by Imogene Nix
The man before her opened his mouth, but she raised a hand. “I know. It doesn’t seem right. I understand that you identify with both species, but should something happen to the agreement between our planets, you will be required to choose sides.”
“But I can’t! I’m both Ba’Tuan and human!” he screeched indignantly, and Dria tried again to soothe his ruffled sensitivities.
“Davien, if you were on Dirustandi, you’d be asked the same question.”
“But that’s archaic thinking!” He threw his hands in the air. “I shouldn’t have to choose!”
She sighed. “I understand your frustrations. But I need to present an argument to the government of Earth. If war broke out between our two species—” He opened his mouth, but she raised her hand, signaling him to stop. “Which side would you choose? I’d have to choose Ba’Tuan, because that’s my homeworld and the one I feel the closest attachment to.” The moment she uttered the words, she knew she’d made a tactical mistake.
Davien’s lip curled and his gaze turned glacial. “So you’d choose them over us?” He reared back. “I’m wasting my time with you then. Excuse me, Turana.”
God! Is this what my father has to deal with on a daily basis? I’d rather let my younger brother take over the position than to suffer this kind of intransigence! She leaned forward, ready to calm the situation, when a rumble began, growing louder and more insistent. The screaming of metal and the cracking of masonry was deafening.
Dria was instantly up and moving, her eyes tracking back and forth, searching for the threat. The thunderous noise continued, yet the walls stayed still and tall. She searched for and found Marcus’s face. He too was clearly confused by the sounds of a distressed building, and he reached out, gripping her shoulders hard. There was comfort in the bite of his fingers in her flesh.
“We have to get out of here.” The gravity in Marcus’s tones ate at her.
“Yes. I’ll get them out. You...” She didn’t want to tell him to check the building, but they both knew he had to. They needed to know what was causing whatever was going on.
“I’ll be careful. Just keep my people around you. We can’t afford to take any chances with your safety.”
What about yours? The cry rose from deep within, but she beat it back. He had a job to do, and so did she. Dria nodded slowly before rounding everyone up while Marcus and another of his team headed further inside the building.
She wanted to follow him, but the reality was, her people needed her assistance. Her people. The thought stilled her. That sums it up, doesn’t it? She shook away the intrusion and set to work again.
She herded them out into the car park, but the whole time her gaze rested on the building. Her stomach jittered like a flight of butterflies taking to wing. Dria scrunched her hands together and waited.
When Marcus exited the community center, her heart started the low, steady thump against her ribs, the feeling she now associated with his proximity.
In his hand he carried a small amplifier, a tiny digital device, and on his face was a scowl. “It was a bloody trick!”
“What?” It seemed unbelievable that anyone would do this. “Who?”
He grimaced. “The Incubi.” Marcus reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment coated with clear plasti-seal. He shoved it in her direction. “Read it.”
This time is just a warning. Next time the repercussions will be far more wide ranging. Go home and take the hybrids with you.
“This can’t be, surely?”
One look at his face told her they both knew the truth—the threat was very real.
“We have to get out of here. Now.” Marcus gripped her hand and tugged.
Dria let him drag her away, realizing her continued presence put everyone in more danger.
Marcus shoved her into a car then got in the front seat, canted slightly so he could see the milling bystanders.
“We need to find them. Quickly. This fear cannot be condoned,” she said.
His gaze speared her in the mirror of the vehicle. “We’ll stop them. You and I together.”
* * * *
Marcus understood Dria’s fury. The depths of her frustration at her inability to act gnawed at his gut.
Hours had passed and night fell. They’d eaten in front of their mini-comps as they worked, but no more information was revealed.
His fingers strayed to his head, and he dragged them through his hair as he eyed the large board they’d erected to hang their evidence on.
“Do you think that board will help us?” Her gaze settled on him.
“I read that in the past centuries many law enforcement officers used this system with excellent results.” His eyes strayed to the collection of photos, information, and references.
