by Bianca D'Arc
“I must prepare to speak to my men.” Cormac stood from the table, cleaning as he went.
“I wish to speak to you before you do,” Hara said, also rising. “It is about time we put our plans into motion. Percival and I are ready to go physically, and if the digging has proceeded far enough, I believe we should try to make our move sooner rather than later.”
Roshin was intrigued by their words as the two men left the room, but she was not invited to join their conversation, so she could not go with them. Instead, she finished her drink and began to clean the galley.
Percival came to her as she was standing by the sink and put one comforting hand on her shoulder.
“Things will move very quickly once we are free from this icy prison, little Rose. Maybe you should go warn Harry. I think he’s probably calmer by now and perhaps you can talk out some of the issues between you.”
“But I don’t understand why he rejects the bond. We are supposed to be mates.” She knew the anguish she was feeling showed in her words, but she couldn’t seem to help it.
“In the Alvian way. But he is half human. The only emotion—the only love—he’s ever known has been from humans. Humans do not have the advantage of knowing their perfect mate by prearranged tests. In times past, humans had to stumble around and try many different people before they found one they could love and live with for the rest of their lives. Many tried and failed. Not all marriages were happy. But Harry has probably always expected to find his match from among humans. He didn’t expect you, little Rose. And he sure didn’t expect Cormac. I think our Harry’s probably feeling a little overwhelmed.”
“Overwhelmed?” She didn’t understand. What did he have to be overwhelmed by? She was the one who was experiencing emotion for the first time in her life. If anyone was going to be overwhelmed, it was her. Her and Cormac.
And not Harry? The thoughts circled in her mind, confusing her.
“Even those of us who have had emotion all our lives can still be overwhelmed by them at times. More often than you would think, in fact.” Percival’s smile was kind and Roshin responded to it, a warm feeling entering her heart.
“I did not realize that was the case,” she said in a small voice.
“It’s all right. I know this is all new to you. But try to understand that a lot about this situation is new to Harry too. Try to give him some of the compassion he has shown you. It’s what mates do. They care for each other and help each other. They love each other.”
Roshin heard the ring of truth in his words, but she wasn’t sure she was equipped to be what Harry might need at this troubling time. Still, she knew she had to try.
“I’ll do my best,” she promised Percival as she finished cleaning and turned to find Harry.
“Do that, little Rose. Harry needs your understanding. Prove to him that an Alvian mating can be all he ever dreamt of and more.”
Percival’s words followed her as she walked out of the galley and down the hall in search of Harry.
Chapter Nine
Cormac had been keeping in touch daily with his men on the outside through the portal. He still couldn’t cross, but he could see Liam 24, his second in command, and the lead climber, Fergal 51. Liam 24’s voice was muffled through the barrier of the energy shield, but he was ferrying communications back and forth from Cormac to the Council.
Liam 24 had to climb out of the crevasse and travel some distance from the site in order to communicate with the Council, then reverse the process to talk to Cormac. It made it difficult to get anything done, but it was also helpful in stalling. Cormac, at Hara’s command, had to keep the Council and Cormac’s own men in the dark about Hara’s existence. Instead, at Hara’s urging, Cormac reported some archaeological finds, giving reports of databanks and archives he was able to access containing ancient information.
That, Hara believed, ought to be enough to stall the Council while Fergal 51’s team continued to excavate around the pod. Hara wanted the pod freed. He didn’t say exactly why, but Cormac wasn’t stupid. This pod was fully operational from everything he’d seen. It would fly. Once it was free of the ice, Hara and Percival could take off and go wherever they wished.
Cormac assumed they wanted to surprise the Council by dropping in on them unannounced. And wouldn’t that be an interesting development?
Cormac didn’t have any particular love for the current Council. He’d never much thought about them one way or the other, but now that he had emotion, he felt somewhat negative about their shortsightedness on a number of issues Cormac had brought before them in the past.
All in all, Cormac wouldn’t mind a few of the higher-handed Councilors being taken down a peg or two, and Hara was just the man to do it. Hara’s existence was a momentous thing. If he revealed himself, he would change the course of Alvian history. He had already done so in the past, and having him live again—as it were—was the stuff of fantasy.
Hara had led his people through a crisis before. The golden age of Alvia Prime had been forever ended by their troubled sun. Hara had found the answer in the stars and had laid the path for the Alvian race’s continued existence. He had saved them from certain extinction and would be forever revered for his work and his sacrifice.
That he had persevered and been in stasis for so very long was an amazing feat. Modern Alvians would be surprised that anyone could survive such a thing. Few probably could. But if anyone could do it, the ancient Hara was the man.
If he returned…
Cormac, for one, would want to see him lead their people again. He didn’t doubt there were many, many others who would feel the same.
The idea had taken root in Cormac’s mind and would not be dislodged. He began to plan, in the silence of his own mind, how to bring it about.
But he said nothing of his plot to anyone. Especially not the men on the outside of the ship who were working to free the pod.
