Vee looked at Krysta. “Were you able to sense Saebin while you were on the day moon?” Krysta shook her head and glanced away, as if her inability were a cause for shame. “Then it is safe to assume Cyrus was shielding the laboratory. He likely used the same technology Hydran incorporated in the shield suits.” Vee paused again then turned to Saebin. “What did Krystabel say to you as you awakened?”
“She said she’d released my Mystic abilities and she cautioned me not to let anyone realize I was in control of my armor.”
“Shortly after awakening you teleported to Firestone Valley?”
“Is there some reason for this review?” Lyrik grumbled.
Vee ignored his impatience. “It is possible the teleportation was simply the result of a surge in your power. It is also possible it had greater significance.”
“What sort of significance?” Krysta asked.
“The device we found in Tann was powered by firestone,” Lyrik said. “Has firestone ever been charged without a Mystic infusing it with energy?”
“I have never heard of such a thing.” Vee’s intricately woven hair coiled around his shoulders like a shimmering snake. Lyrik shuddered. Shapeshifters. “Once charged, firestones are long-lasting and stable. If they have found a way to infuse them with another form of energy…” His words trailed away and his expression revealed concern. This wasn’t good. As Dro Tar would say, Vee had the best poker face on the planet.
“Trey is checking into the concept,” Krysta interjected. “Can you ask Lord Drakkin to search the Wisdom of the Ages?”
Vee nodded then turned back to Saebin. “You have not teleported since?”
“No.” Saebin’s curt answer drew Lyrik’s attention. She sat at the edge of the chair, her posture stiff, tension obvious in her expression. Had she been out of her armor all this time? Didn’t they realize the risks inherent in the separation?
“What can you tell me about your handler?”
“She was brilliant, ambitious and cruel. I never knew her name.” Saebin shot to her feet, her eyes narrowed and bright. “My last vision involved her. I was connecting her to a man and they… It’s hard to explain.”
“May we touch your mind?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and nodded.
Lyrik held his breath while they encircled Saebin, Krysta in front and Vee behind. Saebin accepted their touch, standing perfectly still as they entered her mind. Lyrik released his breath, annoyed by his reaction. This was natural, expected—for Mystics. So why did he want to throw Vee across the room and wrap Saebin in his arms? You’re jealous of an old man? Pull it together!
Vee stepped back first. “Do you recognize the other female?” He directed the question to Krysta.
She lowered her hand and shook her head. “I don’t remember her from Earth and her image isn’t in the personnel files. She either had her face altered or Cyrus erased her identity almost immediately after we arrived.”
“It wouldn’t have taken her long to discover where her skills were most marketable.” Saebin returned to her chair. “Do you understand what was happening? I have no actual memory of the procedure, but I sense it was a reoccurring event.”
“You were being used as a conduit,” Vee explained. “It is a very rare and dangerous ability.”
“Mystics pass energy to each other all the time,” Lyrik said. “What made this unusual?”
“Far more than energy was passing through her. The man’s knowledge in its entirety was being passed to the other female.”
“I often wondered how she learned so quickly.” Saebin paused to rub her eyes. “My handler seemed to know more than Hydran at times. Wait a minute. If this is a Mystic ability, how did Hydran know about it?”
Vee shook his head. “I cannot answer that.”
“Is it possible Krystabel passed on the ability?” Saebin asked.
“Anything is possible. Your handler is a daughter of Krystabel as are you. It is hard to say what abilities she possesses.” He was silent for a long time. “Were you present at the moment of Krystabel’s death?”
“She isn’t dead,” Krysta objected. “She vowed to return and I believe her. Aunt Charlotte is just as convinced she’s still alive.”
Vee didn’t argue. He simply waited for Saebin to respond.
“Why do you ask?”
“It is an ancient custom,” Vee began. “At the moment of death, a Mystic conduit passes the wisdom and experience of the dying person to whomever they have chosen to carry on their legacy.”
