Reclaiming Mystique (SpaceStalker Saga Book 2)

by Bevan Greer

  As Nesham tried to recuperate, he stared up at the beauty still joined to him and said the first words that came to his mind.

  “Oh, but I do love you, Carinna.”

  He saw her blink and smile, a wide grin that lit up her entire face.

  “I love you too, Nesham,” she said shyly and leaned down to kiss him.

  -18-

  Jace sighed and looked down at the woman lying so contentedly in his arms. How could she have grown up in such a dark place, he wondered? It was a true testament to Naria’s strength that she hadn’t allowed Dark World to taint her.

  She murmured and snuggled closer to him and he felt his heart warm. Ah, but what to do with her, he wondered. He did not have a good feeling about his coming battle in Mystique. He felt confident that he would defeat the Cazeth, but that the victory might very well cost him his life.

  He had been prepared to die for his people for a long time now. But Naria had changed things. He now looked for ways to ease his burden, even going so far as to accept Dark World’s help in securing the planet. He frowned. And he’d both informed and accepted his crew’s decision to help the Psi.

  What next? But already thought swam in his head of a future with Naria, of the two of them swimming together in the violet pools on Mystique, of Jace showing her his kingdom and the wonders contained therein. Never before had an Offworlder been voluntarily brought to Mystique. Yet Jace had every fantasy of doing so. He sighed and shook his head.

  A less selfish man would have ended all ties with Naria. He knew she cared for him. It was apparent in the way she looked at him, in the uninhibited responses of her body under his able hands. His body heated as he thought about Naria’s sensuality. She responded to beautifully to his touch.

  He ran a hand over the curve of her hip, resting his palm under her soft breast. His fingers smoothed over her silken skin, palming the firm globe and molding the nipple under his hand. She squirmed under him and Jace relaxed his touch, wanting her to rest some more.

  He exhaled deeply and prayed that he could keep everyone safe. Lately the only comfort he felt lay buried between Naria’s thighs, replete in her warmth and affection. Worries and burdens fled his weary mind as she gave him safe harbor in her arms.

  Jace closed his eyes and decided to let what come may.

  The next day Lord Demise sat and studied the group of odd Offworlders before him. He grimaced slightly as he noted the glowing aura surrounding Carinna and the large Fenturi. The house echoed his feelings and shuddered slightly.

  The Rovi looked very impressive, as did the other two men. All of the men appeared to be warriors, large, strong and intimidating. The experiences they had survived on Dark World had clearly made them stronger. And yet the Fenturi interested him. By all accounts he should have been stark raving mad. After the things his daughters had done to the man, and the condition he’d last seen him in, he would have expected no less than a quiet death for the noble Fenturi.

  And yet, Demise stared harder at Mikhel and the Demon Lord’s respect for the man increased at Mikhel’s lack of worry at his perusal. Demise saw a faint trace of Naria, and the blonde sitting by her side. Ah, he thought. The two had assisted in the Fenturi’s healing. And unknowingly made him that much stronger.

  Then Demise looked towards Naria. She sat quietly next to Jace, the blond Psi. Unlike Carinna and her new beau, however, a darkness lingered over Naria and her captain.

  Demise studied them thoughtfully. The Psi evidently felt something for his daughter for the man sat stiff, protectively near her. And yet a taint of something clouded the emotion surrounding the two.

  Not wanting to dwell on the pleasant air of doom over the young man, Demise stifled a small smile and spoke to the group.

  “My warriors are prepared to render the appropriate support to capture our prisoners, the Cazeth. Make no mistake, Jace. Our sole mission is not necessarily to assist you, but to bring our people to justice.” Demise smiled and his eyes burned. “The Cazeth have much to answer for.”

  “Yes, they do,” Jace agreed quietly. “But Orsan shall not be returning with the others. He’s mine.”

  Demise cocked a brow in surprise. “You think to defeat Orsan?” He chuckled. “Not very smart, but an admirable sentiment nonetheless.” Demise noted Naria’s concern as she stared at Jace. He felt irritable knowing he should not interfere, but his daughter’s happiness tore at him. Demise sighed. “Very well, human. But know that if you hope to defeat Orsan and live, you will need Naria at your side.”

