“Where the hell did he come from? No one said anything about Marltes.” A voice said.
Tashana didn’t take her eye away from the Deathwalkers. “I don’t need your help Shadow Dragon,” she said to Sanjay.
His voice was without emotion. “It is not your choice to make. They cannot get the Onyx Moon.”
She didn’t even have time to wonder what the necklace had to do with it before they attacked. They closed in from all sides. She drew power rapidly and opened her hand, palm outwards, using it to blast a path through them. Each time she seemed to get some headway, more came. They littered her living room.
Tashana couldn't even get up close and personal with her adversary, as she would like to. A Deathwalker’s touch when they were in full attack mode was deadly. Keeping her back against Sanjay, she could hear the hiss of Deathwalkers dying as he fought. She didn't dare take her eyes off them. They moved with a rapid blur of motion. With a push of power, she made her guardian stars. In quick succession, she flung them . The Deathwalkers disintegrated one by one. Yet more and more came to replace them. She had never seen so many Deathwalkers in any one place.
Knowing she had to do something drastic, Tashana brought up a shield around her and Sanjay and infused it with her strongest wards. Waving her hand, she imagined a pole and it came up out of the floor inside her shields. Turning to Sanjay, she saw he had partially shifted. His eyes were lit with fire, his wings were extended behind him, and his hands were claws sparking with fire. Very few people realized that, just like other shifters, only a few dragons could partially shift. They were the Dlaphiin—their Dragos—alphas of their people. Dragons being such a secretive race that Tashana only knew these things through her own extensive research. She believed in knowing her enemies very well.
Even with all her research, she had gotten very little information. Most of it she had found was folklore. Sanjay shifted back to human form. He didn't even look winded.
The look he gave her was cool. "What now? They aren't going anywhere."
Tashana battled her instinct to kill him. "When this is done we will be having a talk."
He nodded.
Tashana smiled. "For now, hang on."
Turning, she flung all the power she could into her shield then reversed the wards. There were screams as the room became super heated and wind rose in a white funnel. Feeling it trying to suck her in Tashana reached back to grab the pole. Her hand missed and she floated up into the air. The wind pulled her towards the heat. A hand latched onto hers. Looking up, Tashana met Sanjay's dark gray gaze. His look was still cool. He held onto the pole with one hand as he dragged her to him. When she was close enough, her hand caught the pole.
Dragging herself up hand over hand, she swung her body onto the pole and clamped her legs around it, holding on tight. The fire wind roared at her. She could feel hands trying to snatch her away as it sucked Deathwalkers in. A firm weight pressed her tighter against the pole. Looking over her shoulder, she met Sanjay's eyes. There were storm clouds brewing in his eyes. She felt her body quicken in desire. Anger rushed in to block it out. No way was she letting down her guard around a dragon, no matter how delectable he was. The fire wind snatched at them greedy to consume.
"Send it away." Sanjay spoke.
Looking away form him, she saw that the room was clear. "Freiclas."
Tashana pushed her will into the word to reverse the spell. The fire wind stilled for a minute, then resisted being sent away. It was hungry to destroy. Tashana filled her mind with thoughts of titanium then she built a cage around the wind one wall at a time. She felt it falter and then, suddenly, it was silent. The absence of sound after such chaos was disconcerting.
Letting go of the pole, she kicked off with her legs and pushed Sanjay straight back. She gripped the pole again . Turning, she saw the surprise on his face. He wasn't expecting it. He flew through the air. Jumping after him, she flew at him and, as he hit the wall, she planted her elbow firmly in his throat. They slid down the wall. Hitting the floor standing, she felt the impact in her knees but did not let up her hold.
"Explain."
His look was patience as he glanced at the hold she had against his throat. "This is not conducive to a civilized conversation."
A vicious smile curled her lips. "Oh this isn't a conversation. It's an inquiry and if I don't like your answer, I will kill you."
