by Liz Craven
“You are Hakimu. Do you believe I hold my honor so loosely as to dally within loopholes?”
“I’m not questioning your honor—”
“No?” He stepped so close that if he took a deep breath, he’d brush her chest with his. “Then you admit to agreeing to be my wife before I entered you?”
Are you sure? Decide now before I make you mine. Thane’s words took on an entirely different meaning in light of the present conversation. “That’s not what I thought you meant by—”
“What did you think I meant, Lex? That I’d use you? That I’d betray my tribe? That I’d betray your brother?”
“No!” One thing she’d never doubt was Thane’s honor. She swallowed. No, she’d never doubt Thane. But did that mean he’d given in to the electricity between them and would sacrifice his future and fall on his sword? Or had he wanted her for his wife and been unable to wait. “Why?”
“Why?” A touch of confusion wrinkled his brow.
“Yes, why?”
“Ilexa, we don’t have time for me to soothe whatever feminine feathers I’ve ruffled. Just agree so we can go.”
In his response, she heard avoidance and her heart sank. Hope that she’d been unwilling to admit to herself withered in her chest. Thane would do his duty no matter what. She refused to allow him to do it—and she refused to settle for someone settling for her. “I’m not promising anything to avoid the rain.”
To emphasize her point she stomped out of the cave. Three meters later she stopped.
Nothing ruined a great exit like getting lost.
***
Thane scowled at Ilexa’s rigid back as she preceded him into the great hall. The stubborn woman had refused to speak to him after storming out of their cave.
After ten minutes in the transport, he’d acquiesced to her silence, but only because it was a matter of keeping them alive. He’d focused all his attention on returning them to the keep in one piece.
When they arrived, the Malkia and Rhys stood in the great hall trying to calm Creary and Rhyna who argued loudly for permission to send their warriors after Ilexa. Liken leant silent support to their argument standing behind them with his arms crossed.
“I will retrieve Ilexa Dhakir.” The rumbling voice of an offworlder silenced the debate.
Amusement coursed through Thane, momentarily eclipsing his shock at seeing the Inderian standing opposite the suddenly quiet Quixivon tribe members.
Vardin faced the citizens of the Central Alliance with his fangs fully extended and fiery red eyes gleaming. Inderians were the fiercest warriors in the League, though few ever left their homeworld. Rumors of cannibalism and ritual sacrifice ran rife, fueled by the beastlike stature of the Motherland’s children. No one crossed an Inderian, and only the foolish failed to give them a wide berth.
“Vardin?” Ilexa’s surprised gasp drew all eyes to her. Ignoring them, she repeated with an excited yell. “Vardin!”
Thane grabbed at her, but wound up clutching empty air as she hurled herself towards a man the civilized worlds considered a barbarian.
Vardin caught her in a bear hug, swinging her off her feet. His nostrils flared and Thane knew the Inderian had scented him all over her. Vardin looked at Thane who gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Vardin returned an equally perceptible nod, conveying he would remain silent.
“What are you doing here?” Ilexa asked as Thane moved to join them. “Did Talon send you to check on me?” The suspicious gaze she leveled on Vardin still held the warmth of her affection for the fierce warrior.
“Vardin.” Thane greeted the man, arm extended. Vardin grasped his forearm and they shared the arm clasp Inderian culture reserved for brothers and brothers-in-arms. “Welcome to Dunia.”
“It is good to see you.”
The Quixivon delegation tensed at Vardin’s expression. Thane couldn’t blame them. He’d forgotten how frightening Inderian grins were.
“Oh no you don’t,” Ilexa cut in. “You aren’t avoiding my question.”
Thane smiled. He couldn’t help it. She looked so fierce trying to defend her independence.
This time the Malkia saved Vardin. “Ilexa, Thane, I’m pleased to see you safely returned.”
A blush stained Ilexa’s cheeks. “Thank you, Malkia. Please forgive my rudeness. I was excited to see such a close family friend.”
“That is understandable.”
