do you want me to do?” Maxar’s inner demon smiled and that was scary.

  “You need to make it up to her. That woman has been mistreated by men her whole life. She came here finally allowing herself to hope things might get better than bam! Same old shit on a different world. Ernie is good, the best you have or could have gotten. Something big needs to happen to show her you regret the poor choice you made.”