Tashana felt a warning race up her spine. Turning him around and into her body, she held him by the throat with his back pressed against her front. The air wavered and more Deathwalkers started to pour through. Suddenly a crackle rent the air and a bright flash blinded her briefly. As her sight cleared, she saw Jaynat standing in the middle of the room. Holding Sanjay firmly, Tashana watched as Jaynat made quick work of the Deathwalkers. Jaynat wielded two whips in deadly precision. Just like Tashana, Jaynat preferred the whip.
With crackle of power, Jaynat infused her whips then dispatched the Deathwalkers swiftly. "Obrious." Jaynat waved her hand and sealed the open portal so no more could come through.
It was what Tashana should have done. Jaynat turned and looked at her unruffled.
Jaynat strode toward her. "Never a dull moment, Shana." She looked at Sanjay who Tashana still held. "Hey Sanjay."
Looking back at Tashana, Jaynat continued, the laughter obvious in her tone. "I sent for containment. I'll just go outside and wait for them." Jaynat turned and strolled away.
Narrowing her eyes, Tashana wondered why Jaynat hadn't asked what was going on. Sanjay shifted his weight, bringing her attention back to him.
She tightened her hold on his neck. "Talk."
With a blur of motion, he turned and hit her hard mid chest. I knew that was too damn easy. Never trust a dragon.
Chapter Four
Before Tashana could think to defend herself, he flew at her and pushed her against the same wall she had been holding him against before. As they hit the wall, his hand came up behind her head to protect it. Tashana tested his hold and found it unbreakable
Furious at herself for getting caught off-guard, Tashana looked in his face and bit out. ”Go ahead, but make sure I'm dead. If not I will hunt you and skin you."
He looked down at her, his intense eyes studying her. "Such violence. Such hate. Is it me you hate or all of my kind?"
"You’re nothing but thieves and murderers."
"Ahh. So you judge us for a few instead of giving us a fair chance."
Ignoring the twinge his words gave, Tashana lashed back. "Chance? You don't give anyone a…”
He cut her off ruthlessly. "You do not know me. I have never met you before. Why do you judge me?"
Gritting her teeth, Tashana was silent. He looked at her and then smiled. She gasped. It was startling. His face softened and he went from handsome to devastating.
His voice was matter-of-fact as he continued. "This we will explore another time, soiles. For now, we must address the Onyx Moon."
The stone hummed, vibrating through her body making it clench. "Stop that."
He looked baffled. "What?"
"The stone vibrates whenever you mention it."
His eyes dropped to the stone. Tashana felt his look like a physical touch. Her nipples beaded and her heart raced.
An arrogant smile curled his lips. "Really? So, the stone has chosen well.”
She was tired of the cryptic statements. "Spell it out, Sanjay. What the hell is going on?"
He was silent a moment before answering. "The Onyx Moon has been hidden and protected by the Dragons for centuries. The reasons matter not in your task. The Onyx Moon has not been donned in ten thousand years. Seven days ago it was stolen along with some other items under our protection." He paused, then continued. "After the theft was discovered, I was sent to retrieve the items. Since we know that Nefers are the legal force here, we thought it best to work with you. When word came that a Nefer Agent had found the Onyx Moon I came to retrieve it. However, being around so much power activated it. And yo
u know the rest."
Tashana stared at him. "What a load of shit. You really think I’m gullible enough to believe that?“ She watched his face. “Dragon's don’t do anything without an ulterior motive. The Onyx Moon missing is only part of the story. If you all wanted to, you would have tried to find it on your own without anyone being aware. Tried and failed. The Nefer is more adept at these things than you are.”
He looked surprised but quickly shielded it.
“What aren't you telling me?" Tashana asked.
He said nothing. Tashana knew he wasn’t going to say anything. It was in his DNA to lie and hide.
"Fine. Take this piece of crap off my neck and get out.”
Sanjay looked at her. “The Onyx Moon cannot be removed until it is time.”
