Join by Viola Grace Page A

“Your grandmother called.”
    Urgan paused. “Did she?”
    “Yes. Are you sure you want to be my bond mate?”
    “I am. Are you willing?” He was unsure.
    “I am. The ceremony is set to occur in two days. I even have my gown already.”
    He pressed a kiss to her neck. “Good. I am looking forward to our first night together.”
    She shivered. “Have you and Solos been exchanging notes?”
    Urgan pressed another kiss to her neck and flicked his tongue across her skin. “I have no idea what you are referring to. It would be very unethical for him to do so before we are bonded.”
    She put her hand on his forehead and pushed. “Knock it off. I have to monitor our team.”
    “Yes, Matriarch.” His lips twitched as he left her office.
    Lefari came in a moment later. “I just heard that this case involves fire, why am I not there?”
    With her headset firmly on, Brigs turned to face the young man. “Can you catch five miles of fire, smoke and superheated air?”
    Lefari blinked. “No, not yet.”
    “Then, you would want to be sent in to die?”
    Lefari shook his head. “Of course not. It is just…”
    “That this is your element and you wanted to go on the first mission?”
    “It sounds stupid when you put it like that.”
    “It is.” She sighed and extended her hand. It was a matriarch calming technique.
    He clutched at her hand and slowed his breathing.
    “I am responsible for your safety. I will not put any of my Guardians at risk in unsuitable situations. You will be patient. The first building fire we are called for will be yours.”
    She smiled and felt his hand tighten on hers. He breathed deeply and calmed down just in time for her to release him and turn to the monitors as her team arrived on scene.
    It was amazing to find out that Jaluum men could be calmed by female pheromones. Solos was usually a rough sleeper, but when he was with her, he slept the night through. She was more powerful than the average female.
    Finally, she was beginning to understand why she had been placed here. She was a living sedative for this species.
    Solos was on the com. “We are near the fire. Where are we going, Brigs?”
    She enlarged the area on the screen. “Five hundred metres north, there is an underground stream. Mishka can bring it to the surface and Deniali can make it rain. While they are prepping, Kardu should use a wide blast to deprive the fire of oxygen, and you should stand by to create a fire shelter if necessary.”
    “Done. Solid plan, Brigs.”
    “Good. Go. The fire is getting closer.”
    He chuckled.
    Brigs spent the next two hours with her back tense and her ears listening to every command, expletive and whooshing of flames that came through the com system.
    “Fire is out. We are coming home.” Solos made the announcement, and the crowd gathered in Brigs’ office burst into applause and hugs.
    Brigs remained at her desk, notifying local law enforcement and the farmers. When she was done, she pushed through her other charges and headed for the deck.
    The others followed her, and when the team arrived, she crooked her fingers at a tired Solos. When he walked up to her, she slid her hand behind his neck and pulled his head to hers. The kiss was wild, and they were both breathing heavily when they parted.
    “Well done, Solos.” Her breath came out on a whisper.
    “Good plan, Brigs. I told you, you would do well.”
    “I am just glad you are all safe.”
    She applauded her charges, and they grinned, covered with soot, dirt, grass and slick damp.
    “Time to go inside and debrief. I need a blow-by-blow account of your activities, Lefari made dinner, and it looks like you worked up an appetite.”
    The second team went forward and congratulated the first. Together, everyone went inside and sat around the long table. Brigs took her place at the head with Solos on her right and Urgan on the left. Lefari served dinner and Brigeet got the details of the event.
    Her headset recorded all information,