She listened, trying to puzzle out this strange and complex man. His moods were hard to fathom. If the situation were different, she would think him overwhelmingly appealing. He put every man she had ever met to shame. “So that’s why you’re afraid to let me work in Dr. Zarcoff’s lab. If you know me as well as you claim, surely you realize I would never do such an evil thing, in spite of your abduction of me.”
Varian observed the way her gaze roved his features and frame. Her darkened eyes and parted lips left no doubts as to her train of thought. He dismissed the temptation to point this out to her or to take advantage of it. She was most assuredly unaware of her own thoughts and actions. “Do I look like a man who fears anyone or anything?” he probed, and she shook her head.
Varian had leaned toward her and was smiling. His fingertip playfully traveled down the bridge of her nose and teased around and then over her satiny lips as he said, “Don’t worry about being bored, Dr. Greyson. You’ll have plenty of studies to occupy your time and energies. You’re already two days behind your group.” He lifted a curl and tickled her nose and chin with it. “Perhaps you prefer my private tutoring?”
Spellbound, Jana smiled and she could not resist lifting her hand to caress his compelling face. The contact between them was intoxicating, as was his intense gaze. Her fingers roamed his striking features, but it was his mouth which enthralled her. Unable to stop herself as in her two dreams, her hand slipped around his neck and’drew his head downward. The moment their mouths met they embraced and kissed feverishly. What little control she had retained during the last few minutes was lost. Several long kisses ensued. When his lips trailed to her ear, she murmured dreamily, “I knew you couldn’t be evil. I knew you couldn’t sell me.”
Varian realized his error and stiffened. At last he spoke to dispel the heated aura surrounding them, an aura of intense passion which was rapidly becoming very uncomfortable and alarming to him. “Perhaps I had better set the record straight, Jana. All charls are off limits. No one has permission to touch you in any way. To do so is a violation of my strictest orders. Be careful how you behave around my men. I wouldn’t want you tempting them like you just did me. From your surveillance tapes before your capture, I hadn’t noticed you were a seductress. I won’t make that mistake again. Do you understand me?”
Recovering her wits and poise, Jana’s face flushed red. “Pardon me if I misunderstood your provocative behavior, Commander Saar. It seemed as if you were the one enticing me. You, sir, are most contradictory.”
He cautioned, “Watch yourself, Jana. My crew members are normally loyal and wise, but you are a very tempting female. Women often do vengeful things without ever stopping to think of their tragic consequences.” His tone was almost accusatory and most insulting.
“I don’t care to be a temptation to any of your men,” she retaliated, then added, “Nor to you, sir.” He chuckled humorously, his blue eyes taunting her. “Tyrants, roguish criminals, and evil kidnappers have never held any interest for me, so you need not fear my temptation or advances!” she vowed, her own eyes filled with fiery, dancing lights.
His chest rumbled with amused laughter. “You don’t say? Tell me, Jana, you honestly don’t find me the least bit tempting and attractive, not even when you kissed me moments ago or when you flirted with me while you were dazed in sick bay?”
She shielded her guilty gaze with lowered lashes. “Those were mistakes. How could I possibly find a man like you the least bit tempting or alluring?”
“You forgot attractive and charming, didn’t you? Tyrant and rogue, am I?” he jested. He shoved the straying lock of hair from his forehead.
“I find gentlemen with manners more appealing than barbaric rogues!”
“Like your Alex?” Varian taunted mischievously. “I know everything about you. Forget him, my love. It’s unwise and futile to pine for a lost lover, especially one as unreachable and unworthy as your Alex McKenzie.”
“He isn’t my Alex, and I am not your love!” she snapped sharply, oblivious to the cause of her sudden fury: that potently enticing aura of his.
“And that distresses you, little moonbeam? Is that why you asked if I was married? Is that why you were trying to bewitch me?”