“You think I passed Krystabel’s wisdom and experience to my handler?” Saebin pressed her hand to the base of her throat, her eyes wide and filled with horror.
“Not intentionally, but it would explain many things.” Vee continued, oblivious to Saebin’s distress. “Before E’Lanna sent her twins through the portal, she used a conduit to infuse them with information about our world. If Krystabel’s knowledge was then passed to—”
Lyrik rose and stood in front of Saebin. “She’s had enough.”
“This should not distress you. You were clearly being coerced.”
“We’re done for now,” Lyrik insisted. “Go…meditate.”
With his characteristic nonchalance, Vee blinked out of sight.
“He doesn’t mean to be so—inconsiderate. He’s just lived too long to be bothered with social convention.” Krysta started for the door.
“What, no flashy exit?” Lyrik teased.
“The Conservatory is just across the field. It’s a waste of energy.”
Saebin watched Krysta leave the bungalow as Vee’s words echoed through her mind. Had she created her own tormentor? Her sensory inputs buzzed and lights danced before her eyes. Lyrik knelt in front of her and framed her face with his hands. His gaze moved over her features, warm and caressing.
“We have to find her,” she said in a passionate whisper.
“We will.” He brushed her lower lip with his thumb. “If we run out of options, I’ll kidnap the overlord and let D-159 interrogate him.”
She smiled at the rash suggestion, warmed by the determination in his expression. Then she thought about it more seriously. “That’s not a bad idea. We’re already fugitives. At a glance it all seems like a chain of random events, but I’m starting to see the connections.”
“Firestone-powered weapons to overthrow the Mystics?”
She nodded. “But what about the baby? Krystabel spoke of Seth to me twice. What could an innocent child have to do with all this?”
“I have no idea. Krystabel didn’t warn you of the danger to Seth. She insisted that he would be key to bringing her back.”
“It makes my head hurt just thinking about it.”
“How long have you been out of your armor?” Concern darkened his gaze to forest green as he stared into her eyes.
“Since shortly after Vee brought me here.” She turned into his caress, savoring the comfort of his touch. “I’m not close to overload, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“The thought had crossed my mind. I’m glad it’s not a problem.” He feathered kisses across her cheeks, pressed his skin against hers and inhaled the scent of her hair. “I’ve never been so scared in my life. I thought I’d lost you.”
The hushed urgency in his tone made her heart flutter. His eyes took on a rich, mesmerizing gleam that sent heat curling though her abdomen. She waited for her armor to stabilize her emotions then realized she wasn’t wearing it. She’d wanted him since their eyes first met and the desire simmered still. They were safe within the Mystic shield. Was it selfish to spend this one night exploring these feelings?
She placed her hands on his shoulders, scooting to the edge of her chair. “I thought I reacted to you so strongly because you were the only attractive male I’d ever seen.”
One of his eyebrows arched and a smile curved his lips. “You don’t think that anymore?”
“I…” She’d never been allowed to consider her own desires. How did she m
ake him understand how badly she needed this, needed him?
He leaned in slowly and brushed his lips over hers. “Shall we walk along the brook and enjoy the sunset?”
She shook her head. “I want the final destination.” Confusion clouded his gaze and she smiled. “We visited Foreplay World and it was wonderful. I wasn’t impressed with Anticipation, but you promised it would make the final destination that much sweeter.” She licked her lips and tried again. “I want the final destination.”
With a throaty growl, he swept her into his arms and headed for the utility room. She laughed and pointed to the appropriate door. The bedroom was spacious and airy. A large, gauze-draped bed dominated the furnishings.
He set her on the bed then tugged off his boots, his expression intense and hungry. After kicking her shoes aside, she watched him undress. Hazy purple light spilled in through the shutters and the transparent panes in the ceiling. He pulled his shirt off over his head and unfastened his pants. Her gaze followed the bunch and flex of his powerful torso.