“We’re just missing one clue. The one that will tie this whole damned mess together.”
He stalked around the table. At least there haven’t been any more attacks since Dria arrived—or any where she’s been the target. There’d been three more attacks on hybrids though. Each tagged courtesy of the Incubi.
Ding! The sound echoed in the near silence, and he spun. “What is it?”
“It’s the analysis of the list of those who purchased the chemicals. No one person has ordered enough to create the missile.” She slumped down and he laid gentle hands on her shoulders.
“Maybe not, but if they had, it would almost be too simple.” The supple skin beneath his touch felt rigid and he massaged gently.
“But until we can find a match, work out who is partnered with them, we don’t have anything. By now...” Defeat threaded through her voice, and it infuriated him to hear how weary she sounded.
“Our people are looking for alternatives. I’ve got one working on fingerprint and DNA evidence. You have others working on tracking down known associates of Incubi and their sympathizers. We’re both working through anything that occurs to us, and you’re offering yourself up as a diversion. With limited resources—”
“It’s not enough.” She shoved back from the table, breathing hard, chest rising and falling in a rapid motion. His heart lurched in his chest. “We should have them by now!”
Unable to withstand the pain in her voice, he reached out and pulled her close, enfolding her in a hug. “We’ll get them, Dria. We just need to be patient.”
“I don’t...”
“It’ll be okay. Shh...” He rubbed circles over her back as she nestled in, her body tight against his, and when her hands wound around his waist and held on, his chest tightened, obstructing his breath.
“Marcus, I don’t know what to do. I’ve always been in control of my own destiny. Able to negotiate whatever needs to be done, without leaning on anyone, but this time...” Her voice hitched as he dipped down, planning to offer only support. When she turned her face up to him, he swooped, pressing his lips against hers.
The only sound in the room now was their groans as they pushed closer together.
Ripe. Succulent. The thoughts zoomed into his mind, then melted away as his body quaked. Urgent desire, the pressure in his groin, and the feel of her...
He jerked back, grasping a tiny thread of sanity. “God damn.”
“Marcus?” She sounded uncertain, and he wanted to take back those two words that had clearly unsettled her.
He’d never felt like this before. He was both aroused and protective in equal measure. It added a whole new dimension, and one he wasn’t sure was easy to deal with.
“You don’t want—” she whispered, the sound broken and forlorn.
“I want you so badly I’m aching with it. Dria, if you want me, then put me out of my misery. Tell me.”
One second then another passed, and the tiny hope shivered like a flame before disappearing. He turned, hoping he could somehow assuage the need that roared in his veins.
“Don’t turn away, Marcus. I...I want you too.”
His turn was executed with lightning speed, his gaze zeroing in on her face.
“Be sure, Dria. Once we take this step, there can be no going back.”
She reached up, cupping his chin, and electricity zinged through his body. Her soft smile turned his insides to mush. “I have no intention of changing my mind.” Then she kissed him.
* * * *
Her entire body ached with hunger. Her brain struggled to get past the swirling vortex of emotions contained in his skin-burning kiss. Heat filled her as he clasped her shoulders.
I need more!
Her fingers strayed from his chin to his chest, where they found the buttons on his shirt. She’d watched him all day, aware of the highly defined muscles hidden beneath the cotton. The memory of him the other night haunted her dreams.
Pop! The buttons hit the floor as she jerked his shirt open. Her fingers rested against his chest for a moment, then she pulled back with a hiss as she caressed his taut muscles.
So perfect!
“I’m not sure I can manage a lot of foreplay this time, Marcus. I want you so badly, my knees are knocking together.”
His rumble of laughter echoed in her bones as his hands slid to the hidden fasteners of her dress. “That’s good, because I’m too damned hungry for you right now.”
