Ride the Stars

by Autumn Dawn

  Let them assume it was because of Chrys.

  Aware of the rawness of the subject for her, Skye changed the subject back to the original. “Regardless, you know it’s because we care, Vasha. What kind of brothers would we be if we let just any suitor near you? Besides, this director you’re talking about isn’t even Draconian.”

  Vasha raised her brows. “Neither was your wife.”

  “It’s completely different and you know it,” Skye said, an edge to his voice. “Our laws—”

  “I know the laws,” she said, her face tight. “But I disagree with them. Just because our females are much rarer than the males—”

  “We have to maintain purity” Skye tried to override her, his voice rising.

  “-doesn’t mean we should be forced to mate within our race. You men don’t.”

  “We usually can’t,” Domino was quick to point out. “Not enough women.”

  Vasha gave him an insincere smile and blinked rapidly. “Has it occurred to you that an infusion of fresh blood might make a difference?”

  “Come on, Vasha!” Domino’s face was incredulous. “Think. What do you think our men have been bringing into our race with our alien wives? Face it; it’s simply the limitations of our race.”

  “I don’t see what you’re complaining about,” Skye added with a concerned scowl. “It’s not as if you’re not hotly pursued among Draconians. Any one of them—”

  Vasha threw down her fork. “I refuse to marry a man who views me as a prize! I’m not a piece of art to be appreciated for my rarity, Skye! At least with an alien I know it’s for myself.”

  “Not always.” Jaide was surprised she’d spoken, but this argument was truly getting out of hand. “Men of my race desire women for many different reasons, few of them because they care in any lasting way. Look at how they use us and discard us. We have little value to some of them. A good many of them are simply looking for a good roll, and they don’t care where they get it. Some of them would view an alien as a sort of trophy, something different to brag about to their friends. Skye’s the first man I’ve known to think of me in terms other than a potential quickie.”

  Taken aback at her bluntness, Vasha subsided. It was clear she wasn’t happy, but Jaide had given her something to think about.

  Belsi wasn’t so easily dissuaded. Watching Jaide closely, she asked, “What about Chrys? Isn’t he different?”

  It was too much. Jaide stood up. “Not that I’ve ever seen. Excuse me.”

  Skye followed her into the guestroom. “Jaide.…”

  She waived him off. “Not now, please. I really don’t want to talk about it.” With a sigh she sat on the bed and rubbed her forehead.

  Respecting her silence, he joined her, propping his head up on his hand as he half-reclined. “A woman of few words. How unusual is that?” he teased, trying to lift her mood. He counted it a success when she scowled at him. Encouraged, he flopped back with as dramatic a sigh as he could manage and rested his wrist limply against his forehead. “I may just expire with joy.”

  “You’ll expire, all right.” With a playful growl, she leapt on him and pinned his wrists to the bed. “Now what are you going to do, tough guy?” Her stern tone was ruined by the grin curving her mouth.

  “Oh, don’t hurt me!” he squealed, falsetto. “Big, bad woman; have mercy!”

  Helpless with laughter, she shrieked as he flipped her over.

  Growling in mimic of a fearsome beast, he nibbled her neck. “Now who’s on top, bonbon?” They wrestled over the bed. She needed to burn off tension and he was glad to help her do it. There was really no contest, but it stimulated both of them to pretend there was.

  Their match ended predictably, with him on top and fire in his eyes.

  It was a long while before they left their room.

  The club that night was quieter than usual due to a sold out performance at a nearby arena. Since Domino and Skye had business to attend to and Vasha chose to stay at home, Jaide accepted Belsi’s invitation to attend the laser-hunter demo. Excited by the chance to see her favorite performer in action, Belsi wouldn’t stop chattering.

  “He’s so amazing,” she gushed as they entered the private transport Skye had secured for them.

  “Hm.” Still distracted by Skye’s inexplicable unconcern for security at the stadium, Jaide barely heard her. Had he insisted on bodyguards or security she wouldn’t have argued, not with Carthack and Quadril still on the loose. Yet he’d said nothing, only kissed her goodbye and told her to have a good time.

  Passing odd, to say the least.