“Forgive my rudeness, as well,” Rhyna spoke from her husband’s side. Literally. She’d pressed herself so tight against him they’d need a crowbar to pry her free. “With Ilexa safely returned, we’ll need to leave as soon as possible to avoid the rains. I’d like Ilexa to look at Zavian again.”
“We’ll go now. Where is he?” Ilexa’s tone dared anyone to contradict her.
“Quatres took him to medical to run scans so you could see them when you returned.”
Ilexa nodded. “If everyone will excuse us?”
“Of course,” the Malkia agreed.
Rhyna backed cautiously away from her husband. Apparently her baby worked as well as a crowbar.
Ilexa hesitated and glanced at Vardin. “Will you be staying?”
“Just overnight.”
“The rains—”
“I piloted a shuttle craft down. The rains are not an issue.”
The stab of jealousy surprised Thane when she smiled warmly at Vardin and said with enthusiasm, “Wonderful. I can’t wait to catch up.”
Vardin awarded her a bow and she led a nerve-wracked Rhyna towards medical.
“I’m glad to see her returned safely, but confess I’d looked forward to rescuing her.” Creary’s cheerful, booming voice dragged Thane’s gaze away from Ilexa’s retreating back.
“And taking her to the Quixivon holding?” Thane felt no hostility towards the other man and the question lacked rancor. Such behavior would be expected by tribal tradition.
“Where else?” Laughter crinkled the man’s eyes and Thane marveled at the change in the man’s disposition.
Liken spoke for the first time. “We should prepare for departure so we can leave once Zavian’s exam is over.”
“You honored us by attending,” the Malkia replied.
“You honored us with the invitation.” With the ritual parting words, Liken and Creary withdrew.
“How is Ilexa?”
Thane heard the question beneath the question the Malkia asked. Tradition prohibited forcing unwelcome attention on a stolen bride. That didn’t mean it didn’t happen. It had been his fear as well. He’d tasted terror as he chased after Ilexa.
Aware of Vardin’s scrutiny he chose his response with caution. “Jakum crashed his speeder. She has bruising from the harness and a bump on her head. Otherwise, she’s unharmed.”
“And the man who took her?” Vardin growled.
“I left him with his speeder.” A cold smile curved Thane’s lips. “Conscious, but in the flood plain with no transportation.”
Rhys nodded. “His fate lies in the Deity’s hands.”
The Malkia placed her hand on Thane’s shoulder. “I’m pleased to have you both safely returned. You’ve done well.”
Such words came as high praise. He inclined his head in respectful acknowledgement. “Thank you.”
“We will let you clean up and reacquaint with your friend. I expect to see you and Ilexa at dinner.”
“We will be there.”
The Malkia and Rhys both nodded to Vardin before taking their leave.
Thane shook his head and clapped Vardin on the back. “It’s good to see you my friend, but I need a shower and some clean clothes.”
Vardin had proved his friendship many times over and did so again by not asking any questions. Thane left him in the living area of his small apartment. Racing through his shower, he returned to find Vardin kneeling on the carpet with his eyes closed. Thane paused, but Vardin must have heard him enter because his eyes opened.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your meditation.
”
Vardin rose to his feet with fluid grace. “You did not. I was just centering myself.”
“I’m assuming Talon sent you to check on his little sister, but what brings you to this side of the galaxy?”
“Is our friend’s request not enough?”
Thane snorted. “Not even Talon would ask you to schlep to Dunia all the way from the Motherland.”
“I do not share your certainty of that, but you are correct. Another serious attempt on Lia’s life was narrowly averted. Talon does not wish to alarm his wife with the knowledge while she is heavy with his child. I understand she is experiencing some recent complications. I volunteered to return to N’yota to oversee her security for the duration of her pregnancy.”
Rage and worry bubbled in Thane’s blood. He’d grown to admire his friend’s wife when he’d helped rescue her from the Mining Guild—though Lia would dispute they “rescued” her—and on the long trip to return her to the N’yotan people. Though he’d been appalled by the barbarity of an arranged marriage, Talon and Lia had managed to find happiness.
