The Unveiling

by Shyla Colt

  Rivka closed her eyes. The energy in the room crackled. She nodded.

  "Yes, your ancestors are very eager to be heard tonight. There may be more than your parents who answer when I call."

  "Is that normal?" Mars asked.

  She flashed what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

  "Normal? No, but it's not unheard of, and you are royals." Her eyes wanted to drink in the sight of the General, but now was not the time. Her self-satisfying thoughts were smothered like a wet blanket over flames. She focused on the task at hand.

  "Do you all remember the steps to a calling?" she asked.

  "Yes, we brushed up before you got here." The General’s voice was deep and full-bodied like a potent wine, and sparks of electricity shot straight to her cunt. Instinct made her want to rub her thighs together, but business overruled.

  "Good. I'll set up the candles and incense and begin to sing. When you feel the energy build inside you, join in."

  "What will we actually see once you call them?" Kade asked.

  "It differs from person to person. Some people see energy, or an aura, others, a silhouette, or an outline." She stood, the duffle bag hanging on her arm. "Let's move to the center of the room." Rivka measured the room with her eyes, walking over to the center point of the room. She set the bag on the ground, unzipped it and took out her supplies, arranging the candles into the shape of a giant star. She placed the bowls of incense inside the perimeter and sent out a spark of power, lighting the cones with her mind. The saccharine smell relaxed her tense muscles and helped her focus. She began to chant in the old language, raising her hands to the sky as she danced.

  Ancestors, hear my call

  Bless this star priestess seeking your guidance

  May my offering be pleasing to you

  Rivka moved to the center of the star. Purple smoke filled the air, shadows lengthened, and the hair on her body stood on end. She swayed, humming the Calling song. The smoke swirled around them. Their gazes were locked on to her, yet it was the General's that pierced her like a knife. She was hyperaware of his every move. It was torture not being able to examine why. Vibrations started at her feet, and she held her hands up toward the ceiling as she shook. Energy surged up from the floor, through her body and out the top of her fingertips. She was a conduit. The silky material of her dress flowed in the building breeze.

  The rich baritones and altos of the men blended in. Her lids lowered as she fell deeper into a trance. Power swelled inside her, filling every pore. The air seemed to catch fire as a swirling, electric blue portal opened above her head.

  "I call Zilla and Arkadi D'Shar forth from their place among the stars and the in-between time. Back to the people you loved on this plane and the people you ruled who desperately need your help."

  ****

  Bastien watched on in awe of the powerful woman wielding powers he didn't fully understand. Her eyes had gone white along with the hair that seemed to have a glow of energy surrounding each strand. The circular portal above her pulsed in response to her summons. He sung the ancient words with her. The close proximity to the woman assured him one-hundred percent she was his mate. Fight or flight kicked in. He balled his fists to remain rooted to the spot when all he wanted to do was grab her and run. A breeze flowed through the room, blew back his hair as it became a roar. The portal flickered before it emitted a blinding burst of light. His eyes slammed shut. When his vision returned he balked at the sight before him. Spectral forms of his parents floated in the center of the room beside Rivka.

  "Thank you, Zilla and Arkadi, for joining us."

  "Of course, child of the stars, you honor us with your beautiful performance," Zilla, his mother, said. He could make out their features, but it was obvious they were made of energy and light. Unsure what to do or say he looked at Phelan who appeared equally shell-shocked. Phelan cleared his throat.

  "Mom—Dad?"

  "Phelan—it's good to see all of our boys together in one place again," his father said.

  "Disturbing you isn't something we did lightly. We were forced to relocate to Earth when our suns began to fail, and recently we discovered Tavel has been here all along—experimenting."

  "He must be stopped!" his father's voice echoed in the empty room.

  "We're trying, but we don't know his pattern or what he's after."

  "You want to know how we died?" his mother asked.

  Phelan lowered his head. "Yes."