Pausing with his pants low on his hips, he captured her gaze with his. “Are you sure this is what you want?” Desire blazed in his eyes, but she detected a mischievous glimmer there too.
She stood and unfastened her robe, parting the front without taking it off. His gaze descended and his chest stopped moving. Feminine power washed over her. A slow step brought her body within a hand’s breadth of his. Her nipples tingled and sweet tension wound through her abdomen.
“Breathe,” she whispered, and pressed her breasts against his chest.
He took a deep breath and the hairs on his chest teased her nipples. She eased her hands inside the waistband of his pants and pushed them downward. His abdomen rippled as her breath wafted across his skin. He wrapped his fingers around the back of her neck, covering the input ring. The casual touch sent desire twisting through her body. He knew all her secrets and he still wanted her. The realization made her dizzy and hot.
His mouth covered hers as he pushed the robe from her shoulders. The soft material swished down her arms then she raised them to encircle his neck. She parted her lips and tugged the cord from his hair, combing her fingers through the thick strands as he took the kiss deeper. Their lips pressed, their tongues slid and their teeth nipped.
A wicked image formed within her mind. Would he be shocked by her daring or pleased with her assertiveness? Were Ontarian women encouraged to explore their sexuality? He’d controlled their last encounter. He’d given and she’d received. Tonight she wanted the pleasure to be shared.
Easing her mouth away from his, she kissed her way down his neck, over his chest and along his abdomen. He traced her spine as she sank to her knees, his hands ending up in her hair. His hips were lean, his legs long. She raked her fingernails over his thighs, fascinated by the fine hair and the well-defined muscles.
She eased one hand between his thighs and heard his sharply indrawn breath. With his sac resting in the palm of her hand, she looked up. The languid swirl of his eyes caressed her face. He licked his lips, his hands tightening ever so slightly in her hair. Without breaking eye contact, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft and circled the flared tip with her tongue.
He groaned, a distinct tremor passing along the length of his body. Encouraged by his response, she wet her lips and took him into her mouth. The woman in the simulation had bobbed her head forward and back while her hands squeezed her lover’s butt. Saebin explored for another moment before moving her hands to his hips. He flexed beneath her fingers as she took him deeper.
He closed his eyes and panted harshly, his head rolling back on his shoulders.
“I don’t want to…end like this.”
Lyrik eased out of Saebin’s mouth and trembled at the longing burning in her eyes. She’d devoured him, pleasured him selflessly. His heart still thundered in his chest and blood rushed to his groin, making him even harder. He’d meant to make slow, sweet love to her, to touch her gently, take her tenderly and watch her sleep cradled in his arms. She obviously needed something more intense.
She’d been emotionally suppressed, imprisoned within her own body. He should have anticipated her ravenous desire. She reached for his shaft again but he twisted away and scooped her up in his arms.
“It’s your turn to tremble and moan.”
He placed her in the middle of the bed. She parted her thighs and bent her knees, her gaze boring into his. The night moon cast a silvery light over her long-limbed body. He paused, captivated by her beauty and her unabashed need.
“You are so incredibly beautiful.”
She smiled at his praise and his heart turned over in his chest. He couldn’t think about the future, didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. He only knew he wanted to savor each moment they had together.
Joining her on the bed, he knelt between her thighs. He arched over her and cupped one breast with his hand while he sucked on the other. Her nipple tightened against his tongue and she raked her fingers through his hair. Silky smooth and incredibly warm, her skin intoxicated him, begged for his touch, commanded his attention. He stroked her side and her hip while his mouth moved from one breast to the other.
He scooted off the end of the bed and pulled her toward him. She reared up, her expression revealing her confusion. With a slow, nearly predatory smile, he guided her heels to the edge of the bed and spread her legs wide. She braced herself on her elbows, watching him through narrowed eyes. Her curiosity encouraged him. He wanted to overwhelm her with pleasure, to devour her as completely as she’d devoured him.