Ignoring the ripple that went through her, Tashana replied, “You said that before.“ She thought of what he had said. “Wait a minute what do you mean it hasn’t been ‘donned in ten thousand years’. What happened to the other wearer of the Onyx Moon?”
He looked at her silently for so long that she didn’t expect him to answer. She could see him weighing what he should and should not say.
“Before the Onyx Moon was hidden in the hills of Zalakar, the dragon home world, it was worn by a great warrior. He was the best Marltes, dragon warrior, there ever was. The Onyx Moon was entrusted to his care because it was assumed he could handle its dark gift.” He let her go, stepped back and turned away from her. “No one knew until it was too late that the Onyx Moon had taken him over. He was contained.”
Tashana tasted something she hadn’t before—fear. “What do you mean contained?”
He looked at her. The pain in his eyes made her heart ache.
His reply was whisper soft. “He was entombed for all time and then, when it was realized he could not be saved, he was eliminated.”
Tashana’s mouth was dry. “How long after he put on the Onyx Moon did it take him over?”
He didn’t say anything.
She grabbed him by the shirt. “How long?”
“Eight days.”
Tashana let him go and stumbled back against the wall. She couldn’t believe something so beautiful was so deadly. Reaching up, she grabbed it. It hummed and scorched her hands. Hissing, she dropped her hands. Looking down at her palms, she saw there were no marks. Glancing back up, she saw Sanjay watching her with that cool look on his face.
“Get the hell out of my house.”
“I’m not going anywhere as long as you wear the Onyx Moon.”
“Take it off of me and leave.”
“The Onyx Moon can-“
She cut him off, tired of hearing that. “Shut the hell up.” Pushing him back, she advanced as she continued to push him. “I didn’t choose this.”
“It chose you.”
Ignoring him, she pushed him again. “I don’t give a flying fuck. Nothing controls me. Nothing. Including whatever plans you all have. I’m no one’s puppet. ” Getting in his face she bit out, “I’ll end it before I let anything control me.”
His eyes dilated and she literally felt his control break. “You will not do anything to endanger your life.”
He looked ready to breathe fire but she was beyond caring.
Stepping into him, she screamed in his face. “I’ll do anything I damn well please. You don’t have any control over me.”
His gaze went silver then crimson. “You’re wrong, Tashana. There will be no more you or me. There will only be us.”
Her eyes narrowed at his arrogance. Turning her back, she walked toward the door. “Screw you.”
“That will come later.” His voice was a silken promise.
“You wish.” She fired back.
“No. My pleasure.” His hand gripped her, spun her around dragging her into his body.
His head dropped swiftly. She could have moved away but she wanted to taste him. His lips settled over hers, but not with aggression as she was bracing for. The aggression she could have taken and walked away. He liquefied her with tenderness. It was soft and gentle. Breaking down her defenses. He bit her on the lip and gasping, she let him in. His tongue delved into her mouth. He stroked gently against her. Murmuring, he pulled her tighter into his body. She felt all of his packed muscular body in delicious detail. She shuddered.
He ran his hand down her side leaving a trail of heat in his wake. Sinking deeper into his arms, she locked her hands in his hair. Sanjay dragged her up and then his lips became demanding, kissing her with the heat she expected. It was a sensual assault of unadulterated, unbridled lust. His tongue stroked deep and swift. He lapped at each crevice in her mouth then sucked her tongue strongly. Wetness gushed where she was aching, drenching her.
Grabbing onto his hair tighter, she pushed up with her legs and locked them around him. Using her legs, she climbed him, pulling all of her body against his. He groaned and clamped his hands on her ass. She ground against him. Her whimper caught her by surprise. He nipped on her tongue. She gasped. He chuckled then licked along her jaw. Raising her head to give him better access she shuddered as he continued to lick down her neck. He stopped just above her breast. Gasping at the slight sting she felt, Tashana pulled him closer. He sucked on her skin making fire lick in her blood.
“Shana, the containment unit is here.” Jaynat’s amused voice sounded behind them.
