Atlantean's Quest Volume 2

by Jordan Summers

  * * * * *

  The vines binding Ariel’s limbs were cut away. Santo and Raoul helped her up, while the Professor stood in the corner of the hut watching. Ariel dressed in her sheer skirt and washed quickly, taking only a couple of sips of water before turning to face her enemy.

  “You know, my dear, I’m a very observant man.” He exhaled heavily. “And I’ve noticed you don’t seem to need food or water often. Why is that?”

  “I know not what you speak of.” Ariel’s gaze darted around the room looking for a means to escape.

  “I think you know exactly what I’m talking about.” He took a step toward her.

  Ariel forced energy to build, then raised her palm, ready to fire. At the last second, Raoul yanked her hands painfully behind her back.

  “Thank you, Raoul.” The Professor acknowledged the guide. “I do believe she was about to harm me. The question is how? Can you do what the warrior did, I wonder?”

  “Let me go.” Ariel struggled as Raoul and Santo bound her once again.

  “I think we should take her down below where I can run some tests on her hands.” The professor walked to the door, glancing over his shoulder to make sure she followed before stepping beyond the threshold.

  They reached the bottom in moments. Raoul and Santo practically dragged Ariel to the table in the center of the compound. Instead of tying both hands behind the table, they only tied one. The other they jerked forward palm up, so the Professor could examine it closer. He pulled out a magnifying glass and went over her palm slowly, carefully. Ariel knew he’d find nothing out of the ordinary, for Atlantean power emanated from the inside out.

  Rumsinger grabbed a swab, dipped it into some kind of chemical, and then ran it over the length of her hand before returning it to a small plastic test tube. He sealed the tube and then placed it inside of a dark container. He then picked up a syringe and approached Ariel.

  She swallowed hard. She didn’t know what the substance was he’d used on her, but her skin began to tingle. Her gaze caught the Professor’s. He gave her a lascivious grin.

  “Keep still. I wouldn’t want to harm you.”

  A small prick followed and within a minute, he’d obtained some of her blood.

  “Santo, bind her hands behind her back and bring her along. She needs to explain to us what it is we’ve found.”

  Ariel’s heart hit her knees as they freed her hands, and then yanked them behind her back once more. Raoul held her by one elbow, while Santo held the other. They walked her down the familiar trail that led to the transport. Ariel didn’t know where Coridan was but prayed he’d stay far away.

  A gentle breeze caused the treetops to sway. She inhaled the sweet air, sensing the approach of rain. Animals chattered in the foliage, scurrying about, yet not venturing far from their homes. They sensed the storm too.

  They reached the clearing within thirty minutes. Ariel stared at the transport, dread filling the pit of her stomach. It looked so harmless when deactivated. The Atlantean people waited for her on the other side. Once Coridan returned the stone he’d conveniently pilfered, they could put it in place, and take the last step in their own journey. The trick was to keep these men from reaching Zaron in the process.

  The Professor approached her with a scowl upon his face. “Don’t even think about lying. I want to know what this is and I want to know now.”

  Ariel blanked her face. “I’ve never seen this before.” She didn’t see the blow coming, but she felt it. Her lip split and she tasted blood as the Professor drew his hand back. The flavor was becoming familiar.

  “One more time, what is this?”

  Ariel struggled in Raoul’s and Santo’s arms. “I told you, I know nothing about the transport.” The second the words left her mouth, Ariel realized her mistake. How could she betray the Atlantean people like this? Pain blossomed in her chest. She’d failed. She’d failed her people. She’d failed Coridan. She’d failed herself.

  The Professor’s mud brown eyes widened, giving him an insect-like quality. “What kind of transport?” He turned and surveyed the stones. “It doesn’t look like it is working. How do you turn it on?”

  Ariel clamped her lips shut. She’d said too much already. She would not help the slug anymore.

  Rumsinger approached her. He stuck his hand out and gently stroked over her mouth, pressing just enough to cause pain in her split lip. “How do you turn it on?”

  “You don’t. And I cannot activate it.” A necessary lie. The wind around them picked up, blowing loose debris.

