Lacey's Warriors (Bondmates #6) - Ann Mayburn Page 0,39

would love the chance to just sit on a bench off to the side and observe all the marvels around her, she needed to focus. From what she’d gathered, she’d be presented with her winnings during a ceremony that involved a lot of speeches. The Baladium was a weird combination of government and corporation, an entity with fingers—or would it be tentacles? —in many pies.

As they entered the opulent hallway, she paused for a moment, her breath stuck in her throat as she took in the sheer magnificence surrounding her.

Red, shimmering walls flickered with gold and silver sparkles moved in rhythmic, shifting patterns. Golden light streamed from overhead, burnishing everything around including the high ceiling where people with wings perched on carved crystal balconies. There was also a gigantic tank on the far wall filled with thick green liquid. Slender, furry, almost otter looking creatures stared back at her from the murky fluid.

A booming voice rolled through the air, accompanied by music her mind identified as the Baladium’s victory song. The crowd roared in response, and her guards flanked a long walkway through the crowd, pressing them back so she could walk past with Gwarnon and Chel on either side. Originally, she was going to attend the ceremony without them in order to hide the men’s involvement from the general public, but Gwarnon assured her she would want them there.

Now, she was glad he’d insisted they attend because she clung to them mentally and physically as the unfamiliar tones and pitches assaulted her ears, sounds made by creatures that were in no way, shape, or form human.

Her crystal implant started to supply her with information on the various creatures as she walked past them, but she forced it to stop. Her mind was already busy enough trying to figure out how to get out of the mess she was in. How in the world was she supposed to get her mom and daughter without making the men feel like she’d betrayed them? They’d been nothing but loyal to her, but if she involved them in her efforts to return to Earth, she knew they’d be in major trouble.

More than they were already in.

They tried to hide it from her, but she could tell they were worried about the arrival of the Kadothian representative. From what she’d been able to learn, their helping her in the Baladium broke like twenty major laws, and things could go very badly for them if they didn’t manage to convince the High Congress that they had no choice but to aid Lacey and Roxy while hiding the fact that they existed from the High Congress.

Somehow, she had to do what she could to protect them, but also reassure them that she would return.

Something permanent.

Something that would leave no doubt in their minds that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with them.

“After this dog and pony show is over,” she sent through their private mental link, “I want to get bonded as soon as possible.”

Gwarnon, dressed in his solid black Kadothian Warrior uniform and looking utterly fuckable, gave her a sharp look while Chel smiled at her with obvious happiness.

“Are you sure?” Chel’s smooth voice flowed through her mind like a cool forest stream. “If you wish for a more elaborate ceremony, I am sure the Baladium would help arrange it. I was told by Lady Casey that most Earth women dream of their wedding day. Do not mistake me, we would bond with you right here, right this moment, but we want you to have everything you have ever desired.”

“Yes, I am completely sure,” she replied smiling back at Chel as he beamed at her.

“My alyah,” Gwarnon’s mental voice growled through her head. “While I am eager to bond you as quickly as possible, may I request a few hours to arrange our bonding ceremony? We have been rushed on every aspect of our courtship—please allow me the honor of making our bonding as special as possible for you. Honor you as you deserve.”

God, he really was sweet.

Reaching up, she touched his cheek as she sent him a mental reply, “Of course. I think this dress would make a good wedding gown, don’t you?”

Gwarnon’s gaze burned with a raw desire that made her nipples peak as he whispered, “Absolutely.”

They were led to an interesting couch that conformed to her body as soon as she sat, then the back extended like taffy and formed an amazing lacey semi-canopy over them, dripping with faceted