The chiffon floated to the floor, leaving her covered only by lacy underwear. Thank goodness... The thought petered away as he brushed the tiny straps down, leaving her bra gaping. As Dria started to remove the last barely-there wisps of material, he stilled her trembling fingers.
“So beautiful.” He spoke unevenly as if overcome with the same emotions that wavered within her. “All mine.”
Their lips collided, moving hungrily together. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth, and she couldn’t stop a moan from erupting. His hands skated over her belly, then brushed the underside of her breasts before sliding behind her. Her breasts sagged as he released her bra strap.
Dria hurried, searching for the buckle of his belt, then tugged at his pants impatiently. With a thud, the material fell to the floor.
Marcus pulled away. “Last chance.” The whisper of his breath caressed her skin.
“Don’t need one.” She took a step back and hooked her thumbs in the side of her panties. Dria captured his gaze as she slid them all the way down her legs.
His gaze turned molten, and she was sure her bones would melt.
She trembled as Marcus stepped toward the door, latching it slowly. The sound echoed in the quiet night. Turning, Marcus shucked his underwear, and she noted just how aroused he was.
She reached out, her touch gliding over his chest. Warm and lightly bronzed. “You’re...amazing!”
He laughed and the rumble ricocheted through her. “That’s supposed to be my line.”
Her eyes drooped to half-mast as they came together, lips and tongues tangling while hands grasped flesh and kneaded. She shivered as he nibbled his way down the column of her neck, and she stretched, unable to contain her breathless reaction. “Oh God, that feels so good.”
At her collarbone he stilled and dipped his tongue in the tiny depression where neck met shoulder. “Your skin’s so silky soft.” Then he nuzzled and she groaned, hoping he’d continue.
The molten pool of heat in her belly sent fire licking through every inch of her body.
Gently, Marcus cupped both her breasts and held them up, before dipping down to kiss one nipple then the other. As his breath teased the distended nubs they engorged further.
“Marcus, I need you now! Please!” she whispered hoarsely into the night air, and reached for his hips. “Come to me. Fill me.”
As if waiting for her invitation, he dragged her closer, drawing every inch of her front against his. Wild sensations drove rational thought from her mind as nerves sizzled.
His cock, hard and urgent, nestled at her most intimate curls. She widened her stance, and when his tip slid against her clitoris she gasped, digging her fingers into his shoulders.
His fingers grasped her bottom and raised her, pushed her to the table behind her. As she rose, her bottom slid over the wood.
Then he plunged. Deep. Hard.
“God help me!” The words ground out of him, but she didn’t care as the sensation of fullness ratcheted her arousal higher.
He moved, a subtle shift that rocked her all the way to the depths of her soul. Again he thrust, and the electric sensations zoomed down her veins, so every inch of her body gloried in his taking.
Slam! Slam! Marcus ground against her, each action harder and more urgent than the last.
A cataclysmic reaction began in her belly and between her legs. Her engorged breasts moved pendulously against his hard pectoral muscles. She struggled to breathe as they moved together, seeking their mutual release.
Deep within, an invisible wire quivered then snapped, releasing her powerful orgasm until nothing existed but overwhelming pleasure.
Fingers speared into her flesh as she came back to her senses and the sensation of his body releasing deep within her. She held him, her body limp as he drooped against her.
Their panting breaths mingled with the musky scent of sex.
What have I...
“Dria, I was on you like some kind of rutting bull!”
She nearly laughed at the disgust in his voice. “That’s okay, Marcus. I wasn’t exactly ladylike either.”
They both laughed, a tired echo.
“We should...” They spoke in unison, then broke off, averting their gazes.
Now that the act was over, some of her initial inhibitions returned, and she nearly covered her breasts before the knowledge he’d done more than look at them battered her.
“I should retire.” It was the best she could do, but a trace of hurt slipped over his face before disappearing.
“Yes. That’s probably best.” He turned, and the action cut her to the quick.