  She blinked as a hand suddenly waived in front of her face.

  “Hello? Anybody in there?” Belsi grinned at her. “Come on, we’re here!”

  Unable to completely relax, Jaide paid sharp attention to the multitude thronging into the stadium with them. If there was going to be trouble, she’d be ready.

  “Why are you so jumpy?” Belsi asked as the line inched toward the toll booths. “You look like you’re expecting to be attacked or something.” Her grin was definitely mischievous.

  Jaide’s eyes narrowed. “What do you know?”

  Belsi laughed. “You’ll never see them, but we’re surrounded by bodyguards. Trust me, my brothers would never let us out of their sight without at least six men trailing us. They’re just staying out of sight so we won’t feel hemmed in.”

  Uncertain how she felt about that, Jaide scowled and searched the crowd. To her mind it would be preferable to have the men in plain sight. The whole idea of unseen guardians made her nervous. She’d always preferred to depend on that she could see and touch. Still, it made her feel better to know Skye hadn’t been as cavalier with their safety as she’d thought.

  Not that she’d ever admit to it.

  With a big smile for the ticket taker, Belsi paid and impatiently grabbed Jaide’s hand to be stamped when she continued to look around. Still holding it, she took off at a trot, towing Jaide behind her. “Come on! We need to hurry up if we’re going to get our refreshments in time.”

  Snacks in hand, they settled into a private balcony box to enjoy the game.

  “How much did you pay for these seats?” Jaide asked as she looked out the reflection-proof, one-way glass.

  Grinning like a cat, Belsi winked and propped her feet up on the empty seat in front of her. “Don’t ask.”

  The lights suddenly flicked on in the arena and dimmed over the audience. There was a muted spate of conversation from the audience and a sudden roar as six laser hunters swooshed out on hover boards.

  “That’s my favorite,” Belsi breathed reverently, pointing to one of the helmeted hunters as he rounded the concrete bowl of the arena. Various ramps and loops had been set up in the center. He was the only one not showing off in some manner. “He’s unquestionably the best.”

  Amused at Belsi’s obvious crush, Jaide smiled. “Bet he’s cute, huh?”

  “Mm.”

  “Single?”

  “Presently unattached,” Belsi confirmed. “And dying to be mine.”

  Jaide raised a brow.

  “Well, he would be if he wasn’t good friends with my brothers.” She pretended to pout. “And guys don’t hit on their friend’s sisters. It’s a stupid guy thing.”

  Laughing, Jaide just shook her head.

  A buzzer sounded in the pit below. Suddenly the men broke into two teams. Barely had they joined up when the signal came to fight.

  Jaide jumped as live fire exploded in the pit below. She’d been expecting harmless practice lasers, not the red beams leaving scorch marks on the concrete. Suddenly the light, black body armor-yellow on the opposing team-didn’t look so theatrical. “Is this a death match?”

  Never taking her eyes off the action, Belsi shook her head. “They only score points when they hit the red sensors on the armor. Chest is a winning shot, but the elbows and knees get higher points, as does the forehead and neck. Marksmanship is very prized. My man always hits a marksman shot before he
takes down his opponent.”

  Although a mean shot herself, Jaide still couldn’t see how the men below could hit anything as they sped through the loops and whizzed off the walls. Could be it was something like flying a ship, but still...just the thought of it made her feel dizzy.

  Without warning one of the yellow hunters shot the board out from under Belsi’s hero.

  Belsi gasped and sat up straight. “No! Did you see that? Why didn’t they call a foul?”

  Six feet off the ground at that point, it was amazing how he recovered in mid-air. Twisting like a cat, the man managed to land on his feet, breaking his fall against the sloping wall before tucking into a roll. When he reached the first looping ramp he sprang upright. Using it for cover, he fired at the one who’d destroyed his board, striking the chest target head-on.

  The crowd cheered.

  On her feet now, Belsi pumped her arm in victory. “Go! Go!”

  Taking advantage of his opponent’s distraction, the dark hunter leapt up and ripped the board out from under the yellow cheat, sending him tumbling. Mounted on the cheat’s board, he saluted the crowd as he once again rounded the arena.