  “Who can?”

  Ariel smiled, her lip smarting from the effort. “I believe you know her as Dr. Rachel Evans.”

  The Professor’s smug expression faded like the last wisps of sunlight as the storm approached, heralding the rain. “Are you telling me you know Dr. Evans?”

  “I know, Rachel. Yes.”

  “Where in the hell is she?” His hands fisted at his sides and his ruddy complexion turned beet red in the growing dimness.

  “Gone.” It was a word that said nothing and everything.

  The Professor glanced over his shoulder at the transport, his demeanor shifting, growing uneasy. The first splattering of rain fell. The big drops bounced to the ground, landing on fat outstretched leaves. Rumsinger looked to the sky, his expression darkening to match the weather. Rain began to fall in earnest. Wetness covered his glasses, running down his face in torrents.

  “Let’s return to camp. Nothing more can be done until this storm blows over.”

  The men promptly returned Ariel to Eros’ hut. She didn’t bother fighting. Raoul and Santo undressed her and bound her to the bed, then stepped to the door. They threw the flap back in time to see lightning flash. The two men looked at each other and then hurried out the door. Ariel heard raised voices and then the basket lowering to the ground. Apparently, they’d left her up here alone until the rain stopped.

  Rain came down in scathing sheets, thunder cracked, shaking the limbs supporting the tiny hut. The tree swayed under the storm’s fury. Ariel tried to think of other things. She’d never liked living up in the trees, which was why she’d chosen to have her hut on the ground. Another flash of lightning flared through the window. Ariel’s heart thudded and her limbs trembled. She’d also never liked storms. They reminded her too much of the destruction that occurred on Atlantis when she was a child.

  Thunderous booms shook the walls. Ariel closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing. Everything will be all right, she told herself repeatedly. Drops slapped the leaves, tossing them from side to side, like a wave upon the ocean. She heard a dull splat as something dropped to the floor.

  Ariel peeked out from beneath one lid. Coridan’s loincloth was lying on the floor. Her eyes flew open. Her gaze met a pair of large feet. She allowed it to roam up long tanned legs, over thick muscled thighs to oh, dear goddess.

  Ariel’s gaze jumped to Coridan’s drenched face. Heat spread over her cheeks and down her body until every nerve stood at attention. His golden hair lay plastered to his soaked head. His expression remained unreadable as he sent an energy burst through his body to dry himself. Ariel couldn’t seem to catch her breath. Her lips prickled, so she licked them.

  Coridan approached the bed, his gaze hardening as he took in her swollen face. His nostrils flared, his muscles tensing as he reached out to touch her. Before his fingertips made contact, he pulled back, afraid. What did the red-devil do to you?

  Ariel tried to turn away, but Coridan gently caught her chin before she could do so, tilting her face so he could get a good look at her. His fingers were tender as they traced her injuries. I swear to the goddess, Seer, I will kill the monster who has done this to you.

  No. She shook her head. You mustn’t.

  Why? He stroked her chin a moment longer, then raised his hands a few inches above her face, sending healing energy coursing through her body.

  Tears stung the back of Ariel’s eyes. I must finish what he started. And she wante
d more than anything to keep him safe.

  What does that mean?

  One drop fell, sliding down her cheek and onto the fur below. Coridan traced the wet trail with his fingertips reverently. I have betrayed our people. She dropped her gaze, unable to look into his eyes, not wanting him to see her shame.

  Seer, I know not of what you speak, but I do know you could no more betray your people than stop the sun from rising.

  Ariel glared at him. You know nothing, warrior. I tell you I have.

  If I know nothing, then tell me how this betrayal occurred.

  She jerked her face from his touch, unable to bear his tenderness. Her gaze pinned him. I have told the Professor what the stones he found are used for. He now knows it’s a transport, thanks to my betrayal.

  Coridan watched her. There was no judgment, no accusation, only understanding. You made a mistake. He shrugged. It happens to us all.

  Did you not hear me?

  I heard every word.

  And?

  And what, Seer?