“You egotistical, asinine rogue! You must think every woman you meet will be struck dumb and speechless by your fantastic looks and abundant charms! Don’t hold your breath where I’m concerned, Commander! I find you totally disgusting and repulsive! I pray you won’t be tempted to keep your gem, your prized trophy! I would just as soon be enslaved to some vile demon as to a bastard like you.”
Varian captured her face between his hands and forced her to look at him while he responded deceitfully. “There are those who vow I pass for a devil. An experiment can be arranged to test the validity of your claim. I know several men who can truly qualify as the vile demons. Would you care to discover if you prefer their company over mine, little moonbeam?”
It was foolish of her to taunt him with her very existence. He was not a man to challenge or call a bluff of this magnitude. She promptly backed down. “I’m sorry. I spoke rashly and stupidly. Please don’t—” Tears filled her terrified eyes. Had she pushed him too far?
Varian was flooded with unexpected pangs of tenderness and remorse toward her. He gazed into her frightened eyes and said, “I was only teasing, Jana. I’m sorry; that wasn’t kind or fair. I have no intentions of destroying a lovely flower in such a brutal and unforgivable manner, not even to prove to you I have the power to do so. However, I might be tempted to do so if you pull another stunt like you did yesterday,” he warned in a light tone as he held up his bruised hand. “Try not to brand me again.”
She pinkened, but vowed softly, “I promise…”
“Then we understand each other?” he inquired. She nodded yes with doubtful eyes. “Any questions or comments?” he probed.
“None that would change anything,” she murmured.
“There will be another conference at five o’clock, in two hours.”
“Is friendship among the captives off limits too?”
“Not if it doesn’t interfere with your training. You might be helpful with some of the others,” he remarked mysteriously, then threw her a husky “See you later” and a devastating half smile. He grinned as he left, having noticed the way she had flushed red.
Jana glanced at the camera; no red light or response to her call. She checked the servo for a meal. Perhaps her guard would return soon. Minutes later Jana was almost dozing in a bubble bath when the door swished open and Varian entered. Jana squealed and sank to her chin in the concealing water. She stared furiously at him.
Varian set a tray by the tub, hunkered down, and grinned roguishly. “I recalled you hadn’t eaten and didn’t have your monitor on. See you later.”
Jana watched him depart without a backward glance. Would that man never cease to amaze and confound her! As she ate, Jana bathed, then dressed in a pink silk dirndl whose soft hue complemented her tanned complexion and sunny hair. After she had completed her makeup and fixed her hair, she turned from side to side to view herself. The midcalf-length dress revealed slender and shapely ankles. She quickly finished her grooming by dabbing on a hint of subtle fragrance here and there.
Her captor’s handsome image stayed in her mind as she recalled his many compliments. If she had to become a charl, why not Varian Saar’s! There were similarities in their backgrounds and stations. If she must live and mate with an alien male and bear his children, who better than that virile and intoxicating man! Jana finished dressing just in time. The signal was given. Another moment of truth had finally arrived.
Chapter Six
Jana’s door opened. Voices reached her alert ears. She peeked into the passageway, where eight officers were talking and waiting for the women’s arrivals. She studied the varying colors and markings of their uniforms.
Tristan caught sight of Jana and motioned her to join him. “The conference will be held in this
room, Jana. Let’s go inside and find you a seat before the others in your training group arrive. They’ve been quartered on lower decks.”
The officers entered and claimed seats at the head table. Jana was placed in the front row of five lines of chairs. The room filled with females, each wearing buff-colored tunics and pants. There wasn’t time to speak to them. The female officer in blue immediately began the business at hand. Martella smiled and remarked, “I’m glad to see most of you have decided to cooperate. As you’ll recall, I’m Lieutenant Martella Karsh. I’m responsible for your conduct and training. To refresh memories and to enlighten the newest member of our group, I’ll review your instructions and introduce the crew members who will assist this group.” Jana flushed as all eyes seemed to focus on her when Martella said, “This is Jana Greyson of West Columbia, Texas. An accident prevented her attendance yesterday.”