Cormac traveled down the hall to the portal and made his daily report. Liam 24 and he had pre-arranged a daily meeting time and sure enough, both Liam 24 and Fergal 51 were waiting on the other side of the portal when Cormac arrived. Fergal’s presence indicated the climber had something to report about the progress of his team’s dig-out. Good. The sooner they could get the pod free, the better.
“Cormac 7,” Liam 24 greeted his superior officer first. After so many days of hearing his name without the number classification, Cormac found it odd to be addressed so formally, though he’d never objected before.
He had to fight to keep his face from betraying any hint of the new emotions he was feeling. The others would not understand. It might even cause serious problems.
“Liam 24. Fergal 51,” Cormac acknowledged both men with nods. “Progress on the dig team?” Cormac asked Fergal to report first so the more junior man could leave and go about his duties, as protocol demanded.
“Later today we will have the entire top of the pod clear. Here is an image drawn from above. As you know, none of our electronic devices work, so we had to resort to this method of providing visual aid.” Fergal held up a very exact drawing of the pod from above with notations of the dimensions.
Cormac had to transcribe the information to a small datapad Hara had given him a few days before. It worked inside the ship but probably would not function outside due to the interference field the pod was currently emitting. Hara had admitted the jamming had been done on purpose both to hide the pod and let those with advanced enough technology know there was something beneath the ice.
The plan had worked exactly as the ancient had foreseen. The more emotion Cormac felt, the more he wondered at those with psychic gifts. What must it be like for Hara to foresee his own future? Or even Harry? What would it be like to speak with someone mind-to-mind? Such thoughts brought out a sense of curiosity and wonder that Cormac had never experienced before.
Cormac took a few moments to note the dimensions of Fergal’s drawing, thinking how much easier things would be if he could just reach across th
e barrier and take the drawing. But that would give the game Hara was playing away. And apparently only Harry had the right DNA to penetrate the tuned force field.
“This is good, Fergal 51. Very good indeed.” Cormac made the final notation and looked back at the two men on the other side of the barrier. “I have located the drives and will work on them further today. Though I am no expert on such systems, I believe it may be possible to activate the engines and perhaps bring the pod out of the crevasse under its own power.”
Cormac debated with himself about how much to say. He and Hara had spoken about this at length. Hara was all for just blasting out of the ice and damn the consequences. Cormac argued for the lives and safety of his men. Eventually, Hara had come around. They had arrived at the idea that Cormac could warn his men to stand clear with a convincing story and Hara could still have his surprise for the Council.
It was up to Cormac to say the right things to keep his people safe. Both men were looking at him with furrowed brows—the most emotion any modern Alvian could display. They were confused by his words and plan of action.
Better confused than dead, Cormac thought privately.
“Is that wise?” Liam 24 asked after a moment. He dared greatly to question a superior in such a way, but Cormac and he had worked together for a long time and such liberties were allowed.
“I believe it is the safer course of action than continuing to risk the climb team in endless digging. It is worth a try at least.” Cormac allowed that much explanation before he started issuing orders. “I want the dig team to complete their work today and then withdraw to the base camp a safe distance away. Take all materials and tools and do not allow anyone back into the work area after sundown today. I will make attempts with the engines tomorrow. If unsuccessful, Liam 24, I wish you to be here again at this time in two days to discuss further plans.”
If all went as planned, he and the pod would be long gone by the day after tomorrow. In fact, they planned to go tonight. Cormac knew his people would be packed up and gone by sundown if he ordered them to do so. It was too treacherous to operate on the ice at night without benefit of their more advanced equipment. The order had been given and now all it would take is time for Hara to put his plan in motion.
Roshin found Harry in the gym. From the looks of things, he’d taken out his bad mood on the practice equipment and had worked up a sweat. He’d stripped off his shirt and the rippling muscles of his chest and abdomen called to her. She wanted to run her fingers over his slick, hot skin and lose herself in his embrace. Even the scent of his sweat turned her on after the things she had learned about her body and her responses in bed with him and Cormac.
She wanted to feel that pleasure, joy and happiness again.
But more than anything, she wanted Harry to be happy too. Not just physically. Emotionally as well. But how?
She tried to remember how her human Zxerah Brethren had coaxed each other out of bad moods when she’d lived among them as a youngster. They had always been kind to her, but she hadn’t understood them. Not really. She thought she had a better grip on what they were trying to show her now. They had been trying to show her love.
When this was all over, there were a few human Zxerah Roshin wanted to visit. She wanted to give them big hugs for looking after her when she was little and trying so hard to show her the way to enlightenment—the way to love. She understood it so much better now.
But first, Harry. She had to show him all that she had learned and finally understood from her memories of those humans. She had to try to be what Harry needed…even if she could never be what he thought he wanted.
“Go away, Ro.” Harry faced away from her, still pounding slowly on the heavy bag in front of him. The sensor readouts indicated his fists were only making glancing blows now, but had registered much higher aggression earlier in the session. She wasn’t surprised.
