If she wasn’t so thirsty, she would have laughed. Alex handed her the glass, while Starc supported the back of her head and shoulders. She did not think she ever had water so delicious before. “Did Darden and Cianan make it back?” Shirl extended the glass and raised her eyebrow. Alex knew she was asking for more.
Starc nodded. “They were about thirty minutes behind us. As soon as we made it through the portal I got medical assistance to you. When Darden and Cianan arrived a stretcher was right there. The med-tech worked on him on the mountain, but everyone felt more comfortable carrying him down. He is going to be fine. Cianan was very lucky the Giant Larma beast did not do more damage.”
Shirl looked about her and did not recognize her surroundings. That was happening more often than she cared for. “Where am I? This does not look like any hospital I have ever visited.” The room was sparsely furnished and there was no medical equipment in sight.
“We are in the safe house we utilize from time to time,” Starc informed her. “It is close to the trail head and we wanted you treated as quickly as possible.”
She heard about this place. Because of the fever, she was still a little confused and disoriented. It then dawned on her why she knew about this house. “Chartail has been staying here. Is she all right? Where is she?”
“Right here,” Chartail said. The woman walked out of the shadows. She must have been taking lessons from Alex. “I got to take care of you for a change. You talk in your sleep. It can be quite informative nursing you back to health.”
The surprise of seeing Chartail shocked her back into her right mind. “Did the medical team see her when they were taking care of me?” After everything they both went through, if Chartail had been discovered taking care of Shirl, it would be disastrous.
“It is all right. Chartail kept out of sight in the back room.” Starc positioned a cool cloth on her forehead. It felt so good, she almost moaned.
“I brought you back some crystals from Terra Flora,” Shirl told Chartail. “They may be able to help you with what you went through.”
“While you were sleeping,” Chartail said, “Starc gave them to me and explained their use. I am feeling a little better. Thank you.” Shirl was amazed Starc remembered what she had told him about the quartz. He had paid attention. Starc concentrated on little things. That was important to Shirl. Big events were so rare, it was the smaller courtesies that had the biggest impact. Once again, her heart warmed thinking about her soul mate.
“Everyone will be meeting here later,” Starc informed her. “Since the general population knows about our ordeal in the Terra Flora universe, it is safe for us to congregate here. Strangers have been dropping off flowers in the front of the house. You have become something of a folk hero. First there was the Nightshade universe scandal and now this. We will discuss the possibility of moving Chartail if we feel her presence here has been compromised.”
Chartail moved closer to the bed. She removed her copper bracelet and placed it around Shirl’s left wrist. “You mentioned while you were talking in your sleep that you wanted a cuff bracelet. For some reason you thought it would make you belong in the Troyk universe. Keep mine safe for now. When events occur that allow me to come home, I will take it back. We will design one for you together.”
Shirl was overwhelmed with emotion. After everything this woman had been through, giving Shirl her familial bracelet was such a selfless act. She looked forward to working on her own bracelet, together with her friends. One that depicted the friendships she forged with the incredible women in her life. Shirl glanced at Starc and wondered if their relationship would be part of the story the bracelet would tell.
Starc was beside himself with relief, now that Shirl was awake and fever free. It had been a grueling couple of days. Starc had not left Shirl’s side since he had carried her back from Terra Flora. Darden had delivered Jeryl Jarlyn his precious crystals. They had almost cost the life of his soul mate. Chartail had started nursing her the moment he had brought her to the safe house. Troyk medical technology was quite advanced. However, it was easier to deal with physical injuries, like when Tarsea had been stabbed. Eliminating the venom from Shirl’s bloodstream was a more time consuming task. A crystal telepath could travel to countless worlds, only generic anti-venom serums were available to med-techs. There was also the need to bring Shirl’s temperature down.
Alex helped out as Shirl fought the fever. She was there to calm her friend, as Shirl came in and out of consciousness. Half the time Shirl thought she was back in the Ginkgo Terra universe. They talked of people and places Starc was unfamiliar with. No one slept until Shirl’s fever broke. Once Shirl was out of danger, Tarsea was able to convince Alex to go home. He no doubt wanted to get his soul mate into bed, where he could hold her, as Starc wished to hold Shirl.
His desire to be alone with Shirl had to wait, as everyone arrived for their pre-determined meeting related to Chartail’s future. Starc had never spent much time with the woman when Tarsea dated her. Over the last few days, Starc was overwhelmed with admiration for Chartail as she cared for his soul mate. He barely recognized her as she tirelessly administered to Shirl. Alex had noticed Chartail’s near fanatical need to aid her friend. She abdicated lead to Chartail, as they both nursed Shirl back to health.
The small group assembled in the small common room in the safe house to come up with a plan. Solfa, Karlon Flonder, and Tarah were not present due to their close association with the Troyk government. Their presence at the safe house by outsiders would bring unwanted attention.
Chartail sat between Shirl and Alex. A strong bond had grown between the three. Starc knew that any strategy related to Chartail would have to be endorsed by the two women for final approval to be given.