Martella addressed Jana directly. “Jana, this is Kathy Anderson from California; Stephanie Rojohn from New York; Heather Langdon from Utah; and Susan Robinson from Massachusetts.” Martella began with her row and continued down all five until the females had been introduced to each other. When she finished, Martella said, “Please take the same seat each time you’re here. It will help all of us with names and faces.”
Jana observed the first four females who were introduced. Kathy appeared shy and modest; Stephanie, hostile and scornful; Heather, simple and childlike; and Susan, sexy and vain. Kathy and Heather readily accepted Jana’s late arrival and presence, but Stephanie and Susan coldly scrutinized her as if they challenged her right to sit in the same room.
The crew members patiently awaited their introductions. Each one rose as Martella called a name, rank, and task; then sat down. Jana’s acquaintance with Tristan and Kyle was revealed by smiles. Even Ferris flashed her a blithe grin, though it seemed to her as if Kathy claimed his eye.
“I will give each of you a schedule,” Martella said. “The wall clocks have been marked for your assistance. You will report to this area for all conferences and accompany the crew member listed on your schedule. You will avoid any area not marked on your sheet. Unless you have a class, remain in your room or the closest rec room. You must study and learn the materials supplied in your language. I will caution you to get along with your roommates and to be considerate of their schedules and feelings.”
Martella’s eyes slipped over her attentive group. “Beginning tomorrow, a group of five will have dinner here each night with one or more officers. The front row will be first, then continue backward with each line. We’ll also provide other social occasions to give you an opportunity to practice etiquette and social graces. I will caution you once more—no enmity will be tolerated among you. You will conduct yourselves accordingly. Any troublemaker will be severely punished.”
Before Martella could resume her instructions, the corridor door swished open to reveal the towering, agile physique of a man. He was dressed in a dove gray uniform with three gold stripes between two stars near each wrist and an emblem of a golden sunburst over his left chest muscle.
Although he was wearing a concealing vizard over his face, Jana knew from his self-assured stride who had just entered the room. She pondered the reactions of her fellow captives if he should remove that visor. Could it be possible that only she knew what fatal magic was hidden there? This honor was perplexing.
That undeniable aura of great power and command filled the large room. Jana’s heart gave a flutter at his dynamic presence. She hastily attributed her strange reaction to tension, fear, and her secret insight.
A hushed silence had settled around them at his arrival. “Please continue, Lieutenant Karsh,” he ordered. His rich voice was enough to spark images of intense masculinity and virile prowess in the minds of the women. He casually leaned against the wall.
Susan leaned forward and rested her elbows on her thighs, then propped her chin on interlocking fingers. Jana witnessed the spark which flamed in the blue gaze of Susan Robinson as it lustfully devoured the virile physique before her, causing a light flushing of desire to splash across Susan’s cheeks. She suggestively passed her moist pink tongue over her lips in a provocative manner, issuing an invitation a near-blind man could read!
The eyes of the other girls kept straying to Jana or the man beyond her. She tried to focus on Martella’s words and face, but the knowledge of Varian’s proximity kept interfering with her concentration.
“The man at the door is Varian Saar, commander of the Wanderlust.”
When Varian stepped forward and rested his hand on Jana’s left shoulder, it caused her to start. His visor earned its twofold purpose—his emotions and observations could be kept a secret while his appearance could have no distracting effect on the women. That is, no effect on anyone except Jana, who was well aware of the perfection which was hidden there.
Jana tried to shift unnoticeably from under his gentle grasp, but this only served to bring on a more embarrassing and soul-tingling action. As she twisted sideways to force his hand to fall away, he surprised her by sliding his hand beneath her long tawny hair and fondling her slender neck. She flushed a bright, warm pink as he continued to caress her soft flesh and silky hair as if this act were unconscious, which she surmised it was not. Jana tried to quell the trembling in her body at his touch. Damn him! Why was he doing this to her? Hadn’t he recently scolded her for playing a tempting seductress? What did he call his own actions?
