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Page No 1
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Page No 2
Lil Gibson
2
SHEREM
Book 2: Feline Predators of Ganz
BY
LIL GIBSON
Venus Press LLC
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SHEREM
3
The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via
any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and
punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and
do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted
materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are
either
the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or
dead, is entirely coincidental.
FELINE PREDATORS OF GANZ 2: SHEREM
Copyright © 2006 by Lil Gibson
ISBN: 1-59836-271-2
Cover Art © 2006 by Dan Skinner
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any
form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law.
Printed and bound in the United States of America.
For information, you can find us on the web at
www.VenusPress.com
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Page No 4
Lil Gibson
4
Acknowledgements:
First and foremost I'd like to thank Deborah Lynne --cheerleader, motivator,
brainstormer, editor, and most importantly, friend.
To Charmin Kuhn, my friend and second pai r of eyes. To Lynn Pittenger
for her continuing lessons on grammar and sentence structuring, and patient
friendship. And to my mother, Connie Shaffer, who knows the spelling and
definition of every word in the dictionary off the top of her head. I love
you
Ma...you too Dad.
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Page No 5
SHEREM
5
Dedication:
To my husband John, my real life hero who has supported my writing habit
from conception to fruition. I love you, honey.
Top
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Lil Gibson
6
Prologue
Like ticks on a boar, they jumped and clung to the lone warrior. The Horta o
r
mountain people rarely attacked another human so the situation was one of
interest to the
great beast observing the unfolding slaughter. The ankou matched the mountain
people
in height but walked on four legs instead of two and easily tripled their
width and weight.
Some believed the ankou synonymous with werewolf, while others an ancient myth
told
in deep night around a fire; it mattered not to the ankou for no one saw them
and lived to
tell the tale.
The mountain people had lain in wait for the giant warrior for the better
part of
the afternoon, while one not of the mountain people handed out weapons and
advice on
usage. The arms, though not sophisticated—knives, clubs and mallets, would do
damage
enough.
The one ambushed towered over his assailants and had the instincts and talent
of a
seasoned fighter, but the sheer number of Horta were against him, he would
fall.
The warrior knew his death grew near, but determination and well -honed
reflexes
prevented him from yielding to the inevitable. From a rac e of fierce
predators himself,
the ankou was impressed with the fierce one’s tenacious hold on his
discipline; he would
easily kill two thirds of the mountain people before succumbing to the next
realm. But
unlike any other bi -ped he encountered, he could read this one’s thoughts.
The ankou
read his determination, his anger, and self -recrimination at being caught
unaware . The
powerful human knew he had only moments left but refused to give up. The
ankou felt a
connection and a joining with the warrior t hat would force him to intervene.
It was a
feeling quite foreign to him but not unnatural. The ankou were loners, rarely
traveling in
packs as other similar species; they did however remain to raise their cubs
and protect the
she-ankou after mating. But this pull proved an anomaly; it held strangeness
and
rightness in the same grip. It was ordained.
The warrior belonged to him and he would protect him.
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SHEREM
7
Rarely did his kind show themselves to humans and when they did, it did not
bode
well for the humans’ co ntinued existence. Today would be no different. His
path had
just taken an unexpected turn but rather than question it, he would
follow…little time
remained. He gathered mass and took form even while gaining full speed toward
the
melee. When he roared, closing quickly now, the squatty Horta froze as one,
then
scattered like insects…
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Page No 8
Lil Gibson
8
Chapter One
Earth Year 2031
Princess Nadia, of the House of Ra, Province of Gattonia studied her
reflection
absently, mentally preparing herself f or the confrontation ahead. I f that
were possible.
Her reflection showed a non -descript female of almost twenty cycles with
tawny hair,
skin, and eyes that her sister -in-law referred to as cat eyes. Ordinarily
she spent as little
time in front of the mirror as possible. S he’d overheard what others called
her. Amber
albino, one-color-wonder, lady leuko. She sighed and deci ded to add another
layer of
eyeshadow, blush, and lip color in a futile effort to add a little contrast to
her features.
Her last meeting with the Princ e of Nefar grazed her consciousness and she
shuddered—she wouldn’t think about that now, her mission to rescue her brother
and
family over-shadowed all else. In an instant, her eyes cleared and focused on
her face
with a ruthless determination spun from d esperation. He must listen, she
must convince
him; little time remained—she grew certain of it. She rose from her vanity
and exited her
chambers without a backward glance.
The Inner House Facilitator of the House of Baraden entered the private
chambers
of Prince Sherem, finding him engaged in a not uncommon exercise.
“A visitor, my Prince, claiming to be one Princess Nadia, though one has to
doubt
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her true identity considering the manner in which the 'true princess' exited
some seven
moons ago. If I recall, her exact words were, "I will return again to the
House of Baraden
when the fires of Effers Mountain freeze over!" Since that will likely not
occur in the
next thousand millenniums, one can only marvel at the miracle of her
appearance today."
He ended with a sniff that held feigned snobbery.
"Do not tease, Julius, we discovered just how volatile the princess could be
on her
last visit." To say nothing of the first, he amended privately. "Behave
graciously and
show her into the receiving room. I wil l be with her as soon as I finish
here." He
motioned to his pleasurer to begin a faster pace. His heart began a staccato
beat, causing
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SHEREM
9
his breath to quicken and a light sheen of sweat to appear on his exposed
flesh. The
changes could not be credited to his pleasurer’s actions but rather to the
news just
imparted. Nadia had come to him. His self-imposed exile was finally at an
end. Staying
clear of her these last moons had been harder than any battle he had waged,
but at last his
strategy had paid off. He closed his eyes to hide the fierce satisfaction
shining there. He
had made many mistakes concerning his future mate, gravely miscalculating her
stubbornness and resolve...and vulnerability. But things would be different
now; he
would gain the upper hand and keep it, and finally have her where she
belonged.
A slight scuffle outside his chambers occurred before a rainbow of
shimmering,
layered shifts and flowing locks whooshed through his panel, skirted around
Julius, and
skidded to a halt several pace s from Sherem. Utter silence prevailed while
Julius,
Sherem, and the pleasurer, kneeling on the floor between the prince’s legs,
waited for the
eruption sure to occur.
Nadia gaped at the scene before her, her gaze tracing the n aked, powerful
torso
that showcased more than a dusting of inky black hair. Gattonian males had
no hair on
their chests so the sight made her skin prick with awareness. It swirled
around his chest
circling dark nipples then migrated in an arrowed line toward the huge
appendage
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between his thighs, now exposed, as the pleasurer sat back and licked her
swollen lips.
As the seconds passed, Nadia could seem neither to close her mouth…or her eyes
to
block the incomprehensible vision. Never had she seen or been prepared for
anything of
this magnitude. So sure of her welcome and put out by the rudeness o f the
IHF, she
hadn't thought—still could not think. She froze; repulsed, disgusted…and
somehow
mesmerized by the long, thick member, bobbing slightly as if in greeting.
Sherem quietly bi d both the pleasurer and Julius from his chambers and
again
waited, seated before her, exposed. She blinked twice, as if trying to dispel
the image,
mouth still agape. Sherem grew distinct ly uncomfortable. As an innocent ,
protected
maiden in the body of a temptress, Sherem did not know whether he was further
aroused
at the sight of her rivet ed to his arousal or appalled by his blatant
decadence. His shaft
twitched in unsolicited response and her gaze finally came unglued from his
manhood
only to fasten on his steadfast scrutiny. He smiled knowingly and twin red
blotches
appeared on each of her cheeks. His discomfort turned into embarrassment
tinged with
shame at the unspoken accusation in her eyes He deplored being made to feel
like a
common troglodyte, a Horta, as though he had no right to his pleasure in the
privacy of
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Lil Gibson
10
his own chambers, like an uncouth barbarian not worthy to lick her delectable
booted
feet. To make matters worse, when those feelings surfaced he tended to strike
back,
aggravating an already ticklish situation.
While his mind grappled for civility, his tongue proceeded without it.
"Nadia,
misulu," he began softly, "either close your mouth and adjourn to my private
study while
I make myself presentable," he warned softly and motioned to a panel to his
left, "or
leave your mouth open and put it to use finishing what you interrupted with
your
uninvited presence in my private chambers." Inwardly, he winced at his crass
suggestion.
What got into him whenever she was near? Why couldn't h e control
himself…his
tongue…his penis?
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Nadia snapped her mouth shut, then paused, and tilted her head slightly as if
striving to comprehend the full meaning of his command, then quietly and
carefully, as if
she would shatter, made her way to the panel he indicated. It slid silently
closed behind
her.
Sherem leaned back, eyes closed and grabbed his mane. G roaning aloud, he
called himself twelve times an idiot, imbecile, and an unmitigated fool.
Could the
amount of ground he had just lost even be calculat ed? His fleeting triumph
had been
buried under an avalanche of dung and it had taken less than a minute to
achieve.
Stuffing his now semi -flaccid member into his breeches and fastening his
shirt, he
contemplated her reaction. She had not flown at him in a rage, as was her
usual reaction
to his seemingly never -ending insults to her sensibilities —or rail against
him and his
pointlessly base manner and offensive language, as he certainly deserved —did
not even
flee, as she sometimes chose to do. Zazu, she mystified him more with each
encounter.
Since entering society two cycles past, Nadia had acquired the label of "Ice
Princess", a female with a bloodless, passionless nature. Sherem smirked at
the thought
for though she projected a cool demeanor and impene trable reserve, in
actuality, she
possessed a kind -hearted, fragile spirit with the soul of a termagant and
backbone of
steel…and he should know. What she lacked in physical strength she made up
in
scathing words and cutting wit. At times, she fairly fle w at him, her words
zinging
toward him like so many Tenian daggers, some hitting their mark with
unnerving
accuracy. Yet it hadn't always been so, he pondered, as he made for the clean
room.
When he had met her three cycles past, she had been a fresh, inn ocent,
incredibly
passionate-yet-shy child/siren and so easily wounded. She had been too young
and
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SHEREM
11
wholly inexperienced. He was just now coming to suspect that his initial and
ongoing
handling of her might partially be responsible for the wall of frosty reserve
she showed to
the rest of the world. Zazu, he hoped not. But regardless of how it occurr
ed, she had
grown into a female equal to him in every way, who captured his soul, fired
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his blood and
left him wanting her more with each hour.
Memories of th eir first meeting wedged into Sherem's thoughts. He had been
struck dumb at his first glimpse of her and marveled at the sheer power of her
effect on
his senses. And their first kiss, when her untutored body melded onto his
like molten
lava, she had scorched him for all time, ruining him for any other female. If
he had
believed in love, which he did not, he would have said it approximated love at
first sight.
It certainly evoked lust at first sight. He had spent more than three cycles
trying to bind
her to his side as lifemate, and yet with each meeting he alienated her
further. And while
many times in the past, he did not understand what occurred to widen the
breach between
them, this time he had deliberately bated her, proving what an uncouth Horta
he could be.
He had acted just as she probably expected.
Was he demented?
And what of her reaction? She had behaved with quiet dignity and devastating
vulnerability. Vulnerability he had not witnessed since first encountering
the quiet,
unsure fledgling female that still haunted his dreams these three cycles past.
A gaping
vulnerability that brought out an impossibly strong instinct to protect her
with every fiber
of his being, even while the barbarian in him wanted to take her down and ride
her
mercilessly until forced to confess his dominion over her. The two
conflicting emotions
warring within were so diametrically opposed that, at times, he felt as if
they were
rending him in two.
The people of Nefar were reputed to be the 'uncivilized ones’ of the pla net
Ganz;
they were rougher, less refined, and more barbaric than those of the other
Provinces. As
mercenaries and warriors, they sold their skills to the highest bidder. With
their lands all
but devoid of natural resources, it remained the only method f or keeping
Nefar
financially solvent and their people fed. He padded into the clean room to
wash —and
attempt to cleanse himself of the guilt coating his conscience before having
to face Nadia.
***
Idiot, fool, imbecile; she called herself again and again. Oh, would she
never
learn? Though no word had come from Sherem since her last disastrous visit t
o the
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Lil Gibson
12
House of Baraden she had believed, was almost sure that she would be welcomed,
that he
would help her, and retained an interest in mating with her. She thought it
her one
bargaining chip that could be parlayed into a voyage to rescue her brother.
Obviously,
she had miscalculated, once more, and this time the blame laid squarely at the
foot her
own rash behavior. He was most likely laughing himself inse nsate at her
expense. This
proved even more degrading than her last visit. At least then, he hadn't
known how he
had hurt her, was unaware that she’d overheard what he and his friends thought
of her
and how his words pummeled her composure along with her self-worth.
She wanted to leave and never set eyes on him again, but she was trapped in
his
inner sanctum with no escape -hatch handy, and she refused to wal k back into
his
chambers. There was no telling what might be occurring there.
She hugged herself tightly as she recalled her last visit. Sherem had been
sitting
with his male friends, playing a card game in the spacious study off the main
entertainment hall where a band warmed up in preparation for the dancing to
begin. His
brother, Dakar, sent her to rouse him from his play; after hinting, with a
wicked gleam in
his eyes, that she was the only one likely to capture Sherem’s attention and
get him to
open the dancing. Butterflies commenced their own jig in her stomach at the
thought of
approaching him.
She was addicted to him and had been since the first kiss he’d given her over
three cycles past. Arriving at the House of Ra, in order to prepare for 'the
evil invaders'
attack, he launched a preemptive strike on her untried mouth and senses,
shattering her
equilibrium and changing her from child to grown female in the flash of an
instant.
The entrance to the study panel had slid open silently and assaulted her
senses.
The surroundings defined overpowering masculinity in both look, and feel; it
even
smelled like male with a combination of liquor, smoke, and sweat. Her gaze
fastened on
Sherem as he rearranged the cards in his hand. He spoke in a low lazy drawl
that never
ceased to set her abdomen humming, so that at first she didn't realize the
conversa tion
centered on her.
"I will not let her go. Eventually I will wear her down, ease her
skittishness and
then she will be mine. I will have no other. I suppose that it is the one
thing that made
the Dargon invasion worthwhile," he commented through the grunts and chiding
laughter
around him.
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"She leads you around by your man root and you do nothing but drool," Rishd,
the thin graying male commented. "Have you no pride; no will of your own?
She is
spoiled fluff encased in ice with all the passion of a r otted log. What
makes you want to
mate with one such as that? If you have an itch for her why not just tie her
down, take
her, tame her, and train her to your will?" The slimy Tenian leader spat into
the spittoon
next to him before adding. "Bah, Gatton ians, they're over controlled, under
feeling
drones."
She believed Sherem would defend her.
"Be very careful, Rishd, you are discussing the future queen of Nefar. And I
fully
expect to do all you have suggested, but I will also pamper her all the hours
of the
day…on her back, on her stomach, on her knees, and any other position I
choose," he
replied softly with a dangerous flash suddenly clear in his midnight eyes.
The others at
the table began guffawing. "And I would venture to add that if her brother h
ad
overheard you just now, you would no longer be in your seat but on your
head."
"I agree with Rishd. Why do you bother with her?" Ollie, the Kerrdic
diplomat
seated on Sherem’s right wanted to know. "She has no contrast, nothing to
break -up the
monotony between hair, skin, eyes and personality. She is bland both in looks
and
temperament. A tawny albino, colorless as weak, tasteless broth, though I
suppose you
could keep more interesting females close at hand. She would most likely have
no
complaint, ascending as she would, to the rank of queen,” he commented with a
smirk
while throwing in his hand, signaling an end to the game. “But there are many
others of
equal rank, more amenable and easier to look at, and most of them are here
tonight, why
not just pick another and give up on the colorless Ice Maiden?"
Sherem sighed and rolled his eyes before replying. "What is the most
valuable
export on Ganz, my friends?" Amusement unmistakable in his tone.
Nadia had been thoroughly confused by the change of subject. What could
that
have to do with her?
Rishd hissed and smacked the side of his pin -shaped head. "Why you sucking
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Syphor, you would gain permanent control over their Assyllis, both production
and
export for all time and bring untold wealth to your self and your people.” He
scratched
his beard and his expression turned cunning. "My sons will someday be in line
for the
rule of Tena. They are not too much older than you and still quite popular
with females.
Maybe they should give you some competition, Nefari. They couldn't do much
worse than
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Lil Gibson
14
you, so far." He licked his lips in lewd anticipation. "Perhaps she might
even prefer an
older male still full in his juices."
Nadia had not stayed to hear more. She’d lunged madly to a near -by clean
room
and lost her evening meal. She was nothing to him but a monetary boon. She
had come
to believe he desired her for herself, when all along, it had been a ruthless
ploy for power
and wealth. She swore at that moment that the fires of Effers Mountain would
f reeze
before she would mate with that hairy monzu, and not even then.
That had been seven moons and three dawns ago and yet here she stood again,
prepared to beg for his assistance if necessary. Nadia faced the window
trying to hold on
to her composure, e ven as tears slowly made their way down her cheeks. She
did not
notice the lush accoutrements of the room she occupied but instead gazed out
the window
and studied the harsh, rocky terrain that formed Nefar. Though stark and
uncompromising with hidden cr evices and jutting, unforgiving cliffs, it
exuded a
haunting majesty and awesome force that was as breathtaking as it was
treacherous.
Rather like Sherem, himself. It made her wonder at the similarities between
herself and
the land of Gattonia with its s oft, gently rolling hills and constant
sibilant breezes that
played with the trees and flowers. She and Sherem were the exact antithesis
of one
another, forging a life together would have been an impossible disaster. It
was good she
had witnessed what sh e had today. Her budding dreams where the Nefari Prince
was
concerned disintegrated for good.
She wondered if she could go forward with her plan.
Sherem entered silently behind her and noted the slump of her normally erect
shoulders. Still, she was magni ficent in her flowing rainbow gown that
showed
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everything and nothing at once; and her satiny mane that seemed to illuminate
her in a
golden halo, when kissed by the sun as it was now. She was exquisite,
flawless. He
wanted to touch her with an ache that had only grown since his first taste of
her.
How could he breach this latest chasm?
He approached slowly and waited for her to sense his presence. Wave after
wave
of despair and a myriad of other dark emotions poured off of her bludgeoning
his senses
like physical blows. T hough she made no discernable movement, he knew the
moment
she sensed him for he could see her muscles and tendons tighten to statue
-like rigidity.
He gently laid his hands upon her shoulders and traced the line from the base
her daint y
ears along the curve of her long neck down to the tops of her shoulders. When
she didn't
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SHEREM
15
jerk away, he enfolded her within a careful embrace and held her to him. She
slowly
relaxed and leaned her head back against his chest. She seemed as weary of
the ir
confrontations as he.
"Nadia…misulu," he whispered softly. "For just this moment…no
recriminations,
no ill feelings. Let us be in accord. I have missed you greatly and would
hold you to me.
You have a talent for making me feel like the lowest form of refuse crawler."
"That's because you are one," she muttered even as she leaned against him.
Could
it be she needed this brief reassurance as much as he? He gently kissed and
then laved
the hollow at the base of her neck where he would one day mark her as his
mate. Rarely,
from the time they met had she allowed him such access.
Nadia felt herself melt into Sherem. Zazu, what this male did to her when he
spoke in that soft raspy voice, the low hypnotic cadence and exotic accent of
the Nefari,
reaching deep into her very core. More potent than any mixture of jive,
Sherem’s scent
intoxicated her beyond reason. He made her feel sheltered, protected, and
small as he
bowed over her, eclipsing her height more than six inches. At these times,
she would
follow him into the fires of Hades; where she briefly visited each time he
kissed her.
Thank the heavens he normally communicated with clipped commands and
drawling
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cynicism issued across a room.
Sherem meant to comfort her in a non -sexual manner but the longer she let
him
hold her, the more aroused he became. Her intoxicating fragrance and lush
pliant curves
settled against him sending his senses spinning. She would feel it at any
moment. What
was he to do? The civilized thing, of course, would be to step a way and
regain control.
A pity he was Nefari. He smiled and ran a finger down the inside of her arms,
barely
grazing the outside of each breast; gratified when a tremor stole through her
in reaction to
his touch. He snaked one arm around her waist to anchor her while he lowered
a hand to
her abdomen, splayed his fingers firmly against her, and pressed, cradling
himself in the
crevice of her buttocks. He groaned. It only took a moment for her to react.
She yelped
and tried to pull away but he held her firmly and growled in her ear. "Feel
what you do
to me each time I touch you, misulu, each time I see you, smell you, or even
conjure your
image in my dreams."
Nadia snorted with strangled conviction and replied, "You think I am
flattered,
you great monzu? That happens to you with any female, as I witnessed first
hand not ten
minutes ago! Now release me, I did not come for this, I need you for quite
another
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purpose." Nadia didn't know where the strength came from to pull away, when
all she
wanted entailed reassurance and kisses, but with her strength came anger, and
with anger
came resolve.
"She is a pleasurer, Nadia, a gift from the people of Jasper," Sherem
enunciated
succinctly, looming over her, his hands placed arrogantly on his hips. "She
serves n o
purpose but to give me sexual exercise and physical release. It is
mechanical—altogether
different from what I feel for you."
"Ha!" Nadia returned with equal hauteur. "If it looks like a duck, waddles
like a
duck, and quacks like a duck," she recited, staring pointedly at his
erection. "It ain't no
dog!"
Sherem gawked at her incredulously, as if she had instantly sprouted horns.
Well,
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at least she had his undivided attention, she decided.
"What are you talking about? What 'duck'? I have never heard it referred to
as a
'duck'. Perhaps a 'cock' on certain planets…"
He seemed to run out of words as he studied her, probably waiting for an
explanation. Actually, Nadia didn't know exactly the significance of the duck
but it was
an earth saying that her sister-in-law, Catarina, employed frequently and it
seemed to fit
the occasion. "You have missed the point. How is your erection different
with me than
with your pleasurer? It seems to me that one would be the same as another,"
she asked
with genuine curiosity behind the accusation. A thought suddenly occurred to
her. Could
Nefari males be different? Maybe they were just built that way and constantly
required
assistance in order for it to deflate. The Earth romances she regularly read
never
mentioned such an affliction but then they did not know of the Nefari. Maybe
she was
embarrassing him. Actually, he looked like he had just swallowed something
unpleasant.
He could barely credit the words pouring from her mouth. She wanted to know
about his erections? Was she supposed to know the word? Even at twenty
cycles she
remained naïve in the ways of lovemaking. Was her sister -in-law telling her
things best
left to her mate to explain? Of one thing he was certain; he did not want to
explain about
erections.
Studying him uncertainly, her gleaming white teeth worried her moist, plump
lower lip.
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This reassured him, what did it ma tter in the long run how she found out
about
erections? He smiled. "When the time comes, little one, I will show you
rather tha n tell
you. Now why have you come?"
She started at the change of topic and looked chagrined as the words burst
from
her with abject urgency. “I need your help, Sherem. It is of utmost
importance that a
ship be dispatched to Earth in search of my brother and his family. He left
on the
Miramid some six moons past and hasn’t been heard from in over four, when
they
entered Earth’s atmosphere. They are in trouble; I can feel it. Please,
Sherem, you are
my only hope,” she implored, resting her hand lightly on his chest, her eyes,
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beseeching.
“What of your High Council misulu. Surely if a problem existed, they would
send a ship immediately.” Sherem was confused. A common enough occurrence
when
dealing with his future mate. He had been aware of Gattonias’ mission to
look into
atmospheric irregularities surrounding Earth that could eventually impact
their own
galaxy. He did not, however, know that Zorroc headed the mission with his
family in
tow. He focused carefully on Nadia’s next words.
“The members of the Council…” She licked her lips nervously and blinked
rapidly. A wholly uncommon occurrence and one that brought all of Sherem’s
protective
instincts to the fore. “They won’t listen to me. They discounted my concerns
as
missish…and chastised me for m y efforts to contact my brother through COM
transmissions not cleared by the Council. They dismissed me out of hand, or
you might
say; kicked me out and barred me from making further appeals,” Nadia
admitted,
ruefully.
How dare they treat their Princess with such disrespect, dismiss her as one
would
a common citizen, and leave her feeling foolish and powerless when in truth,
she could
be next in line to rule Gattonia if something happened to Zorroc and his off
-spring.
Sherem’s ire built at a steady rate until all that filled his vision was red…
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Chapter Two
Nadia arrived back at the House of Ra, feeling cautiously optimistic.
It went better than she had expected, especially considering the way her
visit
began. Sherem promised to do some checking of his own and call upon her by
weeks'
end to let her know if he would send a ship to earth to search for her
brother. She had not
yet made the stipulation that she would be on that ship and he had not yet
made any
stipulations of his own. She devised sever al well thought out scenarios
rendering her
presence essential, and continued to fine -tune her arguments. She would be
on that
voyage.
Nadia had told Sherem a COM would be sufficient to deliver his answer as to
his
assistance but he had insisted on respon ding in person. Was he making the
concession
because of the s cene she witnessed in his private chambers? Maybe she could
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use his
contriteness to sway him to her thinking, because she would be on that ship
even if she
had to stow away. For though her concern for her brother and family
outweighed all else,
she also wanted this adventure with a longing born from years of tedium and
over
protectiveness on the part of her aunts and brother. While they and everyone
else sh e
knew constantly traveled the galaxi es, exploring d ifferent worlds, and
meeting diverse
peoples, Nadia had remained tethered to the House of Ra like a princess
trapped in a
tower. A hothouse flower stuck in a carefully regulated greenhouse. She was
sick of
being pampered, sick of being too young, too sheltered and too bored. Half
of her felt
guilty that she’d use her family’s disappearance as a means to get off the
planet, but the
other half hoped they could postpone their safe return another week or two so
she would
be on her way and too late to stop. She didn’t worry about being with Sherem
because
she knew he’d never hurt her or get too rambunctious out of respect for her
brother. She
had kept him at arms length for three cycles and was sure she could continue
for another
few weeks. B esides, this opportunity could give them a chance to know one
another
better. More than likely, he would lose interest in her all together.
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Nadia frowned at her last thought for it didn’t make her feel the relief she
anticipated.
Sherem made careful inquiries as to the status and last known coordinates of
the
Miramid. He did not want the Gattonian High Council to get wind of his plans
for their
princess. They could deduce that he intended to take her with him and step in
to block
his plans. That he would not allow. But how to inform Nadia her presence on
board the
Portender was a non -negotiable requirement. Ultimatums were ineffective and
caused
her to become more intractable. If the last three cycles had taught Sherem
aught else, it
was that. When h e pushed, she pushed back even harder. So he would entice
her,
perhaps put her in a position where the idea to accompany him became her own.
He
could hint that her presence was essential because of the telepathic link she
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shared with
her brother. In truth, it might come in handy. Nadia would do anything for
her brother—
and Sherem would do anything to have Nadia.
He would do his best to seduce her into acquiescence but if that failed, he
would
somehow trick her into coming aboard and then depart. She wo uld be trapped
and
compromised forcing her brother to approve the joining whether she chose it or
not.
Sherem smiled with wolfish intent. She would be neatly trapped. It was a
good plan. He
felt more optimistic than he had in a very long time. He resu med issuing
orders for his
ship and began to plot a course to Earth.
* * *
Dakar closed down the View -COM that observed Sherem making inquiries and
giving orders to make the Portender travel-ready by weeks' end. Sherem
intended to help
the Gattonian Princess, and Dakar needed no View -COM to confirm it. He could
feel it
clear down to his bones. And his brother would use the Princess's request to
trap her into
a lifemating. Sherem was clearly in love with the golden goddess, but too
stubborn to
admit it, even to himself. Especially to himself. In the past, Dakar would
have advised
that a true lifemate made a stronger warrior, not a weaker one, and that
refusing to
acknowledge the truth of his feelings, made him more and not less vulnerable.
But no
more. Sherem’s would -be assassins may not have succeeded in killing him, as
yet, but
they had terminated the life long bond of trust and friendship between
brothers. Dakar
had been all but accused of masterminding the attacks on Sherem’s life.
Instead of
Sherem siding with him in the face of the allegations, however, he sided with
the
accusers. After all, Dakar was next in line for the rule of Nefar. Who else
could it be?
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Sherem no longer sought his counsel, his company, or his protection and when
that
became clear to the others around them, Dakar became an outcast, a betrayer.
The irony
was that he was the one betrayed, by everyone he loved and trusted.
Now Dakar's opportunity for revenge had finally arrived. They had chosen his
role, and he would faithfully play his part. He smiled and began forming his
own plans.
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* * *
"So what did you think of her, Bran? Not quite the frigid ornament everyone
believes, yes?" The ankou studied him for a moment before telepathing an
assent into
Sherem's mind. It was an odd talent Sherem had, and one he’d never admitted
to another
human. He could read the thoughts of animals and they his . It was something
he had
been born with and so inherent in his nature, he rarely thought on the
uniqueness of it.
But that talent had saved his life several moons before when the ankou had
come to his
aid in the midst of an assassination attempt by a tribe of rouge Horta, the
mountain
people of Nefar.
Experts theorized the Horta to be the origi nal inhabitants of Ganz and a
more
primitive life form than t he remaining humanoids, which were considered to
be
transplants from other galaxies. No one, however, could substantiate these
theories or
negate them. It was also presumed that the Nefari and the Gattonians had a
shared
ancestry and simply evolved differently due to the lands they occupied, which
also could
not be substantiated. And how to explain the unusual capabilities of the
people of Ganz;
capabilities not found on other planets within their galaxy. The Gattonians,
the province
to the south, were known telepaths with expanded talents not spoken of to
outsiders. The
people of Kerr, the province to the east of Nefar, could travel out of their
bodies to
anywhere they chose, leaving their bodies behind in a state of rest. The peop
le of Tena,
the province to the west and south of Nefar, had telekinetic abilities. He
had witnessed a
Tenian levitate a starship seventy calabrays off the ground as if it weighed
no more than a
feather. And what of the Nefari? Their heightened senses a llotted them the
uncanny
ability to defeat the enemy and defend themselves in battle. They could feel
slight
changes in the air and detect the exact location of movement even blinded.
They could
smell one of a different race, which avoided wounding a com rade and their
eyesight was
so keen they could react to a threat before an enemy flinched. They were
fierce warriors,
feared throughout the galaxies. On certain planets, they were purported to be
un-killable,
immortal. They were not, of course.
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21
But Sherem could read animals, could mind-speak with them, and they with him.
He knew of no other with similar ability. It involved not so much
transference of
thought, as feelings. Similar to using music to communicate in lieu of words.
And it had
saved his li fe in the form of the ankou. Many thought they were a myth.
Something
spook stories were woven around. Rarely seen and greatly feared by the Horta,
it was
said they not only killed humans, but devoured them leaving nothing, not even
a bone or
a drop of blood. They were considered immortal, as well. Sherem was unsure
about that
part.
Bran stood four feet tall at the shoulder and over two feet wide. He looked
similar to a very large, shaggy, and menacing wolf. He'd come to Sherem's
assistance
when no less than thirty Horta had ambushed him after the annual meeting with
the Chief
Horta in charge of Macronadin mining.
“Your mind wanders to the squattys that attacked you.”
“Horta not squattys,” Sherem corrected telepathically.
“Who is to know what I call them, but you? It cannot hurt. And the
description is
apt; my language skills are improving,” Bran pointed out.
“It can hurt when next I meet with them and call them squatty, by mistake.”
“Ahh.” Bran knew his friend relived past frights. “You fought wel l, that
afternoon, why do you dwell on it? You change the scenarios of fight
strategies, picture
yourself armed, worry on the how of it. You were not unprepared or careless.
How
could you have foreseen an evil force handing the squattys weapons, demonst
rating use,
and rewarding them with much food, skins and metals?”
“You are right, I suppose. It still baffles me, though. The Horta have
never
raised arms, their minds are childlike and simple, not malicious. They know
only
kindness from us; we have cared for them for centuries.”
“Your tribe pack spent many suns teaching them how to cut and use the black
rocks, as well.”
“It’s Macronadin and we taught them to mine it to instill self-reliance and
respect
for themselves. It is one of few natural resources on Nefar and precious to
us.”
“It provides heat for those without natural coats.” Bran paused and
scratched
behind an ear before shaking his rich bushy fur.
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22
“Yes, it’s used throughout the galaxies. Three cubic inches can be heated by
a
single blazer-blast and warm a six -calabray area for close to a full moon.
It has saved
the life of many a stranded traveler; all now carry a piece.”
“I have seen them eat from it,” Bran stated.
“Yes, it can be carved and shaped into a wide shallow bowl and used for
cooking,” Sherem remarked absently.
“Your mind is still on the attack, my friend.” A grunt was Sherem’s only
response.
The ambush occurred on his way home riding his horse, Rina, as the roughness
of
the northern terrain sorely limited the landing options of a micro-jet. The
attack had been
well planned by an outsider bent on his demise yet one who knew of his
practice to visit
the Horta unarmed. Sherem took down at least ten but had been badly injured
in the
process; he believed his chances of survival dwindl ed with each second and
silently
cursed his inattentiveness and credulity where the Horta were concerned. Just
as another
blow clubbed the back of his head, he heard a chilling howl loud enough to
wake the
spirits. The Horta began scattering in mad disar ray but to no avail. Every
one of them
were torn apart by a giant beast in the midst of a blood lust Sherem could
only watch in
horrified awe. When the Horti were dispatched, the beast came and stood over
him,
panting fiercely and looking around as if expecting other intruders. The
beast touched his
mind with a feeling of unleashed protectiveness and tentative affection.
Sherem thanked
him for his timely intervention and the two had been inseparable since.
Sherem named the ankou Bran after a mythical mo nstrous beast from ancient
mythology and he became his protector. Bran had the capability to shift, as
to make
himself all but invisible, and Nadia had not detected his presence when she
visited his
chambers or when the ankou had quietly followed her into his private study.
He was
fairly confident that if Bran had made himself known to her, she would have
run
screaming from his House and this time not have returned even if the fires of
Effers
Mountain had frozen. The two padded companionably down the main hall toward
the
COM room where he intended to finalize preparations for departure. If Zorroc
and his
family were truly missing, it could disrupt the entire political balance of
Ganz and
possibly beyond. Secrecy also guided his moves or his plans for Nad ia could
be forfeit.
It proved sad a nd not a little ironic that he c ould trust no one but Bran .
At one time,
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Sherem would have sought the advice of his brother, Dakar, but as he had
surfaced as the
prime suspect behind the numerous assassination attempts, he did not deem it
prudent.
Dakar had inherited the greater portion of savoir -faire in the family, imbued
with
a wry sense of humor and natural empathy that made him the consummate
diplomat —
and probably a much better leader than Sherem. A trick of birt h, however,
decreed it
otherwise unless, of course, something happened to Sherem. Dakar swore
repeatedly that
he harbored no desire for Sherem's place; further, counted himself blessed not
to be
saddled with the burd en of ruler. However there remained the very short
list of those
who would benefit from Sherem’s demise. It almost had to be Dakar or their
younger
brother, Rand, the baby of the family and three cycles younger than Dakar.
The two were
sent off-world to the knowledge planet and raised togethe r, while Sherem
remained in
Nefar as the future ruler. Rand and Dakar had been inseparable until their
father
summoned Dakar home to be trained as a backup in case something should befall
the
current heir to the realm. Rand’s only interests revolved around scholarly
pursuits. Even
when he returned home for occasional visits, his nose was never out of a book
or away
from an educational screen program. He did not seem to discriminate on
subject matter;
his mind acted as a sponge that required constant watering in the form of
knowledge. He
was quiet, reserved and the least violent male that Sherem had encountered.
Power
meant less than nothing to Rand and violence, positively abhorred him. He was
often
teased for his aversion to combat and weaponry, an inherent Nefari trait.
Sherem’s ministers had nothing to gain by his demise. What would be the
difference between one brother and another? There would be no gain of power
or
increased wealth. And his father, the King? That was even more ridiculous
than the
ministers' theory.
It always returned to one person—Dakar.
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Chapter Three
"Dakar, what a surprise! P lease make yourself to rest." Nadia beamed and
then
turned to Jaffers, Inner House Facilitator to the House of Ra and requested, "
Jaffers
please bring Choc-tea and scones at once."
"I would rather have Eden wine," Dakar confessed, "It has a little more punch
to
it, if that would be convenient." He smiled and winked at Nadia.
She laughed and said, "You are absolutely right, Dakar, Eden wine does h ave
more punch, and for someone with your quiet ways and demeanor," she teased,
"you
need all the punch you can get. Make it so Jaffers and I'll have some too."
Dakar laughed outright. “What has become of the reserved, quiet child I was
introduced to three cycles past? I think your body has been possessed by an
alien faerie
minx," he finished feeling well pleased and a little smug that she could be so
comfortable
in his presence.
"I missed your visit yesterday," he continued, "you and my brother did not
have
another fracas, I hope. It seems the two of you cannot be in close proximity
for more
than three minutes before sparks collide. With my brother, fracases are all
too common
place, except with the female persuasion, of course, but you are always as c
alm as a
languid pond and as gentle as a soft breeze until you and my brother share the
same air. I
have never quite understood that. It is an enigma, yes?"
"It is a very long story and entirely your brother's fault," Nadia replied,
the spark
in her eyes still visible. "Enough polite diplomatic chit-chat, Dakar, you
would not just
drop in unannounced and therefore, must be on a mission of some sort."
Conversation halted as the proper Jaffers returned with refreshments, then
quickly
departed.
"I am crushe d you’d think I would not visit for the shear pleasure of your
company, princess, I believed us to be quite good friends and allies," he
enjoined
intentionally. He took a long savoring sip of the outstanding wine and played
for time,
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hoping to prick Nadia’s curiosity. Then added thoughtfully, "This may not
work out as
my brother intended if you do not consider me a worthy comrade and are
uncomfortable
in my presence."
"Laser it, you buffoon. Speak plainly and quickly before I show you just how
comfortable with you I am and anoint you with the remainder of my wine."
"Spoken like a true faerie minx," Dakar responded with good humor, lowering
his
gaze to cloak the steely resolve shining there.
The brothers were similar in appearance on initial meeting, but Nadia had come
to
realize they were as different as sunlight and night. Although alike in bone
structure and
height, Sherem was broader, darker, and courser with sharper facial planes,
and a
brooding sometimes ruthless manner. Dakar sported the grace and sleek lines
of a fine
thoroughbred with a playful disposition and affable non-threatening presence.
And while
both had pitch-black hair, Sherem’s black eyes exuded menace while Dakar's
were a light
gray-blue and seemingly guileless. She wondered at th e validity of that
sincerity now as
she studied him, waiting for a reply.
He sighed and began. "Sherem has done some checking and determined that your
brother and the others on the Miramid may indeed require as sistance. In
fact, he grows
concerned, since so much time has elapsed, that speed is of the essence. He
has gone on
ahead to do some further ch ecking and has credited me with the task of
escorting you to
the planet where he’ll await our arrival. If you are uncomfortable with this
solution or
have decided not to accompany him, he will simply continue on to earth.
Either way he
will go after your brother," he finished, concern evident in his voice and
manner.
Nadia’s head swam; panic and joy warring within her for supremacy. Panic
that
Sherem believed her brother and his party to be in danger and joy at finally
being let off -
planet. Nadia had been struck with wanderlust five cycles ago when her
brother and
Prolinc departed for earth. She’d begged for days to be allowed to accompany
them, only
to be told she was too young and the voyage too dangerous for her. Nadia’s
entire family
treated her like the most delicate filigree; one small mishandling and she
would shatter.
She was sick of it and now had her chance for an off-world adventure with no
one around
to say her nay. The aunts could be easily gotten around and Bandoff, Prig
Head of the
High Council, need not hear of it until she was well and truly gone.
Something, however,
rang false about the offer, coming too easy and happening too fast for her
comfort. So
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26
she proceeded with the practiced calm and cautiousness she’d worn like a cloak
all her
life.
"We did not discuss my going along, in the event he decided to make the
journey.
Are you sure he approved my accompanying you both? Maybe you misun derstood,
Dakar."
Dakar felt his mask slip a fraction and crossed his long legs while grabbing
for his
Eden-wine, taking a large pull before replying. Sherem had not broached the
subject of
her accompanying him? That made no sense, surely that was the on ly reason
he’d
consider redirecting one of their mother ships away from Nefar, on a wild
goose chase to
Earth or wherever he planned to take her. Dakar was quite sure that Zorroc
and the
Miramid were in no danger or the High Council of Gattonia would have sent one
of their
own ships to investigate. Obviously, Sherem was merely leading her down the
garden
path and had planned to deliver his ultimatum when he arrived with the news of
his
assistance. She began studying him dubiously; he must assuage her
suspicions.
"How clumsy of me. I assumed that since he spoke of you joining us, the two
of
you had already agreed upon it. This is awkward, as he wanted us to depart as
soon as
possible, within hours if possible for we are due to meet up with him in five
da ys on a
planet close to earth resting just on the cusp of our galaxy. As we will be
traveling by
public convoy, every minute counts. One must wait for available space and
we’ll require
a private bunker. I will not expose you to danger, for fear of death at the
hands of my
brother," he clarified comically by grabbing his throat and hanging out his
tongue.
"Once we have joined him on Jasper, Sherem said he’d try to contact the
Miramid. He wants to confirm the MIA status before executing a galaxy jump to
Earth,"
Dakar concluded matter-of-factly.
Nadia closed her eyes, took a deep breath then jumped to her feet. “I’ll be
ready
before you finish the carafe of wine.” She flew from the room. Dakar smiled
triumphantly.
With her packing comple te Nadia paused, shielding her thoughts from any who
would endeavor to read them. She felt a vague sense of unease; make that a
healthy dose
of guilt. She could mind -speak to her aunts to let them know of her plans
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but she was
afraid they would come rushing home and try to prevent her from leaving. To
fortify her
resolve, she mentally replayed her aunt’s reproof from early that morning.
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“Nadia, there is nothing we can do or that you can do at this juncture. You
have
spent countless hours scanning for any sign of a distr ess beacon and tried
repeatedly to
COM the Miramid —much to the consternation of the High Council. They will
not
dispatch another ship to Earth for fear of weakening Gattonian defenses until
it can be
confirmed that there is, indeed, a need for assistance. And you know that
other than
extreme emergencies, COM silence was to be maintained. It would be a disaster
for our
COM transmissions to be intercepted, and with Earth technology advancing so
rapidly, it
could happen at any time. The many COMs and probe s you transmitted may be
zinging
around their universe for years to come, just waiting to be discovered. No
wonder the
High Council is put out with you, and refuses to give you another audience,
dearling.”
Her Aunt Helen always used the old -fashioned endearment when delivering her
lectures, and was the one who shared the thousands of romance novels she
brought back
from her many travels to Earth. Her Aunt Marie was more pragmatic and gruff,
pooh-
poohing happily ever after and sweet sentiment. Both had ch osen not to mate;
instead,
becoming historians, tracking the political progress and cultural changes on
Earth,
located a galaxy away. Following the initial Dargon invasion, that all but
destroyed the
female population of Gattonia, they were sent to Earth on an assignment even
Nadia was
not privy to, then returned two cycles later with a group of Earth women, her
new sister
in-law among them —and incredible amounts of new data to assimilate. It
seemed to
Nadia that their brains were stuffed with so many fac ts, that little room
remained for
anything else. Like fashion sense…or common sense. She adored them. But if
she
sought to get their permission to search for her brother, Marie would start
cursing and
Helen would begin crying and…
Hello Aunts,
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Sorry I missed you. Jaffers said you would not return until this evening and
I was
unable to wait. Sherem has sent for me. We are going after Rocky and the
Miramid
immediately, as he is convinced time is of the essence. I love you. Do not
worry, all will
be fine.
Nadia.
That evening, Helen and Marie stood staring at the COM screen like two
startled
owls, thinking maybe if they blinked enough times the words left by their
niece would
somehow morph into another message entirely. It was not to be. "Oh, dear…"
He len
whispered.
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Chapter Four
Sherem decided to wait until the day before weeks' end to call on Nadia with
his
decision. He wanted her flustered and slightly panicked that his answer would
be 'no'.
That way, if she had reservations about making the voyage with him, she would
be easier
to manipulate to his wishes. He would have his way in this for though he was
convinced
that the Miramid could be in danger, there would be no voyage without her
onboard. He
was not that altruistic, after all.
Dressed for travel in standard combat attire, he had every intention of
leaving
directly from the House of Ra to his ship, the Portender —with Nadia in tow.
His shirt
was of the finest linen, his vest, breeches, and over the knee boots were
Kameri leather. It
was light, soft and virtually indestructible. Even a direct hit from a blazer
could not
penetrate it. The process of curing and enhancing the naturally black
leather remained a
well-guarded secret known only to a handful of Nefari. He had dressed in his
lea thers
everyday since the ambush and possessed several hidden weapons, as well. He
would not
be caught unaware again.
As he studied his reflection in the mirror, an inner glow of triumphant
satisfaction
shown clearly through his eyes. He had won; she would soon belong to him. As
soon as
they departed on their journey, she would be alone with him and his crew and
be
hopelessly compromised. And he fully intended to seduce her to make it
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complete. Not
even her brother would be able to intervene, which led to thoughts of
Zorroc…and Rosik,
the captain of the Miramid. Sherem's very good friend. It had taken a lot of
heavy -
handed persuasion to get the information he required and when he did, he
hadn’t liked
what he heard. Nadia had been right; there was much reason for concern.
When he’d
acquired further clarification on the whereabouts and status of the Miramid, a
moment of
searing foreboding flooded his mind. How would Nadia survive the loss of her
brother
and his family; it would tear her to shreds. And what of Gattonia? It would
be left
without a clear leader. It was probably a good thing she would be mated to
him. He
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29
would take care of both her and Gattonia if it became necessary. He made his
way with
determined strides toward his destiny, the ankou by his side.
Why was Jaffers gaping at him as if he was some sort of specter? Sherem,
who’d
arrived at the House of Ra a minute before, had yet to be admitted. "Jaffers
let me in. I
am expected by the Princess, I assure you," he stated succinctly whil e
nudging the IHF
aside to gain entrance.
"Jaffers!" he barked once inside. "The Princess…now! I will be in the
study."
Was the Inner House Facilitator having a fit of some sort? Sherem made his
way down
the hall to the proper panel and entered the fam ily living area to await his
future mate.
He grew impatient to be off now that the time was at hand. Surely, by now
she’d be
frantic to speak with him. As the minutes passed, Sherem became more and
more
restless. He wished he had brought Bran in with h im. That would surely have
garnered
some action.
He looked up as the panel slid open emitting a muddled disarray of colors,
arms,
legs and grunts as the aunts came bobbling into the room as one entity,
halting less than a
calabray from him. As the two split apart, straightening hair, skirts, and
sweatshirts, they
all stared dumbfounded at one another, clearly unable to form a coherent
thought. Helen
recovered first.
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"But you can't be here, Sherem, she is with you on her way to Earth. She
departed five days ago, left us a COM saying that you had come for her, packed
up and
left right then…why are you here, have you lost her, then?" Helen asked,
fingers
twitching, lower lip trembling and eyes beginning to water.
Sherem stood and took both of the round cher ubs into his arms, though they
only
reached waist high. "Don't worry, we will straighten it all out," he crooned
gruffly and
glanced up to focus on Jaffers. "What happened Jaffers, who did she leave
with that day,
did you recognize him?"
"No, your highne ss, but I did hear her call him by name. It was Dakar. She
called him Dakar," he responded softly.
Sherem swayed precariously and thought for a moment that they were doomed for
a hard landing at Jaffer's feet. But he got hold of himself; though feared h
is dark bronze
complexion had turned the color of mottled cream.
He sat down heavily on the plush seat behind him, locked in his own internal
quagmire. Why would Dakar kidnap Nadia? Was it some kind of twisted revenge
for
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30
their disassociation as brothers? Could he want to compromise Nadia himself
so Sherem
would never have her? That would be the most sweeping revenge of all.
Surely, he
wouldn't harm her. She was not a part of what transpired between them as
brothers and
he honestly thought that Dakar liked her. He shut his eyes, trying to hold in
his emotion
and keep the bone chilling fear at bay. He had to think. He looked up and
focused on
Jaffers.
"I know you would not listen in on private conversations, Jaffers, but did you
by
chance overhear an ything that might give us a clue as to his destination or
plans?"
Sherem questioned, huskily.
Jaffers almost smiled at the tactful manner in which the Prince phrased the
question, but the truth was that any Inner House Facilitator worth his salt
knew
everything that went on in his domain using whatever means at his disposal to
learn it.
He answered. "I did not hear Dakar mention a planet by name, but overheard
him
explain that you’d gone ahead to a planet closer to Earth but within our
galaxy and there
you would try once again to contact the Miramid before making the final
commitment to
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galaxy jump to Earth's solar system. Dakar said you would be waiting for
them," he
concluded, wishing he could be of more help. First Zorroc and now Nadia, what
could
they do?
"Thank you, Jaffers; it will be a starting point. Helen, Marie, here is my
COM
direction. If you hear from Nadia, get her position, by tracker if she
doesn’t know her co-
ordinates. No—by tracker period. Dakar may be misleading her as to their loca
tion so
keep the auto track on at all times and capture any incoming transmissions."
* * *
"Where is he, Julius? Where is your golden boy?" Sherem demanded, his voice
a
raspy husk of his usual cynical drawl. He had returned to the House of
Baraden and
would get the information he demanded or sever his IHF's head from his
shoulders , from
the look of him.
"What has happened, my Prince, what is wrong?" Julius implored, his voice not
quite steady. Dakar had been angry, furious really and hurt at his brother' s
continued
refusal to believe in his innocence of the assassination attempts. Nothing
Dakar could
say had swayed his brother in his steadfast belief that his own brother wanted
him dead
for political gain. And Sherem's silent accusations were eroding hi s
favorite charge from
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31
the inside out. Julius dreaded to know the extent of the damage done to their
relationship.
But he was about to learn.
"Dakar has kidnapped Nadia," Sherem hissed.
Julius sat down with a thump, something no IHF would do in front of their
lord.
"What have you done, Dakar. This will not help your cause but weaken it,"
Julius
mumbled to himself, his hands cradling his face.
"Where is he Julius, you always know what he is up to," Sherem continued,
taking the seat across from him and dr agging his hands through his hair
impatiently. "I
have checked the roster of departing ships and all are accounted for so he
found an
alternate way off the pla net, unless he is still here holding the Princess
prisoner
somewhere. Talk to me Julius," he de manded with renewed vexation. "He has
had her
for five days."
Julius sighed. "I overheard him making travel arrangements the day of the
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Princess's visit. I thought he planned to take one of his pleasurers and
depart to escape
the tension that has become so thick between you," he admitted. "I would
check his
COM; I am quite sure he will want you to find him. Most likely he is just
tweaking your
nose, my Prince," Julius concluded, praying that it would be the extent of
Dakar's perfidy.
Julius looked like he was withering before Sherem's eyes.
Sherem had not meant for the breach between his brother and himself to infect
the
others around them so profoundly, and yet that is what had occurred, everyone
choosing
sides against the other. It never should have come to this, and now Nadia
was involved
as well. An outsider not of their House and yet drawn into their intrigue.
She was so
innocent, so untouched. If anything happened to her physically or
emotionally, he did
not know what he might be capable of to avenge her.
* * *
Nadia felt as if she had fallen into a waking dream that no amount of skin
pinching could alter. The planet of Jasper was ornate and opulent. The color
scheme of
the land and living structures were similar to Gattonia but the fluid, orn ate
design of the
buildings were exotically carved and intricately inlaid with colorful
reflective tiles that
formed wondrous murals. The people, too, dressed in garb that could only be
described
as liquidly rich as a rainbow through a waterfall after a s hower and Nadia
wanted to
giggle at her own thoughts. She had seen many holos of Jasper but they did
not come
close to the reality.
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Her adventure had begun.
Dakar gawked at her fit of tittering and she acknowledged that the sounds of
her
delight were foreign to her own ears then let another round escape. So
dazzled by her
visual preoccupation, she was unprepared when they were shown directly into
Queen
Heptshu’s private receiving rooms and the Queen herself in residence . She
was tiny, as
short as Cat, bu t wide, as if she enjoyed the castle cook’s cookin g above
all else. And
she was in direct contrast to the other people they had come into contact
with, so far. The
people of Jasper had a fluidity of motion in both speech and physical
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movement. It made
Nadia feel like the proverbial bull in a china shop…but not the Queen. She
fairly
charged into the room, clomping purposely with voice booming. She presented
such a
stark dichotomy to her subjects Nadia could only stare silently.
“Dakar, you young stud, i t is a pleasure to see you again. Can I assume that
Sherem follows close behind ? We have business.” The bluntness of her
inquiry
surprised Nadia out of her daze. She used no protocol of greeting. It was
most unusual.
“You are astute as always, my Quee n.” Dakar’s eyes twinkled and he winked
as
he added, “And as graciously tactful, as ever. May I present Princess Nadia,
sister to
Zorroc, of the House of Ra, province of Gattonia.”
The queen caught and held her gaze. She felt as if the Queen gleaned eve ry
hidden facet of her being. Nadia found it chilling, the affably brash
façade masked a
keen intelligence and razor-sharp perception. Little wonder she was the most
respected
leader in the galaxy. Only a fool would underestimate her. Finally, she nodd
ed slowly.