  “No,” Jace said adamantly, shaking his head.

  “Yes,” Demise answered. “Naria has gifts that no demon on Dark World will ever master. She will be the key to your success, or your failure. Now ready your ship for transport. We will be waiting for your signal before we enter the fray. As you have suggested, your knowledge and reconnaissance of your lands will be more than necessary for this to succeed.” Demise frowned. “We cannot let even one Cazeth escape. Already the fabric of the System tears.”

  “How much time will you need?” Castor asked.

  “Give us a day to be in place. We would travel with you but most of our troops would be unable to function separated from our world by the time you are ready to fight. Know, however, that we will be there in your time of need.”

  Jace and the others nodded. Then Demise stood.

  “I would like a word with you Carinna, and you,” he pointed to Nesham.

  Nesham stood and walked Carinna into another room, looking stiff and prepared for anything. The others would have followed but Naria shook her head.

  In a separate room, Demise looked intensely from Nesham to his daughter. The bond between them would not be broken, he saw. Already the golden light of love flowed strongly from the Fenturi to his little demon.

  “Very well,” Demise said with a sigh. “Your choice has been made, and I give you my blessing.”

  Nesham blinked. “You can do that?” he asked. “Wouldn’t a curse be more appropriate from a Demon Lord?”

  Demise grinned as Carinna nudged Nesham with a small frown. “Not for you two,” Demise said softly. His grin faded as he stared into Nesham’s blazing blue eyes. “But know if you fail to protect my daughter, your life will be less than forfeit,” Demise warned.

  Nesham straightened and glared at the Demon Lord. “I am Fenturi. I can do no less than see to her every need,” Nesham said. He placed his arm around Carinna and hugged her tightly to him.

  “Very well,” Demise said with a nod, feeling more than satisfied. If his daughters wouldn’t live on Dark World, at least they had chosen mates that would do them proud. “Now go and fetch me Naria, and the blonde.”

  Carinna grinned and threw her arms around her father’s neck. Then she scampered away pulling Nesham in her wake.

  Naria and Jace entered warily, staring at her father as they approached. Even so, Jace stood between father and daughter, placing himself in harm’s way should any befall them.

  Demise contained a small grin. “Jace,” he said, and pursed his lips. You know what you are about with my daughter? he sent mentally, avoiding Naria’s wavelengths.

  I do, Jace said, though he sounded torn about it.

  For it seems to me that Naria is unsure. And she is very special, Jace Arel of Zescha.

  The use of his full title surprised the Psi.

  Demise laughed softly. Did you think I would not have found out all I can about the man my daughter chose?

  At that point Naria frowned. “Father, please. What are you saying? And why won’t you let me hear?”

  “It’s alright, Naria,” Jace said soothingly, reaching for her hand and stroking it softly. “Your father and I are just coming to an understanding.”

  Yes we are, Demise said. She is precious and should you make her unhappy you will definitely answer to me. And you must know that part of her will always be rooted here.

  Demise watched as his words had their intended impact on Jace. Yes, Naria might flee from D
ark World but her gifts, her very essence, came not just from her mother but from her father, a Demon Lord, as well. And if Jace wanted a full future with Naria, he would have to accept that fact. Demise waited and wondered. It would take a very strong human indeed to acknowledge a constant presence of darkness in his life.

  Demise watched as Jace looked at Naria, really looked deep into her eyes. Then the blonde leaned down and kissed her tenderly.

  “Very well, then,” Demise said with a nod, pleased that he had not been wrong about the Psi. “Now let us get you ready for this mission.” So saying, he turned to Naria and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  He leaned down and whispered into her ear, “This man is worthy of you, daughter. And know you have not seen the last of me.” Then he blinked and vanished into the air.