“Is it the religious extremists again?” he growled, focusing on the terrorists first.
“That is the banner around which they rally. However, N’yota’s peace and prosperity have eradicated the need for certain unsavory, albeit lucrative, activities. Individuals accustomed to such a life are seeking to restore their power base.”
Thane rolled his eyes. He knew his friend was practicing for dinner. Used to being viewed as a cannibalistic beast, Vardin enjoyed shocking humans with his communication skills. “So black market cartels are using religion to try and destroy the Damaia.”
Vardin inclined his head.
“And the complications?”
“Minor, but she requires more rest and is instructed to stay off her feet, lest things become serious.”
“Ilexa will worry.”
“Now that you have finally made Ilexa yours, I leave the decision to tell her with you.”
Vardin’s statement caught him off-guard. He’d thought he’d hidden his attraction well. “I didn’t realize I was that obvious.”
“You were not, but some things are simply true.”
If he hadn’t spent years serving with Vardin, he’d never have understood that sentence. He’d learned that sometimes Vardin did “simply” know certain things. It wasn’t a precog ability, just an insight that went beyond logic and intuition. Thane didn’t like knowing Vardin’s gift included knowing his feelings about Ilexa. Or did Vardin speak of Ilexa’s feelings as well?
“Why don’t you tell her she belongs to me?”
Vardin threw back his head and laughed. “Oh no, my friend. Only a fool interferes in matters of love.”
Love? Thane felt the world pause as if holding its breath. Did he love Ilexa? He desired her. He enjoyed her company. He worried about her. She consumed his thoughts. But love? He considered it.
Fuck. He did love her.
The world released its breath as Thane’s life got very complicated. He needed to change the subject. “She won’t let her question go. She’ll badger you to admit Talon sent you. Then she’ll be mad at both of us on principle.”
“If you choose to tell her about the threat to Lia, Talon’s worry will be more palatable. If not, I will explain that I travel on business and stopping here allowed me to reassure Talon while visiting a brother-in-arms.”
Every cell in Thane’s body screamed for him to keep the truth from her. If she knew the threat to Lia had increased, she might feel the need to return to N’yota and offer support—worse—it might give her the excuse to run from him.
If he didn’t tell her and she found out he’d known, she’d never forgive him. Plus, his conscience would eat at him. Ilexa deserved honesty from him. She would be his wife and he would not start their marriage off with deception. If she chose to leave, he’d go with her. Perhaps the time in a cramped, relatively small ship could be put to good use.
“I will tell her, but not at dinner. I think she should receive such news privately.” And if he were going to be honest with her, there was something else she should know. Just thinking about broaching the subject made him swallow a groan…and consider leaving the planet so he could tell her from a safe distance.
“Very well.”
Thane gestured towards a chair. “Sit down, my friend. We have some time before dinner. Tell me, how are things in the Inderian Motherland?”
***
Ilexa’s hackles rose when she entered the great hall and saw the number of seats around Vardin empty despite his proximity to the Malkia. Though Thane sat at his side and Vardin was accustomed to such social shunning, Ilexa wanted to scream. Instead, she swept across the great hall with her head held high and kissed Vardin on the cheek before circling the table to take the seat across from him.
She noted with snide amusement that the fearless warrior Karia sat nowhere near Thane despite the seat availability. The daggers in the woman’s eyes when Ilexa sat down caused a satisfied smile to curve her lips. That and the newfound realization that Karia had never shared Thane’s bed. Otherwise, he’d have married her.
Vardin examined her with narrowed eyes before nodding. “You look well.”
She grinned. “So do you.”
Before the conversation could evolve past the greeting stage, Drea rushed up and skidded to a halt across from Ilexa worry tingeing her fine features.
“Are you hurt?” she breathed.
“Not a bit.” Ilexa hurried to reassure the still fragile woman—who didn’t appear to notice the Inderian beside her.
