“I wasn’t taking any chances. We had not yet identified your pursuers or learned the scope of their abilities.” He touched her shoulder with his free hand and his voice deepened as he added, “I was also worried that you would try to escape before I’d convinced you the danger was real.”
She sensed only calm truth and a smoldering need to protect her. His tactics might have been high-handed, but he really was determined to prevent anyone or anything from harming her.
Releasing her breath in a shaky sigh, she opened her eyes and looked into his. “Thank you.”
Drakkin moved closer to Aria, shifting his hand to the railing behind her. He wanted to caress her face and explore the slender column of her neck, so temptingly displayed by her hairstyle. “Have you given our situation any thought?”
She laughed, her gaze moving to some spot beyond him. “I’ve done nothing but think about our situation.”
He was supposed to let her choose when she was ready for this conversation, but he was going mad waiting for her to make up her mind. He wanted her in his arms, his bed, his life and he was ready to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Her body swayed to the lilting rhythm of the music and longing glowed within her lavender eyes. He took the wineglass from her hand and set it beside his on the railing. “We didn’t finish our dance.”
She moved into his arms and he led her about the terrace in a compact waltz. Her skirts brushed against his legs, a frustrating barrier separating him from his mate. He wanted her naked, arms and legs tangled with his.
“I don’t want to lose you,” she whispered.
He stopped dancing, but his hand remained at her waist. Tilting her chin up with his other hand, he whispered back, “Impossible.”
Her lips pressed into a tight line before she finally looked at him. “Does it have to be one or the other? Can’t you sever the link and then continue on from where we were before this happened.”
Indric’s suggestion hovered at the back of his mind, an insidious temptation. It would be so easy to minimize the link without actually dislodging it. She would never know the difference. And then when she’d had time to accept—
No. He would not lie to her. “And where were we before this happened?”
“I was falling in love with you.” Unshed tears made her eyes shimmer and her lips began to tremble.
He wrapped both arms around her, crushing her skirts in an effort to feel her body next to his. “I will try, but you need to understand that it will be painful and it’s likely to happen again. You are my mate and it is an instinctive need to bond with you. I will have to fight it every time I touch you.”
She sighed and eased back then looked up at him again. “We were together less than a week. How can you possibly know I’m your anything?”
Predatory need rippled through him. He moved is hands to her upper arms and searched her gaze. “What do you feel when you’re in my arms.”
“We have an emotional connection. I don’t pretend I don’t want you. But it seems irrational to make a lifetime commitment after we’ve known each other a few short days.”
“As with Indric, my first wife was not my mate. I married her out of obligation and remained true to her because I made a vow. After she died, I swore I would never again marry unless I felt the elemental pull of my mate. I know the difference. I’ve experienced both and you are my mate.”
Shrugging off his light grasp, she returned to the railing and picked up her wineglass. “What I feel for you is completely different than what I felt for Faujer, but I suspect that would be true with any honorable man.” She drained the wine in two long pulls and set the glass down so suddenly it teetered and fell.
Drakkin snatched the glass out of the air and set it on the railing. She was not nearly as calm as she was pretending. He’d closed his end of the link as soon as she finished using it as a lie detector. Until she accepted that they were mates, it wasn’t fair to access her emotions. And he always shielded his empathic receptors when he was dealing with a crowd. He was at the mercy of what she was ready to reveal.
“You had never known tenderness. I understand that. Are you willing to put your theory to the test?”
Her delicate brows drew together and she nervously smoothed her skirts. “What do you have in mind?”
“I want you to kiss an ‘honorable man’ and see if he stirs the same emotions in you that I do.”
“Any honorable man or do you have someone specific in mind?” Color blossomed across her cheeks, but he wasn’t sure what emotion inspired the blush.
“There is only one man I would trust with this experiment.”
“The man you ‘trust above all others’?”
“Exactly. Most women find Indric attractive. I think he would be perfect for this test.”
She rubbed her upper arm, looking decidedly uncomfortable, but she said, “All right.”
He reached out to Indric telepathically and asked if he could sneak away for a moment or two.
When the prince regent arrived a few minutes later, he looked flushed and rather harried. “I can’t stay long,” Indric warned. “What’s going on?”
“I want you to kiss Aria as you would a lover with whom you are passionately involved.”
Indric chuckled and looked at Aria, amusement brightening his gaze. “Any particular reason you want me to kiss your mate?”
“He’s trying to prove to me that he is my mate,” Aria explained.
“I see. I have no problem kissing any beautiful woman as long as she is willing.” He took a step toward her and flashed a debonair smile. “Would you like me to kiss you, fire pearl?”
“It would be a far better means of comparison than I currently possess.”
Indric laughed and caught her around the wrist, drawing her slowly toward him. “Then in the name of science…” One arm circled her trim middle and he cupped her chin with his other hand.
Drakkin held his breath as their lips meshed and slid. His fists clenched when he caught a glimpse of Indric’s tongue teasing its way into her mouth. She made a throaty noise but he wasn’t sure if it was alarm or arousal.
Damn it. Enough!
