Two guards entered the room. “These men will take you to Candy, who will accompany you to where you will stay for the time being.” Solfa had an odd expression on her face, as she explained the guards’ presence. The look changed to become unreadable, almost immediately. Something had been communicated to the head of intelligence which obviously had shaken her. JoAnna wished it had nothing to do with her.
Chapter 4
Alexandra Mann readjusted the pillow for the third time. There was no need to straighten the common room, Leenea Childers was an immaculate housekeeper. With her nerves on edge because of the news Jo Jo had entered the Troyk universe, Alex had to do something to redirect her anxiety.
She had long wanted to reunite with her childhood friend. That desire had soured when Candy had a premonition Jo Jo meant trouble. Her vision had been non-descriptive, more of a feeling of apprehension. Candy had developed the ability to see physical strikes before they occurred, as well as the gift of foresight, after she made love to her soul mate, Tolfer. Her friend had become the Troyk Warrior Woman of legend come to life.
Now she had to present herself as Alexia Montiff from the Starling Province in the Troyk Universe, rather than little Alex from the orphanage. That was the cover story they had created when she was dragged into this parallel world. Shirl and Candy were brought to the attention of the Troyk ruler when they first arrived. So they did not have to present a charade to the world. Alex had a role to play, until they had proof Jo Jo could be trusted. They were opening the Childers’s household to a possible mind control telepath of unknown power and motives.
“Relax, baby,” Alex said as she patted her abdomen. Her unborn daughter communicated telepathically to her. The communication was more a transfer of emotions Alex’s brain translated into some semblance of understanding. “Jo Jo and I played together when we were little girls. In those days, it was the four of us against the world. When she was adopted, I cried myself to sleep for a week. She’ll prove herself trustworthy, don’t worry.”
Alex made her way to the kitchen and prepared herself a hot mug of the herbal beverage she lived on. She was still having issues with the telepathic channels after she suffered from two concussions, courtesy of Raine Narmouth. That psycho was never going to bother her again, her friends made sure of that. After the last time he assaulted and kidnapped her, Candy and Shirl delivered him to the Nightshade universe. It was a terrifying parallel world populated by blood-lusting vampires.
A feeling of euphoria consumed her, which radiated from Star. She named her unborn daughter after her mother, Starta. Her Troyk relatives became emotional every time her mother’s name was voiced, so Alex started to call her daughter Star.
When Alex was in the Nightshade universe, a vampire named Drake claimed her unborn child. It freaked her out, but Star already seemed to love the monster. Fortunately, Drake appeared as a handsome man, rather than as a decomposing corpse like the other vampires. A certain peace came over Alex when Star thought of Drake or was in his presence. Alex could only hope something changed in the next eighteen years.
Tarsea, her soul mate, entered the kitchen and embraced her, before he grabbed something to drink. He had just risen from the bed where they had made love. Alex had thought their passion for each other would have waned after time passed, but it only intensified.
“Candy and Jo Jo should be here any time,” Alex said between sips. “Unfortunately, Darden was called in for questioning.”
“We knew that would happen as soon as JoAnna came through the portal. There are too many loose ends about the past now coming to light. Both Solfa and Darden are communicating the discussion through the warrior channel,” her soul mate shared. “Jeryl Jarlyn seems to have accepted the story of half-truths we concocted. But it is only a matter of time before Darden will have to leave us and reside with Benko Jarlyn in the penal colony. Cassie has now been exposed, so it is best for her to leave Ginkgo Terra. Darden will finally be able to be with his soul mate. How he lasted this long without her is beyond my comprehension.”
The warrior channel was a telepathic link her soul mate and their friends had access to. It was a closed channel accessible to only those faithful and trustworthy to the true leader of the Troyk universe, Benko Jarlyn. Because of the link still forming between Alex and her daughter, her connection to other pathways had become erratic. When she first found out she was pregnant, she could only connect to Tarsea’s familial link. Until Alex could reliably link-in without interruptions, Tarsea shared pertinent information through the familial channel.
“It’s for the best, I suppose. I don’t like the fact we are forced to live a charade in our own home,” Alex complained. “Worse yet, I can’t use contractions in Jo Jo’s presence. Why you Troyk people have to say every word is very annoying.”
Tarsea laughed and pulled her into his arms. “I thought you were going to stop speaking in that manner, even in private.” He placed his lips on hers, which distracted her from the excuses she was about to provide to his comment. Tarsea tasted of coffee, mint, and a unique savory essence all his own. When he kissed her, she could not think straight.