“Sherem will take you to mate; it will be a good match.” When Nadia opened
her mouth
to protest, the Queen cut her off.
“You will stay in the palace as my guests. Ro oms will be set -aside for
Sherem
and his party. Patz, show the Prince and Princess to their separate
chambers.”
“Not a particularly chatty person, is she?” Nadia whispered under her breath
for
Dakar’s ears alone. Dakar grinned.
It had been a long three-day journey to their destination, for public
transportation
was slow and there had been many stops along the way. The travel ship
consisted of five
levels; the fifth was the luxury dome and was completely transparent. The
view
mesmerized Nadia on the first night but eventually became monotonous
containing
endless star systems and planets twinkling through the black void. People
watching,
however, provided a constant source of fascination. For though she was highly
educated
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and familiar with the varying species occupying the many planets within the
universe, the
ability to observe them first hand rather than by octi-view proved a treat
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beyond compare.
Nadia marveled at the many diverse cultures; each with their own language,
and
comportment; and all jammed into one, gigantic travel machine. Dakar allowed
her to
wander unfettered b ut kept her within seeing distance and remained loosely
protective
allowing no one direct contact with her. It was frustrating but
understandable. If
anything happened to her, he explained for the hundredth time, Sherem would
terminate
him and he had no desire to expire so young. They now occupied a suite of
rooms,
courtesy of Queen Heptshu of the planet, Jasper.
The Zinn galaxy had grown closer in the cyc les since the Dargon’s attack on
Gattonia. There bloomed new understanding, camaraderie, and trust between
the diverse
cultures inhabiting the planets in and around their galaxy. The Jasperi,
though small of
stature, possessed an air of relaxed grace and effortless competence that had
been a balm
to the Gattonians in the face of the Dargon invasion. J asper was a pivot
point to
numerous planets and star systems, being on the very edge of their galaxy.
All knew it as
a planet of peace and pleasure. Pleasure for the mind, the soul, and the
body. They were
an overtly sensual people with a subtle, nurturing manner and they used their
bodies as no
other humanoid life form known. They flowed with perpetual grace of motion in
speech,
thought and manner. There were no sharp expressions of speech, raised voices
, or
aggressive outbursts; and no clumsy, unplanned movements. It was a part of
their ‘state
of being’, their philosophy of life practiced from the moment of birth if not
before. They
were a people of absolute control and coordination, fluidity, and grace in
thought and
deed. Chaos and conflict, hatr ed and aggression were totally foreign to
their intrinsic
discipline. Their non -confrontational philosophy had in the past threatened
their
existence and was the way an alliance had initially been formed between the
peoples of
Jasper and Ganz. The warrio rs of Nefar had come to the defense of the
Jasperi on more
than a few occasions and deterred more aggressive species from taking
advantage of what
appeared to be easy pickings of a people and planet. A very well positioned
and
prosperous planet. Sherem w as a hero of the Jasperi and so revered that he’d
been
awarded a precious gift in the form of Tula, great -granddaughter of the Queen
and now
known as 'Sherem's Gift'. The gift Nadia had seen gifting Sherem with her
mouth.
Nadia felt like a child in eye -candy-land. Something new to see, experience
or
taste bombarded her senses at every turn . She’d spent many markers on
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diverse
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purchases from decadent arrays of exotic foods and spirits to mind
-freeing-meditation
instruction and massage therapy. She had re ceived multiple invitations to
extend the
services to include lessons in the Kama Sutra or a mind to body link they
called "The
Seeding" but, of course, she refused. She would leave those particular
teachings to her
future mate. The thought of Sherem touching her like the animation
advertisements seen
on every corner, forced a shudder of awareness.
She visited the markets and purchased wondrous offerings of fine arts and
gifts
for everyone in her family. Even Sherem. A particular house jacket of soft
te xtured
quill, a rare material impossible to reproduce artificially, caught her
attention. It was the
color of black smoke and superbly cut with silver piping that would highlight
the thin
iridescent gray that outlined the pupils of his black eyes. It wou ld also
accentuate his
very broad shoulders and tapered waist . After she completed her purchase ,
she felt self-
conscious and a little embarrassed by the intimacy of the gift but did not
return it. He
was, after all, spending vast amounts of funds and tim e to assist her and her
family. The
very least she owed him was a simple gesture of thanks. If she pondered the
way it
would feel to be the jacket and have leave to caress and mold herself to his
torso, well,
who would be the wiser?
Dakar kept her entert ained and behaved overly solicitous, but a growing
uneasiness crept its way into her consciousness making her wonder if she might
be a
pawn in some unpleasant game Dakar precipitated. Where was Sherem? Surely if
he
knew she’d arrived, he wouldn’t have ke pt her waiting all this time and in
the company
of his brother. She was aware of the rivalry between them but not the reason
behind it. It
was time for some answers; she would not be put off further.
Nadia stood, hands on hips, head tilted and eyes narro wed, measuring Dakar as
if
for the first time. "You said your brother would be waiting to mee t us here,
but two days
have passed and still there is no Sherem. I am beginning to smell a monzu ,
Dakar. Is
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there something you would like to confess, I hear i t is very beneficial to
your inner
sanctum of grace," Nadia advised as she crossed her arms below her breasts and
tapped
her foot in time to her internal rhythm.
Dakar's affable expression changed for an instant, revealing a granite
-etched
coldness that chilled Nadia, as though the temperature had dropped twenty
degrees. Then
his face cleared and the Dakar she had come to know in the last days
resurfaced. Had she
imagined that look?
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"Nadia, you wound me. Have I not given you your hearts desire and taken you
exploring to a far off planet? Have I not kept you safe for my brother? How
can you
doubt me?"
"Actually, I find it quite easy. Why hasn't Sherem requested to speak with
me?
Does he trust you so far that he would leave me in your company for days? I
am not
completely cut off from the goings-on around me, I have heard the rumors that
all is not
well between you and Sherem. You would not use me in some ploy to strike at
your
brother, would you Dakar?"
At Dakar's blank, semi -wounded look, she faltere d. He had been most
gracious
toward her; what exactly was she accusing him of? Had her imagination run
away with
her once again? She would contact the aunts and the House of Baraden as soon
as they
returned to the castle, just to be sure. She knew Quee n Heptshu's people
would be more
than happy to assist her. Dakar began pulling and guiding Nadia down a well
-traveled
food court like some sort of a demented jester, then seated her at a cozy
table outside a
café. He called out for certain specialty refr eshments, and did his best to
avoid Nadia's
not so subtle accusations.
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36
Chapter Five
Dakar’s stomach clenched at the coming confession. He had enjoyed himself
tremendously in the last week. The warmth and camaraderie he and Nadia
shared, made
him feel almost whole, again. After he explained all, would she turn on him
like
everyone else? And, if he dreaded this coming confrontation, the one he was
sure to have
with his brother at weeks' end intimidated him even more. In truth, he’d
given precious
little thought to snatching Nadia right from under Sherem's control. But the
day before
the princess's visit, he and Sherem engaged in yet another round of shouting
that, for the
first time, preceded from mildly veiled insinuation to blatant accusation, a
nd then turned
physical. If not for the six -foot long monster, always at his brothers'
side, they might
have done real damage to one another. The playful camaraderie always present
in their
former bouts of rousting vanished. This tim e it escalated to purposeful
injury and Dakar
found himself at a loss to curb his anger and frustration at his brothers'
lack of trust in
him. But what and how much to tell Nadia?
He sighed and leveled her with a look that bore no resemblance to his
normally
non-threatening, affable good humor. "There have been numerous attacks on
Sherem's
life in the last two cycles." He did not pause at Nadia's gasp of distress
but continued on
doggedly. "At first the attempts seemed more prankish than deadly, but that
changed
when the last two attempts almost cost him his life.
"Eight moons ago his micro -jet careened into a mountain, with him in it,
after
someone tampered with the hydrauli cs. His warrior reflexes saved that day
him but he
spent long hours in the med -tech unit being knit ted back toget her. T he
most deadly
attack, however, occurred several moons later when he traveled to the northern
mountains
of Nefar where the Horta reside. It was to be a routine meeting with their
chieftain.
"Have you heard of these people and the ir connection to your own lands?"
Dakar
asked and then cleared his throat and took a pull on his jive.
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"Oh, yes, I know of them. They are reputed to be quite child -like and
primitive.
A law unto themselves. It is my understanding that aside from Macronadin m
ining, they
also assist in the processing of the Assyllis plants we export to you. Your
government, in
turn, exports the product to approved vendors in the correct proportions. I
believe it has
been quite a profitable and expedient arrangement."
"Yes," he paused as if in pain. "Well, as usual Sherem made the journey on
his
horse but on the return trip a rogue tribe of Horta ambushed, beat and almost
killed him.
A massive mythical beast intervened and came to his aide. The animal has not
left his
side since."
"Zazu, Dakar, that does not seem in the least plausible. An animal? A beast?
Why would an animal want to save Sherem and why would the Horti wish him harm?
He has improved their living conditions immensely. If this is one of your
stories, Dakar,
I find it in very poor taste. Your brother's life is nothing to jest about; I
am disappointed
in you," Nadia chided as she studied him for the truth, as if it would shine
right through
his eyes.
It did.
No one could fake the anguish stamped clearly on h is features. What was
happening? "Why wasn't I told about any of this? Does my brother know?" she
leaned
forward and demanded. Her heart lurched precariously as she contemplated a
world
without Sherem.
"It is being kept under wraps for the most part so I doubt if your brother has
been
informed. To be honest, my dear, I am not being kept in the loop…for you see,
you are
looking at the suspected mastermind behind these attempts."
Nadia could not credit this latest revelation. Was he demented? Had he ju
st
sprung the last rung on his latter? Dakar looked crestfallen and devastated.
In addition,
he studied her warily, as if he expected her to heap her own accusations onto
the rest.
She reached over and squeezed his hand before standing and pulling him u p
with he r.
"This is not the place for our discussion ," she concluded and led him back
toward the
palace.
Since their departure from Gattonia, they had developed a bond of friendship
similar to one she shared with Prolinc. She’d practically been raised b y him
and her
brother, and tended to be more at ease with males. And as afternoon passed
into evening
and Dakar talked on, they became even closer. He confided his feelings of
isolation and
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38
censure by those of his family and friends; the suspicious glance s that
followed him as
though at any moment he would sprout horns and hooves and begin spewing acid.
He
felt angry, confused, and afraid…afraid that whoever was after his brother
would
succeed, afraid that he would be accused and condemned to die; and las tly
terrified for
his youngest brother, his father, and his province for the upheaval it would
cause. He felt
immersed in a black pit.
After a sleepless night Nadia contacted her aunts to reassure them of her
safety
and whereabouts, then requested a patch to the Portender. She was informed
of his
eminent arrival on the landing grid of Jasper and on his way to her.
When her panel buzzed immediately afterward, she expected Sherem. She was
surprised and a little panicked to see Dakar.
"He's on his way, Dakar, and liable to be just the slightest bit put out with
you and
your little joke. So try to be a little conciliatory and less defensive, and
maybe just a little
scarcer, until I can speak with him and get this all sorted out.
"It won't work, these days my brother trusts no one but the mangy beast glued
to
his side. Every time I get near Sherem, he growls."
"Which one, the beast, or your brother?" Nadia asked innocently, hoping for a
little levity to defuse the incredible tension mounting in Dakar. "Come
Dakar; be easy,
I'm sure that deep inside your brother realizes you could never set out to
harm him. Just
give him some time to work everything out in his mind. You know it occurs to
me, that
if you have been pulling these kinds of pranks since your retu rn; you are
partly
responsible for the soup you find yourself in today. If you had talked to
him, explained,
I'm sure…"
She felt a stirring of air and the hair at the back of her neck rose. A
sure
indication Sherem had arrived. Nadia caught his particul ar scent and found
it difficult to
remain still, especially since she was still raw over learning how clos e she
had come to
losing him—could still lose him. He brushed past her without giving her a
second look,
barked out "Guard" to the beast that had mat erialized before her, and “Stay”
to Nadia
herself, before continuing across the room toward Dakar. Nadia faced his
retreating
back, and silently mimicked “Guard” and “Stay” while rolling her eyes, hands
on hips.
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So much for her welcome, he’d not even giv en her a glancing acknowledgement
as he
passed.
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Bran focused on the female with a silent promise that clea rly warned her not
to
budge, then glanced at the bludgeoning scene taking place across the room. “
It is quite
unnecessary to spout one word commands, Sherem, for though I lack the vocal
apparatus
to speak your tongue, I have become quite fluent as to the nuances and
meanings behind
your language,” Bran informed Sherem in mind -speak. “Further, I do not enjoy
being
ordered about in words of one syllable and neither, it appears, does your
mate.” Sherem
paused to congratulate him on his newly mastered articulations before catching
a
punishing fist in his face for h is inattentiveness. “Oomph,” he emitted
before toppling
like a blown-over obelisk. Dakar studied his fist in bewilderment.
Nadia decided the floor was probably the safest place for her warrior, for
the
moment, and concentrated on the beast. At least three times her weight, and
his head on
a level with her chest , he was quite the most prodigiou s creature she’d ever
seen . She
absently noted that sitting as he was now he would probably be eye level with
her sister -
in-law who could not be more than five feet and scant inches. She squatted in
front of
him letting his height top hers and inquired. “And what words of welcome
have you for
me, my majestic beast, since your master seems to be rendered speechless for
once? I
know who you are, you know. Dakar has spoken of you. He is very grateful to
you for
saving his brother." He remained impassive except for a warning growl when
she made a
move toward the brothers. An alternate tact was in order, she decided. "You
are such a
brave, handsome fellow; I bet you could use a little attention. Your friend
is not much
for praise or appreciation which I am sure you have noted." She began to
scratch behind
his ears and continued her patter of praise and petting.
Bran grew distinctly uncomfortable. Never had he failed to put the fear of
death
into humans, why was this one speaking to him as if he were a small cub yet to
come into
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his fangs? He roared telepathically to Sherem for assistance and startled him
awake as if
he had been shot from a cannon.
After eyeing his brother grudgingly, Sh erem turned his attention to the
distressed
ankou and his future mate. Why wasn't she cowering in a corner or crying to
him for
assistance? He approached the two with a telling look of disgust.
"Leave off him, misulu; he is a killing beast, not some pet to be cooed over.
You
are embarrassing him. If you want to give your attention to someone then
attend me," he
growled and grabbed her arm, yanked her to him and proceeded to squeeze the
air out of
her. She wanted to tell him that she much preferred being greeted first,
instead of last,
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but she was being simultaneously squished and soaked by a combination of his
sweat and
banded steel arms. She didn't truly mind, as long as she didn't lose
consciousness by the
death grip he held her in.
Sherem shook with the pent -up anxiety he’d been holding inside since the
discovery of Nadia’s kidnapping. He knew he held her too tightly but couldn't
seem to
stop, and there were things he must learn. He checked the base of her gently
sloping
neck, relieved to see no mating mark. It made her his for the taking and he
relaxed his
hold marginally.
"Did he harm you, misulu, did he frighten you?" Sherem demanded gruffly . He
saw the combination of anger and frustration that crossed Dakar’s face before
he stormed
from the room and laid in a command for Bran to follow his movements.
"No. He was perfectly charming," she grumbled into his chest, "more
charming
than you, certainly."
"We will discuss later why you did not contact me immediately to let me know
of
your location and safety, but first things first." He stepped away from her,
grabbe d her
left hand, and slapped a band on to her wrist. It immediately molded itself
flush against
her skin. Sherem could tell she recognized it for what it was. Her sister
-in-law had one
similar to it. He noted her mounting distress and t he effort she ex erted to
temper her
unfolding destiny, like a flower blooming at the will of the sun. The first
stirrings of her
changed circumstance, the knowledge that she was ensnared. The powerful
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tracking
band guaranteed he would always know her location…it also se rved as a band
of
possession.
"I know what this is, Sherem, and there is no need for it. I am here, I am
safe, and
I am prepared to depart with you whenever you are ready. I would have
contacted you
sooner but Dakar said he stayed in daily contact with you and that you were
detained with
the last minute details of our journey. I did not learn the truth until last
night . You are
over reacting, Sherem, your brother loves you and you are doing him a
disservice by
withholding your trust," Nadia alleged while trying to loose the band from her
wrist.
"And what of the disservice he has done me, female? He stole what belonged
to
me." He gently wrapped his giant hand around her wrist to halt her attempts
to dislodge
it.
"Oh, and what was that? Not a ship becau se we arrived by public transport,
and
not your clothing because yours are too large and muted for your exuberant
brother. So
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unless he stole the house jewels, he took absolutely nothing that belonged to
you exc ept
possibly your over -inflated ego. Now ge t this band off of me!" Nadia
insisted as she
wiggled her wrist ineffectively with a mutinous set to her chin.
He wanted to laugh at her blustery attempts to wound him, noticing all at once
her
changed appearance. She seemed more radiantly alive than he h ad yet to see
her. Her
hair cut and s tyled to emphasize her eyes now shown like Amber beacons,
vividly
infused with her adventures of the past week. They fairly sparked and winked
at him.
He was also drawn to the plains of her face. Her high cheekbones had shed
all traces of
baby fat revealing the beguiling plains of a sculpted goddess. Was his
brother
responsible for the glow radiating from her?
"He stole my piece of mind and my sanity when I realized you were missing.
You look well, Nadia. Have I m y brother to thank?" His eyes pierced hers
with the
inhuman glow of a feral demon set on his prey.
Nadia ignored the warning evident in his quiet inquiry. He was finally with
her
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and they would soon be on their way to save her brother and family. As sti
mulating as
she found her adventures on Jasper, she grew impatient to be on their way to
earth and
the Miramid. But first she needed to further the cause of Dakar, convince
Sherem of his
loyalty and goodness, and extol upon the great care he had taken of her.
"Yes, you do as
a matter of fact,” she assured him. He took me to a Temple Fluerevitae and
paid for a
complete treatment. I'm sure you are aware that 'Fluerevitae' is practiced
here. I have
been unable to determine if it is an actual religion, a p hilosophy, or just a
way of living,
but the temples cater to every part of a person. It was wholly decadent."
She closed her
eyes and tilted her head back, revealing a slight mysterious smile.
Her expr ession artlessly, achingly sensual turned his to ston e. Sherem
was
definitely going to kill his brother. What had he been thinking to take her
to a place like
that? Most temples were no more than glorified houses of pleasure where
sexual favors
of all kinds were pursued. And he was familiar with almost a ll of them. It
was where he
and Rosik had first met and shared the many available pleasures together. At
one time,
they shared three females for a full session lasting five hours. It had been
erotic and
satisfying but he still preferred his sexual deali ngs one on one. His
attention focused
again on Nadia as he continued to listen for anything amiss. So far, her
little adventure
seemed harmless enough. She prattled on about her hair; nails, face and body
paint and
but then she mentioned body massage.
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"Where did they touch you?" he demanded, interrupting her so suddenly she
paused to examine his now ferocious demeanor.
“Touch me? Why is your face turning red? Sherem, surely you have heard of a
massage. They knead your muscles and pressure points allowi ng your body to
breathe
and relax.”
"Where…did…they…knead...you…misulu?" he asked with equal softness.
"Oh, all right!" she spat. "They kneaded my arms, my neck, my shoulders and
back, my legs and then the most exquisite place of all," she paused with a
small moan.
He would torture his brother for weeks. He could see him now. Hung…upside
down by his feet.
"My feet," Nadia said at the precise moment his mind was picturing Dakar's,
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so
that he did not quite grasp her message.
"Feet?"
"Yes, it was positively sinful. Surely, you have been to these houses and
cared
for by their staff. If you have not, I insist on taking you myself before we
depart here. It
will lift your mood, invigorate your organs, and pleasure your soul.
Actually, I think you
could benefit from their services right this moment. I will take you to the
establishment I
attended…"
"Nadia, I have been to the temples many times and while I found their
administrations to be quite comprehensive, I would now rather my needs be
taken care of
by you." Sherem took a step closer to Nadia, his eyes glowing like hot molten
lava,
pouring into her, heating her from the inside out.
Nadia cleared her throat and stated what she considered to be the obvious.
"I
don't know, Sherem, those professionals train for years to acquire their
expertise. I don't
think I could be nearly as effective," she gulped. A fire seemed to ignite
within the lava.
"I am sure it will come to you," he assured her as he closed the distance
between
them then cradled her face in his massive hands preparing her for his kiss.
"Sherem," she yelped nervously. “We must first discuss your brother. You
need
to listen to him. He is not the one trying to harm you." Sherem grunted his
disbelief.
“You must think logically and not as a barba rian for once, someone is trying
to kill you
and you are letting your testosterone and groundless assumptions get the
better of you,
it’s silly.”
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“You are a naïve female spouting nonsense you know naught about and if there
is
one who is silly in this room it is not me.”
“Oh, you can be so pig-headed," she groaned.
"Now I am pig-headed. Now I am silly," he said with deadly calm. "You never
have said these words to me before. Look to yourself, female and tell me who
is the one
not thinking logically.”
His mouth crashed down onto hers, roughly parting her lips mercilessly
plundering the depths of her moist cavity. Nadia, caught wholly unaware,
could only
buffet the heady waves of their combined passion. Only once before had he
taken her
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so—their very first kiss had been a taking, a possession —before he had
discovered she
was Zorroc’s sister. Since then, he had been tentative and careful as if she
were spun
glass. Those days, it seemed were at an end. The barbarian had returned in
full force.
As quickly as the branding had begun, it ceased , and when Nadia opened her
leaden
eyelids, he’d vanished.
He was right, of course; only someone with a death wish would call a Nefari
warrior silly and pigheaded.
As Sherem flew down the hallway, Bran fell soundlessly into step having left
Dakar in his chambers. Though he had only observed his friend with his future
mate on
two occasions, the human rituals of securing a mate stunned him. Bran was in
his first
years, a pup, and he pondered the misery, frustration, and self-recriminations
that flooded
Sherem’s mind with his every encounter of Nadia. He had witnessed him take
on thirty
Horta with less exertion, why put himself to such torture? He was a warrior;
why not just
take her? “Sherem, why do you waste time with this one, you should find
another who is
less trouble,” Bran advised.
“I would if I could, believe me Bran.” Sherem paused, gathering his thoughts
in
an effort to explain. He could read the ankou’s concern and protective
instincts rising to
the fore and didn’t want Bran seeking to rid Sherem of his frustrations by
eating his
intended. “To the Nefar, the quest for ou r other half, our misulu, is a
most i mportant
undertaking for if we do not find her in this carnation, we must content
ourselves by other
means. The begetting of heirs from multiple mates with superior bloodlines.
No matter
how inviting that prospect may seem, it makes for a lonely existence. When we
find o ur
eternity match, she fills a chasm in our soul and in our heart that no other
can fi ll. Nadia
is my blood, the voice in my head, and the missing piece that completes me.
There is
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room for no other; t herefore, I do what I must to win her . I find the
alternative
unthinkable. Someday, when you meet a female that fires your blood you will
understand but until that day, know that protecting my mate is mo re
imperative than my
own, for I am not sure I could live without her.”
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“Very well, I will not eat her.” The comment was followed by much canine
snickering; Bran finally found a use for human humor. The horrified look on
his friend’s
face was its own reward.
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Chapter Six
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with our council. We are quite at our
wits'
end with this situation and instead of leveling off or improving; it grows
faster and
deadlier by the hour. Two hundred deaths from overdose were caused by this
new drug
last week alone. It must stop, 'Jasper's Hero', it must stop," Horrus pleaded
urgently
while bowing repeatedly in fluid subservience that Sherem found obnoxious and
unnecessary. Bowing and scraping could not be appropriate behavior for a
counselor to
the Queen but Horrus had ever been thus when in his company. Sherem didn't
know if it
was because of the way he towered over most of the Jasperi or if it was just
Horrus 's
nature. Either way he found the gnat hard to tolerate.
"Oh, put a stopper in it Horrus and don't speak again until you're spoken
to!"
Queen Heptshu barked as she entered the meeting room flanked with more
bobbing,
bowing counselors and retainers. Sherem thought he heard her mumble under her
breath,
"Surrounded by a bunch of lily-livered wimps, is what I am." It was one of
the things he
liked most about this tiny ir ascible tyrant; she came across as the polar
opposite in
demeanor and speech to the devo tees of Fluerevitae though it was purpo rted
that she
created the ‘path of life’.
The Queen had 'requested' Sherems presence to discuss a new threat to the
people
of Jasper and their visiting guests. "Not going to beat around the bush,
Remy, we’ve got
a deteriorating situation here and could use your special brand of
assistance," she began
to explain.
“A drug is being smuggled onto the planet called 'Angel's Gate'. A
combination
aphrodisiac, hallucinogen, and amphetamine; it addicts instantly with lethal
consequences. From the first dose, the drug begins to build up in the user's
system.
Ninety percent is actively absorbed while the body stores the other ten
percent. The more
the drug is ingested, the more the body stores until overdose—most times
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lethal.”
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The Queen continued with mortality figures and the steps Jasper had taken to
halt
importation, all with failed results. It was chilling. Sherem would rather
face an army of
Dargons than this invisible stealer of souls.
The problem was clear but not his role. They were warriors not drug
enforcers.
Sherem ran his fingers through his hair while debating a reply. Queen
Heptshu,
understanding his quandary, superceded him. “Though we consider this to be
one of the
hardest wars we have faced, I do realize it is not the job of Nefar to enfor
ce our internal
laws. We seek your help for quite another reason, my friend.
"When our scientists broke down the drug, one ingredient was particularly
familiar to us—Assyllis," she finished pointedly.
"You are sure? The re can be no mistake?" Sherem asked leaning forward over
the table.
"We are sure. We may not have the hotsy -totsy scientists they sprout in
Gattonia
but we can certainly recognize Assyllis when we see it. Many of the
properties are not
known to us and of course we can't be certain how it's processed but Assyllis
is a prime
proponent and easy to distinguish. We know that Nefar processes ninety -five
percent of
all Assyllis exported and so we concluded that whoever is manufacturing this
killing tool
is purchasing it from you." She stopped to let Sherem assimilate what she had
divulged
so far. She and her council had been dealing with this problem for close to a
year
weighing the possible fallout and pondering future options. Sherem had been
given an
hour.
"There’s a saying I'm sure is familiar to you; follow the credits,” Sherem
mused.
"I believe in this case, we will follow the Assyllis. I will go back in our
records these last
moons and track the quantities being distributed to each vendor and look for
increases or
accelerated frequency of orders; anything suspicious. In addition, I will
contact the High
Council of Gattonia and make them aware of the problem. I’m sure their hotsy
-totsy
scientists will be interested." Sherem strove to hide his amuseme nt but a
slight quirk
appeared at the corner of his mouth, exposing his dimple. "Do you have some
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of this
poison I can take back with me and turn over to the Bio-chemistry Consortium
located in
Gattonia? They should be able to break it down further and g ive us a clearer
picture of
what we are dealing with in addition to learning the remaining components that
may
point to the possible manufacturers."
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"Of course, and thank you for the assistance, it was more than we had hoped
for,"
the Queen offered sincerely before closing the meeting and excusing her
council leaving
the two leaders alone.
"Headi," he mused, employing the nickname only used when they were alone. "I
would like two vials; one containing the drug and another containing a
placebo. The
placebo I will entrust to our Med -tech center held in a secure location,
while the other I
will keep with me, hidden. I will take no chances and unless our ship is
destroyed, I will
see it personally delivered into the hands of the scientists. My only regret
is that I cannot
depart immediately. My first obligation lies with the Gattonian princess. I
do thank you
for your trust in this matter," Sherem concluded, bowing in the formal manner
of the
Jasperi.
"Don't get polite on me now, Remy. I want to discuss so me additional facts
you
need to be aware of and then I have a surprise for you and your crew before
you depart
our planet."
* * *
"You will not attend in that, that garb," Sherem stated forcefully.
"Your entire crew will be attending the masque and though Jasper is known
for
their costume balls, the costume selection is not limitless; plus I am quite a
bit taller than
the people here, a veritable giant, if you will. This is all they had in my
size."
"It is the garb of a pleasurer."
"It is just a costume."
"You will not go as my…my inamorata. I will not have it."
"Oh, that's right, you all ready have one. We’ve met."
"You have not met, you glimpsed her, and if you had not…"
"Glimpsed! I got an eye full—two eyes. Now get out; I will attend alone!"
"You will not go alone; you will attend with your mate."
"I do not have a mate, you do not have a mate; all you have is a pleasurer.
Too
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bad she did not accompany you on your ship as I am sure she makes a much
better
pleasurer than I."
Sherem flinched inwardly because Tula had accompanied him to Jasper. She had
stowed aboard the Portender and when discovered, swore she wanted no trouble
for him,
but only to see her matriarch, the Queen. What was Sherem to reply? When he
thought
about it, he concluded it would b e a good way to return her to her people.
Two females
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in the same House would likely escalate into a war zone; his future mate did
not seem the
type to share. In the end, Nadia might use it as a way to deny his suit.
Yes, tomorrow
would see the parting of Sherem from his ‘gift’. He focused his attention
back on his
impending mate and studied the “costume” in more detail.
The outer layer was a sheer sarong that caught at one shoulder and floated
downward to bare feet adorned with jewels on each toe. The under layer,
Zazu, he was
breaking into a sweat —the under layer, too, gathered at one shoulder and was
sheer,
sheer enough to delineate her areolas and ended just below her breasts. From
there hung
a wall of intricately beaded strings from every color of the rainbow, always
in motion,
making gentle music as they brushed against each other. And when she moved
toward
him, the beads played peek-a-boo with her body exposing portions of her ribs,
abdomen,
hips, legs and…everything! He would not be able to ke ep his hands off her.
At any
given moment he would lose his last bead of sanity, throw her down and use
those strings
for the purpose they were intended. He could not let her out of his
sight…what was he
thinking…out of the room, he meant, and unleash he r onto the masque. He
hopelessly
raised his eyes to hers and tried to follow the jist of what she was telling
him.
"…If we were on Gattonia," she explained, "or one of our mother ships, I
could
just conjure something appropriate, but your ship is void of the merest
convenience and
here they have only pre-made clothing from natural fiber."
"The Portender was built for combat not luxury,” he bristled. No one insulted
his
ship. “Could you not wear something underneath to cover you from roaming
eyes?"
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Like his?
"It would ruin the line of the dress and no longer be what it is," she pointed
out
logically.
He was a dead male.
She won in the end. He would just cover her body with his to prevent her
from
being viewed. He groaned. It would be a very long evening.
Nadia watched Sherem stride purposely across the entertainment hall, eating
up
the distance between himself and the royal party he’d been summoned to attend.
His cat-
like gait exposed the rippling muscles of his thighs. She stared, mesmerized.
He had
worn the jacket she purchased for him and looked more panther than Nefari.
His black
mane flowed half way down his back, a perfect match for the black material
stretched
across his broad shoulders. The silver pipin g in the coat emphasized the
ring around his
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49
pupils. Without that faint ring, his feline-shaped eyes would look almost
demonic with
no relief between the black of his pupil and that of his iris. The first time
he focused
those eyes on her she had felt hypnotized, as a snake w ould freeze its prey.
The feeling
had not abated in the three cycles she’d known him. His beard accented the
firm set of
his mouth, the taut plains of his chiseled cheekbones and sharp almost hawk
-like nose.
The scar on his forehead that dissected his left eyebrow and disappeared into
his hairline,
made him look even more lethal. His features were hard and uncompromising
like the
rest of him. Her beads shimmered in reaction.
The masque proved a glittering affair. A couple hundred of the Portender's
crew
attended, clearly delighting in the evening’s festivities. S heer rainbows
of silk draped
ceiling and walls , creating a dreamy wonderland effect in the massive hall.
It was
magical evening. Sherem stayed by her side and was stingy with his
introductions. She
felt like a coveted toy that he had no intention of sharing. He’d refused to
dance with her
or let anyone dance with her and she suspected he would prefer she stand
statue still as to
not jiggle her beaded streams . But he fed her an array of delicacies and
cater ed to all
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other requests.
Dakar came to stand beside her, looking quite imposing in a long flowing, mid
-
night colored robe complete with hood, which hid his features and hair
completely.
"How are you faring, Dakar?" Nadia murmured.
"Better than expected, I delivered more than I sustained this round. A feat
that
continues to baffle me a ctually. Perhaps he is beginning to questio n
the theories
ricocheting about the House of Baraden. Of course, he hasn't looked at or
spoken to me
either.
“That outfit makes you absolutely glow,” Dakar commented, a twinkle surfacing
in his eyes. “I am sure it probably caught my brother's attention quite
neatly."
"It did. He hated it!"
"Surely, he did not say so."
"He demanded I take it off."
"Not at all the same thing, I should think." Dakar hid his guffaw behind a
cough.
"Males! Try to elevate your thoughts north of your waist, if you please,"
she
quipped while studying the movements of their hosts. “Have you noticed how
the Jasperi
don’t seem to walk so much as float? It’s almost spooky. Most of the females
are attired
similarly to me but their beaded strands never seem to separate but flow like
a gentle
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"Dakar, it's not as bad as all that." Her beads vibrated in a parody of her
emotions, putting a lie to her words. "Would you see me to my chambers? I am
quite
fatigued." She turned and quit the room.
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Lil Gibson
52
Chapter Seven
Ensconced in his allotted suite of rooms, having shed himself of Tula, at
least for
the moment, Sherem pondered which situation needed addressing first. He had
to
convince the Queen to take back her great-granddaughter—permanently. He
needed a
course of action to investigate the drug responsible for killing so many and
discover the
mastermind behind it, while absent from his home for the next few moons. He
must stay
alive and catch his assassin. Finally, he must discern how to locate Nadia’s
brother and
tether said sister to his side for all time.
His role as a warrior and leader held far fewer complications than the ones
to
which he now aspired. Lifemate to Nadia, detective in charge of missing
persons and
drug-trafficing, and trapping his would be murderer. Normally, he would have
delegated
the investigation of drug trafficking to his brother, Dakar, who had trained
his enti re life
to such a role. But alas, until he unmasked the assassin, the less Dakar
knew of his
business, the safer for all concerned. Did Sherem truly believe his brother c
apable of
such treachery? No—which made it all the more plausible. He sighed and a
ctivated the
COM unit in front of him deciding Angels Gate the most expedient beginning.
After the final confrontation with the Dargons three cycles past, which freed
the
Gattonians from sure extinction; Zorroc and the High Council of Gattonia
rewarded
Nefar with the processing and distribution o f Assyllis. This proved a
powerful boon to
the economy of Nefar and solidified Sherem’s popularity and justification
toward his
eventual assent to the throne of Nefar. Ironically, “Sherem’s Gift” also
referred to this
new venture for it was seen as his gift to the people of Nefar. It allowed
older soldiers to
retire with their lives and mates while still maintaining a decent income and
remaining a
contributing part of society. It also gave a safer avenue toward s
elf-sufficiency for those
less adept at combat. The later category fit Gannet, an old friend and
classmate of
Sherem’s. So it led, that he assigned Gannet the role of organizing and
implementing the
massive effort. He’d excelled admirably; thus his title of Procurement
Minister.
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“I wish you would decease with the title, Gannet, I fail to see why you
should
show customary respect at this late date,” Sherem pointed out after reaching
his friend, a
grin apparent in his message.
“One never knows when all thi s power might go to your head, my Prince. I am
only erring on the side of caution,” Gannet replied in kind.
“I am sure when that time arrives , you will take great glee in correcting
the
misconception of my superiority.
“I need your help,” Sherem said quietly, his voice losing all humor. “And it
is not
a pretty story.” He explained the situation , confident that Gannet could
deduce the
ramifications for himself and their people.
“Angels Gate must close, Remy, I understand and will begin inquiries
immediately. It could be very bad for Nefar if the situation continued ,
though I am
confident our people are innocent of involvement,” Gannet responded. “It
indeed would
prove an economical disaster to l ose all that had been granted to us three
short cycles
ago.”
Sherem almost snorted at the word “short”. They had been interminably long
for
him. That marked the starting point of his pursuit of Nadia. The one now at
an end.
“Thank you, Gannet.” Sherem paused, wondering if anything further could be
set into
motion, then grinned. “Contact my Uncle Kindarak. With his non -stop
travels, he may
have heard of this Angels Gate and provide us with valuable information as to
the faction
responsible. COM end.” Sherem terminated transmission and pressed visual on
Nadia ’s
chambers.
It was empty.
He checked Dakar’s to find it empty, as well. Surely, the masque had ended
some
time ago. Where was she and worse, had she witnessed the scene with Tula? He
cursed
and activated the tracking device on Nadia’s new bracelet. She had fled
castle grounds.
"What have you learned, Bran Beast?" Sherem asked distractedly, studying the
screen, following the progress and direction of his constantly
-missing-but-soon-to-be-
mate.
Nadia had, no doubt, witnessed the earlier scene and sought to find a place
of
solitude. Not surprising considering the display Tula had orchestrated in an
effort to
persuade him to take her along when they departed in the morning. Her desire
to remain
with him in the face of his patent rejection baffled him. She seemed to be
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with the turn of events and yet insisted on making the journey with him.
There had never
been any true intimacy between them. Merely a pleasant , but rather polite
acquaintance.
She did what he asked in an efficient if not overly enthusiastic manner,
then pursued
other activities. It made no sense that she would not like to return to her
life and family
where her time would once again be her own. Surely, she desired a mate and
offspring.
And how to explain her presence to Nadia? "It is over between the pleasurer
and
me but she will continue to travel with us." Nadia would have his head
severed from his
body and serve it to him—diced. And could he blame her? If their roles were
reversed,
he would toss the pleasurer into deep space then slap a chastity belt on his
mate.
“Your brother and your female did not go quietly, they put up quite a struggle
,”
Bran mind-spoke while jumping onto the platmat to settle in for a nap.
"How can you be sure?" Sherem’s pulse leapt to his throat and he turned from
the
screen to study his fri end. The ankou, though lacking the vocal cords to
speak his
language, could now think it with more flair and articulation than Shere m. A
situation
affording Bran a vast amount of amusement.
“I locat ed t he place they were accosted, scent ing your brother's blood
and
energy, even though two of the takers took care to remove the evidence.”
"Will you be able to identify their sc ent when next you come across them ?"
he
asked.
The ankou raised a bushy eyebrow. “Of course. I followed it to a Star Hopper.
I
would guess they plan to make away soon. When do we depart?”
"Immediately. I will order the crew to report to their stations. We can be
airborne within the hour. I’ll notify the Jasperi of our departure an d have
them place the
escaping vessel on detect. Both of us will monitor any attempted
communication. It will
not be di fficult to overtake their transport , and may provide us with the
answers to a
number of other questions, in the bargain. You ready?" They would depart
immediately
while Nadia remained within tracking distance , and surprise those who had
taken them.
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Sherem had no intention of allowing them to galaxy jump to an untraceable
location.
So much for his nap, Bran thought, as he stretched, and pounced soundlessly
from
the mat to Sherem's side. As the two headed purposely toward the Portender,
Bran asked
if Sherem had any ideas as to why the Princess and his brother had been
taken.
“My only guess is they believe, that with the strained relation s existing
between
my brother and me and the fact that he brought Nadia to Jasper without my kn
owledge
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previously, I will conclude he has absconded with her once again. They
probably assume
that I will be in such a rage, my brother will kill me to defend himself, or
I will kill him.
Either way they would win. With the frame on my brother complete, he would
be
incarcerated or dead—or I would be. The murder of a prince demands such a
sentence
no matter the extenuating circumstanc es. Most perplexing thoug h, is who and
why.”
Sherem posed in mind-speak. No one knew of the bond of understanding
between the
ankou and himself, and they’d agreed to keep it that way . “What coul d the
unknown
party hope to achieve in creating instability an d chaos within Nefar a nd
beyond? Who
would gain by discrediting the House of Baraden?” Sherem mused.
“Someone who would like the Assyllis trade for themselves, I would venture,”
the
ankou replied logically.
Sherem’s mind shot back to a long ago conversation he’d had while playing
cards
and imbibing too much jive…and how Nadia had played into the mix. She had
evaded
him that evening in his own home, causing him to drown his frustration in
liquor and
cards. He fought to recall his exact words. Had he intimated that the trade
of Assyllis
somehow was linked to Nadia’s favor? Surely not… He felt the blood freeze in
his
veins.
Though publicly the other provinces approved of Nefar taking over the
processing
and distribution of Assyllis, there remained an undercurrent of jealousy and
greed just
below the surface. The purveyors of the Assyllis held untold power and wealth
and if
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Assyllis were indeed a key ingredient of Angels Gate, the illegal trade of the
flower
would increase the value one hundred fold. A very powerful motive fo r murder
or
assassination and well worth the risk.
“You may have solved the question of why someone would want me dead and my
brother blamed. The Assyllis. It is a better theory than we have yet to come
up with .”
Cold sick dread settled in him as he bro ke into a dead run for his ship,
knowing he could
be to blame for giving them the idea. The timing was about right. The
attempts on his
life had begun not long after the Queen noticed the presence of Angels Gate on
Jasper. It
all began to make sense. S herem constantly marveled at the laws of
reasoning, be they
deductive, analytic, discursive, or epistemological. They all carried
interlocking
components toward one end. Divining the truth. Random occurrences were
often
connected if one deduced the unde rlying relationships. He’d been locked in a
personal
battle between trust and betrayal, unable to detect the logical pattern of
incidents to
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purpose but suddenly his mind was free and working furiously . Someone had
put into
motion an elaborate scheme in which a key p art relied on his disposal and
possibly his
brother’s while leaving Nadia free. All without casting shadows on the real
objective or
persons involved. Sherem shook his head in doubt. Surely a mastermind
intelligent
enough to formulate so co mplex a plan would not have swallowed the lame
excuse he
had given for wanting Nadia. He’d have to be deranged to believe the two were
linked.
Everyone knew the Assyllis trade occurred as a direct result of Nefar ’s
service to
Gattonia and had no bearing on Nadia.
Still it was the best hypothesis they had and must be acted upon. Once
again, he
thanked whatever forces responsible for bringing Bran into the pattern of his
life. And if
they had not traveled to Jasper, it might have been moons before he conn ected
the
Assyllis with the attempts on his life—and too late. He expelled an imaginary
breath and
felt lighter with each step. His brother was in fact being set up, and not an
assassin.
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Thinking in those terms made him ashamed he ever doubted him.
* * *
“I have been contacted by the Prince and asked to trace the distributed
amounts of
Assyllis to our buyers. He wants to know if any parties hav e increased
allotments, and
who those parties might be. He has put Assyllis together with the manufacture
of A ngels
Gate. The old witch must have given him an earful as he chased after his
brother and the
albino bitch,” the stooped Nefari stated into the COM unit.
“He would have discovered the connection sooner or later; he’s not
completely
devoid of brains. As long as he does not tie it to the attempts on his life,
we are safe.
Fortunately, with the help of Dakar himself, he will be too focused on
retrieving the
princess once again to consider much else. We can always hope they kill one
another this
time. Sherem must have reached the end of all reason with her taken from him
twice in as
many weeks.” The dark one snickered at the way everything had fallen into
place. He
drew one step closer to the final prize; he would have his vengeance and
more.
* * *
Nadia regained consciousness and took note of her surroundings, or would have
if
she had been able to see a nything. She rose to all fours, the beads in her
costume
scrunching uncomfortably into her knees, and crawled to her left hoping to
find a wall, a
piece of furniture or anything to tell her where she might be. She bumped
into a log; it
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groaned. It turned into a leg as she began to trace it with her fingers
gingerly poking and
touching as she went.
“Another few inches, Princess, and you will come across an appendage that
will
be very happy to make your acquaintance,” Dakar whispered lightly.
Nadia snapped her hand back as if burned. “Dakar, why didn’t you identify
yourself, you monzu, and where are we?” she whispered back, privately relieved
she was
not alone, and not alone with the dead or unconscious body of her friend.
“I came-to with your touch, which began as a very pleasant dream. As to
where
we are, I would say we have been kidnapped. Do you remember being set upon?”
he
asked.
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“Of course I remember being attacked, I was sure they had killed you,” her
voice
betrayed the effect the violence had had on her. She had never before seen
someone
beaten so brutally. The short scuffle with his brother ranked as harmless
play compared
to it. “Are you alright, Dakar? Is anything broken?”
Dakar tried to chuckle but groaned again instead. He felt like he’d been put
through a meat g rinder backwards. He needed a Med -Tech Unit in the worst
way but
doubted their captures would see it that way. Why had they been kidnapped?
“Everything, I believe.”
“Who would do something like this; surely they do not think they can possibly
succeed. But worse than that; what will your brother think?” She worried her
bottom lip,
more afraid of Sherem’s reaction than the threat posed by their situation .
A soft
thrumming began to sound.
“Zazu’s hammer, we are on a ship,” Dakar whispered. “Nadia, give me your
hands.”
“Do you want to get up, Dakar? Somehow I don’t think your body will thank
you.”
“Just do it, Nia.” As she reache d for him, he grabbed her wrists and let out
a
relieved sigh. The tracking band remained on her wrist. Most likely, their
captors had no
notion it was there. Sherem would track them making their captivity fleeting.
Nadia too
realized the ramifications of the band and relaxed.
A silent whoosh and blinding light told them they were about to meet the
kidnappers and survey their surroundings. It was some sort of a storage
compartment
with no seating, tables or amenities of any kind. One of the males walke d in
and kicked
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Dakar in the ribs and though his face showed a growing sheen and paleness he
made no
sound. “Get up, royalty; we have plans to put into motion. There is little
time.”
Dakar remained motionless. “Sorry scarubs, I go nowhere without the Pr
incess.”
He was rewarded with another kick and then brought to his feet roughly by two
of the
males.
“Make no mistake, Prince.” The leader sneered his title. “Your wishes mean
less
than nothing to us, but defy ours and the P rincess will pay the price fo r
your reticence.
Gorrick enjoys his work; he is a skin-carver, and one of the best. Fail to do
as we request
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and I promise you will not recognize the Princess when next you see her. Got
it ?” Flat
face flashed a toothless grin.
Dakar paled under his al l ready pasty complexion, but said nothing further as
he
was led away by two burly goons.
Flat face turned back to Nadia. “Disrobe Princess,” he commanded, “or I will
do
it for you. Actually, you may not want to co-operate, it would probably be
your first taste
of a real male’s hands on you. ” He inched toward her. “You’d probably like
it.” He
grunted, showing off a toothless grin. “Might even begin to melt the ice in
your veins.”
“Touch me cavern mouth and you will not survive the day, not that there is
much
chance of that anyway,” Nadia commented while climbing to her feet with a
nonchalance
she did not feel. Actually she was fairly certain they would not kill her but
there were
many fates just as devastatin g if not as permanent. S he refused to cower,
however, like
some helpless creature in a cage. She squared her shoulders and lifted her
chin,
frantically weighing her options. They were not in abundance.
He was on her in an instant and before she could react, the upper layers of
her
costume were ripped neck to hem leaving her waist and above fully revealed.
She felt
sick and backed up against the wall, putting as much distance as possible
between them.
He hissed like the snake he resembled and started toward her. This time she
reacted with
a well-placed kick to the groin but instead of neutralizing him, if only for a
moment, it
enraged him. He backhanded her so hard her head hit the adjacent wall with a
sickening
thud and everything went black.
When he started for her again, he was grabbed by two of his shipmates.
“What are you doing you fool, if you kill her we all die! If not by Sherem
then
her brother or worst of all, our leader. You’ve seen his temper; you’ve seen
what he can
do. We may already be doomed, Gorrick.” He knew he was babbling but
couldn’t stop.
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Bager wished he’d never gotten involved with these low-lifes. There was
little chance he
would survive it. For once, his mate had been right. She had warned him to
take a pass
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and walk away but the credits had been a lure that he’d been unable to
forego. Now it
would mean his death. He approached the broken female and gingerly felt for a
pulse.
She still breathed. He injected a dose of the zombie drug then carefully
lifted her and
carried her to the sleeping chamber.
Nadia awakened to a worse nightmare than she could envision. Four of them
stood over her, their appendages exposed and pointed in her direction. Was
this some
kind of satanic ritual? They were touching themselves, rubbing their
erections and
occasionally grunting a nd then it began; one by one , they began squirting a
cloudy
substance all over her. It was pungent and r epulsive. She wanted to be
retch but was
afraid she would drown in her own vomit. She could not move her limbs or her
mouth
but she could see and fee l and was aware of everything happening around her.
She was
utterly helpless, what had they given her? She realized at that moment that
she lay on a
mat entwined with a male body as still as her own. They had been posed
together. She
prayed to be sucked out a portal into open space rather than face what she
knew followed.
She did not have long to wait.
They entered silently but the air in the chamber immediately changed. It
seemed
charged with rage, fury, and a myriad of other emotions she could not pi
npoint but were
as equally in evidence. There were no rantings of betrayal or accusations, no
words at
all. She couldn’t tell who had entered; only that Sherem was among them. She
could
pick out his scent even through the stench of sex clinging to the room and her
skin. Were
there others gawking at them, stunned into disgust?
The air moved once more and Sherem appeared before her. She was so
humiliated that a lone tear found its way past her lashes and onto her
cheekbone, making
a path to her mouth. Sherem bent down and gently kissed it away. He covered
her to her
chin with his cloak then lifted her h igh and tightly to his chest issuing
quiet orders to get
Dakar aboard his ship and into an MTU.
Nadia closed her eyes. They were saved but at what cost? She would never
be
able to face Sherem again.
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Chapter Eight
Sherem entered his quarters with orders not to be disturbed until called. He
lowered Nadia carefully onto his mat and proceeded to shed his clo thing
matter of factly.
He could not remem ber a time that left him so enraged. P ent up fury made
his hands
shake. They had beaten her badly. The left half of her face had turned four
shades of
purple while a lump could be felt on the back of head to the right. Her right
shoulder had
bruised, as well. The short visit to the M ed-unit had removed most of her
physical
injuries but what of those inside. He wished the mongrels responsible for her
injuries
were still alive so he could kill them once again. Only one remained alive so
they could
coax information on who was behind the kidnapping. After he talked, Sherem
would
deal with him alone. He closed his eyes in an effort to block the emotions he
saw roiling
in her eyes. She looked like a cornered animal —fear, desperation, and
humiliation
radiating in waves from her wounded eyes.
How could he comfort her? He was horrible in these situations; the inadequacy
of
words never more pronounced. He wanted to fix her, heal her, protect her from
what she
experienced and shield her from every hurtful occurrence in the future. He
blinked—did
he love her?
Nadia stared, mesmerized while questions flowed through her mind faster than
an
angry river. She was thankful her jaw could not move or it would be residing
on her
chest. His body was a beautiful mystery to behold. His bronze skin glowed,
accentuating
the hard planes and contours of his body . He was perfection. His male
member jutted
out at a ninety -degree angle from his muscle -banded abdomen. She noted that
his sex
measured both longer and thicker than those of her attackers, and wondered why
the fact
pleased rather than frightened her. Her gaze sought his to determine why he
had disrobed
in front of her. They were roiling like an obsidian sea radiating fury and
heated
determination. Would he for ce his will upon her when she could not speak or
retaliate?
His black eyes glowed with feral intent but still he did not speak. Instead,
he lifted her
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once more and carried her into the clean room lowering them both into the
swirling
waters of a giant bathing pool. The water was hot, cleansing, and
relaxing—nirvana. Or
maybe it was the way he held her. She felt as if she were wrapped in a cocoon
of warmth
and protection. The nightmare of the previous hours began to fade. He
crooned to her
while gently washing the stench from her body. She was home and did not,
would not
question her good fortune, afraid that it would melt away just as her ordeal
was doing.
Had he ever been so gentle? It was a side of him she would not have believed
existed.
He was not angry with her or repelled and the horrific episode lodged in
every pore,
purged through the tears streaming down her face.
Nadia grew weary but refused to close her eyes. She feared the last few
hours
would replay over and over in her dreams and couldn’t face the thought. There
appeared
no way to convey her thoughts to Sherem, however, as he summoned a Med-tech
Engineer with instructions to bring a sleeping potion.
Sherem could read the panic in her eyes but hadn’t a notion of what was
spinning
around in her brain. Did she not trust him to take care of her? Did she fear
his wrath?
When the MTE arrived, Nadia let out a squeak as beads of perspiration formed
on her
forehead. Her eyes were pleading with him. “Do you not want the potion, m
isulu?” At
the relief he witnessed in her gaze, he knew he had guessed correctly. “The
drug you
were given is called Bymithium; a combination motor inhibitor, amphetamine,
and
anesthesia. It paralyzes certain parts of the brain leaving you aware and
conscious but
unable to move or speak . It is also very uncomfortable to come down from,
painful. I
would not see you suffer more than you have. The injection will allow you to
sleep
through this process. I ask that you trust me and allow me to do what is best
for y ou,” he
whispered softly. Her gaze told him that she would like to believe him.