Indric’s only response was a telepathic chuckle and to reposition his head so his mouth fit more closely over Aria’s. She allowed the kiss for a moment longer then suddenly broke away.
“Thank you.” She sounded breathless and flustered. “That was very—helpful.”
Indric looked at Drakkin and winked. “I think she has her answer.” Then he slipped back into the ballroom and disappeared into the crowd.
Chapter Six
Noll dar Joon stood beside a towering palm tree, gazing up at the palace illuminated in the distance. Much of Bilarri was stunningly beautiful. The San Adrin desert, however, was a desolate wasteland of wind and sand. Why would anyone intentionally live in such an inhospitable environment?
It had taken her far too long to pinpoint the location of Drakkin’s temporal hideaway. She’d known it was on Bilarri, but she’d wrongly presumed Lord Drakkin would stay close to his home in Hautell. And even after she realized her mistake, she was frustrated by her inability to act. She wasn’t able to manipulate time. The ability was extremely rare. Her primary gift was physic sensitivity. She was a Farseer with nearly unlimited range, which made her an invaluable tracker. But once her target was located, she generally relied on others to complete the mission.
She’d updated Quentin twice, indicating her progress, but neglecting to mention that she’d abandoned Faujer back on Earth. The Rodyte didn’t need to know she’d allowed her anger to get the better of her. She didn’t regret wiping Faujer’s memory. He was a selfish bastard who’d deserved what she’d given him. However, her rash action created a problem for her now.
How could she complete her mission if she couldn’t reach her target? She’d sensed Drakkin emerge from the temporal bubble several days ago, but Aria hadn’t been with him. Shocked that he would leave his new plaything
unguarded, Noll had frantically searched the city for of any sign of Aria. All her search revealed was several properties so densely shielded that she had no access. Suspicious, but certainly not helpful.
Had Drakkin left Aria in the temporal bubble? If he had, there was nothing Noll could do until Aria emerged.
Noll had been frustrated enough to consider returning to Quentin and admitting she needed assistance when Drakkin flashed out of the palace and returned with Aria in his arms. Drakkin shoved Aria against the wall and kissed her wildly. Noll used her psychic sight to watch the enamored couple, but she still had no way to approach them. They spoke briefly then Drakkin led his guest into the ballroom. Noll sighed. The ballroom was more densely shielded. She could still sense them, but she could no longer see them.
So what should she do now? She had to find a way inside that palace. Quentin dealt harshly with anyone who failed him. Faujer was proof of that.
Drakkin and Aria had both been dressed in formal finery, which didn’t surprise her. She’d watched countless skimmers pull up in front of the palace and offload similarly dressed passengers. The party was well underway and as guests drifted in and out of the ballroom, it was likely the guards would stop checking invitations.
Seeing no other option, she drew energy into the center of her body and transformed her Mystic robes into a sleek, shiny evening gown. Next she subtly changed the shape of her face and the appearance of her eyes. The gentle rotation stopped and she carefully formed red rings within the natural gray. She wasn’t considered a shapeshifter by other Mystics because she couldn’t transform completely into another form. Still, being able to alter her appearance frequently came in handy.
She had no idea what she’d do even if she made it beyond the front door. All she knew for certain was she had to try. Reinforcing her determination with necessity, she started along the stone promenade leading up to the palace.
* * * * *
Aria touched her lips, still processing what had just happened. Indric was handsome, charming, and undeniably skilled, yet she’d felt nothing as he kissed her. It wasn’t unpleasant, but there had been no curl of heat or aching need. All Drakkin had to do was brush his fingers against her arm and her body hummed with anticipation.
“Did it backfire on me? Are you now hopelessly enamored with my best friend?” The triumphant gleam in Drakkin eyes told her he knew damn well he’d made his point.
“Maybe you’re just a better kisser.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Why don’t you kiss me so I can complete the comparison?”
She was in his arms before she finished the question. He crushed her against his chest and held the back of her head, not caring that he was destroying her fancy hairstyle. After the initial aggression, however, he slowed, easing the pressure as his fingers sank into her upswept hair.
His lips caressed hers, the kiss soft and slow. He held back with steely determination, the effort apparent in his tense muscles and stance. A stray wisp of emotion seeped past his shields and flowed into her mind. Achingly tender yet consumed with need. How could the two exist simultaneously?
I want to do more than kiss. Where can we go? She wasn’t sure if he’d hear her. Their link was closed.
He tore his mouth away from hers, panting softly. “Each time we make love the connection is reinforced. If you still want the option of severing the link, we should probably wait until after.”
She closed her eyes, unable to think rationally while she looked at him. “Will you still want me if I ask you to sever the bond?” She had to know that he was willing, that her insecurity wouldn’t cost her his love.
“Aria.” He waited until she opened her eyes. “Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. If you want the link severed, I will do it, but it will hurt like hell.”
“And it’s likely to happen again.” She allowed herself to smile.
“Exactly.” He sounded just a bit cautious, but a sudden leap of heat erupted in his eyes.
“Then I suppose we’ll leave well enough alone and I’ll have to get used to the idea of having a mate.”