“Will you...” Dria licked her lips, realizing she wanted him beside her. Not just for sex, but the companionship she’d experienced since being with him. “Will you join me?”
She held herself still, and waited.
He slowly turned back to her, and for an instant she was sure he’d refuse. Instead, he held out a hand. “I’d be honored.”
Chapter 4
Marcus turned his head as he opened his eyes. This isn’t my bed.
Warmth invaded his body, and he instantly knew where he was. Dria.
They’d shared more than just their bodies. Now they shared a bed and an intimacy that he wanted to shy away from.
He itched to reach out and touch her, but he held back, unsure of himself. Could he trust any of the emotions that roiled in his belly? He’d been wrong before. The sound of her breath, the quiet exhalation, soothed the passion that burned him.
With care he rolled back, flinging an arm over his eyes. Not since Christina had he wanted a woman like this. Even now, his morning erection made itself known and he wanted nothing more than to roll her over and thrust deeply within her body.
What the hell was he going to do? A sense of unreality swept over him. She was a bloody princess! From another planet. How the hell had he managed to forget that?
She moved and her hand snaked across his belly. “Uh... Marcus?” She sounded groggy but also happy.
He slid his hand over hers. “Right here.” His gut rattled as nerves assailed him.
“You don’t have any second thoughts, do you? Because I don’t.”
He closed his burning eyes at her careful words. She’d summed up exactly the turmoil he faced. “This can’t be long term, Dria. You’ll go home to Dirustandi and—”
“Actually, I’m not so sure I will. While I’ve been here, I’ve done some serious soul searching. It could be that what I’m thinking will impact on my current status.”
Marcus rolled to his side and gazed deeply into her eyes. “What do you mean?”
She shook her head, clearly confused as her brow furrowed. “As the Turana, I’m supposed to take over from my father. I’m the first born, but the pomp and circumstance of
reigning isn’t me. Never was. My brother Lora, he’s more inclined to that. Until now I blindly accepted the future mapped out for me. I’m wondering if perhaps...” She shrugged. “Before I can start sorting that out though, we need to find and neutralize the Incubi.”
“You still have to return to Dirustandi. It’s your home.”
Dria bit her lip. “When I was talking to the hybrids, I had to ask them where their loyalties lay. I told one of them that for me, it was the Ba’Tua, but that was... My thinking was simplistic. I’m both human and Ba’Tuan. What I’ve experienced with you...”
Her words stole the oxygen from his lungs. “But it’s your home.”
“Yes, it is, but I’ve learned that a person can mean more than a planet. I’ll always be Ba’Tuan, but I’ve also realized I can be human at the same time. It’s confusing but...”
He leaned in and kissed her, a gentle brush of lips. Dria wasn’t promising him forever or to stay by his side. But clearly she was rethinking her path in life, and if that let him spend more time with her, then he’d take whatever she offered.
He shook his head on a sigh. The working day awaited. “We should get up.”
“You’re already up!” She laughed playfully, and his eyes widened in surprise. This was a side of her he hadn’t seen before.
“I meant out of bed.” He shoved the covers aside and snorted at her. Shame about that. He grabbed the clothes he’d hastily collected last night and tugged them on. “I’m going to shower and change, then we can meet for breakfast.”
“Hang on, Marcus.”
He turned back to face her as she hurried toward him and rose up on her tiptoes.
“Good morning to you too.”
Her kiss wasn’t a peck—it scorched him thoroughly as she massaged his lips with hers. They were firm and possessive, and his entire body reacted. When he opened to her with a moan she sipped at his tongue, every movement an erotic statement of ownership. One he welcomed.
Finally, Dria pulled away, her skin a rosy shade of pink and her nipples strawberry buds of sensual delight. “That should keep you going until later.”
Then she turned away and favored him with a view of her dimpled buttocks. His groin tightened further, but he retreated to his own room. He had some thinking and planning to do, and while a naked Dria cavorted in front of him, all he could concentrate on was her.