“Thank the Deity.” Drea’s posture wilted as her muscles visibly released tension.
She couldn’t avoid introducing them. Manners demanded it. Vardin shifted to rise in anticipation of greeting Drea. Sending a silent prayer that Drea wouldn’t scream, she said, “Drea, may I present a close friend of mine, Vardin of the Inderian Motherland. Vardin, this is Drea.”
Drea blinked twice, but otherwise showed no outward surprise to the Inderian who rose to tower above her. “I’m pleased to meet any friend of Ilexa’s.”
“Would you join us for the meal?”
“I’d be delighted.”
Ilexa exchanged a relieved look with Thane and realized he’d been just as concerned for Drea as she had. As Vardin seated Drea, Ilexa glanced around the hall and noted the tribe’s reaction. No question Drea had elevated her standing in the tribe by joining the Inderian for dinner. From the women whispering to each other and sending furtive looks toward Karia, Ilexa surmised Karia’s reputation had suffered. That suited Ilexa just fine.
Vardin reseated himself, and Ilexa pinned him with her gaze. “So how did Big Brother convince you to traverse the galaxy to check on me?”
“I am in this part of the galaxy on business. Talon asked if I could stop on Dunia. Doing so allowed me to ease his worry while visiting a brother-in-arms I have not seen in two years.” Vardin shrugged. “Surely you do not begrudge us such a small thing.”
She opened her mouth to blast Vardin—she wasn’t buying his “aw shucks” explanation—but Drea spoke first.
“Talon is your brother?”
Ilexa swallowed her hot retort and forced a smile. “I have five older brothers, which proves the gods are cruel. Talon is the eldest and the one known as Big Brother.”
“He’s just worried about his family,” Thane interjected, but she heard the censure in his voice.
“He doesn’t seem to worry about Mal or Dante or Bastian—well, maybe Bastian.”
“He understands Malachi, Dante and Tristan. He knows what motivates them and how they will react when provoked. You and Bastian are variables he cannot predict.”
“How lovely. My brother considers me a variable he needs to predict.”
Thane shook his head. “You are trying to pick a fight. I won’t accommodate you.”
Drea fluttered her hands and appeared near tears. “Let’s not fight.”
Vardi
n placed a gentle, albeit clawed hand on Drea’s shoulder. “Of course no one is going to fight. Talon is brother to Thane and I, which gives us license to tease his sister in his stead.”
Ilexa swallowed the response that had sprung to her lips. She wouldn’t upset Drea and risk crushing the beautiful spirit slowly emerging from its cocoon. It took effort, but she managed a smile for the worried woman. “With five brothers, I’ve learned to come out fighting or get trampled by their good intentions.”
Thane leaned around Vardin to meet Drea’s eyes. “Just wait until we start meddling in your life.”
That made Drea laugh and Ilexa could have kissed Thane for it.
“I don’t have much life for you to meddle with.”
“You will,” Ilexa predicted. “And trust me, they will make you want to scream.”
The meal passed in amiable banter until Ilexa’s personal timepiece chimed. “I’m afraid I have to check in with Big Brother.”
“I’ll escort you.” Thane rose and fixed her with a look that cut off any argument that she might make.
After graciously excusing themselves, Thane led her to the door of the communications room, where he pressed her against the wall and kissed her into oblivion.
It took more effort than she would ever admit to pull away. “I have to call home.”
“It can wait.”
She dodged the kiss he aimed at her. “It can’t. One of Talon’s spies reported my kidnapping. You wouldn’t believe the messages he’s been leaving. If I don’t check in, he might stage an invasion.”
Thane traced the curve of her cheekbone and stared into her eyes. “We need to talk.”
“We’ve talked.” She didn’t even try to keep the anger and bitterness from her tone.
He shook his head. “There are a couple of things I need to tell you.” His eyes hardened. “As for our earlier conversation…we aren’t done talking. Not by a long shot.”
“Thane—”
He pushed away from her. “Call your family. I’ll stop by your room later.”