Broken Ties [The Darkest Star Saga 6]

by Zenina Masters

He finally let her go, and there was a distinct smirk on those clearly chiselled lips. “We have come up with a title for you, Alien Liaison. It sounds official and will keep you at my side all evening.”

  A chime sounded, and he offered her his arm.

  She took it and tried to ignore the heated images of enthusiastic sex starring her that bombarded her every time they touched.

  She settled in the receiving line with the marker between two fingers of her left hand and prepared to greet the young ladies as they entered the governor’s ball.

  * * * *

  Out of three hundred young ladies, only eighty were still virgins and met the age criteria. She dutifully tagged them all and let the warriors of the Asku sort it out.

  Finally, the last guest was inside, and she could relax her hand. She groaned as one of the Asku warriors who was not seeking a mate came to take the small object from her. “Thank you, Miss.”

  She massaged one hand with the other and sighed in relief that her duty was over.

  Dreynar finished his conversation with one of the senators and smiled at her. “Shall we?” She blinked. “I am done.”

  “You haven’t had dinner yet, and I will not send you out without seeing that you are properly satisfied.”

  She stumbled at the image that sprang into her mind of her thighs wide and his head between them. “That is not the kind of meal I had in mind.”

  “Pity.” He chuckled softly and led her to the head table. He seated her next to his chair and took the open position. Servers came by with wine and water, and the meal began.

  She blinked and realised, “Oh stars, they were waiting for us.”

  “Of course. I am the guest of honour.” He seemed to take it all in stride, placing his napkin across his thighs with a graceful sweep.

  He settled in and started to eat. She studiously ignored curious glances and did the same. The room eventually fell into the patterns of low conversation and cutlery on plates.

  When the final course had been served, the band began to play. The governor extended his hand to his wife, and they took to the dance floor.

  Dreynar looked to Ibbi. “Do you dance?” She snickered. “Only under duress.”

  “Consider yourself forced. We need to set a good example for the ladies of Adeel.” He got to his feet and extended his hand.

  There was no graceful way to ignore him while he was standing next to her. She sighed and placed her hand in his, rising to her feet and joining him on the dance floor.

  He wrapped one arm around her waist and held her hand loosely in his grip as he started to move to the time of the music.

  She fought him the first few steps, but as she caught the rhythm, she let him lead her around the dance floor. The ten courting Asku soon joined the crowd as the ball got into full swing, their partners dazed and blushing but holding their heads high.

  Those young women were enjoying their evening far more than Ibbi was. She felt distinctly uncomfortable for feeling so comfortable in Dreynar’s arms.

  He leaned down and spoke to her. “So, what happens when the Trevis come for you?” She whispered, “I won’t be here, so they will find an empty apartment.”

  “What if you were here?” He swept her into an arc, spun her out and then tugged her back to his body with a light thud.

  “Then, I would be in serious danger of being forced into a marriage considered obscene by the majority of the sector.” She tried to keep her voice low, but her rage rippled through it.

  “I would like to discuss this in a quieter setting.” He moved them to the edge of the dance floor and whisked her out through open doors and into the garden on the grounds.

  He tucked her hand around his arm and forcibly escorted her deeper into the garden.

  When they were a safe distance from the surrounding couples who were seeking out privacy, he turned to her. “Explain this obscenity.” She looked up at him. “They want me to marry my first cousin and breed my talent back into the line immediately. I find this repellent, and my cousin Karlo prefers men. It would be hell for us both, so I went shopping for my trousseau and made a run for it. I changed my name, shifted from planet to planet and did not use my talent as a seer until today. Today, I felt my mother touch my mind with hers the moment I placed my hand in yours. I used my talent, and she found me. They are most likely on their way to this location right now.”

  He frowned. “How close are they?”

  “Nine systems. A week on the outside. They will bring the entire force of the warship down on the city if I don’t comply, but I just can’t!” Tears welled in her eyes, and she turned away from him.

  He gripped her shoulders and pulled her against him. “May I offer an alternative?” There was no subterfuge in his gaze or his entire being. Every inch of Dreynar was completely sincere.

  “What could you offer?”

  “Me. Become my wife, and the Asku will guard you from your people. I promise.”

  She blinked and backed away. “What?”

  “You heard me. Marry me. Once you become a lady of the Asku, your Trevis ties will be broken. They will have no cause to claim you.”

  She snorted. “The Trevis are not so easy.”

  “I don’t care. The Asku are not to be trifled with. Of course, if you are willing to trifle with me, you are welcome to do it.” He waggled his eyebrows at her, and she laughed despite the gravity of the moment.

  “I don’t intend to trifle with anyone. If I mate, it will be for life, not out of convenience.” She lifted her chin with pride.

  “You can read people, so read me. What do you see in my soul?” He stood and looked into her eyes, his entire soul hers to look into.

  She saw attraction, lust and a pure heart that would beat only for her if she said yes. “The Asku are supposed to be tough. You are willing to be at my beck and call.”

