Brodin set Tolf on a bunk. The other cleavers put the rest of the injured in other rooms.
The healer looked Brodin up and down. “Are you injured?”
“I’m fine. Take care of Tolf.”
Cassanra raised a brow. “Poppy?”
“I’m fine, too.”
The healer gave them a look, but nodded. “Any sign of the children?”
“No.” His frustration burned through his bloodstream. “And Candela got away.”
“But we roasted her cloud of infected rockflies,” Poppy said.
The healer’s eyebrows rose. “She won’t be happy about that.”
No. Brodin’s hand flexed. She’d be looking for revenge.
“There is nothing more you can do this afternoon. You all need a good rest. You can’t help the children if you’re exhausted.”
Brodin took Poppy’s hand. Annora was waiting for them outside.
“Double night patrols,” he said.
His First Claw nodded. “Good idea.”
He noted the dark circles under his friend’s eyes. “You’re tired.”
“I’m not sleeping well. I can’t stop thinking of Nayla. Wondering if she’s scared.”
Brodin pulled her to his chest, and heard her sigh. “Nayla will be waiting for her sister to come and get her. Now rest. That’s an order.”
Annora gave a tight nod. “Thanks, Brodin. Poppy.”
Poppy was quiet as they headed to his cabin. He could almost hear her thinking.
“What’s on your mind, Dr. Ellison?”
“Candela wants me.”
His gut twisted. “She’s not getting you.”
She squeezed his fingers. “But you could use this to your advantage.”
Tension filled him. He didn’t like where this was headed.
“You need to lure her out, so you can find the kids—”
His gut cramped. “Poppy.”
She faced him. “Use me. I can be bait, and—”
With a low roar, he spun and stalked away. His hands curled into fists.
“It makes sense, Brodin.”
He spun back. “No.”
She drew herself up, but was still so tiny. So breakable.
“Yes. We’ll plan it out and—”
He gave another roar, dipped, and tossed her over his shoulder.
She gasped. “Brodin!”
The sun was headed toward the horizon, and he stalked through the late afternoon glow. They passed several Damari on the path, all watching the unfolding action with undisguised interest.
“Brodin, put me down,” she hissed.
“I’m the Emperor of Damar. I give the commands.” He slapped a hand on her small, curvy butt. They reached his cabin, but he circled around it. He needed privacy for all the things he wanted to do to Poppy Ellison.
She’d tipped his world upside down. She was courageous, with an inner strength he admired.
She was willing to risk herself for children she didn’t even know.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Somewhere private.” His own private lair that he didn’t share with anyone. It was his own hideaway for when he needed time to be alone.
But he wanted her there.
He made his way through the trees, the forest sounds changing as the animals prepared for the incoming night.
Finally, they broke out of the tree line. A tall column of rock, with greenery growing and dripping over the side, rose up above the trees.
He circled the back of it and reached the locked doorway. He opened the lock and walked up the circular stairs.
At the top, he set Poppy down, then lit some lanterns.
She looked around, her mouth dropping open.
The room was carved from the rock. A large, window-like opening, covered by an overhang that let no rain in, faced the forest. A large, metal tub was tucked against one wall, sized for him, so it was big. In the other corner was a large bed that sat low to the floor. It was covered with fur blankets.
Galliosa draped from the walls and the vine smelled rich and green.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“My little hideaway. My lair.”
She wandered around, and her hand touched the edge of the tub. She eyed the pile of books resting by his bed. A rock shelf built into the wall held some mechanica—several wolves on the hunt.
“This is your sanctuary.”
He shrugged. “Being emperor, my people need me. I don’t mind that…”
“But sometimes you need to get away.” She glanced around. “Sit in your big tub and read a book.”
That was exactly what he did.
She turned to the window.
It gave a perfect view of the forest, and Accalia nestled in the trees. The sun was setting, and some stars were appearing in the sky overhead, including a pretty nebula.
“Your planet is stunning, Brodin.”
He came up behind her. “You haven’t seen all of it. The ice forests to the south. The Asari grasslands. The Duranti sea, with waters bluer than your eyes.”
He lowered his head and sniffed her neck.
She shivered.
“You cold?”
“No.”
He ran his hands down her arms. “I’m going to have you now, Poppy. Finally discover how you taste.”
She tilted her head, and he raked his teeth down her neck.
“Oh, God.” She pushed back against him.
“Is that what you want?” His voice was guttural.
“Yes.” Her voice held a growl. A sheen of gold glittered over her eyes.
He stepped back and started to shed his clothes. He walked to the tub and pulled the handle. Warm water splashed into it.
Naked, he stepped into it and dropped into place. He rested his arms along the top edge.
When he looked back up, Poppy was skimming her pants down to uncover her slim legs. Then she pulled her shirt off.
Moonlight hit her, and his cock throbbed. Slim, petite, and gorgeous.
She walked toward him, and he sensed her nerves and desire.
“Get in the tub, Poppy. I want you to straddle me so I can suck your pretty breasts.”
She drew in a breath. “Brodin…”
“They’re so lovely, topped with those pebbled pink nipples.”
Her chest hitched, but she stepped into the tub. He saw the fascinating flash of gold curls at the juncture of her thighs, the smooth curve of her belly, the slim thighs he wanted wrapped around his hips.
Yes, tonight, he’d have his sweet, succulent woman from Earth.
She stepped into the tub, warm water lapping at her knees.
But all Poppy could see was Brodin.
Big, muscled, hard Brodin.
He sat there, like the alien king he was, water and shadows doing a bad job of hiding his massive erection.
She swallowed, heat clawing at her belly. She moved closer, aware of his hot gaze lazily perusing her body. One arm lifted and he curled it around her. His big palm cupped her butt, caressed.
She bit her lip.
He tugged her closer. God, he was eye level with her belly.
“Straddle me,” he ordered.
She bent her knees, sinking on top of him. Her heart was pounding so hard.
His huge cock brushed between her legs, and she let out a soft moan. “Um, Brodin, I want you to know that I have an implant. It prevents pregnancy.”