Zealot

by Cyndi Friberg

  “I try not to play those games. People might not agree with my fervor at times, but everyone knows exactly where I stand.”

  “Fervor.” She stood and walked over to the slightly convex exterior wall which overlooked the mini-spaceport. “Raina said you’re a zealot, that you dedicate yourself completely to whatever you’re trying to accomplish.”

  He joined her, standing at an angle so he could see her face. “Is there something wrong with dedication?”

  “Not at all.” She glanced at him then away. The tension in her posture told him more about her mood than her words. She’d been like this, stiff and distant, ever since she returned from the jungle. “I admire the quality. It’s just hard to believe I inspired it.”

  He trailed his fingertip from her shoulder to her elbow, unable to resist the temptation of her bare skin. “You underestimate your appeal.”

  “It’s more accurate to say I had been underestimating my appeal.” For a moment she said nothing more, just stared out at the ships. “Dr. Irron gave me the first two lists of my top five matches.”

  His heart lurched and his hands curled into fists. He’d hoped he’d have at least one more night with her before Irron muddied the waters. This was the first he’d heard of it. The realization jarred him out of his discontent and all the way into panic. “Have the top matches been notified?”

  “Not yet.” Her features gave nothing away.

  “Was my name on the list?” His breath caught in his throat as he waited for her answer.

  She looked up at him and nervously licked her lips. “We can barely keep our hands off each other. Was there ever any doubt?”

  He released his pent-up breath as silently as possible. She didn’t seem pleased by the news. “What were the other four names? Wait, you said two lists. Why were there two?”

  “Five battle born males who want access to their magic and five males who simply want a mate.” She paused for just an instant then tilted her head. “No, that’s not accurate either. One list wants me because I’m a human/Rodyte hybrid and the other list is rebels who will benefit from bonding with a Tandori.”

  Tension rippled through his body, followed closely by guilt’s sharp sting. “I wasn’t sure if you knew about the Tandori connection.”

  She laughed, but it was a bitter, humorless sound. “You didn’t mention it because you were trying to protect me? I think you guys have just about worn out that excuse.”

  “We’ve talked about all sorts of things and you never mentioned it to me. It was really your secret to share.”

  With an impatient motion, she dismissed his claim. “This explains why you feel so threatened by Garin.” Despite the displeasure in her tone, her shoulders began to relax. “The busy male might not bother with a female, but what general would disregard a political opportunity. You’re not worried about your big brother stealing your girlfriend. You’re afraid your superior officer will outmaneuver you.”

  “You mean much more to me than that and you know it.” The words came out in a menacing growl. Her stubbornness challenged his aggressive nature. If she kept this up, she’d find herself over his shoulder and they’d fight it out on the surface of his bed.

  “You couldn’t possibly know what I know because I don’t know what I…” Her sentenced trailed away into a helpless laugh. “Do you understand why I’m distracted?”

  “I didn’t intentionally deceive you.” It was important that she understood that much at least. “I didn’t want you to feel—like you’re feeling right now. You are not a commodity. You’re a treasure, someone to be cherished and—”

  “Protected?” she cut in with another humorless laugh.

  “Why does that word offend you?”

  “It makes me sound weak and helpless. I assure you, I’m neither.”

  Physically she was both when compared to any male on this outpost, but he had no doubt she meant her feisty spirit and sharp mind. “Raylon and I frequently protect each other. Do either of us seem weak?” Her only response was a flash of annoyance. “I protect you because I care about you, not because I don’t trust you to take care of yourself.”

  “Does Garin know about my Tandori blood? The doctor said the political advantage was factored into the priority matrix. I’m not even sure what that means.”

  “Basic information was gathered from each male, our likes and dislikes, goals and priorities. But the program goes much deeper. It analyzes our habits and routines, what we eat, and replicate. Often a more accurate picture of a person is gained by what they do as opposed to what they say.”

  “Were you asked if you cared about my Tandori blood?”

  He shook his head. “That factor must have been entered directly into the program. It will evaluate which of your genetic matches would benefit most from your bloodline and prioritize the names accordingly. Your top matches will receive your profile. I’m sure your pedigree will be explained there. Did the doctor say when the males will be notified?”

  “Two days,” she admitted with a sigh.

  “And there are a total of ten males you’ve been asked to consider?”

  She shook her head, a gentle smile curving her lips. “Two names were on both lists, so there are only eight men—this time around. If I refuse everyone, Dr. Irron will generate another list.”

  He moved closer, fisting his hands to keep from touching her again. “Was my name on both lists?”

  “You know it was. That’s why you look so smug.”

  He considered his smile triumphant rather than smug, but he wasn’t about to rekindle their argument. “Where did I place?”

  “You don’t need to know.” Playfulness crept into her tone and made her eyes sparkle.

  “The more compatible a couple is, the stronger they feel the mating pull.” Joy surged through his being as he heard his own words. “Our attraction is—incendiary. I think I’m your number one match. Admit it.”

  “As if I’d stroke your ego.” She laughed and moved away. “Tell me about Kaden Lux. He’s on both lists. Doesn’t he command the Intrepid? How well do you know him?”

