The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

  He pulled one of his daggers out of his waistband, and held it above Feldmen. “It is already marked with my blood. Now yours will stain it as well."

  "My Lord...” Kira's voice was soft.

  Benjamin blinked at her. She had stopped him just as he was on a roll. The thing was hard enough to do without having to stop for conversation.

  "What is it?” he asked, trying not to show his irritation.

  Kira came and stood next to him. She was still covered in his blood, but he didn't think she had noticed it yet. Any other woman would have been screaming for a bath.

  "Sovereign, as I told you ... I am The Peacekeeper. I have been sent to help you take care of your people."

  "Yes, I remember that.” Benjamin frowned at her. “What does that have to do with this?"

  Kira sighed. “I am also here to help you discipline your people. You may use me to do so."

  "How would you do that?” Benjamin looked her up and down as if trying to find some hidden strength she could use.

  "Sovereign,” Kira whispered, but her voice carried through the room. “I know The Words of Death for your kind."

  There was utter silence in the room. No one said anything.

  Danolas wondered if the Suprahumans had heard of the legend of the Words of Death. His answer was in the suddenly pale faces that filled the room. They'd heard all right.

  Benjamin cleared his throat. “You ... Kira, know the Words of Death that can destroy my people?"

  "Yes, Sovereign. Because you have freely joined with me, I put these words at your disposal to use when needed."

  "Noooooo...” shrieked Myron. He tried to jerk free of the two men, but they held him fast.

  Benjamin stood staring at Kira, his mind in a whirl. This beautiful woman was in possession of the greatest curse on earth. What should I do? She was giving it to him freely. Should I use it? He looked at Myron. He was to die anyway. What a lesson for the rest of the Enhanced, especially those who had chosen to fight alongside Myron.

  He looked at Gallegar. “Does she know the Words for your people?"

  "Yes,” Gallegar answered. “And all the others as well."

  "We have seen and felt the Words in action, Sovereign. They are to be believed.” Lucas’ voice was hoarse as he shared his thoughts.

  "You would do this for me?” Benjamin swung around to look at Kira. She looked so tiny standing there. “This is a horrible thing."

  "It is one of the reasons I have come. To make the Words available to those I join with."

  "As a leader, I would never ask someone else to do what I would not. But I can't use these words, can I?"

  "No, Benjamin.” The words were sad.

  He looked around at the four other men who had joined with her. They all nodded gravely to him. They understood what it was he was asking, and felt she should do it. Benjamin heaved a sigh.

  "It will be done,” he commanded. “Myron Feldmen ... stand before us."

  The two men dragged him closer, Myron screaming obscenities at them all.

  Kira stepped closer and laid a hand on Myron's chest. Out of his mind with fear, he spat at her. It oozed wetly down Kira's cheek. Benjamin swore and quickly wiped it off her cheek.

  Kira thanked him quietly and then looked back at Myron. “Be still,” she ordered him, wrapping him securely in her power. She nodded to the men. “Release him and move away. No one may touch him or the same fate may befall him."

  She stared into Myron's rolling eyes.

  "Flanesh oche bashtel

  Domnar sadit lemant."

  Myron's body arched almost in half. It vibrated as if something was shaking it. He screamed, his voice shrill in the closed room.

  Kira said the words a second time, her voice low but firm.

  "Flanesh oche bashtel

  Domnar sadit lemant."

  The words hit Myron between the eyes. He fell to the floor then was up again. His feet moved, running in place. He moved so fast, his legs were a blur. His mouth opened in a soundless scream.

  Kira looked at Benjamin. He tensed his jaw, but nodded. As Kira began the third repetition, her Chosen willed their strength and love to her. Benjamin felt it and automatically added his. It wasn't until then, that he realized that this was the first time Kira would actually execute someone.

  Chapter 13

  "Flanesh oche bashtel

  Domnar sadit lemant."

  Now, Myron was moving so fast his feet were burning, his body on fire. The Words had taken his own enhancement and used it against him ... to kill him. A second later, he gave an anguished scream and with a final spasm of pain, sank to the floor. He lay unmoving.