  Much impressed, Jaide watched with a wide grin as the black team went on to win the day. “Wow! I’m glad we came. I can see why you’re impressed with him.”

  “Want to meet him?” Belsi’s eyes sparkled. “He promised me he’d come up here to say hello after the demo.”

  “Sounds fun.”

  The moment the door to their balcony opened, though, Jaide knew she’d been had. “Chrys.”

  To his credit her brother seemed just as surprised to see her as she was. The warm smile he had for Belsi faltered when he saw Jaide. “Belsi...Sis.”

  Jaide turned her back to stare blankly out at the arena.

  There was silence behind her, then, “Belsi, could you give us a moment?” There came the sound of a door opening and a click as it closed. More silence.

  The adult thing to do would be to turn, face him, and pretend nothing was wrong. To deal with him as she would any other untrustworthy male. Too bad her emotions wouldn’t let her do that. If she turned he’d see the brightness of her eyes, the tense set of her jaw, and men didn’t like that. None of them enjoyed feeling guilty.

  She shivered and crossed her arms for warmth. Belsi-and Skye, she suspected-had a lot to answer for.

  “Did you enjoy the match?”

  Relieved to have a neutral topic, she nodded. “I presume you’re Belsi’s hero?”

  He snorted. “Belsi just likes me to defy her brothers. Nothing will come of it. They’re smart enough not to push her away from me. They know contact is the best way to convince her I’m definitely the wrong guy for her.” His voice was full of self-depredation.

  “Smart,” she agreed dryly. “How did she get the idea you were some kind of hero, anyway?” Cold rage simmered just below her surface. Chrys had hurt her. He had a lot to answer for.

  There was an awkward pause. “I’ve been under deep cover for the past few years, Jaide. I couldn’t have called, or explained.”

  “And we didn’t have anything in common.” She faced him but kept her gaze expressionless and trained on his chest. “Don’t worry about it. I took care of myself just fine.”

  “You’re my sister.”

  “That’s no fault of yours.”

  He winced. “I had that one coming, I guess. I know I’ve been an ass.”

  Jaide raised a brow.

  “All right, a royal pain in the butt and an insensitive jerk. Do you think you could forgive me anyway? I’d like to start over.” His eyes filled with pain. “You’re the only family I’ve got.”

  She maintained her stony silence.

  Chrys took a deep breath, shifted in place. “Skye said he’d told you about the money, if that’s why you’re still mad; that I’d taken it to bribe Sesame into looking after you.” He ran a hand over his face, almost as if he were trying to wipe away the growing anger there. “I was broke and undercover. I figured your life was more important than the money. Was I wrong?”

  “How very sweet.” Her lip curled. “So nice of you to provide a babysitter with my money. But let’s not pass by the real issue here. I’m still dying to know how I ended up paying your bills. Pimps, drug dealers…a hooker’s hospital bills. I wonder what Belsi would think about that.”

  He stared at her. “I only took a few hundred from your account, sis. I didn’t leave you broke, and I haven’t been spending your money on hookers. I’m sorry. I thought Skye told you who had set you up.”

  After everything that had happened to her, she was ready to believe almost anything, and nearly too numb to care. “Obviously not.”

  He sighed. “I used the theft to boost my rep with some of the creeps I was investigating. They thought it was a grand idea and broke into my files, stealing your account and credit info. I didn’t know what had happened until Skye tracked me down and demanded answers. I took care of it then. I’m just sorry I didn’t know sooner. I’m so blasted sorry, sis.” His eyes shown dark with pain.

  It figured. Just call her Galaxy’s Most Gullible. It was so typical of her life at that point, it didn’t even raise the anger it should have. Maybe she’d get mad later. Just then, all she could summon was annoyance at the state of the universe and a perverse sort of acceptance. Fine. Let the past stay in the past. At least it hadn’t been Chrys who’d turned on her.

  Frustrated in her attempt to despise him forever, she glowered at his knees. Deny it all she wanted to, his behavior over the last few days had softened her considerably. He truly did seem like a different person from the boy she’d known. Maybe she was going soft, but somehow she thought if he were forced into the same situation again he’d do things differently. Even so, she couldn’t change her emotions overnight. “I still don’t like you.”