Majority rule was not going to fly in this case. Alex’s healthy features made her stand out from the two women who recently lived through difficult ordeals. The woman who blended in the shadows, now shined from both physical and emotional strength. Starc knew with time, she would once again fade into the shadows when she was beside these incredibly beautiful and vibrant women. He noticed that Tarsea could not keep his eyes off his soul mate.
Starc started the discussion. The sooner they reached a decision, the sooner he would be able to spend time alone with Shirl. His arms longed to hold her, not to mention the rest of him. He would have to show restraint concerning his need for her.
“With all the attention this place has received since bringing Shirl here injured, I am afraid we may have compromised this location. It would be a danger to us, as was well as Chartail, to keep her here.”
“I have to agree,” Tarsea chimed in. He further elaborated within the warrior channel, “This location can no longer be used as a safe house for our activities.”
Chartail and Shirl looked at Tarsea and both asked, “What activities?”
“By, the Supreme Being, we have two more channeling the warrior path!” Darden exclaimed. Starc was not surprised Shirl had been able to link in. But Chartail’s accessing the channel did surprise him.
“Chartail is one of us now,” Alex said. “Any decision we come up with has to reflect that.”
For the second time, Shirl spoke. “It is more than that. Chartail has also linked into the channel that exists between me and Alex. That channel does not feel like a communal channel, but something akin to the warrior pathway. She linked in as they were nursing me.” Starc suspected that Shirl and Alex were communicating in that channel bringing Chartail up to speed on everything that had happened since they both came through the portal.
“All right,” Tarsea said, “we now know she shares powerful links with us. That does not change the issue at hand. Chartail cannot stay in the Troyk universe. It is too dangerous for her and the rest of us. If she is caught, we are all going to be sent to the penal colony.”
“We are not sending her to that horrible place,” Alex cried.
“Baby, we are not going to send her there. The question is where do we send her?” Tarsea answered his soul mate. Starc could hear the frustration in Tarsea’s voice. He knew they had to come up with a solution that fully satisfied the needs of both their soul mates.
Had Shirl been stronger, Starc knew she would be right next to Alex challenging them. Starc could see that even with the lively discussion, Shirl was having problems keeping her eyes open. He caught Tolfer’s attention and motioned in Shirl’s direction. Tolfer rose and left the common room for the kitchen.
“How about either Terra Azure or the Standish universe?” Koel asked. “We have sent numerous dissidents to those worlds. They are safe and gatherers typically do not travel to those worlds.” Terra Azure was a world that had little land mass, it was an aquatic world. There was a fairly large island inhabited by relatively technological advanced people. The Standish Universe recently recovered from an ice age. Temperatures had warmed and the planet was once again livable.
“Perhaps Terra Azure,” Tarsea answered. “The Standish universe requires a pioneer temperament which Chartail does not exhibit. No offense meant. It is just my opinion.”
“No offense taken, Tarsea,” Chartail said. “I cannot see myself breaking my back to bring a planet back to life. What little I have heard about Terra Azure, it will be suitable for the short time it will take for you to bring Benko Jarlyn home.”
The room got quiet, as everyone looked from person to person. Benko Jarlyn had not been mentioned in Chartail’s presence as far as Starc was aware.
“It was me,” Shirl sighed. “I needed to give Chartail something to live for when we were in the Nightshade universe.” His soul mate was fading fast, she could barely sit straight in her chair. Where was Tolfer with the herbs that would give her some temporary energy?
Tolfer re-emerged from the kitchen with several mugs. He must have concocted several different beverages for the women, based on their individual needs. Shirl, Chartail, and Alex all received a mug and immediately started sipping their contents.
“Koel,” Tarsea commanded, “put together an evacuation plan for tomorrow evening. Communicate what you come up with through the warrior channel mid-day tomorrow. There has not been any chatter regarding Chartail in the communal pathways. I want her safe in another universe before she is compromised.” Koel was the group’s logistical genius. Most of their operations were planned by Koel and executed by the remaining members of the group. Koel generally held back and observed, in order to make tactual adjustments where needed once an operation was underway.
Tarsea left with Tolfer and Alex as soon as she finished her herbal beverage. Starc knew his friend did not like it when Alex was put in any type of danger. Tarsea had no choice but to allow Alex to be part of this operation, she demanded it. That, however, did not mean he had to like it. There was little doubt that when Tarsea got Alex home, he would find a way to work out all his frustrations.
Darden and Koel left shortly after the others. They had several words with Chartail before they took their leave. Starc noted that his cousin had touched Chartail, as he seemed to be touching every woman he had contact with. With three of the five friends having found their soul mates, he imagined Koel was growing frustrated. Although most people would not have noticed, Starc started to see a shift in Koel’s personality. He still made stupid remarks, but now on fewer occasions. His cousin was becoming more serious and circumspect.
Shirl and Chartail were quietly talking as he re-entered the room. His soul mate seemed to have more color in her face and noticeably had more energy. She was swinging her legs and twisting a napkin that Tolfer had handed her when he gave her the beverage. He had been worried sick about her and just wanted to wrap her in his arms.
Chartail must have picked up on his need. She kissed Shirl and stood. “It has been a very enlightening day. Tomorrow is going to be just as crazy, if not more. I better try and get some rest.” She took a couple of steps and stopped. “I wish you and Alex had come through the portal years ago.”