He pulled her back into his arms, his kiss hot and hungry. She parted her lips and slid her tongue along his, feeling weightless and dizzy with joy. Gradually he lowered the shield blocking his end of their link. Emotions trickled into her mind, a tingling vibration that slowly built into a pulse strong enough to shake her soul. She clutched his back, trembling helplessly as his need surged through her in staggering waves.
His arms tightened around her and a rush of acceleration blended with the other sensations. She broke away, gasping for air as they materialized in a shadowy bedroom. The lavish furniture and elegant décor indicated that they were still in the palace.
He lowered his mouth to the sensitive spot below her ear as his hands moved over her torso with frantic urgency. Ravenous desire burned into her mind. He needed her and needed her now.
Exhilarated by his frenzy, she sank to her knees before him and quickly worked the fastenings at the front of his pants. She’d had no idea what a toll her indecision was exacting from him. He’d ached for days, unable to sleep, barely able to breathe. His frustration and fear echoed through her mind. He’d been terrified that he would lose her, yet willing to let her go if her freedom was the only thing that would make her happy.
She reached inside his pants and drew out his engorged cock. He trembled as her fingers curved around the thick shaft and moaned when she stroked him from base to tip. His eyes were tightly closed, features contorted by the desperation of his need.
Her lips parted and she leaned in, guiding him to her mouth. His flared tip brushed against her lips then slipped inside. His skin was velvety soft, yet the flesh beneath could have been carved from stone. She took him deeper and his warm woodsy scent filled her nose.
He stroked her face, his thumbs teasing the corners of her mouth as he slid in and out. She swirled her tongue over his tip and absorbed his salty-sharp taste. Each time Faujer made her do this—
“Look at me.” His tone was harsh and urgent, but his hands remained gentle. She shifted the angle of her head so she could meet his gaze. “The past has no place in this room.”
She stared into his eyes and tightened her lips around his shaft. He was right. All that unpleasantness was behind her. Drakkin was her future. He hesitated a moment longer then drove slowly inward, filling her mouth with his taste and heat. She savored the steady slide and the tenderness blazing into her mind.
He sped the rhythm of his hips and the rings in his eyes began to glow. Beyond the tempering affection, she felt his inner savage stir. Possessive and demanding, this was Drakkin at his most elemental.
Heat erupted deep within her, spreading through her body and filling her mouth. Drakkin gasped then shuddered and finally surrendered to his inner self. Fire pearl and inner savage fused together in a burst of flame.
He cried out sharply as he thrust to the back of her mouth and came in violent shudders. Consumed by the heat and lost in his pleasure, she swallowed his essence with greedy abandon.
He staggered back and collapsed across the bed, too shaken even to right his pants.
The heat inside Aria smoldered as she looked at her mate. His chest heaved and his arms were flung out to the sides.
“You might have robbed yourself of your pleasure,” he warned in between pants. “I’m not sure when, or if, I’ll be able to move again.”
She sauntered up to the bed and lifted one of his legs, tugging off his boot. “Then I’ll climb on top of you and ride you like a horse.”
He laughed. “Pour me a glass of wine and I’ll see if I can make it worth your while.”
After taking off his other boot, she crossed to the small square table near the door. A silver tray had been placed there with an arrangement of fruits and cheeses, as well as a decanter of red wine. She filled two wineglasses then returned to the bed.
Drakkin had roused enough to refasten his pants and take off his jacket. She sat besid
e him and passed him one of the glasses then raised the other to her lips. “Can I ask a question?”
“You don’t need permission to ask me a question. I will tell you anything you want to know.” He took a drink of wine and waited for her to speak again.
“We’ve only been apart for five days, why were you so…eager?”
He paused for another drink before he explained. “Bonding is a powerful instinct for Bilarrian males. When you rejected the link, I closed off the connection so you wouldn’t be pressured by my emotions.”
“And that compounded what you were feeling.” It hadn’t really been a question, but he nodded. She took another sip of wine as guilt welled within her. This is what she’d sensed while she pleasured him, but she wanted to be sure she’d correctly interpreted his emotions. He’d selflessly protected her every step of the way, made sure she had peace and safety so she could analyze her feelings, while his body burned.
His fingertip glided down the side of her neck, drawing her gaze back to him. “It was damage control, nothing more. I was responsible for the bond, so it was my duty to keep you from being overwhelmed by what I’d done. Don’t make me sound so noble.”
But he was noble. She sensed it in his mind, had seen it demonstrated in countless images during her ten months on Earth. She hadn’t told him about the visions, knew he’d use it as further evidence that they were mates. If they were to have no secrets between them, she needed to tell him about the dreams. Even the erotic incident that had triggered her teleportation.
He took the wineglass from her hand and set them both aside. Then he stood and drew her to her feet. “This dress is a work of art. Let’s get you out of it before it’s ruined.”
She chuckled. “That’s a novel approach to getting me naked.” Desire rose within her, eclipsing her need for full disclosure. They had the rest of their lives to analyze all the forces that had brought them together. Tonight she just wanted to feel.
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