“Leave the injector here, Dimi, I will administer it myself, you may go,”
Sherem
said as he turned back to Nadia, but as the panel slid open he bade her to
wait. “How is
my brother?” He wanted to know.
“He remains incapacitated but the unit is doing its job. His blood pressure
is
elevated but I believe it is because he is unable to order us about.” She
shrugged as a
half-smile touched her lips. “That and the female who ref uses to leave his
side guarding
over him like a she-ankou.”
Sherem chuckled. “I am glad I am not there. Who is the overprotective
female?”
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The MTE shifted uncomfortably, moving her gaze from Sherem to Nadia before
answering. “Tula is with him, my Prince,” she answered quietly before
exiting.
“It appears my brother has made another conquest,” he commented to no one in
particular.
Nadia’s breath seized in her throat. Tula remained with him. He had brought
her
aboard the Portender even though he had known Nadia would be with him. How
dare he
pretend that he cared for her when he chose to travel with his gift. Did he
honestly think
she would stand for it? That he could mate with her —to have and to hold?
Only he
would have her but hold Tula? Would that she had the use of her limbs, she
would
pummel the appendage between his legs so he would find no pleasure from his
pleasurer.
She speared him with a look of censure impossible to misinterpret. Sherem
swore
under his breath. He just had to ask that last question. He wanted to kick
himself across
the room. Why was it that whenever a bond began to f orm between them
something
occurred to tromp on it like a heavy foot on a delicate flower? He quickly
inj ected the
potion rendering her unconscious . They wou ld save this coming storm for
when she
could flay him in the manner he deserved. He could always hope she wouldn’t
remember
upon awakening. He sighed.
Dakar felt such agony he wanted to trounce the being responsible for his
existence, zap the million sti ngers relentlessly piercing his skin, and rail
at the female
quietly stroking hi s arm like a favored pet. The Med -tech Unit had done
its job in
mending his bones, tendons and lacerations, but as the Bymithium worked its
way
through his system, his discomf ort grew ten-fold. He had communicated his
refusal of
the antidote with a hard won “no”, for the drug not only alleviated the worst
of the
symptoms and promoted sleep, it sometimes acted as a truth serum. The serum
he would
avoid at all costs as long as Tula remained by his side. At any moment, the
moisture that
welled in his eyes would overflow, making him look like a sniveling baby in
need of a
wet nurse. He would rather his weakness show in front of anyone but her.
His brother’s
‘gift’—and Dakar’s dark obsession.
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Sherem made his way to the isolation unit where his brother was being treated
and
found Bran outside guarding as Sherem h ad requested. “No trouble as yet, my
friend?”
he asked.
“No one has come near but the female, Tula ,” Bran responded with a growl. “
I
am a killing beast, feared by all who have seen or even heard of me. I can
destroy tens of
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your kind in two-minute intervals, yet both of your females treat me as a
housebroken pet.
It is not to be borne,” he stated with a shake of his massive head.
What a dichotomy, Sherem mused; the males were terrified beyond description
while the females either wanted to hug him or order him about. He tried to
squelch a
grin. “I apologize, but you must have similar problems with your own
females; the
species are difficult to comprehend and impossible to control.” Sherem lifted
his
shoulders in tandem with his hands in the age -old gesture of bewilderment.
“But Tula is
no longer my pleasurer or o f any consequence to me. She remains against my
wishes,
with an unknown agenda . In truth, she is making my life and that of m y
future mate
untenable. I cannot, however, repudiate her in deference to diplomatic
considerations,
and she has assured me she is not here to make trouble for me or mine. I can
only h ope
she speaks the truth.” Placing his palm on the wall pad the door to the unit
slid open.
“Tula, leave now and do not try to see my brother again. He is a prisoner
and
allowed no visitors,” Sherem ordered with obvious rancor. After Tula fled the
room
Sherem focused on Dakar, taking several moments to put his feelings into
words.
Dakar studied him warily.
Sherem sat down on the mat and studied his hands before speaking. “I feel
like I
have awakened from a living nightmare, and can once again see clearl y. I
have always
trusted and loved you above all others, Dakar. If anyone else had been
accused of my
demise, I would have been able to w eigh the facts without bias , but when all
the arrows
of accusation pointed in your direction, my judgment and percept ion became
skewed. It
is unclear who would set these incidents in motion or why , but of one thing I
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am sure .
The culprit is not you. I can only humbly ask your forgiveness for my doubt
and
behavior these last moons.”
Tears ran down Dakar’s face and into his hair but kept any words behind a
tightly
clenched jaw. Sherem studied his brother with renewed attention. Something
was amiss.
“Are you not well, my brother? You are sweating worse than a glass of iced
water in the
middle of a desert.”
“Painnnn,” he ground out from the pit of his being.
Sherem stood over him and shouted, “Were you not cared for, did they not heal
you and give you something to block the aftereffects of the drug? You are
here for your
protection, not as a punishment for uncommitted deeds.”
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“I refused to ask with that female hovering over me like her next meal,”
Dakar
revealed ruefully.
“Dimi, an antidote -tranq for my brother, stat!” Sherem growled into the COM
unit. “You can be as stubborn as any ankou alive, Dakar. Tula is no more
than a fixture,
why not order her from your quarters and take the medication offered,” Sherem
asked,
puzzled at his brother’s reticence.
Though Tula was a princess of Jasper and Sherem honored by the giving of her,
she had remained somewhat of a cumbersome obligation, an un -needed toy.
That Tula
seemed to hold him in similar regard bothered him not in the least. So why
his brother
would care about her presence, or lack thereof, he could not fathom.
The panel opened to admit the MTE and Tula, once again. “I thought I told
you
to leave these quarters, Tula,” Sherem began only to be cut off by a mutinous
scowl from
his former pleasurer who previously had seemed polite and pliant.
“If you had but trusted your brother from the beginning, he would not be in
thi s
condition. I have stood back and let things progress without interference but
no longer. I
will care for your brother myself and ensure no further ‘incidents’ befall him
in your
care.” The last words shot like a spear t hrough Sherem’s conscience and k
new his
remorse showed clearly as his somber gaze fell to Dakar. His brother had no
words of
vindication. He had lost consciousness.
Sherem charged down the corridor toward the detention center. He would know
who plotted to create the chasm between him and his brother. Moreover, who
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had the
death wish to involve, and then harm Nadia?
The Detention Officer appeared in front of him looking perplexed and not a
little
panicked. “He is dead, Your Highness, by his own hand.”
“How did that happen? Our cells would not permit such an attempt without
automatically intervening.” Sherem waited, his skepticism mounting with each
bead of
moisture forming on the officer’s brow. He felt the presence of Bran, behind
and to his
right.
“It was self induced. We don’t know how, but have sent the body for an
autopsy.
We followed p rocedures to the letter. We searched him thoroughly, restra
ined, and
watched him. We suspect he had a poison tooth.”
After studying his officer for another moment, he dismissed him, already
determining his next move. It felt increasingly like a game of three level
chess.
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Sherem addressed a group of his most trusted warriors and crewmates briefing
them on the upcoming journey to earth and informing them of the vial to be
carefully
guarded in the isolation compartment in the main Med -Tech Unit. “Two guards
will be
assigned at six hour intervals to ensure the vials safety and six others
together with the
ankou will guard my brother to ensure his…safety as w ell as my own.” The
message
rang patently clear; his brother was a suspected assassin. Sherem, Dakar, and
Bran
agreed that it was the safest route for the time being for they believed a
spy—or several—
could be on board and would hesitate to harm either Sherem or Dakar if his
whereabouts
could be proven at all times. Further, it would give his brother, when
disguised, th e
freedom to roam while Bran guarded him. Enough of the crew had witnessed
Bran’s
ability to cloak himself, to ensure no one would approach Dakar’s panel, even
if the
passageway appeared deserted. “Dismissed,” Sherem ordered and rose to leave
the
planning room but at a s ubtle signal from his captain , he hung back. “What
is on your
mind, Jorge?”
“You are, Sherem. Who will be watching your back while the beas, uh, the
ankou
is watching your brother?”
“I am perfectly capable of watching my own back, however, I do expect you to
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be
doubly vigilant and keep your eyes attuned to anything that does not appear
quite right.
My instincts tell me that this will be a very inte resting journey;
complicated further by
the presence of the princesses Nadia and Tula, who must also be protected.
Be sure to
warn the men that 'protect' does not extend to touch, in the case of Princess
Nadia, for I
would hate to have to kill any of my own warriors over a messy and unwise
attraction.
Do we understand each other, my friend?”
“Yes, though I can barely contain my amusement. I have never seen you like
this
over a female,” Jorge answered then strode out of the room whistling.
Sherem groaned and realized it was becoming one of his most frequent
expressions.
* * *
“What are you doing here? Leave my quarters at once. I may have to tolerate
your presence on this ship but I will not do the same in my private rooms,”
Nadia
pronounced scathingly. Though stil l suffering the lethargy left behi nd by
the tranq, she
ranted at the audacity of her rival. Why did she have to be a princess on t
op of it all?
She had serviced Sherem for who knew how long and was obviously not goin g to
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relinquish him easily. Nadia’s greatest fear, however, she concealed deep
in her soul.
What if Tula could conceive while she, almost certainly, could not? The
deadly
infertility virus that had been infused into the air over Gattonia, for the
purpose of
annihilating their race, had work ed on her as well as most of the other
females within
Gattonia. Since reaching her maturity, she had declined the test that would
confirm her
fertility, or lack thereof, and simply counted herself lucky there were no
outward signs of
the virus’ effects, unlike many other females. It was the same catastrophe
that brought
Catarina into their lives. The influx of earth women bolstered their race,
and ensured its
survival, but at what cost? It was ironic that one of the best things that
happened to their
family began and remained as the worst. Nadia studied the Princess of
Jasper.
Tula magnified every shortcoming Nadia possessed . She was graceful,
delicate,
even-featured, had porcelain white skin that reminded her of the soft petals
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of an orchid,
and was so very, very tiny in stature. She had hair the color of Sherem’s
that contrasted
beautifully with piercing deep violet eyes that warily watched Nadia as
thoroughly as
Nadia regarded her. Nadia wondered what she saw; a gangly giant with
pronounced
features and unrelenting amber from head to foot? She inwardly grinned. One
step from
her bare foot would probably squish the perfect little thing to death. A pity
she wasn’t
the violent type.
“What I have to impart could be of great benefit to us both, if you will
please give
me a moment,” Tula stated no dding toward the lounger that Nadia had risen
from
abruptly when Tula had invaded her room.
Nadia, believing height her only advantage, stood her ground with tilted head
and
a quirked eyebrow, waiting. Tula si ghed. “Very well, I will sit while you
continue to
loom over me. You are a very obstinate female, not at all as you have been
described,”
she observed as she floated across the room, descended upon the soft
upholstered
lounger, and tucked her dainty feet beneath her. Tula stared directly into
Nadia’s eyes
and announced, “I do not want Sherem as my mate. In truth, I no longer hold
the place as
pleasurer nor will I miss it. We were never intimate, in fact.”
Nadia snorted and crossed her arms over her chest.
Tula sighed delicately. “The exercise that you witnessed between us had no
more
import than any other relaxation method of massage. It is simply our way of
giving
service to those in need of comfort, and totally non-sexual in nature.”
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Nadia glared, unseeing, at the blatant lie. Did the female think she was
totally
ignorant in the ways of males and females? If the unlimited information
provided by the
vidcoms proved insufficient, the graphic descriptions depicted in the steady
stream of
earth romance novels she devoured on a regular basis left nothing to the
imagination.
“Think you I have no knowledge of oral sex and where it leads? Yet another
misconception, no doubt. A blow job definitely fits into the category of
intimacy with a
capitol S-E-X.”
“Our culture is infinitely more advanced than yours, as is our understanding
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of
sex, intimacy, massage, heali ng and all manner of physical and mental
relaxation and
stimulation. What I have confided to you is the truth, Prince Shere m and I
have never
been intimate by the standards of Fleurevitae,” Tula explained. At Nadia’s
anticipated
objection she held up a dainty hand for silence and continued, “Do not
misunderstand me,
princess, a “blow job”, as you so delicately put it can indeed be sexual, but
it may also act
as an exercise to promote relaxation. That is the case where your prince is
concerned. I
have no desire to be intimate with another’s mate which I have considered him
these two
cycles past, just as I have no longing for intimacy with Sherem ev en
unencumbered. My
heart is engaged elsewhere and I fear it is a lifelong sentence.”
Nadia reeled at both Tula’s confession and her clear agitation in doing so.
She
blushed like an adolescent and averted her gaze, as if searching for a crack
in the floo r to
crawl into. Her sophistication had vanished.
Nadia plopped down onto the opposite end of the lounger and stared at this
new
side of the princess from Jasper. “So what are you doing here?” an only
slightly skeptical
Nadia inquired.
Tula thought her conversation with Nadia proceeded well, and as it continued,
she
found she liked the princess very much. She felt a connection quite rare in
her dealings
with other females. Nadia had gone so far as to offer any help she could in
bringing
Dakar around to notice Tula as a potential lifemate. And was further
heartened when
Nadia confided that she and Dakar had become as close as siblings and felt the
two of
them would be good for one another.
Tula smiled gratefully while studying her new friend unabashedly. Of course,
she
had heard the stories about her being different, even grotesque, but nothing
had prepar ed
her for the reality. She boasted a rarity of breathtakingly beauty , perfect
in every way.
The matching tones of her hair, eyes, and skin should hav e made her seem non
-descript
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but nothing could have been further from the truth. It instead accented the
dramatic tilt of
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her large eyes, the perfection of her sculpted cheekbones, her large, generous
mouth, and
long slender neck. It made Tula feel commo nplace and not the exotic beauty
everyone
purported her to be. Nadia had a striking uniqueness that all together
mesmerized. She
resembled a breathing, golden statue, so striking she was almost difficult to
look upon,
but her powerful aura intervened. She was as clear as an amber stream with no
meanness
or conceit within, only quiet intelligence and unwavering simpatico. No
wonder Sherem
fell smitten.
Nadia froze at Tula’s scrutiny wanting to avert her gaze and find an excuse
to
remove herself from sigh t but her pride would not allow it. She had become
quite
accustomed to people gawking at her and knew they would be unsatisfied until
they
stared their fill. No longer a child, she would not cower as one. She
straightened her
shoulders and defiantly remained unmoving.
Tula noticed the change in her friend’s demeanor and silently chastised
herself for
her insensitivity. She was sure it was a common occurrence for Nadia to be
stared at and
must be tiresome to deal with. Tula flashed a self-depreciating smile.
“It’s just that you
are so breath-stealing lovely and unique, it quite takes my breath away,” Tula
admitted.
“Don’t worry, Tula, I am well aware of my, shall we say, unusual looks; I do
own
a mirror after all.”
Tula blinked twice, not at all sure wh at she had heard or what it meant.
“Your
pardon?” she asked, bewildered.
“Too, I believe is the operative word,” Nadia continued her pre -emptive
strike in
an effort to have the subject dealt with and over.
“T-two?”
Nadia gritted her teeth. “Too. Eyes to o large. Nose too small. Lips too
full.
Coloring too...too.”
Tula stared too hard at her for a moment. And then laughed…too hard.
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Chapter Nine
Sherem was confused. The mysteries surrounding him kept unraveling even as
others realigned. Were Tu la’s motives as simple as they appeared or did she
hide some
deeper purpose? His ‘accidents’ had begun not long after her appearance, yet
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he had
never thought to question the timing of her arrival. What kind of a
strategist was he that
he looked for dece it from his own brother before questioning the pleasurer
that showed
up on his doorstep, previously unknown to him? She was in a position to have
killed him
on countless occasions, yet because of her connection to the Queen, until
several minutes
ago; he had never given it a thought. He had made his situation clear as to
their
separation and his allegiance to Nadia yet she stuck to him like an unwan ted
burr. Even
with the easy-going manner of the Jasperi and non -confrontational
ministrations, they
were still a people of great pride and dignity. Why would a princess of these
people stay
where she was clearly not wanted? And why did she suddenly insist on
staying by his
brother’s side. Did she plan to set him up even further as assass in
against Sherem or
could there be some other reason that eluded him. Could she be plott ing to
kill Dakar
then blame Sherem? He exited his post at the helm of his ship, leaving his
navigator,
Dune, in charge. He wanted to speak with his brother and Bran and get their
thou ghts.
Taking the lift to the third level that housed his brother, Tula, and Nadia he
made his way
to the very end where his brother resided. Passing Nadia’s quarters, he
thought he heard
females in conversation. Had she made friends with one of his crew so
quickly? He
always considered her shy and protective of herself. Approaching his
brother’s quarters,
he heard the soft swish of an opening panel and observed Tula exiting Nadia’s
quarters.
What in the name of Zazu was going on? His brother was not in his quarters,
no doubt on
walkabout with Bran. He headed toward Nadia’s panel and entered before he
even
realized he had moved from his brother’s quarters.
The affliction that greeted him stunned him speechless.
* * *
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“Do you have it in your possession?” the disembodied voice demanded.
“Yes, er, no,” the other stuttered nervously into the outer COM unit. “They
won’t
be taking Heavens Gate to the Gattonian scientists or anywhere else, it has
been
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destroyed.”
“You were not foolish enough to ingest it yourself, were you,” he inquired
silkily.
“N-no, sir. It is no more than a death sentence and we both know it, I
jettisoned it
from the ship with other refuse. It will never be found either here or in
anyone’s
metabolism,” he submitted proudly, as if he had figured out the possible
ramifications all
by himself.
“And you were not seen?” the voice continued silkily.
“I swear on my m-mother’s ashes, great leader.”
“That’s very good, Minoc, very good. And you know what to do next?” the
voice
probed.
“It is clear, consider it done, sir. End trans mission,” came the rushed
reply. The
officer silently exited the main COM room, available to all crewmembers
wanting to
contact family and friends while serving on the Portender.
* * *
Nadia turned as Sherem entered her chambers unannounced. She would
somehow break him of that accursed habit but first she wan ted his reaction
to the re -
imaging that Tula had wrought.
How Tula could think her a singular beauty escaped her but when Nadia
explained her weariness at having to look upon the same bland reflection
every day, she
suggested a remarkable solution. “Um, so what do you think?” Nadia asked
tentatively,
touching her hair then smoothing her thigh-length sheath.
“You look like a de secrated whore,” he ground out , demonstrating his usual
finesse in dealing with his soon-to-be mate. He marched to her and touched
her hair and
the painted design on her face, neck, and one shoulder with disbelieving
thoroughness.
The turquoise, silver and black tattoo began at her left temple , patterned
across her face
down her neck to her shoulder, and disappeared under her gown heading toward
her right
breast. Her hair had been streaked using the same colors. Surely, he gulped,
it could not
be permanent, no deity could be that cruel, would allow the destruction of so
perfect a
creation. Someone had taken the symmetry of her golden beauty and vandalized
it with
graffiti and he knew just whom to blame . He would deal with her later. B
last her into
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space if need be but first he had to cleanse his female. He gently drew her
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dress down to
expose her right breast, relieved to see it stopped where the material began,
and awed at
the perfection of her plump globe.
Nadia stared in embarrassed fascination at her exposed breast and the way it
budded under his perusal. When he lowered his head and gingerly circled that
bud with
his tongue, she jumped as if electrocuted. “What are you doing,” she yelped
breathlessly,
as he pressed the sheath back into place. His eyes met hers and opened his
mouth to
apologize but instead grabbed her arm and commenced dragging her to the clean
room.
“Cleaning you up,” he growled back.
“Stop it,” she screeched. “Stop it this instant; I assure you I am perfectly
clean
already.”
“We’ve got to get it off you and then I w ill deal with the witch that did
this to
you.”
“I don’t want to get it off. I think it’s beautiful. Tula said there are
civilizations
where skin patterning is common and denotes family origin, occupation, and
even mating
status. Would you like to know the meaning of this design?”
“You don’t understand,” he informed her, ignoring her question and working to
shepherd her to the clean room. “The longer the stain remains on your skin,
the more
permanent it becomes. I will not have you marked.”
“Oh, I under stand, you barbaric moron. I understand more than you know. I
understand, for instance, that the only reason you want me is to permanently
monopolize
the Assyllis trade. And I understand you have no intention of giving up your
pleasures
after we mate. Well you can have your precious flowers but it will be a cold
day in hell
before I let you touch me, let alone bathe me again.” Nadia sto od her
ground, stomping
her foot.
The accusation behind Assyllis blew by without note , the ‘pleasurer’ comment—
undoubtedly understandable, but horror dawned as he recalled his ac tions. He
had all but
called his misulu a whore and then familiarly laved her breast. “Your pardon,
I…”
Then Bran’s voice sounded within him. “Trouble,” it intoned clearly.
“Tell me,” Sherem thought back.
“The vial of Angels Gate had b een secreted from the Med -tech Center,” Bran
answered.
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Nadia gawked, openly puzzled at the sudden change in Sherem. Something
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distracted him; his eyes lost focus and his body grew taut as if he was
communicating
telepathically with someone. Only she was cer tain he had no such abilities
—no Nefari
did as far as she knew for she would have felt it. She was an incredibly
strong telepath
though strove to hide the full force of her talent.
When he pulled even further into himself, she used it as an opportunity to
discern
what about him held her in such thrall. Though arresting in a rough sort of
way, the scar
across the plain of his forehead and his brash mannerisms, precluded any claim
to classic
charm or beauty . Sher em’s features were harsh and his expression grim ,
which
embedded additional creases into an all ready scor ed terrain. Yet he
compelled and
mesmerized her whenever his gaze held hers. She closed her eyes; what did it
all mean?
His control over her was un deniable and something her mind could not begin
to
encompass. She registered steel like brackets on both shoulders before his
mouth crashed
down onto hers, then just as fast, he was gone.
“SHEREM,” she blasted into his mind, determined to confirm what she surmised.
He would not have been able to screen his reaction to such a compelling
command and
her suspicions were put to rest; he had no telepathic abilities…but she
learned something
else as well. Someone very close did. And they were not Gattonian, N efari,
or any other
being she had ever felt. Whatever it was, however, was clearly on the ship.
She shivered
in apprehension.
* * *
Tula flummoxed him, Dakar acknowledged. Recovered from his injuries and
back to his duties, she persisted in her care of him and it made him jumpy and
raw. Even
when he refused to acknowledge her presence, his senses tracked her every
fluid
movement. She floated serenely around his chambers, straightening objects
that did not
require straightening, brewing him choc-tea, which she pressed into his hands
, and in
general making a nuisance of herself . The female invaded his quarters at
will, allowing
him no privacy during his w aking hours and at night haunted his dreams with
a
thoroughness that left him shak ing with a desire s o strong he anointed his
stomach with
his seed on occasion. She was a plague, a pestilence that gave no quarter,
except to drive
him sensually insane.
Today when she breezed past his guards, entered his chambers, and swayed
toward him, opening her mouth to speak—he cut her off. “What in hells name
gives you
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the right to barge into my quarters whenever the mood strikes you, female?
One of these
days you will catch me stripped and primed,” he drawled challengingly.
“Oh, Dakar, the thought makes me tremble, but I wonder whether in fear or
some
other emotion.”
She sauntered toward him and placed a delicate hand on his chest. He found
that
indeed she was trembling. “What do you play at, pleasurer?” Tula flinched as
if struck.
He stared at her, perplexed. Though at times he wanted to strangle her,
being on the
receiving end of the hurt he read in her startling violet eyes created a
crater in his chest
where his heart once resided . When he reached for her to ap ologize she
whirled, and
marched to his panel.
Keeping her back to him she said, “Your brother sent me to request your
presence
in the main Med -lab. He asked that you hurry.” As she floated from his
vision, he
wondered what had just occurred. He turned and grabbed his tunic from his
sleeping mat
and gingerly donned it. His injuries, though healed for the most part, still
felt tight. Why
had his brother sent for him at the Med -lab? Why not CO M him? And what had
Tula
intimated, exactly, before he opened his big mouth?
When Dakar entered the Med-lab, three sets of eyes met his. “The vial of
Angels
Gate has been exchanged for a placebo which confirms we have a traitor or
traitors on
board,” Sherem stated shortly.
“You are certain?” Dakar asked, looking first at Bran and then Jorge before
walking to his brother’s side to examine the small tube. He ran his finger
over the base
where Sherem had made a chink, invisible to the naked eye. It was smooth.
“I was the last of the three of us to check for the mark last eve and it was
still
there. Since then the shift has changed twice ,” Jorge told Dakar. “When I
decided to
stop in a few minutes ago, this is what I found.”
“Have you looked at the monitor archives, as yet?”
“Not yet, your brother and Bran arrived right behind me and…how did you know
something was wrong?” Jorge turned his attention to Sherem. “I had just
reached the
COM unit when you entered.”
Sherem shrugged. “Serendipity.”
Dakar barked out a laugh. “Serendipity? My big tough warrior brother knows
a
word like serendipity.” The teasing mirth in Dakar’s eyes leaped to Sherem’s.
Relations
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between them were slowly returning to normal though Sherem could still detect
a clo ud
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of wariness surfacing when Dakar didn’t know he was being observed. Sherem
hoped
time and attention would see it disappear. Nadia had made him question the
obvious, he
should never have doubted his brother, no matter the circumstances, and he
wanted to
kick himself for his stubbornness and how it had damaged his relationship with
Dakar.
All he could do now was go forward.
As the two grinned at each other like fools, Bran messaged that Dakar’s
comment
had taken the focus off Sherem’s timely arrival and suggested he use it to
move on to the
subject of the theft before more questions of an uncomfortable nature
surfaced.
Sherem nodded slightly in acknowledgement. “Jorge, we must review the
virtual
surveillance records for the last twelve hours. It will be slow going, who
would like to
take the first four; we must find the thief and the Angels Gate before it can
be
distributed.”
“I will review the entirety of the data , I should have been more vigilant,
my
Prince,” Jorge admitted.
Sherem noted his captain’s dejected demeanor and felt like a heel. He
couldn’t
confide that the whole exercise had been set up just for this occurrence.
“There is only so
much any of us can do, Jorge, you cannot take the blame for someone else’s
actions.
Each person chooses his own path to honor or dishonor. I will come spell you
later this
afternoon and Bran can assist, as well. He has keener eyesight than we mere
mortals.”
Bran ruffed in acknowledgement then followed the brothers as they made their
way to Sherem’s quarters to consider their next move. Things were going as
planned and
would now become more dangerous. Sherem knew that Bran would stay silently
by his
side at all times…unless he managed to corral the female of his desire; then
Bran would
guard their privacy. He fought a grin as he made his plans for that evening.
That evening Tula propelled a reluctant Nadia into the officer’s loun ge.
Nadia
had not left her cabin since her rescue three days before. Her injuries on
the outside were
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healed but the ones inside would take considerably longer. She felt exposed,
ashamed,
and embarrassed. Nadia wondered how many had witnessed the scene with Dakar,
and
even felt awkward meeting Dakar, her almost-brother. She wanted to burrow in
her room
for the rest of the journey but Tula would have none of it. The tiny tinker
bell had turned
tyrant.
Jorge watched as the two beauties entered, causing male eyes, tongues, and
other
appendages to protrude. Tula’s diminutive frame, dark, curling tresses, and
lively violet
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eyes were a perfect counterpoint to Nadia’s tall willowy figure, liquid Amber
eyes and
hair flowing smoothly to the base of her back in matching deep, golden glory.
Their
body language shouted from opposite spectrums, as well, and Jorge had to
smile. Tula’s
every move whispered of sensual delights wh ile Nadia’s proclaimed aloof
innocence.
They eclipsed everything beautiful and desirous in a female and every male
felt the
power of it. After they were seated, the horde descended offering to bring
food, spirits,
or anything else attainable. When the waiter made to fight h is way through,
the captain
could contain his laughter no longer. At that moment, he was infinitely
grateful to his
lifemate, whom he cherished even more than his ship. He sounded a whistle to
attention
and ordered the crew back to their stations. Nadia nodded her appreciation.
Nadia shivered. “Thank the heavens they’re gone.”
“They were only expressing their appreciation for your beauty, you should be
flattered,” Tula commented.
“Your beauty, you mean,” Nadia corrected.
“My friend, you are the loveliest thing I have ever encountered and with my
position at the palace I have seen many. Why do you question your fairness
when it
proclaims itself with every line of your body and radiates from within; it is
no wonder
Sherem has thoughts for no other but you.”
“Oh, Tula,” Nadia groaned. “You don’t understand; the only thou ghts he
entertains are those pertaining to my lineage and natural resources.”
Tula exuded an unlady -like snort and Nadia started with surprise making Tula
laugh raucously through her reply. “I have no doubt that your natural
resources are
exactly what he is after.” Nadia’s confusion turned to understanding and she
too began to
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giggle.
“T-that is not what I meant,” Nadia clarified a minute later, relaxing for the
fist
time in days with the outlet of her laughter. “No,” she croaked, wiping her
eyes and
clearing her throat. “No, Tula, he is only interested in Gattonias Assyllis.
Nefar handles
the treating and distribution of it galaxy wide. It has enriched their
economy and helped
their people immensely. In mating with me, Nefar’s future will be assured.
That is why
he pursues me.”
Tula studied her. “Are you so naïve in the ways of males?” After a moment
she
nodded and added under her breath, “Yes, I can see that you are.
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“Nadia, Sherem is besotted with you —obsessed. I am his pleasurer and would
know.” Tula checked to be sure of their privacy and lowered her voice to a
whisper. “I
will tell you something in utmost confidence. I have never been breeched. I
remain
pure.”
Nadia’s eyes bugged and her mouth fell open. “But that can’t be, you have
been
Sherem’s pleasurer for a long while…and I saw you that day.” Her eyes closed
in an
effort to block the vision.
Tula sought to erase the look of pain arresting her features. “What I told
you
before is true; you saw a Fluerevitae relaxation technique and nothing more;
our bonding
centers have never intertwined. The Jasperi are taught from a young age to
use our
bodies to give comfort, pleasure, and healing in a myriad of ways. None of
these
methods bring shame or embarrassment but enrichment and knowledge . The only
negative touches are those not given freely but stolen and only the thief
should suffer
shame for it.” Tula met Nadia’s gaze directly before continuing. “Sherem
loves you
with his whole heart, Nadia. It is a rare gift he offers.”
Nadia sighed. “I am happy that you never, er, intertwined and thank you for
easing my mind but I still believe you are mistaken.” Nadia studied her hands
resting in
her lap before admitting, “You see, I overheard Sherem telling his friends
that his interest
in me laid solely in monetary and political gain.”
“Bosh, what you heard was simple male posturing. Did you truly expect him to
admit that, after chasing you for three cycles without success, he was
hopelessly in love
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with you? You told me you were raised by yo ur brother and his protector; did
you learn
nothing of male ego?”
Nadia closed her eyes fighting the hope fluttering like caged birds against
her
insecurities.
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Chapter Ten
Norric watched the two females with growing interest. They had been bent low
toward one another for an hour; no doubt sharing secrets and intimacies
blocked from
other males hearing and insights. They were ripe for his touch and he knew
just what
would turn their centers to liquid. Between the two, there would be enough
juice to feed
him for a week. Maybe even satisfy him long enough to wean himself from the
wicked
Angel holding him, strangling him tighter with every hour; warp ing his
perception and
vision—corroding his very soul. Alvia would never condone his actions, never
fo rgive;
but then Alvia was dead, lost to him for all eternity. All that remained was
this hell, this
dark, dank, angry void where he resided except in the throws of Angels Gate,
where he
swore he could still feel his mate living in other females —waiting for him to
claim the
pods and free his Alvia. He had to have her back or the crushing vacuum would
claim
him for all time. Angels Gate would make it happen. He would make it h
appen, for he
would bludgeon every portal until it was so.
“Tula, tell me, do yo u know anything of self -defense?” Nadia asked, out of
the
blue.
Startled, Tula laughed. “If we knew aught of defense or using our bodies in
a
destructive manner, we would not have required the assistance of your mate.”
“He is not my mate,” Nadia answered absently while covertly studying the
burly
crewmember across the hall. His eyes were glazed and red -rimmed, and a
coating of
sweat covered his face and bare arms. And he had not taken his gaze from them
since he
entered.
“Tula, it is important that you do exactly as I ask with no questions or
arguments.
Get up from the table now and exit quickly. Find Sherem and bring him here.”
“But…”
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“Now!” As Tula rose, the male charged toward her. Nadia stepped between the
two casually, facing him. “I don’t believe we have met, I am Nadia, Princess
of Gattonia,
here at Prince Sherem’s request.” She made herself ready for confrontation.
Norric blinked; the vision of his mate super-imposed on that of the pretender.
She
was keeping him from Alvia. If he killed the pretender, his Alvia would come
to the fore
and be freed. The one trapping his mate wou ld be no match for him, he
doubled her in
weight. He approached slowly, sure of his goal. Alvia would help him. She
didn’t wan t
to be in this other female. “Alvia, come to me. I will kill her and all will
be right again.
This time I won’t let anyone harm you. I’ll never leave your side. Come to
me, my only
love, we will kill the usurper together.”
He rushed the pretender, fixing his hands around her neck. She u sed his
forward
momentum to roll back onto the floor and throw him a length behind her. She
jumped up
and rubbed her throat, trying to get air though it. But he was stronger and
more
determined. She would die.
“Sherem, the meeting hall. Your mate.” Br an disappeared through the panel
before either brother could react.
Sherem froze in mid-sentence then raced after Bran leaving Dakar to wonder
what
had just occurred. The fleeting look Sherem had cast h is brother had been
one of terror.
He heard Dakar scramble up and follow in their wake.
Tula failed to register the whoosh that brushed past her as she rushed in th
e
opposite direction but when she spotted Sherem she screamed for him to hurry.
Dakar,
rounding the corner several feet behind him, snagged her hand and kept
running.
“Dakar,” she pleaded, frantically.
“Don’t worry,” he replied.
Sherem burst into the dining hall to see Nadia standing alone against a
crazed
lunatic charging toward her . Her face was flushed, her expression focused
and
determined while her neck showed purplish bruises, telling him it was not the
first attack.
He raced toward her just as a wraith-like invisible force blew over her,
trapping her
assailant. When Bran materialized, Nadia collapsed and stared, frozen. Bran
gave her
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his best tongue-hanging grin.
“You killed him,” Sherem accused, wanting the pleasure for himself. Bran
stood
with his paws on the male’s chest, restricting his breathing.
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79
He backed off, observing the now unconscious human with interest. “I don’t
believe so, well perhaps, but not intentionally. He collapsed.”
“Are you all right, misulu?” Sherem reached Nadia in two strides and swept
her
up into his arms. Too stunned to respond, she merely nodded threading her
arms around
his neck. Her acquiescence alone alerted Sherem to her level of shock.
“You caused this,” Sherem accused, pinning Tula with a threatening glare.
“Of course she didn’t cause it,” Dakar defended. “ What would she have to
gain,
because if you think it is you, your ego has out -distanced you common sense.
She is a
princess and no longer under your protection, for which I am sure she is
grateful. Is this
not true?” Dakar leveled Tula with a glare equaling Sherem’s.
“You know it is true, ” she reassured quietly. Then Tula faced Sherem.
“Nadia
and I have become friends, despite you. I would do naught to hurt her, and
though she
seems to tolerate you passably well, Prince Sherem, not all share her
forbearance,” Tula
replied haughtily, showing her royal upbringing for the first time. Nadia
giggled weakly,
jerking Sherem from his bemused state.
“Dakar, I do believe Princess Tula is over -set. Please escort her to her
quarters.”
Sherem paused, “Tuly, are you hurt?” Nadia stiffened at the endearment and
tried to pull
away but Sherem held her fast. Tula simply grinned.
“No, Nadia seemed to sense the eminent danger and sent me for help. She
kept
him from me. I thank you,” Tula said, meeting Nadia’s gaze.
“My honor, princess. Defense classes begin in my quarters tomorrow before
breakfast.”
Tula nodded, a small smile playing around her mouth as she left with Dakar.
“I owe my thanks to you, Bran; I don’t know how much longer I could have kept
him at bay. You certainly know how to make an appearance. I didn’t see you
coming,
how did you do that?”
Several crewmembers poured through the entrance to observe the aftermath of
the
scuffle. “Take him to the Med -tech, I will follow in a few moments,” Sherem
ordered
gruffly, then silently communicated for Bran to follow.
“Bran,” Nadia croaked softly. “Bran …” She tried again, a question pooling
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in
her wide gaze.
Sherem fought a grin. He’d had similar gasping moments when it came to his
protector and was still surprised speechless by him on occasion. “Bran can
shift to near
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invisibility when it suits him. I don’t know how he accomplishes it, and am
not privy to
other unusual talents, barring one or two.”
“Wow, I wish he could talk. Think of all he could tell us about his species,
their
numbers, evolution, and other powers.”
“Be careful what you wish for…”
Nadia shook her head as if to clear it. “It’s strange, Sherem. Ever since I
came
aboard the Portender, I sometimes hear voices in my head, almost like
telepathy. Are
there Gattonians among your crew?”
“No. Maybe you are hearing snippets from the Miramid or your brother,”
Sherem
proposed, “we approach galaxy jump within hours.”
“It doesn’t feel that way, it’s different, but I can’t explain how. Oh well,
I am
sure it will come to light…or go away.”
Sherem lowered her gently to the ground though his ever y instinct demanded
he
keep her crushed safely to him. “Come, I will escort you to your quarters
before I report
to the Med-tech. Why did he attack you? Were you talking to or looking at
him?”
Nadia stiffened. “Of course not. We were deep into a discu ssion when I
noticed
him out of the corner of my eye. He appeared abnormally focused on us so I
kept him in
view. When he stood and began circling his way toward us, I told Tula to get
help before
he could block the exit, then I engaged his attention. But there was
something odd about
his body movements and expression. He appeared drunk or dazed and he was
talking to
someone not there.
Sherem, you have seen me in social situations; flirting is beyond my
capabilities.
I would never—“
“Shh.” Sherem pressed a finger to her lips. “I know you would never. It is
just
that I know this male; he is trustworthy and loyal, it is difficult to
believe…you said
drunk or dazed? Come let us hurry.”
Even with long legs, keeping up proved difficult with Sherem’s powerful
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stride,
especially when the slight pressure of his hand on her back , propelling her
along, seared
the small of her back.
“Stop,” she insisted, causing Sherem to catch her from falling because of the
forward momentum of his stride as their bodies colli ded. Nadia’s lips
twitched as she
turned and pushed his massive frame an arm’s length from hers. “You are
obviously in a
hurry to leave my company; again, so why don’t I just return to my cabin at
my own
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leisurely pace leaving you to do whatever it is yo u must do. Then when ever
you can
spare a few minutes, possibly, we can endeavor to converse in complete
sentences until
we have completed one entire conversation.”
“May I remind you that the only re ason we are here is at your beh est,
Princess,
and that my responsibilities are numerous and time consuming.” Sherem
immediatel y
changed his demeanor from commander to predator. His eyes smoldered with
dark
promise. An involuntary tremor of awareness stole through Nadia’s anger and
she took
an involuntary step back.
“If all you wanted was my undivided attention, my spitting tiger, a mere
summons
to your chambers within the House of Ra would have accomplished the task
neatly. As it
stands now, you may be assured that as soon as my business is concluded I will
p resent
myself and we can communicate for the remainder of the night.”
“Must you twist every encounter to embody unbridled lust?”
Sherem coughed with the effort it took to hide a surprised laugh. From where
did
these inflaming innuendos originate and did s he even grasp the implications
such banter
had on him? He took a sudden step toward her and grasped her upper arms,
imprisoning
her while he studied her wide anxious eyes. Obviously, she did not. Sherem
sighed in
frustration. How could one so innocent sprout the words of a courtesan?
“I desire you in every way, Nadia, make no mistake, but you are the one who
spoke of lust, not I, so it appears that possibly you are the one who twists
my words
toward an intimate vane.”
Nadia’s cheeks flamed. She broke h is hold on her with no effort and stormed
down the hallway with Sherem’s knowing laughter echoing behind her.
Sherem whistled the entire way to the Med-center.
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Upon entering the med-tech Sherem barked, “Tell me.”
The tech jumped then turned around. “He’s on Angels Gate. We’re running a
scan to determine how imbedded it has become and from there will ascertain how
long he
has been using.”
“Will he live?”
The MTE shrugged. “For now; long term depends on the level of addiction and
desire to survive.” The two stared at one another. Both knew of Norric’s
loss during the
Dargon invasion and how hard he had taken it. “We can’t force him to live,
my Prince,
even if it’s not too late.”
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“I know, Shad. Do you think he could be guilty of treason as well as drug u
se?”
Sherem asked wearily.
“I believe his quarters are being searched now.”
Sherem nodded. “I’ll check with Jorge. Let me know when he comes to
himself.”
“Do you want him taken to lock-up when he gains consciousness?”
“I’ll let you know.” Sherem went to the COM unit next to the Med entrance
and
inquired as to Jorge’s location.
“We just finished searching Norric’s quarters. We found four vials of Ange
ls
Gate, but not the one we are after. He could have all ready disposed of it,
I suppose. It
could be the one responsible for his current condition.”
“I don’t believe so, he wouldn’t have had time to destroy it, ” Sherem
replied. He
disliked keeping the truth about the placebo but everyone on board must remain
a suspect
for the time being. Many lives depended on it, to say nothing of his own.
“Where is my
brother?” Sherem asked instead.
“We are too lax with that one. I had one of his guards escort him back to
his
chambers and stay on guard until relieved. I still believe it would be safer
for you if we
put him in lock-up; it is a nuisance rotating personnel at his door,” Jorge
groused.
“He is my brother, Captain; I suggest you remember that; further, he is
innocent
until proven otherwise. I will go to Dakar’s quarters now and relieve th e
person on duty;
Bran will keep watch for the remainder of the night. Oh, and Jorge.”
“Yes, my P rince,” Jorge answered formally, obviously backpedaling from his
earlier remarks.
“See that I am not disturbed until second watch tomorrow. I intend to catch
up on
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my rest.
“Jorge, modify that. If Norric gains consciousness, I want to talk to him.
Good
night.”
“I will see to it,” he murmured softly. “Good night.”
The scene greeting Sherem on entering Dakar’s chambers proved perplexing.
Evening dimmers had been set, casting t he room in a soft glow emulating
candlelight
while soft music played in the background. The atmosphere felt cozy,
intimate. Even
stranger, Tula sat curled up on the plush lounger with Dakar too close beside
her. Both
encompassed twin auras of contentment.
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Shortly after Dakar’s arrival home almost two cycles past, he did nothing
but
criticize Tula and her presence at the House of Baraden. And Tula, for her
part, a master
in the arts of Fluerevitae, visibly bristled at the sight of his brother.
Only days ago Dakar
asked that Tula be banned from his rooms. Sherem believed they hated one
another.
Could this be the reason Tula insisted remaining with the Portender? The
answer
proved a little daunting. He wondered exactly how long they had shared this
bond . Why
had Dakar not confided in him, he would gladly have stepped aside for the
couple.
Indeed, it would have made things a good deal easier for him.
They were staring, expectantly. Should he ignore their obvious accord or
bring it
to the fore? Zazu, he had always believed he possessed an adequate
understanding of the
female psyche, at least for a male . He smiled inwardly at his folly. No one
understood
females, females didn’t even understand themselves.
“Am I interrupting a convergence of some importance?” he asked lightly.
Dakar snapped to alert and sprung from his seat as if waking from a trance,
Tula
too, stood, looking like a child who had snatched a forbidden treat.
“No, of course not,” his brother denied too loudly. “Tula was only
reviewing
what occurred earlier and she, um, didn’t want to be left alone , as yet. I
was just, um,
keeping her company until she felt calm enough to return to her own quarters.
And she is
calm now, so—“
“Yes,” she stated, cutting Dakar off, “I am centered now. Thank you Dakar
for,
um, relaxing me.” She cleared her throat. “I’ll just go calmly to my
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rooms.”
“I don’t know, Tula, you don’t seem calm to me. You seem agitated, maybe you
should remain and I can return at a better time,” Sherem offered congenially.
“No, no Sherem. Tula has to go anyway.”
“Yes, I have clearly overstayed my welcome,” Tula agreed.
“Wait a minute, I didn’t say you had overstayed your welcome,” Dakar replied.
“Well you intimated,” she asserted.
“I most certainly did not do anything of the sort.”
Sherem backed out through the panel leaving the two to debate the finer points
of
welcoming relaxation and moved down the corridor to Nadia’s chamber. He
listened for
a few moments but heard no sound; he tripped the panel and it slid silently
open to reveal
a dimly lit empty chamber. Sherem swore quietly and turned to leave when the
sound of
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water stopped him. He smiled slowly, crossed the room, and stretched out on
the large
soft sleeping mat…and waited.
He was not disappointed. The panel to the cl ean room slid open, emitting
the
intoxicating scent of Nadia woven through a foggy mist and the faint outline
of a goddess
from mythology. His senses shot to full alert. He felt the warm moist air
from her skin
alight onto his, as the subtle currents from her movement teased his
restraint. She entered
the umbra-cast room wearing nothing but a small bath blanket. The material
left miles of
long sleek legs and lush female. She looked relaxed and sensual as she padded
across the
room with natural grace. Her skin glistened and glowed from her bath and th
e tangy
scent of Assyllis, vanilla, and the female scent belonging to Nadia, alone,
made him hard
as a stone. She mumbled to herself adorably and he reveled in the pleasure of
seeing her
with her defenses down. He almost re gretted the moment she discover ed she
was not
alone.
“Egotistical, conceited lout. I do not twist his words; he simply never
listens to
himself.” She sighed. “But the way his eyes catch fire sometimes is enough
to melt
plutonium.” Stamping her foot, she exhaled a disgusted “Humph”. “Lust
should have
been his middle name, no his only name; that way it w ould warn hapless
maidens to don
their chastity belts and hold their noses. Dirt eating scarub; he has me
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talking to myself
again.
“Computer, lock for the night and post the privacy sign.”
“As you wish, Princess Nadia.”
The Portender did not have nearly the amenities of the Miramid but securi ty
functions abounded. No one w ould intrude on her privacy. She hadn’t
realized how
crowded she would feel with Sherem on the same ship. It seemed every time she
turned
around he was there standing close enough to touch or across a room staring
at her with
unerring predatory intent. And though her words erected barriers of
propriety, her body
rebelled with unrelenting desire. How much longer would she succeed in
keeping him at
bay when it abounded as something both of them wanted —only for different
reasons.
Was his experience with females so vast as to be able to fake the hunger in
his gaze? She
would take the high road until she knew the answer. And if she found it was
the Assyllis
that put the possessive gleam in his eyes, would she still take him to mate
in hopes of
eventually capturing his heart? She shuddered.
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Nadia moved to the built in storage drawers, draped her wrap on the nearby
chair,
and bent to fish out a sleeping gown. At a sharp intake of breath she swung
around,
shielding herself with the silken convection she’d grabbed and identified a
large figur e
materializing from her mat. She drew in a breath to scream.
“Misulu, don’t,” Sherem ordered quietly as he reached for her, pushing her up
against the wall, aligning their bodies and gently covering her mouth with a
finger.
Nadia froze at the myriad of sensations pummeling her senses. His uniform,
while not rough, had enough texture to make her nipples bud and her breasts
grow heavy.
The combination of hard thick erection pro truding into her abdomen and
Sherem’s
masculine scent disoriented her. She felt as if she had just fallen i nto one
of her
forbidden fantasies.
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Lil Gibson
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Chapter Eleven
“Don’t scream,” he reiterated. “I will take my hand away but first nod to let
me
know you understand. I did not intend to frighten you, sweetheart, please
forgive me.”
Nadia nodded. He took his h and away but did not move or say a word. Had
his
arousal jutting into her tummy in uneven pulses rendered him speechless?
The only sound apparent was the slight hum of the engines and their
heightened
breathing. She could feel the results of his by the w arm breeze on her hair
and neck just
below her left ear. Her tender nipples grew even more sensitized, a result
of her rapid,
shallow breathes, forcing those buds up and down. With every minute st roke,
an
electrical charge jolted her belly and lower, increasing the sensation until
she felt as if she
would shatter. His scent intoxicated with every whiff and the tuft of hair
visible above
the V of his uniform teased her lips with its springy softness. She had
fantasized running
her fingers through his che st hair for longer than she could remember. Why
didn’t he
speak or do something t o break this impossible current? She heard a groan
but was too
lost in rapture to disting uish its origin. He bent slightly and scooped a
callused hand
under each of her buttocks and began to move, rocking in slow stroking
movements. She
felt his member expand and harden even more, as he lifted her to burrow into
the folds of
her womanhood, spreading her wide. P ressure, hot and insistent, began to
build within
her, coiling in her lower belly tighter and tighter with every contact.
Sherem remained
fully clothed, how could it feel so intimate, so overwhelming. His rhythm
changed to a
circular motion with harder, determined strokes. Suddenly the coil, wound too
tightly,
burst and she gasped out her release in loud staccato moans, burying her face
int o the
place just under his tensely strained jaw.
Sherem murmured nonsense words striv ing to comprehend the previous five
minutes. He was overwhelmed, elated, and rock hard. Nadia had come apart in
his arms,
more responsive than any encounter in his v ast experience. And she belonged
to him .
The thought made his cock harden to bursting. If he did not take her in the
next few
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moments, he would spew inside his uniform; a condition too embarrassi ng to
contemplate. He cradled Nadia’s limp, sated body and lowered her onto the
sleep mat.
Her golden skin glowed with a slight coating of moisture, her sleepy eyes
narrowed on
him beneath thick lashes, and a soft smile beckoned him to her . Her sun
-kissed hair
fanned out on the pillow, across her shoulders, and coated her breasts playing
peek-a-boo
with her dusty-rose nipples. A more glorious sight he had never beheld.
He slowly rele ased the fastenings on his fitted tunic and drew it off
exposing
muscled, hair covered chest, corded shoulders and biceps, and a steel banded
abdomen.
Nadia was grateful she lay on the mat or she would have sunk to the floor in
one sizzling
puddle. The males of Gattonia were without body hair so the sight of him
made for an
exotic playground for her eyes and touch. He leve led a knowing grin as he
loose d his
pants and slid them down , then his boots and stepped out of both, revealing
his massive
form. She knew he expected some reaction but her vocal cords had frozen. He
was
shaped like a god. She gulped; a fertility god. Her gaze took in his chest
hair, the way it
swirled around his nipples in disarray then gathered in arrowed formation
down the
center of his torso to a large nest at the apex of his thighs, showcasing his
erection as it
plunged through the inky nest. She wondered how that springy mass would feel
pressed
against her breasts. Was it silky like his mane or textured like his beard?
Now that the
moment had arrived, she felt equal parts apprehension and anticipation.
He took a step toward her, kneeled on the mat, then came up and over her in
one
fluid motion reminding her of a panther claiming his prey…or his mate.
Tremors
skidded up her spine at the thought. He had tried to claim her over three
cycles ago when
she was just shy of seventeen. Now, two days past her twentieth, he would
succeed. She
had come to crave him on so many levels she had lost count—and now he would
seal her
fate for all time. A somewhat belated birthday gift. Would it prove the best
or worst she
had ever received?
The shadow of a smile touched her lips as she felt his weight pin her into
place .
His waiting finally at an end, caused arrow after arrow of emotion piece his
heart. H is
lips took hers in a searing kiss of po ssession. His hand covered her breast
and squeezed.
At her gasp his tongue took her mouth and explored every inch, setting a
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rhythm that was
most likely becoming familiar to her. Instead of lying pliant under him, she
ignited into
an explosion of lapping fire. Her hands grazed his arms, shoulders, and back;
her fingers
in turn kissing and searing his skin. He groaned.
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“Spread your legs, Nadia.” She complied, bending her knees until she cradled
his
hips and groin with damp promise.
He ran his hand across her slightly rounded abdomen down to the downy cloud
covering her entrance and ran his index finger around her opening and then
inside. Her
creamy juices anointed his finger. Nadia groaned, grinding her hips
restlessly striving for
more friction; more of what he promised with every gesture . His control hung
by a
thread, but he must go slowly. Be gentle. Two words no one would ever
associate with a
Nefari male. Sweat beaded his forehead, neck, and back with the effort it
took to hold
back. Nadia squirmed under him and he notched one step closer to his warrior
self where
conquering eclipsed reason. She was lost in herself , he realized—reaching
for release.
He put two fingers inside her marveling at her narrow passage then circled her
clitoris
with his calloused thumb. She jumped in response. He continued until her
inner walls
began to convulse then pressed firmly on the now protruding nub. She
screamed her
release, calling his name over and over, and he kissed her with a passion he
didn’t know
he possessed.
She was ready for him, hot for him, he could sate himself, take her, use her.
He
froze.
“Sherem, you have stopped, is something wrong? Uh—are we through?”
He would not meet her gaze. “No.” He did not recognize his voice.
“Sherem, I am not a snowflake. I will not melt or disintegrate. Please love
me.”
