“Hey!” Ash sat up straight but slumped back into the seat again. “The war. She’s a great asset. We need her.”

  Brandt stayed silent but raised a brow as he drove.

  “Okay, okay. Both. I knew I wanted her back, but I thought I’d be able to keep that separate. I didn’t realize the depth of what I’d missed until she walked into the room and I saw her again. Smelled her skin, saw the flush on her face when she got angry.”

  “Felt her fist connect with your jaw?” Brandt smirked.

  “Whose side are you on, anyway?”

  Brandt chuckled. “That’s a stupid question. Kira may be my sister but I’ve always thought you two were wrong for each other. She’s much happier now with her spineless, pushover husband in her political marriage. You’re a bad memory.” He shrugged. “But from what little you’ve told me and what I saw tonight in how Sera reacted to you, I don’t know that getting her back in your bed is a possibility. We need her on this team, Ash. More than you need to fuck her.”

  “I can have both.” Ash was smug as he said it. “I know her buttons, Brandt. Know them better than anyone. I just have to remember how to push them at the right time.”

  “If you say so.”

  “He what?” Sera’s father exclaimed via the vid screen. Over a secured channel, she’d just told him about Ash showing up, dismantling her team and ordering her onto his.

  “Oh, so you weren’t good enough to marry ten years ago but you’re good enough when the Federation needs you. Damned Families think they’re better than those of us whose sweat and blood have kept the Universes free all these years.”

  “Dai, I know. You don’t have to say it twice. I have no choice. He sent guards with me. They’re outside.”

  Jakob Ayers’ face softened when her voice turned strained. “Of course, baby. I’m sorry. You go. You aren’t the one who shirks her duty. You go and do your job. Keep your eyes on your objective. There’s no law that says you have to like your commander. Gods know I’ve served under a few dunderheads in my time, too. This’ll make you stronger. I know you, you’ll make it work for yourself. I’m proud of you.”

  Sera fought tears. “Thank you, Dai. You’ll tell Mai and clear my quarters? I’ll check in when I can.”

  “Of course I’ll tell her. She’s going to be upset she missed your call. But we love you and we’ll light a candle for you every day at temple. Be safe.”

  Signing off, Sera shoved her tears down as far as they could go and finished jamming her things into the three allotted bags. Her orders had been for an unspecified period of time, standard language for mobile assignment units. They wouldn’t hold her quarters that long. Her mother would come to pack the rest of her belongings so the military could assign the unit to another soldier.

  “Lieutenant Ayers, it’s time to go,” one of the guards at the door said, not unkindly. She could see his unwillingness to be part of the situation in his eyes. But he was in the Corps like she was. Orders were orders.

  “Fine. Be useful and carry this.” She tossed him a bag and he took it, looking grateful to help in some way. She shouldered the two other bags and they led her to the transport vehicle.

  As they drove, she tried to process everything. The longer she thought about the situation, the more sense it made that Ash would be so highly connected in the military. He came from a Ranking Family and the Families controlled the highest levels of the Federation, including the military. Sera recalled enough history to know that the Pelas were another powerful Family, although their territories were far flung from the Walkers’. Something else niggled at the back of her mind but she was too tired, too wired and angry to grasp it.

  She should have been flattered. If it were anyone but Ash Walker, she’d have jumped at the chance to serve on one of the mobile units. She believed in what she was doing. Believed that if they didn’t fight against the constantly spreading tyranny of the Imperialists, billions of citizens through all the Known Universes in the Federation would be enslaved.

  Still, the idea of submitting to his command again in any way deeply troubled her. At one time in her life she’d loved him so much she’d actually considered his offer to be his mistress. He would have had his Family-approved union, of course. Why should a Family member ever have to suffer? But as an officially recognized mistress, Sera could have even borne his children. But in the end, her pride and self-respect had won, and she walked away.

  After twenty minutes the transport slowed at an outlying suburb, pulling into a garage attached to a small series of outbuildings.

  She was then loaded into a small helicopter and taken another lazy, back and forth route for a few minutes more until the copter touched down on a pad behind a large estate.

  As she pulled her bags from the helicopter, Sera saw Brandt come out of the main house. The precise and predatory walk coupled with the hyper-aware gaze told her he wouldn’t be caught off guard again any time soon. She was going to have to accept her lot.

  She took pity on the guard at her side. “Don’t worry, I won’t make a break for it.”

  “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Ayers. I wish…” His eyes caught hers for a moment.

  “Everyone’s sorry. But it’s the way things are. You get orders. I get orders. We don’t like them but they’re orders just the same. Now go on. Try and have a good night.”

  She shut the door carefully, hefted her bags and stepped back. The men stayed in the helicopter and it cheered her that they took her at her word. At least she had that. They took off and she gathered a steadying breath and moved toward where Brandt stood, waiting.

  “Sera, can I get one of your bags?” Brandt asked as she approached.

  “Where are my quarters, P.C.?” Her voice was crisp and efficient.

  He sighed. “Are we going to do it this way?”

