"Yes, I did. I told you I was tired of it."
"I meant the real reason."
Her eyes narrowed, wariness flashing through them. They were her most expressive feature. She'd probably be appalled if she knew how clearly they appeared to reflect the inner woman. Not that he planned to tell her.
"There's not a specific reason I changed my hair," she said. "Although you seem to think there is. Just like I'm not an Enhancer, but you insist on believing that I am."
The ever-present doubt nagged at Jarek, chipping away at his tentative confidence in his plan. Could his instincts have failed him? No, he told himself. He'd always trusted his gut feelings, and they'd always seen him through. He had to believe his strong intuitive abilities came from a higher power, and that he would receive the guidance he needed to save his people. He must believe that. He only hoped he found a solution before the Controllers captured him.
"Perhaps changing your hair had something to do with you being an Enhancer," he speculated. Maybe he wasn't the only one who suspected Eirene's true identity. Maybe someone else was pursuing her.
"You're wrong," she insisted. "On both counts." She shoved the tray toward him. "I'm tired. I want to rest now."
He'd pushed enough for now. He put the lanrax down and took the tray. "That's a good idea. I'll check on you later. If you're feeling better, maybe you'd like to eat the next meal in the galley."
She didn't acknowledge him, turning away and shutting him out, as she did every time he pressed her. He took the tray to the galley, Ranie scampering right behind him, and cleaned up there. Then he spent the rest of the morning in the cockpit, answering messages and dealing with the many responsibilities his father's death had thrust upon him. Ranie curled in his lap and remained there as he worked. He found her presence comforting in an odd way. At least he wasn't so totally alone with her around.
At midcycle, he returned to the galley and prepared some soup. Ranie scrambled back to her perch on his shoulder, watching with interest, her upturned nose twitching at the scent of cooking food. After he finished, Jarek gave her a piece of bread and returned her to the lav in his cabin, ignoring her loud protests.
He went to check on Eirene and found her awake, sitting in the chair. She looked more rested, and some color had returned to her face. "You feel up to walking to the galley for midmeal?" he asked.
"Yes. I'd like to get out of this chamber." She pushed herself out of the chair. She swayed a little, but held up her hand when he moved toward her. "No. I want to get around on my own."
"All right," he agreed, but stayed close in case she needed assistance.
She looked around as they stepped into the corridor and touched the wall. "Is this a ship?"
"Yes. It's my craft. Starclass, fast enough to take us to Aldon, then on to the twelfth sector."
She stumbled, and he grasped her arm to steady her. Anxiety radiated from her, and she was trembling. The realization she was on a ship must have brought home the reality of his intentions. He pulled her around, bringing her flush against him. He could feel her heart pounding. "I told you exactly what my plans were," he said quietly.
"Let me go. Please," she pleaded, panic edging her voice.
"You have nothing to fear from me." He ran his hands soothingly along her back.
She didn't pull away, and he held her close a few moments, waiting for her to calm. She was so small, a petite package containing a megaton of power. As they stood there, he became aware of more than her breathing and her heartbeat. He felt her soft curves pressed against him, felt the smooth resilience of her skin beneath the robe's bell sleeves. Blazing hells. She was still weak, clearly shaken by the reminder he was forcing her to go with him, willing or not. And all he could think about was her allure.
Her innocence was so obvious now, he couldn't understand how he hadn't recognized it at the Pleasure Dome. She had no knowledge of feminine wiles or flirtations, but then she didn't need to resort to artifice. Her simplicity and her fresh, unadorned beauty were seduction enough.
He slid his hands up to cup her face, seeking to reassure her, as he willed his libido to cool. "I've told you I won't hurt you. My word is good."
Despair filled her eyes. "You're forcing me to go with you."
"You're safe with me," he reiterated.