  "When we found out what Tavel had been doing we were livid. We told him he had twenty-four hours to get his things packed, destroy his experiments, and vacate the planet. He came for us at night. Hit us with a gas he released in the room. He was really proud of that later. He bragged about it while we were strapped onto a table, unable to use our powers." The picture his father painted enraged him. He bit the inside of cheek to remain silent.

  "He needed our blood, our marrow, anything he could get his hands on and preserve. He was aging right before our eyes. Tavel said he set out to make a better Shar, one who would be the ultimate super soldier, and live forever. He'd started off experimenting on himself and when things went wrong he'd been forced to move to others." His mother squeezed his father's hand. "That's when we caught him in the act."

  "He's trying to create the perfect donor," Kade whispered.

  "What do you mean, Kade?" his mother asked.

  "He's been procreating with humans, using all kinds of chemicals from our galaxy and those surrounding it to make the pregnancies viable. I've been trying to locate all the elements, but I couldn’t figure out why. It seemed too deliberate to be random or sporadic."

  "By now he must be out of what he took from us, or close to it," his mother said.

  "Depends on how frequently he administers his—elixir." Disdain dripped off every word Kade spoke.

  "I still don't understand, why you?" Phelan asked.

  "Because our line was the oldest on Tagget, he said it was pure. I think he hoped it'd reverse what he did. He ran tests and when the results didn’t come back correctly he destroyed the lab and put us to sleep. It's the last memory either of us has."

  It was relief knowing they hadn't been tortured. It was a fear he'd lived with for far too long.

  "Thank you, Mom and Dad; this is the break we were looking for," Phelan said.

  "We're happy to help," his father said.

  "The boys would like to speak to each of you alone now," Rivka said. Her voice was different, lower, full of power.

  "We'd like that," his mother said.

  "I can only allow each of you a small period of time with them. It's draining to keep this portal open, and there are many of you."

  "We understand," Phelan said as they all murmured their agreement. "We'll go by age."

  "Oldest to youngest?" Kade asked.

  "Works for me," Mars said.

  "I'll allow you your privacy," Rivka said, following the mass exodus outside of the ballroom. The mood outside the room was tense as they stood in a circle. He couldn't help but sneak a glance at Rivka. She was gorgeous, cloaked in power and confidence. Her eyes glowed a brilliant purple, and her white hair stood out against her dress and milk chocolate skin. The door swung open, and he turned to face Phelan.

  "You're up," Phelan said.

  Bastien felt like heavy weights were shackled to his ankles as he trudged into the room. He moved back inside the opening in the star formation, shoving his hands in his pocket, as he stood in front of what was left of his parents. Suddenly he felt like that eleven-year-old boy telling his parents goodbye.

  "I-I'm not real sure what to say. I spent a lot of time going over the years planning out what I was going to say, wondering why you seemed so emotionless when you sent me away. I was a scared child, and all you had to say was the time for childhood was over. Why would you do that? Did you care, or was I written off the moment you heard the prophecy?"

  His father sighed. "Your mother said I was being too harsh. I was out of my element and grasp
ing at straws. Letting you go was one of the most painful things we ever had to do, and all I could think about was being strong so you could do the same." He could hear the pain and sadness in his father's rich baritone. "We always regretted the way things were left between us, Bastien."

  "We're proud of you and the sacrifices you've made for our people. Knowing you didn't realize that kills me," his mother said.

  "Don't cry, Mom."

  His mother sniffed and shook her head. "No parent is perfect, but that was our greatest mistake when it came to you. I'm glad we had a chance to rectify it."

  "Me too," he whispered.

  A knock on the door signaled his time was up.

  "I have to go."

  "We love you, son," his father said.

  "And I love you." Bastien's voice shook, and he cleared his throat. He blinked back the moisture pooled in his eyes. He turned on his heels and walked to the door with his back straight, refusing to look back, lest he lose it altogether. He walked out into the hallway, nodding his head at Kade who pushed away from the wall and continued inside the ballroom.

  "You okay?" Phelan asked.