  “What do you want from me? I don’t want to be here. You busted up my team and Gods only know who’ll lead them now. You put me under the command of a man I loathe. Military code does not require me to like this assignment or to pretend to be excited about it. I don’t have to be nice. I just have to obey orders. Which I will do. Now, where are my quarters or is there a briefing? Perhaps you plan to keep me in the dark?”

  Brandt grabbed one of her bags with a snort and jerked his head. “This way. We’ll get your bags stowed and then we’ll have a meeting. Ash will want to go over things with you.”

  She touched her forehead in salute and he looked stunned for a moment, shrugging before leading her into the large house.

  Once inside he motioned up a stairway and she followed him, not failing to notice his muscular ass in his uniform pants. There was some solace in the evening at least.

  At the end of the hallway he kicked a door open and flipped on the lights. It was a sizeable room with a small kitchen and bathroom unit attached. There was a bedroom with a separate living space. Sera noted the state-of-the-art electronic equipment on the desk. She’d be excited about the new gear after she was alone. There was no way she’d let him see her glee.

  “Get unpacked but keep a kit bag ready at all times. We’ll expect you in the main area in twenty. Back downstairs and to the left. You can’t miss it. We’ll have a meal ready, too.” He stood there for a moment. “Welcome, Sera. I mean that. You’re a real asset to this team.”

  He turned and left the room before she could say anything, closing the door behind him.

  She leaned against it, trying to catch her breath, trying to still thoughts racing through her brain as the past pressed against her future. Fear, something she hadn’t tasted in many years began to war with wary excitement. This was a nightmare, yes, but there was no denying the challenge appealed to her. How it would all end up remained to be seen.

  CHAPTER TWO

  When she came down twenty minutes later exactly, Sera found them both seated in a large common room. The place was homey and lived in. She didn’t doubt they bunked here regularly although Sera wondered where the wife slept. Still, there were hints of the true nature of the inhabitants here and there. The staff were efficient and silent but every last one she’d seen carried themselves like warriors. On her way down and when she’d entered the house with Brandt, she’d noticed the security. Understated but totally top notch. Her growling stomach led her gaze to the sideboard against a far wall laden with food. It’d been some hours since she’d eaten last.

  “Sub-Commander Ayers, I’m Ceylon, the house assistant. I’m pleased to meet you and have you here. Should you require anything, simply hail me from any comm station in the house or on the grounds. The others await you in the common room.” A tall, rail-thin man who appeared to be constructed from solid muscle bowed slightly.

  Sub-Commander? She bowed in return. “Thank you. And please, call me Sera.”

  “As you wish, Sera. Again, welcome.” He disappeared on nearly soundless feet and she shrugged, turning back toward the room where Ash waved her inside.

  “Sera, come in. Please grab something to eat and we’ll get started.” Sera’s body responded to the way Ash’s eyes roved hungrily over her face and body. Her traitorous nipples hardened at his perusal and she was glad she wore a thick enough bra to hide it.

  Without a word she went to the sideboard and piled a plate with food. She carefully brought it over to the low table and couches where they were already seated, eating.

  She didn’t ask about anything. She just ate and waited for one of them to speak. Why should she make it easy for them? They’d busted up her life just like Ash had done those years before. Like she was a piece on a gameboard to play.

  Ash sighed. “Are you going to keep this up forever?”

  Casually, she wiped her lips with a napkin and looked at him. “Sir? Have I been insubordinate? Perhaps you should find another member of your team you feel more comfortable with.”

  Brandt chewed his lip to hold back a smile. Sera didn’t take any shit and watching her keep Ash on his toes was amusing.

  “Damn it, Sera! Let it go! We have a job to do.” Ash clenched his fists on his knees. Brandt knew most likely to keep himself from pulling her body to his.

  Her eyes flashed with fury just before she narrowed them at Ash. “Respectfully, Sir, I am here to do my job. I am here as ordered. You told me to get something to eat and I did so. I am a highly decorated military officer. I earned my way to where I am today with blood and broken bones. I have one of the best records in the military in all the Federation Universes. I don’t walk away from my commitments, Commander.”

  Brandt caught the slight tremor in her hand as she held the plate on her knees. Ash was right, the woman was strong-willed. Brandt had been impressed when he read her file. On top of being quite lovely, he could quite easily add intelligent, skilled and deadly to the list. Her ranking in the Federated Universes Martial Arts League was in the top three percent.

  But right then, she was on the edge and Ash had to stop pushing or she’d snap. Smoothly, Brandt stepped in to repair the damage.

  “Of course, and I’m sure that Ash didn’t mean to intimate otherwise. We’ve both seen your file and your commendations. You’re a fine soldier, Sera. Let’s get to the briefing, shall we?” He looked to Ash who unclenched his teeth.

  “Brandt and I run a covert ops team. Our mobile unit has always had three people but our third retired recently. We’re often on the frontier. You’ll be receiving a promotion to Sub-Commander, by the way. While we’re here in Borran, this is our home base. The doors and other entrances are now keyed to your call. There’s transport out in the sheds. You should feel free to come and go as you wish, but only people with level three clearance and above are allowed at this location.”

  Sera put her empty plate on the table and crossed her legs. She listened closely as she bit into a piece of purri fruit.