  “Only if you return the favour. I will guard you, hold you and comfort you when I am not loving you into insensibility.” He cocked his head.

  “So?”

  She held her breath, but her lips parted and exhaled, “Yes.”

  She squeaked in surprise when he hugged her, and all noise stopped as he pressed his lips to hers, tasting her for the first time.

  Ibbi wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts to his chest, her gown providing a fascinating friction. When they parted, she giggled and wiped his lips with her thumb.

  “You don’t look so good wearing my lipstick.” He grinned and allowed her treatment. “It was such a fascinating colour, I had to taste it.” She giggled, and he directed them back to the ballroom. She used her fingers to tidy up any stray lipstick, and by the time they entered the light of the dance, she was quite sure that she appeared to be respectable. If the good people of Adeel only knew the thoughts she hid behind her smile, they would blush and run for cover.

  Chapter Four

  When they finally sat out a dance and she was able to catch her breath, she smiled. “How did you know?”

  Dreynar was eating every sweet in sight.

  “Know what?”

  “That I was qualified to be an Asku bride. Wait, can we even marry if you are here as head of the garrison?”

  “The commanders of the garrisons can do what they like. Their wives become a source of female wisdom and an example of the mate to strive for. It will be a heavy burden, but you are up to it.”

  “Do we sleep at the barracks?”

  “No, I have private quarters. They are very spacious. I think you will like them.” It was the one thing he said that was not brimming with confidence.

  She chuckled. “When you see where I have been living, anything else will be a palace.”

  “Your quarters are small?”

  “Miniscule. They were all I could afford when I arrived here, and since I am used to living on board a ship, anything bigger than an arm-span wide is good.”

  He sighed in relief. “Thank goodness. Some brides have a problem going from open spaces to mode
st confinement.”

  She frowned. “What kind of confinement?”

  “You will be required to travel with a bodyguard when I am not available to accompany you. It will be one of the guards from the garrison.”

  “Is that necessary?”

  “Yes, and it will continue even after your family is no longer a concern. It is the Asku way.” She crossed her arms and glared at him. “I think we are up for our first fight, and we haven’t even technically started dating yet.” He scowled. “This isn’t a fight. It is a discussion.”

  “It sounds like an absolute statement.”

  “Tough. You are marrying into a group even more stubborn than the Trevis.” She smiled and placed her hand on his cheek.

  “Are you sure it isn’t too late to back out?” He covered her hand with his. “Yes. I am sure that it is too late for you to escape.” She looked at him closely, taking in the straight line of his nose, the broad stroke of his jawline and the twinkle in his eyes. He was by far the more palatable choice than Karlo, so she only had a week to finalize their union. “How long does Asku courtship take?”

  He ran his thumb along the inside of her wrist.

  “How long would you want it to take?” She shivered. “Well, I do have a time table to consider, as you know.”

  He nodded, his face serious. “Then, I believe sooner is better than later. Please excuse me for a moment.”

  He got to his feet and patted her shoulder. She watched him move off to speak to a few of his men, and they, in turn, left the ballroom.

  He made his way back to her side, and Ibbi was astonished at the amount of local businessmen and politicians who wanted to speak earnestly with the Asku commander. It was amazing that the people who shied away from contact with aliens in everyday life would flock to Dreynar’s side.

  He returned to their table and extended his hand to her. “Dance?”

  She rose to her feet and went back into his arms. “What was that?”

  “Your clothing and effects are being transferred to my quarters.”

  She whistled softly as they swayed body to body. “You move fast.”

  He smiled. “It is why my people are in demand as security and protection. We assess a situation and act.”

  She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I just want to be able to have a life and know I won’t have to run again.”

  “You are a publicist?”

  “And advertising concern. I put Adeel products into ads that will appeal to alien sensibilities.” She felt the hum of her blood as the music slowed into a heady beat and the dancers took on a more intimate set of movements.

  The hand in the centre of her back slid down the scarlet silk to the base of her spine. Her hips pressed against his and his thigh slid between hers with every step, every twist.

  As one dance bled into the next, the dance floor opened up. The Adeel were retiring, moving off into the shadows to act on the stimulation that had started during the ball.

  Ibbi smiled as she rested her head against Dreynar. The only remaining dancers were the Asku and their chosen ladies. There were more than just the ten men on the dance floor as well.

  Some of the new garrison contingent had found partners for the evening also.

  “I think you may have a problem. Bachelors’ quarters may not be enough if I am reading this situation correctly.” She smiled and inhaled the scent that Dreynar carried on his clothing. It made her want to press her skin against his to see how deep the scent went.

  He followed the direction of her gaze and sighed. “I will deal with it in the morning. For now, those young ladies will go home to their families and the departing males will press their suit in the morning.”

  “When do they leave?”

  They were swaying slowly against each other.

  Ibbi felt the fatigue of the day run through her.

  She relaxed against him and was unable to stifle her yawn.

  “They leave when they find what they are looking for. When they have a wife, they will be on the next Asku shuttle out of here.” She chuckled softly. “You don’t want a dozen weeping virgins around?”