  “Does that mean I can come and visit sometimes?”

  She sighed. It was difficult, but giving him permission was the mature thing to do. Even if her emotions still responded to him on the adolescent level, she didn’t have to act like it. “I guess.”

  “Thank you,” he said quietly. He shifted as if uncomfortable. “You want to join me for something to eat? Belsi already said yes.”

  “Why not?” As reluctant as she felt, she had to admit, if only privately, that she was glad. Cautious, but glad.

  Chrys broke out in a relieved smile. “Great! That’s great. Just follow me.” He opened the door for her and Belsi tumbled through.

  “Sorry.” She smiled sheepishly. “I thought I’d hear you coming first.”

  Their transport stopped in front of a plain brick wall set with a single giant pearl. Emblazoned in letters of gold above it was the title, “The Edge”. The pearl swirled open as they entered and solidified once they were within. Sparkling stalactites and stalagmites formed support columns in between the booths separated by demi-walls of milky crystal. The benches were upholstered in brilliant jewel tones reflecting the different sparkles from the rock. The floor was crystal clear and appeared to cover a fathomless depth. All manner of odd aquatic life swam underfoot, including the shadows of huge beasts that must have been holographic.

  At least Jaide hoped they were computer generated. The idea of a sea monster rising up to yawn at her wasn’t very comforting.

  “Mr. Carlos, welcome.” Their hostess, a pretty brunette in a sparkling green dress, smiled at Chrys. Her voice just a touch too husky, she said, “We’re always happy to have you.”

  “Mesaide.” Chrys was careful not to look at Belsi. His tone pleasant, he said,” This is my sister, Jaide, and our friend Belsi. This is their first visit to the Edge.”

  Her smile just a touch too bright as she turned it on Belsi, Mesaide nodded. “I’ll tell the chef. He’ll want to impress them with something special. You know you’re his favorite laser hunter.”

  “Mm. Thank you.”

  Jaide watched her brother all but squirm as animosity subtly thickened between their hos
tess and Belsi. Amused, she thought it was just like a man to forget an ex-girlfriend was on duty and bring a pretty woman along for dinner on her shift. Fortunately for him, Mesaide was a professional and quickly seated them at a corner table.

  Still simmering, Belsi said little while she pointedly studied the electronic menu.

  Jaide caught Chrys’ eye and smirked. Words were unnecessary.

  Rolling his eyes, he turned his attention to the menu.

  They placed their orders. In no time a waiter was bringing out platters of raw vegetables and meats and a large, simmering pot. The flame underneath kept it steaming.

  “You skewer the meats and things and stick them in the broth pot.” Belsi demonstrated. “When they’re done you take them out and put on the sauce you like. Here, taste.” She lifted the covers of the ornate stone sauce pots and spooned a dab of each onto Jaide’s plate. “I like the green stuff the best.”

  Jaide tasted it. Her brows rose. “Mm. Good.”

  Chrys popped the tops off their drinks and handed each woman a fruity beverage.

  Belsi downed hers in one draft.

  “Easy on that,” he admonished her with a frown. “Your brothers won’t like it if I bring you home smashed.”

  She gave him a flirtatious smile. “What about you?”

  “You know I don’t like it.”

  She set her bottle down with a smile. “In that case I’ll be careful.”

  Chrys flicked his thumb over the label on his own bottle. “So how’s married life, Jaide? Your Drac treating you good?”

  “Can’t complain.” She fiddled with one of the skewers sticking out of the pot. “He’s good to me.”

  “Then you’re happy?” He watched her closely.

  Her lips quirked up. “Why? Would you beat him otherwise?”

  “I might.” He took a long drink.

  It was her turn to study him. “I wasn’t serious.”

  “I was.” His eyes locked with hers. “You deserve better than you’ve got. I’d like to see you get it.”

  Unsure how to deal with this new Chrys, Jaide fell silent. Pretending rapt attention to her dinner-it really was delicious-she listened to Belsi flirt and Chrys gently rebuff her. The old Chrys would never have been so patient. What had happened to him?