  "Yeah, I am." His parents’ admission filled a hole inside him.

  "Good," Phelan nodded.

  With his focus taken off his parents his attention was redirected to Rivka. She turned her head, and their gazes locked. A sharp stab of pain hit him in the temple. He winced.

  "You okay?" Phelan asked again.

  "Yeah, just working on a headache.” Bastien rubbed his temples as dizziness made him close his eyes.

  "Is this normal?" Phelan asked.

  "Perhaps he's sensitive to the energy," Rivka said. She walked over to stand in front of him. "I'm going to check you for signs of a fever now."

  Her hand was soft and warm on his forehead. It was like someone had lit a fuse. Fire licked at every nerve ending he possessed, and images flickered in his mind. Grainy and out of focus, they taunted him, staying just out of his reach. She gasped and stepped back as if she'd been burned. Their gazes locked. He fell into her purple irises. A sense of recognition and belonging filled him. The door swung open again, shattering the moment to tiny pieces.

  "I-I must put them back to rest now." She lifted the hem of her dress and fled.

  "You okay?" Kade asked. "It looked like something strange passed between you two."

  "I’m fine," Bastien said. Liar.

  When Rivka emerged from the room a few minutes later she looked exhausted.

  "They're back where they belong," she whispered.

  "Thank you," Phelan said. "Are you sure you're okay to drive right now? I can have one of my brothers take you."

  "I'd be happy to give you a lift," Mars said.

  "Really I'm fine, just a little tired, nothing a good night of rest can't fix," Rivka said.

  There was no way in hell he was about to let Mars be alone with her in the car.

  "At least let me walk you to the door," Bastien said.

  She opened her mouth to protest, he was sure. Bastien narrowed his eyes, pinning her with a look that'd made many a man back down. They needed to talk, and he wasn't about to wait until the next time he saw her to do it.

  "Fine." She gritted her teeth and shot him a look that told him she was not impressed. It was a blow that struck below the belt. Wasn't this supposed to be a joyous occasion? He raised an eyebrow at her scowl.

  "I don't know about anyone else, but I'm gonna call it a night," Kade said. "I have a lot to think about."

  "I think I'm going to stay here for the night," Mars said. His voice was softer than normal, a toned down version of his normal boisterous, witty demeanor.

  "Since Bast is taking care of our guest, I'm going to head over to my wife."

  They all parted ways with another round of thank yous for Rivka. Bastien swallowed hard. The day he'd hoped to dodge had finally come. He felt raw and stripped down from the heart to heart with his parents. His tongue felt stuck to the roof of his mouth as he led her down a number of hallways to the front door. Rivka remained silent as she followed, her eyes trained on the floor. Her brilliant white hair morphed to a brilliant red that told him he should proceed with caution. What do you say at a time like this? Hi, my name is Bastien. I like spicy food, shooting guns, and I'm your mate. It sounded lame, even in his head. He opened the front door, allowing her to walk out first as he cleared his throat.

  "Is this where you bring up the subject of The Wanting?" she asked.

  "Yes?"

  "I have plenty to say on the subject, and I'm a big girl who can handle whatever you throw my way, so don't worry about breaking it to me gently."

  "You're frank. That’s good."

  "Hmmm, I wouldn’t be so sure."

  Her words intrigued him. "Really?"

  "Oh yes, there are two things I've dreamed of doing the day I found my mate."

  "Do tell," he said as they came to a halt beside her car.

  "It's more of something I have to show."

  Her eyes were glossy with passion. The pheromones she'd begun to excrete tickled his nose and weaved a spell of desire. She batted her lashes, leaned in, and inhaled. "You smell delicious, like a Havken pastry filled with the sweetest Tisen fruit." Rivka rose on her tiptoes, leaning closer. The swell of her breast brushed up against him. Her mid-sized pebbled nipples pressed into his shirt, teasing him. He craved skin-to-skin contact. Bastien muffled a moan, eyes glued to the lips that curved into a wicked smile. She wrapped her slender arms around his neck and pressed her lower body into him. A roll of her well-formed hips, and he was hard, pressing into her cleft. Her heat seared him through the layers of clothing. She licked his lips, and his breath hitched.