His control evaporat ed like so much mist . “A h, but you will melt and
disintegrate. I will see to it. ” He plunged i nto her with one driving
motion through the
taut barrier protecting her innocence. He found her passage so tight he
nearly spilled his
seed right then. Were all virgins so snug and unyielding? Until Nadia he had
only been
with females of experience. She screamed with what he hoped signaled rapture,
because
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burrowed deep inside, touching her center, his warrior side took rein. She
alone proved
more potent than any aphrodisiac. He drove into her wet heat again and again,
faster and
harder. Wanting to go deep—deep into her very core where he could claim and
keep her
for all time. His seed burst forth , his orgasm stronger than any he
remembered. He
arched up above her and screamed his surrender.
Never having lain with a virgin, he hoped th at in rushing their first
coupling
Nadia would be more amenable to a second round . For part of what he
intended to
accomplish that night stood uncompleted. H is mark of pos session. For
the moment,
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though, she had yielded and taken him inside her body giving him a home for
eternity. He
collapsed onto her, holding her close , nestling her head in the crook of
his neck and
shoulder.
For the first few moments he could do nothing but feel the afte rshocks of
mating,
but then he noticed that his mate had grown still and silent. When had that
occurred?
Was she as drained as he? Moisture worked its way down his neck and chest,
could it be
his sweat or…
“Misulu,” he rasped as he propped himself on his elbows to study his mate.
What
he witnessed leached all satisfaction and triumph from him.
Tears coursed down Nadia’s cheekbones and into her hair as she s niffed,
swallowing a whimper . It had hurt like Dargon hell. She k new that some
virgin s
experienced more pain than others, and that occasionally females naturally
perforated
their hymen through athletic sport, feeling no pain at all their first time.
She obviously fit
into the first category because for a few moments she was certain Sherem had
rent her in
two. As he had continued to move inside her , the feeling had changed to
pleasure-pain
and finally more of an itch she needed him to scratch, building toward that
amazing
pinnacle he had given her before…
And then he stopped.
After all the love scenes she had read it was —well—a let down. The pain had
subsided but left a residue of frustration similar to the moment you take your
first large
lick off an ice cream cone only to have the round creamy confection tumble to
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the ground
with a sickening splat. Sherem had pulled out. A nother regrettable loss,
and was now
mumbling a barrage of apologies.
“Please cease your tears, misulu, it will be my undoing, ” he groaned,
miserably.
Nadia blinked and focused on his fathomless dark eyes etched in pain.
“Your undoing?” Nadia blinked. She hadn’t been really crying from the pain
so
much as the overwhelming experience of finally being one with Sherem. “It
was not that
bad; it only hurt for a moment. I must have had a thick barr ier, but it
doesn’t burn any
longer. I am fine, truly. It was just somewhat, uh…anticlimactic after all
I’ve read about
lovemaking.”
Her words ricocheted through his ego like a POD set on destroy; its multiple
blasts taking out every target in sight with effortless precision. He had
pleasured
hundreds of females multiple times and learned many lessons along the way. Yet
with his
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own mate, whom he had chosen over al l others, he measured “not that bad”,
and
“anticlimactic”. He cleared his throat, deciding to focus on her last
words. “You have
read books on making love?”
“Well, of course. I am Gattonian. We are scholars, curious about all things.
You
are familiar with our culture,” sh e reminded him, growing a little
uncomfortable at his
sudden focus.
“You are familiar with the Kama Sutra?” he probed carefully.
“Umm, only the first book. Cat thought it would be educational after all the
romances I’ve read.”
“These romances contain graphic descriptions of the sexual act?”
“Well, of course,” she stated a littl e defensively, “the characters in it
fall madly
and passionately in love and the natural extension of that love is, umm, you
know.”
Her entire body shaded from embarrassment and no wonder. They had just made
love for the first time; she was divest of clothing, and currently engaged in
a sexually
explicit discussion with said first time lover who remained magnificently
naked. She felt
admittedly awkward in exposing her secret obsess ion of reading material and
groaned
inwardly. What would he think of her now?
“And after all this ah…research and hours of study you still refer to the act
of
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making love as “umm, you know”?”
If Sherem hadn’t been lying across the only cover available, she would have
dove
under it and not resurfaced until she starved. Why was he behaving this way?
She felt as
if he was interrogating her for a supposed crime.
He smiled and his eyes lit with an unholy glint that could not bode well.
“So, you believe my technique could stand improving.” The comment was more
statement than question.
“Well, not the technique precisely; as far as I could tell, you handled
everything in
the correct manner. I suppose I thought that coming from a warrior race and
with your,
uh, considerable exploits, the experience would have been more riveting.”
“Riveting.”
“Umm.”
He had made her squirm enough, he supposed, but he thoroughly enjoyed seeing
her flustered and her barriers down. The time had come to reassure her.
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He leaned over, running a battle callused finger across her collarbone, just
under
her left breast, then down her tummy bef ore speaking. “I have never lain
with a virgin
before, and strove to take you with as much care as I could muster. I am
deeply sorry if I
caused you undo discomfort with my clumsy actions. I promise that you will
experience
no more pain only unrelenting pleasure from this moment forward.” He brought
his right
thigh over hers, cupped the back of her head, and began making love to her
lush lips over
and over until both of them panted for more. He paused to study her closely.
Her eyes
were dream-dazed, her pulse fluttering rapidly, and her cheeks flushed with
desire. She
wanted him again but after the pain of her initiation…and to give her a sample
of her own
medicine, he decided to withhold his attentions. They would not make love
that night but
neither would he be parted from her. And in the morning, after a leisurely
bath…
“Not tonight, however, for you will be sore from the tear of your hymen
and
previously unused muscles—and I find tha t I am quite sated and content to
sleep.” A
boldfaced lie, of course. He rose and vanished into the clean room only to
emer ge a
moment later with a cloth which he used to wipe gently between her legs after
sprea ding
them wide and looking his fill. He threw the damp scrap onto the nightstand
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and slid in
beside her, informing, “From now on I will share your mat , so as to accustom
you to my
touch and presence.”
“Wait,” she ordered looking disgruntled and slightly o ffended. “I did not
give
you permission to enter my chambers, or take my virginity, or share my mat.
Until I do I
suggest that you return to your own.”
Sherem hid his amusement behind a mask of innocent confusion . The haughty,
cool expression firmly affixed made her look like a regal q ueen addressing a
serf. No
longer fooled by her demeanor, he nodded and rose.
“As you wish, P rincess,” he said magnanimously, slipping into his trous ers
and
boots, then donning his shirt. “I only thought that since we are so
comfortable, it seems a
shame to move elsewhere.”
“I am sure you will be as comfortable in your own chambers as you obviously
are
in mine,” she encouraged, a satisfied glint shining within her amber depths,
believing she
had won.
“Only you can release the privacy lock to let me exit,” he advised ,
seemingly
resigned. It would not do to let her know he could over -ride any panel
command; he
might need it later to bring her into line.
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“Panel, over-ride privacy command and open.” The panel silently complied.
Sherem bent low over Nadia, she believed for a good night kiss. Then he
scooped
her naked form up, coverings and all and made for the exit. Nadia yelped and
sputte red,
speechless for a moment then shrieked, “What do you think you are doing, I
told you to
go.” She squirmed in an effort to free herself…and Sherem fought the urge to
laugh. He
had not felt so amused in cycles.
“I am only complying wit h your wishes. I think you are right, I believe we
wi ll
be more comfortable on my mat. It is larger and will facilitate freer lust
sport.”
Sherem strode briskly down the corridor, holding Nadia high on his chest as if
she
weighed no more than a f eather, grinning despite…or because of her protests.
“If you
wish to keep Dakar and Tula from observing your sta te of undress, I’d suggest
you keep
quiet. If on the other hand you want to announce your new status as my mate
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then feel
free to resume your happy tirade.” She drew a fist back to plant a well
-deserved punch
when he softly advised, “Put that arm around my neck right now, or I will
drop you and
take the comforter with me.”
Nadia froze. They were passing Dakar’s rooms but Tula’s was at the other end
of
the ship. “You believe Tula is with Dakar?”
Sherem shrugged. “They were together when I left to come t o your chambers.
I
have a feeling they remain so.”
The implication was clear. Nadia felt happy for her friend but wondered at
Sherem’s blasé comment. “This doesn’t bother you?” She lifted her head to
study his
expression. A smile flitted across his mouth.
“No, misulu, I have the female I want and desire no other. I am beginning
to
believe that perhaps my brother and Tula deserve one another. Oomph. Watch
the
elbow, sweet one.”
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Chapter Twelve
Sherem ducked into a private lift Nadia had never before noticed. “Take
us,”
Sherem murmured and Nadia felt them ascend rapidly at a blur but before she
could lose
her evening meal, they came to a stop. The panel opened to reveal a huge
chamber
overflowing in lush accoutrements and Nadia gasped her amaze ment. She
squirmed and
this time Sherem released her, allowing her to explore. She kept the
comforter securely
in place, covering her from neck to toes.
Nadia’s chambers included two ro oms for sleeping and hygiene . They were a
cross between function and comfort with a few items of luxury like the
cut-jeweled lamps
on either side of her vanity and a cozy fireplace, both superfluous with no
real purpose,
but for the aesthetic pleasure it gave the occupant.
Sherem’s chambers, however, were opulent, even by Gattonian standards. He
had
a living area with lounges and chairs of the same material as his over tunics,
pants and
boots only the colors of his rooms were bursting with primary colors and
rich,
complementary pastels. Very Gattonian in feel and style. The carpets
littering the floor
and walls were of the highest quality Jasperian silk. They muted the regular
lighting
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imbedded in the walls, creating a warm, intimate retreat. Large pillows in
front of the
floor to ceiling holographic fireplace completed the room. Nadia was
speechless. She
made her way to the sleeping chamber to find a huge raised plat mat with m
ultiple
comforters and a built -in technology unit. D ressers and vanity below large
mirrors
extended from an adjacent wall and murals of both Ga ttonian and Nefari
landscapes
decorated every available wall space. She snuck a glance over her shoulder
to catch
Sherem lounging in the doorway, arms folded across his chest and ankl es
crossed,
tracking her with an inscrutable expression that gave nothin g of his
intentions away .
Realization dawned. He had done all of this for her. Warm, thick pleasure
spread though
her like honey . How long had he planned to have her aboard his ship and in
his
chambers. Had all this been accomplished in the days after her visit? That
would mean
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he knew from the beginning he intended to help her and only delayed in order
to do this
for her. Overcome by the implications she escaped to the clean room…only to
recognize
the bathing pool as the one he had immersed them bot h after her ordeal. He
must have
moved her to her current quarters after injecting the sleeping potion. This
room, too, was
spacious with a corner free-standing shower built for two.
She sighed. S he’d expected a stark, utilitarian warrior’s quarters not
this
luxurious, spacious…Nadia paused and cocked her head in consternation then
marched
into the main room searching for another panel. “Where is it?”
“Where is what, misulu?” Sherem answered uncertainly. His chambers had been
radically modified to please her. What had he forgotten?
“The place you keep your weapons and equipment. You would not allot yourself
quarters where you couldn’t readily defend yourself.”
A half smile lit his eyes as he entered the sleeping chambers and walked to
the
massive platmat. “Weapon chest, open.” The entire pedestal opened revealing
a cache of
weapons larger than any Nadia had ever glimpsed, all neatly placed. Enough to
take out
a small planet, from the looks of it.
At Nadia’s incredulous stare, Sherem raised a shoulde r and said, “I like to
be
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prepared.”
Next, he crossed the room to the mural of Gattonia. “Safe -room test, J.”
The
mural, about twelve feet wide and ten feet tall, opened exposing a large area
filled with a
miniature ship.
“It’s a POD kept travel ready at all times. This room is indestructible
and
impenetrable; the only voice that can open it is mine. Safe -room, the
following voice is
allotted the highest security and access commands, memorize.” He motioned for
her to
identify herself.
Nadia cleared her throat; unsure of whether her voice would work and croaked,
“Hello, J. My name is Princess Nadia of the House of Ra and Province of
Gattonia, uh,
how do you do?”
“I am perfect, P rincess Nadia of the House of Baraden and Province of Nefar .
Your voice has been stored. Thank you and have a nice day.” The panel
closed. Nadia
began to giggle both at Sherem’s audacity and also at the program itself.
“You did that on purpose , Barbarian of Baraden .” Giggling even harder at
the
title that so fit him. And he’s so polite,” she commented through fits of
hick-ups.
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Sherem grinned and shrugged, inordinately pleased he had made her smile.
“If
anything happens to the ship, do not evacuate with the others, come here, and
wait in the
POD. It has its own life -support system and can carry as many as six
passengers. I will
join you as soon as I can. If you find yourself floating in space, tell J to
jettison the
protective carton and lay in coordinates for Gattonia. Nefar may be unstable
for a time.
Wait for my parents to arrive to introduce yourself. They wil l take care of
you and the
babe, if you have conceived.”
Nadia’s giggles came to an abrupt halt with both guilt and what his
instructions
implied. “What are you saying? Are you trying to sca re me? This is a
star-ship; no one
but another star-ship would dare attack, and how many others can there be in
this vast
universe? Only the major powers have them.”
“Have you forgotten about the Dargons and the myriad of other advanced and
sometimes depraved species? Believe me, Nadia, space travel is not safe, but
I will guard
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you with my life along with my warriors, you need not be overly concerned.”
As if the statement was prophetic, sirens began to sound. “Speak Jorge,”
Sherem
barked into the band at his wrist.
“Trouble. Space raiders , we believe. They tried to catch us unaware by
taking
out our south cargo entrance. They were only partially successful.”
“What of the shields? How were they able to penetrate them?”
“I do not have an answer, commander; and it scares the skin off me.” What
he
neglected to voice, Nadia knew, spelled sabotage.
Sherem’s ground-eating stride took him to his clothes cove in less than a
second.
He donned a deep burnished copper , one piece, metallic suit that covered
everything,
including his eyes and threw a similar suit to her. He looked like a giant,
spooky scepter,
and the picture he presented momentarily fri ghtened Nadia. It was as if a
death-shadow
had swallowed him. When he accessed the cache of weapons and grabbed two
hand
blazers and several lazulite blades, sheathing them inconspicuously, she took
a step back
as he approached her.
“This is not a game, Nadia. Put that suit on right away. It locks
automatically
and cannot be breached. Do not move from this spot. I wil l return when the
danger is
past.”
He vanished out the panel before she could even wish him luck. She looked
dubiously at the body sheath and cringed. She let the comforter pool around
her feet and
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slipped into the suit. It felt like skin and while not quite see through,
the shadow-sheath
hugged her ev ery curve and valley. She almost giggled , of co urse it was sk
in; it was
peeled from the Kame ri serpent. She rec alled how Sherem’s skin felt nex t
to hers, the
friction of his chest hair brushing her breasts, and groaned. Could she go to
her chambers
for clothing or fit into Sherem’s and put the body armor over it? She
recognized defeat
when presented to her. She refused to secure the headpiece, as yet, but sat
down on his
mat to decide her next move. Just as she sat, she jumped up and ordered, “J,
open the
weapons chest.” If they were in danger, she would be armed. Nadia had not
only trained
with her brother and Prolinc but had also benefited from tips from Cat and Dee
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learning
many dirty tricks that would hopefully come in handy.
The drawer slid silently open and she grabbed the only weapon that looked
familiar. It was similar to the blazer she had trained with and she set it on
disarm. She
didn’t want to take the chance of killing someone on their side.
The wait seemed interminable, listening for the sound of combat, wanting to
join
in the battle for the ship. Wanting to protect Sherem, no matter how lud
icrous the
sentiment. As she stood to leave, someone banged on her panel.
“Who is it?” she demanded.
“Part of the prince’s gu ard, my lady. He sends for you. T he battle, though
well
fought, left him wounded. He is calling for you.”
Nadia paused, digesting the message. For one, she doubted anyone could get
the
advantage over Sherem. His battles and exploit s were legend. Two, if he was
wounded
he would certainly not send an entire guard for her . And finally, she
doubted he had a
prince’s guard. He was too much the barbarian warrior to tolerate it. Bran
and Dakar
were all he needed at his side.
In every romance novel she had read where someone, whether it be someone the
heroine knew or not, wanted to take her to the wounded hero’s side; it spelled
set -up.
Her heart began beating double -time; her mind racing right along with it.
She set her
weapon on destroy. Sherem was right; this was not a game.
What would happen if she just ignored their summons and disappeared into the
‘carton’, as Sherem called it? She could never identify the culprits, or
determine if they
were a part of the crew or from the raiders. Moreover, if they were dressed
as she, the
COM record unit would, most likely, not be able to identify them. But of
one thing she
was certain—J could.
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“J, allow forced entrance and record,” she whispered.
“Princess Nadia, I must advise caution…”
She cut him off. “J--just do as I ask.”
She heard grumbles from outside the panel. “My Lady, I am afraid that time is
of
the essence. We must insist.” Came the summons, once again.
She detected at least two voices arguing in hushed urgency. Did they sound
just a
bit panicked?
Nadia made her decision at that moment. She jumped beneath the covers,
hiding
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her suit and replied. “I can’t believe he sent for me. He knows I am not
feeling well.
How dare he disturb me with his petty injuries. Tell him to come here if he
wants to see
me. I am a princess, after all, and have a delicate constitution. Now go
away and let me
get some rest.” She waited, feeling both amused and adrenalin charged. She
braced
herself. After a few moments of silence she thought she had succeeded—then
the panel
failed and two burle y males in Nefari uniform swanked in. She had never
seen them
before. They held their hand blazers laxly at their side s in a mildly
threatening manner
but were not dressed for battle, and the Nefari dagger, normally present at
their side, was
missing.
“I am afraid that the prince’s orders were clear, but not to worry, we’ll
carry you
if you’re too weak to walk.”
“As if,” Nadia snorted. When they advanced into the room Nadia shot her
blazer
through the covers and disarmed one intruder before they realized anything
amiss. While
the male scream ed that his hand was gone, ano ther tried to stun her through
the
comforter. It didn’t feel great but it failed to incapacitate her. She fired
her next shot at
his arm but missed and he lunged for her. She rol led to the far side of the
plat mat and
used it for cover. He grabbed at her, barely missing leaving her no choice,
she aimed for
his head. He went down as warriors flooded Sherem’s quarters. Nadia sank to
the floor;
surely the entire ship was not filled with traitors.
“Nadia,” Sherem bellowed. She smiled. He sounded like a mother bear coming
to the defense of her young. A telepathic probe brushed against her thoughts
and she
immediately sealed he r mind. It w as the unknown telepath , once again. Her
fles h
tightened in reaction.
Sherem tore through the Nefari warriors blocking his path to Nadia. The
lift to
his private quarters was concealed, and on ly someone with the plans or those
of his first
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level crew knew of its location. So how had i t been breached so
effortlessly? He
practically tripped over tw o burly males at the entrance to his sleeping
chambers. Had
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Nadia escaped to the carton, as she should have ? Across three layers of his
crew , their
eyes met and held. She was safe. “Norgoz , report,” Sherem barked. Norgoz ,
one of
Jorge’s most trusted officers, stood over the downed males.
“They are not familiar to me, sir. Perhaps they are from E ngineering or
Safety
and Support. MTEs are on the way.”
Sherem nodded knowing he l eft out the clearest probability —that they were
not
members of the Portender at all, just dressed as such. “Remove those two to
the secured
Med Center on lower level 6 and clear the room. I will debrief the princess
myself.
Inform Jorge I will get back to him when I have finished here.
In moments, the room was cleared, leaving in its wake blood -soaked carpets,
splattered walls, and ceiling. Nadia shrugged, an impish smile playing at the
corners of
her mouth. Sherem studied her close ly, mesmerized by the way the Kameri
leather
hugged every inch of her body, leaving nothing at all to the imagination.
Noting, too, the
tazer burn on her right shoulder. He reached out to touch the area then
reached for the
opening of her suit and lowere d it exposing her shoulder. A choc -tea
colored bruise the
size of his fist marred the perfection of her satiny skin. So delicate, he
realized. The shot
should not have left a mark. Nadia cleared her throat noisily bringing his
gaze back to
hers.
“What happened, misulu?”
“They told me you were wounded and wanted to see me.” He nodded for her to
continue.
“I knew they were lying so I armed myself and waited.”
“That was wise of you but you should have remained hidden until I arrived and
released you myself.”
Nadia cocked her head to one side, as if confused, then her expression
cleared. “I
meant I waited in your sleeping chambers. I got under the covers and
waited.”
A red haze spread across his vision and filled his ears with a pulsating roar
that all
but blotted out his next words. “You thought that hiding under the covers
would prevent
detection from armed intruders?”
“Of course not.” She crossed her arms in front of her and began tapping her
foot.
“I wanted to see the people stupid enough to believe I would fall for a line
like theirs. I
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also needed to know if they were part of your crew or the pirates. If I had
hidden in the
carton, we would never have been sure. In addition, they knew I was in here
and if I had
disappeared, they would have torn the place apart looking for me; in doing so,
figured out
that you have a hidden room somewhere off your chambers. Since you tol d me
it was
important no one know of its existence , I decided to stay in the open and
fight it out.”
Nadia sounded very pleased with her solution, apparently unaware of the
growing inferno
Sherem fought to control.
“So instead of taking cover to better protect yourself, you chose to relax on
my
mat?” Sherem’s voice slurred to molten gravel.
“No! You are not listening—“
“I am lis tening well enough to know that you put your life in danger when
protection was only a panel away.” He k new he was out of control but could
not stop.
“What if they had shot you? Hells fire, they did shoot you!”
“Concealed as I was under the covers, they couldn’t have harmed me.”
“What if they had aimed for your head?” He fired back.
“Why would they do that, it was simply another kidnapping attempt. I would
do
no good to them dead.”
“What if they had simply missed,” he began.
“I hadn’t really thought of—“
“Before you managed a lucky hit?” he finished.
“I assure you luck had nothing to do—“
“What if they had overpowered you?”
“You assured me that no one could breach the body suit.”
“Only when the headpiece is in place and locked. They could have peeled y ou
out of it in seconds.”
“Well, you left out that part.” Nadia mumbled, turning bright crimson,
obviously
recalling her state of undress.
Sherem followed her train of thought and traced his gaze over every
delectable
inch of her. Without under -clothing, the sheath clung like her own skin,
changing her
from amber to textured deep bronze similar t o snake skin. He broke out in a
cold sweat
as his manhood grew hot and hard as a red poker. He refused to mention that
had she
wanted to surprise them to get of f the first shot, simply standing in front o
f them would
have accomplished it nicely.
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Nadia’s nipples budded under She rem’s perusal and she wanted to cover
herself
lest he realize how he affected her . Her gaze collided with Sherem’s and
desire flashed
between them stronger than a bolt of lightening . Nadia had not been quite
honest with
him concerning their first bout of lovemaking for though it had hurt more
than
anticipated; she was more overwhelmed than complacent, and anxious to try it
again.
Sherem’s mouth kicked up slightly as he softly ordered, “Take off your armor
,
Nadia, I would check you for further damage.” He honestly did not know
whether his
anger at her, his concern for her well being, or blatant animal instinct to
bend her to his
will, rode him the hardest. He only knew he had to be in her, dominate her,
and punish
her for risking herself and not following his directives.
“Uh, Sherem, I think you should see to your crew and maybe, uh, interrogate
the
prisoners…”
“First, there is something I must teach you, misulu. Never again will you
put
yourself in harms way . Protecting you has bec ome my first priority,
surpassing that of
my own safety and that of my crew. You must have a care.” With each word
carefully
delivered in subdued modulation she was at once mesmerized and cautious, even
more so
noting the determined gleam in his eyes.
“Oh! You would blame me for your lack of concentration and the consequences
to your crew? I will not buy that threat so don’t even begin to propose it.”
“Do not think to deflect my purpose, Nia mine, for it will commence.”
Without
giving her a moment to react, he struck ; snaking his hands around her waist
and tossing
her face down across the sleeping mat. Holding her neck in place he took her
body armor
and demonstrated what he had alluded to before. That it could be peeled off
in one fluid
motion. Leaving her totally exposed to him —helpless. She found the mixture
of fear
and anticipation a powerful aphrodisiac. He grabbed her hands and pulled them
above
her head securing them with one hand and glided his other down her spine
raising chills
and a shudder as he reached the crack of her mons . She could feel her uterus
contract
excreting the thick proof of her arousal. She squirmed in protest.
He dipped a long finger into her essence, swirled it around her clitoris, then
up to
her anus where he plunged it in. She yelped in a combination of surpris e,
discomfort and
erotic bliss. He found a place deep within her and began toying with it,
circling until her
contractions built toward climax. Then pulled out.
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She opened her mouth to voice her outrage when he leaned over her and
whispered against her ear. “Move your hands when I remove mine and I will
lash them
to the headboard.”
“Stop, Sherem. I will not allow you to take me in anger.”
“I am your mate and will take in any manner I see fit in order to achieve
your
abeyance,” he stated.
“You are not my mate so you have no right.” Nadia pushed up seeking to
unbalance him and he growled as he hooked an arm around he r waist holding her
in
place, trapped her hands, once again, and murmured unfamiliar words as her
hands sunk
into the mattress, holding her immobile. “Release me, barbarian. What have
you done?
What is this contraption?”
“One that will hold you until you know the one you belong to.” He placed
several
pillows under her belly exposing her to his perusal. He spread her wide, bent
down and
began lapping her entrance, sucking and nipping. The combination of arousal
and fear
had her reacting in a way foreig n to her nature —or what she always believed
to be her
nature. Gone was the self -contained, dispassionate princess an d in her
place a raging,
cornered hellcat fighting his and her own desires.
He replaced his mouth with his cock and surged to the core of h er where he
paused, plastering himself shoulder to thigh , panting as if in the midst of a
marathon.
“You are mine,” he bit out as he pulled out and thrust hard into her once
again. And then
plunged into her hard again and again, reaching further, deeper into her
passage until she
was screaming and begging for release. Stars burst from behind her eyes in a
furious
detonation of euphoria. As her tears soaked into the mat she felt his shaft
at the entrance
of her other opening even as the aftermath of her orgasm continued and
somehow
intensified. Equal parts ashamed and aroused as he pushed the head of his
arous al into
that forbidden place; she struggled against the pain and pleasure of his
possess ion. How
dare he seek to conquer her in this manner.
“Stop struggling or this will prove even harder for both of us. I will
impose my
will, Nia, and you will submit even if I have to use dominance, discomfort,
and carnal
desire. By the time I am through, you will beg for my dominion, my weight and
my rule
over you. For I will not stop until it is so.” He worked his way into her
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gradually with
measured strokes and Nadia hated his ruthless demonstration of his power over
her even
as she craved it. He was tearing her in two and she screamed in both
indignant rage and
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seething hunger. His hard length into her anus felt different, full, erotic,
forbidden. He
drove into her for what seemed like eternity giving no quarter…and no
release.
“Please,” she begged.
“Please what, misulu,” he demanded.
“Please, Sherem, don’t do this. Don’t take my dignity…my…” She stopped as a
sob clogged the rest of her plea.
“Misulu, no.” He changed his pace and began circling and pinching her
elongated
clitoris until she cried out in relief and completion.
“Forgive me,” he rasped before he bit into her leaving the mark that would
prove
her his and she screamed as another orgasm stronger than the first ripped
through her.
He murmured a phrase that released her hands and rolled them to their side
holding her fast.
Sherem wondered what ins anity had possessed him to treat his mate in such a
barbaric manner. Everything she had ever accused him of proved true. He had
never lost
such utter control of himself and in such a brutish sexual display of
ownership. He pulled
her even closer nuzzling his face into her neck and took in her scent; the
scent of their sex
intertwined and the slight hint o f blood mixed in with her sweat. He grew
hard all over
again.
“Nia…I…” What could he possibly say to make things right?
Sherem gently caressed her shoulder and ran his hand down her arm, kissing
and
laving the bruised and bleeding mating tattoo. She relaxed and rolled her
head back,
giving him access to her neck and shoulder. He whispered endearments ,
offering
entreaties for her pardon. She merely groaned in response.
The COM speaker chose that moment to buzz , signaling a message. Both f roze
until it buzzed again. Sherem cleared his throat. “I must go, the prisoners
must be
interrogated.”
Nadia turned onto her back, studying him through slitted eye s. “What is
happening, Sherem? Who attacked the Portender and why would two of your crew
come
after me?”
Sherem gave her a lop -sided smile though his expression remained somber and
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contrite. “That is exactly what I intend to discover.” His voice droppe d,
becoming
compelling. “Then we will…talk, misulu…at length.”
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“Wait,” she said, scrambling off the mat, exposing her voluptuous curves for
his
perusal. “I want to come along, it pertains to me too. In one week I have
endured two
kidnapping attempts. Don’t you think it’s time I learned why?”
Sherem paused and then replied, “Yo u may accompany me and listen on one
condition.” Here it comes, Nadia thought. “If I tell you to leave and return
to our
chambers, you will not argue but leave immediately.”
“Our chambers?” she questioned.
“Nadia, yes or no,” he cut in.
She sighed, “Oh, all right. I agree.”
“First you will re-don your armor under outer clothing. I want you
protected. ”
He went to his dresser and pulled out an exquisite Nefari ro be of pearl
velvet. The ankle
length, sleeves, and tapered design fit perfectly and she wondered how many
other
females had worn it before her. She smiled, at least she knew Tula was not
one of them,
it would have swallowed her.
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Chapter Thirteen
Nadia and Sherem a rrived at the interrogation level to alarms, running
security
personnel, and MTEs.
“Return to our rooms,” Sherem commanded.
“Not right now,” Nadia replied.
Sherem turned to her, incredulous. “You promised you would obey me.”
“And I will—just as soon as we find out what has occurred,” Nadia reassured.
“Does everything have an out clause you can utilize at your discretion?” The
question was innocuous enough but t he very air surrounding them became
charged, as if
he was about to spring some elaborate trap…again.
Nadia squirmed and chose her words carefully. “There are more important
concerns to be dealt with at the moment, but afterward I will do your bidding.
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Please
Sherem, I would stay with you.” Something in his demeanor changed as he
stepped
closer and ran a finger along her jaw line. His gaze pinned hers and then
dropped to her
mouth, he bent his head toward hers—
“Commander, er, your Highness. I regret to report that the prisoners are
dead.
One from a fatal head wound,” he said eyeing Nadia warily, “the other from a
pparent
suicide. The Captain awaits.”
The unwanted interruption acted as a bucket of cold water. Sherem
straightened
and answered slowly without taking his eyes from her. “Tell the Captain I am
on my
way.” Sherem lifted his hand and gently put her hair behind an ear before
addressing her.
“Misulu, I do not want you to witness these males. I implore that you return
to our
chamber and await me. I will not be long. Then I will share all I learned
with you. Will
you do this for me?”
Nadia nodded soundlessly, turned and floated down the corridor.
Sherem smiled in satisfaction. He enjoyed the faraway look he put in her
eyes
and made a mental note to use honeyed requests in place of orders to get and
keep her
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acquiescence. Had she forgiven his barbaric display of dominance and
accepted him as
her mate? He sighed and entered the detention cell where Jorge, Specialist
Jenkins and
MTE Rollins waited. “Tell me,” he ordered without preamble . “Bran, I need
you in
detention,” he mind spoke. “Unseen,” he added.
“In one moment.”
“No one touched them, Your Highness—“
“Sherem,” Sherem corrected. He had twelve tittles, twelve too many as far as
he
was concerned.
“Sherem,” Jenkins corrected. “ One was DOA but the other just stood there,
vibrating and in general, looking wired on adrenaline. Then he looked me in
the eye ,
smiled, and dropped to the floor, dead.”
“Did you notice whether his eyes were dilated? Did he seem disoriented or
lucid?”
“No, Your High—Sherem, sir, I did not but they were bot h sweating profusely
emitting a pungent odor and the blood vessels on their faces seemed swollen,
bulging.
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I’ve never seen the like before. It was, uh, quite spooky all in all.”
“Your hypothesis, Rollins?” Sherem asked , turning to the MTE to hide his
bemusement at Jenkins description, but as one of his finest and most sea soned
warriors,
his reaction warranted note.
The MTE shrugged. “Could be just about anything from their body’s reaction
to
stress…or drugs; an autopsy is the only course if we want confirmation.”
“Do so immediately and compare it to the first supposed suicide. Twice we
have
been set upon and twice the captives found death more appealing than
interrogati on. I
believe it is clear that both incidents were ordered by the same person or
pers ons. I have
not known of many so diabolically ruthless that they inspire death in the face
of failure.”
As Sherem spoke, Rollins went to the COM and ordered the autopsies.
“It must be someone with power, both absolute and far reaching, but who?
I’ve
not heard of anyone fitting that description since we assassinated that
warlord on Saxus.
“Sherem, do you think these attacks are linked to whoever is trying to kill
you?”
Rollins asked.
“Not the brightest bean in the bag, if I may say so,” Bran commented wry ly,
moving to Sherem’s side.
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Sherem’s face split into a grin wholly i nappropriate considering the
question.
Rollins flushed a deep red at his reaction. “I apolo gize, I was thinking of
something, er,
amusing.” He cleared his throat. “I think, very possi bly that the two are
related, and the
one behind the theft of Angels Gate, as well.”
Jorge whistled. “I forgot about that. This situation is grow ing
increasingly
convoluted. There is also the question of the Princess. Someone has twice
now
attempted her abduction.”
Cold dread and something like fear infiltrated Sherem’s being. What in
all
heavens was happening? At first Sherem believed Nadia’s kidnapping no more
than a
ruse to inflame his jealousy beyond bearing causing him to kill his brother
or elim inate
both of them. But again they sought to take her from him and this time made
it clear the
mastermind was not Dakar. So what was the real motive —a spurned suitor,
revenge
against Zorroc or himself, or a misconception that the affections of Nadia
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were linked to
the Assyllis agreement? Sherem’s blood ran cold remembering the conversation
long ago
where too much jive, frustration , and loss of face caused him to spurt the
ridiculous
allegation that he could want Nadia other than for herself. Namely some
stupid flower.
Surely no one had taken his blustering seriously. Sherem shook his head to
clear it but
the question crept up his spine like a deadly viper. Who were the other
players sitting
with him? That evening e very dignitary, leading family, mili tary officer
and eligible
female had been present from all four provinces of Ganz. Along with several
off -world
groups. He could not recall his companions at the table and near by but he
would
remember if he heard their names.
“We have yet to determine t he identity of the cruiser and how they were able
to
breach our defenses. I will begin there.”
Sherem nodded. “Very good…and Jorge, any leads on who switched the vile?”
Sherem asked, trying to clear his mind of Nadia being stolen from his side.
“Not yet, I was studying the tapes when we were attacked. I’ll go now and
continue, with your permission.”
“Good idea. Rollins, let me know as soon as the results from the autopsies
are
complete. Jenkins, I want a list of wounded and killed as soon as possible.
Both sides.”
“Let’s adjourn to my quarters, Bran. From there, I will summon my brother
and
review all we have learned. We have to determine what in Hells flame is going
on! First
they target me and now it appears they have focused on my mate.”
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“She is no yet your mate,” Bran reminded him.
“She carries my mark; the rest is mere technicality,” he answered a touch
smugly. “The ship that attacked was a star cru iser similar to the one used
to abduct my
brother and mate. It should carry a maximum crew of th irty, yet I would
swear that at
least one hundred males invaded our ship. What was your sense?”
“I lost count. It was not my priority at the time but I believe I took down
more
than the Horta attack. Could not some have transhifted from an alternate
point?”
Sherem froze in mid-step and cocked his head toward Bran . Knowing for near
certainty that they had traitors yet on board, the possibility was great.
“An excellent
point. We need that body count.”
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“I understand your brother is working on the exact n umber. I am curious,
though, about one point. The attackers were attired much like your own
warriors. How
do you differentiate in the midst of battle?”
“Nefari warriors, for the most part , employ traditional weaponry but even
more
telling is our fightin g style. It is easily recognizable and clearly
separates us from all
others. For the few that choose weapons such as blazers, they are tuned to
recognize a
signal threaded in to our uniforms and not discharge unless override is
activated. It helps
relax our fighters and crew to know they cannot accidentally hit a comrade.
Which poses
another question. How do you know the difference? Scent?”
“Yes. The marauders all consumed the same meal before invading the Portender
but with even that aside; I know the scent of every crewmember aboard,” Bran
responded
in a blasé manner.
“Can’t that be nauseating at times, especially when you have a large number
of
unclean bodies?”
Bran chuckled in his mind before answering. “No more than you would at
seeing
a particularly unattractive female. And sometimes the stronger the scent, the
stronger my
craving to feed.”
“Ah, in that case, I have an assignment for you when we conclude the meeting
with my brother.”
As the y traveled through corridors to the jet -quik that would take them
to
Sherem’s quarters, Sherem marveled at the ease with which he and Bran
conversed. It
seemed that they had known each other for many cycles instead of merely half
of one.
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“Could you wait out here until my brother arrives? I would like a few words
with
Nadia.”
Bran materialized and answered with his largest wolf-grin.
Sherem walked in to find Nadia fresh from her bath and slipping into the gown
he
had presented to her . T he thought of only one thin barrier between his
hands and her
body left his fingers restless and itching. He wanted to make love to her
right then with
gentle thoroughness; and for days on end but first he must secure their
safety. And they
obviously were not safe on the boarder between galaxies. Someo ne knew their
location
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and Sherem believed it only a matter of t ime before a greater force arrived
to engage
them. The cruiser and transhifted invaders could only have been launched by a
starship
within close proximity. The final binding of the Nefar Mating Ritual would
have to be
postponed until his unforeseen enemy had been dispatched . She sent a furtive
glance
over her shoulder, no doubt wondering how long he had been studying her.
Covering his
disquiet with a grin, he sauntered across the room until he stood no more than
a hairs
breath away.
“You look stunning, misulu. The gown suits you beautifully; it makes your
skin
glow like an ethereal spirit, too lovely to touch.” He glid ed his hands
lightly over her
collarbone, shoulders and down her arms to her ribcage, his thumbs barely
glazing the
underside of her breasts. She visibly shuddered.
“I see it doesn’t stop you,” she commented softly. She loved the robe and the
way
it floated across her skin. Secured by fasteners that played peek-a-boo with
her skin from
her neck all the way down to her navel made her feel exotic…and sensual. The
thought
of who it had been fashioned for still wriggled, however. “The gown is
beautiful,
Sherem, how did it come to be in your possession?”
He smiled knowingly. He knew she was jealous of the ones who had come before
her. Come being the operative word. Zazu, the barbarian was arrogant.
“I had it made for you. It is the daywear of our females. The style is
comfortable
and flattering…and provides easy access for sexual encounters.”
Nadia chose to ignore the last comment and asked skeptically, “How did you
know my size, it is as if it was designed specifically for my fi gure.” It
stunned her that
the gown did not fit so s nuggly as to hold her, rather flowed gently over
her skin,
caressing every inch of her like a million soft touches. How had he
accomplished such a
feat?
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His mouth quirked up at one side as he raised an eyebrow, tangling his gaze
with
hers; he may as well have shouted his vast expertise with the female body,
gloating at the
ideal fit. She wanted to kick his shin, a desire she had never wished upon
another a
being.
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He lifted her chin with the touch of a finger then softly brushed his lips
across
hers once, and then again and again, until she wa s quite dizzy. Maybe if she
we re more
experienced sexually, she would be able to remain unmoved, but her heart beat
out of
control, her breaths were hitched and shallow, and all she wanted involved
melting into
him…again. He deftly loosened a couple of ties and his hand cupped and fon
dled her
breast in less than a breath. His arm snaked around her waist to hold her
upright while he
worked his magic on her budded nipple. Then broke the contact, leaving her
bereft.
“The Nefar male dresses his LM in the way that pleases him . I had an e
ntire
wardrobe designed for you. The symbolism is clear. Each outfit encloses you
in my
protection as my body enfolds you —shielding, possessing and proclaiming to
all my
ownership of you.”
“That sounds overly sexist even for a Nefari Prince . You cannot own me, I
am
not a possession, Your Hiney; I am a Princess.” Nadia crossed her arms under
her breasts
and studied the belligerent, unrepentant block of testosterone before her .
How did this
keep happening to her? One minute floating in sensual heaven, wrapped in his
voice and
touches, and the next trussed up in a spider’s web of dominance getting ready
for her last
meal—or rather his last meal. She would ring his neck if her hands could span
the steel
corded column. “And what is an ‘ellem’?”
“The acronym for lifemate a nd tradition dictates that I purchase you from
your
guardian, in this case your brother. After we locate him, he and I will
negotiate a suitable
separation gift and the final step of the mating rit ual will be complete and
you —” He
decided not to mention the ceremony required to make the bonding complete.
“—will
then belong to me,” he finished with great satisfaction.
Nadia contempl ated the attempts on his life wondering whether anyone had
considered the female angle. Surely, half of that population must want him
dead for his
unrepentant chauvinistic views on females and their place in the universe.
“You have forgotten one thing in your zeal to buy me, oh mighty warrior.”
Sherem eyed her warily. Strategically, it might have been wise to k eep that
part
of the ritual from her, as well. All, until a few moments ago, had been
falling neatly into
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110
place. He had ruined her beyond repair, she had ac cepted him as her lover,
bore his
mating tattoo and had allowed him to clothe her. All of her bri dges leading
away from
him had been incinerated; she just hadn’t yet realized it . Still , he could
afford to be
magnanimous—and circumspect. Especially considering the view she afforded him
with
her now gaping gown partially exposing an aroused areola . T here existed a
very old
saying. It is not over until it is over. He decided to disarm her with his
nearness.
“And what is that, the light to my night? I will correct it immediately,” he
rasped
softly into her ear.
Nadia seemed to sway into him before sh e caught herself. “My brother can’t
sell
what he doesn’t own, and, he won’t give me to you to mate if I do not agree.
It is my
permission you need to garner; my brother will go along with my decision. If
you have
learned anything in the last three cycles, surely it is that,” she
challenged.
“That was then, misulu —before you boarded my ship, shared my mat, wore my
mark, and donned my possessions. I am an honorable male and take my
obligations
seriously. I have taken you and accepted you as mine. Your b rother
understands honor
and will not keep you from me. It is over, little one. You are well and
truly mine.”
Nadia stared, disbelief warring with inevitability. Her skin leached of
color.
“You trapped me. You had this whole thing planned from the beg inning and
have no
scruples whatsoever. Deny it!”
“Why? I have none and less than none where you are concer ned. But as to
having planned our current situation ; I would never expose you to danger, Nia
mine.
That you must believe.
“Something evil surround s us, for though I cannot see from which direction
it
approaches, I can feel it with every fiber of my being. And when it reveals
itself I will
not be merciful. What is mine I hold be it my crew, my ship, or you, sweet
one —
especially you.”
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Chapter Fourteen
“Where is Nadia? I thought she wanted to be included in our meeting . She
seemed most insistent when I ran into her earlier,” Dakar queried.
“She is resting,” Sherem answered gruffly. He shoul d not have pushed her
so
hard sexually then turned around and stated her position so baldly. When she
insisted on
going back to her former quarters he refused, telling her they now housed
Bran . When
she told him she’d stay with Tula, he informed her that Dakar and she were now
sharing a
mat and would not enjoy company. With livid determination she demanded her
own
clothing returned, only to learn they had been destroyed. Her parting salvo
included an
ear-spitting shriek and a punch to his gut , which had a ll the impact of a
fly hitting
titanium.
She finally retreated to their sleepi ng chamber locking the panel behind her.
He
could override her command, of course, but decided she deserved the small
victory.
Dakar eyed him suspiciously. He hoped Nadia did not make her misery clear or
Dakar
might take the place of Zorroc and act as her protector. He and his brother
had just
reconciled and Sherem wanted nothing to come between the m, and while Nadia
had the
punch power of a gnat, Dakar’s was formidable; add righteous indignation on
Nadia’s
behalf, and he might just beat the flesh off Sherem’s nose.
“Well, maybe we should wake her.”
“In trouble with your female, once again?” Bran offered blandly. The comment
marinated in humor.
“Stifle it, mangy beast,” Sherem growled.
“It was only a suggestion, brother. I w asn’t planning on storming her
escarpments,” Dakar forced, barely holding to his temper.
“Not you, Dakar, I was talking to Bran.”
“Funny, I didn’t hear him utter a soun d. Are you holding out on us, Bran?
Are
you suddenly fluent in universal Ganz?”
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Bran gave him his best beast smile and nodded his head.
Dakar looked suspiciously from Bran to Sherem.
“He, uh, understands a great deal of what is said, I think. He is very
intelligent, a
species as intelligent as our own, possibly,” Sherem blurted.
“Obviously more intelligent, if your relations with your mate are anything to
go
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by,” Bran offered.
“Not another comment or we’ll blow our cover, I swear,” Sherem mind -spoke
threateningly. One thing neither wanted.
“Ah,” Dakar stood as Nadia entered the room.
“Hello, Dakar. Hi Bran, sorry, I guess I fell asleep.”
Sherem watched Nadia move into the room taking a seat next to Dakar
flanking
herself between his brother and Bran who sat on the floor . The L -shaped
lounger sat
seven comfortably and she had chosen the fa rthest seat from him. She idly
ran her
fingers into Bran’s fur, but instead of protesting, he sat perfectly still,
allowing her
ministrations. Nadia looked pale and unnaturally still , and her puffy eyes,
though dry
were lifeless and remained focused on t he faux fire in the alcove across from
her .
Sherem cringed inside. His old feelings of inferiority surfaced and he all
but growled at
the three sitting cattycorner from him.
Sherem cleared his throat. “Dakar, do you have the numbers of attackers?”
“I estimate one hundred and twenty-eight, about one hundred too many for a
star
cruiser to hold for any great distance,” he pointed out unnecessarily.
“Which means that not far is a starship waiting. Do you believe the first
attack
acted as a probe to test our defenses or are they simply toying with us?”
Sherem mulled
through invasion and attack strategies an d none of the scenarios he employed
fit their
current situation.
“Why waste valuable forces for scare tactics? It’s wasteful and puts us on
our
guard. If they were sent to deplete our warriors in prepar ation for the main
attack, they
miscalculated because we lost ten with thirty injur ed while they forfeited
over a
hundred—and still counting. The clean -up crews are not yet finished .”
Though b lazer
technology had advanced to allow for body disin tegration, Nefari warriors
fought with
daggers and swords when in close quarters . Numbers of down ed and deceased
allowed
them to accurately define enemy defenses, plot future strategies, and evaluate
their own
warrior effectiveness. Most evaded blazer technology entirely, in favor of
the traditional
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Nefari broad swords that reflected blazer rays and stabbed to kill or disable
. Their
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training and fluid grace enabled them to dodge any beam or projectile and
return i t with
deadly accuracy.
“Could they be unaware you are Nefari and testing your battle -readiness?”
Nadia
asked.
“No, all in the galaxy know the Portender and what that entails,” Dakar
answered.
“Speaking of the Portender, where is the captain, shouldn’t he be here?”
Nadia
carefully avoided Sherem’s gaze and queried Dakar.
“The only ones I trust with your life are in this room, misul u,” Sherem
answered
for Dakar in an effort to make her face him. Unsuccessfully. “U ntil we
determine ally
from enemy; that is how it will remain. Jorge has captained the Portender for
six years
and trained with me at our academy before that, but you are too precious to
lose by
misjudgment. I will not endanger you when it is not essenti al.” Sherem
noticed color
suffuse her che eks; he’d emba rrassed her by his blunt talk . His gaze bor e
into hers
willing her to understand the feelings he could not put into words.
“The most bizarre aspect of the battle is that the enemy seemed to kill more
of
their own soldiers than ours. They ha d no friendly fire guards on their
weapons and
seemed more anxious to fire at anything that moved, rather than determine the
antagonist.
Almost as if they were caught in a blood lust.”
Bran broke into Sherem’s thoughts . “I was in the lab when autopsies f or
the
prisoners and combatants were analyzed. The prisoners died of a powerful
hallucinogen
with trace amounts of Assyllis and every combatant tested was high on it.
Most likely a
derivative of Angels Gate. The possibility we discussed earlier linking
Jasper and Angels
Gate to the attempts on your life, the framing of Dakar, and the kidnap pings
are growing
stronger by the moment.”
“Yes, you are right but there are still missing pieces to our puzzle .”
Sherem
nodded to Bran. He looked up to see Nadia f ocusing her attention on him and
Bran and
realized that if she hadn’t already discerned the telepathic bond between
them, it would
not be long.
“Your pardon?” Dakar asked, warily focusing first on Nadia and then Bran.
“Did
I miss something, perhaps?”
Sherem shot a furtive look at Nadia before addressing Dakar. “Sorry, I was
thinking of the results from the enemy autopsies I received just before you
arrived,” he
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improvised. “It seems traitor and intruder alike had one common bond; they
all ha d high
quantities of a drug in their system, possibly Angels Gate in combination with
another. It
would explain much, their feelings of invincibility and inhibitions in killing
all in their
path. Even the taking of their own lives.” Sherem took a deep breath.
“Daka r,” he
ventured tentatively, “Bran and I believe that all the incidents including the
attack today
have a direct correlation to Angels Gate and the per centage of Assyllis it
contains —and
just possibly the attempts on my life, framing you.”
Dakar coughed. “You and Bran? What does he do, nod, slobber , or scratch
behind his ear depending on the hypothesis?”
“No,” Nadia interjected, “they are telepathically linked.” Sh e directed an
accusing glare at Bran. “Yours is the voice I’ve b een hearing in my head, is
it not,
Bran?”
Bran hung his head . “I apologize for misleading you, one who belongs to
Sherem, the fewer who understand my powers, the safer for all concerned.”
“Is this a joke? You can talk to the animals, now? Have you completely lost
your
mind? I k now it was hard on both of us when we were estranged but I didn’t
start
communing with the clouds, talking to the tulips, or convening with canines.”
“It is true, Dakar. Bran just mind -spoke to me and I have been picking up
idle ,”
she cleared her throat, “thoughts from him. I just didn’t know where they
were coming
from—until now.
“Why did you not tell me, Sh erem?” Accusation blending with hurt in her
darkened swirling eyes as she finally met his gaze. “I would have kept
your
confidence.”
“I am sorry, misulu, the fewer people aware of Bran’s powers, the stronger
advantage we have for finding our traitors and pinpointing the ones behind it
all.”
“What about me? I am your brother. You still do not trust me, do you?”
Dakar
accused. He stood almost toppl ing the oblong table in front of them. His
eyes were
suspiciously moist as he raced from the room; Sherem directly on his heals.
Nadia sat back and crossed her arms under her breasts. “You are the one who
has
been planting those comments into my mind.”
Bran responded with a beastly grin.
“Would you care for Eden-wine? I find I am thirsty.”
“A bowl would be appreciated, thank you.”
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“My pleasure. Well, since you can converse, why don’t you tell me all about
yourself?”
Bran shrugged, jumped up on the side vacated by Sherem, and took up the
length
of it. “There is not much to tell. Obviously, my friend and I are not very
adept at
deception and to be frank, telepathically communicating with those I normally
eat is a
strange and rather unsettling phenomenon.” He licked his lips staring
hungrily at Nadia.
She laughed. “I am not intimidated by your act, Bran. S ave it for the
male
crewmembers; they seem more susceptible than we females.”
“Why is that?” he wanted to know.
“I don’t know. For me, I know that Sh erem would never let you near me if
there
were the slightest chance you might harm me. It is a rather freeing
experience and one of
the only pleasant side-affects of being bound, temporarily, to your friend.”
Bran actually chuckled and the sound made Nadia laugh.
“So, what other powers do you possess and how can you communicate so
articulately in our language?”
“Initially, I correlated Sherem’s feelings to the sounds he used to express
them. It
gave me a rudimentary knowledge of your language; I then studied video-docs to
pick up
the nuances. Sherem does not have the broadest of vocabularies.”
Nadia giggled. “He is a warrior not a diplomat, Bran. He does have an
effective
way of getting his point across, however. H e merely backs his opponent into
a cor ner
and traps them into compliance.” Nadia’s smile fell from her face.
“You make him crazy.”
This cheered her. “It is the least I can do. Can you do other things
besides
communicate, reason intelligently, and disappear?”
“It is unclear. I am just a pup , as I grow I may develop others. Sometimes
it
seems I am about to change shape but it has not yet occurred,” he stated
matter-of-factly.
Nadia spit out the wine she had just sipped. “A pup? Did you say you were
just a
pup?”
Bran bared his teeth and yel ped. “Yes, I will not reach full growth for
another
three seasons.”
Nadia whistled. “That’s almost a full cycle. H-How big will you get?”
“I am not sure but I believe we will find out together.”
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The panel opened to reveal both brothers bantering away. Nadia was glad
they
straightened out their differences, however Dakar watched Bran with a tinge of
wariness
and jealously.
“I have given the order for ‘High Alert’. We agreed that whoever attacked,
will
most likely come at us again before we discover who he or they are. It has
grown late
and is time to rest. Bran, we will lock ourselves in for the night. Nadia’s
quarters are
available and I hope quite adequate for your needs. Sleep well, for I can
feel a storm
brewing. If something happens, I will wake you.”
