“It’s hard to explain.” She laughed. “I know, I said that after Allenton.” She glanced at Tal as if she were afraid it would happen again. “I saw a glowing outline all around him and then streaks of light shot out like shooting stars. Inside the light, I could see shadows forming shapes then twisting and turning into other shapes.” Her troubled gaze returned to Lor as she said, “You told me you’d explain what it meant, but you never did.”
“You’re a sensitive,” Tal told her. “You see the Mystic abilities of others. Once you learn to interpret the images, you will have an accurate glimpse into the soul of every person you meet. There are other uses for the gift, but they require training.”
“Why had it never happened until I encountered Lor and Allenton?”
Lor reached over and took her hand, hoping to ease her obvious uncertainty. “The vast majority of humans have no Mystic energy. There had never been anything to trigger your gift until you sensed me in the casino.”
“Her impression of me was accurate,” Tal mused. “Have each of her visions been as insightful?”
“They have,” Lor told him.
“Accurate?” Tori flared. “None of it made any sense to me. What the hell does it mean?”
“You sense heat when you look at me because I’m able to manipulate fire,” Lor used a calm, caressing tone, trying to soothe her.
“I am able to shift forms, communicate over vast distances and transfer energy.” Tal could do a lot more than that, but those were the skills Tori’s untrained gift had revealed. “Your visions will become even more specific as you hone your skills.”
“This is all fascinating, but how did I end up with this sensitivity in the first place? Are you hinting that I’m not human?”
“Ontarians have been moving among humans for centuries,” Tal explained. “For the most part we observe without interfering, but every rule is broken on occasion.” His hair flowed over his shoulder and formed a loose coil around his neck, a sure sign that he was agitated. “This could also explain why her sister was targeted. Two hybrids would have a better chance of conceiving than a hybrid and a full-blood human.”
Tori’s fingers tightened around his hand as she reacted to Tal’s words. “You think the Shadow Assassins will hunt females with Ontarian blood? How would they even know who to target? It must not show up on routine blood tests because I’ve had many and no one ever told me I’m part alien.”
“Humans and Ontarians are genetic siblings. That’s part of the reason we are so fascinated by your species. Blood tests generally screen for something specific. Doctors would have needed a reason to go looking for the genetic anomalies you doubtlessly possess.”
“How strong is her Ontarian energy? Are you thinking parent or grandparent?”
“It’s hard for me to tell. The energy surges come and go. If she’s willing to have her blood tested while she’s here, the scientists at the COT could provide her with a complete genetic profile. I’ll also ask Charlotte if she has time to scan her tomorrow. Shall I have one of the guest bungalows set up for Tori’s use?”
It was another subtle reminder of the rules. Lor couldn’t take her to his cottage. His quarters were considered part of the Conservatory grounds. He let go of her hand and clasped his behind his back in a belated show of deference to his mentor. “That would be appreciated, sir. If things take longer on the COT than I expect, I’ll contact you.”
“Very good.” Tal inclined his head toward Tori. “It was nice meeting you. I hope everything turns out well with your sister.”
“Thank you.” Tori sounded distracted, but she said nothing more as she followed him out into the corridor. The privacy panel slid closed behind them and she whispered, “Who is Charlotte?”
“Tal’s life mate. She’s also High Queen of Ontariese.”
She pivoted to face him, her feet suddenly rooted to the floor. “Head Master of the Mystics is married to the High Queen? Talk about a power couple. Why does he want her to scan me?”
“Sensitivity, like yours, is usually passive. You cannot affect the powers that you sense. Charlotte, however, possesses the active version of your gift. She’s called a catalyst. Not only can she sense the gifts of others she can manipulate them.”
“In what way?”
“She can release latent abilities and amplify the strength of established abilities. She’s an extraordinary woman. I think you’ll like her.” He motioned for them to continue down the corridor and she feel instep beside him.