Desperation remained etched on her face. Gently, he skimmed his thumb over her lower lip. Just that one touch triggered a host of erotic images. He remembered vividly how she had tasted when he kissed her at the Pleasure Dome; how she had felt, naked beneath his hands. His body responded in a heated rush. A pull stronger than gravity and as old as creation brought his mouth to hers.
He shouldn't be doing this, shouldn't be giving in to the clamoring of his body…Spirit, she was sweet. All softness and warmth and inexperience as she allowed his mouth to settle over hers. He teased her lips with his tongue, grasping for control, determined not to ravage her mouth like he wanted to do.
Suddenly, she pushed against him, breaking the contact. He released her, and she staggered back. Her face was flushed; her chest rose and fell rapidly. Great. He'd really messed this up.
"I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened," he said. Would he be forever apologizing to this woman, he wondered, forever plagued by contrition for his actions toward her?
She braced herself against the wall. "Is this part of the deal, too? Not only am I being kidnapped and forced to travel with you, but I must submit to your sexual urges as well?"
"No! No … I—" Jarek raked his hands through his hair. Damn. "I know you won't believe me, but I don't make a habit of doing this, of—" Of what? Letting lust cloud his judgment? Shatter his normal magnasteel control? Eirene affected him in ways no other woman ever had. He needed to regain control, and fast.
He looked into her eyes and saw both accusation and alarm there. Damn, now she was even more afraid of him. He didn't want her fear, only her cooperation. "This won't happen again. I give you my word."
"What good is the word of a man who would kidnap a woman and keep her a prisoner?" she shot back.
"I've explained my reasons for taking you with me. I believe you're a compassionate person. Surely you can understand that I have no other options. And I think you know, deep down, that I mean you no harm. My behavior was out of line, and it won't happen again. Trust me, Eirene. Please."
She turned and headed for her cabin. Wanting to kick himself, Jarek let her go. He couldn't continue to mishandle her and expect her to come around and cooperate with his plans. Not only that, but time was running out.
Eirene appeared well enough now. He'd only been waiting until he was sure Darya wouldn't be needed further. They would depart Elysia first thing tomorrow.
* * *
Eirene hurried through the marketplace, toward the transport station. The temperature on Elysia dropped considerably at night, and the air was chilly. She clutched her robe closer as she moved along the path, weaving between various beings. The marketplace never closed, as transports departed and arrived at all hours. It was amazingly crowded at this time of night, but she paid little attention. She had one thing on her mind—escape.
Fortune had been with her when she entered Jarek's cabin as he slept. The sleep state had lowered his mental defenses enough for her to merge with him and deepen his sleep even more. She'd been very careful, praying she wouldn't hurt him. Then she'd used her powers to disarm the hatch alarm and leave the ship. That had been a near disaster. She'd overloaded the circuits and almost caused a fire. Just another reminder of her incompetence.
Relieved to be free, she'd hurried to her rented quarters and retrieved her satchel, which contained the jeweled daggers that would provide her a means of surviving. By the time Jarek woke up, she'd be long gone. It didn't matter where; there were numerous settlements where she could learn healing techniques. He might search for her, but eventually, he'd give up the hunt. Perhaps she could even return to Elysia one day and work with Darya.
She slowed as the
transport station came into sight, thinking about the Shielder people and their horrendous plight. Her heart went out to them, and her hatred for the Controllers elevated another notch. But she couldn't help the Shielders. She had no real control over her powers, couldn't channel them with any sort of consistency. She caused more harm than good when she tried. Pain speared through her as she thought of Rayna.
There was more to worry about: the added threat of being discovered as Enhancer, and sold into slavery. The Controllers would expect her to use her powers on their behalf. They could torture her all they wanted, but she wouldn't be able to produce for them, either.
Jarek himself was threatening enough. He had turned her universe upside down on every possible level. Eirene wanted to curse him, but knew the blame rested with her. By healing him, she had foolishly broadcast her Enhancer abilities. She hadn't been careful enough leaving Saron, and he'd been able to follow her to Elysia.