Varian briefly addressed the captives. “I will not tolerate defiance or disruption. Peace between you women and the crew will depend solely on your own behavior. I advise against any perilous course of action and demand your full cooperation. Martella, the ladies are all yours.”
The remainder of the meeting passed swiftly. They were dismissed to return to their quarters, their classes to begin in the morning. As Susan passed Jana, blue eyes coldly scanned her, and she murmured, “I wonder how a slave earns pretty clothes and the attention of her master. You seem to have made a rapid and curious impression on these men.”
Back in her quarters, Jana futilely searched for a similar beige uniform to prevent further ill feeling. While she ate, she pondered her privileged position: private quarters, lovely clothes, and Varian’s attention. This special treatment mystified her. After dinner, still searching for an explanation, Jana glanced through her booklets until her eyes grew heavy and sleep claimed her.
The next morning, Jana arrived for her lessons dressed in a sapphire jumpsuit, which stood out among the tan uniforms. Jana concentrated on her instructor. She found the lesson exhilarating yet frightening as she heard a brief history of their new galaxy. There would be more detailed lessons on a rotating schedule in the days to come. She would be well acquainted with their culture before she arrived in their world. Her other morning class was on psychology and sociology. She was amazed by the differences and similarities between the two alien races. This class would definitely prove informative and important to her future.
Later Jana sat in a light daze on her own sofa to assimilate the facts she had acquired in class today. There had been no time for getting acquainted with the other women. She checked her schedule for the location of their coming meal: the meeting room. With surprise, she noticed “Recreation and Relaxation” listed afterward. She smiled humorously, as it would not be all work and no play. But perhaps she’d get a chance to exchange some private words with the other captives.
Possibly this recreation was ordered to teach the dances, games, and social activities Martella had mentioned. The commander was certainly carrying out his statement about training them to fit into his society. She couldn’t help wondering if Varian would grace them with his presence at dinner. She instantly banished the excitement such forbidden thoughts inspired, and when the signal was given for dinner, she made a poised entrance. She was wearing a pale aqua Grecian-styled gown. She chided herself for the great pains she had taken with her grooming for tonight.
Her honey-colored hair captured refle
ctions of light and brought the natural platinum streaks to life. It swayed provocatively as she moved. The aqua coloring of her gown intensified the golden glow of her skin and hair. It blended harmoniously with her aquamarine eyes, which sparkled with pleasure at the sight of Tristan coming forward to greet her.
Tristan made a deep bow as he asked, “Would you be so kind as to be my dinner companion this evening?”
Jana smiled and nodded her head in assent. “You don’t know how glad I am to find you here tonight,” she confessed, then changed the subject. “Tell me, how is our furry patient doing? Did he survive my surgery?”
A sarcastic voice inquired, “Am I interrupting a private tête-à-tête?”
“Please feel free to join us,” Jana politely answered, assuming Susan Robinson would do so even without her invitation. No doubt the vixen was fuming because of the difference in their wardrobes again!
“What kind of accident caused your late arrival? And how do you rate a gorgeous aqua gown when the rest of us have to wear the’same style and color—this drab peach?” Her baneful tone stunned Jana into momentary silence.
Tristan gallantly filled in while Jana recovered. “Jana had a fall. She was confined to sick bay for two days.”
Susan scornfully ignored the middle-aged doctor as she said, “I see you’ve suffered no ill effects from your accident. In fact, from the attention you’re receiving, I would venture you’ve made a head start on friendship with several of the crew members.”
“Tris, I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Greyson,” a masculine voice cunningly injected just in time to curb Susan’s scornful retort.
“Dr. Jana Greyson, Lieutenant Commander Nigel Sanger.”
“Delighted to finally meet you, Jana,” he informed her. Jana nodded and responded courteously. His amicable smile revealed two compelling dimples. “At socials, we go by first names. Call me Nigel.”
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