by Aubrey Ross
“Are there no secret passageways?”
She glanced at Tork and her breath lodged in her throat. Brutally handsome indeed. Dori’s description of the Shadow Master fit his appearance perfectly. Dragging her gaze away from Tork, Felise reminded herself it was only an illusion.
“Are you sure you want to escape?” His lips quirked in a teasing smile. “You haven’t stopped blushing since I changed shape.”
“There’s no telling how long our ruse will last. All they have to do is contact the real Jarek and I’m…” Her voice trailed away and she moved closer to Tork. “Nyx said you’re an accomplished sorcerer. Is shape-changing your only ability?”
“Am I able to teleport, perhaps?” He chuckled. “Where would you like to go?”
“Anywhere but here. I can’t be in the palace when they locate Master Jarek.”
“You promise to explain all this once we’re safely away?”
“Yes.”
He proffered his hand. “Grasp my wrist and don’t let go.”
The fabric of space parted and Tork pulled her inside. Just before the seam closed behind them, he tossed a crystal onto the bed. Light faded to gloom, color bled to gray. Maintaining her hold on his wrist, she wrapped her other arm around his thick bicep, trembling. Shapes loomed in the darkness, never revealing their details. He propelled them along, yet their bodies didn’t move. The momentum was dizzying.
A chill raced down her spine. What was she doing? She’d been so desperate to escape, she hadn’t thought beyond the moment. All she knew about Tork was his title and that his abilities impressed Nyx.
He stepped out of the shadowy dominion into a grassy clearing bathed in silver moonlight. They faced a simple cottage constructed of exposed timbers, the roof steep with multiple gables. She’d only seen video files of such structures. It belonged to another time — or another dimension.
“Where are we?” A gentle breeze, filled with unfamiliar scents, caressed her flushed face. The scurry and scratch of night creatures drew her attention to the surrounding trees.
“This is my home, or at least one of them.” His deep voice blended with the night. “No one will find you here.”
She gulped, her footsteps faltering. “You teleported us across the galaxy?”
He turned and gathered her hands in his. “You have nothing to fear, firebird. I will protect you with my life.”
Heat curled through her belly, a disconcerting combination of excitement and fear. Why did she feel so out of sorts? He’d only done what she’d asked him to do.
“Shall we go inside,” he motioned toward the cottage, “or are you afraid to be alone with me?”
You’re being ridiculous. He’s done nothing to earn your mistrust. “Anywhere more public would defeat my purpose for leaving.”
“A purpose I’m anxious to understand.” He led her to the cottage, opening the door with a wave of his hand. A more intricate gesture activated the lights. Mellow illumination emanated all around them, yet she couldn’t identify the source. “What was going on back at the palace? Why were the guards searching for Master Jarek?”
Her gaze swept the interior of the cottage as she explained. “Master Jarek asked to bond with me and my brother accepted his proposal.”
“Shouldn’t a bonding proposal be yours to accept or reject?”
“Ultimately the choice is mine, but Dori made a suggestion I found objectionable.”
“Why don’t we sit. You seem agitated.”
“I am agitated.” She heard her waspish tone and shook her head. “I’m sorry. Their scheme caught me off guard. I hate being manipulated.”
He took her hand and guided her to the wide, firmly cushioned sofa. “Were you aware of the proposal being negotiated on your behalf?”
Why didn’t he shape-change back to his natural appearance? Would it be rude if she made the suggestion? Jarek’s face disrupted her thinking, made her restless. “I knew Sef was negotiating with the Mystic Keepers. I’m not opposed to an eventual bonding.”
“Then why are we here? What made you decide to flee?”
“Dori reminded Sef of a Fahroni custom I’d never heard of before. He wanted to lock me in a room with Master Jarek until the sun rose on the third day.”
His dark brows drew together. “For what purpose?”
“So Jarek could seduce me.”
Tork laughed. He extended his arm along the back of the sofa and angled his body toward hers. “This is why you ran away? You were afraid of being seduced?”