On top of everything else, she was attracted to Jarek. When he'd kissed her earlier this cycle, her body had come alive with physical cravings she'd never experienced before. The encounter brought home the seriousness of the threat he presented.
At least it served to strengthen her resolve to escape, and she had succeeded in that endeavor. Freedom was within her grasp.
She skirted the edge of the transport station, her destination the automated ticket terminals on the right. She would check the departure boards and choose a destination before she got in line to purchase a ticket. She glanced at the lines to gage how long it would take, and a tall male caught her eye.
A Leor. He was massively built and bare-chested. His bald head gleamed beneath the huge halogen lights illuminating the area. He moved through the lines, studying every individual as if he were looking for someone. A fission of alarm shot through Eirene, and she quickly took cover behind the nearest departure board.
Leors were common enough on most planets, and this one simply might have gotten separated from a traveling companion. Yet her instincts were on full alert, warning her to be cautious. She'd stay out of sight until he left. She peeked around the board and watched the Leor as he moved methodically through the crowds, intently scanning every face. Then another male approached him, and her heart almost stopped beating.
Vaden. What was her uncle doing on Elysia? Shock and fear clouded her thinking momentarily, and she forced air into her constricted lungs. Foolish question. She knew why Vaden was here, the same reason Jarek had been able to trace her to Elysia. Because of her carelessness. On Saron, she hadn't tried to change her appearance in any way. She'd been too shaken from her experience at the Pleasure Dome to even think about a disguise.
Anyone could have followed her to Saron's transport station. The automated ticket terminals hologrammed everyone who purchased a ticket. Her uncle had probably tracked the ship she'd stowed away on to Saron, picking up her trail there. He'd probably paid off an official to check the holograms from the ticket terminals, and discovered she had purchased passage to Elysia. Careless. She'd been so careless!
There was no way she could get off Elysia now. Vaden had probably checked every departure since she'd arrived, and he'd continue watching the transport station. No telling how long he'd persist. Falling into his hands was unthinkable.
She'd seen how cruelly her uncle punished those who defied him, and she had no doubt he would be even harsher with her, a mere woman. When he discovered she was no longer a virgin, he might well kill her. Or worse. He might barter her in a trade with a race who didn't care whether a woman had her virginity. A race even more barbaric than the Leors.
Eirene sank back against the board and willed her panic to calm. She could go to her rented quarters and lay low, but she still had Jarek to contend with. He appeared able to pick up her psychic trail, and he would try to track her down. She knew he wouldn't give up looking for her.
Maybe she should go back to him. She had escaped him once; she could do it again. She could return to his ship, and he'd be none the wiser. Her uncle wouldn't know where she was, would have no reason to follow Jarek's ship. When they reached the next destination, she'd escape from Jarek again and disappear into the cosmos. There were too many planets for him to search them all.
Calmer now that she had a viable plan, she turned to slip back into the crowd and return to the ship.
And came face to face with Jarek.
Chapter Six
"Going somewhere?"
His voice was calm, reverberating with the unyielding resolve that Eirene was coming to despise. At the same time, she felt an inexplicable sense of relief. She should be devastated that Jarek had caught up with her and yet, she had the insane urge to throw herself against him and let him protect her from the world. The stress of the past days must have affected her more than she realized.
He had managed to wake and find her in record time. Obviously, her attempt to deepen his sleep state hadn't worked. He appeared able to track her with ease. She couldn't even shield her energy patterns. Now he stood waiting, obstinate and determined, his narrow-eyed gaze pinning her to the spot.
"Well?" he prompted.
"No," she muttered. "I'm not going anywhere. I just came out for some fresh air." She patted her satchel. "And to retrieve my personal belongings." She glanced furtively toward the ticket terminals, and then turned to head toward the landing bays.
His hand shot out, closing around her upper arm and jolting her to a stop. "You seem very interested in those terminals."