Sherem turned to Dakar and cla pped a hand on his back . “I know where you
sleep tonight, brother. You have my blessing on the union.” Dakar smiled
sheepishly at
Nadia, punched his brot her in the arm, and exited behind Bran. They were
alone and
Nadia wished he would release her as easily as he had the others. She sank
back down on
her seat and grabbed her wine, emptying the contents.
“It has been a long and grueling day, Nadia. Come retire to our mat.”
Though she could barely hold her eyes open, there was no chance she would
meekly follow. He had taken too much from her and she was raw from the
experience.
She would sleep in the living area. When she heard him fall asleep, she would
take a
pillow and cover from the mat and curl up on one of lo unge sections. Though
not very
wide, when exhaustion took her, she would no longer care.
“I agree the day as been particularly grueling, that is the reason I am too
wired to
sleep. You go ahead and I will follow after I have another Eden -wine.” She
heard him
sigh. He knew she intended to delay the inevitable.
He approached her, feathered his fingers through her hair, and kis sed her
tenderly
on the temple. “Do not leave our chambers, misulu, do you promise?” he
coaxed.
“I know it is dangerous, Sherem, I am not a reckless child. I will stay right
here, I
promise.”
He silently left her.
She would keep her promise and not mov e from her spot on the narrow , though
plush lounge.
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117
Chapter Fifteen
She lay in a pool of fire. Burning up as a million flames licked and kissed
every
inch of her inside and out. Her skin was tight over her frame, her breasts
and lower
abdomen heavy and aching. She needed relief, begged for it, surcease guiding
her every
thought and movement—and then her soul burst from her bod y floating up and up
until
with one last flicker burst into all the stars of the galaxy.
Nadia exploded awake with an orgasm so strong she trembled like the onslaught
of a volcano, the sound of her own scream echoing in her ears. Her eyes shot
wide,
finding fathomless black orbs staring back with amusement-laced satisfaction.
“Wh—What happened?”
“I brought you to orgasm in your sleep. You are very responsive to my touch,
misulu.” Sherem’s voice grated over her nerve endings and passion soaked
skin. He l ay
half on top her, their bodies intertwined.
As she became more aware, she realized she lay positioned in the middle of
his
over-sized mat. “How did I get here?” she asked, the demand slightly slurred
from sleep
and fulfillment. A hot steel poker caress ed her thigh and she realized they
were both
naked.
“I carried you last night and you slept cuddled to me as if made for it. A
few
hours ago, I went to the bridge and gave the ord er for galaxy jump. We are
in E arth’s
galaxy.” He hesitated for a moment as if unsure how to proceed and Nadia felt
the blood
in her veins turn to ice.
“Rocky,” she croaked.
“Is fine, misulu. I have personally spoken with him. The Miramid is maki ng
its
way toward us and we rendezvous in approximately four days in our own galax y.
COM
silence will be maintained until then.”
Nadia pushed until their positions were reversed. “Why didn’t you wake me?
What has kept them so long, are they safe?” Nadia shook him, watching for the
truth in
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his eyes. What she saw, past his relaxed g ood humor, was barely banked
passion mixed
with a smug self-satisfied gleam that Nadia did not trust. She couldn’t
remember when
she had seen him looking more content and carefree. Actually the words
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carefree and
content used in the same sentence with Sh erem created an oxymoron of the
first order.
“What did you talk about?”
“I have brought food. While we eat, I will tell you everything. I laid out a
wrap
for you unless you would prefer to dine in the buff. It can be a most erotic
experience.”
Nadia turned the color of the strawberry robe within easy reach and made a
grab
for it, covering herself as she dashed for the clean room.
Rich baritone laughter followed in her wake. Had she ever heard him laugh?
Nadia entered the front room where an array of he r favorite foods were laid
out.
Sherem was too magnanimous, too pleased and Nadia grew distinctly
uncomfortable.
What had he told her brother? She wanted to find out so when she contacted
him she
could devise her own story and arguments against Sherem’s high-handedness.
If she
were to be honest with herself, she loved the brute to distraction but that
was precisely
the problem because he looked upon her as some sort of prize to be coveted.
She
believed that spending more time with each other might do t he trick but even
while he
cleaved her to him, he also pushed her away. There were certain barriers she
could not
cross and certain c ompartments she could not break out of. It seemed ‘cross
purposes’
defined their entire relationship. And he had so much more experience than
she did with
the male female thing that most of the time she felt totally out of her depth.
How did you
make someone love you? How did you lower your own barriers to someone on the
other
side with shredders?
She wanted to be loved fo r herself, not her title, Gattonia’s natural
resources, or
even her looks. None of them defined her.
“Are you just going to stand there looking lost or come hear about your
brother
and his boisterous family?”
What was going through her beautiful, complex brain? Was she
telepathically
communicating with her brother where she stood ? He had taken certain
liberties in
describing his and Nadia’s circumstances. He had told Zorroc that the y had
lifemated
and all that remained was his blessing and the negotiati on of a bride price.
Zorroc had
been comically stymied by the later and slightly offended that as her brother
he
considered Nadia not prize enough on her own merit that Sherem had to pay
extra for her.
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Sherem had had to reassure him the “price” merely re presented an old Nefari
tradition
and could be paid symbolically in allegiance between their two provinces. He
had only
one hurdle left to traverse. The ritual words must come from her ow n mouth
and free
will or the bond could be later questioned. Even worse, she probably knew
it; being a
well read, scholarly little Gattonian.
The Miramid and the Portender would lock in four days. He must have h er
compliance and complete the tattoo. And affix the final mark on her heart as
well as her
shoulder.
“Well, now who’s looking lost, I would like to hear the news of my brother.”
“They are fine, did I not already say ? It seems they sent a team out for
reconnaissance an d they disappeared. Since discovery of the Miramid would
have
confirmed the reality of another humanoid species, they had to be extra
careful on how
they searched for the missing crew. They did not find him…”
“Him?” Nadia asked.
“Yes, er, no, I mean them. A team of six vanished and with them a good friend
of
mine.”
“Rosik,” Nadia whispered, putting her hand to her throat.
“What do you know of Rosik,” he asked suspiciously. Had his fr iend been
making inroads to her affection?
“He spends a great deal of time at our House. My nephews are a particular
favorite of his. Everyone believes him to be a lethal female magnet, but
inside he’s more
a big teddy bear.
“I don’t believe anything terrible has happened to him. He is too… ” She
smiled
wickedly, “good with his weapons.”
“What is that supposed to mean, what do you know of his weapons?” Sherem
stood up placing both hands squarely on the table, facing her accusingly.
Nadia’s eyes twinkled like the rarest of diamonds, obviously enjoying his
chagrin.
“Well, stealth is a weapon. Charm is a weapon. His blazer works lethally on
the enemy,
where the all important one between his legs vanquishes the females.”
Sherem raced around the table, picked her up out of the chair, and pinned
her
against the nearest wall —amidst rainbows of giggles cascading around him. He
had
never seen her quite so carefree and discovered he enjoyed making her laugh.
“The only
weapon between your legs will be mine. Now, how well do you know Rosik?”
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“He is a very good friend of Cat’s and visits most everyday when not on
assignment.” Her merriment subsided. “Do you think he is alr ight? Cat and
the boys
will be heart broken.”
“You are right about Rosik; we have been in many battles together and
dangerous
assignments. He will land on his feet; there can be no other outcome. Now,
would you
like to accompany me to the bridge and observe a galaxy jump?”
“Why not just wait for my brother here?” she asked, while reaching out to
Zorroc
with her mind. Immediately she felt his warm presence.
“I have missed you, Dizzy Nia. I am sorry to have worried you but you should
not
have come. You might have been injured.”
“I am not a child, Rocky, and I had to do something. I felt your distress and
knew
something had gone wrong. And I was right. How are you, Cat, and my
nephews?”
“Cat and my sons are the terrors of the universe. In other words, all is
normal.
Did Sherem tell you about Rosik?”
“Yes, and he said five others were missing as well.”
“We located them just minutes ago and transhifted them to the ship. There is
no
word on Rosic. It is as if he disappeared. Cat is very upset and read y to
tear the galaxy
apart, of course, but more about that when we meet in a few days. I hear
congratulations
are in order; we have much to discuss after our rendezvous. Until then, I
love you . Cat
will be ecstatic when I tell her we spoke.”
Nadia debated whether to bring up the subject of Sherem’s machinations but
decided to wait until she could sit d own and discuss it person . That way
she would be
more successful in swaying to him to her side. Until then she would not
comment one
way or the other. “Tell everyone I love them and will see them soon. You
too, Rocky. I
am beyond relieved to feel you in my mind, again. It has been too long.” She
felt a wave
of warmth and he was gone.
“Did you hear me, misulu?”
“Pardon? Oh, um, could you explain that again? My mind was elsewhere.”
Sherem regarded her suspiciously. “Day dreaming, my pet?”
“Spooka is a pet; I am your…” She stopped short, clearly perplexed. She had
almost admitted what she most longed to avoid. “Your passenger.”
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121
Sherem barked out a l augh, his eyes fairly twinkling with delight. Nadia
stared,
spellbound. He looked…beautiful. Breathtaking . And all together too
scrumptious to
resist.
Sherem, noting the hunger in her eyes, wanted nothing more than to scoop her
up
and take her to his m at—then keep her there for the rest of the journey. He
cursed his
responsibilities and whoever threatened them. He aligned their bodies, chest
to hips and
crushed his mouth down over hers. And reveled in her enthusiastic response.
“Come to the bridge with me,” Sherem entreated softly, still pressing her to
him,
his face buried in her hair. “Y ou can see and talk to Zorroc in four short
days. I have
already assured you he is safe. Come witness a different form of dance than
the on e we
perform locked together. It may be the only space jig you are liable to
see. Come with
me, misulu. Let me show you my world.”
She decided not to mention her communication with Zorroc and instead asked,
“Space jig?”
“Mmm,” he answered, inhaling the exotic scent of her hai r and nuzzling the
tender spot just below her ear, “a slang term that best describes it , and
a most
unforgettable coaster ride.”
“Yes, I will come.”
He only groaned in response.
Sherem took great care in strapping her into the chair next to his, and took e
very
opportunity to brush his fingers across her neck and collarbone to reposition
her hair, and
along her breasts, belly, and hips to ensure a tight and comfortable fit. The
dazed look of
trust on Nadia’s face made him feel as if he could defeat an entire army. He
bent low and
gently grazed her lips and for a moment the world around them galaxy jumped to
another
dimension leaving just the two of them. The sly whistle behind him
disoriented him and
he turned around to silence the intruder with a look.
Galaxy jump left Nadia stunned speechless, even an hour after completion.
Her
mind’s eye would always recall, with vivid detail, the spirit rocking
experience. The
countless stars and planets burstin g into a kaleidoscope of swirls too
exotic to des cribe.
Rather like observing a powerful orgasm as it pierced soul and body—similar to
the one
she had experienced just that morning. She cast a furtive glance at Sherem,
mesmer ized
by the unholy gleam deep in his eyes; vast as deep space itself.
* * *
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”Have you found them?” the angry voice sounded over COM relay.
“Not as yet, they were there one moment and—”
“What was the staged exercise for if not to plant a tracking device strong en
ough
to follow them into galaxy jump. I told you what to expect; you said it would
be done.”
The Kerrdic Prince Ryder ran his fingers through his spiked, red -feathered
hair.
How had this assignment ended up transferred to him? If Kindarak were the
genius he
proclaimed himself, he would have found a way to tag the Portender through
one of his
own spies on the ship. Security scan, or not. Now here Ryder was, short of
crew, in the
middle of deep space, with the majority of his males passing through one
sickness after
another. Some dying in gut wrenching agony, which Ryder had begun to
attribute to the
drug Kindarak had promised would enhance their battle skills enough to
overcome the
legendary prowess of the Nefari warriors. Had it blocked their telekinetic
capabilities, he
wondered, and prevented the raiding party from planting the bugs deep into
their
ventilation system so as not to be detected? Ryder sighed, he would never
know, because
the gas-filled tooth the soldiers of raiding party wore contained not a truth
blocker, as
purported, but a lethal dose of poison. After the fact, he refused to allow
enhancements
of any kind to be administered to his remaining crew. How had events
culminated to his
present circumstance? It had begun so innocently. A small loan to cover a
lost wager
that morphed into gambling, whoring, and final ly betrayal of those he most
revered. He
had been led like a sheep to slaughter, believing he had control of his
situation…and
Kindarak. He felt tainted, used, in danger of his sanity and most
importantly—trapped.
For what were his options? Kindarak ho used his ship and discreetly sent a
guard to
watch it. He and his remaining crew were under surveillance as well. And
where could
he go with not even enough fuel to make Jasper. Throw himself and his crew on
the
mercy of the Portender , who had vanished without a trace, and beg Sherem to
bail him
out once again? The acid in his stomach churned.
Of one thing he was certain, if he was a naïve idiot, at least Kindarak was
no
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genius. His planning so far had turned out every bit as flawed as Ryder’s
own. Th e
thought rallied him somehow. Kindarak was the idiot for going after the
Nefari
Barbarian.
Ryder faced Kindarak with barely disguised distain. “Don’t forget my prime
objective, my lord.” Making reference to Princess Nadia’s successful
kidnapping.
“Apparently, the drug you ordered admini stered either blocked the telekinetic
powers of
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my warriors or impaired their reasoning. We will never know which, since
there are no
survivors. A very comprehensive way to block the truth, I might add. ” The
reference to
the tyrant’s lack of judgment was one he would have been too intimidated to
attempt the
week before, but blaming himself for so many of his subjects’ deaths mad e
feel him sick
inside and dirty. The kind of dirt that would cling to him for eternity.
Kindarak chose to ignore the insult, temporaril y, he had further plans for
the
puppet prince. “The Portender will make its way back any time. Stay and
monitor the
skies until you locate them.”
“Many of my crew are sick, if we do not start back soon, we wil l die. My
father
would be very displeased were that to occur.”
“Don’t be more of the sniveling fool than you are. My ship will take you
back
when we depart—at the conclusion of our business. All you need concern
yourself with
at this moment is to locate the Portender. I will do the rest.”
“Why can’t you simply galaxy jump to the Milky Way?”
“I explained already that if my ship is traced to the jump sector, I could
fall under
suspicion. Sherem is not a complete idiot—like others I could name.” The log
from his
ship could be accessed to reveal travel co -ordinates for the last cycle.
Kindarak would
not trip himself up so easily. He must appear above reproach. The Baraden
family were
such trusting fools…all but the youngest, of course.
* * *
“I believe I have spotted our thief,” Bran mind -spoke to Sherem who was
engaged in yet another attempt to seduce his mate into the formal branding
ceremony.
Yet she continued to hold herself back from him. Why? The sexual bond
between them
was stronger than any he had felt, he vowed his name, devotion and wealth to
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her; what
more did she require? If she would but say, he would buy it for her. If she
wanted travel
and adventure, which she seemed to crave, he would lay it at her feet. Yet
she insisted
that what sh e needed most, he could not deliver. What else was there beside
sexual
compatibility, wealth, devotion, and alliance? It was the formula that bound
his parents
together and they seemed content. And it should further relieve her that his
father had
chosen only one mate.
He shook himself out of his reverie. “Where are you?”
“In my quarters with the original tapes.”
“I’ll be right down.”
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“What is it?” Nadia asked. “Did Bran discover something?”
“How did you know I was communicating with Bran?”
Nadia shrugged. “I can just tell.” She rose from their game of backgammon
and
crossed the room for another piece of dark chocolate. “May I accompany you?”
“Yes, after you don body armor under your clothing.”
“Aren’t you growing a tad obsessive where security is concerned? We are
not
likely to be caught unawares again.”
“I will not discuss issues of safety, either put on the armor or remain here
with a
guard outside.”
“Certain bodyguards in Gattonia can form a mind -meld and create a force
field
around individual pe ople or themselves. You should ask Bran if he could do
that.”
Nadia was confident that Sherem could keep her safe but what of himself. He
seemed to
consider himself indestructible despite the close calls he survived.
“Can you?”
“I don’t know, maybe with proper training. It is a rare skill and highly
prized.”
“I can understand why. Go,” he ordered, shooing her toward the sleeping room.
“We don’t have all day.”
Nadia raised her eyes to the ceiling and sauntered from the room. Sherem’s
gaze
never left the gentle sway of her hips.
“Who is it,” Sherem asked, without preamble. Bran had been working on the
original tapes for the last week. His vision was more than ten times as
accurate as
humans, from what Sherem guessed. Both figured the film had been do ctored to
cover
up the guilty party, so Bran was slowly going through each slide.
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Sherem seated Nadia before taking his place beside her. “Watch this,” Bran
invited, punctuated with a bark.
Bran’s computer worked by eye command since he couldn’t speak. F rame by
frame he led them through the suspected thief’s movements. Sherem was not
surprised to
find one of the stationed guards responsible, though they were purported to be
the most
trusted of his crew. His shoulders tensed and his back went ramrod stra ight
even as he
shook his head in weary resignation. Nadia caught the movement and covered
his fist
wadded tightly on his thigh.
“Isn’t that—“
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“Yes, misulu, it is Brian, Jorge’s second in command.” He looked over at
Bran.
“Do you think Jorge could be involved, as well?”
“I believe only time will tell us,” he messaged into both minds.
“If my second in command is corrupt, how many others wish me ill?”
“Will you order his arrest now?”
Sherem cocked his head in contemplation. “ Perhaps not; h is actions shoul d
be
observed first to discover all others involved in this treachery.
“Don’t,” Nadia admonished. “Don’t believe your entire crew is against you.
For
one it is not logical, for another, if it were so we would already be dead
—with Bran or
without him.”
“My apologies,” she mind -spoke to Bran. Mind -speaking with the ankou was
becoming more natural the more she practiced, though she c hanneled her
thoughts into a
never before charted canal. If asked, even she was unclear as to h ow she
managed it,
which gave her a glimmer of Sherem’s mental discipline and capabilities. He
was far
more powerful than the quintessential warrior he appeared.
Bran shrugged his acceptance just as a buzz sounded on Bran’s COM unit . “I
turned it off before you arrived, in case someo ne wanted to monitor our
conversation,”
Bran explained. “And besides, it serves little purpose; like handing a
microphone to one
who is mute.”
Sherem moved to the COM unit and flipped it on before demanding, “Speak.”
“Incoming from Nefar, your Highness.”
“Who is it?” Sherem wanted to know.
“He identified himself as Minister Gannett.”
“Route him here.” After a moments pause Gannett’s voice came across harried
and just a little panicked.
“Remy, are you there?”
“What happened to “exalted Prince ”? I believe that was the last title you
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bequeathed to me.”
“Zazu, Sherem, where in the hells name have you been and why are your
communications and co -ordinates cloaked?” Came the frustrated question from
his
friend.
“You used the name of our deity and the one domain he will not tread in the
same
sentence. You must be shaken-up.”
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“Do not joke. What is happening?” Gannett demanded.
“The short version is that we were attacked before galaxy jump and since
returning to Zinn, decided to keep our whereabouts unknown.”
“Attacked! What fool would attack a star ship crammed full of the worst
massacring whores in the universe?”
“Obviously one who is unfamiliar with our stellar reputation,” Sherem replied
wryly.
“Oh, uh, sorry. I—“
“I know what you meant, my friend. And the answer to your question is that
we
don’t know. The assailants keep killing themselves before we can question
them. Have
you heard of a lord powerful enough to command such fear?” Sherem listened to
a small
gasp and a silence held a beat too long. Gannett knew of one.
“No. No one comes to mind,” Gannett replied too quietly. “Your Uncle has
been
trying to reach you, though. I assume he has some news on the drug you are
interested
in. If you will send me your co -ordinates I will pass them along or you can
COM him
yourself.”
“I have his COM address, just give me his co-ordinates.”
“He is in sector G815, Prince Sherem,” Gannett answered formally.
Sherem didn’t bother to correct him. His friend knew more than he was
telling
and the thought made his stomac h lurch in disappointment and frustration. He
would
rather face a hoard of enemies with only a sword than this seemingly endless
web of
deceit and betrayal. Sherem hoped his uncle could shed some light into the
treacherous
tunnel he had wandered.
Nadia noted Sherem’s lack of color and set expression as he stood with his
back
to the COM. He looked as hard as metal but fragile at the same time , as if a
well
directioned wind could send him crashing to the ground. She had heard the
conversation
and didn’t catch anything amiss but Sherem obviously had. Nadia walked over
and put
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her hand on his chest gazing deeply into his eyes.
“What is it, Sher?” she asked.
Sherem looked down at her with a knowing glint and mischievous smirk. “Did
you just use an endearment, misulu?”
“Huh?”
“You called me Cher as in Cheri.”
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“I called you “Sher” as in short for Sherem,” she huffed placing one hand on
her
hip while the other remained firmly trapped on his chest by his callused
hand.
“I prefer the endearment,” he murmured, thr usting his other hand into her
silken
amber strands. They coated his fingers like liquid rays of sunlight as he
tilted her head
back, holding her in place for his bruising, soul-searing kiss. Her knees
liquefied and she
sank into his hard heat. The world fell away. The only reality remaining was
this—him.
Her relentless obsession.
Nadia vaguely registered a disgusted groan before , “Take it to your own
chambers, if you please. I am too young to appreciate it.”
Both she and Sherem sprang apart, having r eceived the message simultaneously.
Sherem grabbed her hand, mumbled an awkward apology to Bran, and dragged her
out of
his chambers down the hall to the jetquik that would take them to their
quarters.
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Chapter Sixteen
“What was I thinking?” Sherem asked the ceiling of the lift, but not
relinquishing
her hand. “I can’t even remember the sector, can you?”
Nadia shook her head. “I guess I wasn’t paying close enough attention.”
“G815,” Bran messaged.
“Thanks, now get out of my head,” Sherem ordered.
“Our heads, plural, Bran,” Nadia added. Sherem sprang through the panel as
it
opened leading Nadia through to their sleeping chamber , forcing her down on
their mat
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and landing right on top of her pinning her hands over her head.
“I cannot think when you ar e around. The only thing I want to do is take
you
again and again, fiercely until I know you are mine.”
Nadia gazed back, her heavy lidded eyes dilated, her cheeks flushed and her
lips
swollen wondering what she had done to awaken such passion and desperation.
She, who
was renowned for her passionless nature.
“Say the words. Make your pledge to me. No more illusions, no more
prevarication. Tell me you want me, give me your commitment and devotion…and
your
body.” Sherem’s body shook as he waited for he r vow but Nadia froze in
confusion.
This was to be it? No words of love, no soft touches or cajoling smiles, just
his will over
hers? He must have anticipated her next words for he cut off her response
with a full
assault on her senses.
“Before we leave this chamber, you will give me what I require,” he whispered
seductively and went to work removing her robe and body armor . In moments
she lay
naked to his hungry gaze. She felt exposed; both overly warm and chilled
consecutively.
“Spread your legs, Nia mine.” His voice had turned to gravel, his chest rose
and fell as if
he had run a league. Nadia did as he ordered.
“Wider, I would see and explore the petals guarding your entrance.”
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Nadia knew her cheeks flushed to raspberry red. She was as expos ed as a
female
could get while Sherem remained ful ly clothed. I n all honesty the
erotically charged
situation electrified her. She felt a drop of her juices push through her
labia and slowly
work its way down the center of her cheeks. Sherem spotted the dewy drop and
followed
its progress; a wicked flicker raced across his expression before he knelt
between her legs
and slowly lowered his head to lap the dewy trickle. He groaned lifting his
head to make
eye contact, and then licked his lips. A feral edge e ntered his gaze before
he fell on her,
gorging on her juices, licking, nipping, and circling her clitoris with his
textured ton gue.
Nadia screamed in writhing abandon. When he lifted her buttocks off the mat
and held
her thighs even further apart for his feast, an orgasm tore through her. B
ut instead of
letting her ride the wave of her release he redoubled his attack until one
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orgasm piled
onto another until she dripped with sweat and every part of her shook in
reaction. She
found herself begging but for what she wasn’t sure.
“Tell me, misulu. Pledge yourself.”
“Please, I need you inside me. Please fill me; I need your body over mine.”
Nadia reached for him and groaned in frustration when he stood and slowly
peeled out of
his uniform. He seemed even larger than before, every muscle bulging.
Especially the
one between his legs. A rampant male ready to devour his prey and at that
moment
Nadia wanted him more than her next breath.
Sherem studied the sated glistening vision in front of him. He had wait ed
for her
forever and now he had her be gging for his body and his cock. There would be
only
pleasure for them both from now on. Her virginity was long past and he had
brought her
to orgasm more than five times e nsuring her passage was coated and primed
for his
entrance. He would make her say the words that would seal her fate . All
would be
settled before her brother or anyone else could interfere. His manhood
throbbed painfully
in response but he would hold off until he had everything he wanted from h er.
He slid
onto the mat and covered her slight frame with his. Zazu , she was soft and
fit him
perfectly. Her desperate whimpers made him want to alleviate her distress but
he would
have his way first.
“Bend your knees and open for me. I intend to give you the ride of your
life.”
She eagerly complied and he slid home. She groaned with the pleasure of being
filled.
He began to slowly stroke her passage bringing her closer and closer to
mindless
pleasure.
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“Faster, harder, Sherem. You are torturing me with your restraint.”
“I promise you will get what you want, but first I need something from you.”
“Of course, anything, take anything you want ,” Nadia wailed, damp strands
clinging to her forehead and shoulders. Sherem increased his pace bringing
her to the
edge of infinity but withholding the final nudge. Her eyes and face looked
fevered, wild.
In old Nefari Sherem whispered J to record. He would take no chance should
their
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mating be questioned. She was his. He then murmured the joining words in her
ear and
told her to repeat them. Breathlessly she repeated the foreign litan y and
something
within him shattered, bursting free and he began to purr. The low droning
spread through
him until his whole body began its own unique waves of oscillating electrical
charges all
Nefari males possessed that resonated to every corner of Nadia’s being until
they vibrated
as one. She gathered and exploded into ecstasy. Sherem roared his own
release and then
sunk his teeth into the juncture of Nadia’s neck and shoul der completing the
mating
mark. When the metallic taste of blood registered on his pallet, he
thoroughly laved the
area to accelerate healing. He lifted his head and turned Nadia’s head to
face him. She
had fainted with the force of her release.
Sherem smiled his satisfaction …she had repeated the ancient words of
compliance, consenting to the lifemating.
He studied her features. Her lush lashes, that had captured several silken
strands
of amber, fanned above moist rosy cheeks while her bee-stung lips were
slightly parted in
silent invitation. One he could not deny. He bent over and kissed her gently
on those lips
before moving on to her lashes, the tip of her nose, and finally the mating
tattoo that
irrevocably bound them.
His mouth continued down her chest, tasting every honeyed inch of her. “You
led
me on a merry chase, little witch, but I finally bagged you.”
“That is a very strange way to say ‘I love you’, Sherem,” Nadia groggily
commented and then moaned as he nipped at the underside of her breast.
Sherem shrugged. “There is no such thing as love; however there are
addictions
and you are mine. One I will feed until the end of our days . I own you,
misulu. You
whispered the words granting me the right.”
He suckled first one breast, and then the o ther but instead of Nadia
journeying
into another sensual vortex, she felt as if a ship full of ice water had been
dumped on her
head.
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“I whispered no such words and I thought I made it clear I am no male’s thing
to
be owned or even worse—an addiction. I am the Princess of Gattonia whether we
mate
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or not. And at the rate you are going it will never happen. Now let me up.”
An unholy
light burst through his gaze, pinning her as effectively as a cornered monzu.
Nadia had
never before feared this Nefari ba rbarian but a trickle of dread now
slithered down her
spine tripping every instinct of self-preservation she possessed.
“Are you saying that I lied and forced the words of joining onto your tongue?”
he
asked too softly.
Nadia licked her suddenly parched li ps and thought through her response
carefully, lest she provoke him further. “I am saying no such thing. What I
am saying is
that I do not recall reciting any mating words unless it was that nonsense
phrase you had
me repeat while I was too passio n-laden to know what I was saying .” When
Sherem
gave her no response, she continued quietly trying to reason with him. “It
was all a
mistake. You see I thought, um, was under the false impression that you car
ed for me.
That you love me. A nd that is what I re quire in a lifemate —actually, the
only thing I
require. So this error will have to be remedied which will be easy enough to
accomplish.
When we return to Ganz, I will have the tattoo surgical ly removed along with
the wrist
band, unless you would be so kind as to give me the key and save me the
trouble.” Nadia
held out her wrist striving to look as earnest as possible and maintained eye
contact
though she desperately wanted to shut out the mounting fury she found roiling
across his
features.
“Nefari warriors, in war as in mating, value only what can be won and
measured.
Our sword arm used for the protection of a mate, the shelter we furnish to
keep you warm
and dry, and the clothing we provide proclaiming possession and rank. These
things are
not nebulous, abstract sentiments but solid proof of our regard. A nd as for
that nonsense
phrase; it signified a sacred life-bonding vow we took that cannot be broken
or remedied.
So I am afraid that you are stuck with my wristband, my tattoo and my person.
You are
mine and I keep what is mine and no one, no one, will take you from me.”
When Sherem finished his threat he punctuated it with a brutal kiss. Then
suddenly as if the tiger within had been loosed, his hands were everywhere on
her body
and were harsh and punishing instead of sensual and persuading. His face was
a mask
showing no emotion as he roughly parted her legs and pushed one and then two
fingers
into her. Nadia squirmed, pleading with him to stop but her teary words only
inflamed
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him further. He e ntered her in one strong stroke then drilled into her hard
and fast,
overwhelming her in her inexperience. Holding her hands above her head with
one hand,
he tipped her pelvis up with the other for deeper penetration. As one emotion
tore
through her, another rocked her with angry force until she was unsure if it
was torment or
ecstasy.
“You are mine, mine, mine,” he swore, each declaration punctuated with a
thrust,
“and I will prove it again and again with pleasure until you yield.” A
burning flame
began low in Nadia’s belly and it spread, growing hotter and more intense
until she was
engulfed. Wave after wave of release pounded her, caught in an undertow of
unbridled
pleasure and heartache.
Sherem lay panting after his release, his face in the supple cu rve of Nadia’s
neck.
How dare he make her feel this way? A jumbled coagulation of confusion,
vulnerability,
stupidity, lust…and love. She wanted to strangle him. Did Zorroc act like a
thickheaded
brute when first confronted with Cat? What tortured idiosy. When Nadia
shoved Sherem
aside, he let her go with no comment. He lay on his back with an arm slung
across his
eyes looking even more miserable than she . Somehow, that made her feel
better. Big
bad beast overcomes maiden half his size—big victory!
Nadia fled to the clean room deciding to visit Tula and Dakar , and leave
Sherem
to his brooding.
* * *
Kindarak cursed his COM unit once more. Why hadn’t he heard from the
Portender? It had been hours since Gan nett delivered his message to Sherem,
though he
had withheld his ships co-ordinates. Might he be suspicious of Gannett or
him—or both?
He pounded his fist on the console, he must get those co -ordinates, or his
plans could be
jeopardized.
“Sir,” the voice sounded through the COM unit.
“What is it?”
“Incoming message from the Portender, Sir,” the COM informed.
Kindarak grinned in anticipation. “Let the games begin.” He laughed and
danced
and twirled over to his COM unit.
* * *
“Have you spoken with our uncle?” Dakar asked as he entered the bridge.
“Yes, we meet in space two days from now,” Sherem replied.
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“So, a day before the Miramid.” Dakar slunk down next to his brother and
noted
the deep black void of space visible through the wide window spanning half the
station.
“Yes. I thought you would s till be in your quarters with Tula . You seem
fairly
glued to one another,” Sherem ventured.
Dakar colored and smiled uneasily looking sideways at his brother. “Nadia
came
by and I decided to leave them to their chatter, besides there is something I
would speak
with you about.” Dakar cleared his throat and took a sip of the choc -tea he
had brought
with him.
“I believe she is or should I say was a virgin. Is what you were about to
ask?”
Dakar spit out his tea in response. “ I know th…Zazu, Remy, give me w arning
when you are ab out to spout outrageously .” He paused for a moment before
asking.
“She was with you for over two cycles, how did you…why did…?”
“She is a princess, given to me as a pleasurer, not a concubine. It seemed
somehow disrespectful to lie with her and besides; my thoughts
were…elsewhere.”
Dakar cleared his throat once again.
“Have you a throat ailment?” Sherem asked humorously, receiving a sock to
his
arm for his brotherly concern.
“No, but this is difficult for me as you must kn ow and you are not making it
easier.”
Dakar ran his hand through his hair in much the same manner as Sherem, a
family
trait, no doubt. The thought made Sherem grin. It was good to be with his
brother again
unencumbered with doubts.
“I think I am in love with her a nd…and wanted to know how you would feel if
I
took her to mate,” he spurted out in a rush.
“Take her to mate with my blessing. She is a good match, but spare me talk
of
love. More like you are crazed with lust, there is no such thing as the
other,” Shere m
pronounced, broodingly.
Dakar burst out laughing and stood over his brother. “I am sure that attitude
has
enamored Nadia to her knees. You have been lost in love with that female
since you
glimpsed her, brother. The sooner you acknowledge it the smoot her your road
to
completing the lifemating ritual.”
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“It is done,” Sherem replied with a smirk.
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Dakar sank back down. “She said not a word to me or Tula, and her clothing,
come to think of it, covered her to her chin. Why would she hide her mating
tattoo?”
Sherem wanted to curse his brother for his astuteness. What to say about his
disastrous mating and the way he had coerced his mate. Sherem cleared his
throat.
“Probably just needs time to adjust,” he finally grumbled.
Dakar clapped him on the back with a laugh and left him.
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Chapter Seventeen
The following two days spawned an uneasy truce between Sherem and Nadia.
She was quiet, dignified, and controlled. The ice princess was very m uch in
evidence
when she spent time alone with him. It was dri ving him insane. He
welcomed the
diversion his uncle provided when he asked permission to link with the
Portender.
Kindarak was struck dumb at the sight of Nadia. He had never before met her
but
tales of her reached his ears. It was said that she was co lorless, and
incased in ice, her
reserve chilling and remote. The radiant, vibrant creature before him,
however, belied
description. She glowed with inner fire like the rarest Myverion gold. She
had high,
sculpted cheekbones below large, slanted eyes of molten amber. Her carriage
showed
grace and charm while her silken mane proclaimed her sensual allure with every
gesture.
His plans for her realigned themselves. Her charms would be wasted on Ryder.
She
would, however, make a splendid addition to his collection. His reward for a
victory well
fought—but not as his mate. That place belonged to the mother of his son .
He stepped
out of the transport tunnel connecting the two ships and approached Nadia, no
t taking his
eyes from her and ignoring, for the moment, all others in the greeting party.
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“May I present my lifemate, Nadia, Princess of Gattonia and now Princess of
Nefar.” Shere m turned to Nadia. “Nadia, my U ncle Kindarak.” Even as
Sherem
extended the proper introduction he moved forward to partial ly cover her
from
Kindarak’s sight. His warrior instincts were shouting so loudly they
momentarily
disoriented him.
Undaunted, Kindarak bumped Sherem aside and i nstead of a formal greeting,
engulfed her in a tight embrace , then kissed her lingeringly on t he cheek,
inhaling her
unique female essence. “Soon,” he murmured quietly.
Nadia stepped back abruptly with a question in her eyes, Sherem moved to
stand
close beside her, putting his arm around her waist possessively. His eyes
shone like the
Macronadin native to Nefar, a warning clear within their depths.
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Kindarak merely smiled and turned to Dakar wondering at the camaraderie the
two brothers once again shared—when he had gone to such lengths to separate
them.
“Dakar, I must admit surprise,” he murmured. “I was told you and your
brother
had something of a falling out. Such a pity. Oh well, everyone knows how
un reliable
rumors can be.” He dismissed him and faced Sherem. “My boy, I believe we
have much
to discuss, but later, perhaps after dinner. It w ould be my pleasure to have
you as my
guests this evening, say eighteen hundred hours?”
“I have some free time now if you’d like to come to the counsel room.”
“Alas, it has been a harrowing journey; space pirates running around
everywhere
breeding battles around every corner. I fear I must rest. I am not as young
as I used to
be. Until later…” It was not posed as a question.
“Of course, Kindarak.”
Kindarak stiffened slightly. “You have always called me Uncle, Sherem. Has
something changed?”
“As you st ated yourself a moment ago, I too am not as young as I once was,”
Sherem replied enigmatically.
Kindarak simply bowed and took his leave.
“Your uncle is a very strange soul ,” Nadia commented, still unnerved by the
touch of him. “Where is he from, he has a n unusual accent and way of
expressing
himself.”
A bemused expression flitted across Sherem’s fac e. “I can’t recall his
homeland
or if I ever knew. Do you know, Dakar?” The three headed down the hall
toward the jet-
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quik. Sherem held firmly to Nadia’s h and. Kindarak’s reaction to his mate
made him
unsettled and wary. Seeing him through the eyes of a child was blatantly
different than
through the eyes of a warrior. His senses were on high alert and the hair on
the back of
his neck stood on end. A warning that had saved him countless times.
“I don’t know, either. Did he seem changed to you, a little off -kilter? I
can’t
explain it…”
“Yes, I know exactly what you mean. When did we see him last?”
“I would say about ten cycles, though I believe our parents see him quite
often
during their travels. And he stays in touch with Rand.”
“Hmm, it is past time we communicate with our father. A good excuse to find
out
a little more about our “Uncle”,” Sherem said as they took the jet -quik to
the main deck.
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“Nadia, go directly to our quarters and wait for me. I shall join you
shortly—and tell J to
set the perimeter for high security.”
Nadia looked questioningly before guessing, “You are spooked.”
“Warriors do not spook, we trust our instincts. It is what keeps us alive,”
Sherem
stated.
“In other words, he’s spooked,” commented Dakar dryly.
Sherem kissed Nadia gently on the mouth and nudged her toward their private
jet-
quik, then he and Dakar proceeded down the hall and around the corner. Sherem
glanced
behind them to make sure of their privacy and then murmured, “I am spooked.”
“I did not trust the way he keyed on Nadia; as if he’d just run up on a
mountain of
Macronadin.”
“I noticed. Bran, what did you think?”
Dakar jumped and looked around. Bran appeared jus t beside him. “How do you
do that, you huge glob of fur?”
“I do not think your brother likes me, Sherem. Can I eat him, yet?” he
asked
wryly.
“Enough, we have larger game to hunt.”
“What did he say? It was concerning me, wasn’t it?” Dakar looked accusi ngly
at
Bran while addressing Sherem.
“He asked if he could eat you. Satisfied?” The stricken look that stamped
his
brother’s face gave Sherem just the measure of levity he needed.
“There was something wrong with his scent, but not unfamiliar to me. He has
ingested Angels Gate or a similar derivative.”
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Sherem locked in place and turned to his friend. “You are positive? You can
scent it on his skin?”
“What are you talking about now, I showered just before joining the welcoming
our uncle,” Dakar stated righteously.
Sherem’s eyes rolled back in his head and spoke to his brother through
clenched
teeth. “Dakar, be serious. Bran just informed me that our ‘uncle’ has Angels
Gate or
another similar drug in his system. That may explain the weird aura
surrounding him and
his unstable behavior.”
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Dakar looked at Bran, stunned and impressed. “I’m reevaluating my opinion of
you as we speak , fur blog. That clarifies a lot.” Dakar looked furtively
around. “Uh,
Remy…”
“Not here. I was g oing to suggest we meet in your quarters but I have
changed
my mind. We will backtrack to mine; there is something you must see, and we
have
much to discuss and plan. Bran, cloak, please. No sense in startling the
crew.” It was
the signal to Bran to drop behind and cover their b acks. And to ensure no
interested ears
endeavored to follow.
Sherem continued to converse quietly with both his brother and Bran, though
Bran would not follow until all was secure. Dakar didn’t know the difference
and so,
every time Dakar asked Bran a qu estion, Sherem would obediently translate, as
usual.
Sherem hid a grin, wondering when his life had taken on the elements of a
comedic farce.
Dakar was stunned speechless, a down right rare occurrence when the
Gattonian
mural taking up one long wall in She rem’s chambers opened to reveal a fully
loaded
POD. “Father insisted it was a matter of national security that I have a way
off the ship
after a particularly risky mission. He would let me continue to warrior no
other way. I
complied.”
“Why wasn’t I told?” Dakar wanted to know.
Sherem shrugged. “You were off at Knowledge W orld with Rand when the
modifications were installed. Come, I’ll show you the inside. It’s equipped
with a
separate and more sophisticated COM unit than the ships and we can successf
ully send
and receive cloaked COMs with no worries of tracing or interception. He is
the best!”
Sherem looked five cycles younger as he boasted about his POD. Dakar had
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never seen his brother so enthusiastic . Dakar’s lips quirked precariously as
he aske d,
“Why do you call your POD a ‘he’, I thought all ships were ‘shes’?”
“J, this is my brother, Dakar. Please say ‘hello’.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Dakar, brother of Sherem. Welcome aboard.
Would
you like a demonstration of my features?”
“Not today, J,” Sherem interjected. “W e need to send a confi dential COM,”
Sherem.
“Of course,” he replied. “COM ready, special features employed.”
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After a few minutes, Dakar heard his father’s voice in greeting. “Hello, my
sons,
it is good to hear and view you. Your mother is here, as well. Mia.” He
turned from the
screen. “Come sit on my lap so we can share the conversation.”
“Oh, Royce, what will the children think?” Came the off screen reply but in
the
next second their mother seated herself gingerly on t he king’s lap. Her
color was high
and her eyes sparkling. Dakar yearned for a match as good as his parents.
Sherem cleared his throat but before his first words Dakar blurted. “Sherem
has
finally landed Nadia. I witnessed he r mark myself; Nefar has a n ew
Princess.” Dakar
read the retribution in Sherem’s eyes as clearly as if he had spoken and h e
smirked. It
would be some time until he forgave Sherem for his suspicions ; until then he
was
exacting revenge in his own inimitable fashion . The queen looked as if she
had
swallowed a plum whole. The silence was deafening and Dakar wondered at the
thickness of it. Surely, they approved. Sherem had made his intentions known
cycles
ago.
“Congratulations, son. Your mother and I are very pleased for you, aren’ t
we,
Mia.”
“Of course, darling, whatever pleases you. Uh…”
Dakar stared at his mother. Queens did not say ‘uh’ and Sherem had not said
a
word, but sat there like the implacable cliffs of Nefar.
“What kind of mating did you forge , Sherem?” she asked poin tedly with a
silencing look at Dakar. She needn’t have worried, Dakar suddenly felt as
though he
were officiating a game without knowledge of the rules to because he had
obviously
missed something vital.
“A life bonding, mother, the ancient words were spo ken,” Sherem answered
woodenly.
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“I thought we had a greed against that course. You are next in line; an heir
must
be assured before the binding words are spoken. Did you have her tested?” Mia
asked on
a hopeful note.
Reality speared Dakar to his core. He hadn’t thought. The smart virus
unleashed
on Gattonia may very well have affected Nadia. She was almost certainly
sterile. All
thoughts of reven ge, no matter how harmless, purged from his being and he
mov ed
toward his brother in a show of solidarity. “Those mandates are—“
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“Quiet, Dakar,” Sherem ordered turning to him with a humorous glint. “I can
speak for myself…but thank you,” he added quietly and then faced the COM.
“Since I
likely will be assassin ated before an heir can be procured , the point is
moot,” Sherem
leveled in deadly earnest. His mother almost swooned while his father studied
his sons.
Dakar couldn’t tell what he saw there but whatever it was, Royce bade Mia from
the
room and leaned toward the screen.
“What has transpir ed?” The parent al inquiries of mating and fertility
were
dropped. The face of a warrior stared back.
* * *
“Hmm,” Nadia said staring at the clothes cove, pondering the appropriate gown
for dinner that evening. Maybe I can bow out, she thought. Pretend she had a
he adache
or a stomach malady. She shook her head —then Sherem would fly into a fit and
call for
an EMT to check her over; getting everyone in an uproar. Bad idea. “Hmm,”
she voiced
again.
“May I suggest the formal lavender gown? It is a similar color to the o ne
you
prefer, but the material is heavier, textured, and more fitted. You will
look as soft as a
tornika but as regal as a queen,” the disembodied voice stated.
Nadia whipped her head around looking for the source of the advice and then
stilled suspiciously. “J?”
“Yes, Princess,” the voice answered. “And I think your hair down with no
jewelry. Your hair is adornment enough.”
“Is there a surveillance monitor in the clothes cove?”
“Oh, no, Princess. I don’t need monitors.”
“Then how can you see, I thoug ht you were physically installed in the POD
and
acted as secondary perimeter alarm. Surely there are remote sensors located
strategically.”
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“Goodness, no. When requested I merely create an impenetrable force field
around the entire chambers. That way not only panels are protected, but
walls, floors and
ceilings, as well.”
He sounded entirely pleased with himself, Nadia mused. “If you are such a
marvel of force, then how did those pirates get in?”
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“I am unable to activate without instruction and I believe you requested that
the
panel be breached. Next time specifically call on me if you wish to be
secure. Of course,
my force field is always activated when my crypt is shut.”
“Your crypt?” Beginning to wonder whether she wanted to know.
“The POD room where I am enclosed, Princess.”
“Please quit calling me Princess. Nadia is fine.” No wonder Sherem had
made
such a point of ordering her into the POD. She sighed. “Well, how can you
see me and
what I am looking at?”
“When my outside perimeter is activated I can scan as well as visualize.
That is
why I must insist on the lav—“
“But you are not on outer perimeter activate status. Why are we having this
conversation?” Nadia demanded, frustrated that nothing was making sense and
her new
style guru was a sightless computer.
“I am on outer activate status, Nadia,” J answer ed calmly, “whenever Sherem
utilizes my onboard COM unit.”
“I see,” she murmured, wondering if they had reached their parents. “As to
the
lavender gown, it is beautiful but I do not wish to look fluffy and harmless,
I am striving
for more of a hands -off, don’t
-mess-with-me-or-I’ll-rip-your-arm-from-your-socket-
look.” Dead silence. “J? Did you hear me?”
“Yes.” Came the disembodied voice.
“Well, any suggestions?” she asked impatiently.
“Are you unhappy with your mate?”
“Of course, I’m not unhappy with Sherem. At least not in that way. Umm, his
uncle is a real live flesh eating octopus, though, and I don’t want him
putting his hands
on me.”
“An octopus? I am checking my databanks. Is that possible?”
Nadia giggled. She loved conversing with computers especially the interactive
AI
types. “Not a real octopus, a male with questionable morals and allegiances
who preys
on females for sexual encounters, encouraged or not.” Nadia waited.
“In that case I would suggest the black textured velvet with silver earrings,
necklace and hair adornments,” he stated.
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Nadia brought it out and laid it on the mat. The material was thick, the
sleeves
long, and the bodice moderately cut. Add silver jewelry and she would be
dressed in the
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colors of Nefar. She smiled. “J, you are a genius!” If Sherem wore the
jacket she
purchased for him in Jasper, they would match too closely to miss. Per fect.
If that did
not deter Kindarak’s wandering touch, there was somet hing deeply wrong with
him.
Which she worried was the case. She donned her body armor under the dress as
a
paranoid precaution. Well, Sherem did tell her to wear it whenever they left
their
quarters.
The panel whooshed open and Sherem strode in looking distracted…until he
noticed her and then stopped dead in his tracks . A startled, confused
expression pooled
in his eyes. He crooked his head to the side and studied her carefully from
her silver
slippers slowly up to meet her tentative tiger -eyes. He raised an eyebrow
quizzically, a
flash of humor lit his eyes, then a knowing smirk lifted the corners of his
mouth.
“Planning to keep all lecherous uncles at bay tonight?”
She returned his smile. “Is it that obvious?” she asked hopefully.
He barked a laugh. “Only to those who know you.” He approached and circled
his hands around her waist, and felt the body armor. “Do you really think
that is
necessary?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry, I know that he’s you uncle, but—“
“Shh, I would have insisted on it anyway. The news from my father was not
encouraging but it can wait.” He nuzzled the base of her neck then planted
kisses up to
her ear, across her jaw to her waiting lips. “You look a vision, my own,
thank you for
donning the colors of Nefar. We will be a matched pair tonight, a united
front, yes?”
Nadia came close to blurting her hearts secrets when his lips closed over hers
in a
thoroughly possessive taking. She was beginning to believe that Sherem did,
indeed,
love her even if he did not verbalize the senti ment. His actions would
suffice for now .
The message reflected in his eyes was as clear as any statement of devotion.
Dakar and Tula met Sherem, Nadia, and a wraith -like Bran at the entrance of
the
link. Tula looked every bit the Princess she was and Dakar followed her every
move like
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a besotted puppy. Nadia could not have been more pleased. She had no doubt
the two
would lifemate before long and her friend would become her sister -in-law—if
she chose
to remain mated to Sherem . He had pursued her for t hree cycles then claimed
her in a
most elemental way yet swore his feelings did not extend to love. How could
she make
him reassess his feelings for her? Even as she posed the question, she knew
the answer.
She couldn’t. She would have to rely time and patience. Nadia’s musings
came to an
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abrupt halt when they entered Kindarak’s ship, the Stealth. It was lavish and
opulent to
an almost ridiculous degree. Ostentatious was too bland a word to describe
it. Iridescent
murals covered every wall and ceili ng while thick patterned carpets covered
the floors.
Silks, satins and several materials not familiar, were dyed with garish
abandon giving no
thought to taste or appeal , draped every surface of table and seat. He led
them into a
huge auditorium that Nadia believed, at first, to be a dinner theatre. Rows
of long tables
and chairs faced the stage where a half moon intricately carved table, set
with black
macronadin plates and goblets, nestled five chairs behind it. Nadia realized
with a
sickening thud, as he led them up the stairs to the dais, that this was
where they were to
dine. Kindarak made a great show of placing Nadia to the left of the center
chair and
Tula to the right of it, with Sherem and Dakar on the ends while Kindarak sat
in the
middle. The chairs were made of dark ornate wood and thickly upholstered and
the chair
Kindarak sat in looked more like a throne. He even wore a cape that brushed
the floor as
he walked. He looked like some feudal lord above a sea of worshipping
minions. Nadia
wanted to laugh one moment and vomit the next. If he sought to impress he
missed his
mark, he looked more clown than king. And he seemed never to take his eyes
from her .
As the evening crawled slowly forward Nadia grew increasingly uncomfortable.
He
leaned closer and closer, quietly informing her of the contents and prep
arations of each
dish seeking to create an intimate bond, ignoring the others. He complimented
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her on her
clothing and actually touched her hair with the premise of examining the
intrica te silver
roping woven into the thick braid down her back. Sherem noticed her extreme
discomfort and kept hold of her hand under the table between all seven
courses and
gently squeezed her thigh while they ate. She was grateful for the
connection.
Though charming and attentive to a fault, it took all of Kindarak’s
considerable
control to leash his growing possessive fury. The object of his desire
treated him with
glacial politeness and aloof disregard. He tried every trick to make her
relax and open to
him but the more he pressed the more stubborn she became. He had a mare very
similar
to her before he taught her manners by repeated lashings. The image of Nadia
tied and
naked on his mat, disciplined into submission by his whip, made a tent on his
lap h e did
not even try to conceal. Let her observe the eventual reward for her
reticence. He was
sweating with conjured images but it didn’t matter; his little charade grew to
an end. He
smiled magnanimously at all he surveyed. Seating Nadia at his left wa s a
signal to his
crew that she would be his next vict…mistress. He could almost taste the
roaring river of
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passion hidden beneath her frigid façade. His eyes gleamed in satisfaction
when a small
ruckus erupted at the entrance of the hall.
A junior crewmember from the Portender rushed to their table, Sherem and
Dakar
stood and moved to intercept him.
“It’s Jorge, sir, he was attacked. We took him to Med Station One. He is
asking
for you.
“Dakar, see our females back to the ship. I go with Denny.” Sher em grabbed
his
arm and whispered, “Be ready for anything. Bran will stay with you as backup.
Dakar
didn’t search for the ankou; for once he appeared grateful for his unobtrusive
presence.
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Chapter Eighteen
Sherem raced through the link with Bran on his heels, ordering several of his
most
trusted warriors to guard the entrance and wait for the others then seal the
entrance.
“You were right in your suppositions, by the way,” Bran calmly pointed out,
loping along beside Sherem.
“What are you saying?” Sherem charged down the corridor to the jetquik and
he
and Bran piled in.
“All of the survivors from our last attack were in that room staring up at
you.
Your instincts were correct.”
“Yes, but did we learn the truth too late?” Sherem arrived on the bridge
barking
orders to prepare for link-drop and get underway while his senses screamed of
peril; he
knew Kindarak would launch first strike. He stopped at a wall COM and
ordered their
shields raised. It would tip off his suspicions but at this point, it w as a
matter of
semantics; the snake of impending doom was slithering up his spine.
“Sherem, the shields have been tampered with, they will not rise.”
Sherem swore before answering, “Check all systems. Now! Report to me at Med
Station One.” He ran full out to the med facility and did not stop until he
was beside his
captain. “Jorge, I am here. Report.” Meant as an order, it was spoken with
great
concern.