“No.” She averted her face. It sounded so foolish when he said it. “You know perfectly well I’m not afraid of passion, but I’ve never met Master Jarek. I…” He turned her face back around and her words trailed away. His black gaze bore into hers, gleaming with possessiveness and longing.
“I would have refused, firebird.” He paused for effect. “I don’t need to hold you captive to prove my worth and I have no use for a resentful mate.”
She swallowed with difficulty, her hands clasped in her lap. He couldn’t mean what he seemed to mean. He inferred — no, his statement went far beyond inference. “Were you pretending to be Tork or was… I don’t understand.” His features hadn’t changed. Only his hair and clothing transformed when he took on Jarek’s likeness.
He smiled. “Yes, you do. You’ve known all along Tork was a fraud. I saw it in your eyes.”
“Does Nyx know you’re a spy?” She pushed to her feet, putting distance between them. She wasn’t sure why she was angry, but she couldn’t suppress her anxiety. This wasn’t a preview of the Shadow Master; this man was Jarek. “Why were you spying on us?”
“I came to Zylott for the same reason your brother, Tye, posed as a Mystic Keeper. It will take time for our people to trust each other.” He crossed his long legs, resting one ankle on the opposite knee. “Unions like ours will help build that trust.”
Putting her hands on her hips, she arched her brow, ignoring the wild flutter of her heart. “Unions like ours? I haven’t agreed to bond with you.”
“You said you weren’t opposed to the bonding, just the manipulation.”
She turned and strode to the massive windows staring out into the night. Rugged mountain peaks created jagged silhouettes against the moonlit horizon. Were they still on Zylott or was this the Keeper dimension? She felt like such a fool. She’d played right into his hands. No, that wasn’t fair. She’d asked him to rescue her — from himself!
His warm palms cupped her shoulders and she met his gaze in the windowpane. “It’s rather funny if you let yourself enjoy the irony.”
“You left some sort of message, didn’t you?”
“The crystal I tossed on your bed. Any Keeper can activate it.”
She nodded. His hands felt nice. The casual contact stirred images of their encounter in the garden. Knowing he meant to court her, that they would likely become bonded mates, should have lessened her guilt over her brazen behavior. It had the opposite effect.
“Are you thinking about the garden?”
She nodded without turning around.
“The joining ritual was evocative, stimulating. Your body responded naturally.”
“But…”
“Would it be less upsetting if there had been a Tork?”
Smiling, she turned to face him. “No. I’m glad it was you.” She touched his chest, enjoying the softness of his tunic, the heat of his firm flesh. “Even dressed in that ridiculous costume I found myself drawn to you.”
“But that’s my natural appearance. You cut me to the quick.” They laughed together, then desire wound around them, pushing amusement aside. His gaze focused on her mouth, passion glistening in his eyes. “Will you want a traditional Fahroni ceremony?”
She shook her head and glanced away. “I’m only half Fahroni.”
“Let me make love to you.” Gently cupping her chin, he drew her gaze back to his. “I’ve watched you for weeks, learned all I can about you, dreamed of the time we would finally join.�
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She pushed against his chest and twisted out of his embrace. “Sef would have given you three days. You expect me to yield after less than an hour?”
“You’re right. I’m rushing things.” He clasped his hands behind his back.
“You may have been watching me for weeks,” she paused for a smile, “but I have yet to make your acquaintance.”
He bent into an elaborate bow, then straightened and met her gaze. “Jarek Severn, Master of the Order of Shadow. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”
Felise allowed him to take her hand. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles, his lips lingering against her skin. Memories of their encounter in the garden flared to life within her mind. He’d kissed her so tenderly, adoring her body with his hands and his mouth.
“I thought you didn’t want to be ravished. You better think about something else.”
“You can sense my thoughts?”
He chuckled. “I don’t need to. Desire is burning in your eyes.”