He intended to have it out here. Eirene glanced again toward the transport station. Her uncle and the Leor had split up and were working the lines from both sides. Any millisecond, they might see her. Her heart pounded against her rib cage. Renewed panic swept through her.
She tugged against Jarek's hold. "I'm ready to go back to the ship."
"Somehow I find that hard to believe." His eyes speculative, he looked back at the throngs of people in line. "Someone there you're trying to avoid?"
Adrenaline thrummed through her. She didn't think he would hand her over without a fight, but she didn't believe he could take on both Vaden and a Leor. Besides, she had no intention of telling him she was being pursued. "I’m tired," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Let's go back to the ship."
He studied her, far too discerning. A new fear coursed through her—not of capture, but that this man knew her every thought. Surely that wasn't possible.
"Very interesting," he mused. "You say you're tired, and by all rights, you should still be weak from the flu. Yet here you are, almost three kilometers from the ship. You look like you're holding up pretty well."
She wasn't about to admit she'd tapped into her power to give herself the energy boost she needed to get to the transport station. Fortunately, she hadn't caused herself any injury in the process. From the corner of her eye, she saw the Leor reach a line only ten meters away. "Jarek, please. I'm ready to go back to the ship."
He glanced around once more, then turned her and started toward the landing bays, keeping a firm grip on her arm. "Lucky for me, you're more frightened of something—or someone—than you are of me. Otherwise, I'd be chasing you across the quadrant. And make no mistake. I would follow you, and I would find you."
She was beginning to believe that.
Jarek moved at a good pace, slipping through the crowds and tugging her along behind him. As they reached the outskirts of the marketplace and the crowd thinned, he dropped back beside her. "I noticed some interesting things," he said casually.
Eirene cast a glance over her shoulder. Not seeing Vaden or the Leor behind them, she was finally able to relax a little. She felt fairly safe now. At least from that particular threat. Jarek was another matter, and she didn't want to know his conclusions. She tried to walk ahead of him, but he pulled her back.
"Very interesting," he continued. "Like how I had trouble waking up, although I'm usually a very light sleeper. But Ranie kept making noise and pawing at me, and I eventually came to."
The lanrax roused him? Amazed, she slowed. "Why would Ranie wake you?"
He shrugged. "Maybe she knew something was wrong. Maybe she sensed unfamiliar energies."
So now both Jarek and the lanrax could detect Eirene's use of her powers. Not good. "I wonder what got her stirred up," she murmured, walking faster.
Jarek's grip on her arm forced her to match his pace. "That's not all. Somehow, one of the hatch alarms became disabled. It wasn't turned off at the control panel, which, by the way, requires a security code. No, the strange thing is, the alarm was short circuited, as if an energy surge overloaded it." He stopped and looked at her again. "I guess you didn't notice anything unusual when you left the ship."
She'd botched this big time. She hadn't meant to short circuit the panel, merely to turn off the alarm. The wisps of smoke drifting from the panel had only confirmed her lack of control over her powers. Yet she had no choice but to attempt to use them, at least until she gained her freedom.
"I didn't see anything odd," she said, praying for forgiveness for all the lies she'd uttered since meeting Jarek.
"Eirene." His voice dropped into a deep, gentle tone that sent dread skittering through her. "You and I both know the truth. One day, you'll trust me enough to be honest with me."
He couldn't know for sure, she reminded herself. He was only speculating, only hoping. She pulled away. "I wish you would listen to me. I can't help you. I'm sorry, but I can't."
He took her arm again. "Well, I guess we're just going to be miserable together then."
The warmth of his hand against her chilled skin sent odd sensations through her body. Miserable was an apt description, she decided. Especially if she didn't find a way to ignore the electricity sparking between them.
Resigned to enduring Jarek's company a while longer, she walked silently beside him. The after-effects of shock set in, leaving a bone-deep fatigue, but she didn't dare draw in energy to revive herself. Heaviness weighed down her legs, and the distance to the ship seemed longer than she remembered. Finally the landing bay came into view.
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