“S-Sherem, it was Brian. I caught him tampering with the ship’s electrical
systems, he tried to k -kill me but I was suited, as ordered.” Jorge forced a
smile that
came out as a grimace. “H-he was my friend. Trusted—don’t understand.”
“I don’t think he is himself, Jorge. The tapes we reviewed show ed Brian as
our
thief. We have reason to believe tha t he is an Angels Gate addict and
controlled by his
source, the real villain.”
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“Before I passed out he told me he was doing me a favor for we were about to
be
blown into oblivion and that the end he gave me was infinitely more pleasant
than the one
planned for you.” Jorge grabbed his arm and tried to sit. “You must be
careful—“
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“I know of the danger, Jorge, and who is behind it all —finally. Rest, all
will be
well.” Sherem turned to the EMT and a silent message passed between them.
He
followed Sherem to the outer chamber.
“What is his condition?” he asked grimly.
“As he told you, he was suited. It saved his life. Brian shot directly at
his heart
and bruised the muscle of the l arge aorta and will need time to heal . The
med-tech unit
has reduced the inf lammation but the heart cannot be stres sed for the next
forty -eight
hours.”
Sherem nodded. “Fine, put him out and secure this and the other two Med
Stations. Prepare for battle. Long life.” Sherem moved into the jet -quik
and got off at
the bridge just as a huge explosion rocked the Portender.
Smoke and fire leapt from the counsel as warning sirens filled the bridge.
“Engineering,” Sherem shouted over the din. “Do we have nuclear capability?”
“Yes, sir,” came the faint reply.
“Fine, get it ready. The Stealth has had her chance, now we will teach her
not to
mess with the Portender. Take no prisoners, Sami, launch all three and
destroy her.”
“Sherem!” Tula’s voice came over the COM.
“Female, I am busy.”
“Nadia is gone, Remy. Taken, somehow.”
The wind whooshed from Sherem’s lungs; his entire being tripped off its axis.
Gone. She couldn’t be gone. “What? What are you saying?” he rasped.
“Wasn’t she
with you and Dakar when you returned to the ship?”
”Yes, but then she vanished right before our eyes. I swear to you, Sh erem,
I
would die to keep her safe but she just disappeared.”
“Hold the order, Sami,” Sherem screamed and ran his hands through his hair as
the terrifying truth hit him. Kindarak had used the dinner to plant a
tracking device on
Nadia then transhifted her aboard the Stealth just before firing . That is
why he hadn’t
dealt the Portender a harder blow; he wanted Sherem to realize Nadia was no
longer
aboard. Kindarak wanted to toy with him; to demonstrate his superior
intellect by letting
him to know that he had snatched Nadia right out from under him…he further
knew that
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Sherem would not endanger her by firing on the Stealth. His options were few
and tasted
like sewage.
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“Sami,” he spoke calmly into the COM.
“Standing by, sir.”
“Are both shields and cloaking functions fully operational?”
“Yes, sir, shields came online just now. Brian didn’t have time to complete
his
tinkering, the damage was minor.”
“Good. Prepare one torpedo for launch and be ready to cloak and galaxy jump
on
my order. Load refuge canisters with debris and deploy in tandem with the
torpedo—and
Sami?
“Sir?”
“Millisec timing is essential if we are to make it through alive. Is that
understood?”
“It is now, sir.”
“What do you intend? You can’t fire on the Stealth and disap pear; Nadia is
on
that ship. You put that damn tracking device on her wrist; have you located
her? Is she
somewhere on the Portender? Damn it, talk to me,” Dakar demanded as he rushed
to
Sherem’s side. He had entered the bridge just as Sherem had given the order.
“Easy Dakar, I would sooner take my own life than pluck a hair from her head.”
Sherem ran his hands through his mane, once again, in frustrated agony. What
he was
planning could cost all of his shipmates their lives as opposed to the one of
h is mate.
Faced with a terrible quandary and a horrible choice, it had to rest with her.
Nadia was
his to protect and if he had to die trying then let the fates rule. He turned
to his brother.
“We are going to play dead and then obligingly explode when next he attacks
by firing
our own nuclear bullet to meet his and expunge enough debris, hopefully, to
convince
him of his victory. I would so hate to disappoint our dear Uncle.” His mind
raced
through all the possible scenarios striving to maximize their chances for
success. If they
could fool Kindarak into thinking he had won they could then follow, cloaked,
and wait
for a chance to overtake them, possibly with assistance from the Miramid. If
they were
unable to snatch Nadia soon, s urely his honorary uncle would light somewhere
with his
prize. It seemed strange and highly suspect that not even his parents knew of
Kindarak’s
roots or home planet. They had taken much on faith after he had saved their
father’s life.
Hopefully the children would not have to pay for a parent’s naiveté. But
first things first.
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Dakar smiled grimly. “You are planning to galaxy jump.”
Sherem nodded, his gaze fastened on the Stealth’s firing panel visible on
the
outside bottom of the ship . Sweat beaded and ran down his forehead but he
dared not
blink and miss their opportunity. There it was; a slight ping of light and
wisp of smoke
emanating from the Stealth’s launchers. Kindarak was through gloating.
“Now, Sami!” Sherem shouted, pounded the button on the console, then grabbed
his brother and hit the floor. An explosion rocked the Portender before it
hit h yperspace
but no alarms sounded; no sound to divulge their ploy.
“Sami, damage report,” Sherem requested quietly, somewhat surprised at his
steady demeanor.
“The explosion hit us on the port side but the damage does not appear
crippling. I
will notify you when we have more information,” Sami responded.
“Fine,” Sherem answered, and then COM’d down to the Med-unit.
“This is Sherem, what is Jorge’s condition?”
“He is stable, not to worry. Oh, and we are fine, as well.”
“My apologies.” He could hear chuckling in the background. Sherem couldn’t
help but grin. They had made it.
* * *
Kindarak sat in his chambers awashed in the splendor of victory and laughed
aloud. He had done it, killed two brothers with one strike. The way lay
paved for him to
complete his goal. He would have all he desired, all he deserved that had
been stolen
from him—and an unexpected juicy fruit to taste at his leisure. He stood and
began the
ceremonial dance of victory practiced by his people. He found himself utterly
peeved at
being disturbed. “What do you want? Didn’t I give orders for privacy?”
“You did, sir, but—“
“You will in future a ddress me as “Your Excellency”, you dolt, and if I have
to
remind you a second time, it will mean your life. Is that clear?”
“Uh, yes, Your Excellency. I am sorry to intrude but we need a cross
bearing,
Your Er-Excellency.”
Kindarak liked the sound of his n ew title, it was more in line with his
future
station. It sort of just rolled off the tongue—“Your Excellency”—yes it would
do for the
time being but as to their next destination…
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Should he proceed to Nefar with the tragic news of the Portender’s
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destruction
with all on board? He would say that he had raced to their aide only to be
too late…such
a shame. Rand, of course would be sent for immediately and Kindarak would
remain to
comfort them all in their time of need. In addition, it would allow him the
time he needed
to determine how best to eliminate his trusted friend, King Nefar.
Hmmm, that strategy could take weeks…No, he would collect Rand himself as an
errand to the grieving parents. After he had Rand on the Stealth, they could
COM the
King and Queen together. After all, he must solidify his relationship with
Rand, since he
would soon be his new father. In learning the news of his two elder son’s
deaths, the
King would fall slowly into decline until his assisted death…while Kindarak
would be
there to support the grieving widow and old love. The love and only love of
his life. The
Queen, he was quite sure, would go along with his plans. Rand was his natural
son, after
all. They would welcome a strong male to support him and act as a trusted
advisor. Yes,
Kindarak thought, the power behind the thron e. And about time. He should
have
acceded to the throne on his home planet of Myveria but his comrade snitched
making
him persona non gratis. Such a fuss about a little house cleaning, his father
was decrepit
and barely lucid. It had been past time for him to take his rightful place
but unfortunately
there were two additional witnesses making it three against his word. He
laughed out
loud. Wimpmiesters, the lot of them. They didn’t even have the guts to kill
him. As the
royal son they merely banished him to a non-life of piracy…until now. And he
couldn’t
wait, he had learned much in forty cycles. His plan was foolproof.
And then he paused. He would need time with Rand to forge a stronger bond
until turning to his Uncle would seem natural…and time with his new mistress.
Perhaps
he could make her a number two mate. Nefar custom allowed such or just
deposit her in
his already existing harem. His female slaves remained sequestered and cut
off from the
rest of the universe. Yes, perhaps he would simply let Nadia die along with
the Portender.
He grinned at the sheer brilliance of his scheme. No one , as yet, knew of
the
Portender’s demise let alone that he held the Prince of Kerr and his crew as
his “guests”.
It allowed him ample time in which to decide the final fate of his many
vict…er visitors.
“Your Excellency? May we have a heading?” the disembodied voice quivered.
This time Kindarak smiled graciously. “Yes, Smead, we go to the Knowledge
Planet with all speed. Oh, and Smead; keep a look -out for any ship making
galaxy
jump.” Kindarak just hated loose ends like the Miramid and purported tales
of telepathy
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inherent in Gattonians. He found it very difficult to believe and yet he had
witnessed
Ryder’s telekinetic powers. He supposed anything was possible.
* * *
“Do you have a line on them, Drake?” Sherem asked. Brian had been Jorge’s
first
navigation officer. Drake , his second, now took over that function. Drake
had been
nervous and tense, stammering his innocence and outrage at Brian’s acts fo r a
full two
minutes before Sherem put a halt to it. His current movements over the cons
ole were
stilted but precise; he knew his job and might even surpass Brian in
knowledge. As his
first navigation officer grew more comfortable, he began to chatter.
“I have him on the screen, Sir, he is leaving a trail a rookie could follow.”
He
turned to Sherem, a large grin splittin g his face. “He bought it, Sir; he
thinks he
destroyed the Portender. It was a most brilliant exercise in stealth, if you
don’t mind t he
pun. What do we do next?”
Sherem grinned back. “We effect repairs until a ll is fully operational and
follow
at a discreet distance.” It was highly unlikely that Kindarak would have
let down his
guard unless completely sure of his success . So for the moment they were
safe and held
the advantage. He would never get another chance at the Portender or Nadia,
once he got
her back.
Drake’s console began to blink and he turned to receive a transmission. “Sir,
it is
the Miramid.”
“I’ll take it in my chambers,” Sherem stated grimly and stalked from the
bridge.
“I am here, Zorroc, speak.”
“What in hells booty are you about? You almost galaxy jumped on top of us;
it
took all our efforts to avoid colliding. And where is my sister, she does
not answer my
greeting.”
“Well, if you insist on flitting about the universe cloaked, you should expect
the
occasional close call,” Sherem replied laconically. When the jump was made
to the
Milky Way, he did not specifically have his mind on the M iramid and her
location but
hoped to materialize as close to her as possible to avoid detection from the
Stealth in case
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they didn’t quite trust the destruction of the Portender and executed a jump
of their own .
But Zorroc didn’t have to know that yet.
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“Well, what were you doing cl oaked in the process of a jump? That was a
risky
proposition, mercenary. One that never should have been attempted with my
sister
aboard.”
“If my mate was aboard, I would not have had to resort to it. We need to link
and
plan a strategy for her safe return,” he responded, resigned to the
tongue-lashing he knew
would come.
“What have you done to Nadia? Damn you barbarian, if there is a hair on
her
head damaged, your life as my sister’s mate will be a short one. We’ll trans
you over for
your explanation,” Zorroc growled.
“I have my reasons for linking, brother, just prepare for link and I’ll
explain
afterward,” Sherem reiterated. He smiled as he heard Zorroc mumble about the
“brother”
comment. The console began blinking signaling another COM, this one f rom the
Med
Center.
“End transmission.” Sherem terminated the COM to intercept the next.
“Speak.”
“It’s Rollins, Sir. About the autopsies...”
Sherem waited a moment before demanding, “Spit it out Rollins, my time is
short.”
“They were jazzed on a drug I’ve never seen before that does contain Assyllis,
but
there was something else…”
“Report, Rollins, I’m not a prompter.”
“Er, yes sir, of course not sir…”
“Now,” Sherem roared.
“They were bugged in the same place,” Rollins blurted. “Underneath the skin
on
the back of the neck.”
“Is it a homing device?” he asked quickly.
“I believe so, sir. Should I bring it to you?”
“Is it live?”
“It’s blinking.”
“Then stomp on it, you idiot, and then disintegrate it. And I mean now. Is
it
dead?” Sherem heard a crash followed by a laser.
“Yes sir, it’s gone now.”
Sherem cut the connection and turned to Bran. “Go to the Med Center and make
absolutely sure the homing chips are destroyed.”
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“More those likely those bugs held more intelligence than your MTE,” Bran
commented, padding into the jetquik.
Sherem was escorted to Zorroc’s private chambers within the hour. He started
to
sweat again, this was even worse than plotting a life or death invasion.
Maybe being
blown to bits a few hours ago would have been less painful than what he was
about to
endure. He took a deep breath as the panel opened to reveal Zorroc, his mate
Catarina,
and three tiny rollicking children bouncing off every surface of the room.
Shrill shouts,
accusations, and baby laughter filled every crevice of the room. Sherem
stood
motionless; afraid he’d step on one of the miniature pocket rockets.
Cat observed the giant warrior known as the Warrior Prince and hid a grin.
The
expression on Sherem’s face was hysterical. He took one step into the chamber
whic h
tripped the closing of the panel and froze. He glanced back, trapped and
panic -stricken,
clearly searching for a way to escape . Cat knew exactly how he felt. They
were a
handful. Okay, several handfuls —on a good day. They seemed to notice their
gues t
together and froze in mid mischief. Trina made a beeline for the back of
Cat’s legs, and
Nadi scrambled for Zorroc while Zory boldly approached the dark giant before
him. The
top of his head came to Sherem’s knee. Sherem looked every bit the warrior h
e was
purported to be. His hair was straggly and unkempt, a rigid scar dissected
one eyebrow,
and every contour of his face appeared carved into granite. His massive
shoulders and
chest, corded arms and chiseled abs and legs reminded Cat of a mountain. He
son
obviously agreed because he spouted belligerently, “I could climb you, I
bet.”
Sherem glanced down and growled, “Yeah, well I could eat you.”
Zory screamed and decided to climb his father, instead.
What Nadia saw in this harsh being completely eluded her.
Zorroc growled warningly, popping his son onto his shoulders.
“What in hell is going on? Why weren’t you at the appointed co -ordinates
and
what have you done with Nadia?” Zorroc roared; closing on Sherem slowly,
impeded by
Nadi’s clasped legs and a rms around one of Zorroc’s calves and Zory’s death
grip
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covering one eye.
Catarina hid a smile as she put her hand on Zorroc’s arm to halt his progress.
“Zorroc, sweetheart, give the poor man a chance to explain.”
“He is male not man. Different species, my own,” Zorroc tenderly clarified.
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“Man, male —you’re all alike but let’s please try to leash the testosterone
cacophony running wilder than our children. Sherem, please sit down. Let me
get some
jive for all of us, I think choc-tea is a bit light considering the
circumstances.” She stifled
Zorroc’s coming denial w ithout a word then leveled a don’t -mess-with-me look
at
Sherem. She may be small but she was potent. She had learned to stay ahead
of these
cat-men, as she had persisted to think of them.
The implacable cat-stare they exchanged would clue anyone into their true
nature.
Well, that and the way they moved—with the fluid grace of a panther—currently
circling
one another. Cat pressed a glass into each hand and then sat. Both
cats…er…men...er…males…accepted the brew and stood down though Sherem
remained by the panel as if ready to flee at any moment.
“It is good to see you, Catarina, I am glad to see your children are well.”
He
turned to Zorroc. “You have not changed a bit, Zorroc. We have much to
discuss if we
are to free your sister. Y our normal blustering will only deter us further
,” he stated
gruffly.
The nanny arrived to take charge of the children but Cat could see she had no
way
around the massive figure acting as another door to the roo m. Cat sighed.
“Children, go
with Camille, she’ll take you for some ice cream and then the romper-room.”
Sherem
visibly paled as the three miniature torpedoes charged straight for him.
Trina and Nadi
went through his legs and Zory wound past his right calve grabbing hold as he
sprang out
the exit. Still he remained frozen, apparently too horrified to move. Cat
went over and
took his arm, and led him to a chair. “Just breathe, Sherem, you’ll recover
in a moment,”
Cat advised soothingly as she plucked him down. Zorroc stuck a drink in
front of his
face and toasted him; Sherem downed the drink in one swallow.
“Talk,” Zorroc barked.
“It is a long story but in essence, my honorary uncle, Kindarak, has taken
Nadia.
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He may want her for ransom or for himself; he seemed inordinately fixated on
her when I
introduced them.”
“I don’t understand how you could let this happen,” Zorroc began.
“He planted a homing device on her while he entertained us on his ship for he
trans’d her r ight out from under the watchful eye of my brother while I
prepared a
surprise of my own. He hopefully thinks the Portender is destroyed. It was
our intent.
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That is the reason we attempted galaxy jump cloaked. We wanted to make him
think he
succeeded so I could rescue my uh—your sister.”
“I am lost. Begin at the beginning.”
Sherem painstakingly filled them in when all he wanted was to go after his
mate
and kill the maniac who had dared steel her. The ‘who’ behind the attacks on
his life
while framing his brother for the deeds, the on e responsible for the traitors
aboard the
Portender, the supplier of Angels Gate, the kidnapper of his mate; all of the
acts pointed
irrefutably to Kindarak. The one question remaining was why? As a trusted
member of
the family of Baraden, Kindarak gained many an entrance into commerce and
society that
would have been impossible for him to achieve from another source. Plus ,
the
unconditional friendship and trust bestowed upon him by the King and Queen of
Nefar
and Godfather of all three royal children. Why throw away more than thirty
cycles of
belonging, friendship, and trust? For monetary reasons alone? The facts and
conjectures
played over and ov er in his head like a program loop in a computer system.
He was
missing something vital, the key to the p uzzle. An undetonated photon
missile possibly
aimed toward all he held dear. He clenched his jaw so hard it felt like
hardened cement,
his fists tight like steel pistons longed for action , only lacking their
target. He hoped he
had the control to extract explanations before shredding Kindarak into bloody
strips.
“So what is your plan? I assume you have one for getting my sister back
safely…” Zorroc lifted an eyebrow and waited while Catarina paced, becoming
more
upset by the moment.
“Z, can’t you reach her through mind-speak?” Cat pleaded.
“Not until we achieve galaxy jump to our gala xy which we can acomplish in a
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matter of hours,” Zorroc answered.
“Actually the Portender is ready now. My plan is to jump in tandem with the
Miramid so if Kindarak is paying attention it looks like only one ship. The
Portender will
remain cloaked while we probe for your sister through her tracking bracelet
and you
communicate with her telepathically. If you catch the attention of the
Stealth, all the
better. It would se em only natural that you would initially mistake the
Stealth for the
Portender. After they identify themselves, you can send greetings, even get
chummy and
inquire about the Portender. Just don’t allow them near enough to detect us
or attack.
My ‘uncle’ has turned predator and requires no reason to attach and destroy.
I intend to
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155
rid the world of his presence as soon as I can extricate my mate. I no longer
care about
the bond he holds with our family. When he took Nadia, his life became
forfeit.”
Zorroc studied him for a moment. It was a good plan. There was even an
outside
possibility that he would release Nadia to him, surely it was widely known
that most
Gattonians were telepathic. “Will Kindarak be familiar with the telepathic
abilities of
Gattonians, most in our galaxy seem to be. Maybe it would be wise to
volunteer my
telepathic link to my sister when I contact him.”
“Zazu, I almost forgot about that, and I pray that Kindarak doesn’t think of
it. He
might just kill Nadia to cover his tracks. As it is, he can simply plead
ignorance or say
that we had departed some hours before. I can’t reme mber if I mentioned the
Miramid.
Bran will know,” he decided.
Cat felt a presence before she could ask Sherem who Bran was, then was
stunned
into immobility as she stared when a hairy monster solidly materialized beside
her.
Zorroc, hearing the silent scream, jumped from his seat, lodging Cat behind
him,
and had dagger drawn before Sherem could utter a word. His reflexes, however,
allowed
him to grasp and still Zorroc’s hand.
The past days and lackadaisical response from Nadia and Tula to Bran made
Zorroc’s and Cat’s reaction all the more shocking, spiking his adrenalin.
“Meet Bran,” Sherem squeezed out between gritted teeth at the effort of
keeping
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Zorroc still.
Zorroc didn’t take his eyes off Bran as he asked, “What is that?”
“That is my friend and bodyguard and deserves your respect. He saved my l
ife
almost a cycle ago and has been at my side ever since. Bran,” Sherem said,
turning to his
friend, “this is Nadia’s family, as you already know.”
“Well, he certainly has my respect. Is, uh, is he friendly?” Cat asked.
“Only to those who are friendly in return. Nadia took to him at first sight,
they
even communicate telepathically.”
Cat turned back to Bran a nd studied him with interest. Her shy and
sometimes
timid sister-in-law didn’t run from this monstrous mongrel? Sherem read the
question in
her expressive eyes. “Their acceptance of each other came as somewhat of a
surprise to
me, as well. Bran is an ankou and most likely more intelligent than our own
species.”
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“Wow. I’m sorry for being so, um, startled, Bran, it’s nice to meet you. I
would
imagine keeping this mercenary warrior alive is a full -time occupation.”
Bran gifted her
with a full-toothed grin and bark.
“If you can speak to Nadia telepathically; do you know if she is all right?”
Catarina’s question caught Sherem by surprise and he looked to Bran.
“Telepathy cannot traverse galaxies,” Zorroc stated, “but as soon as we make
the
jump I will be able to reach her.”
“Arrogant humans; she is unconscious. He incapacitated her almost
immediately
and I presume will keep her that way until he believes she cannot be heard or
contacted.
It might be useful for Kindarak to believe that this one’s telepath ic
abilities are quite
limited.” He yanked his head in Zorroc’s direction.
Sherem fought to hide the grin as he offered, “Bran told me that Kindarak
rendered her unconscious , possi bly to assure no one can mind -speak with
her. He
believes it would be wise to let him believe that your powers in that area
are limited and
even weak so he will allow her to awaken. Maybe you can let it slip during
your
conversation with Kindarak.”
Zorroc pinned the ankou with a steely stare. “Perhaps that would be wise, if
we
can finesse a conversation to reveal it,” he murmured then added. “And we
will make her
powers weak unless he already knows differently. Which brings us to the
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original
question. How much does he know about our plans to meet?”
All eyes focused on the a nkou but Sherem replied . “The rendezvous with
the
Miramid was never mentioned but he would have been informe d of the intent to
locate
her. It was the primary mission.”
“Where do you think he will try to take her?” Cat asked, not liking the way
the
ankou was measuring her mate.
“The sooner we return to our galaxy, the sooner we will know,” Sherem
answered.
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Chapter Nineteen
Sonny crept closer to the voices and froze, straining to hear the
conversation. He
dared not venture any closer for fear of r eprisal. The last time he’d been
caught spying,
they’d thrown him in a dark hole until he could no longer stand. That was
when he made
the discovery that saved his life. The ventilation ducts that catacombed the
massive ship
and led to hundreds of hidey holes. Long after the crew had forgotten his
existence, he
had stored clothes, food, and blankets in every section of the Stealth. Sun
had outsmarted
them all.
It was quiet in the deserted cabin, once aga in. He waited, still as mold and
then
moved as light as dust toward the vent opening. He waited some more before
peeking
through the grid. A shiny inert lump covered the berth where he occasionally
slept. He
didn’t think it was a trap to draw him out but he had to be careful. He laid
out flat about
a foot from the grid and waited. He finally slept making no movement.
Nadia rolled over onto her back and groaned from staying in the same position
for
too long. Her right hip and thigh were asleep and her neck felt like it had
been clamped
in a vice. W here was she? Not on the Portender she instantly realized. Her
pulse
jumped so hard she felt her heart jerk into her throat and she groaned again.
She had
been kidnapped for the third time, if she counted Dakar. And she knew that
this time
would not be nearly so pleasant. Zazu, this was getting old; she wasn’t even
as
frightened as the last time. Checking her wrist for her bracelet, Nadia
sighed at the feel
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of warm metal encircling her pulse point. Sherem would find her…or her
brother.
“Rocky, are you there?”
Nothing.
“Bran, can you read me?”
Nadia felt something strange, a probing…then nothing. Dead space. Where
were
they, had Kindarak galaxy jumped to the Milky Way or another island universe,
possibly
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unknown to Sherem or Zorroc? A fission of fe ar zapped through her making her
shiver
unexpectedly. They would find her; the alternative was too ghastly to
contemplate.
As her eyes adjusted to the dark, shapes began to emerge. A shapeless blob
about
three feet high and two feet round was heaped in a corner of the small cell.
Something
that could be an ancient commode stood in another corner and then there was
the narrow
cot she occupied. Not exactly quality accommodations which somewhat surprised
her
considering Kindarak’s opulent taste in all things. Was she to his taste?
The thought sent
another tremor through her. If he tried to touch her, her skin would
probably crystallize
and jump off her frame like so many fleas. That vision caused an
inappropriate giggle
bubbling through her parched lips.
She froze at a slight creaking sound adjacent her cot as a portion of wall
seemed
to shimmer and move exposing a black hole, and then something began to
emerge,
snaking its way toward her. A balloon of air began to fill her diaphragm and
rose slowly
to form a horror filled scream when a small, child -like voice whispered
“Shh”. Nadia
forced her eyes open as far as she could; not believing her senses. A tiny
human took
shape before her.
“Wh-what are you,” Nadia whispered breathlessly.
He huffed impatiently. “I am a boy. What do I look like?”
“How did you find me? Did he send you to frighten six cycles off my heart?”
Why she was so certain of her abductor she didn’t bother to contemplate. She
simply
knew it for the truth.
The child snorted. “Not like ly, he thinks I’m dead.” A whispered “I hope”
followed his statement. He took a step closer and added. “I saw them bring
you in but it
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took a while to find you and then I had to wait until I was sure they had
gone, and then I
had to wait until you woke up. Did he buy you too?” he wanted to know.
“No, I am the Princess of Gattonia and mate to the Prince of Nefar. He
kidnapped
me from our ship.” Nadia had scant experience speaking with little people and
wondered
how much he understood about grown -ups and their motives…and evil. She
couldn’t
make out his expression, which made the task of communicating even more
difficult.
She forged ahead and hoped she was taking the right tact. “I believe he is
not a nice
person, maybe even bad.”
“You are mistaken; he is the devil, himself,” he assured her, standing erect,
with
his hands on his hips.
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Nadia nodded in the dark but had a feeling he saw her perfectly. “What is
your
name and how old are you?” He looked no more than a few cycles older than
her
nephews.
“I can’t remember the name my mama called me, I think it wa s Rees, but here
they call me Sonny. I don’t know how old I am cuz I don’t know how long I’ve
been
here.” He sighed and turned his head away. “Seems like forever. I
excaped’em long
time ago and l ive in the tunnels that supply oxygen and tempcontrol. Cook
leaves me
food by the kitchen vent at night and sometimes other stuff.” Sonny’s voice
sounded
hoarse as if he hadn’t spoken for a while. Considering how he lived, Nadia
was not
surprised. How could they mistreat a child this way. He couldn’t be more
than six cycles
even if he were large for his age, which Nadia doubted strongly. He was
wraith thin as if
he’d been slowly starved. She wanted to sob her eyes out for him but knew
he’d take
great offense at her concern. He obviously was extremely brave and had fended
for
himself for who knew how long. He deserved respect and she would give it to
him.
“My name is Nadia and I’m very happy to have a friend here in this scary
place.
You will be my friend, won’t you Sonny?”
“Sure, you’re just a girl and need taking care of. I always took care of my
ma ‘til
we ran out of food…” His voice trailed off and Nadia thought he might begin
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to cry but
he emitted no sound.
She cleared her throat. “Is there a light in here? My eyes aren’t used to
the dark
like I’ll bet yours are.”
“It’s not safe to light the panel, they’ll know you’re awake and come for ya,
but
I’ve got something that won’t alert them.” He pulled out a flicker, a small
hand held
illumination device and switched it on. The room glowed dimly, similar to
candlelight
and Nadia got her first real glimpse of her comrade. His feli ne eyes
dominated his face.
Dark skin stretched tightly across his cheekbones, forehead, and chin below a
ratted mop
of black shoulder length hair. Ragged, torn, dirt y shirt and shorts ripped
just above his
bony knees covered his small frame. His feet were bare. When Nadia met his
steady
gaze, proud, defiant, and impossibly weary ; her heart lurched. He had the
soul of an
seasoned warrior, an expression Sherem wore on occasion that proclaimed he
had
witnessed too much of the dark side of life.
“You are obviously clever, smart and canny to have alluded Kindarak and his
minions and to have picked your allies well. I hope you will consider me one
because
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when my mate comes for me, and he will; you will come with me and begin a new
life of
freedom and light. I swear this to you, Sonny, on my honor as a Princess.”
Sonny smiled sadly. “I all ready have my freedom; leastways more than you,
and
where would I go? These tunnels are my home, the only one I know. I don’t
know
where I came from or if my m ama is alive and would even want me back,” he
admitted
gravely.
“You would have a home with me, Sonny. Sherem and I will adopt you, if you
like us, and if not you can be employed in an important position and have
money of your
own.” Nadia explained this wanting only to secure his co-operation for there
was no way
she would leave him in such dire circumstances. What mother would sell her
child into
this kind of hell? Whatever the answer, it would end when Sherem came for her
because
she would not leave without him.
His haunted expression was followed by a fast scurried movement toward the
ventilation grid and sudden blackness. “They come,” his disembodied whisper
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warned.
“Play dead or they’ll drug you again. I’ll be back later with food.” He
gulped audibly
then disappeared with no further sound.
Nadia collapsed on the cot and ordered her breathing and heart rate to mimic
sleep
but her pulse thundered every beat muffling her hearing.
“Get up, you,” one announced as he entered. The aroma of hot food filled the
chamber. She willed her stomach not to growl. He moved to where her head
lie and
lifted a square board hanging on the wall to a horizontal position making a
small table
and plunked the food on it.
Another guard walked to her and shook hard. She groaned but remained lax.
“He
said she’d come around about now. How we supposed to get her to eat if she’s
still out?”
“Maybe she’s faking. A couple of hard pops ought to get her attention.”
“He said no rough stuff. She’s to be left unspoiled!” he mimicked the last
part.
“All right then.” The second guard approached her and screamed in her ear,
“Princess, this here food will be eaten or we’ll stuff it down your throat
when we get
back.”
The two opened the panel and retreated down the corridor. “Why does he care
if
the bitch eats?”
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“It’s drugged. Keeps her from trying to contact any of her people. She’s got
the
telepathy thing, the master says.” Nadia overheard the fading conversation
though she
wouldn’t have touched the food no matter what.
A barely audible scratching followed and a small hand snaked out snatching
the
plate and goblet. They disappeared for a moment then re tuned empty. “You
don’t want
that,” the childish voice said. “I’ll visit later with some other stuff that
won’t make you
sleepy.”
“Thank you, Sonny,” she answered to the darkness.
* * *
“She is awake and attempting to reach us,” Bran commented to the chaotic
voices
trying to figure out the best way to rescue Nadia and terminate the Stealth.
Sudden
silence ensued for a long moment.
“You can communicate with her over galaxies? She is speaking? Is she all
right,
what is her location, what does she know of Kindarak’s plans?”
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“Cease, Sherem!” Bran insisted. “She is awake but alone and knows nothing.”
“Are you sure he is reading Nadia? Telepathy is thought impossible unless
both
parties inhabit the same galactic nebula or species,” Zorroc explained.
“Inform small minded fool that it is that belief that sets the barrier not the
varying
nebula.”
Sherem fought to hide the grin striving for purchase. “Er, he said his
telepathic
path, um, can breach the universes.”
Zorroc looked at him doubtfully before turning to Bran. “What does she know?
Let’s make galaxy jump immediately s o I can speak with her.” Zorroc stood
and made
for the panel, ready to make final preparations. Cat remained seated, staring
at the ankou.
“Wait,” Sherem commanded, also contemplating Bran. “Nadia must not know we
survived. Kind arak will visit her to gloat over the Portender’s
destruction and her
reactions must be genuine or he may be on to us.” Turning to his now brother
in -law.
“Zorroc, you must pretend ignorance of the whereabouts of my ship after
galaxy jump is
accomplished. Can you shield from her or will she know you are lying?”
Zorroc sighed. “She is the strongest telepath I have ever felt. I have tried
to hide
that fact from her bu t heaven only knows what she has plucked from my mind.
Can I
shield my knowledge from her? Possibly, but you underestimate Nadia because
even if
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Kindarak or I tell her of your supposed fate, she will not believe it, and
trying to convince
her would be pointless. So her reaction either way will be the same.”
“But you will try.”
“I will try.”
“And your mate?” Sherem skewed Catarina.
“Don’t look at me, I don’t have the gift.” At Sherem’s continued scrutiny
Cat
blurted, “Okay, I can read my mate, but that is the extent of my talent. And
that fact i s
confidential for security reasons.”
Zorroc looked at his mate with bemused humor . “You couldn’t lie if your
life
depended upon it,” he messaged.
“Stop it, he is family. He has a right to know, it will probably happen to
him, as
well, when he and Nadia become closer.”
Zorroc tilted his head in hot, knowing contemplation. “I believe you are
right, my
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one.” His heated look made her blush like an untried female.
“Enough, both of you. Telepathy is not necessary to know your precise
thoughts,” Sherem stated. “Careful, Leader of Gattonia, or your mate will
drop another
litter of maniacs you affectionately refer to as children.” Sherem belly
laughed at
Zorroc’s paled complexion.
Catarina joined in Sherem’s laughter and patted her mate on the knee. “Just
breathe, sweetheart,” she advised.
Zorroc was not at all amused. “Just wait, barbarian, for your own ‘Litter’,”
he
responded.
Sherem sobered immediately, he would tolerate twenty little maniacs for the
safe
return of his mate.
“Do not concern yourself, my friend, we will not fail,” Bran messaged.
“Let us prepare to jump, and after Nadia is safe by my side—blow Kindarak to
his
new home in hell,” Sherem ordered.
* * *
“What do you intend?” the Kerrdic Prince demanded.
“Ah, Ryder, I believe we have an opportuni ty that cannot be ignored. The
Portender with the two eldest princes have been dusted and now we have the
Miramid,
purported to carry not only the Leader of Gattonia but also his mate and
heirs. The
temptation to repeat my former performance, I find almost irresistible. All
that lovely
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Assyllis.” He turned to Ryder who was visibly sw eating and had paled to
ghost white.
“Did you order your two star ships to the co -ordinates I gave you?” Kindarak
asked
silkily.
“Yes,” Ryder lied easily. If it cost him h is life, so be it, but he would
not risk
more of Kerr ’s fighting forces and innocent lives just to accommodate a
drugged up
psychopath.
“Good—“ Kindarak hesitated before continuing, noticing Ryder’s slight
tremble,
then added, “boy,” he finished.
“I believe it will be a most unfortunate accident, a dreadful misunderstanding
and
you, Prince Ryder, will swear to it. I will, of course, take over Gattonia—“
“You promised Nadia to me. I should be the one to rule Gattonia as her
lifemate.”
Silence reined indefinitely while Kindarak studied the rebellious pup. He
would
like to eliminate him but he need ed those starships to carry out his plans.
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Kindarak
thought. Nadia was his; he had stolen her and she was his to do with as he
wished. He
decided to play along Ryder, at least for the immediate future. “I gave you
my word and
of course it will stand. You can have the chit.”
Ryder let out an audible sigh before adding, “The key, your Excellence. I
would
visit my future mate and why is she being held a prisoner in that dank
windowless pit.
She is a princess and should be treated with more courtesy. It is not like
she can escape.”
“She could be telepathic, the room she inhabits is lead -lined. I was told
that it
blocks messaging or so the previous owner bragged .” Toward the end of
their…association. At the time Kindarak thought him lack -brained—reading
someone’s
mind seemed far -fetched at best. But now he was grateful for the amenity.
Fate
continued to favor him. “Take some things to her if you must but don ’t
expect her to
thank you, I am keeping her sedated. Here is the panel code.” When Ryder
reached for
the card, Kindarak snatched it away. “One more thing, my boy, I will rule
Nefar and
mate with her queen and I w ill allow nothing to stand in my way . A nd you,
Prince
Ryder, will make sure that Kerr welcomes me as an ally, the consequences if
you
prevaricate will prove…unfortunate.” Ryder tersely nodded and left without a
word.
Ryder rushed back to his POD as fast as he could without actually fleeing lik
e the
coward he was. Zazu, Kindarak really had annihilated the Portender, a feat
all beli eved
impossible. Ryder could not comprehend a universe without Sherem, the
greatest warrior
of all time. The male was an icon, more than a legend and Kindarak had
blasted him into
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the next realm. He wanted to cry. Sherem was someone he both hated and
worshipped.
Worshipped because everyone loved an unbeatable force that risked his life for
the good
of those weaker than himself and hated him for the same reason because three
cycles past
Ryder was one of those he’d had to save—rescue like an untried youth mired in
a clumsy,
perilous mess. One that could have ended his life if not for the Prince of
Nefar. Sherem
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took on a gaming room full of gambling smugglers and mean drunks and bested or
killed
them all, while Ryder cringed in a corner watching it unfold. He moved with
the grace
and speed of a panther; pivoting, flexing, leaping, and veering with such sure
execution
he looked like a dancer in some macabre ballet. Never had he seen the
like…and now he
never would again. He wanted to weep, but it was too late; too late for
everything. He
may continue to breathe but his life was over. And now Kindarak planned to
destroy the
Miramid and claim Gattonia—Ryder knew that with the same surety that he, the
Golden
Prince of Kerr, had allowed it to happen, even assisted. Zazu, he wanted to
die; too bad
he was too much of a coward to accomplish even that like a male.
If he only had it to do over, he would set his stupid pri de aside and help Sh
erem
kick Kindarak into the realm of the damned where he so rightly belong ed. He
and Satan
would love each other—two peas in a boiling pod.
He halted in mid-stride. But there was one thing he c ould do; rescue the
princess
and put her into the safe hands of her brother. Even better, he could warn
her of
Kindarak’s plans and let her telepathically relay the information to Zorroc.
If he couldn’t
save Sherem and the Portender he might be able to extricate Nefar and Gattonia
from the
clutches of a megalomaniac. If he accomplished that, maybe he could stand to
look
himself in the mirror, once again. Ryder raced with new purpose and prayed to
Zazu and
all the other Gods and messengers above to let him succeed.
* * *
“Thank you, Sonny, come sit beside me while I eat.” Nadia hesitated, had he
given up his meal for her? He was so painfully thin. Nadia knew that boys
destined to be
exceptionally large often looked too thin. Their bodies simply couldn’t get
enough fuel
no matter how much they consumed. Nadia herself was an example. She was more
live
wire than girl. Again she observed Sonny and noticed the slight bulge of his
stomach.
Instinctively she knew it was not from over -eating or a full belly but the
first signs of
starvation. The sight robbed her of what little appetite she had. She had
consumed
approximately half of what he brought. She grabbed her stomach and groaned.
“Oh,
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165
Sonny, I appreciate the meal but I believe the drug they fed me must have
soured my
stomach…and there is so much left. What can we do?”
Sonny fell on the food, assuring her not to be concerned; he would not let it
be
discovered. Nadia fought against a telling grin. He may be exceptionally
bright but he
was still just a growing boy. She patted his head imagining what his hair
would look like
clean and brushed. Tears filled her eyes with the image of them together
laughing with
him clean and well nourished. If she thought he would allow it, she would hug
him to
within an inch of his life. Sherem had no wa y of knowing but they would be
starting
their family a little early.
“Nadia,” Zorroc messaged. Nadia grabbed Sonny and whispered that her brother
had found her. Sonny looked like she had lost her senses. “I’m telepathic,
that means I
can talk to my brot her through my mind just like we do when we’re together.
He will
save us, Sonny, will you sit on my lap while I communicate with him?”
Sonny scrambled away. “Uh, I’ll just go and get rid of t he plate but I’ll be
back,
do not be afraid Nadia.” He disappeared through the vent leaving his light
behind. Nadia
smiled after him and then turned her mind to her brother.
“Rocky, where are you?”
“That’s supposed to be my line, dizzy.”
Nadia teared up at the childhood nickname. “Trapped on a madman’s ship; be
careful Zorroc, this guy is truly certifiable. Have you connected with
Sherem? Why
won’t Bran answer me? I’m almost positive he touched my mind.”
Zorroc ignored the reference to the ankou. “I don’t know what happened but
the
Portender was not at the agree d upon co-ordinates, he must have galaxy
jumped. I’m
sure he’ll turn up, he always does. Remember that, baby, when things get
rough. Do you
know your location?”
“Of course not, I’m stuck in not a nice cell while my hosts are determined to
drug
me so I can’t speak to you.”
“Are you starving yourself?” His tone was urgent almost frantic. That was
the
thing about brothers, they never outgrew their over-protective gene.
“No, I found a friend who is prisoner, as well. There will be two of us
vacating, I
will not leave without him.”
“Him?” Zorroc asked tentatively.
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“Him,” Nadia confirmed. “The most clever, brave, inventive boy of five
cycles
you will ever meet.”
Zorroc chuckled in her mind and Nadia was afraid she would lose her brave
façade and start blubbering like a helpless female any moment. “Rocky, find
Sherem, he
put one of those tracking devices on my wrist. He can just trans me out but
it will have to
be timed so that I can take Sonny with me.”
“Sonny like s-o-n or S-u-n?”
“You know, I’m not sure. He may not know either, but I will ask. Geez,
picky,
picky. What does it matter? Just find Sherem and spring us.”
“You sound just like Cat when you put it that way,” Zorroc remarked.
“Yeah, well lay down with Cat, wake up with slang. You spend enough time
with
someone and you pick up a few things. Sometimes I think Sherem is convinced
that Cat is
a bad influence on me.”
“You’re just growing into your own person. A very vibrant, special,
independent
one.”
It seemed that he wanted to say something else but stopped himself.
“Rocky, is everything alright—the tri-terrorists, Cat, the aunts?”
“Trust me, baby, you’re the only one in peril and don’t discount it but I
promise
I’ll get you and your new boyfriend out. You realize that another male could
make y our
mate jealous.”
“I’ll take my chances. If you can’t reach me, the bad guys succeeded in
drugging
me again but I’m still here. Zorroc, find Sherem. He wouldn’t leave me in
this situation,
I’m beginning to worry.”
“Baby, I thought I could do this but I can’t. The Portender and your pig
headed
mate are just fine. He thought it best to keep you out of the loop but I have
faith you’ll
play it just right and not give us away. Kindarak tried to destroy the
Portender but your
cunning fox fired a nucspike an d expunged enough debris and dead bodies to
convince
him the Portender is no more.”
“If Sherem is really with you and everything is alright then why do need my co
-
ordinates?”
“You must be in a cell that blocks tracking devices. Ask if you can go for a
walk.”
“Do you honestly believe they’re that stupid?”
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“I won’t bother with a reply. Everything will work out, Nadia. We all lo
ve you
and don’t worry about us; we know what we’re dealing with. One last thing,
Dizzy, play
down your telepathic capabilities and maybe they will stop drugging it. And
don’t forget
your defense lessons.”
The link went blank.
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Chapter Twenty
Sherem, felt like he was coming out of his skin —if this was love he wanted
no
part of it. Ever y hour spent away from his mate -defined torture. What was
Kindarak
doing to her? Would he crush the spirit blooming within Nadia? He could not
bear to
contemplate her circumstance. After employing relaxation rituals in order to
rest had
failed, he decided to dress and plan their next move, which was turning out to
be his next
conundrum. His mind, usually so logical on multiple levels could not seem to
discern
which boot accommodated what foot let alone anticipate the motivations or
probable
strategy of an ‘Uncle’ turned mad -man. The only pat h his mind wan ted to
follow
involved the well-being of his mate.
He had never been a male plagued with introspection, he left that road to his
siblings, his was a world of reflexes and problem solving, not philosophy and
sentiment.
Presented with a circumstance, he would turn it this way and that, learning
its facets and
studying hidden crevices for traps—then determine the best, most expedient
path toward
victory. He did so with confidence, never faltering or second -guessing his
decisions, the
Nefari gift of enhanced senses made it akin to child’s play; but his
internal compass had
veered off course, suddenly pulling toward feeling instead of fact . When d
ealing with
passion over logic he felt like the proverbial bull in a china shop—clumsy,
inept, untried.
And since Nadia had entered his life he felt like he was wading through an
emotional
swamp. The fortress of logic and reflexes that surrounded him crashed around
his ears by
one tiny trickle of light that was Nadia, and when that damn of lightening bu
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rst through,
his feelings of love for her overwhelmed him with paralyzing clarity. Now she
was his
fortress and if he didn’t find a way to get her back safely his world would
not be worth a
pebble of logic or a dusting of agility.
He’d be the first to admit that he was intractable, overconfident in his
intelligence
and physical capabilities, but that was before Nadia had exploded into his
universe with
one kiss…no it wasn’t just a kiss, that was the problem. It was the feel of
her in his arms,
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her scent, her fathomless eyes and the rightness of her body pressed to his.
It was as if he
recognized her on some visceral level never before opened to him.
Someone pounded on his outer panel. “Come,” he ordered.
“It is time to move, Nefari,” Zorroc stated, leaning against the entranceway.
Sherem grunted his agreement and brushed past him. “I contemplated
contacting
my parents but I am afraid that as we are capable of monitoring Stealth’s
communications, so are they able to intercept ours.”
Zorroc shook his head. “Not on the Miramid, we came up with a system that
has
been proven secure, so we can contact them, the only drawback is that they
cannot
respond unless they have the same fail-safe software, and no one has it but
us.”
“Damn, I hate that ego -soaked superiority you Gattonians wallow in. How do
you stand yourselves?”
“It has to do with our captivating charm, I believe,” Zorroc responded with a
smirk.
Sherem barked out a laugh, in the three cycles since the Dargon attack, he
had
come to almost tolerate the Gattonian leader.
* * *
Nadia woke with a start. She had fallen asleep with Sonny tucked snuggly
within
her arms. Now she was alone but for the malevolent presence at the entrance
to her cell.
“Ah, you are awake, my amber jewel. I have wonderful news to impart. I am
sure you will be delighted to hear that your barbarian has gone to the next
realm along
with his brother and the rest of the crew of the Portender. Such an
unfortunate accident.
It seems that when we separated, the Portender miscalculated and blew
themselves up. It
was a great pity but the fireworks were invigorating. I wish you had been
awake to
witness it.” At Nadia’s horrified gasp, he continued. “Now, now, don’t thank
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me, I
really had very little to do with it. Tut, tut, such incomp etence should not
be borne in
space, it was only a matter of time until tragedy struck, I am only relieved
that you were
not aboard. Devine providence, that’s what it was—that you chose me over that
moronic
barbarian. Can I get you anything, my dear? Th ey tell me you are not eating
properly.
Maybe some company would spark your appetite, cook could prepare a
celebration
dinner…”
“You are a pathetic result of jealousy and too many drugs not to mention a
crew
of arse kissers that you believe, even for a moment, could best my mate,”
Nadia informed
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him coldly. “Sherem is the greatest warrior of our time and no strutting,
megalomaniac,
over inflated, peacock could ever defeat him, and nothing you say —NOTHING
will
convince me otherwise. Now get out before I t ake the pleasure of killing you
away from
my mate.” Nadia’s voice dropped with horse menacing intent before she rushed
him and
Kindarak jerked back instinctively. A move that seemed to infuriate even
while it cowed
him.
A glint of pure menace shimmered d eeply in his eyes before he drew himself
up
rigidly and continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “No?” Kindarak inquired
lightly while
easing toward the exit, “then I will leave you once more but with some well
intended
advise. You will come to me, Amber. I n the end you will beg me to take you,
that I
promise. Oh, by the way, that is your new name —Amber is so much mo re
descriptive,
don’t you agree? Soon, Amber, soon, but business before pleasure, I’m
afraid.” He
turned and darted through the panel then paus ed. “Oh, I am sorry for the
accommodations but we are on our way to pick up a guest, my only remaining
nephew
and the son of my heart. We can’t have you distracting me from my purpose so
until all
is concluded, you will remain here. Do try the food though, darling, we
cannot have you
wilting away before our pleasure is slacked, now can we?” Nadia waited until
his
footsteps could no longer be heard before she lurched for the refuse pot at
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the corner and
dry heaved into it. She was sick with rage. Where had she found the courage
to speak so
to the male that held her life in his hands?
She messaged her brother and this time put a no -nonsense, don’t mess with me
push behind it. She could fairly feel Zorroc jump in response.
“Good evening, Nadia, something on your mind?” Zorroc inquired humorously.
“What kind of a brother are you? I have been frantic with worry and you had
better have an excellent reason for ignoring me and leaving me to rot with
this yaking
loon…and YELP—“
The sound echoed both through he r mind and through the room she occupied.
Nadia vaguely registered her brother’s concerned summons but she was frozen
into place
by an apparition oozing out of the wall to appear directly in front of her.
It appeared to
be content to simply float there i n front of her sporting a smirk that should
have been
terrifying but looked a trifle silly.
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“Are you a g -g-ghost?” Nadia whispered. Geez, she thought, he even laughed
like a ghost…or what she perceived a laughing ghost would laugh like. Nadia
slowly
pulled her feet off the floor and tucked them underneath her atop her mat.
The ghost seemed to lose some of his joviality as he studied her briefly. “I
am not
a ghost but from Kerr. I am sure you have heard we are able to travel ou
tside of our
bodies but we cannot retain our shape indefinitely, so I would ask that you
listen.
Kindarak has destroyed the Portender and all their crew. I’m afraid Sherem is
gone. I
am deeply sorry and most distressed but now I believe Kindarak will attack
the Miramid
and attempt to take over the rule of Gattonia. Kindarak, though always a
power grabbing
crook, seems to be losing touch with reality and in my estimation, on his way
to complete
insanity making him even more dangerous than before.
“Can you warn your brother through telepathy? I f I send a transmission it
will
cost me my life if discovered.”
“Where is your body?”
He smiled sadly. “I am being held here and blackmailed into doing his
bidding
until I can extricate myself,” he replied. His image began to fade with each
second he
remained and now was very faint. I will come to you in the morning with
amenities to
make you more comfortable. Until then…”
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Nadia had a million questions including whether he would help her escape but
all
she did was nod her understanding and whisper, “I will try to reach my
brother . Thank
you for the warning.” Her last comment she spoke to the wall. After the
immediate
shock of seeing the apparition, she recognized Ryder, the prince of Kerr. He
said he was
being held against his will. He was famous for getting himself into scrape
after reckless
scrape involving females, drink, and gambling. B ut if what he said was true,
his current
situation proved more deadly than the others. It could, however, be a trap to
measure her
powers. Kindarak may have ordered Ryder to contact her. Could she trust him?
Would
he help her escape?
“What was that?” a small voice asked from the direction of the vent. Nadia
sighed, she thought it more than a titch ironic that her cell had become a s
busy with
arrivals and departures as any public trans-port and the only one stuck was t
he one who
most wanted to leave—but then again they were all prisoners of the mad
peacock.
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“He looked a lot like a male I’ve seen around, a prince or something,” Sonny
continued, slowly creeping into her room and inspecting the spot where the
image had
floated.
Nadia didn’t know how much she should confide in the child. Not because she
did not trust him but it seemed a little unfeeling. He already carried the
burden of too
many secrets on his bird thin shoulders and what if by some chance her cell
was being
bugged. The thought caused a chill to skirt up her spine and along her
shoulders. She
held out her arms and said, “Come here and climb on my lap and I’ll whisper it
to you.”
Sonny was becoming more affectionate but slowly and wi th guarded trepidation.
How
long since he had been held and coddled?
* * *
Sherem railed non -stop at the Gattonian Prince since losing the telepathic
link
with his sister thirty minutes before. “Try again,” Sherem barked for the
hundredth time.
“If you’d agreed to stay in constant touch with her these last days we’d have
a much
better idea of her situation and safety. What if he’s drugged her again, what
if they’re
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dosing her with Angels Gate, what if…”
He moaned, sank to a chair, and crushed his hair in fisted anguish. What if
they’d
given her a date-rape drug and were tearing her apart in both spirit and body.
Until their
current situation, that was the most horrifying sight of his life. He still
had nightmares
and day-visions about it and in the last days since Nadia had been taken, they
were with
him constantly. He moved to block his eyes and rising tears with the heals of
his hands
and strove to keep his shoulders from quaking. The waiting had finally broken
him.
“I swear our bond that your mate is well and not being mistreated in any
way…and if I may add, holding up much better than you, my friend.”
Sherem’s head shot up. “You didn’t tell me you were mind -speaking with
her,”
he accused, not quite trusting Bran’s revelation.
“And I am not, but I have been monitoring her moods and conversations. She
has
the heart of a true warrior, Sherem, you can be proud of her. And she does
have her
allies who do what they can to make her comfortable, so calm yourself, the
time for panic
is not yet at hand.”