“It’s bizarre to think about all of these gifts. Humans are in awe of anyone who can demonstrate any sort of paranormal ability. Mainly because there are so few who can.”
“You’ll get used to it. Sixty-eight percent of Ontarians possess some sort of gift.”
“How many of those are accepted by the Conservatory?” She looked up at him with obvious speculation.
“Half of one percent.” He tried to remain humble about his accomplishments, but he had worked extremely hard to achieve his goals. “And even fewer successfully complete their training.”
“In other word, don’t piss you off?”
He chuckled. “I would never harm you, no matter how angry I became.” Rather than using the landing area, he took her outside. The afternoon was mild and he suspected she would enjoy a short stroll across the grounds. They used the perimeter walkway, following the outer edge of the back lawn rather than cutting across.
“Where are we going now?”
“Teleportation is only allowed in designated areas inside the Conservatory, so we’re going to step out of bounds.”
“And then?” she prompted with a playful smile.
“And then I’ll flash us to the City of Tears.”
“Tal mentioned someone named Trey. Who is he?”
“Trey is Tal’s older brother. Trey dar Aune is Director of Covert Operations at the City of Tears. I’m primarily a Mystic, but I also work with Director dar Aune when specific missions require my skillset.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “That’s what Tal meant about you understanding better than most. Director dar Aune attempted to recruit you?”
“He did, but I feel my true calling is at the Conservatory. I would never agree to work for him fulltime.”
“Never say never.” She laughed. “You’re daring the fates to make a fool out of you.”
“All right, I can’t foresee a situation that would make me reconsider my decision.”
“Fair enough. You mentioned another name. Odin-something.”
“Odintar Voss,” he told her. “We went through training together.”
“He’s a Master Level mage, like you?”
“His abilities are different than mine, but we each have earned that title. Apparently Director dar Aune was successful in recruiting him. I hadn’t heard. Odintar took an off-world assignment a couple of lunar cycles—or Earth months—ago, but I thought he would return to the Conservatory.”
“Are you friends?”
“More like colleagues. We’ve worked together frequently and I trust his abilities, but we don’t really socialize.”
They reached the end of the walk path, which signaled the Conservatory’s official southern boundary. The Mystic shield extended quite a bit farther, protecting the visitor center and bungalows, but as soon as they moved beyond the walk path, Lor was free to teleport.
“Ready?” He stepped into the wild grass, coarser and longer than the manicured lawn.
After she paused to look around, she joined him in the wild grass. “Do you socialize? This place seems pretty secluded.”
“Nowhere is secluded if you can teleport.”
“Good point.” She moved closer and lightly placed her hand on his chest.
He wrapped his arms loosely around her, torn between their need to get moving and his desire to explore their attraction.
“You never answered my question,” she pointed out in a breathy whisper.
“Do I socialize?” She nodded, her gaze
drifting down toward his lips. “My responsibilities keep me pretty busy but I…” His need to kiss her won the battle and he covered her mouth with his. Her lips were warm and parted, waiting for him, so he deepened the kiss. Easing past her lips, he stroked her tongue and caressed the silky inside of her mouth.
Her arms slid up and around his neck as she arched against him. He could feel her breasts against his chest and desperately wanted to stroke her nipple with his thumb, or better yet, tug on the sensitive buds with his lips. He knew how soft and responsive her breasts were and he couldn’t wait to see them again, feel them warm and peaked beneath his fingers.
Knowing this was neither the time nor the place to fan that particular flame, he eased back and looked into her eyes.
Her lids drooped hiding her gaze, but she smiled. “You should stop doing that or I’m going to forget we just met.”
“It doesn’t feel like we just met.” And it wasn’t just a come-on. He’d never met a person on any world with whom he felt more comfortable.
“I know. That’s why you need to stop kissing me.”
“You seemed to be enjoying my kiss.”
