Varian chuckled mockingly. He couldn’t decide if he was pleased or worried that his clever strategy had worked.
“No offer of truce, brother? Isn’t this private war becoming dull? You can never defeat me, Ryker. Why do you keep deluding yourself?” Blue eyes narrowed. “As for rumors, we both know they can’t be trusted.”
Ryker Triloni nonchalantly responded, “Consider this the lull before the storm. Just giving you time to grow cocky. My victory cannot be denied. Rumor also says this alien is forced to sleep in your quarters and obey your every whim.” Ryker laughed as he observed his foe. “I find it hard to believe a second illustrious Commander Saar would tempt fate so.”
Ryker continued, “I was shocked to hear you had surrendered to her charms while she resisted yours. Her absence today piques my curiosity even more, intentionally, I’m sure. Why do you really want to keep us apart? If it isn’t a trick, her pictures show a remarkable resemblance to Princess Shara Triloni; and we know your father couldn’t resist my mother. How many bastards do you plan to sire with this ravishing charl? I hope none, brother dear, as I detest slaying children.”
A tic quivered in Varian’s jawline. He struggled to retain control of his temper. He no longer wanted to encourage Ryker to fall for his ruse. He would find another way to defeat his self-appointed rival.
Varian taunted, “If anyone knows about unfortunate bastards, it’s you, Ryker.”
Ryker glared at Varian, briefly losing his self-control. “Shara was one of the most beautiful and coveted treasures in the Universe,” he stated angrily. “Nothing less than your blood and life will appease me and Grandfather. On second thought, perhaps your little captive’s life will settle part of our score,” he hinted, watching the effect of his threatening words on Varian.
Varian deceptively grinned and remarked, “That’s a perfect compromise. Why don’t you put your wits and fame and wealth to better use? Why don’t you attend the auction on Rigel and bid on Jana? You need heirs, and she would make you a challenging mate. You know, you two have plenty in common. I’ll make her a gift from brother to brother, a peace token.”
Ryker laughed coldly. “You don’t fool me, Varian. You’re up to something. Either you’re trying to discourage me or entice me with your tarnished goods. Which is it?”
“Jana is very special, she might be the magic to cure you. Much as I hate to admit it, she is the perfect match for you. She’s a doctor, a chemist. A matchless beauty who’s charming, and entertaining. If I bought her, I’m afraid I would find her resistance embarrassing,” Varian asserted coldly when Ryker smiled triumphantly.
Varian glared back. “When I find the woman I’ll want to marry, I won’t be intimidated by you. Who knows, maybe I have a sadistic streak like yours, and I intend to substitute her for Shara; play out the Galen/Shara drama again, this time with a different climax!”
“Like Mother, she could become pregnant; and we don’t want that, do we?” Ryker scoffed, “Now, now, big brother, we both know how hard Father tried to spare me the life and shame of illegitimacy. I was luckier than most; luckier than your child would be if I get Jana and she’s already pregnant with your child.”
“Don’t be so bitter,” Varian taunted. “If Tristan had recognized Shara’s actions and motives sooner, this rivalry between us wouldn’t exist. Why don’t you place the blame where it belongs, Ryker, with Shara and Maal? We both know Shara was planning to beguile Jurad and seize his empire. When Jurad finally admits the truth, he’ll turn on you and your grandfather. Too bad you carry too much of the Triloni blood and influence. My father and mother pleaded with Shara and Maal to send you to live with us; if…”
“Careful, Commander Saar, one shouldn’t make such defaming accusations. You know Supreme Ruler Jurad and his son trust me. Besides, what would I want with their Pyropean Federation?”
“For one thing, to keep Jurad from learning the truth. You may be rich and powerful, Ryker, but you’ll never conquer the Maffei Alliance. You’ll never get my inheritance.” Varian drilled his gaze into Ryker’s. “If I could find proof of Shara’s deceptions during her time with our father, you’d lose everything.”