“I can’t leave you like this. I…” She hesitated to speak the words that wanted to burst from her heart. She wasn’t sure how he would receive a declaration of love with the way he was feeling at the moment.
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“I know I’m not an empath like you, but I also know you’re hurting emotionally, Harry, and I’d like to help.” She dared to walk closer even though his body language was still very closed off from her. “Can you tell me what I’m feeling?” she whispered, touching his shoulder, cupping her hand around his warm, glistening skin.
He shivered at her touch and she took it as a positive sign.
“Lust,” he answered quickly, as if against his will. But as she continued to caress his bare skin, he seemed to gentle under her fingertips. “Compassion,” he admitted almost grudgingly. “Anxiety.” Now his voice grew concerned, and she tried to focus on the more positive emotions she was feeling, hoping he would pick them up. He turned to face her, standing so close. His eyes searched her face as his expression darkened and became questioning.
“Do you feel it?” she whispered.
He swallowed visibly and his gaze sought hers. “Love?” he whispered back. “You love me?”
She smiled up at him. “How could I not? You are everything I’ve never dared to dream of in a man. In a mate.” She didn’t want to bring up Resonance Mating since he seemed so against the idea, but he had to know she wanted him in her life on a permanent basis. To her, that meant as a mate. “I know I’m Alvian, but I was raised—at least in part—by humans.”
She saw his eyes widen in surprise. “You were?”
“There are many humans in the Brotherhood. I was raised among them and fostered by two in particular that tried to teach me their ways. I didn’t understand them before, but now…” She trailed off as memories of her childhood ran through her mind. “They were such good parents. They tried so hard to show me love, and I couldn’t quite grasp it. I do now. And when this is all over, I want to take you to meet them. I think they will love you as I do.”
“You want me to meet your parents?” He seemed amused by the idea.
“My human parents. There are others as well, that I wish you to meet. Ronin Prime has always been a father figure to me. And one of the winged Brethren used to take me flying when I was very little. I want to share them with you and you with them. I want them to see our love and be happy for us, if they can.”
“That’s a tall order, Ro.” He leaned back against the heavy bag, folding his arms and watching her with what she thought might be a playful expression. Things were looking up.
“You’re a tall man,” she quipped. “I think you can handle it. Plus, I love you and I think you might feel the same. Of course, not being an empath, I can’t be sure, so you’ll have to tell me one of these days. I’m not rushing you, but I do at least want you to give us a chance. What do you say to that?” She smiled up at him, hoping he would respond in a positive way.
For reply, he opened his arms and reached out to her, folded her against his chest. He hugged her and lowered his head to nuzzle her, making her feel the most amazing joy in her heart. This was more than positive. This was fantastic!
“I think I…feel something for you too, Ro,” he whispered. “But I’m conflicted.”
She didn’t like hearing that but. Still, she knew he was having a hard time dealing with this situation, and she was at least succeeding in getting him to talk about it. That was good as far as she was concerned.
“You wanted a human mate,” she said, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. “I understand. But back in the days when our people believed in a deity, there was the notion that sometimes the benevolent power of the universe knows what we need better than we do ourselves. Perhaps this is one of those times. My human parents used to say God works in mysterious ways.” She rested her cheek against his shoulder, loving the feel of him holding her and being in his strong embrace. “And though I still look Alvian on the outside, I was raised differently than others of our race. I’ve always respected humans. I always liked them and lear
ned from them when I was little. I didn’t always understand them, but that’s changing. I’ve changed. I’m no longer the cold, emotionless Alvian I once was. I think I can give you what you want in a mate, Harry, if you’ll give me the chance.”
“Oh, Ro…” His voice broke as he reached downward, finding her lips with his.
The kiss was emotional and tempestuous. It spoke of things he couldn’t say aloud. It spoke of love. And regret. And broken dreams. And new dreams.
It gave her hope. So much hope.
He took her down to the mats and she didn’t protest. Far from it. She wanted what he wanted in those moments of silent communication. His touch. His passion. The emotions that didn’t needs words to be expressed. Desire…and love. He hadn’t said it, but she thought she felt it in both his ardor and conversely in his gentleness. She didn’t think it was possible a man who didn’t care for her in some way could make her feel so special.
Maybe she was fooling herself, but then again, maybe not. Uncertainty was a constant now in her life, and rather than dwell in that confused state, she decided to live in the moment. In the passion. In Harry’s arms.
She helped him open her clothing until her legs were bare and he had clear access to all her most tender places. They didn’t bother pulling her top out from under her. It was open down the front, as was her bra. Her panties and pants had been kicked away so she could spread her legs around his hips, welcoming him.
She tugged at his waistband, helping him lower his pants and briefs so that his hard cock was exposed. He was ready for her and she did not object when he moved quickly, without much preamble. The time for delicacy would come later. Right at this moment, there was too much emotion between them to go slow. She sensed his need in his slightly trembling hands, in the harsh motions of his body. She didn’t need to wait. She wanted him as much, if not more, than he seemed to want her.