“Another reason you have to stop doing it.” She released a frustrated breath. “I don’t fall into bed with men I’ve just met, but sex is all I can think about whenever you touch me.”
He gently tilted her chin up until she looked back into his eyes. “I’m not sure what’s happening between us. This feels different than a simple flirtation. Still, I’m willing to take it slow if that’s what you need.”
“I don’t know what I need.” She hugged him and buried her face against his chest. Unfortunately, he suspected that uncertainty not affection had motivated her actions. “I can’t believe I’m on another planet. What was I thinking?”
He also heard humor in her tone, so he allowed her momentary retreat. “We still have a lot to accomplish before we head back to Earth. Let’s postpone this conversation until after we’ve spoken with Trey.”
“Deal.” Her hands swept up and down his back before settling around his waist.
He pulled her more firmly against his body and closed his eyes, picturing the main tower cluster. Ever aware of rank and position, the Overlord’s office took up the entire top floor of the tallest tower and Trey’s office was situated on the top floor of the second highest tower. Lor found all the formality silly, but he was a Mystic at heart not a soldier.
Broadcasting the current access code, Lor teleported to the landing platform on top of the second highest tower. The platform was large enough for compact shuttles and helojets. They were met by a uniformed guard, who scanned Lor’s face to confirm his identity. When Tori’s face didn’t register, the guard called in for authorization.
Tori didn’t seem to mind the delay. She stood well back from the platform’s edge, staring out over the City of Tears. “It’s so beautiful. The buildings are lavish and the grounds are amazing. Why is an army base so…luxurious?”
“The City of Tears was originally a leisure colony only the rich and powerful could afford.”
She glanced at him then back into the distance, curiosity shaping her expression. “When and why did it become the headquarters for your military?”
“The Great Conflict changed everything about Ontariese. The City of Tears is just one of the most overt.”
“Is the war still being fought?”
“The actual war is officially over, but I’m not sure the resulting conflicts will ever resolve. Ontariese is fractured and deeply scared by its past.”
She nodded. “Earth has had several Great Conflicts. One was even called ‘the war to end all wars’, but of course it didn’t.”
“The Director is ready for you now,” the guard called out.
Lor took Tori’s hand and led her through a set of automatic doors and down a staircase. A security door was scanned open by the guard posted at the entrance and Lor guided Tori into the luxurious office. The outer wall followed the curvature of the tower, giving the office a spectacular view of the city.
“Wow,” Tori whispered under her breath so he let her soak in the grandeur. “This is even better than the roof.”
“Just got off the link with by brother,” Trey began, forgoing the usual formalities.
Tori dragged her gaze away from the view and gasped. Her eyes rounded and her mouth hung open.
Trey just laughed. “I had a similar reaction the first time I saw a human.”
Every Ontarian Tori had seen so far had a distinct resemblance to humans. Director dar Aune’s appearance was not unusual for an Ontarian, but the only thing ‘human’ about him was the basic arrangement of his features. His skin had a rich golden tone and his hair was a wild combination of red, yellow, and orange. And the rotation of his amber eyes was more pronounced than any she’d seen so far.
“I’m sorry.” She snapped herself out of her stupor and blushed to the roots of her hair. “Everyone else has looked so…”
“Normal?” Trey chuckled again. “I suspect Lor was easing you into it.” He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk, much as his brother had done. “Have a seat and cut to the chase. Did Allenton turn traitor or not?”
“I’m not sure. A good deal of their conversation was in Rodyte. Is Odintar here? I was hoping he could translate their conversation for us.”
Trey turned toward a multi-level console and activated his holodisplay. “Person-to-person page, Odintar Voss.”
Odintar’s image formed within the wavering grid. He was naked to the waist and gleaming with sweat. Apparently the page had interrupted his training routine. “What is it, Director?”