“I never panic,” he grumbled. “Thank you for telling me but why not inform
me
before this. Why wait until I make a complete and total ass of myself?”
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The ankou shrugged. “It has been a mere twenty -four hours, therefore did
not
occur to me. And it has been a great pleasure to see you in such a state.
If she were in
danger I would have stepped in.”
“Stepped in?”
“It is not possible to trans onto the Stealth ? Even so, the timing would
not be
optimum and s o I deprive myself of a most satisfying banquet .” Bran sighed
dramatically making his friend smile for the first time since Nadia’s
abduction. “It is
always best to play your hand and not someone else’s.”
“Where are you learning the philosophy of battle strategy?”
Bran smiled so wide his tongue fell out the side of his mouth but didn’t
reply.
Sherem just shook his head and then froze Bran with a look of determination.
“Contact her now. Ask if she is well. Tell her everything, every last detail
of our
situation and beg any information she may have in order to trans her out of
there.”
“Beg? Ankous never beg. I shall, however, inquire if you beg me to do so.”
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He
looked inordinately pleased with himself.
“She is in a dead cell, what can she know of her position?” Zorroc asked
finally
understanding the telepathic link the two shared.
Sherem turned to Zorroc and answered with clenched teeth . “She has comrades
inside; they may provide her with them. I want my mate back —Now! If she
can learn
where she is being held we can trans in and rescue her before Kindarak knows
we have
been there, if nothing else Bran knows her scent and can lead us to her. Make
no
mistake, my first priority before any other business is Nadia and I will
accomplish it with
or without your co-operation.”
Zorroc’s mouth worked, not trying too hard to hide a smirk as he returned
Sherem’s steely gaze and nodded. Kindarak’s motives remained a mystery that
had to be
solved but Nadia must come first. “How do you propose we accomplish this f
eat,
barbarian?”
“I believe it is time you make contact with the Stealth, don’t you?” Sherem
smiled in anticipation. “Let’s see how my dear uncle explains the
disappearance of the
Portender.”
Cat held up a hand. “And what reason do you give for wanting to contact her?
It
seems to me that the less Kindarak thinks we know, the safer for us all,
especially Nadia.
If we go in there asking a bunch of questions , won’t that make him
suspicious?” She
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turned to Sherem. “How much does he know, or could have been told by the spy
on your
ship?”
“I can’t be sure, we’ll just have to feel our way and let Kindarak do the
probing.”
Zorroc smiled his agreement. “We’ll COM a general inquiry as to the
whereabouts of your ship and see who answers, shall we?”
“But first, one of you must mind-speak with Nadia, perhaps she has news that
will
erase some of our concerns,” Sherem ordered quietly.
Bran and Zorroc looked at each other until Bran shrugged and admitted, “She
will
be more relieved to hear from me, I believe, as proof that we indeed
survived.”
“Bran will speak with her, meanwhile you can send out the inquiry.”
“There is a small common area down the hall and to the left. You will find
comfort and privacy. Cat and I will be up on seven taking care of the
missive. Com e to
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the bridge if Nadia imparts information of import.” Sherem nodded following
Bran out
of the room.
“Nadia,” Bran queried.
“Bran, you are safe—and Sherem—and Dakar and Tula—and the crew—and the
Portender?” Nadia shouted into his mind making him see stars.
“Control yourself, tone down; your psi is giving me a migraine.”
“My apologies; your presence in my mind is very relieving.”
“What disturbance severed your connection to your brother? He is concerned
as
we all are. Are you well and unharmed?”
“Oh, that. It seems I acquired another ally. The Prince of Kerr is onboard;
apparently another “guest” of Kindarak’s. He made hims elf known in a very
peculiar
fashion but says he wants to help. He told me the Portender is destroyed
and that
Kindarak has similar plans for the Miramid. Kindarak believes the same, for
he visited
to gleefully lament over the unfortunate “accident”. I believe him insane,
Bran. A
hypothesis shared by more than a few but thus far he has not harmed me. I am
well.”
“I am relieved t hat he bought our supposed destruction, it makes our plan
even
more plausible.”
“When will you come for me? I am by no means safe ; Kindarak intends to keep
me as a sex slave, second wife, or mistress. I do not care to fill any of
those roles.”
Bran growled and Nadia felt a wisp of frustration from another source.
“Bran, is
Sherem there with you?”
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“Yes, why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. I felt him in my mind. At least I think it was him; are you
communicating with him while you speak with me,” Nadia asked, excitement
pounding
through her veins at the prospect. What if they could communicate through
Bran.
“I understand your desire. Give us a moment to experiment,” Bran entreated.
“Misulu, I…You complete me . Keep yourself safe. Swear to me,” the far away
voice ordered.
Nadia smiled. It was Sherem and usual he was spitting orders for her to obey.
She was so happy and relieved to hear him that tears flooded her eyes leaking
down her
cheeks. Sonny, who had fallen asleep in her arms, came awake in distress for
her. She
murmured that they were happy tears and to rest a bit more.
“I will try, my mate. And I love you too. Thank you, Bran, I am forever in
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your
debt no matter how things turn out.”
“All will be well,” Bran answered. “Link ended.”
* * *
Kindarak was overjoyed to receive the inquiry. “Miramid, this is the Stealth.
My
COM officer just received y our transmission and brought me the missive . I
am most
regretful to be the bearer of sad tidings but I am afraid the Portender met
with a hostile
ship and was apparently ambushed.
“I have sent numerous PODs out to search for survivors but it appears the hit
was
clean. The Stealth arrived on the scene too late to save m y nephews but we
did destroy
their enemy,” Kindarak added sadly.
“Who were they?” Zorroc asked curiously.
“I am not sure, the emblem was Kerrdic, but most likely the ship was stolen,
after
all, the Provinces of Kerr and Nefar are allies, at least last I heard. Do
you know if that
may have changed Lord Zorroc?”
“I have been away fo r some ti me but believe they remain at peace,” Zorroc
answered noncommittally.
“Well then, there you have it. It must have been the work of space pirates;
something really must be done, the skies are becoming unsafe for even the
most
formidable warrior vessels, let alone non-combatants like ourselves.”
“Would you have any news, by chance? We received a message from the
Portender to COM them when we achieved galaxy jump, but were not told the
nature of
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the request. I got the impression that my sister had a hand in it somehow.”
Zorroc drew
in an audible breath. Catarina rolled her eyes at his melodramatics. “You
don’t suppose
she could have been aboard…”
“I pray that it is not the case. Can you not reach her through telepathy?
I
understand it is a Gattonian trait.”
“Yes, but like all peoples, some gifts are stronger than others. My sister,
unfortunately did not inherit the talent , but she is beautiful and
intelligent enough for it
not to be of consequence…up until now, that is.”
“Yesss, truly unfortunate. What are your co-ordinates? Perhaps it would be
safer
to travel together for a time. I presume you are returning to Ganz with all
speed?”
“Possibly, where is the Stealth bound for?” Zorroc replied, ignoring the
request
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for their position.
“We proceed to the knowledge planet to pick up my only remaining nephew, and
then to Nefar. The King and Queen will need their only living son to console
them in
their time of grief.”
“I was not aware that Dakar traveled on the Portender, are you certain he was
aboard?” Zorroc asked, innocently.
Kindarak stuttered into silence, obviously contemplating a reply. Finally he
murmured, “I just assumed, I guess I heard it from somewhere. Perhaps I am
mistaken.”
“My mate is trying to get my attention, please allow a moment for us to
confer.”
Zorroc pressed the privacy switch and turned to Sherem. “Will you stop
bothering me? I
am trying to concentrate. You are worse than a mother hen. Drake, do we have
a lock on
their co-ordinates yet?”
“Yes,” he replied over Sherem’s persist ent demands, “and they are doing
their
best to divine ours, but I have routed us into cyber space.” He grinned.
“Wh—“ Zorroc began.
“We cannot allow him to lure my brother onto his ship, he already believes he
has
killed Dakar and me; what if my brother is next. We have to warn him, we must
beat the
Stealth. No, I will just trans onto his ship and kill him now.”
“Stop,” Zorroc ordered before Sherem could leave the bridge. “We will take
care
of Kindarak long before he can get your brother. Let me think.”
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A smile lit Zorroc’s eyes. “We need to register our sons for education on
the
knowledge planet. You kn ow what a waiting line there is for the classes,
especially the
ones we have in mind…” Catarina paused, her mouth quirking into a half smile.
Zorroc’s gaze met hers and he chuckled despite their situation. “Kindarak,
please
forgive the interruption. My mate insists we pr oceed to the knowledge planet
with all
speed and pick up Rand ourselves.”
“No—“ Kindarak began only to be cut off by Zorroc’s monologue.
“Catarina and I became very close to Mia and Royce with the Dargon invasion
and have stayed in touch since. As a matter of fact Rand has taken a
particular liking to
the triplets and they adore him,” Zorroc continued to lie blithely. He was on
a roll. “Yes,
the more I think of it, the more I am convinced that the boys would cheer and
comfort
Rand as nothing else could.”
“But—“
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“No, no, don’t thank us; Cat will mother him to death before he reaches Nefar
and
the kids are already hopping for joy at the thought of seeing their Uncle
Rand. So if there
is nothing else…”
“There is,” Kindarak shouted, frustration evident in the staccato reply.
“What
about Nadia, aren’t you worried about her whereabouts? Your first duty must
be to her.
I’m very concerned she was on the Portender, she might be floating in a
survival POD
this very moment. You must stay and search while I go for my nephew.”
“I’m sure my sister is fine, I would feel it in my heart if she were not.”
Zorroc
paused and turned to his navigation expert whose shoulders were heaving in
hopeless
mirth while he nodded his affirmation.
“Well, have to run, see you around the galaxy, Kindarak. Miramid out.”
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Chapter Twenty-One
“I will cinder them all and stomp on their ashes . They are already dead, do
you
hear me? Where are they, Smead? They blabbered long enough for a first cycle
cadet to
pinpoint their location. Well?” Kindarak turned and bored a seething glare
on his first in
command.
He was still pressing typing furiously on the console, c hecking read-outs
then
beginning the process again. “They were changing their position every few
seconds,
Your Eminence, I am still tracking.”
“They were employing diversionary tactics? Why? What possible reason could
they have unless,” Kindarak paused and considered alternative scenarios. They
somehow
suspected his hand in the destruction of the Portender. They didn’t buy his
story of how
he came to the Portender’s defense. Nadia is a stronger telepath than Zorroc
suggested
and the entire conversation was a ruse to determine his location and rescue
his sister.
Fissions of fear skittered up his spine, dotting his forehead and increasing
his
respiration. He must calm himself and regain his control. Did his crew watch
him
nervously contemplating his sanity? He was invincible, a God. He feared no
male but all
that crossed his path shuddered in their boots . He sat on his throne
unwilling to admit,
even to himself, that his knees were shaking. What if Sherem had survived?
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His body
erupted in one violent quake. He couldn’t be alive. He watched the
Portender detonate,
saw the debris. He grabbed the hair on either side of his forehead and
pulled.
But wait. What if he was being paranoid ? The drugs might be altering his
perceptions. Maybe Smead miscal culated and couldn’t pinpoint them because of
his
incompetence…Yes, that could be it. Or maybe it was standard procedure and
wired into
their guidance system to cloak their whereabouts —even more plausible and a
tactic he
should have implemented long ago.
Even so…
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“Smead, maximum warp to Knowledge Planet,” he ordered shakily, then shouted,
“now!“
“Did you get everything?” Zorroc asked his navigation officer, Zanan.
“We have him pinpointed and locked, the only way he can evade us is if he
galaxy jumps,” Drake, the Portender’s new navigation officer interjected.
Sherem had
brought him over to assist and further his knowledge by working with the
navigation
experts on the Miramid. “I also took the opportunity to scan their ship and I
recall the
exact model from the academy.” Red crept up his throat and cheeks. He hated
admitting
his lack of field experience but he had a photographic memory and never
forgot a ships
layout. He cleared his throat and continued. “It might be a challenge
locating the dead -
cell they have Princess Nadia in though, they have sets of five on three
decks. That is so
prisoners can’t band together and mutiny,” he informed the group, helpfully
and then
blushed again at his enthusiasm.
Zorroc nodded sagely, hiding a grin, looked at Sher em who was also fighting
to
maintain his composure and asked, “Anything else, Officer Drake?”
“The bridge is located on deck three,” he stated.
Sherem started. Most bridges were located on an upper deck for the purposes
of
visibility and he recalled that when Kindarak had shown them his ship, he
made a point
of showcasing his state-of-the-art bridge on the top level – level six. “I
was on that ship,
Drake, and the bridge was on level six.”
“Bogus, sir.”
“Excuse me?” Sherem said.
“Bogus,” Cat repeated happily. “Fake, counterfeit, spurious, artificial—“
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“I think he understands, Cat, thank you,” Zorroc politely tendered.
Sherem blinked and then shook his head. “Anything further,” he asked with
trepidation.
“Only one other thing at the moment, sir.” He cleared his throat. “I think I
might
be able to trans someone onto that ship.” The occupants of the room froze.
“Explain,” Sherem barked.
“I have a photographic memory, sir, and was particularly impressed with the
this
version of starship. I think I could t ell a trans-tech where to phase
someone in, then he
could direct others.”
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“Officer Drake, I can appreciate your talents, but if you miscalculate, you
could
trans someone into a steel wall,” Zorroc stated, not unkindly.
“Well, a large chamber would increase our odds,” the Officer admitted.
“That well may have a lot of furniture in it. We would have the same
problem.”
Everyone in the room knew the physics of two objects of matter not residing in
the same
space simultaneously.
“Wait a minute,” Sherem exclaim ed. “I remember some of those rooms and a
couple of the grand halls were extremely sparsely furnished. If I could
describe them in
detail, could you take it from there?”
Drake smiled confidently. “Right on, sir.”
“Uh…”
“Absolutely, positively, unequivocally—”
“They mean yes, Sherem,” Zorroc translated wryly.
An alarm on the console sounded. “She’s moving, sir, and fast. Full out
interstellar warp,” Zanan, warned, speaking for the first time.
Sherem punched a key on the panel. “Dakar, make ready to depart.” It had
been
a wise decision to give his brother the command of the Portender and hoped it
would set
one more link toward mending their former rift.
“Follow Stealth but be sure to avoid detection,” Zorroc ordered Zanan
quietly.
“Took him long enough to figure out we were on to him,” Sherem added.
“Let’s not make the mistake of underestimating him again. If he is
everything
you think he is, he didn’t get there by playing fair. This could well be a
ruse to flush us
out,” Zorroc stated.
“Then let’s not get caught, Mr. -my-ship-is-better-than-your-ship,” Sherem
replied.
Cat rolled her eyes but covertly studied Sherem’s navigation officer. How had
he
come across earth slang? She subtly sidled toward him, moving slowly until
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she was
standing beside the young, virile Nefari.
“Be very careful, my one,” her lifemate warned. Cat looked sideways to
glimpse
jealousy filling his amber eyes.
“Sheesh, I just want to ask him a question. Get that look off your face or
he’ll run
screaming from the room…we’re going t o need his expertise soon,” she
mind-spoke the
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last part as an extra incentive. He leaned against the closest wall, crossed
his arms across
his chest, and did the leopard studying his prey thing. “Cat men,” Cat
telepathed.
“Earth females,” he thought back.
Cat licked her lips and took one last look at her mate’s now dilated heavy
-lidded
eyes before speaking. “Uh, hi Drake. I couldn’t help notice your use of
earth slang,
unless ‘bogus’ is a Nefari word.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Actually I am ma ted to an Earth female. I
think you may know her, she certainly remembers you, though I believe half the
stories
she tells are fabricated to entertain me.”
I wouldn’t count on it, Cat thought. “What is her name?”
His eyes twinkled with humor and unmistak able arousal and Cat moved to block
his view from Zorroc. “She is called Ava and on the original female
transport.”
“I remember her well and wondered what became of her.” Cat did remember her;
she was a delightful charmer who enjoyed sampling the variety of available
Gattonian
crew. Cat was surprised she decided to settle down. As if he read her mind
he supplied.
“She told me Gattonian males were too civilized; she preferred the earthiness
of the
Nefari.” And then added fiercely, “She does not stray.”
“I would not believe otherwise. Please ask her to COM, I would very much
like
to stay in touch.”
“As you wish but I would advise, if you do not want to see Ava a widow
anytime
soon, you return to your mate.” Though he smiled warmly, the warning was
clear.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” she mind-spoke as she turned toward Zorroc. When
he growled audibly she realized her poor choice of words and grinned
impishly.
He pressed her into an observation seat and belted her in. “Remain seated
and
belted until I give you my permission.”
“The children—” Cat began.
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“Are fine, I messaged Camille to secure them and you know accelerating to
warp
speed is their favorite activity.”
Cat did know, sometimes Zorroc gave the order for warp acceleration solely to
amuse the triplets. She studied Zorroc as he belted himself into the
commander’s chair,
offering Sherem the one beside him. Her gaze traced his broad shoulders and
long silken
mane as she contemplated his foray into fatherhood. He had taken to it
naturally and
with undeniable zest, like a cat to fresh cream.
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“Only yours, my cream,” he mind-spoke using his pet name for her.
“In coming from the Stealth, sir…er sirs, or at least from within her. It is
on a
little used band.”
“Put it on vidscreen,” Zorroc ordered motioning Sherem to the side to avoid
detection.
“I can’t, sir; it’s strictly audio and the band is all but obsolete. I am
making some
adjustments. Here it is.”
“Zorroc of the House of Ra, Leader of Gattonia, this is Prince Ryder of Kerr.
I
bring you greetings.”
“What are you doing on the Stealth ? And speak up I can hardly hear you
which
begs the question of the antiquated voice band.”
“I have but seconds before detection. I wish to ensure the safe retur n of
your
sister. I have obtained a key to her cell and c oordinates to allow a
successful trans for
you and your warriors. In return I wish safe harbor for me and my crew back
to Ganz.
Once safely on board I will answer all of your questions concerning my
presence on the
Stealth and any others to care to ask.”
“Why would you do this, friend of Kindarak?”
“I repay a dept to Sherem though he has passed to the next realm . And I
wish
safety for his mate so that in future she may look upon me favorably.”
Zorroc hushed Sherem’s growl with a slash of his arm. “When do we board?”
“0600 hours. I have arranged to visit her with the ruse of bringing supplies
for
her comfort. I must go; coordinates to follow.”
After a series of numbers, the connection went dead. “What do you make of
that?” Zorroc asked Sherem.
“I helped him two cycles past; a small matter of gambling in the wrong
circles.
Ryder is young and rash and cannot seem to keep himself free from trouble.
Somehow it
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does not surprise me to find him on Kindarak’s ship. He attracts folly like a
girl collects
flowers.”
“Then you think we can trust him?”
Sherem went still in contemplation then slowly nodded his head. “If he is in
trouble, and I am sure he is, then we must step in regardless of his
assistance to my mate.
He is reckless to a fault but not dishonorable.”
* * *
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“What in blazers is happening?” Nadia shot into Zorroc’s mind.
“Are you well? Sherem is about to have a coronary. When you first broke
contact with me, it rattled fifty cycles off his obnoxious existence. He is
now entirely grey
and walks stooped over; a very sad circumstance.”
“Why do I doubt you, Rocky, he seemed fine when we spoke earlier through
Bran.
I am merely his latest possession,” Nadia messaged somewhat wearily. “What
are you
doing to free me from this psychotic loon?”
“You were able to speak though the beast?” Zorroc asked incredulously. “I
have
never heard of such.”
“Learn something new every dayrise. Now what is happening?”
“The Stealth is heading toward the Knowledge Planet to pick up Rand . We are
unsure of his intentions, w hether he plans to kill him or ransom him back to
his parents
since Kindarak believes he is the sole remaining heir to the throne of Nefar.
Moreover, if
he is behind the production and distribution of Angels Gate, Nefar’s control
of Assyllis
distribution may play an intrinsic part.”
“He desires not to kill his son, Zorroc, merely control him,” Nadia informed
her
brother earnestly.
“What are you saying, Nadia? I must have misunderstood.”
“I’m afraid you heard correctly. Sonny told me that Rand is Kindarak’s
natural
son and plans to use him to take over Nefar. Apparently the Queen and
Kindarak had an
affair resulting in Rand.”
“Are you sure Sonny has his facts in order? He is a child, Nadia, little more
than
a babe from what you have disclosed.”
“He is a very canny spy who has alluded Kindarak and other s sent to catch
him
for a cycle or more. I do not believe he got it wrong and if you stop to
think, it explains a
great deal.”
“Hells kitchen, Dizzy, what do I tell your mate? That his mother is an
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adulterer
and that it is most likely his father and not Rand who is marked for death if
not his
mother as well? He will kill me before I take my next breath.”
“That is your challenge,” Nadia declared lightly. “I am just the messenger.
Why
did he launch into wa rp if he spoke to you of his plans? It seems rather
silly , to say
nothing of knocking me across my cell.”
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“I believe h e may want to beat us there or possibly he doubts the
Portender’s
destruction. But whatever he suspects, it does not bode well for you.”
Zorroc didn’t add
that Nadia could be in immediate danger as he had her ensconced on his ship
and could
take his frustrations out on her at any time . “Nadia, listen baby, we’re
going t o trans
over early tomorrow morning and get you out of there. Rescuing you is our
first priority
before any other actions are implemented.”
“I have done some thinking, Rocky and know it would be too risky. You don’t
have the co -ordinates to accomplish it safely.” Nadia sounded resigned.
“The only
option you have is to take on the Stealth and hope I survive the attack.”
“Wrong, little warrior, I com e for you myself in a matter of hours. Can you
ensure that the child will be with you?” Bran’s voice overpowered her
brother’s.
“No, but we have a system where I can reach him ; a coded tap on the oxygen
vent. It is comforting to know you have everything in hand .” A whisper of
humor and
hope entering her response. Nadia walked over to the grate and pretended to
kick at the
grate in case she was being observed though the impo sed darkness hid most of
her
movements.
“I will let you know when he appears,” she mind-spoke to Bran.
“I will know. Soon Princess, soon we will be there to protect you.”
“Nadia, can you hear me?” Zorroc’s tone was one of near panic.
“I’m here, Rocky. B ran had a message for me. You are coordinating with
our
northern barbarians, yes?
Zorroc noticed her restored spirits instantly and hoped the hairy beast had a
better
plan than they did. “You never know when a northern barbarian might come in
handy.
And Prince Ryder is also in the mix. You will be on the Miramid for
breakfast, Dizzy.
And we do have the trans coordinates; apparently you have a friend in Prince
Ryder.
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Keep safe and let me know if Kindarak bothers you in any way. We may be able
to trans
over sooner if necessary.”
“Nadia.” A small voice whispered from the direction of the grate.
“Sonny sweetheart, come here. I need to tell you a secret.”
Sonny crept through the grate and settled on Nadia’s lap. “I am going to
whisper,
just in case someone is listening. She bowed over the child, taking in his
little boy scent
and trepidation. He was not accustomed to trusting adults and why should he?
Nadia
strived for the right words to reach him. “ Sonny, in the morning good and
safe people
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are coming to save us. There is even a big shaggy dog that cannot wait to
lick your face
among the party. It is very important that yo u spend the night on the other
side of the
grate. If you have anything you would like to take with you, you must gather
it and keep
them in easy reach. Do you understand?”
Sonny squirmed on her lap, clearly distressed. Nadia waited patiently to hear
his
thoughts.
“Maybe I shouldn’t go with you. These are you r people, they might not want
me.”
“Oh Sonny, of course they will want you. But most important, I want y ou.
You
will live with me and Sherem in a great castle and have anything you want to
eat. And
you will be my own precious little boy. Would you like that? We won’t live
on a ship
but a wonderful land full of mountains and streams where you can play.”
Sonny’s brow furrowed and he grew unusually still. “What if I’m not good?”
“Sherem and I will lo ve you whether you are good or not. Little boys are
not
supposed to be good all the time.”
“Well, what if someone decides to buy me?”
Nadia’s heart almost broke with his wor ds. How could she reassure him?
“You
forget that your sire is the greatest warrior on the galaxy and if someone
tried to take you
from us, he will beat them to a pulp. You will be our greatest treasure, sw
eetheart. I
promise.”
“But what if he doesn’t like me?” he whispered.
“Sonny, you are the smartest, bravest, most cunning boy I have ever met; he
will
adore you every bit as much as I do.”
“Kindarak promised to take me to my daddy.”
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“Oh baby, if your daddy can be found you will have the choice of going with
him
or staying with us. I just want yo u to be happy. Cook will take great
pleasure in
fattening you up and there will be many children your own age to play with.
“Sonny, please promise me you’ll come. I couldn’t bear to leave you behind.
You saved me, Sonny, please allow me to save you.”
Sonny looked hard into her eyes and Nadia held her breath waiting for his
verdict.
Finally he nodded his head decisively. “I will go . You might need me to
save yo u
again.”
“You are so right,” Nadia earnestly replied. Out of the mouths of babes…
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In the next second Sonny was scrambling through the grate and before she
could
even form the question of why, her panel opened revealing her odious host.
Nadia
simply groaned. “Ah my dear, awake and alert I see. The need to keep you
from
harming yourself is past. As a matter of fact, chef has prepared a marvelous
meal for this
evening. We have much to celebrate, you and I.”
“Maybe you but certainly not I.”
“Come, come, no use pouting over spilt blood. You should be thanking me; I
let
your brother and his family live…for the moment. And depending on your good
behavior that will continue.”
“My brother can take care of himself or did you miss what he did to the
Dargons?
And excuse me for pointing out the obvious but little ‘ol you are but a fly
speck on his
horizon.” For a moment Nadia thought he would strike her but appeared to get
a hold of
himself and smiled instead—a creepy, lecherous, demented smile.
“Ah, my beautiful one. Better beauty than brains,” he murmured as males
began
to appear carting table and chairs, tablecloth and candelabras, crystal
goblets, plates, and
finally tray after tray of food and drink. “I had hoped to dine in my
chambers but I see
you need a few more days here. By the way Prince Ryder will be paying a visit
with a
few comforts to make your stay in this hole a little more bearable. He seeks
your hand,
you know—wants to control all of that glorious Assyllis, but I have decided to
keep you
for myself, at least until you begin to bore me.
“Now what is you pleasure, jive or choc-tea wine?”
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Nadia had two choices, she figured, play along and try to learn more of his
plans
or take the food, liquor, and candelabras and dump them on his head. As
attractive as the
later was, she chose the former.
“Whatever you are having, thank you,” she answered politely, thinking the
probability for drugging diminished.
“This jive is excellent. I am sure you will find it to your liking.” He
poured first
hers and then his own and Nadia relaxed a bit. “Aren’t you the least bit
curious as to why
we are celebrating?”
“I am sure you will enlighten me in your own time,” she demurred.
“How right you are, my beautiful treasure. We proceed to the knowledge
planet
to collect my son. Base born, I’m afraid but I intend to remedy that by
mating with his
mother. It would be highly improper for a bastard to eventually rule Nefar.”
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Nadia held her breath. How much to reveal? “I believe Nefar has a king and
queen,” she ventured quietly.
“Oh, not for long. I am afraid the king will waste away with the deaths of
his
sons which will leave me free to marry the queen, Rand’s mother…and my son.
And if
you are very, very good, my pet, I will mate with you, as well. Nefari law
allows this,
you see. And as long as your brother does not interfere with his current
Assyllis
agreement, we will all be just one big happy family. What do you think? I
shall be the
King of Nefar until my son inherits the throne. It is brilliant, don’t you
agree?”
“I think you are certifiable and if you live long enough will end up in a
shelter for
the insane.”
Kindarak’s eyes glinted, his features froze, and Nadia could see his jaw
clench.
She prayed she’d not gone too far in provoking him but her mouth ran away
from her
before she could think to leash it.
“Of course my alternate plan is to keep you as my whore, massacre your family
and rule Gattonia along with Nefar. I leave the choice to you .” He waited
for her to
comment and when she did not, smiled upo n her and nodded his head. “Just so.
You
learn quickly, my Amber jewel. How is your Chanuk? It comes from my home
planet of
Myveria and is very rare.”
She wondered at the pieces of meat smothered in sauce. Though a bit gamey,
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she
found it editable and instead of answering, she asked a question of her own.
“I assume
you are behind the new drug called Angels Gate?”
He exclaimed delightedly at her acumen. “Amber, you are full of surprises
and
absolutely correct. The actual process was discovered by th e Horta but
Nefar’ s
Procurement Minister knew Sherem would never allow its distribution and so
he
contacted me. All was running flawlessly until your meddlesome barbarian met
with that
soon to be eliminated, old as dirt queen , and compared notes. Everyth ing
will soon be
put to rights, however—a rather lethal dose of the drug will find its way into
the queen’s
sweets soon. She really is too fat to be imbibing such rich delicacies. I
fear it will finally
be the death of her.”
Nadia planned to contact Bran as soon as she had privacy and warn him of the
danger to the Jasperi queen. Nadia had thoroughly enjoyed her time with the
irascible
character and intended to enjoy many more. “You really are a poster boy for
death and
destruction. Your mother must be so proud.”
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Chapter Twenty-Two
Nadia wished she could soak for a week to wash the stench of Kindarak’s
madness off her. Holding Sonny too tight, she contacted Bran and let him scan
her entire
conversation with her host. She felt his own repugnant reaction to her
thoughts but felt it
necessary to make him understand all they were up against.
Sherem rubbed his gritty eyes, pacing his chamber like a caged animal and
checked the time once again. He had bee up most of the night on his PODs
COM
warning first Jasper’s queen Headi, then Rand, and finally his parents. Now
he gathered
his sword and an assortment of other weapons and headed to the Miramid.
Finally, the
time for action had arrived. In a matter of hour s Nadia would be safe in his
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arms. He
was unsure if he would ever be able to let her go again. He stalked to the
Miramid, Bran
at his side. I hope all goes as planned but the back of my neck is tingling;
not a good
sign. How about you?”
“I am unsure. My powers seem to be evolving so clear judgment is difficult.”
Before Sherem could inquire further, they had arrived, greeted by Zorroc and
his
team of five and the Portender’s group of six. Forty more stood if needed.
“Thank you,”
Sherem grunted when Zorroc handed him a long thick chain with a disc
attached.
When Sherem looked at him questioningly, Zo rroc answered. “Put this on your
shaggy friend. It is a tracking device and monitors vital signs; if he is
wounded we can
transport him immediately to our Med center.” When Bran gave him a
condescending
look Zorroc added. “It is only a precaution; all who trans over wear one.
Anything could
happen, we go against a vast well -trained army that I am sure will not
relinquish my
sister easily. Nadia informed me of Kindarak’s plans; I will not leave
without her this
morning. He is obviously delusional and must be neutralized.”
“At last, we agree on something,” Sherem said. “Bran, all stealth, if you
pardon
the pun. You are to be our secret weapon, you mentioned expanded powers…”
“Yes, I have been practicing mass altering or shape shifting, if you will.”
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“Well, I hope your growing powers of shape shifting are on a par with your
body.
I’ll bet you have grown a head taller and gained a hundred pounds. Exactl y
how big do
you get?”
“I suppose we’ll know the answer to that when I stop growing,” he answered
logically. “We will retrieve them, not to worry. The little one awaits with
your mate and
must be taken, as well. I will do what is necessary, you, watch your back.”
“That is what brothers are for,” Sherem answered and turned to his normally
carefree brother who looked every bit the Nefari warrior.
They arrived at the trans station and all was prepared except for the sheer
mass of
the ankou. It was decided after the calculations were adjusted that Bran
would transport
initially followed by the rest of the party. Bran fell into a black void
then felt his body
materialize. He opened his eyes to reveal the scrawniest, tiniest human he’d
ever seen
staring quizzically at him with no sign of fear or even caution.
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“You’re the biggest dog I ever saw, can I ride you?”
Bran did not understand the question but a clear vision entered his mind as to
the
child’s inquiry. He shook his head and thought that when he had th em safely
away he’d
let the human flee climb up and trot him down the hallways of the Miramid to
the
Portender.
“How long do you think it will take until then?” he asked, and Bran realized
something impossible to comprehend.
“Can you hear my voice inside your head?” Bran asked.
“Uh-huh. I know Nadi talks to her brother and you that way all the time. Are
you
here to rescue us?”
Afraid the miniature being would be trampled whe n the rest of the party
arrived;
he grabbed him carefully with his mouth and hooked him onto his back . The
team
surrounded them, their gazes running from shock to amusement at the sight of
Sonny
ensconced on Bran’s neck.
Sherem spotted a furtive Ryder moving toward them with two others carrying a
load of furnishings which they dropped to approach the warriors now guarding
the
hallway.
“Let’s get her and depart.” No sooner did he utter the words than armed
soldiers
poured into the corridor from the other cells including Nadia’s —with Nadia
nowhere in
sight.
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“What is this, Ryder, a trick?” Sherem demanded under his breath.
“No, I swear it, we are surrounded. You do not know him, he will kill us
all.”
Zorroc chuckled. “Do not worry, they cannot win against us .
Reinforcements
will surround Kindarak’s troops. Be ready for anything.”
“How will they avoid the laws of physics? If they try to trans here we all
will
die.”
“We have the plans to this vessel; they will enter on level seven and make
their
way here. In addition, Ryder, have you never seen a Nefari warrior in action?
If not you
are in for a treat.” Zorroc could hear Ryder’s relief.
Kindarak strutted through his crew until he caught sight of the Nefari forces.
His
smile faltered along with his confidence. They were dead, he had killed them.
Were
these warriors from the Miramid posing as the lethal warriors ? He could see
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they were
not; for their was no mistaking the team of Gattonians in the mix with
Ryder’s forces.
Unable to suppress a shudder he faced the biggest warrior coated in Kameri.
Maybe if he
destroyed him, the rest w ould flee. E ven as the thought formed it kne w it
for a lie.
Nefari warriors were purported to be indomitable which is why he had decided
to destroy
their ship when their defenses w ere down. He had wanted to avoid a face to
face
confrontation with these alien-like monsters. The leather covering their eyes
and faces,
he found particularly chilling. He had known what to expect, had studied the
holos, but
nothing could prepare one for an actual sighting. They were huge in height
and bulk and
all held the swords that made their reputation even more chilling. They all
looked alike
and worse—inhuman and invincible. Still, they were surrounded and he
controlled that
which they most wanted…plus a surprise that would keep them under his control
. Yes,
he would make them bow to him. The Supreme Leader. “You are dead,” he
stated
confidently, though a trickle of sweat separated from his hairline and ran
down his temple
to his jaw. “This is a trick—who are you and what do you want?”
“Why uncle, I think the answe r would be obvious. I want my mate; where is
she?”
“No, it can’t be—I killed you, I killed you all.”
“Sorry to disappoint, Uncle, but you missed. May I inquire as to the location
of
my mate? As usual she is not where she belongs.”
“Lay down your arms and surrender and I might oblige you,” Kindarak answered.
“Find Nadia,” Sherem mind-spoke to Bran before answering his “Uncle”.
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“I take the child,” Bran replied, “and will check her former cell to make sure
she
was moved and not hidden somehow.” Sherem coul d find no trace of either,
was he
cloaking the urchin, as well? The hint of a grin touched his mind.
“Sorry Kindarak, but your luck has run out along with your life and that of
your
crew. You now have two star ships surrounding the Stealth. The only hope
that remains
is for you to release Princess Nadia, and pray we allow you to go on your
way.”
“Are there surveillance monitors in this room?” Bran asked the child when
he
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slid into Nadia’s cell. The little-bit sat up and said, “I fixed them to go
static . Are you
looking for Nadia? They took her away a little while ago but I know all their
hiding
places. Want me to take you to Nadi now?”
“In a moment.” Bran paused, wondering how to explain his powers without
frightening the child. He gently probed his mind, an intrusion he would
ordinarily never
contemplate but everything changed at his first sniff of the boy.
“Did Nadia tell you that I’m a magic dog? And did you know that we are
invisible right now?”
Sonny shook his head and his eyes grew round. “Wizard watootie!”
“Shh, speak softly now and when we leave not at all. Instead put pictures in
your
mind of where we might find Nadia. Can you do that?” Bran felt his
uncertainty and let
him think everything through. He was an amazingly intelligent being for one
so young.
“All right, but how can we ge t past all these soldiers? Y ou’re too big to
go
through the tunnels, like me.”
“Not to worry, we will rise above them and then fly —but you must remain
absolutely still and silent. Nadi’s life depends on it. And we must save
her.”
“I understand. It is why I decided to go with her; so I could save her if she
needed
it. She seems to get into an awful lot of trouble,” Sonny whispered in all
earnest.
Bran mind -spoke an assent into Sonny’s mind , striving to cur tail his own
amusement. He and Sonny floated into a jetquik just as blazer beams fired
behind them.
The small transport held the strong scent of Nadia and propelled them to the
third floor
on Rees’s command. The plans of the Stealth as described by Drak e had the
working
bridge on this level. Bran once again cloaked them; uncomfortable with the
level of
activity they were likely to encounter and possible warriors guarding Nadia.
“Bran, what in the hell is going on?” Sherem blasted into his mind. Since
the
answer toppled Sherem’s current understanding, Bran decided to prevaricate.
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“Glad you are still in one piece , as well . We are on the third floor and I
am
following Nadia’s scent. She is not conscious and I fear there will be ample
humans
guarding her. When I am certain I will let you know. We may need back -up to
get the
child and your mate to safety.”
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“Why so much concern for a homeless ur chin and why is Kindarak alluding to a
secret that will have me relinquishing my arms and the arms of my warriors ,
and most
probably my life? Could he already have Rand on board?”
“Possible but doubtful. I believe th e secret lies with the child; Sonny
must be
protected as vigilantly as Nadia, I fear.”
“What are you talking about?”
“We have arrived,” Bran stated, ig noring Sherem’s last question. The
answers
would be forthcoming when all were safe and the Stealth destroyed. “Her
panel is being
guarded by a force of ten and more close at hand.”
“I will send a dozen...plus one to collect this “special child” and deliver it
into the
arms of Catarina. Will that suffice?”
“Nicely, and the sooner the better. Nadia is awakening.”
“Bran, what other things can you do?,” Sonny asked using mind-speak,
impatient
with the waiting.
“All sorts of things. For instance, I know that they call you not just Sonny,
but the
Sun of Nefar. Is that not correct?”
Sonny looked down and mumbled, “Sometimes, but mostly just Sonny, if they
recall me at all. I stay hidden especially from the mean one.”
Bran was positive they never forgot him and could locate him with little
trouble if
they so chose. They simply wanted him to believe he could hide. A bad fe
eling
blossomed and spread through Bran which meant retrieving Nadia and getting
the three
of them to safety with all speed. Because he wa s certain that the acquired
name given
Sonny by Kindarak was actually a poorly crafted synonym for “Son of Nefar”.
Further,
he suspected Sherem’s natural child, perhaps the next ruler of Nefar—most
likely carried
a detection device somewhere under his skin.
Twelve Nefari troops appeared around them and Bran materialized. One plucked
Sonny gingerly from Bran’s back and disappeared just as quickly.
A mental grunt butted Bran’s mind which signaled action underway below and in
the next moment, he and the Nefari troops engaged in battle.
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After Bran ate his way through the first row of Stealth’s crew, the remaining
fighting force noticeable dwindled; some taking down their own comrades in the
effort to
avoid him. At that moment the guards within Nadia’s chambe r tumbled into
the melee
leaving him the opportunity to get in.
Nadia, with eyes slitted, mind spoke, “Can’t move.” He had scant seconds
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to
trans her to the Miramid but with her body frozen and lethargic, she could not
climb on to
him and he had no way to signal her exact location to get her out. More
likely they
would trans him leaving her behind. She could not even grasp the band aro und
his neck
which left him no choice but one. He concentrated all his powers , letting
his mind float
and body shift. While he had played with the urge for some time, he’d never
successfully
accomplished the change. Now he must , in order to carry Nadia and press the
disc
hanging from the chain around his neck to get them both to safety.
It happened quickly with little discomfort just when two of the enemy charged
in,
blazers first. Bran grabbed Nadia, and activated the disc but Kindarak
materialized at the
last possible moment. “Leaving us so soon? I’m afraid I can’t allow it.” He
pointed a
large silver weapon and fire d three times into the no w visibly human Bran.
They
disappeared over roars of frustration from Nadia’s former host.
“Nadia is safe aboard the Miramid. I regret I am unable to rejoin you .”
Bran’s
words almost made Sherem sag and lower his sword even as h e worried over his
last
words, but a laser beam missing his temple by a fraction called back his
attention.
“No matter, I give the word to retreat. We will come in waves to both the
ports of
Miramid and Portender and take the Kerrs with us.” Screams ignited behind
Sherem and
the flow of battle changed to chaos. Sherem strived to keep his mind on the
three well
trained enemy warriors in front of him. Kindarak had melted into the
background and
probably hid in a safe room, shivering under a mat.
The cruelest bullies also proved to be the biggest cowards. One of the
divine
oxymorons of the universe.
* * *
On the navigation level of the Miramid, a Kalmeri -skinned warrior shimmered
into view holding a small boy and shoved him into Catarina’s arms without a
b y your
leave before disappearing once again. Used to the offhand behavior of what
she silently
called her cat people, she caught the child in her arms and gently let him
down , taking
hold of his hand. “My name is Catar ina, but my friends call me Cat,” sh e
explained
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195
walking hand in hand with the dirty, emaciated boy . “I hope we’ll become
great friends
because anyone who helps my sister has my eternal gratitude. Come sweetie,
let’s get
you fed, uh…bathed, and into a nice soft mat.” Cat drew him away reluctantly,
neither of
the pair particularly wanting to desert the bridge . Nadia could feel the
tiny boy’s hand
shake as she pressed him into a jetquik to the children’s chambers. And even
as he
sullenly whispered his name, she couldn’t help but notice his undue attention
to every
grate they passed comprising Miramids’ ventilation system. He simply broke
her heart.
“The boys are down for a nap, so I’ll introduce you later. Be grateful for
the calm
before the calamity that is sure to erupt as soon as they awaken. They will
be very exited
to meet you; it gets lonely being the only children on board.”
“Ch-children?” Sonny asked; a startled expression half curiosity and half
terror
chasing across his small face.
“Uh-huh, have you ever had children your same ag e to play with? Of course,
you’re probably two or three years older than they are. I bet they’re gonna
worship the
ground you walk on.”
“Why would they like me? I don’t think I know how to play…and what are
years?”
“Oh, sorry.” Cat smacked her forehead . “I still tend to lapse into Earth
-speak.
Years are closely equivalent to cycles. How many cycles are you?”
“You come from the Milky Way?” Sonny asked. And Cat realized he deflected
almost every question she asked. He was one cagey little scrapper —probably
for good
reason.
Instead of calling him on it, she played along. “Yep, and did you know that
we
even have a candy bar named after it.?”
“Candy?”
In two shakes flat she was going to ba wl like a baby. He had never heard
of
candy? Oh, the calories s he intended to introduce him to, she concluded,
reaching the
nursery.
One hour later a stuffed, scrubbed, and sleeping little boy lay nestled in his
own
cozy mat. Cat was very pleased, believing she’d packed at least two pounds on
his small
frame. Once s he had him bathed he had the distinct look of a Nefar about
him; as a
matter of fact he looked a lot like Sherem…
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196
Toppling over that thought she realized she’d not heard from Zorroc and the
rest
of their party and broke into a run. “Stop,” her mate shouted. “We are
safe. Nadia is
asking after the little mite. He is well?”
“He is sleeping and stuffed. How is Nadia?”
“She is with the shaggy beast but The Nefari and I have words to cross.”
Whoa,
Sherem hadn’t been “the Nefari” for quite some time.
* * *
The Med center turned into a sudden mass of running feet, staccato orders,
and
multiple hands as a couple of Med -techs took a partially naked Nadia from a
totally
naked Bran in half human, half ankou form and strived to hoist h im onto a
wide gurney.
Four MTEs studied him in consternation. They seemed frozen between how to
treat his
wounds and whether they dared touch him at all. Nadia donned a robe and
wobbled over
to her friend seeking to communicate with him. “Bran, how badly are you
hurt?” she
croaked.
“Get them out, they burn. I believe they are eating me from the inside out,”
came
his tortured reply.
Nadia turned to the frozen staff and said, “He has three missiles in him, they
must
be removed immediately.”
“We are not equipped with the anatomical knowledge to operate and he will
not
fit into the Med tech unit, what do you suggest we do?” one of the Technicians
asked.
“Yes,” another agreed, “And be reasonable, Princess, he is a wounded animal,
he
may attack if we try to assist him.”
“He will not attack, you baboons; he is my friend and rescued both me and
Sonny
with no thought to himself. You will operate now!”
The group just looked down and shook their heads sadly. At that moment , she
was ashamed to be Gattonian. She went to the wall, grabbed a b lazer, and
pointed it at
the group. “You will save him or die; and as your Princess I have the right
to take your
life for refusing a direct order. Now move it.” Nadia knew she would never
harm them
but they, fortunately, did not.
They brought a unit over that descended from the ceiling and ran it over his
body.
* * *
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Cat knew that Zorroc had taken Sherem to their private chambers for a chat
but
somehow, with all the tu rmoil, uncertainty, and confrontation with Kindarak,
she didn’t
think it was the appropriate time for a few drinks and exchange of
pleasantries.
The panel to their master suite slid silently open just as both males stood,
Zorroc
with his hands out in a placating manner and Sherem charging him shouting ,
“You lying
bastard” and planting an upper cut to her mate’s jaw that sent him crashing
into the wall
four feet from where he stood. Cat didn’t think, she just stormed the giant,
screaming for
him to stop and flew into the air landing on his shoulders, pounding on his
head. Sherem
started spinning around grunting, “Get her off me”.
Cat caught a glimpse of her mate climbing to his feet, testing his jaw, with
an
amused almost jovial expression carved on his features.
“She’s killing me, Zorroc, make her stop,” Sherem pleaded.
“Will you settle dow n and let me explain?” Zorroc queried, grinning widely,
sitting back down and leaning back in his seat.
“Anything,” he replied, covering his face to block her tiny fists popping
him.
“I think he’s had enough, my one, he surrenders.”
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Chapter Twenty-Three
Cat stopped and looked up. “What is so funny, he punched you—hard.”
“He thought I was insulting his mother; I would have reacted the same were I
in
his shoes. Now let the defeated warrior loose.”
Cat looked down. The Nefari had to top her mate by f our inches, which meant
she was about seven feet off the ground. She couldn’t even imagine how she’d
made
such a miraculous jump and she didn’t particularly like heights. They made
her dizzy.
Zorroc appeared by her side and she slid into his arms, her fa vorite place to
be in
the universe. “What’s going on?” she asked, the last word ending in a squeak
as he
slowly slid her body down his until she reached the ground. Sherem looked on,
a
bemused smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Sherem watched the couple and marveled at their openly loving devotion to one
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another. He realized that that was exactly what he wanted —needed from Nadia.
He had
always believed Cat a rather poor influence on his mate but seeing her with
Zorroc,
willing to defend him agai nst someone two thirds larger than herself, well,
it made him
want to smile, even as his world was crashing around his ears. How could his
mother
have birthed another male’s baby —the male of his father’s best friend and
trusted
comrade? He shook his head and sank to his seat.
“It is private, my Cat. Sherem would not feel comfortable while this is
being
discussed.”
“She may stay, Zorroc. Maybe she can make sense of it all but first I want
to see
my mate. Will you send for her? ” On top of the disastrous news Zorroc
repeated from
his communications with Nadia, Sherem had been told of a naked Adonis carrying
her in
his arms when they arrived on the Miramid. Who was he and where was Bran? He
had
not heard from him since he reported they were safe. And no w his father had
COM’d
when he had no desire to deal with either him or his mother.
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Sherem nodded and listened to his father’s frantic greeting. “Hello father,
it is
good to hear your voice,” he replied without much feeling. “How is mother?”
“Insane with grief and worry. We received a COM from Rand two days ago that
the Portender was destroyed with you, Dakar, and your mate along with it.
And now we
are unable to contact Kindarak for confirmation. Your mother has been franti
c—what in
all Hell is going on?”
A feminine sob so unded in the background and his mother appeared on the
screen. “We’re fine mother, all of us including the Portender and her c rew
but we had
a…ah, slight scuffle.”
“Was Kindarak involved in this “scuffle”?” King Royce guessed.
“The Stealth is no more. Kindarak was running deadly drug cartel using
Assyllis.
Either someone from Gattonia or Nefar has found a way to smuggle mass
quantities for a
drug called Angels Gate. The Portender and Miramid incinerated her leaving no
space
debris behind. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.” Sherem added with
clenched teeth.
If Nadia ever betrayed him for another he could not fathom his response. Did
his father
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truly not know of the affair?
Sherem cleared his throat. “Father, I would like t o speak to mother alone
for a
few moments.”
Their reaction was instantaneous. His mother threw herself at his father and
sobbed, “Oh Royce, he knows, he knows.” Sherem had never seen his mother in
such a
state and while she sobbed, Royce met his son’s gaze steadily with deadly
intent.
“Mia, you are upsetting our son, go to our chambers. I will explain and all
will be
well, will it not Sherem.”
It was not phrased as a question and Sherem knew his duty. “ I swear it on
my
life, mother, now go so father and I may talk. We love you,” Sherem
exclaimed
suddenly. Both of his parents gawked at their son, rarely did he ever declare
his feelings.
“Can you remember when last you saw Kindarak in our home?” Royce asked.
“I told Nadia I thought it was about sixteen cycles past. I didn’t wonder at
the gap
of visits until just recently. Father, is Rand Kindarak’s son?”
Royce reeled in shock. Sherem was not sure if it was his blatant inquiry or
another unknown reason. When his mother fell apart about his knowing, She
rem
assumed that was what the fuss was about.
“Rand is mine,” his father replied forcefully, “and your mother’s.”
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“But Kindarak told me…”
Royce closed his eyes in anguish and lifted his head to the heavens. “My
former
friend and your godfather raped your mother right around the time that Rand
was
conceived. When she found she was with child the first thing she checked was
the DNA
of the fetus; when the results confirmed the boy was mine, she kept it. I do
not know to
this day if she would have made the same choice had the result been
different.
“With the changed behavior of Mia toward Kindarak, I became suspicious and
confronted her some sixteen cycles past when Rand was little more than a babe.
It was a
difficult time for us.”
“Changed how, father?”
“I noticed that she could not stand Kindarak’s touch or to even look at him
and
constantly made excuses to leave any room he occupied. Since their
relationship had
always been one of warmth and friendship, I naturally became suspicious. You
must
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understand that your mother and I shared a formal mating for purposes of
political bonds.
It was not until Kindarak raped your mother that our bond developed int o a
true mating
filled with respect, friendship… and even love. I decided to shun Kindarak
rather than
kill him; uncomfortable questions would have been asked and your mother had
been
though quite enough at the hands of that monster. I discouraged any contact
with my
sons, as well, which is why you cannot recall seeing him for a long while. I
only learned
with Rand’s COM about the Portender that Kindarak remained in his life ,
keeping up the
uncle act all the while.”
Sherem shook his head, baffled. “How could you not know of their
relationship?
Why would he hide it?”
“I cannot say, really. Rand told me it was because his godfather told him
that he
wished to avoid you and Dakar becoming jealous of their relationship,
considering it was
so much closer than yours. He apparently spent obsc ene amounts of credits
on him and
traveled with him quite a lot.
“Your mother and I have our own obligations to Nefar that keep us buried most
of
the time and you have always gone your own way.”
“What about Dakar? He and Rand were always close.”
“I do not know, son, you will have to ask Dakar.”
“The thing that has us so upset is that Kindarak contacted Rand and told him
about the Portender—and that he was Rand’s true father after a brief love-lost
affair with
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your mother. Now Rand doubts his true parentage and no amount of denial from
us will
convince him.”
Sherem shrugged. “Show him through DNA. At any rate, t he point is moot .
Kindarak is dead. Both the Stealth and the Miramid destroyed her—after
rescuing Nadia
and a small boy along with Ryder, the Prince of Kerr and his crew.”
“I am relieved he is gone and even more reli eved you are well. Kindarak
was…not rational and seemed to deteriorate over time.”
“That is not the half of it . Aside from being a drug lord responsible for
killing
perhaps thousands, he had some obscene plan to kill you, mate with mother, ta
ke over
your throne, keeping my mate as his whore.” Sherem could not stem the fury
of his
proclamation. And soon he would be facing his mate seen in the arms of
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another male —
a naked male. Since hearing the tale upon his arrival to his ship and
subsequent meeting
with Nadia’s brother; he hoped his rage had cooled enough to confront her and
her lover.
How could she let a stranger touch her ? And then to hear of his mother’s
infidelities
directly from the mouth of Kindarak, well, they were the last words he uttered
be fore he
vanished and the battle commenced.
“I must go…Tell mother that we understand and not to worry. We will
straighten
out our youngest brother.”