  Brandt handed her a file. She ate the last bit of the fruit, wiping her hands before opening the folder to examine the pictures and documents inside.

  “The Imperialists have attacked four separate outposts. Clandestine outposts. From these outposts, we believe that they’ve been able to get more of our classified data.

  “We’ve tracked some of the stolen information back to Nondal.” Ash sat back and Brandt watched Sera as she read the information. Watched her eyes as she took in what had been stolen. And, impressed, he watched her piece things together.

  “We’ll be going in two turns. A bit of scouting of our own to Nondal. The file has the intel and also what will be your identity. Memorize the material and leave any and all connection to your identity here,” Brandt explained and then hesitated a moment. “From this moment on, you’re assimilated into our cover as a whole. Ash and I are seen as Family members with lots of credits and too much spare time. You’ll be playing into that as well. We’ll work on the details when we return from Nondal. It’s not easy living a life where people underestimate you. But in truth, it’s quite useful.” He shrugged.

  He’d leave off the part about how it hurt to be discounted when in fact he and Ash were dedicated, intelligent and hard working. It wouldn’t necessarily always be that way. At some point he hoped they’d be able to drop the spoiled rich boy routine.

  Sera nodded absently as she looked at the evidence in her lap. Evidence that a member of one of the most important Families in the Federation had collaborated with the Imperialists.

  “That memo pad on your communicator is keyed to your voice,” Brandt pointed out.

  “Don’t forget Sera has a photographic memory.” Ash nodded at her.

  Brandt raised his brows and nodded. “Ah yes, I remember. Handy little skill that. I’m guessing it’s why you’re so good at languages.”

  “Well, it’s not photographic. I’m not perfect. But I do have a very good memory. Don’t ever say something to me and try to insist that you said something else later on.” Sera glared at Ash—who had the good sense to wince—before going back to read the rest of the file.

  Both men waited until she reached the part of the dossier that contained information about her cover identity.

  She read it quietly, body becoming more and more still. Her face flushed and Brandt could see her jaw clench tighter and tighter until she tossed the file on the table and leveled those midnight-blue eyes at Ash.

  “No.”

  “Look, Sera…” Ash began.

  She shot up then, hands clenched into fists at her sides as her chest heaved. “I. Said. No. I won’t.”

  Ash stood. “You’ll do what you’re told, damn it.” His hand whipped out and cupped her throat. Collaring it with his palm and fingers.

  Her eyes widened.

  Brandt moved to intervene but before he reached them, Sera broke Ash’s hold and he was on the ground with her foot on his throat. “You will not ever touch me with familiarity. Never collar my throat with your hand. I will kill you if you try it. I’d rather sit in the brig until I die than let you fuck me over again, Ash.”

  “Sera, stand down,” Brandt said, keeping his voice calm and even. Ash had gone too far. Overstepped. That thing with his hand at her throat was uncalled for.

  “I am not a whore.” Her voice was quiet when she removed her boot and turned, leaving the room quickly.

  “What the hell is wrong with you, Ash? You didn’t have to push her like that.”

  “Brandt, I know her better than she knows herself. She needs to be mastered. She wants it.”

  “Ash, this is not about your cock! This is about our mission. She is your team member and you are her superior officer. You’re out of line. You’re pushing too far and too hard.”

  “Don’t you tell me what I’m doing, Brandt! You don’t know her.”

  “You don’t either, Ash. The person you left ten years ago is gone. In her place is a different woman. Your actions put cracks in her foundation and you will not exploit that to get into her uniform. I won’t allow it.”

  Before Ash could respond, Brandt left the room and headed up to her quarters.

  Sera slammed the door and leaned against it, reaching deep to try and locate some kind of inner strength and stability. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest and she fought the conflicting shame and desire that rushed through her body.

  “You will not cry!” she whispered, taking a deep breath.

  That moment when his big hand and powerful fingers closed around her neck—not hurting—it had come back to her with vivid clarity. Each night when she walked into their home, she’d shed her public self. She’d changed into one of the diaphanous gowns with thigh high slits he’d selected for her. And became his.

  The black case lay on her bedside table. Each time she opened it with care, pulling out the wide leather collar, taking it to him. Kneeling, she’d hold the collar out for him to put on her.

  There were days when he would shake his head slowly and put the collar aside. “Tonight, Sera, my words are your collar.”

  He would often come to her as they prepared the evening meal or some other household activity and put his hand at her neck like that, holding her to him as he devoured her mouth.

  It had been a very long time since anyone or anything had made her feel that cherished and safe.

  She’d never submitted to another man after the day she moved out. She didn’t plan to let Ash lure her into some elaborate mindfuck game now either. It had been a long, hard road to pull herself out of the pit of self-loathing he’d dug for her with his fancy nuptials splashed over every vid screen and newspaper in the Federation.

  There was no way she’d throw all that work away.

  She began to pace, working through her options. There was no technically about it, she’d been outright insubordinate down there. She’d refused a direct order and assaulted a superior officer and a member of the Families.

  “Sera?” Brandt called out softly as he tapped on her door.