  She groaned in frustration. Are you not listening? I have betrayed our people. If you hadn’t removed one of the stones, the Professor and his men would already be on Zaron.

  Coridan laughed, but it held little humor. You call that a betrayal? I attacked the only man who ever cared for me. Ares took me under his protection and showed me what being a warrior really meant, although from my actions you wouldn’t think I’d learned a thing.

  I was jealous of Ares’ accomplishments, his power—his mate. And because of my stupidity he almost died. I came this close. He squeezed his fingers together for emphasis. To letting him drown. Do you have any idea what that feels like? The pain punishes me everyday. The shame burns in my heart, tainting my soul, until nothing is left but blackness.

  Coridan began to pace. Forgive my impertinence, but you have no idea what betrayal is, Seer. He threw his arms up in the air, his hands fisted tight as if cursing the heavens. I live with my mistakes, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life…alone. He swung around to face her. A slip of the tongue does not equal betrayal.

  Are you quite finished feeling sorry for yourself?

  His eyes widened at her words. Feeling sorry for myself… Coridan approached the bed, his eyes sparking blue fire. How dare you? I should untie you so I can turn you over my knee and spank that luscious bottom of yours.

  You wouldn’t dare. Ariel knew better than to goad him, but she couldn’t stop herself. The thought of his hands upon her ass titillated her.

  Oh, wouldn’t I? I suggest you don’t tempt me further, Seer. You might be surprised at just what I’d do given the opportunity.

  That sounds like a threat. Ariel’s temper flared, sparked easily by Coridan’s domineering presence. His nearness was all the fuel needed to set her body aflame. Their combined pheromones drove her on, making her reckless.

  I don’t need to threaten you, Seer. He ran his finger down her side. Ariel shuddered. You know I speak the truth.

  I know nothing of the sort.

  Coridan smiled, a very knowing, very masculine smile that told her she’d just crossed that invisible line. Coridan, think before you do anything rash.

  His smile widened. Rash? You will find, Seer, that since the incident that got me exiled from your tribe, I rarely do anything one would call rash. Coridan dropped to his knees at the foot of the bed and spread her legs wider, ignoring the tug of the vines as he insinuated himself between her thighs. His broad shoulders separated her, opening her nether lips to his seeking gaze.

  Ariel gasped, as ripples of excitement spread over her skin, puckering her nipples, engorging her clit. And he hadn’t even touched her—yet.

  I will teach you not to tease a warrior, Seer, especially a warrior intent on claiming you as mate.

  Ariel opened her mouth to protest, but closed it as Coridan’s gaze seared her.

  He lowered his head and inhaled. Your nectar calls to me, begging me to sip from it. Can you hear it, Ariel?

  No. Her answer came out throaty, breathless. Ariel’s lungs labored. Her nipples quivered as need lanced through her. She wanted this man, wanted his touch, and wanted his thick cock buried deep within her.

  He flicked his tongue, spearing her clit. She cried out, her voice quickly snatched away by the storm’s intensity.

  You like that?

  Her gaze locked with his. You know I do.

  He smiled. I just wanted to hear you say so. Coridan dipped his head, flattening his tongue over her. Ariel’s hips bucked and her eyes rolled back in her head, as she fought for control over the insatiable need, scoring her body.

  We cannot join. She grit out between clenched teeth.

  Coridan raised his head. I told you I would not sheath myself in your channel. But… He flicked his tongue.

  Ariel gasped. What?

  I’m curious…are your powers solely tied to your entrance and the energy bind process? His long fingers began to circle her anus, spreading the moisture seeping from her around the forbidden entrance.

  Yes, both. She nodded. What are you suggesting, warrior? Ariel knew, but couldn’t bring herself to say the words. Her body tightened in anticipation.

  I could untie you and pleasure you in other ways…

  Their gazes remained locked as they each considered Coridan’s offer. He continued playing in her juices, spreading them over her sensitive flesh. Once his finger was thoroughly lubricated, he circled the tight back orifice, slowly working his way inside.