Shirl rose to embrace her new friend. “Use the crystals. They will help you rest. We are both going to need as much energy as we can for tomorrow’s operation. Sleep well.” Chartail walked to the second bedroom and closed the door behind her.
Starc wanted his soul mate in his arms. He could understand Tarsea’s frustration when Alex put herself in danger. Now Starc was in the same position. Nothing would make him happier than locking Shirl in the bedroom during tomorrow’s operation. Unfortunately, he knew that was not an option available to him. Shirl turned, she must have had an inkling of what was going through his mind.
Shirl was wired. She had no idea what had been in that beverage, but she had enough energy to run a marathon. Chartail had retired to her room. Shirl knew exactly how she was going to use her excess energy.
She got up and approached her soul mate. The same urgency that had hit her in the Nightshade universe was beginning to spread throughout her already charged body. There was a need she felt, one only Starc could fill. Everything except the man in front of her faded from her perception. All she wanted were his hands caressing her body. Her pores longed to soak up his touch. She was already wet, ready for their joining.
Starc watched her approach. She saw his anticipation reflected in his stare. The closer she got, the darker his eyes became. Dark, with need. He slowly rose, perhaps afraid he would scare her off. Silly man.
Shirl wanted to launch herself into his arms. She could let urgency take over her self-control, as it did before. It would be so easy to let insanity reign once again. Tolfer’s beverage was not helping her control the frenzy overtaking her. The second time they had made love, it had been with her body and soul. She wanted to experience that completion again.
“I have waited for you my whole life,” she told him, as she lifted her face to kiss him. The kiss started sweet. It could have been a first kiss had they met as teenagers. She would have liked that. They would have experimented with life together, as well as sex, as they grew up.
Starc deepened the kiss. He caressed her waist, as he brought her into his embrace. They were both holding back their passion, taking it slow. He probably proceeded cautiously because of her recent fever, while she wanted to experience every nuisance of what they were sharing. She brought her tongue into his mouth, wanting more of his taste. His tongue met hers, as she continued her exploration. Shirl groaned as different sensations were overtaking her body.
She felt his hands move, as he lifted her into his arms. Without a word, he carried her into the bedroom. She knew from the Terra Flora universe he had no issues dealing with her height or weight. Gently he placed her on the bed, as he turned to close and lock the door. As he made his way back to her, he removed his tunic. Shirl gloried at his magnificent chest, licking her dried lips. She grabbed the bed’s linens, trying to maintain control, as she watched Starc undress. It was not long before he stood before her nude. His erection grabbing her attention.
“Do you need help undressing, Shirl?” Need help, she thought, no. Want and desire help, oh yes! She wanted him to slowly and sensually remove her clothing. Some of her thoughts must have leaked through their closed channel. Starc smiled as he took hold of her leggings and undie’s waistbands and slowly pulled them down her body. He littered kisses along her naked flesh, as the fabric pulled. When he got to her calf, he kissed and licked the snake bite. There was something unreasonably sexy about that.
Starc discarded her leggings and panties, tossing them on a nearby chair. He grabbed her tunic, lifting it above her head. He did not continue his voyage, but continued to linger at her chest. Starc took her left breast into his mouth through the satin of her bra. As he sucked and pulled on her breast’s nipple, Starc unhooked her bra. He released her breast and removed the material binding her.
Her right breast only had momentary freedom until it was captured by Starc’s mo
uth. Never had captivity felt so damn good. Her nipple continued to harden as he sucked harder. She continued to control her passion, letting only near silent mews escape from her mouth. They had an audience before, she did not want Chartail to hear what was happening in this room.
Starc rose from her breast and made his way up to her neck. As with the snake bite, he kissed and licked Drake’s mark. She would always carry the scar of the vampire’s bite, but Drake would never have her heart. It belonged to the man who was now kissing her. With that realization, the dam holding control broke.
She communicated through the soul mate channel, “Change positions.” It was not a request, but a command. Shirl had always been a passive bed partner, but currently there was not a passive cell in her whole body. Starc merely smiled and grabbed her as he rolled over. She rose above him, straddling his hips, as she positioned herself. Shirl had never liked being on top, she had felt so exposed. Now she reveled in it.
Slowly she took him into her body, one exquisite inch at a time. Starc groaned, “I am dying here, Shirl.”
Doubt crept into her heightened state. She did not have the experience to truly know the level of her soul mate’s discomfort. “How long can you hold out?”
Starc gave her one of his wide smiles that warmed her heart. “An eternity, if you can manage it.” Shirl returned his smile, continuing her slow-paced dominance over his body. When she had taken him fully into her body, she increased the pace at which she rode him. “Faster, faster, baby,” Starc cried out within their channel. Being able to communicate within the soul mate channel only further intensified the experience.
Whatever herb she had consumed was wearing off. The energy that had earlier jump started her body, just as quickly phased out. She needed to keep up the pace until they both climaxed. They were so close, she needed to hang on a little longer. She found that last burst of energy which took them both into a shared rapture.
The Crystal Telepath Page 15