  Possessive need set Zilor in motion. He caught her upper arm and swung her around. “You know what questions like that do to me.” He pressed her firmly against his chest and tangled his fingers in the back of her hair, anchoring her without hurting her.

  “Will you fight for me?” She stared into his eyes, a rebellious smile curving her lips.

  Clearly, she’d provoked him on purpose, wanting just this result. “To the death, if that’s what it takes.”

  “Will you risk punishment just to touch me?”

  He covered her mouth with his, answering with actions rather than words. For just a moment she remained pliant, yet unresponsive. Then he teased the seam of her lips with the tip of his tongue and she opened for him, offered him the warmth and sweetness for which he longed.

  “I want you too. So much,” she whispered the words against his lips as she wrapped her arms around his back. “But, despite my selfish inclinations, I won’t let you jeopardize your career for a few hours of pleasure.”

  “Garin insisted that you be given choices. You now have a prioritized list of names.”

  “Two days.” She stretched to her toes and kissed his mouth. “We only have two days before the others come looking for me.”

  “You already bear my scent. As long as I don’t claim you, I won’t disobey any of Garin’s orders.”

  Her gaze narrowed as she looked up at him. “That’s as close to a lie as I’ve ever heard you speak. Garin might not have come right out and said it, but hands off was definitely implied.”

  “I’m first on your list, Indigo, your number-one match. Admit that much at least.”

  Her tongue peeked out and wet her lower lip. “You’re first on one list, but second on the other.”

  “On which list am I second?” Another wave of possessiveness sent counterproductive impulses surging through his body. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder
and toss her on his bed, strip her naked and explore every inch of her squirming body. “Who’s your other number one?”

  Fear sparked within her gaze and then she whispered, “It doesn’t matter.”

  He framed her face with his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “You’re right. It’s irrelevant. No force in this universe will keep us apart. You are my mate, and I am yours.”

  Chapter Nine

  No force in this universe will keep us apart. You are my mate, and I am yours.

  Indigo’s heart thudded wildly in her chest as Zilor’s words rang through her mind. “You can’t claim me. I won’t let you defy your brother.” Was that the only reason? What happened to her determination not to mate with anyone? Her objections were valid, her logic sound, until she looked into his eyes. Then all she could think about was him.

  He teased her bottom lip with his thumb and echoed her thought. “Would you allow it, if it weren’t forbidden?”

  “I don’t know.” She twisted her head to the side and stepped back. “I can’t think straight when you’re around.”

  Lowering his arms, he allowed her some distance. But the hunger in his gaze warned that he wouldn’t give her space for long. “I know this isn’t how relationships work on Earth. Is that the only thing holding you back?”

  “No.” She sounded defiant then raised her shoulders in a frustrated shrug. “Maybe. I’ve never felt like this before.”

  “What would you lose by becoming my mate?” A lazy smile curved his lips as he asked, “Shall I remind you of all you would gain?”

  “Pros and cons? Good idea. My mother loves making decisions that way.” She tucked her hair behind her ears then suggested, “You list the pros, I’ll list the cons and we’ll see who runs out first.”

  “A challenge? I love challenges.” His smile spread, his posture indolent.

  “Then you go first.”

  He agreed with a subtle nod. “Pro, having access to Rodyte technology.”

  She smiled at his strategic misstep. “You should have listed each advancement separately. That would have kept you going for several turns.”

  “I don’t need to cheat to win this game. List your first con.”

  “Having a husband to boss me around.” She softened the claim with another smile, but her mother and aunt were firm believers that life was easier without the complications of a man.

  “Husband is a human word. I would be your mate, your partner, your equal, the other half of your soul.”

  “Those are just words, fanciful concepts that don’t really mean anything.”

  He stalked toward her, advancing slowly, his gaze locked with hers. “Then let me show you. I can give you a taste of what our future will be like.”

  Her heart fluttered and heat cascaded through her body, but she refused to be sidetracked. “We’re in the middle of a competition here.”

  He chuckled then crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine. Pro, bonding with me will double your lifespan.”

  “Con, I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone what’s going on up here.”

  “That’s a temporary con at best. Your mother, Raina and Ashley are already exempt from the stipulation, and it’s only a matter of time for everyone else.”

  “You’re not supposed to argue each point. You’re supposed to respond with another advantage.”

  He moved even closer, gaze narrowed and bright. If he expected her to retreat he’d be disappointed. She enjoyed facing off with aggressive men. She found it exhilarating and fun.

  “Pro…” He waited until they stood toe-to-toe before he continued. “You would become virtually immune to disease.”

  “Medi-bots are Rodyte technology,” she pointed out. “You already used that one.”

  “Medi-bots are only part of it. The mating bond will strengthen your immune system, so it is a separate advantage.”

  “Only if I agree to participate in the transformation program. Half of my choices have already agreed to let me off the hook.”

  “Now who’s arguing?” He shook his head, amusement warming his gaze. “Besides, you’re mistaken. The mating bond triggers certain changes all by itself. It’s those changes the experimental program utilizes to bring about a larger transformation. Even if you don’t participate in the study, bonding with me will change us both.”