Ryker murmured provokingly, “One day I just might let you read in Shara’s diary about Commander Galen Saar, mighty Star Fleet warrior, falling prey to a tragic destiny. Galen and Shara’s behavior might shock you. What makes these alien enchantresses so irresistible, so hazardous to Saars?” Ryker warned, “Be very careful, this is one time Kadim Tirol can’t help you. In fact, he’ll probably reprimand you publicly for your wicked conduct with Jana. With luck, she’ll complete the circle of vengeance which Shara began. Perhaps even slay the last Saar for me.”
“No way, Ryker. It sticks in your craw that Shara didn’t slay me and Grandfather seven years ago before her suicide. I’d bet Maal sent her to the planet Eire to kill all of us.”
“At least then I would have what’s coming to me. While I’m on Cenza, I’ll be sure and tell Jurad and Taemin all about your Jana. I’m sure they’ll find this new Saar mistress intriguing. If I’m not too busy, I’ll be on Rigel for the auction. It will prove most interesting.”
Ryker withdrew three pictures from his ebony shirt. He studied them intently before handing them to Varian. He grinned sardonically. “Interesting, are they not? One might think you were actually in love with her, if one didn’t know you better…”
Varian watched Ryker’s departure, then looked down at the color photos. His heart skipped a beat. The images were not what he had expected. Two of the pictures had been taken aboard his starship! Varian glared at the one taken in the Stardust Room and the other one in the botanical garden. Who on board the Wanderlust was the traitorous spy?
Chapter Twelve
Varian entered his quarters in a dangerous mood. He dropped into his desk chair and fell into deep thought. He couldn’t believe there was a traitor on aboard his ship! Worse, as only officers and their guests were allowed in the Stardust Room, the treacherous villain had to be one of his own lieutenants!
Varian wondered if the guilty party knew that Ryker would show those pictures to him, and at this stop. If so, the culprit would now be nervous.
What did Ryker think about the emotions revealed in these shots? What other private or public moments had been captured on film or audiotaped? Each of these pictures portrayed Varian’s original scheme perfectly: his hunger and selfish demands on a resistant and helpless victim. Did Ryker also have facts or pictures which exposed his true feelings? Did Ryker know about this past glorious week which had been shared with Jana?
With a disloyal officer on board, should he halt his affair with Jana? Would that influence Ryker’s conclusions and actions? He had expected gossip about him and Jana, but not treachery! Except for his quarters, no area was safe from prying eyes. If Ryker was still not aware of Varian’s secret plan to use Jana to entrap his half brother, he would be soon if Varian was careless, or if the spy was one of the other four people who knew. Varian instinctively knew it could not be Nigel, Tristan, Kyle, or Martella.
It galled Varian to know he would be forced to watch and control his words and conduct on his own ship! It was now clearer than ever that Jana’s feelings and behavior could be used against her. That conclusion removed any remaining doubts about forcing Jana to display contempt for his use of her as a temporary mistress.
It was late, and Varian presumed Jana was in bed asleep. Drumming inside his head was the thought of only one more week, one more week with Jana. Even if it were one hundred years, that still wouldn’t be enough. If he abruptly severed their relationship, it would look suspicious; and it would cut her deeply. If he asked her to play the victim here on his ship as on the planets, that would require explanations which he couldn’t give. Suppose Ryker already knew the truth! He berated himself for digging this lethal pit, then falling into it. For now, he had to convince all foes she was nothing special to him. Kahala, help him, for she must unsuspectingly aid that painful ruse!
A prickling sensation touched Varian’s mind, that sixth sense which alerted a warrior or hunter to watchful eyes or warned him of approaching dangers. Yet, the stare was soft and warm. He glanced over at Jana’s figure clad in a sensual teal-blue gown. Jana was eyeing him intensely, the way an artist did when he wanted to commit to memory every line, feature, and detail of an object of interest which must be recorded on canvas at a later date. When she noticed his gaze on her, it didn’t seem to halt her scrutiny.
Varian removed his shirt and tossed it aside. He placed his interlocked fingers behind his head. He smiled and relaxed as a calming glow suffused his body and mind. Silent, as if enthralled by a magical spell which words would shatter, he derived pleasure from the way her eyes softened as she visually invaded his body.