  A moment later ... he was dead.

  Kira turned to Benjamin. Her eyes were full of tears and Benjamin pulled her against his chest to comfort her. He'd felt the agony she'd gone through when she had said the words a third time. He looked out at his people. Some were crying. Some were afraid. Some may even have been angry, but every one of them looked at him and Kira with awe on their faces.

  "It is done,” he announced, his voice rough with emotion. “The penalty for treason is death. The Peacekeeper has given him death. All should remember this."

  He looked at the prisoners who were staring at Kira with expressions of abject horror. “Take them to the security chamber. I will see to their punishments tomorrow."

  As the group was led away and the dead were carried out, Benjamin took his daggers from his waistband and pounded the ends together.

  "People have died here tonight,” he shouted, his voice ringing out in the room. “But most of those who died were traitors to our kind. We have won a great victory. I see food and drink has already been prepared. Let us toast the fallen and celebrate our fortune."

  He gathered Kira under his arm and motioned to the others in her group. “We have new friends and allies. Those who will support us and help keep our people safe. I have joined with Kira, who is The Peacekeeper. Her allies are now a part of our people. Treat them with respect and care. Now eat, drink and tell stories. The night has just begun!"

  The crowd gave a ragged cheer, as if wanting to get in the spirit of things, but not knowing quite how. Most moved directly to the bar at the side of the room.

  "Benjamin...” Kira turned to him and laid a soft hand on his brand.

  He tried not to flinch, but she saw it.

  "This is painful.” She motioned to his brand and then to her own. “As is mine."

  "Yeah,” he snorted derisively. “But it is the least of my worries tonight."

  "What our Lady means,” Danolas said with a laugh, “is neither needs to stay painful. Allow me.” Swiftly he spoke the healing incantation over Kira's brand. She sighed in relief.

  Benjamin stretched out his hand and Danolas did the spell. Afterwards, Benjamin flexed his hand in amazement. It was as if he had never been burned.

  Gallegar touched Kira's bloody face, and then pulled at his own clothing. “Would you have a place where A Ghra ... and I can clean up? This blood makes it very difficult for me to concentrate."

  "Of course,” Benjamin answered. “I have clothes you may borrow as well."

  "My thanks,” returned Gallegar. I think Kira could use some too."

  "Oh, Lucas,” Kira mourned. “I ruined your shirt. I am sorry."

  Lucas laughed. “Not a problem, honey. I'll buy you another one since you looked so damn good in it."

  "If you will come this way, I'll take you to my rooms. You can shower and change there. The rest of you, make yourselves at home. There is plenty of food. Perhaps we can talk more about this joining I have entered."

  "Great, I'm starving.” Lucas rubbed his hands together, his thoughts on his stomach. “I haven't eaten anything since early this—"

  "We will be glad to answer anything we can for you, Benjamin,” Danolas interrupted, throwing Lucas a scolding glance.

  Lucas grinned sheepishly.

  * * * *

  Benjamin showed Gallegar and Kira
to his personal chambers. There was a full bath in the bedroom, as well as one next to the sitting room. He found Kira a pair of navy sweats that were too big for her, but she would be able to lace them up so they didn't fall from her slim waist. She was glad to peel her clothes off and climb in the bathroom shower.

  "We can find our own way back down.” Gallegar unbuttoned his shirt in the sitting room. “Your people will need to speak to you. You don't have to wait."

  Benjamin handed Gallegar another set of clothes, black, just like he was wearing. He grabbed some clothes for himself. He would shower in one of the guest rooms down the hall, before returning to the party.

  Gallegar stripped the ruined clothes from his body. He took a quick shower, wanting to beat Kira out so they could talk. He had just pulled on his jeans and was toweling his long hair dry, when his supersensitive hearing caught the sound of the water in the other bathroom being turned off.

  Without thinking, he walked into the bedroom and knocked on the bathroom door. He didn't wait for an answer but pushed open the door and went in. Kira was standing next to the large marble bathtub wrapped in nothing but a fluffy white towel, her eyes wide in surprise.