  “Quite an exit,” Jace commented as he stared after Demise. He didn’t know why he had made a commitment to Demise when he had yet to make it to Naria, or even himself. And yet, he couldn’t let Naria go. Even with his death an imminent happening, he would not let one minute of his life pass without her in it.

  “What did he say to you, Jace?” Naria asked quietly, her eyes searching his for answers.

  But like a good Psi, Jace shielded himself from her intense probe. “Man talk, sweetheart,” he said and kissed the frown on her face. “Now we have more important things to worry about, don’t we?”

  Hours later as they sailed towards the thirteenth Nearworld planet, Jace considered the near future.

  “I don’t like it, Jace,” Castor grumbled. “You shouldn’t be going in there alone. You heard what Demise said. You’re going to at least need Naria with you, not to mention the rest of us.”

  “Yes, but only when I attack Orsan. I don’t plan on going up against him until you’re all in place. We don’t even know what the city looks like now. I have to get a picture.”

  “I should go with you,” Mikhel said quietly. “I have more speed and better skills to navigate through worlds than you do.”

  “Yes, well I’m stronger than all of you put together,” Koneru grumbled. “If anyone should go it’s me.”

  Jace sighed in exasperation. Thankfully Naria and Carinna had closeted themselves in one of the rooms to talk while he and his men discussed the landing. They had been arguing for some time now, not willing to listen to his orders. How he had lost control of his ship he did not know.

  “No, Mikhel’s right,” Castor said, surprising them all. “If one of us should go with Jace in this mission, it should be him.”

  Mikhel stood proudly, his muscled arms crossed as he stared at Jace, looking much like a contented cat.

  “Have all of you forgotten that I’m the captain here?” Jace asked wryly while they argued Castor’s point. Then, throwing up his hands in frustration, he quickly gathered their attention with a mental blast that felled them to their knees, all but Mikhel, interestingly enough.

  “You see, Jace?” Mikhel said pleasantly. “I’m the one for this mission.” Then he leaned closer and his eyes narrowed. “And you have only yourself and Naria to thank for that,” he said, his blue eyes aglow. Then he strolled out of the control room whistling.

  “Damn, Jace,” Castor grumbled as he stood, grabbing at his head. “Was that really necessary?”

  “Yes,” Jace said, pondering Mikhel’s resistance. “For that’s only a taste of what the Cazeth will do to you once they find us in Mystique. Now I’m going to go through some mental exercises with you on our way to Mystique. And you are going to have to work very hard to make your minds stronger. Trust me,” Jace said. “You’re going to need it.”

  The day passed by surprisingly quickly, spent instructing the men on how to shield their minds, as well as drawing a crude map to be fed into the ship’s database to create a three dimensional picture of what they should expect the kingdom to look like in Mystique.

  Jace worked with his crew until his head felt ready to explode. He thought Koneru might be deliberately resisting his efforts to block his mind, as if to see how much pain the Rovi could endure from Jace.

  “Damn it!” Jace cursed as Koneru finally erected his mental shields. “Koneru,” he paused, for Naria and Carinna entered.

  “Jace?” Naria asked. “What are you doing?”

  Naria could feel the mental energy buzzing through the control room. “Ah, shielding skills.”

  “How’s it working?” Carinna asked in a pert voice. Nesham gave her an annoyed look and she smiled. “That good, eh?”

  “Perhaps you might want me to layer then with a level of protection that the Cazeth won’t be expecting?” Naria offered.

  Tense and frustrated at his crew’s slow progress, Jace snapped at her. “Oh, and you can do so much better than I can?”

  Naria rolled her eyes, not at all hurt by his remark. “Jace, I am half demon. I know how darkness operates.”

  “Stars, Jace,” Castor said with a grunt. “Let her do what she wants. It can’t be worse than what you’ve done.”

  Jace’s eyes glowed as he glared at his men, and Castor flinched at the anger there. “Fine,” Jace said shortly. “Whatever. I’ll be in my cabin.”

  Naria watched him stalk from the room and shook her head. “Has he been like this all day?” she asked.