There was something different about the way Jana was looking at him; Jana’s gaze was gratifying, and inflaming. But did she love him? In view of his past deeds, was it too much to expect?
Jana smiled, then went to his servo for two glasses of wine. She placed his on the desk, but gradually finished hers. Standing behind him, she began to massage his neck, kneading the tension out of his shoulders. He moaned and shifted under the delightful touches. After a while, her fingernails playfully traveled down his chest like tiny and tickly bugs, to wander around in the curly mat on his bronze chest. Her palms flattened against his torso, tracing the ripples of hard and smooth muscles. Varian squirmed and chuckled, then pulled her onto his lap.
He didn’t speak. Jana didn’t stop. She very slowly and provocatively ran a fingertip across his finely chiseled jawline and strong chin. She stroked his hair. Tonight it reminded her of the windblown head of a sailor fresh from the sea. As she caressed his cheek with the back of her hand, she realized the noticeable effect her touch and gaze were having.
Varian’s breathing was quickening. His body alternately tightened and relaxed. Flames smoldered in his blood and loins, and became fierce hunger. Forgotten were thoughts of dismissing her.
In a silky tone, she murmured, “Adonis would envy the way you look now. It should be a crime for any man to have such awesome powers of enchantment.” Her gaze met his. Without warning, the spell was broken. She blushed instantly. She shook her head. “How did it go today? Would you like another drink?” she asked.
Varian grasped her around the waist and held her captive in his lap. “Not so fast, moonbeam. You can’t tease a man and then try to douse his passions by changing the subject.”
She stared at him. “I wasn’t teasing you. I only tried to relax you.”
“With you, a look is all it takes. Never look at another man like that, at least during the week. Such a bold and fiery gaze is an open invitation to seize you and make love to you.”
“Why didn’t you stop me?” she asked.
“Because a caress is only a taste of what is to come. You must yield what you just promised.” He nuzzled her neck.
“You are insatiable. I was not playing temptress. I was merely admiring you. Is that why you didn’t let me tag along today, afraid I would be tempting in the wrong place at the wrong time?” she jested mirthfully as he grew serious.
“Actually, I was warned that a lecherous fiend would be there today; I didn’t want to subject you to him,” he stated.
Jana played along with what she took as a joke to keep from answering her. “I’m deeply grateful, kind sir,” she stated in a heavy Southern drawl.
Varian scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his bed where he made passionate and urgent love to her. Later, wrapped in each other’s arms, they fell asleep.
The next morning passed strangely as the ship reached their ninth stop at Caguas. Varian kept Jana in his quarters as he rehearsed her for the assigned role as “victim.” Varian insisted she play this part everywhere except in his quarters. Naturally she protested the deceitful charade. When he explained that even loyal crew members could speak too freely or mistakenly under certain conditions, Jana still rebelled. Varian grew angry and stern with her, and Jana realized he was quite serious; she knew there must be a critical motive behind his order.
Jana accompanied Varian to the rocky and desolate surface of Caguas, a planet of countless mines which possessed a vast wealth of ores and gems. As far as she could see in any direction, there were mountains and towering rock formations and sandy stretches of nothingness. To escape the harsh climate and arduous terrain, dwellings had been gouged from the sides of cliffs and mounds, then connected by an above-ground tunnel system. There were large cavelike areas used for social functions and businesses. It was a rough and gloomy place, one which Jana was glad to leave after doing her acting task and meeting Avatar Faeroe. It was on to Lynrac.
Canissia Garthon had ceased her surveillance of Varian Saar after his stop on Therraccus, before she could be sighted and connected to Ryker Triloni or his many spies. She had expected Ryker to appear on Caguas, the planet which his planetoid orbited. She was delighted the devil had fooled her and Varian, for it had allowed her to meet with Baruch Tirana before and after the spy’s talk with Ryker. Now, she was positive the traitor had supplied that beast with false information about Varian and Jana.
Canissia felt she had the facts and means needed to sever the relationship between Jana and Varian. She would hold her distance from the primary object of her desires until he reached the planet Eire, where his grandfather Kadim Tirol Trygue lived and awaited his heir’s arrival.