  Gallegar's body went as hard as a stone. His loins suddenly ached with need. She was so beautiful. Suddenly there was nothing more he wanted to do than touch her fragrant damp body. He walked toward her like a man in a dream. All doubts of making love to her disappeared in a white-hot ball of desire.

  Kira watched as he came closer. She knew she should protest his being here, but her voice had dried up in her throat. When he reached out and touched her, the very air left her lungs. Sparkling pleasure traced her skin wherever his hand touched. By the time his lips bent to take hers, she thought she might go mad.

  Her head whirled with passion. She felt the hardness of his body against hers and it thrilled her. Instinctively, she moved against him. She heard him groan deep in his throat, and he pulled her tighter to him. He lifted her off the floor and moved quickly so her back slapped against the bathroom door. He pressed his body to hers, fitting the bulge in his jeans into the notch at her thighs.

  Gallegar groaned as his lips slanted over hers. She tasted of spice and darkness. Of moonlight and flowered meadows. He pulled her tighter against him, uncaring of her dampness, but needing the softness of her body. His mouth moved over hers hungrily. He'd been starved for her since last night and had made do with a few kisses and touches. Now they were all alone. He parted her lips and plundered the bounty within.

  "A Ghra...” When Gallegar spoke, his voice was rough. “I love you. I want you.” His hands moved from her waist to her naked thighs. He stroked them, feeling his own urgency rise. “Let me love you ... I need...” He took her mouth again, not able to finish the thought.

  Kira couldn't answer. She was too caught up in the feelings he was producing in her to say anything. She gasped when he pulled away from the door and carried her into the bedroom. She fell onto the bed, Gallegar following her down. They fit perfectly together, his loins pushed firmly against hers.

  An ache began to form in her belly. The movement of his hardness against her made tendrils of feeling swirl up and run through her. She moaned as he pressed light kisses up her jaw line. Feathery kisses that traveled across her cheeks, eyelids and down her nose, before returning and nibbling on her swollen mouth.

  He raised his head, breathing rapidly. His eyes were the greenest she had ever seen them, and they stared deep inside her, like he was trying to see into her soul. “I love you, A Ghra ... I have loved you for years."

  Tears come to her eyes and he bent and gently kissed them away. She sighed with emotion, her body moving with her need to be closer to him.

  "Mo Chridhe ... My Heart ... “ Kira mind-spoke him, saying words in Gaelic she didn't even know she knew.

  Warmth exploded in his chest when she spoke to him in the tongue of his youth. His heart beat so hard, he thought it might burst. He gave a brief thought to what the Power had told them last night, but it was pushed away by the ever deepening need that filled his heart.

  His lips fastened back on hers with an insistence that brought tears back to her eyes. His hands began to move over her body, gently, possessively. With a tug, he pulled the towel from her breasts and his hand cupped the warm flesh. Their groans mingled, as he moved a thumb back and forth over a dusky nipple, causing it to bead in arousal.

  "Gallegar!” she gasped out loud, tearing her mouth from his. She arched her back instinctively to bring herself closer. He growled as he forced her head back so he could capture her lips’ sweetness one more time. His hand moved to her other breast, and pleasured it as he had done the first.

  "Touch me, A Ghra...” He spoke against her mouth. “I need to feel your hands on me.” With one hand, he took hers and placed it on his naked chest. She cautiously moved her hand over him, glorying in the soft hair that covered him. She felt the ripples of movement under her hand, as she gave him pleasure. Her fingers touched one flat nipple, and he jumped, groaning loud in her mouth. Startled, she jerked away.

  "No ... no ... A Ghra ... More ... please.” Gallegar grabbed her hand, and put it back on his chest. She continued touching him, her fingers circling his flat nipples as his mouth devoured hers. She could feel his fangs slide against her tongue, careful not to bite her.

  Unable to stand any more, he captured her hand and dragged it down his body. “Feel what you do to me. See how I need you.” He pushed her hand around his jean-covered erection and pressed himself to her. His shaft jerked and thickened even more at her touch.

  Kira felt need thunder through her. Her breath came in short little gasps as she felt his body pulse against hers. She wanted more. To open herself up to him. To give him everything he needed.