  Castor groaned and sat down. “All day,” he said wearily. “I swear, our even-tempered, humorous captain of yesteryear has vanished. And in his place is a man on par with your father.”

  “Maybe not that bad,” Koneru said with a grimace.

  “It’s just his fear showing itself,” Naria said gently. She gathered her will and spread it out to the men around her. “Now I’m going to plant a small seed of darkness in your minds. It won’t hurt you and it won’t make you evil. It’s there to soothe the hunger the Cazeth will feel once they sense you. The Cazeth are drawn to light, needing to destroy it almost as they need to feed. This darkness will help you avoid them, if but for a short time.”

  Completing the easy spell, Naria left them and wandered to find Jace. Back in his cabin, he paced the room, moving to the windows to stare into space every so often.

  “Jace, relax,” Naria said soothingly. “We’ve got time before we land there. At least, I think we do,” she half-joked. “You haven’t told us where Mystique actually is.”

  Jace ignored her, frowning out at space.

  “Jace.” Naria walked up behind him and placed her hands around his waist, hugging him closer to her. “Everything will be okay,” she said quietly. “Just believe.”

  “You haven’t seen what they can do,” he said in a quiet voice. “You don’t know how they eat away at your thoughts until you long for death, anything to escape the madness they perpetrate.” He turned to look at her then. “Naria, what if nothing is left of my people? What if I’ve waited too long to act?” he said.

  And Naria knew that his fears had substance. “The Cazeth are powerful and dark, Jace. But the Psi, they are legendary. If you could escape them at such a young age, mentally untried, surely others may have as well,” she said to reassure him. “And I can help you, Jace,” she said earnestly. “You just need to let me in.”

  Naria stared at Jace, her love for him shining in her eyes. If only he would believe, take that first step towards her, she thought. She knew everything would work out, but only if they merged, fully.

  Jace seemed so unsure and doubtful, so unlike himself that Naria felt a surge of compassion for the large man. His dark eyes seemed filled with remorse and his mind splintered with images of “what if.”

  “Jace, look at me,” Naria said quietly. His focus shifted back to her but before he could speak Naria took charge.

  She fitted her mouth to his and trailed her lips over him, tasting all of him. His lips softened under hers, the texture of them exciting and arousing her to boldness. She deepened the kiss, slanting her mouth over his, conscious of his grip tightening around her waist.

  Naria felt his body harden perceptibly against her, pressing in
to her as she stimulated his need. She stroked his lips with her tongue, teasing him with promises of entry as she licked his masculine taste from his lips. He pressed closer and Naria thrust her tongue into his mouth, demanding equal passion.

  But more than that, Naria sent her mind questing after his. Longing to love him so splendidly that he forgot everything but her, Naria sent him visions of their intimacy, the feelings of longing inside of her bursting forth into his mind.

  She felt him gasp as her loving energies poured into him. Then she forcibly moved them both to the bed. She pushed him away from her and watched him land on his back in the middle of the large bed they shared. She quickly straddled his hips, staring down at his golden hair and shimmering eyes.

  She could feel him hard and aroused beneath her as he shifted his body. But Naria would not give him quarter. She pulled his shirt from his body and bent her head to capture his nipple, biting it playfully as he groaned and writhed underneath her. She splayed her hands over his warm muscles, feeling invigorated as his need matched hers.

  Joined mentally now, she felt every lick and touch that she soothed over his body, arousing her to a fevered pitch as she echoed her feelings back to him.

  “Naria,” he groaned. “Let me inside you.”

  She ignored him and continued to lick her way down his body, biting at erotically charged zones that he mentally telegraphed to her. Naria stared up at his flushed face as he watched her undo his trousers, peeling them back slowly to watch his jutting member fall out, needing her hands around him. She touched him as he fantasized and his head fell back, his eyes closed in rapture.

  Naria continued to undress him until Jace was completely naked under her. Then she removed her own clothes, needing to feel him against her aroused flesh.

  She settled again over his body, straddling him but not letting him enter her. Her wet heat made her slick as she rocked over him and made Jace mad with desire.