  “I see that as a con. I’ve always been resistant to change.” The table edge pressed against the back of her thighs and her eyes widened. She hadn’t even realized she was moving. His advance had been too stealthy, too smooth.

  He leaned in, forcing her to lean back. “Resist all you like. It won’t matter in the end. You already want this as much as I do.”

  His statement was more or less true, but his arrogance made her teeth clench. “I’ll resist anyone trying to force their will on me. I’m an independent woman and that will never change.”

  “Okay.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her up until her breasts pressed against his chest. “So resist me.” His other hand cupped the back of her head as he lowered his head toward hers.

  “Wait, I—”

  He cut off her protest with his mouth, stealing her breath as well as her anger. She was arguing for the sake of arguing and they both knew it. All he had to do was look at her with desire in his eyes and her senses ignited. She raised her hands and tangled her fingers in his hair, continuing the illusion that she was in control.

  After a long, intoxicating kiss, he whispered, “I want to spend tonight in bed, inside your body and inside your mind.” He emphasized the claim with another scorching kiss. “Speak the words, my love. Tell me you want that too.”

  Inside her body and inside her mind? She’d already offered to be his lover and he’d turned her down. “Can we do that without creating a permanent link?”

  “I promised not to claim you and I won’t. Of course, that promise expires the instant Garin lifts his stipulation.” He clarified with a sexy smile. “I have every intention of claiming you.”

  Excitement sped her heart and made her fingers tingle. He was offering what she’d wanted since she first saw him, a night in his bed without further commitment. He might intend to claim her, but that didn’t mean she had to agree. Doubt whimpered in the back of her mind. He’d made his intentions clear from the start. She was the one vacillating like an adolescent. She wanted him. She just didn’t want the inevitable changes caused by mating with an alien.

  You’re afraid. Her inner voice suddenly sounded very much like Raina. You want to experience true intimacy without risking your heart. Well, it’s all or nothing, so take a chance or stop leading him on. He doesn’t deserve your indecision.

  The pause lengthened and Zilor grew restless. He shifted his hands to her shoulders, but didn’t step back. “I’ve obviously frightened you. That was not my purpose.”

  Forcing away her doubt, she tilted her head back and looked into his eyes. “Your suite or mine?”

  “Mine.” Conviction ran through his tone and she was no longer certain if he was answering her question or stressing his claim. He grabbed her butt and lifted her against him. With a nervous laugh, she wrapped her legs around his waist and encircled his neck with her arms. He carried her across the courtyard and into his suite. Their mouths meshed and clung, their breaths mingling. She had no idea how he navigated, but soon they were inside his suite and the door was securely locked.

  There was no turning back now. Their course was set. She would soon be Zilor’s lover. And she refused to ruin the night with useless speculation. Future events kept shifting, and so much of it was beyond their control. She felt an elemental connection with Zilor and they were about to explore those emotions. This didn’t need to be any more complicated than that.

  He sat on the side of the bed and went to work on the lacings at the back of her borrowed dress. She straddled his thighs with her legs folded beneath her, and drew his uniform top up until it bunched beneath his armpits. With a chuckle, he tugged the garment off a
nd tossed it aside. Hungry for the feel of his amazing body, she greedily ran her hands across his shoulders and down his arms. The man was a mass of corded muscles covered by silky skin. The contrast fascinated and aroused her. Could tactile stimulation be addictive? She wanted to memorize each curve and contour of his body then rub against him skin to skin. Her dress soon pooled around her waist, bringing her one step closer to her desired outcome.

  His hands found her waist, lifting so she could wiggle free of the billowy material. She slipped off her sandals while she was at it then wrapped her arms around his neck and went back to kissing him.

  “Hold on,” he muttered against her parted lips.

  She didn’t understand the warning until he bent to the side and pulled off one of his boots. Clinging to him with her arms and knees, she managed to stay on his lap as he removed the other. She unfastened his pants, but couldn’t remove them unless she moved and she was comfortable right where she was, pressed against his warm chest, mouths fused in a marathon kiss.

  He caressed her back and sifted her hair through his fingers, groaning as the soft strands caressed his hands. “Each part of you is more exciting than the last.”

  The whispered praise sent heat curling through her body. She was no stranger to compliments or ridicule. Men tended to find her attractive or they thought she was a circus freak. And she’d seen an equal number of each reaction. Still, the reverence in Zilor’s voice stirred something primal, something instinctual inside her being. He honestly meant every word he said. She eased back and watched his face as his gaze grew bolder.

  His fingers traced the spiraling pattern in one of her tattoos from her shoulder to her upper chest. Then he gently cupped her breast. “Perfect.” He bent and drew the tip between his lips, sucking hard enough to send tingles deep into her chest.

  She gasped and tangled her fingers in his thick hair, breathless and achy. He sucked on one of her nipples and then the other. She arched her back and rocked her hips, unable to remain still. “If we can’t actually… How are we going to…” Each firm pull of his lips scattered her thoughts, made it almost impossible to speak.