  He bent his head and kissed the top of her breast. Licking gently, he trailed down to one pert nipple, and then with a little growl of desire, took it between his teeth.

  She cried out and bucked underneath him. The movement pressed him deep into her thighs. He let go of the nipple, moaning. A light sweat broke out on his body.

  "Gently, love,” he panted as he fought for control. He moved his hands down to her hips to keep her still before he returned to nibbling and kissing her breasts. His tongue flicked lightly back and forth across each of her aroused nipples.

  Kira thought her body was going to explode. The need that rose up in her at Gallegar's touch was making it hard to think of anything else. She writhed against him, as he spoke Gaelic love words to her. The feel of his mouth tugging on her breasts sent all coherent thought out the window. Her legs parted instinctively to allow him better access.

  He felt her body soften ... felt it open for him. His need blazed and he dropped a hand to open his jeans. He grabbed at the zipper, frantic to be inside her, but careful, knowing he was so aroused he could cause himself damage if he wasn't.

  "A Ghra...” he moaned, then kissed her. “I wanted our first time together to be in my own bed at Sanctuary, but I can't wait. You are too desirable..."

  Pushing his jeans and underwear out of the way, he pressed his naked shaft against her softness and moved it gently against her. It was all he could do not to bury himself deeply inside her. The feel of her moist lips against the head of his penis brought him close to exploding. Reaching down, he ran his hand up the inside of her thigh.

  "Tell me you'll come home with me tonight so I can spend the day loving you the way you should be loved.” He kissed her again ... hard. “I promise to make up for my rush ... but now I need you."

  Kira blinked. She felt him moving between her legs. Her body cried out for his possession. When she felt the alien touch of his penis rubbing against her, her breath caught in her throat. A niggling doubt suddenly jumped to the surface.

  "Mo Chridhe...” She took his face in her hands. “I want to love you. I want to go home with you when the night is over and sleep and love in your arms. My body cries out for you. But what of the Power? Are we supposed to be doin
g this? And what about Lucas? I do not want to hurt him by going home with you."

  Gallegar went totally still. The hot desire that consumed him turned instantly into enraged anger. Adjusting his pants, he levered himself off of Kira with an upward flying movement that only a vampire could manage.

  A second later he stood next to the bed, glaring down at her.

  To Kira it looked as though he had levitated off of her with a rush of psychic wind. He was so beautiful standing there she couldn't help but put her hand out to him. But he ignored it, looking down at her with a furious expression.

  "Why would you bring up the shapeshifter at a time like this?” Gallegar vibrated with the need to bury himself in her body. His thoughts were turbulent. He skipped over the first part of her concern and focused on the second.

  She dropped her hand. She self-consciously pulled the towel up to cover her breasts, but by doing so exposed the soft triangle of curls between her thighs.

  Gallegar's eyes darkened.

  "I care about Lucas. I do not want to hurt him."

  "What about me?” Gallegar questioned, his body painful, his heart aching. “Do you care you have hurt me by speaking of him?"

  Kira's eyes filled with tears. “Of course I do! I love you. I want to be with you. Do you think I was pretending all that went on before?” She hung her head. “But is it the right thing to do? I have feelings for Lucas I do not under—"

  Gallegar came at her with a roar. His hands came down on both sides of her trapping her firmly beneath him. His still throbbing erection pressed down on her. She cringed in surprise.

  "What feelings?” Gallegar shouted. “Do you feel for him as you do for me? Do you want him to touch you like I have? Do you respond to him the way you do to me?” He captured her face and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. He forced his way inside, ravaging her mouth with his tongue. After a moment, he pulled his mouth from hers, his chest heaving. He looked into her eyes.

  She blushed and looked away, not knowing how to explain what she felt about Lucas. She didn't even understand it herself.

  "Did more happen in his bed than a simple joining? Have you already given up your innocence?” Gallegar's tone was bitter. He rolled off of her and stared up at the ceiling. “I could have taken you last night, before you even knew Lucas.” His voice was full of pain. “Then you would have been mine."