Stiffening, Tashana came to her senses. She tried to jerk away. Sanjay held her firmly and kissed her thoroughly before drawing back. Slowly, he let go of her legs. She slid down his body and felt his hardened erection against her. He looked at her, flashed a smile, turned, and walked away. He nodded to Jaynat as he passed her disappearing down the hall. She heard the door slam behind him.
Touching her lips Tashana wondered what he would be like in bed. She jerked her hand away as she realized where her thoughts were leading. Ignoring Jaynat’s grinning face, she walked pass her.
“Hey where you going?” Jaynat asked.
She didn’t stop walking. “To get some answers.”
* * * *
Striding down the hall, down the stairs, and out the front door, Sanjay ignored the crews coming in the door. His cock was hard and all he wanted to do was turn around and go back and take Tashana. He left knowing that he had to see his duty through. Going down the drive, he went through the gates and stopped in front of his bike. He could still taste her on his tongue. Feel her firm body pressed against his and the scent of her arousal in his nose. It had never been like this before. This instantaneous attraction and loss of control.
Clenching his fist, Sanjay fought his instinct to go back inside and finish what they had started. Furious at his need to go back in, he swore viciously. He knew it was impossible for them to be together, yet he couldn’t control his need to take her. He knew it didn’t matter. The choice had already been made. She would be his. It was no longer a matter of if, but when.
Getting on his bike, he flipped on the engine and prepared to face his duty. Revving the engine, he drove forward. The air wavered and he drove through the dimensions.
A half hour later Sanjay paused outside the strategy room. Pushing open the door, he strode in to the front of the room, put his hands behind his back, and waited. Looking at the Quinlan K’rlios, the Marltes General, Sanjay studied him. He was a strong strategist, well trusted and liked. His broad forehead was pulled into a frown while his sharp cheeks were flushed. His full nose flared and firm lips pulled into a grim line. He looked at Sanjay with those piercing dark brown eyes. Leaning back, he rested his broad shoulders against the chair. Impatient, Quinlan leaned forward pulled his braid from behind his back and over his shoulder. He clasped his hands together and put them under his chin then stared at Sanjay.
The room was empty which was unusual for this time of day. The situation was dire and only the top people knew.
“Report.” Quinlan barked in his resonating voice.
In a precise tone, Sanjay told him almost everything that had happened since the
Onyx Moon had surfaced. He left out was how sweet Tashana tasted. How she looked when she was ready to commit bodily harm. It wasn’t relevant to his report but Quinlan usually wanted to know everything and Sanjay had never had problems telling him everything before. Falling silent, he waited for Quinlan to speak.
Quinlan looked at him. “The Onyx Moon chose her.”
“Yes.”
Quinlan frowned. “What do you suggest be done about her?”
“Nothing. Let it run its course and see what happens.” Sanjay replied then waited to see what the General would decide.
Although Quinlan listened to his men, he would make his own decisions on what was best. Waiting, Sanjay let his eyes roam over the richly decorated room. Pale silver walls offset the gleaming burnt-orange marble floors. There were sculptures and decorations splashing colors all over the room. Pale smoke gray glass cutouts were at different intervals all around the room letting him see outside at the beauty that was Zalakar.
Quinlan spoke drawing his attention. “Fine. Use your discretion.” He stood and came over to him. He pounded him on the shoulder. “Go see the brequies. They missed you.”
Sanjay smiled at the thought of the dragon babies. Nodding his head, he turned striding back out the door.
*
Watching him go, Quinlan let the fear he didn’t want Sanjay to see show. He knew that Sanjay hadn’t told him everything. Although he tried to hide it, Quinlan had sensed his feelings for the woman, Tashana Rennix. Closing his eyes, he rested his head back on his chair. They were in trouble, and even Sanjay didn’t realize what it meant. There was no space for emotion. He hoped it would work out.
"Why the frown my lord?"
Not even opening his eyes Quinlan replied. "Go away, Xio."
"No." She sounded very cheerful.
Onyx Moon Rising Page 3