  Ariel mewed as her body began to convulse. She came hard as a second finger joined the first. She was vaguely aware of being untied and turned onto her stomach. Her limbs were then retied, spreading her legs further apart. Her awareness didn’t snap back until she felt Coridan’s weight upon her back, pressing her into the soft furs.

  What are you doing, warrior?

  You know what I’m doing. Do not tell me you do not want this also. Your body weeps for mine. As if to prove a point, he reached between their bodies and ran a finger through her wetness.

  Ariel opened her mouth to deny him, but a moan came out instead. He spoke the truth. She did want him, any way she could get him, and since they couldn’t join or energy bind like a mated couple, this would have to do. Fear and anticipation volleyed inside her.

  “I thought so,” he all but growled in her ear. Coridan stroked his cock, his hand brushing the back of her thighs. We need more fluid.

  Ariel glanced over her shoulder. She could see thick pearls of liquid bead up on the tip of his plum-sized head. Coridan scraped the liquid from his cock and began to massage it into her skin, around her anus, just inside her entry. Ariel shivered and then lifted her bottom slightly to allow him better access. His gaze caught hers once more.

  So eager. He grinned. Do you welcome me into your body, Seer?

  Yes…

  Are you ready for me?

  Ariel knew she was, but wasn’t about to admit as much. She’d imagined what joining with a warrior would be like for most of her life. This may not be exactly as she’d imagined, but she looked forward to the experience. She didn’t want to think about this being the only opportunity she’d ever get to join with Coridan, but knew it must be so, the laws were clear.

  That thought depressed Ariel, more than she cared to admit. Her gaze dropped to Coridan’s sensual mouth a second before she nodded her approval and laid her head on the bed.

  * * * * *

  Forbidden echoed in Coridan’s mind as he rubbed the head of his cock around the dark rosette, attempting to get her to relax. Ariel moaned as he pressed the tip inside, squeezing past the tight ring that squeezed, trying to keep him out. He’d never felt anything so tight and utterly delicious in his life. His body heated, along with her own.

  Energy arced between them, dancing in the air, almost as if a mating ceremony were taking place. He shuddered at the intensity, accepting the goddess’s gift, knowing that without the energy bind the joining remained incomplete.

&nbs
p; This wasn’t how Coridan had planned to claim her, but it was a start. He pushed deeper, burying another couple of inches into her virgin body. He groaned, as Ariel’s back entrance cradled him.

  Muscles shook, his skin heated as he fought the urge to thrust. Ariel would be the death of him. Are you all right, Seer?

  I…uh…fine. She gasped.

  Coridan flexed gently, loosening the muscle that held him. His cock slid in further. He was now halfway. Relax, Seer. Breathe. He encouraged, knowing he held his breath.

  Do not tell me what to do, warrior. She commanded. Shut up and fuck me.

  Ariel shifted, her hips grinding into the bed. Her rounded bottom tickled his abdomen and her well-developed thighs caressed his balls. Forgive me, Seer, he said, then surged forward burying himself to the hilt inside her hot body. She shrieked.

  For a few moments neither moved. Stars floated in front of Coridan’s eyes at the exquisite torture of her untried body. His thrusts started out slow. He didn’t want to damage her on her first true joining. Ariel’s fingers dug into the furs and her body’s rhythm reached out to match his own.

  Seer, do not. Coridan gripped her hips. I fear I shall loose myself if you do.

  Ariel ground her mound into the bed. I can’t help it. The Atlantean heat is upon me. I need you to fuck me, Coridan…now!

  He groaned as his resistance snapped like string before his eyes. Coridan knew joining with her was forbidden by Atlantean law, but it wouldn’t stop him from taking, claiming.

  His grip on her hips tightened as he pulled back several inches and then thrust forward. Ariel screamed, her cries driving him as the storm raged on outside. Goddess bless, he was fucking her. The thought had him digging in, spearing her deep, staking his claim on her ripe virgin ass like the one he’d eventually make on the rest of her body.

  Coridan’s body shook as he fucked her hard, plundered her, demanding without words that she accept his cock—accept him.