Lor glanced at Tori and smiled. She was staring at the image with nearly the same wide-eyed wonder she’d shown to Trey. At least she’d kept her mouth shut this time. Odintar’s coloring wasn’t as striking as Trey’s, but he gave off a savage air that effortlessly intimidated. Lor had seen hundreds of people trip over themselves trying to get out of Odintar’s way.
“Throw on a shirt and come up here. It won’t take long, but it’s important.”
“Understood.” The image blinked off.
“It will take a few for him to make it up here, so fill me in on the rest. What about Allenton’s team? Did you try contacting their headquarters before you returned?”
“Yes, sir.” Lor stopped just short of rolling his eyes. “All four of his men were blocking my signal, so I decided not to flash into the middle of an ambush.”
“Understandable. Is there any chance Allenton didn’t see an option and decided to play along? You guys had been spinning your wheels for almost a week.”
“There’s a slim possibility he was using a pretend defection to find out where they’ve been hiding, but I don’t think that’s what happened.”
Trey sighed and folded his hands on his desktop. “Neither do I. Varrik has done an amazing job with the general troops, but the hunters have been a problem from day one. They were used to giving orders not receiving them, so they all balked against the changes.”
Tori tried her best not to stare as Lor went back over the details of the past day, but Director dar Aune was simply gape-worthy. His hair alone was a work of art. Individual strands of red, orange, yellow and gold flowed to his shoulders in mesmerizing waves. She’d never seen anything like it. His features were sculpted with rugged handsomeness, unlike his almost ethereal brother. She’d thought Lor’s eyes were amazing when they started spinning, but the rotation had been subtle compared to Trey’s. She could only glance into them without feeling woozy. She’d just about convinced herself that Ontariese wasn’t that different from Earth and now she suspected she had only glimpsed its wonders.
The double doors slid open and the hunk she’d seen on the holographic phone strode into the office. He had a towel draped around his neck, but hadn’t bothered with a shirt as instructed. He glanced at her then back at his commander and said something she couldn’t understand.
“Use English,” Trey instructed. �
��And we’ll forgive your appearance. I should have told you I had visitors.”
Odintar nodded toward Lor. “It’s been a long time.”
Damn the man was cut. Every inch of his body was utterly ripped—sort of like Lor’s. Maybe a shirtless policy for Ontarian men wasn’t such a bad idea.
“This is Tori Logan,” Lor introduced. “Her sister was targeted and circumstances made it necessary to inform her of what was going on.”
Odintar looked at her more closely, but his starkly male features revealed nothing of his thoughts. With a square chin and strong jawline, he could have posed for classical sculptors. For that matter, any artist would love his lines. There was no rotation in his ink-black eyes. In fact the irises were so dark she couldn’t tell where his pupils began, if he even had pupils. Was he Ontarian? He looked more like the Shadow Assassins than the Ontarians.
“What do you need from me?” One corner of his mouth lifted in a sexy smile as his gaze continued to drill into hers.
“A translation.” Lor stood, blocking Odintar’s view of Tori. “She overheard a conversation in Rodyte. I need to know what was said.”
“Are you going to be all right with me touching your woman?”
She didn’t need to see his face to understand the challenge in his question. They were like two stags scraping the ground with their hooves, preparing to fight over a female.
“Not a chance.” Lor laughed. “Which is why you’ll access the image in my mind.”
She couldn’t hold back a smile. Lor’s possessiveness was adorable.
Odintar moved closer to Lor and touched the side of his face. Lor hadn’t needed to touch her to flow into her mind. Weren’t they both fully trained Mystics?
“‘We have waited too long and scarified too much to settle for half portions.’” Odintar’s voice became a monotone drone as he translated the argument. Apparently, translating the emotions driving the argument required more effort than he was willing to expend. “‘This isn’t some impulse or last resort. We have made plans and we have resources. Don’t turn your back on what you are and become a mindless slave to another master.’” Odintar stepped back and looked at Trey. “This can’t surprise anyone. The hunters have been discontent since leaving the Shadow Maze.”
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