  He pressed his lips to her ear. “Wives of the Asku do not weep. They may cry out, but their tears are not from despair.”

  Her body heated as if the breath in her ear was working its way between her thighs. “That’s… interesting.”

  She could feel his smile against her cheek. His voice was low and husky. “I certainly think so.” He dipped her back and held her there for a moment before pulling her up against him again.

  Her blood rushed around and made her dizzy.

  “And that is enough dancing for me.” She placed both hands on his chest and pushed.

  Dreynar laughed softly. “Very well. We shall end this evening at my quarters.” He released her and offered her his arm once again. “My lady.”

  Ibbi chuckled softly. “Dreynar. Thank you. This evening has been fascinating. For example, I can see that my assistant is in line for one of those tickets off world.”

  Urali was dreamily swaying in the arms of an Asku with a seriously protective expression. His eyes were an icy blue, but the look in them was pure worship as he danced with Urali.

  “Cormen will do well for her.”

  “She will organize the hell out of him.” Ibbi waved as they exited the dance floor.

  Urali smiled and waved back.

  “He needs it.”

  “What is his job on your home world?”

  “He is a florist.”

  Unladylike snickers came from her throat. She would never have pegged that hulk of a man as a florist.

  “Our race was designed to be strong, fast, intelligent and deadly. Along with that came creative and graceful. As you have seen, we are excellent dancers.”

  She couldn’t deny it. “Oh, my wrap and bag.”

  Dreynar summoned one of the servants with a look. He spoke quietly, and the man scuttled off, returning with the items.

  Her Asku draped the scarlet wrap over her shoulders and handed her her clutch. Ibbi took the clutch with a smile and a nod of her head. She was going to have to sort through the contents, but that would wait until they were in the vehicle.

  She wouldn’t put it past the governor to slip a device into her bag.

  Ibbi walked out with Dreynar, and the governor was nowhere to be seen. Their vehicle was waiting, the driver standing next to it.

  He opened the door for Ibbi, and Dreynar took over, tucking her dress carefully into the transport before closing the door. He came around and slid in next to her, pulling her against him with a smooth move. “The garrison, please.”

  “Yes, Commander. Congratulations, Commander.” Their driver smiled at them and pulled smoothly into the drive and away from the governor’s ball.

  “Congratulations? Wow, you Asku are really sure of yourselves.” She snickered and rubbed her cheek against his chest, belying her words.

  He squeezed her shoulders and sighed deeply.

  “My brothers have been matching up left and right. With you in my arms that will only leave one of my family unaccounted for.”

  “How many brothers do you have?”

  “Six. You?”

  “I am an only child. My mother was unable to produce another living offspring.”

  “Miscarriages?”

  “Yes. The healer told me once it was a side effect of breeding too close.” She shook off the grim thoughts that were roiling in her mind. “I have never had my fertility tested, so I hope there will be no issues on that score.” Dreynar hugged her again. “I take you as you come, but if you will submit to a medical exam tomorrow morning, we can set your mind at ease.”

  She scanned his aura, and he was truly concerned for her peace of mind. It was surprising. She had spent too many years being manipulated by others. It had warped her sense of trust.

  “Thank you. Trevis don’t visit physicians unless forced to by immigration. I am curious as to my general state of h
ealth.” She chuckled.

  They went through two security checks to get into the garrison. She had to provide her name and address in the city before they would allow them to pass.

  “Tight security.”

  “With the garrison shifting over, we are keeping our eyes out for any of the Adeel who will make use of the opportunity to plant a listening device.”

  Ibbi widened her eyes. “Right. Is there a light in here? I think they may have put something in my clutch. The server was most agitated and guilt ran through him when he handed it to me.” Dreynar flicked on a low light, and with lack of ceremony, Ibbi dumped her purse on the red silk on her lap.

  She examined each item closely and grimaced.

  “Best to trash the whole lot and the shawl.” She sighed, “And probably even the gown and shoes. I have no idea who could put what where.”

  “Pity, the gown is lovely.” He looked down at where her calves were exposed by the folds of the gown parting.

  “It was an emergency job. The governor blackmailed me into attending. Normally, my clothing is much more circumspect. I like to blend in.”

  “I will have everything checked for devices or toxins. You may get to keep the gown yet.” He chuckled.

  The garrison itself loomed ahead of them, archways and men moving busily around even at the late hour.

  Ibbi checked her assessment of time. Dawn was approaching.

  A new day was starting.

  Chapter Five

  The Asku warriors nodded respectfully to their commander as he passed.

  “What happened to the previous garrison commander?”

  “He and his wife left in the same shuttle that brought me down. I have all of his records and personnel studies and used them to formulate a plan for who got a mate and who was sent to the next posting.”

  “You have to figure that out?”

  “It is one of the burdens of command. It isn’t an easy decision, but it has to be made.” He was keeping his tone casual, but there was intensity to his aura that was practically vibrating with eagerness.

  “I can imagine. I may be able to help with that. If your men are that desperate for matches, I can help you with that.”