Love Among the Stars

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“Why me?”

Okay, not the best reaction I’d ever had. But my filter was not the greatest in the best of situations, and this was certainly a weird circumstance.

Hurt flashed across Sol’s face before he schooled it, his body going rigid. “If you do not wish to—”

“Hey, no no.” I took a chance and placed my hand on his arm, rubbing soothingly along his biceps. He quieted, but he still looked like I’d stepped on his tail or something. I spoke with all the concern and caring I could when I continued, “I’m sorry for the bluntness. I was just surprised, is all. But really, Sol. Why come to me?”

“I will be vulnerable.” His voice was so soft and so heavily laden with growl that it was hard to make out his words. I leaned closer still, resting my hand on his shoulder. That seemed to help him. “When I am…when it is my time, I prefer to be the, uh, receptive partner. Is that correct?”

I swallowed hard. He would want to bottom. I had a flash of an image, my imagination helping me out, seeing him bare and stretched out on my sheets, begging for me. My d**k started to plump. I cleared my throat and nodded.

“It is not something I can allow just anybody to see. I need someone I trust, someone I know who will care for me when the mrowha is at its most intense. I understand if you do not want to participate. You are not Ssarften and—”

“Of course I’ll help you,” I interrupted before he could finish that thought. I didn’t want him to think for one second that I was offended or that he’d come to the wrong person in his time of need. I mean, I’d already failed at that a bit, and I didn’t want the misconception to go on any longer.

Unconsciously, I’d slid my fingers into his soft, thick hair, and I scratched his scalp, hoping that would help him relax. I was rewarded with a tiny purr. I smiled softly.

“I’m honored you asked, Sol. I know that this is not something you do lightly, and I’m sorry I made you doubt your choice, even for a second.”

“Thank you, Brody.” He sighed, relaxing completely, his head sagging to rest in my hand. I scratched some more, moving my hand just a little to get maximum impact. Despite his looks, I never realized just how cat-like his race was until I got another one of those rumbly purrs for my efforts.

“Tell me what you’ll need.”

His eyes blinked open—when had he shut them?—and he looked at me full of confusion. “To copulate.”

I laughed, softly so he would know I wasn’t laughing at him. “That part I know. And am more than happy to help you. Honored, like I said. But what else?”

Sol didn’t answer. And it took me a long moment to realize that he didn’t know how to answer. I set my other hand on his knee.

“Sol, you have been through this before, right?”

“Of course.” He sounded offended or something, but then he deflated. “Once. This is only my third cycle. The first time I made it home, and my partner was Ssarften.”

“And the second time you took suppressants,” I added, understanding dawning.

“Is that…is that a problem?”

I hated to hear the hesitancy in his tone. He was so commanding when directing his platoon, and he kept the station safe. A big job, to be sure. And he handled it effortlessly, even when going up against Ryel.

“Not a problem,” I assured him, resuming my soothing rubbing. I liked touching him. But more than that, it was clear he liked being touched. The thought gave me pause. I wondered how close we were to things beginning with him, considering how much he liked being petted right now. “How long until your cycle starts?”

“At least two weeks.” His voice was full of contentment, and I had a second of insane pride that I’d been the one to put it there. Just with my hands. “But probably closer to three.”

“I’ll make arrangements.” I petted him a moment longer, then slowly and gently pulled away. His mouth turned into a frown, but he didn’t protest the action. “In the meantime, I have reports to do and a station to run. You’re welcome to stay, if you want, while I work.” I added the last bit quickly when I saw hurt flash in his eyes. He thought he was being dismissed, and that was the last thing I wanted him. But I did have things to do and it didn’t seem likely we were going to discuss this any further tonight.

He brightened a little. “There is some work I must accomplish as well. I will get my tablet and return, if that is all right.”

“Here,” I said, picking up my tablet and tapping the screen to log out completely. I handed it over. “Use mine.”

“Thank you, Brody.”

How I did love to hear him say my name. I wanted to kiss his forehead or his ear or something. Instead, I settled by giving his hair one last stroke, then stood to return to the business side of the desk.