Pulling her hand out of his light grasp, she meandered across the room. She’d never known pleasure like they shared in the garden. Perhaps it was the stimulation of the joining ceremony, but Felise suspected it was more. Her senses were attuned to Jarek. Just the brush of his fingertips sent tingles up her arm. If she made love with him…
You just met him!
Even her bathing attendants had coaxed and teased for weeks before she’d allowed their intimate touch. Why did she respond so readily with Jarek? What made the attraction so powerful?
“Let’s sit and talk like ordinary people.” He gestured toward the sofa. “I think we both could use the distraction.”
Nodding, she followed him back to the sofa and sat at his side. “I’ve heard rumors that the Fahroni sorcerers might form an alliance with the Veil Keepers.”
“The Setti influence within the Sacred Order of the Veil staggered the Steering Committee. High Priestess Sacha was respected and well liked. None of us had any idea she was controlled by a Setti hybrid.” He paused, his gaze cleared, and his expression relaxed. “The Committee is cautiously optimistic that a partnership with the Fahroni sorcerers will refocus and rejuvenate the order.”
“Nyx has said much the same. New ideas and fresh perspectives are welcomed by his men.”
“How long has Nyx worked with the Guardians?”
“I’m not sure. He’s very secretive about the whole thing. I know he has access to Nexus Chambers that allow him to pass between dimensions, but I’ve never seen one. He speaks of a being named Xenos. I gather he’s the Guardian who first contacted Nyx. Other than that, I know very little about the mysterious Guardians.”
“I know a bit more, but not much. As their name implies, the Guardians watch over countless civilizations, assisting as they see fit. It’s my understanding that they do everything in their power not to involve themselves directly. They select champions within each civilization and offer their support through these Chosen ones.”
“Then Nyx is one of the Chosen.”
“Yes.”
“If the Guardians are so powerful, why haven’t they been able to stop the Setti?”
“The Guardians are highly evolved, but they are not gods. And the war with the Setti has barely begun.”
*
Odele poured telepathic compulsion into the Death Master’s brain. Withdraw, depart, get away from them! A surge of resistance sprang up within his mind. How was this possible? Tilden had never resisted her before.
He pulled out of the female’s body and pushed his hair out of his eyes. “May the gods bless you with a child.” Without a backward glance he exited the chamber, manifesting clothing as he moved.
She must have imagined his resistance. He obeyed her mental commands. His long strides took him into the courtyard away from prying eyes. “Show yourself, you Setti spawn! I will play your games no longer.”
I thought he was oblivious.
She ignored Cef’s jeer. Tilden had never given any indication he was aware of her influence. I’ve been gentle with you, Tilden. She sent her thoughts directly to his brain. You don’t want to experience my wrath.
“I know what you are now. You’re one of the vile beings who attacked my daughter!”
His daughter was one of Cyd’s victims?
Cef chuckled. I thought you knew.
You smug son of a —
I am the son of a Guardian. Would you like my assistance or not?
She hadn’t expected to need it. She’d wanted to prove her powers to the wraith, to form an alliance of equals. Damn and double damn!
Forcing aside her frustration, she concentrated on her quarry. Open your mind!
“Fuck you! I’ll die before I surrender to you again.” He turned in a slow circle, searching the darkness for some sign of her.
Open.
Obey.
Accept!
She strengthened each compulsion until the Death Master groaned. He clasped his head between his hands and snarled, “Get out! Get out of my mind!”
She jolted him with a blast of energy, knocking him to his knees. Cef left her, soaring along the telepathic link into the Death Master. Tilden screamed, thrashing on the ground, clawing at his hair. She looked around as Cef battled for control. If he didn’t shut Tilden up quickly, someone was sure to hear.
Suddenly Tilden went limp. Even his breathing ceased. Oh gods, had Cef killed him? She released her protective illusion and knelt at the Death Master’s side. He bolted upright. She jerked back with a little yelp.
“He is one stubborn Keeper.”
“Cef?” He grinned, turquoise light flaring within Tilden’s gaze. “You scared me half to death! I thought you’d killed him.”