Focusing on her face, he traced her slit with his index finger. Her lips parted and her breasts quivered. Her folds were slick and warm. Was this anticipation or had pleasuring him given her pleasure as well? He pushed his finger in and rotated his wrist, caressing the front wall of her passage as he pulled nearly out. She sighed, her legs subtly flexing as he did it again and again.
He gently added a second finger. Her clit was swollen and flushed, begging for attention. Without interrupting the rhythmic shuttle of his hand, he leaned in and circled her nub with the tip of his tongue. She groaned, her inner muscles rippling.
Time to devour. He savored each gasp, each breathless moan. Her salty-sweet taste drove him crazy, made him ravenous for more. Her fingers grasped his hair, holding him firmly as she rocked into his torrid kiss. She cried out, her body pulsing with a powerful orgasm. He prolonged the spasms, pulling the pleasure from her body as ruthlessly as she’d milked him.
She collapsed against the bed, panting and tremulous. Before she could relax completely, he draped her legs over his arms and positioned himself at her entrance. “Saebin.” Her passion-muddled gaze met his and he filled her with one powerful thrust. She gripped him so tightly Lyrik moaned. He gritted his teeth against the pleasure, waiting for the urgency to subside before he moved.
He pulled nearly out then drove deep again. She arched into each stroke. Mine. The consuming need to claim her surged within him. Nothing had ever felt this right before. She was meant for him. They were meant for each other.
He held back the words but the thought echoed with each forceful thrust. Mine, mine, mine!
Her back bowed and her inner muscles squeezed him rhythmically. He threw back his head and yelled as he followed her over the edge. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he steadied himself against the bed, unwilling to separate their bodies.
Long moments passed with nothing but the sound of their harsh breathing. Had she heard his thoughts or sensed his possessiveness? He hadn’t meant to lose control so completely.
“Are you all right?” she asked, and he couldn’t suppress a chuckle.
“I was just wondering the same thing.”
Dragging his mouth down to hers, she whispered against his lips, “I’ve never been better in my life.”
He blew out a ragged sigh and rolled them to their sides. “Let’s take a shower then find something to eat.”
Her wicked giggle lef
t no doubt what she had in mind.
* * *
The following morning Krysta arrived at the visitor bungalow with a tall, dark-haired man. “This is Master Tal dar Aune. He’s Trey’s brother and Aunt Charlotte’s life mate.”
Saebin cocked her head as she shook his hand. “Does that make you the High King of Ontariese?”
“I leave politics to my life mate as often as I possibly can.” Dressed in a light gray robe, his long black hair formed a neat coil down the middle of his back and his smoke-colored eyes didn’t swirl. The only other Ontarian Saebin had seen whose eyes didn’t swirl was Vee. Did the physical characteristic develop in every Master Level Mage or were they both shapeshifters?
“May we come in?” he asked with a gentle smile.
“Of course.” Saebin moved aside, allowing Tal and Krysta into the main room of the bungalow.
Lyrik stepped back from the window adjacent to the front door and snapped his pulse pistol into the bracket strapped to his thigh. Tal noticed the motion and chuckled. “As trusting as ever, Commander cet Barrel. This dwelling is within the Mystic shield. You are both perfectly safe.”
“One of my own crewmembers tried to take her out. I’m not trusting anyone.”
Tal accepted the explanation with a regal incline of his head. Krysta moved to the chair she’d occupied the night before and Tal stood beside her. “Trey is monitoring all of Cyrus’ communications. He’s sent three messages with a non-standard encryption and received two. Trey’s got a man deciphering the encryption but it will take time.”
“I’m not going to wait for Cyrus to try again.” Too agitated to sit, Saebin moved behind one of the chairs and placed her hands on the back.
“The overlord has no reason to believe Tann failed.” Lyrik moved up beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “If everyone thinks she’s dead, it could give us an advantage.”
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