Canissia reflected on the two secret meetings with Lieutenant Baruch Tirana after which she had vowed never to approach or blackmail him again. The evil daughter of Supreme Council member Segall Garthon laughed satanically as she congratulated herself on her cunning. Just as she had plotted, Ryker was fooled completely about Varian’s interest in Jana. She thanked her lucky star she had reached Baruch before he had met with Ryker. Using hypnotic drugs, she had made certain the spy would not reveal the love affair between Varian Saar and his beautiful captive. Eventually Ryker would discover it, but not in time to thwart her plans to have Supreme Ruler Jurad win the alien beauty at auction and take her far away from Canissia’s territory and desires. Whether or not Varian loved Jana, his ego would compel him to defend her against Ryker’s threats. Canissia could not permit Varian and Ryker to battle over another woman!
By now, she believed the ignorant Ryker was on his way to meet with Jurad and Taemin to discuss a deal to undermine Varian Saar and subsequent conquest of the Maffei Galaxy.
Canissia laughed coldly, for she knew that meanwhile, Jurad and his son were on their way to the planet Lynrac to inspect Jana and to observe Varian’s feelings for themselves. Once Pyropean men declared their interest in Jana, Ryker would have no choice but to back off and allow them to obtain her. Since Jurad’s possession of Jana would tear her from Varian’s side, Ryker wouldn’t need to personally involve himself in Jana’s destruction and Varian’s torment.
Canissia slipped into the bubble bath which had been prepared by her lover and ship captain. “Poor Ryker,” she murmured sarcastically, “he doesn’t know I’ve duped him again. He believes Varian is simply faking an enchantment for Jana to gain his attention. Ryker will go mad trying to unmask Varian’s motive for luring him toward Jana. Ryker was easy to convince that his rival was too proud to fall in love with a charl, especially to marry a woman Varian had to purchase like an animal. Also Ryker has never known love or any emotions other than hatred or revenge. It’s logical for him to assume treachery rather than real attraction.”
As Zan bathed his cherished mistress, Canissia laughed and remarked, “Yes, my dear Zan, your love is smarter than the Saar brothers combined. Varian is entangled by his lust for an alien temptr
ess, and Baruch has convinced Ryker it’s only a trick. Jana no longer intrigues Ryker. He thinks the little Earthling merely a pawn. Is Ryker blind, my adoring Zan? Look at those pictures taken by Baruch, love is written all over them. Too bad I’ll have to rip them apart. You do understand I have to marry either Varian or another Supreme Council member?” she asked seductively.
Before he could reply, Canissia continued, “It must be done, my love. Nothing will change between us. I need rank, power, and riches.”
Zan brought wine from the bottle on her desk. As her lover was drinking his glass of wine, Canissia entreated him to scrub her back. While he obeyed, she discreetly poured her glass of white wine into the water. She turned and smiled at her enthralled captain, then told him to strip and sit on the edge of the large tub with his feet in the water. Even without the mind-controlling chemicals added to the wine, Zan would have done Canissia’s bidding.
Her eyes roamed his virile body. “Soon, my tasty treat, I shall be forced to replace you. You are too possessive and know far too much. As soon as I’m rid of Jana Greyson, you must be eliminated. There will be no evidence of your existence or murder.”
Canissia knelt before the entranced man and fondled his sleek and muscular frame. “When you are gone, I can use those two crewmen to play the roles of Varian and Ryker again. That afternoon was so exciting. You are in love with me, Zan, and that makes you dangerous.”
On the Wanderlust, Jana was having a curious day after sleeping late. While Varian was meeting secretly with Kyle Dykstra in the security chief’s quarters, Jana tried to return to his suite from her visit with Tristan, but the control panel would not respond. When Varian didn’t answer her summons, Jana wondered why he had altered the entrance code. As they were en route to the next planet, he had to be on the ship. Nigel, Tristan, Martella, and Kara were in a staff meeting, so she couldn’t visit with any of her friends. She went to the gold room to await Varian’s return and explanation. It didn’t seem wise to go searching for him, not after his instructions about her “role.” Several hours passed.
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