“I cannot exist within a corpse, but I admit there’s not much left of his mind. If only he hadn’t resisted.”
“Let’s get Adara and get out of here. I’ve had about as much of Zylott as I can stomach.” She led the way to the ballroom. No instructions were necessary. Cef knew what to do.
Trembling with sexual excess and exertion, Odele sank onto the stone bench and released a heavy sigh. This secluded corner of the gardens would provide the privacy she required to spirit the princess away. Odele strengthened her telepathic link with Cef, allowing her to see what he saw.
“Your Highness.” The throng of young men parted as Tilden approached. Odele smiled. He effortlessly commanded respect. It was one of the reasons she’d selected him as her slave and maintained him all these years. “Your sister is waiting for you in the gardens. She said it was a matter of some urgency.”
“I’ll escort you, Princess Adara,” one young swain promptly volunteered.
“I will escort Princess Adara. Be off.”
No one argued as Adara took Tilden’s hand.
Chapter Six
They spoke of their families, social customs, and misconceptions, trying not to dwell on their mutual enemy. The horrors the Setti released upon the Kingdom of Zylott were even worse than the damage they’d done in the Mystic Keeper dimension.
Jarek answered her myriad of questions and she shared what she knew. As time passed, he found it harder and harder to concentrate on anything but Felise. He wanted to take down her hair and spread it around her shoulders, after he’d stripped the iridescent gown from her lissome body.
“This cottage is becoming a sanctuary for renegade lovers,” he said after a pause in the conversation.
“Really? Who else has sought refuge here?”
“My sister Rammi and her lover stayed here while they worked to clear his name.”
She tilted her head, her green eyes sparkling. “Clear his name? Of what was he accused?”
“A vicious murder.”
“Are there any other kind?”
He smiled. “I suppose not. Murder by definition is vicious.”
“I take it he was innocent. Was the culprit ever caught?”
“In a manner of speaking. His accomplice turned on him and… I didn’t mean t
o be morbid. Let’s talk of something else.”
She glanced away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’ve been talking for hours.”
The longing in her tone sent desire coursing through his blood. His first instinct was to pounce, to overwhelm her inhibitions. She’d retreated when he pushed before. He had to let her come to him. “Why was your brother in such a hurry to see us joined?” He kept his tone light and casual, ignoring the persistent throbbing in his groin.
“Dignitaries from all over Zylott are attending his bonding celebration. He figured it was the perfect opportunity to strengthen the alliance.”
“I see some logic in that.”
“As do I.”
He licked his lips, fighting back a smile. Her gaze caressed his face, her eyes wide and luminous. Desire smoldered in those eyes. Why were they sitting here talking about politics instead of thrashing around in his bed?
Patience, Severn. She’s almost ready to surrender.
“Are they happy?”
Jarek quirked one dark eyebrow. “Who?”
“Your sister and her renegade lover?”
“They’re bonded now and seem very happy.” Stars, how he wanted to touch her, needed to touch her. “I never thought I’d see the day when Rammi would soften toward anyone. She’s a hotheaded Death Keeper. I’m thrilled she’s found happiness.”
“Perhaps the cottage will bring us luck.”
Oh, yes, sweetheart. I hear your silent plea. He scooted closer, keeping his movements slow and steady. “I’m certainly willing to find out.”
“We will make it official tomorrow before the entire assembly.”
“Of course.”
“Then,” she looked into his eyes and smiled, “can we please stop talking?”
He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Cupping her chin in his palm, Jarek explored her mouth. Petal soft and pliant, her lips opened for him. He was in no hurry. They had all night. Nibbling and licking, he waited for her soft mewling sounds before he deepened the kiss. His little firebird liked to kiss. He’d learned that much in the garden. Her tongue dueled with his, bold, seeking.
He slipped his arms beneath her and lifted her against his chest. This first time was going to be perfect and a sofa wouldn’t suffice. “Shall I take you to the Shadow Palace? I know this cottage is provincial at best.”