  "Mhmm. You taste even better than you smell." She twined her fingers in the hair at his nape, pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his. Heat spiraled through him. She traced the shape of his mouth with her tongue before she slipped inside. It was more than a kiss. She took possession of his soul with every swipe of her tongue and caress of her lips. She pulled away, and he was breathless and dazed. Smack! His hand flew up to clutch the right side of his face, where pain exploded.

  "No amount of hormones could make me forget the suffering, loneliness, and pain you've inflicted. Right now I don’t even want to hear your lame excuses. I want you to sit here and think about the pain you've caused the one person you were meant to love, and ask yourself this question—was it worth it?"

  He opened his mouth to speak, and she shook her head violently.

  "No, this is my moment. You've made me wait for thirty-five long years. Now, it's your turn." Anger and hurt crashed into him like a ton of bricks. Her words haunted him as she got into her car and drove off. How can I start to repair the damage I’ve already done?

  Chapter Nine

  Tears trailed down Rivka's face, blurring her vision as she drove. It should have felt good to leave with the last word. She'd waited a long time to deliver that speech and well-deserved slap. Instead she felt deflated and depressed. Should I forgive him because he was the General? Understand that he'd given his all to a cause greater than himself? Logical perhaps, but her heart wouldn’t allow her to give in so easily. He owed her a debt, and she'd be damned if she didn't collect. He could have her body, the chemicals would see to that, but he'd have to work his ass off if he ever intended to possess her heart and her soul.

  She swiped away the tears, angry at her weakness. Now is not the time to break down. I need to be strong and resolute in my decisions. I owe myself at least that much. By the time she reached her dwelling she was completely drained. The last dregs of her energy were used to carry her body to the bed where she collapsed, still clothed. Rivka kicked off her shoes and allowed sleep's sweet embrace to take her down into the darkness where pain couldn't follow.

  Moonlight caressed her skin like a lover's fingertips. The sweet smell of the succulent, pink blossoms of the star flowers made her smile. She lived for evenings like this when she was free to bask i
n her element and wait for him. As the princess she was supposed to be a symbol for her people. Able to control the weather and give predictions she was "protected" almost twenty-four hours a day. It left her feeling caged, controlled, and bored, until he came along and saw the woman behind the legend. She pulled her cape tighter around her body, sticking to the shadows as she crept to the arch where they often met when he came through this area. As the commander of a powerful mercenary force, her lover was away more than he was around. His current assignment and sibling status to her lead protector, Peri, kept him close. When she reached the arch and spotted his familiar silhouette her breasts grew heavy. Hot, sticky nectar flowed between her legs. The fragrant musk of his pheromones made her center throb, and she took a deep breath, filling her lungs with his scent. His head snapped toward her, and she knew it was having the same effect on him.

  He came toward her like a lion stalking his prey. Her stomach flipped, and she took a step back. A giggle formed before she spun and he gave chase. She dodged his lunges, running around the Crisna trees with their brilliant yellow leaves. She was tackled by the pink pond that reflected the full moon.

  "I caught you, my love."

  "Ahh, but that was what I intended." She caressed the planes of his face, drinking in the sight of his strong jaw, dark hair, and piercing hazel colored eyes. He pressed his lower body close, and she felt the thick length of him against her.

  "It's been far too long since I've been inside you, love."

  She spread her legs wide, eager to be one with the man who meant everything.

  "I count the hour until I can be with you again. I long for the day when we can leave our positions behind and simply be free."

  "Once your younger sister comes into power I'll take you away from this place." His hands crept up inside her dress, and she shivered.

  "No undergarments?"

  "Waiting even a second longer than I have to is a tragedy."

  He stroked her with his calloused finger, moving inside her sheath.

  "You're ready for me, aren't you?"