“That will be appreciated.” Royce cleared his throat uncomfortably. “There
is
one further bit of business…”
* * *
Nadia felt the mental link with Bran sever. “Faster,” she commanded.
The bullets were extracted in minutes and the incisions closed though it felt
like
hours. “Test them and determine their composition,” she ordered one of the
techs.
Bran had slipped into a coma. Sonny came charging around the corner and made
a beeline in her direction. He threw his arms around her thighs, tears
leaking from his
eyes. “I felt him in my head and then lost him. Will your dog be all right?
He can talk,
you know.”
Nadia emitted an anguished laugh. “He is so m uch more than a dog,
sweetheart;
he is my friend and almost gave his life for ours.”
“So he will be fine,” Rees stated as he slipped his hand in hers.
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Cat chose that moment to come charging into the room an d threw herself at
Nadia. “Thank God you are safe. We’ ve been worried sick and your mate a
burly,
inconsolable barbarian, as usual. He even attacked your brother,” she stated
indignantly.
“Rocky can take care of himself, I am sure,” Nadia commented.
“Actually, I attacked Sherem. He begged Zorroc to get me off him.”
Nadia laughed helplessly through her tears for Bran . She could just picture
the
scene but then sobered. “Where is Sherem, I think Bran is doing better.”
She added for
fear of Sonny’s reaction.
Cat went over to a now fully changed ankou and ran her hand down Bran’s fur,
tears welling in her emerald eyes. “He’s on his way but I thought I’d warn
you, while in
our chambers, Sherem’s parents contacted him.” Cat explained the gist of the
conversation detailing Kindarak’s relationship with Sherem’s mother.
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“She was raped? Somehow that does not come as a surprise. What else?”
“Uh, there is some rumor going around that you were carried to safety by a
really
hunky guy and after the news about Sher em’s mother…well safe to say he’s a
bit put
out.”
“Hoyboy, it is easily explained, I just hope he gives me the chance. You’re
still
fidgeting, sister mine, out with the rest of it ,” Nadia implored, wiping her
suddenly
tingling hands on her robe.
Cat squirmed. “Well, I did overhear a bit of the conversation…” Nadia just
bet
she did which brought back memories of another time when the two of them
listened in to
Zorroc’s one time fiancé and her brother delivering the news of his and Cat’s
mating.
Nadia raised an eyebrow and waited.
“Ah, here is Camille to take you to the children, Sonny. They are up and want
to
meet you.”
“Are you sure Bran will be alright?” Nadia could tell he was torn between
his
delight in finally playing with children and his concern for Bran.
“He will be fine, sweetheart, he just needs to rest.” Nadia encouraged. When
the
nanny’s and Sonny’s steps could no longer be heard, she turned to Cat.
“It seems that they are aware of your and Sherem’s mating and seek to overturn
it
on the grou nds that you may be infertile because of the virus. They want
the bond
overturned. Your brother is outraged.”
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Nadia, caught unawares, sank into a chair feeling sick to her stomach .
After all
the cycles he had chased her and everything they had survived since embarking
on their
journey to have his parents bring it all to an end . What would Sherem do?
And what
would her brother do to Sherem and possibly Nefar. Zorroc could pull the
Assyllis
contract for such an insult to her. Zo rroc was overly protective; Zazu, he
could demand
satisfaction from Sherem and die because of her. Or if he got lucky, could
kill Sherem.
The two males she adored beyond reason. She had to stop them. Without
realizing it she
had risen, scrambling for the exit.
“Stop!” Her pintsized sister-in-law demanded. “He loves you, Nadia, trust him
to
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work this out.”
Nadia snorted. “I know Zorroc loves me, that is why I have to save him.”
“Not your brother, numbskull—Sherem.”
Nadia stopped dead. “What is a numbskull?”
“You, if you don’t get hold of yourself. Sherem loves you, it won’t matter
what
the King and Queen command; Sherem will never let you go.”
Nadia sighed. “More like he loves the lucrative Assyllis trade.”
‘I believe “numbskull” a very apt description for you if, for even an instant
you
believe that.” Sherem’s voice soft in her ear made her blush from her chest
up to the top
of her head. Nadia slowly turned to face him. “I did not mate with you for
your
productive organs. I lifemated with you because you make my heart b eat, my
blood
coarse and my world complete as long as it contains you. Now you will explain
who this
male is that dares touch you; I would have a word with him.”
“He is right over there.”
“That is Bran,” Sherem murmured and took three giant steps to reach his side.
“What happened, why was I not told!” He turned to the MTE s and lowered hi s
voice
pinning them with a glare . “What is his condition and what all is being done
on his
behalf? He is my protector. His life cannot be measured.”
“Leave off, my friend; I am sure they are doing their best.” Bran did not
move or
change his respiration in any way but Sherem still heard the weak response.
“Is there anything that you know that we, I, or the MTEs can do to assist in
your
healing?”
“Poisoned,” Bran replied.
“Have you determined the poison used?” Sherem asked the MTE in charge.
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He gulped. “P -p-poison? He was shot, we removed the missiles. Why would
you think he was poisoned?”
Sherem ignored the question. “Find out what was in the missi les or coated
onto
them. NOW!” He went to the COM and spoke quietly then turned to Nadia and
Cat. “A
team of our own is on their way to assist the Med -techs here.” Turning back
to the three
techs he said, “If he dies, so do you. Gattonians are purported to have
superio r skills, I
would like a demonstration of that…or do I need to contact Zorroc to make my
wishes
clearer?” Sherem needed no further impetuous to persuade them of Bran’s
worth.
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“No, your highness, we are checking now, sir , and will let you know
momentarily.”
“I remember that Kindarak was something of an alchemist,” Sherem added.
“It
may be a combination of components.”
Four MTEs arrived from the Portender and Sherem realized that he, Nadia, and
Catarina would only be in the way. “Rollins, I want an update as soon as
possible. We
will be in our chambers.” He led both Cat and Nadia out.
“If you will excuse us, Catarina, I have need of your sister.” Sherem
actually
grinned when Cat blushed.
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Chapter Twenty-Four
“Now,” Sherem whispered into the disc around his neck, scooping Nadia into
his
arms. In the next instant they were in their chambers on the Portender.
“Numb skull,” Sherem chuckled lightly. “How very amusing. I am coming to
approve of your Catarina.” He dumped Nadia unceremoniously on the L -shaped
lounge
in the front chamber and growled frowning , “Now explain yourself! The male
holding
you in transport was nude while you were barely clothed.”
“Explain yourself, numb skull, since you are so taken with the phrase ! Do
you
really mean to defy your parents and keep me by you r side as your only
lifemate, as you
promised? Or do you intend to take a second or even third mate, ones that can
be certain
of giving you off -spring?” At Sherem’s silence Nadia rose and marched into
their
sleeping chamber. “Hello J, it is good to be back. P lease arrange the
bathing pool to
deep heat and massage; I am filthy from my ordeal.”
“It awaits, Princess.”
“J, you are supposed to call me Nadia.”
“Only in private.”
“Oh, don’t mind the raging bull there, maybe if we ignore him he will
disappear.”
“Do not count on it, Princess,” Sherem answered; shedding layer after layer
until
he stood naked and fully aroused. He crossed to Nadia, divesting her of the
robe with
one fluid tug and froze, his gaze rolling over every exposed inch of her.
Nadia squirmed under his regard. It had been scorching hot and stuffy in her
cell,
so she’d first ripped the sleeves off her gown, then stripped out of her
Kameri skin and
finally tore the floor -length skirt until the hem brushed her thi ghs. “It
was unbearably
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warm; I had to make adjustments to my attire.” Sherem gulped hard and rent
the tattered
garment in two before throwing her over his shoulder, stomping to the pool and
lowering
her in—with great care. As if she was some fragile miss. Loud rantings she
could handle
but his gentleness caused unexpected tears to fall silently down her cheeks.
After settling
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in beside her, he kissed them away , arranging her across his lap where he
cleansed her
from face to feet and finally hair. He languidly massaged her scalp and
after rinsing ,
allowed her to wash him. She loved the slow pace he’d initiated but
awareness bubbled,
tingled, and thrummed inside her until even her fingertips sang in response.
She took
extra care with his rock hard erection; wrapping one hand firmly around it
stroking up
over his bulbous red tip then down to his root , and using her other hand to
cradle and
gently knead his balls. His head fell back and his eyelids lowered to half
-mast but failed
to hide the fire of des ire scorching her to her womb. Nadia thrilled to his
every groan ,
harsh breath, and tremor until he surged up with her in his arms an d followed
her down
when he reached their mat…and licked her dry. Nadia felt just like the
heroines in her
aunt’s books. He was seducing her —all of her until every touch made her cry
out with
wonder at his ministrations. He made her feel equal parts worshipped and
rabid to have
him inside her. Over her. Demanding her surrender. Filling her to
bursting.
“Sher, please,” she wailed. Their lovemaking before had always been fast,
hard,
controlling—proving his mastery over her . He had never finessed or slowly,
tenderly
made love to her. What could it mean?
“I love you,” he groaned, thrusting into her to th e hilt. Nadia cli maxed
from the
combination of being impaled and his admission but he gave her no time to
savor the
waves of ecstasy or his words. His masculine scent surrounded her as
effectively as his
body’s invasion. When h e slightly adjusted his angle Nadia crested again.
He literally
purred creating a pulsating beat she felt inside her womb and clear down to
her toes. He
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turned greedy, ravenous, and ruthlessly determined to conquer her. Pummeling
into her,
faster and harder, Sherem snaked a hand down her abdomen, grazing then
circling her
clitoris with his thumb. When he shouted his completion, Nadia’s senses
spiraled crazily
causing a startled yelp to escape her lips and the walls of her vagina to
spasm on and on,
increasing in force instead of ebbing, propelling her groan to a keening
wail.
Sherem studied his mate quizzically, a faint smile playing at the corners of
his
mouth. He had given her la petit mort —the little death. The ultimate
completion. H e
stayed inside her rolling onto his back until she rested on top of him
refusing to sever
their connection. Surely he had proven their bond too elemental and
meaningful to risk it
by mating with a stranger even for the purposes of an heir . That was what
brothers were
for and after witnessing the mating mark on Tula, a child surely could not be
far behind.
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Nadia groaned, slowly opening her eyes. “You said that you love me. Does
that
mean you have changed your view on the subject or was it simply a misspeak?”
“Yes,” Sherem answered. Nadia quickly looked away and made to rise. He held
her in place. “ What I feel for you transcends love in a million different
ways. I adore
you, misulu. And regret it took me so long to realize it. Your sister-in-law
is right. I will
never let you go. You were entirely too muc h trouble to catch.” He paused
after each
word to kiss and caress her face, neck, and arms.
“But your parents…”
“Will never come between us nor will a second mate . If we cannot have
little
ones, my other two brothers can certainly fill the nursery until it spills
over with baby
giggles. The only thing in life I cannot live without is you.”
Nadia tightened her grasp around his waist and buried her face in his neck
mumbling the words that soothed his soul and made it sing. She was his. He
drifted into
oblivion colored with Nadia in poses past, he grinned in his sleep…and
future.
* * *
“Nadia, what do you think you’re you doing!” s hrieked a familiar staccato
exclamation, jerking Nadia out of a solid slumber.
“Wha…” she mumbled. Nadia had left her snoring barbarian to sit with Bran
in
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case he awoke in the early hours . Rollin’s reported that the poison had been
identified
and neutralized but he remained in a coma -like slumber. She must have gone
to sleep
with her hand still tangled in Bran’s fur because he r arm and hand were numb
and her
back pulled painfully when she sat up. Disoriented, she focused on both ,
Tula and Cat,
Cat having issued the awakening accusation. She noticed they were of similar
height and
build and both wore identical expressions of horror.
Nadia blinked and shook her head in confusion. “What do you mean, what am I
doing? I am sitting w ith Bran. He saved my life ; the least I can do is be
here when he
revives. That’s what I’m doing. Now explain what you are doing. Where is
Sonny?”
Nadia paused realizing Tula had boarded the Miramid and that the two had
met one
another. She further noticed Tula’s mating tattoo and smiled to herself.
“That is not Bran!” Cat admonished. “That is a man.”
“Male,” Tula quietly corrected.
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“Rees is resting and well fed.” Cat answered . “The triplets and he have
become
fast friends and teaching him the diabolical tricks every yard-ape should
know. He came
to visit you when you were unconscious, and as soon as Camille gets some food
into him
this morning, I’m sure he’ll be back—probably with the triplets in tow.” Bran
groaned.
Tula rubbed behind Bran’s ear. “Should you be up ? Only a few hours ago we
were terrified you would not survive. Everyone has been…frantic for you.”
Nadia almost laughe d. Obviously Tula had been informed of Nadia’s
highhandedness. Maybe blazer-handed would be more accurate. If she had it to
do over,
her tactics would be the same.
“Tell her I have suffered no lasting affects from the acid fire,” he
counseled
Nadia.
“He says, thank you, but he is fine.” Nadia glanced back to Bran and added,
“Sherem is fine, as well and the Stealth has been destroyed, save for Prince
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Ryder and his
crew. I suppose the first order of business is informing Sher em of his
fatherhood and
getting him settled close to us in the Portender.” Nadia made for the exit.
Cat paused. “Wait a sec. We’ll be landing in a couple of hours, sweetie, I
heard
Zorroc receive permission from Jasper. Plus, he’s still asleep. Maybe it
should wait until
we land.
“Um, one thing that can’t wait however is…s houldn’t we tell Bran about his
change in, uh, appearance? He can’t just go switching back and forth,
flashing that
naked—literally to die for body to the masses.”
Nadia shrugged. “He changed on the Stealth in order to carry me out. I
doubt it
will come as much of a surprise.”
“Changed? Of what is the wood nymph speaking?” Bran asked.
“Just a moment ago you changed from human to ankou and last night must have
changed from ankou to human. Were you aware of that?”
“No. I wonder if my body affected the change to accelerate healing? Convey
my
apologies to Zorroc’s wood nymph and Tula for startling them.”
Nadia laughed out loud. “Bran, there are no such things as wood nymphs.
They
are a myth. A made up story. Cat is just a small Earth female.”
“Do not voice beliefs for which you have no practical knowledge.”
Cat cocked her head at Nadia’s surprised scrutiny . “This is decidedly
unfair. I
know you’re talking about me.” She focused on Bran, deciding to get a little
of her own
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back. “Y ou know Bran, you just proved an ancient Earth axiom that touts
—‘You are
what you eat’.”
Bran looked positively horrified.
“Bran, are you well?”
Sherem’s inquiry startled him for a moment but then he answered. “I doubt I
will
ever be well again. Do you think it possible to become what you eat?”
“Huh?”
* * *
Bran, in human form, fully suited, walked companionably down the corridor
with
Nadia and entered the jetquik to Sherem and Nadia’s chambers. The Miramid
had
already ported in Jasper and the Portender was making final preparations to
follow. “Do
not fret, little one, all will be well. Sherem will take one look at the tiny
scrapper and fall
in love.”
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“Quit doing that; it’s impolite.”
“Doing what?”
“Reading my mind. And I know it will be alright, I am just…I want so much
for
him to be happy about it—not for me but for Rees. We have a lot to make up
for, and to
reassure Rees that he is safe and wanted.” Nadia shook her head. “A
nightmare about
his life up to this moment and the way he was treated aboard the Stealth is
the reason I
ended up at your bedside. Ha, I thought that I had it rough with no mother or
father, to
speak of, but at least I had my brothers and two aunts. And I was secure in
their love.
First Rees is born into poverty, then sold by his own mother, then starved,
tortured, and
hid in the bowels of a ship with a madman at the helm. I can hardly credit
it, and it
makes me worry how everything will affect him in the cycles to come.”
“He is a survivor, Nadia. And with all of the bad things that have happened
to
him, he remains a caring, intelligent, and incredibly clev er human. He will
make a fine
male and warrior when he is grown.”
Nadia looked stunned; blurting, “Warrior?”
“Yes. He will want to protect thos e unable to protect themselves —exactly
like
your mate.” They had exited the jetquik and stood outside the panel.
Nadia took a deep breath and before she could voice the code, the panel
whooshed open to an agitated Sherem.
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“What is this male doing with you? Is he the one who carried you to safety?”
He
yanked Nadia behind him to face the int ruder who all were speaking of
—galling him no
end. Sherem should have been the one to rescue her…or Bran. Nadia had dodged
his
question the night before and after ap praising at the enigmatic warrior
before him, the
answer became clear.
“It is good to see you, as well, and acting every bit like the jealous ass I
have
come to know so well. It is I, barbarian,” Bran mind-spoke, humor dancing in
the depths
of his familiar grey eyes.
“I would have explained last night but decided it best you see for yourself.”
“Bran?” he marveled incredulously. “You can talk.”
“I have for quite some time, if you recall.”
“Zazu, you are just full of surprises.”
“You have no idea,” he agreed drolly. “May I enter?”
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Chapter Twenty-Five
“Ah,” Sherem uttered, eyeing Nadia uncomfortably, “are you sure?” By all
that
was holy, he thanked the powers he was not an older male. If Bran’s shape
-shifting to
human form had not proved bizarre enough, plus listening to him with his ears
instead of
his mind—finding out Kindarak purchased a child he had fathered and intended
to use for
whatever nefarious purpose his sick mind could conjure certainly capped it.
And what
could be going through Nadia’s mind? She had been holding herself unnaturally
still and
not commented once. Would her hard won trust in him be shattered? His day
had begun
poorly, first without his mate by his side after an incredible night of
lovemaking; then
Bran turning up human , and now this—a little boy; his little boy. V
isualizing the past
experiences of the poor mite only compounded his state. H e stole another
glance at his
mate. A rock exhibited more animation.
“Positive.” Bran sat on the cushioned lounger with his legs c rossed, similar
to
Sherem’s, feeling uncomfortable and awkward. His clothing chaffed in a most
coveted
area of his anatomy; making him squirm to accommodate the appendage between
his
legs. If that was not bad enough, he had to urinate—not at all sure how to
accomplish the
deed in his present form. Before, he had always used the botanical solarium
deciding his
excretions provided a satisfactory fertilizer. Now, however, he would be
forced to use
the clean room. He almost groaned in consternation. Sherem broke into his
thoughts.
“This is no time to mind wander; I asked how old is he?”
Bran looked to Nadia who shrugged. “I would guess approximately five cycles
but I believe only his mother could provide the exact number.”
Sherem grunted, trying to hide h is relief. At least Rees had been born
before he
had met Nadia. Barely. A point he intended to drive home when they had some
privacy.
“Since the mother resides in Jasper it seems only logic al that you contact
her and
ask.”
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Sherem squirmed with the knowl edge that it could be one of many he barely
remembered let alone knew the name of. His carefree days returned to haunt
him. He
could not even COM Rosik for assistance. He studied Bran, noticing he
fidgeted as well.
“I am the one in the hot seat, why ar e you twitching about?” he mind-spoke.
Bran
groaned in Sherem’s mind, explaining his dilemma. Sherem shot back the step
by step
procedure and felt Bran sigh.
“If you will excuse me, I will return with, er, the child.” B ran all but
fled from
the room.
Sherem thought Nadia whispered ‘coward’ and grinned. He moved to sit close
to
her, nestling her against his side. “Rees was born before w e met; you
should not be
upset. I am not even sure of the mother’s identity; I had no lasting affairs
before you, my
Nia,” he added for good measure.
“It’s not th…” Sherem nuzzled her just behind her left ear. “ That’s not…”
He
kissed her cheek, brushing his lips up to her temple.
“Tell me your thoughts, misulu. Are you afraid I will take her to mate?”
Nadia
jerked suddenly, telling him the prospect not occurred to her. He had stuck
his proverbial
foot into dung once again. “If not that then tell me.”
“It would be easier with you across the room ; you are distracting me.” When
he
merely smiled Nadia sighed. “I never had the test.”
She whispered the words so softly Sherem barely registered them. “What
test?”
“The one that would determine if I am sterile.”
Sherem rushed to reassure her but she put her fingers over his lips to block
his
words. “I believe you, and I tr ust you…and I love you.” She sat up and
faced him. “I
want to adopt Rees. I want to be his mama and raise him and love him and
spoil him to
make up for these last years. I want us to heal him and give ourselves over
to make him a
happy, confident, and whole child. And not because I am afraid I may be
infertile bu t
because I love him already. I want you to love him , too, and I want us to
be a family.”
Nadia’s words rushed out of her so fast Sherem barely understood what she was
trying to
say. When he did he took her hand covering his lips and kissed them, he saw
her eyes
glaze over making him cherish her all the more. Such a gentle creature and
such a strong
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one; still waters, indeed, ran very deep. And though he loved her to
distraction, he knew
little of her except what was widely discussed. She remained a mystery .
“What were
you like as a little girl? Were you a confident, precocious little hellion,
climbing trees,
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collecting bugs, eating mud pies an d giving everyone in radius heart
failure with your
antics?”
Nadia looked down, placing her hands in her lap. “I believe that I was quiet.
My
mother died giving birth to me, something very rare in these times, but she
had a reaction
to the birthing medication. It stopped her heart and a choice had to be made
in a split
second whether to save my life or hers. Apparently , it was not known for
some time if I
would be normal because of the loss of oxygen—and because I did not speak
until I was
three. My father was heartbr oken over my mother’s death, disconsolate, and
could not
seem to look at or be around me. I – I went to see one day when I was very
young. He
was feeling unwell and wasting away. Anyway, when I went into his chambers
with a
book and asked him to read to me, he grabbed it, threw it against the wall,
and called me
a killer. An abomination.” Her knuckles were white, her hands buried in the
folds of her
robe. “I’ve never told anyone that story before. I felt so ashamed.” She
snuck a look at
him before continuing.
“I have always believed that he made the wrong choice and should have saved
my
mother instead.” Sherem grabbed her, almost squeezing the air out of her.
“Sherem,” she squeaked. He loosened his grip but could not meet her gaze.
“How could they treat you that way! You are precious, coveted, unique, and
genuinely valued for the female you are,” Sherem ranted.
“Please, do not think I was mistreated in any way. Rocky and Linc spoiled me
to
distraction allowing me to follow them everywhere , while Jaffers told me
stories every
night and tucked me in when my aunts were on an off-world assignment. And
though I
mourned my father , when he passed, I did not feel his absence because I never
really
knew him.
“If I could ask just one thing of you, Sher, it would be that you spend lots
of time
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with Rees, playing with him, engaging him, and reading to him at night. I
know this is
fast; that it is too soon for children but if I have to; I will beg. Every
child deserves to be
wanted, loved, and cherished for the miracle they are.”
“Hum, seems to me that you are asking more than just one ‘thing of me’. I
would
be responsible for nurturing and wanting my own son. And that I love,
cherish, and play
with him.
“But if I accomplish all that, what would be left for you to do?” he teased.
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Nadia smiled. “I will sing to him, play with him and above all, love you
both
more than words could ever describe.”
Sherem buried his face in her hair to hide his tears and swore he would
love,
worship, and care for his misulu for all of his remaining days; whic h he
prayed would be
many—a lifetime. Even encompassing the lifetime beyond.
Mia, Sherem’s mother, had slipped in when the huge dark male vacated ,
motioning him to silence. The Portender had just landed and s he wanted to
surprise her
son and talk some sense into him about his supposed mating with the Gattonian
princess .
Instead she left as quietly as she entered. She wanted to see her first
grandchild.
* * *
The cacophony of screams, pounding feet, shouts, and giggles flooded the
corridor as Sherem and Nadia stepped out of the jetquik on the children’s
floor of the
Miramid. They studied each other briefly both apprehensive about entering the
melee
waiting behind the panel. As one , they grabbed each other’s hand, sighed
then marched
to their fate.
The panel gave way to a reveal a scene straight from a circus; so many images
hit
Nadia at once, she froze with the effort to process it all. Her three nephews
were dressed
in loud, primal colors complete with painted faces—riding Bran, one on his
head and two
bouncing on his back as he slowly made his way around the room. Rees was
sitting
patiently with an older female while she applied bright red hearts on his
cheeks and black
spades around both eyes. Nadia could not decide whether he looked accepting
or
patiently miserable. The lady patted and cooed between every stroke of her
color wand .
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At that moment Nadia wondered i f he would hav e preferred life on the
Stealth… and
fought an unruly grin. Cat hopped enthusiastically behind her children on
Bran while a
calm, content Zorroc sat on a chair sipping choc -tea. Camille was absent.
Smart
Camille.
Sherem stopped dead when his gaze pounced on—Geez, his...
“Mother?” Sherem gawked.
Mia gave Rees one last pat and rose. “Hello, darling. I see y ou made it
safely.
Greetings Nadia, welcome to our family; Royce and I are simply overjoyed.”
She approached with the marker still in hand and Nadia unconsciously backed
up.
Sherem tightened his grip and tugged her forward.
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“Cat and Rocky kindly invited us over to meet our grandson. He looks so
much
like you when you were that age. We are ecstatic. And he is very bright and
incredibly
brave to have persevered as he has.”
“How could you possibly know all this when I…”
Mia blissfully waved him away. “ Mothers have their wa ys, my precious son .
Where is Dakar? We sent for Rand; he is due in tonight. It seems cycles
since the entire
family was together.”
Sherem’s gaze riveted on to his son and Rees, as well, eyed him carefully.
Nadia
held out her hand and Rees approached g rabbing it like a lifeline. She bent
over and
whispered, “How’s it going, sweetheart?”
“I’m not sure. Is he really my father?”
“He sure is.” Nadia turned toward Sherem but he was already kneeling.
“I am so sorry, son. I didn’t know, I swear. I would h ave come for you, I…”
Rees jumped into his arms.
Sherem did not bother to hide his tears. Ho w had Rees managed, even thrived
,
with such a perverted monster. Hugging his son tightly he realized just how
starved he
felt under his hands . They had given hi m barely enough to sustain his life
and for that
Sherem wished he could kill Kindarak again. And again. And again. He
cleared his
throat. “You are coming with us when you get through playing with your
cousins;
alright?”
“Cousins?”
“Yes, the terrible three are your cousins. Nadia’s nephews are your cousins.
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You
are related to all these people. Overwhelming, huh?”
“Naw, they’re pretty fun.” Rees squirmed to look Sherem in the eyes. “We
are
on Jasper,” he hedged.
Sherem took his hand and led him a little way down the hall. “Yes, we are.
Who
is your birth mother, can you remember?”
“You do not know?”
Sherem hung his head. “I was younger and had yet to meet Nadia. The culture
on Jasper is…”
“I just wondered. My mother was called Ranilla but Nadi told me that I would
be
her permanent, forever mother. And she told me you would be my father so we
could be
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217
a family. Nadi told me all kinds of things but she failed to prepare me for
all this.” He
motioned behind him grinning sheepishly.
Sherem laughed out loud. “Me neither. They are quite something, huh?”
Rees smiled. “Yeah.”
“Rees, would you like to visit with your birth mother while we are here?
From
what I understand, she believed that Kindarak, who at one time was close to my
family,
would bring you directly to me. It was not her fault and I am sure she misses
and loves
you. And though your place is now with Nadia and me, if you want to visit, we
will.”
“She was sick. It is why she did what she did. She is not bad.”
“Of course not; we will look for her starting tomorrow. And it will give you
time
to get to know your Aunt Cat and Uncle Zorroc…and your grandparents.”
“Hi, is everything okay?” Rees an d Sherem sprang apart peering guiltily at
Nadia. Looking from one to the other, she could not b elieve she’d not
recognized the
resemblance of father to son. They wore twin expressions of chagrin.
She crossed her arms under her breasts. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing,” they both spurted in unison.
Nadia eyed first one then the other and said, “Fine . I will be in our
allotted
chambers. Tula is meeting me at the castle and from there to the market. I
will leave you
to get acquainted.” She sauntered into the jetquik and disappeared.
“That went well,” Sherem commented dryly, leading Rees into a fit of giggles.
Sherem chuckled and held out his hand. “Let’s do some research to find your
mom, then I want to show you the Portender…and introduce you to J.”
“J?”
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Chapter Twenty-Six
“How did you get in?” Nadia asked. “I thought I left you in the children’s
wing.”
Mia fluttered her hand in a dismissive gesture. “J let me in. I thought it
time we
had a chat.”
Whoa, if there was one thing Nadia wanted to avoid, it was a ‘chat’ with
Sherem’s mother. “How delightful,” she blurted instead.
“You love my son.”
“Yes.”
“And you similarly love his son, though spurred through another union.”
Nadia fought a laugh. Spurred? Union? Why not just say fucked, knocked-up,
or
even impregnated…if you wanted to get polite? “Um, yes, absolutely,” she
responded
instead. With a straight face. So far things were going splendidly. Gag.
They
understood one another and Sherem’s parents were not going to object their
‘union’.
“Then we will be off,” Mia declared standing up.
“Um, I beg your pardon?” Nadia had not been paying attention.
“Well, to have you tested, of course. Since it no longer matters w hether you
are
fertile or not, you may as well have the test.”
Sherem and Rees chose that moment to enter. Thank Zazu.
Sherem took in the scene, his mate’s expression and acted. “Mother, how kind
of
you to visit but the three of us would like the remainder of the evening to
ourselves. I am
meeting with Queen Heptshu in the morning and from there making further plans
to
rescue the captain of the Miramid .” He kis sed her lig htly on each cheek
and bid her
farewell.
“Tomorrow, early, my dear,” Mia reasserted, before making her exit.
“Humm, very smooth…and great timing,” Nadia put in.
Rees leaned against Sherem’s leg, slightly dead to the world . “Let’s put him
to
sleep; he has had a very action-packed day.”
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“I agree.” Sherem swept him up and put him in a separate sleeping chamber
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right
across from theirs. He failed to utter a peep.
“Now, about us,” he stated. He caught her up into his arms and carried her
to
their chamber. “I have been starved for you, misulu. Will you love me?”
“I thought you did not believe in such.”
“And now you know better. I not only love you but like, adore, and respect
you.
Can you say the same?”
“I can absolutely concur.”
Sherem slipped his hand do wn her breast, waist, and thigh; then explored
her
mons.
“Love me, Sherem.”
“An easy request.”
He stripped her in fast order, using his action s to brush every curve,
plane,
erogenous zone, and satin slope of her golden skin. Her scent spurred him to
heigh ts he
never thought attainable . She wa s his and he would never take that
possession for
granted. He lifted her high on his chest and poppe d her onto their mat. He
was
carefree…and energized; impossibly impressed with Rees as his mate . Love for
her
coated his psyche and spiked his libido. He kissed her deeply and thoroughly
running his
hands up her rib cage until finding her pebbled areolas, pinching them firmly,
immersed
in her reaction and acceptance of his touch. He stood and peeled off his
uniform, causing
his cock to bob stra ight out. He wanted her with an all -consuming hunger he
could not
control. But did she want him as much? Perhaps he read more into her heated
gazes
when he chanced to look her way.
“Tell me,” he demanded.
“Tell you? Touch me all over; cover me with your hard heat. Push inside me
and
fill me to overflowing over and over until I can take no more.”
He growled and thrust into her wet, hot heat…and stilled. “Tell me you love
me !
Tell me you cannot survive without my arms aroun d you and my cock deep inside
you.
Tell me you will never, ever leave my side.” He eased back and plunged into
her again.
“Say the words.” Sweat beaded his forehead as he stared deeply into her eyes.
And
Nadia let him see everything her heart held for him.
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“Love is too weak a word for what I feel for you,” Nadia whispered. “I will
never
leave your side by my own choice. I freely cleave to you, my darling, daring
warrior;
you hold my heart for all time.”
Sherem began to move inside her with strong, st eady strokes, pulsating with
his
own vibrating rhythm. He felt her begin to quake before her muscles clenched
his penis
and milked him until he came in a blinding rush of juices and emotion.
It was only the first of five orgasms he gave her that night.
Nadia awoke stretching languidly—to feel the empty, cold space that should
have
been her mate. “J, where is Sherem?”
“With Queen Heptshu, I believe. And Queen Mia is waiting in the front
parlor.”
“Ugh, ugh, ugh. That female needs additional activities to occupy her mind
beside the state of my reproductive organs.” Nadia flipped onto her stomach,
feeling it
lurch and sink to her toes. “J, I do not feel right.” Before J could
respond, Nadia dashed
to the commode and tossed her last meal; or what was left of it. The kabulki
had been
delicious the previous night but not nearly so appetizing regurgitating that
morning.
“Uhlgahawa.” Nadia sank onto the floor in a pool of sweat and lethargic
limbs.
“I do not find that word in my databanks. ” Nadia wanted to l augh but
unfortunately the toilet was once again calling to her.
“Well, good grief! If a tiny fertility test is going to put you in such a
state…”
“Mother, leave now,” Sherem interjected. “J, get an EMT here.” He sank next
to
Nadia and held her hair. “What happened?”
“Nothing; I think I suffer from influenza . Every planet pos sesses a set
of
annoying viruses. Even Gattonia . The residents become immune eventually
but off -
worlders some times h ad a terrible time acclimating.” Nadia unloaded another
stre am
vomit then rested her head on the rim. Sherem produced a goblet of fluid
allowing Nadia
to rinse her mouth.
“The EMT has arrived, sir,” J announced.
“Are you through for the moment, misulu?” Nadia nodded and he lifted her
easily.
“Unnecessary, Sher; my legs are working just fine.”
“Permit me,” he whispered into her hair.
Sherem left her with the tech only to confront his mother still in the front
room.
“Mother?”
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“Oh, for heavens sake , I warned you Gattonians are high -strung, and high -
browed, with weak constitutions. But you would not listen…and now you have
gone and
bound yourself to her; promising fidelity of all things. Well, at least you
have Rees…and
two brothers,” she added.
Mia’s head shot up, surprise registering in her sable eyes. Sherem kne w
who
stood behind and to the right of him. “Leave.” His quiet, deadly tone
startled Mia.
“I am pregnant,” Nadia announced quietly , making room for the Med -tech to
scurry around her and shoot through the exit panel. Nadia turned around but
paused. “If
anyone is interested, I will be keeping the commode company.”
Mia’s mouth gaped and she had the grace to look a touch shamefaced.
“Now, mother; you are to leave now. And if I ever hear that wad of
prejudiced
bull-shit with concern to my choice of mates or her family, you will never
again be
invited into our lives.” Sherem marched over to the exit panel and said. “J,
mother is
leaving and will no longer have entrance privileges to the Portender.
Mia gasped and marched out with a sniffle. Sherem should ha ve experienced
at
least a glimmer of guilt but for some reason felt exhilarated. He had made
his choice
between Nadia and his family and obviously chosen right. Cleaved to him
—that’s what
she had said and he would nurture and protect that bond.
Sherem ordered choc-tea and dry toast for two then went to hold his mate’s
hair
and keep a cool cloth on her brow.
* * *
“Gannett, I did not expect you.” Sherem studied his friend, or who m he had
considered his trustworthy beyond question . Reports surfaced, however, which
led him
to the irrefutable conclusion that he was wrong. He brushed his hand through
his hair.
Did anyone truly know anyone ? And then Nadia touched his thoughts and he
almost
smiled. With some cherished ones the answer proved yes. However, in
Gannett’s case…
“Do not say anything. Please, just allow me to speak.” Gannett did not look
well.
His skin was pasty, his eyes glazed and his limp more pronounced than Sherem
had ever
seen. Gannett had been born with a disease of the bone that could not be
cured; only
manipulated to lessen the deformity. But he had the driest wit and the
greatest
intelligence of anyone in his acquaintance. He also housed the gentlest,
kindest soul. At
least he believed that until a group of days ago.
“I simply want to know why.”
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Gannett seemed to collapse into himself. “I was being blackmailed.”
Of all the excuses Sherem had prepared himself for; this was not one.
“You are the finest, strongest, fiercest warrior in our universe. I am weak,
deformed and generally ignored by the opposite sex. But I found a lover who
accepts my
failings and applauds my intelligence. And takes care of me —is a physical
therapist,
actually, and has kept me from deteriorating faster than projected.
Kindarak,” he spat the
word like a curse, “found out about him.”
At first Sherem thought he misunderstood but from Gannett’s expression, knew
he had not. “You found a male to love and care for you.”
“Yes.” Gannett’s confirmation was spoken with quiet self -possession.
Homosexuals, while not entirely shunned, were not looked on with respect or
the dignity
they, in most cases, deserved.
“I do not understand.”
“Use the brain I know you posses! I live with and love a ma le. That is
not
acceptable—certainly not when I hold an important political position
appointed by you.
Your critics and enemies would eat you alive an d when the Queen and King
catch wind
of it, the fall -out to you could be immense. Hell, Kindarak ferreted out
my secret, and
look what he did. And it is not over —others will find out.” A hysterical
laugh escaped.
“They already have. Someone else is blackmailing me now and is demanding even
more
“favors” than that maniac Kindarak. He wants credits along with the illegal
shipments.”
“Stop right there! First of all, d o you think me so incompetent that I
cannot
defend my own appointments? Do you consider me such a fair weather friend as
to
abandon them when they are most in need of my friendship? Zazu, Gannett. Do
you not
know me at all? After all our cycles of friendship; after tutoring me through
poly-kinetic-
theoretical-calibrations? I could care less about your sexual persuasions as
long as they
do not include my mate! We are friends first and I respect you greatly…until
recently, of
course.
“Were you also Kindarak’s co ntact with the Horta? The truth, Gannett,
loose
ends make me nervous. Who but you could have had dealings with both
parties?”
“Horta, macronadin—my involvement begins and ends with supplying Assyllis. I
only learned later how they were using it . I have h ad nightmares...”
Gannett visibly
shook, clearly distraught.
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“But the Horta?” he continued. “A re you sure? They are clannish and have
no
trust or liking for outsiders and no contact with any but for you.”
“I am sure. I put a vial of the drug into the h ands of some scientists on
the
Miramid. They separated the compounds and Macronadin is the binding property
that
makes it both powerful and deadly. So there has to be a connection. And
perhaps that is
who your blackmailer is.”
“I would do anything to trap a trafficker of Angels Gate.”
Zazu, Gannett was actually crying.
“I am so ashamed. Benik told me to trust in your friendship but I did not.
What
can be done now?”
“How are you being contacted ?” Sherem knew his voice lowered gruffly but
Gannett looked like he was close to swooning.
“The missives are anonymous. I have not been able to trace the source. But
either way, I must resign my position as Procurement Minister. I have
compromised the
office and engaged in illegal activities.”
“Wait.” Sherem w as thinking fast; Gannett was probably correct. The
miracle
would be keeping him from penance. He would never survive it. And no matter
what,
Sherem would not allow it. “We will set up a s ting; act as if you are
playing along then
turn over the culprits. Kindarak is dead and is not here to testify in your
involvements.
We trap the current blackmailers and you will be rewarded for the foil.”
Gannett pursed his lips in consternation. An expression identical to the one
used
back in academy days when the universe stood open for any dream as long as
they passed
their courses. At times Gannett had to pull Sherem through them with a
combination of
coercion, obstinate badgering for him to apply himself to his studies and
threats to
withhold tutoring him for good. “Thank you, I believe it will work, but I
will also be
exposed as a homosexual.”
“So? It is time our people became more accepting of alternate life choices.”
Gannett looked positively on the verge of a heart attack. He grabbed his
chest and
wheezed, his eyes bugged and his face bloomed to the color of a rose.
“Oh, for heavens sake—breathe!” Nadia pounded Gannett between the shoulders.
“It is not a death sentence, after all. Males,” she uttered under her breath.
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Sherem popped up and said, “What are you doing out of our mat. You are to
rest
and take care of the little one increasing inside you. How can he rest and
grow when you
are charging around loose, surprising your mate and clapping people in the
back.”
Nadia just put her hands on her hips an d rolled her eyes. Gannett recovered
and
stood. “I see Sherem has chosen well. You are well matched. I am…”
Nadia negated his outstretched hand and embraced him instead. “I have heard
many tales of you, Gannett. It is a delight to finally meet you.” She
turned to Sherem.
“It seems that Tula has been busy. A party is planned encompassing our three
families; a
small gathering of, oh, fifty—including Queen Heptshu.” Looking back to
Gannett, she
added, “Of course, you are welcome, as well. Bring a guest if you wish.”
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TWENTY-SEVEN
Sherem paced across their chambers, stopping in thought occasionally with
eyes
scrunched shut or looking into space, and at others grumbling to himself. At
first Nadia
merely watched, fascinated with his panther movements and low grunts that
reverberated
deep inside her, but finally she had had enough.
“Talk to me, maybe it will help clarify your thoughts. Someone is
blackmailing
Gannet and taken over Kindarak’s drug trade. Or at least is trying. And we
know that he
must be working with the Horta for the macronadin…”
“And he is close, very close. I can feel it, almost feel his eyes on me and
mine.
He moves among us, misulu. I have missed something crucial; something right
in front
of me. The culprit was not on Ki ndarak’s ship when we exploded it. I
suppose it could
be one of the Kerrs but how would they have been privy to the workings of the
Assyllis
agreement we have with Gattonia?
“There has to be another traitor; one that has hidden well and laid far under
our
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sights.”
“I hate to say this but I am afraid you are right. He could even be the
mastermind
behind the Horta attack instead of Kindarak.” Nadia jumped up and threw her
arms
around Sherem’s waist, burrowing her face into the crook of his neck. He in
tur n laid a
kiss on her shoulder and rubbed her back in a soothing motion. “Your crew…is
there a
lot of turnover? I mean the attacks began about two cycles past; could you
cross
reference to see who has joined your force since then? If he or she is
actuall y on the
ship…”
“You are correct; it will give us something to narrow the actions down at any
rate.
Unless the person has been with me; working behind the scenes even longer.”
“Let’s not borrow trouble.” Nadia lifter her head and grazed her lips over
his. He
immediately deepened the kiss to explore her moist cavity to engorge and
engage her
tongue.
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“We have to get ready for the party,” Nadia moaned, twining her hands around
his
neck.
“We will be late, I guarantee,” he assured her. He lifted her high on his
chest and
carried her to their mat. “J,” he groaned, “correlate a list of all new
personnel from two
cycles past…and monitor all COMs. If anyone contacts Gannett, we will know
who.”
“As you wish, Sher,” J answered, stopping Sherem in his tracks. Nadia pulled
his
neck closer to her mouth and began to giggle helplessly.
“Nadia is the only one with leave to call me by that endearment, never use it
again.” Nadia thought she heard J sigh. “And no interruptions until further
notice,” he
finished. Nadia had already peeled his uniform from his shoulders; when he
lowered her
onto the soft downy comforter she kept hold of it, baring him to the tops of
his thighs —
her eyes a swirling temptation of illicit promise…
His dark erection bulged and bobbed invitingly , and she licked her lips.
When
she raised her gaze to Sherem’s she could read his feral intent. She grinned;
she had her
own plans for his cock-lollypop.
“Nadia.” His voice rasped in a deep, implied threat and her breathing came
in
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shallow pants when she cradled his cock in her hands and took him in her mouth
to the
very back of her throat. Sherem grabbed hanks of her hair and began rocking;
careful not
to push too far. She licked, and sucked, and kissed, and swirled her tongue
around his
head.
“No more, I am too close to orgasm and I want to come inside you.”
“Nadia, misulu, please.” Though he begged her to stop he continued to move;
all
control caught in Nadia’s lips. “Ahhhhh,” he yelled low in his throat while
Nadia lapped
up every drop of cum.
Sherem pushed her down and fell on top of her; spent. He loved, craved, and
lusted her—and every time they lay together his feelings grew in proportions
so great that
they swamped, nearly drowning him. He could not…would not lose her to
whatever
threat remained. And he would find and destroy it, but for now he intended to
love her
completely until her legs would fight to hold her weight when they finally
attended the
family festivities that evening.
He almost felt as if he floated onto to her —into her. In a matter of
seconds he
was hard, hard, hard. And something more occurred. He felt her in his head;
felt her
arousal, her love, her total devotion to him and her thoughts fired his. It
was exactly how
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227
he felt—he wanted to eat her and love and cherish he r…and keep her from harm.
“I can
feel you in my head…in my heart.”
“Yes, you are well and truly captured, barbarian.”
“May I remind you that this barbarian is still quaking in your womb?”
Ugh, Nadia thought, Sherem was becoming obsessed with her body —not in the
way she intended but in protecting her from every little glitch. There was
absolutely no
reason to assume that this final threat had anything to do with her but Sherem
insisted
that she don the Kameri leathers under her gown; one similar to the one she
had worn
onto the Stealth. Long sleeves, long gown, high neck. It had not helped her
in that
situation—and with her family and friends literally surrounding her, could not
fathom
how it would assist her now. Males.
“You look stunning, mate.” Shere m rubbed his large hands down her sleeves,
onto her waist and then cupped her mons —still swollen from his earlier
ministrations.
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Hum, maybe wearing the gown he desired had hidden benefits. J chose that
moment to
chime in.
“The list is complete, Sher-em.” Sherem cursed under his breath. “It holds
only
thirty-one names. The report awaits in your POD.”
“Cursed party. I need to take care of this now; not prancing around with a
bunch
of royal Gattonians and Jasperi.”
“You are “royal”, as well,” Nadia remin ded him. “The list will be here when
we
return and perhaps Gannett has received a missive. Be charming. Let’s go.”
Sherem sighed, taking one last glance to the wall shielding the miniature
POD.
The “family gathering” had grown to include the crews of bo th the Miramid,
and
Portender, and a generous portion of Jasperi elite. In short Sherem’s worst
nightmare
when faced with a threat from an unknown source. He signaled Jorge over.
“The Queen certainly knows how to launch an event,” Jorge said.
“I have received word that a last threat exists —someone attempting to
overtake
the distribution of Angels Gate is threatening our Procurement Minister to
attain surplus
Assyllis. I am putting my full trust in you, Jorge, both as a friend and my
Captain. Keep
your eyes open for anything seeming not quite right; I promise to take your
observations
seriously. And watch all those around my mate because of the past history in
using her to
get to me.”
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228
Jorge whistled under his breath. “I would want you at my back, as wel l, my
friend. I will keep a fast eye and clear instinct. Nadia will not be taken
from you again.”
He moved away and flanked Nadia, drawing Dakar into conversation who seemed
equally as preoccupied in both Tula’s and Nadia’s welfare. Three sets of eyes
w ould be
watching. Gattonia’s Procurement Minister seemed nervous but had a male
guarding him
so Jorge was not overly concerned.
“I need to use the facilities,” Nadia murmured to Cat.
Cat nodded imperceptively and whispered, “Safety in numbers, let’s grab Tula
and go together, er, so to speak.”
Nadia tittered and leaned to whisper to Tula. She actually looked relieved.
They
had been standing for almost three hours drinking jive, and if nothing else
would want to
sit in the outer lounge for a moment.
“How have your lessons been going,” Cat asked Tula.
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“Pretty good, Nadia drills me two hours a day.”
“She is doing great,” Nadia interrupted. “The self -defense techniques look
more
like a Zen event than protection maneuvers. She is a marvel.”
Tula colored prettily. “I have a good instructor, packed with patience. I
still am
not sure if I could put them to use; I seem to lack the bloodthirsty gene in
which you two
excel.”
“You’ll find it if you or someone you care for is being harmed, believe me,”
Cat
told her.
Rollins scurried over to the three as they approached the female lounge. “Are
any
of you feeling ill? Apparently some of the plumonto canopies are tainted and
causing,
ah, unfortunate reactions. Fourteen people have collapsed so far, and I am
making t he
rounds to make sure none of our crew are affected.”
Nadia touched him on the shoulder. “Do not look so concerned, Rollins, we
feel
fine, right?” Nadia looked to first Cat then Tula, who merely shrugged.
“I will check with the chefs and meet you inside the gathering after a few
minutes.
It seems almost an impossible occurrence. Actually, I have never heard of
such,” she
mumbled, floating down the corridor toward the kitchens.
“Perhaps you both should come with me and let me check you over. It will no
t
take but a moment, and your mates would never forgive me if I allowed you to
become
sick.”
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“What is amiss,” Bran’s voice echoed in Nadia’s mind.
“You really are beginning to get scary. Nothing is wrong, exactly. Rollins
is
warning us about tainted food and wanting to take us for a quick check -up in
case we
ingested some.”
“We are on our way.”
“Rollins, you are just about as cute as a button and I’m very comforted by
your
concern but we’re just fine.”
“Aren’t we?” Cat asked Nadia.
“Who knows? I am incre asing so nothing feels particularly great on my tummy.
Something you have amply experience with.” Nadia gently nudged Cat. “But I
have
been careful with tonight’s offerings and had little more than choc-tea. I
really think I am
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fine, Rollins.”
“That is unfortunate, indeed.” A blazer seemed to appear magically in his
hand—
and in the next second Cat’s foot whopped up and knocked it from his hand
sending it
skyward then clattering, without firing, onto the floor about eight feet down
the corridor.
After that everything happened in tandem. Sherem’s roar, Zorroc’s shout,
Bran’s body
becoming visibly, propelling through the air and landing on the poor human
stupid
enough to threaten Zorroc’s and Sherem’s mate. Jorge arrived with blazer in
hand and
said, “Heal, Bran.”
Bran looked like he was tempted to take Jorge’s head off and have it for an
appetizer; and Nadia suddenly wanted to laugh at the entire scene. Poor
Rollins, he
looked like he had too many of the tainted canopies which Nadia realized was
just a ruse
to get Cat and Nadia away.
“Rolly?” Gannett’s horrified voice split the cacophony.
Nadia and Sherem stared at one another, feeling the last piece of the puzzle
slip
into place. Tula arrived with Dakar and led them to a vacant office large
enough to hold
everyone. And slowly his story came out.
“My mother was Kindarak’s mate…she was a Horta princess. Of course, he
never acknowledged her. The ceremony took place within our village and, as
Kindarak
pointed out, not universally legal. Still, he visit ed occasionally when he
got a yen to go
slumming.” Rollins spit out the last part. “One of our villagers happened on
the formula
for Angels Gate completely by mistake, but Kindarak was visiting at he time
—and took
advantage of the opportunity.” Rollins glanced down at his hands knotted in
his lap.
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230
“The wheels started turning. I knew Gannett…from before. We were, um,
friends. My father blackmailed him for Assyllis using the information I gave
him.” He
looked shame-faced at Gannett. “I am sorry, he wa s my father, and promised
me great
wealth for doing his bidding. He told me that the drug would not hurt anyone;
just make
them happy, and make their unbearable lives bearable. No one was supposed to
die,” he
ended on a sob.
He looked up and stared at Sh erem. “After you kill him I discovered he had
no
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will. And all the credits he promised me,” he slashed his hand in the air,
“disappeared
with him. But I knew everything. You think the Horta stupid, but we are not.
We be as
smart as any.” His speech b egan to break down to Horta regular; something he
had
successfully hidden before this day. “I knew how to do it; just take her and
you do
anything to get her back.” He stabbed a pudgy finger at Nadia. “Angels Gate
manufactured on Horta land; all I need is Assyllis; all other ingredients
found in Horta or
stocked piled there. We be smart and got money for village. Not have to work
so hard.
Be successful entre-pren-eurs.
“But little-bit spoil it all,” he said looking at Cat.
“It wouldn’t have worked any way, Rollins, Bran was on his way. He knew we
needed assistance. I am very sorry about your father. Sometimes they are
impossible to
please and not worth the effort. It is not your fault, but his own greed and
evilness that
caused his demise. Is your mother still alive?” Nadia asked.
Zorroc opened his mouth but Cat put a restraining hand on his arm. She had
never heard Nadia make a comment about her father, pro or con and Cat feared
that
Nadia was not simply placating Rollins but actually revealing a truth about
her own
experience with her father. Zorroc seemed to understand for she felt a tremor
move
through him.
“She is good.”
Nadia turned to Sherem. “He has not really done anything wrong, Sher. He
simply got lost for a while. It could happen to anyone.”
“Misulu…”
“Maybe he can be helped; he has always been kind to me—to everyone.”
“I would not hurt your mate,” Rollins stated gravely. “Even my father not
hurt
her.”
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Sherem ran his hands through his mane in impotent frustration. Her kind
heart
would be the death of him. “Jorge, take him to lock-up. We will decide his
fate when we
discern his full culpability in this mess.”
Sherem whipped his head around to glare at Nadia at the same moment she
opened her mouth. “Do not,” he growled. Nadia close d her mouth and put her
hand on
his chest. “Do. Not.” Nadia turned and smiled reassuringly at Rollins as he
was taken
away.
“I came across a fine expression recently that I believe describes you with
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great
accuracy; would you like to hear it?” Bran asked his friend happily.
“No,” Sherem answered firmly.
“Pussy-whipped.” Guffaws of laughter filled Sherem’s mind.
“You will pay,” he ground out.
“How is that possible?”
“Wait until you find your own mate and then we will see.”
Sherem could have sworn Bran whimpered.
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Lil Gibson
232
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before diving into the overwhelming waters of penning women's fiction, Lil
was
a singer, cocktail waitress, sales rep and headhunter specializing in
Information
Technologies. She recruited her IT husband out of North Caroli na, relocated
him to her
home in Nashville and married him a year and three months later. She now lives
in
Weeki Wachee, Florida with her husband and three cats along with the mermaids
and
manatees.
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