Alex deepened the kiss, she wondered if they had time for a mid-afternoon fling before Candy and Jo Jo arrived. They had made love before on the kitchen counter when the house was empty, like it was now. Tarsea started to pull down her leggings when Candy’s voice echoed through the house.
“We are here,” her friend bellowed. Candy knew she and Tarsea had very little self-control when others were not around, so she loudly announced their presence. Alex and her soul mate quickly separated and adjusted their clothing before their company physically arrived.
Alex’s eyes immediately fell on the breathtakingly beautiful woman who entered the kitchen beside Candy. JoAnna could give gorgeous Shirl a run for her money. It took all of Alex’s self-control not to run into Jo Jo’s arms in greeting.
JoAnna immediately recognized Alex. Although it had been seventeen years since they had last been together, JoAnna would have known her anywhere. Why hadn’t Candy said anything on the walk over? They had talked about Shirl, but there had not been a whisper about Alex.
“This is Tarsea Childers and his girlfriend Alexia Montiff.” Candy’s introduction made it clear for some reason her friend was not going by the name Alexandra Mann. JoAnna had no choice but to play along.
“Nice to meet you both,” JoAnna settled on saying. “The Prime Ruler said there would be a woman my age living here. I hope we can be friends.” She almost choked on the last word.
“It is nice to meet you, JoAnna,” Alex said. “Can I offer you anything to drink? We have a wonderful herbal beverage which will help if you have any static in your head. Candy said it helped her until she finally could manage the different telepathic channels.”
“Sounds great,” JoAnna replied. She noticed Alex drank the same beverage. “How long have you been here?” When Alex gave her a questioning look, JoAnna tilted her head toward the mug in front of Alex with the herbs.
“Oh, that,” Alex said with relief evident in her voice. “I was born and raised in Starling Province, here in the Troyk universe. Recently I was a psychopath’s obsession and suffered a couple of concussions. The beverage is helping to lessen the effects of the injuries. Besides, I love the taste.”
JoAnna wished she could have asked her old friend more about what had happened to her, but they played the part of strangers. So Alex was the gracious hostess and JoAnna would continue to pretend they had never met. Her head was still bothering her a bit, but she would kill for a carbonated beverage.
“You wouldn’t happen to have a diet soda?” JoAnna asked.
“I wish,” Alex said too quickly. Panic evident in her eyes after such an obvious slip. “Candy and Shirl talk about those beverages all the time. I would love to try the bubbly orange one that does not have any calories.” It was a bea
utiful recovery. JoAnna was impressed at Alex’s ability to lie. It was evident she had the skill, since she was living in this universe under an assumed identity.
“Solfa wants us to purchase JoAnna some Troyk outfits,” Candy said. It was a beautiful means to change the subject. What woman does not like to talk about shopping? “Jeryl Jarlyn himself will purchase them for her. I thought you’d like to go with us, Alexia. You could use some new clothes and we both know you can’t go shopping with Tarsea along.”
A wicked smile crossed Alex’s face. JoAnna wondered what happened when Alex went shopping with her boyfriend. She imagined it was X-rated based on the way Alex now blushed. There was a closeness and friendly banter between the two women. JoAnna once again thought what it would have been like had she not been adopted and grew up with them. She had never felt more alone in her life.
“I need to head to The Palace and attend this afternoon’s Prime Council session.” Tarsea got up and gave Alex a passionate kiss. It was a claiming kiss, an alpha male marking his mate. “Darden and I are playing cards tonight, so do not wait up. I will have to tear your new clothes off you another time.”
Tarsea walked to JoAnna and took her hand, gently brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “It was a pleasure to meet you, JoAnna. Welcome home, we are thrilled to have you here.” All three women were silent as Tarsea left the kitchen and finally the house.
“Oh my, God!” JoAnna said as soon as she heard the front door shut. “Alex, you lucky girl! I’d cross dimensions for a man like that.” Ironically, that was exactly what JoAnna had done.
Alex did not correct JoAnna on the name she just used. She merely gave JoAnna a knowing smile, “I know. As Candy would say, let’s go shopping. We will hit the designer racks for JoAnna and the sale ones for me. Tarsea did not exaggerate about what he does with my clothes. On account of that, I only buy the cheapest stuff possible.”
JoAnna wondered if Koel would have the same reaction as Alex’s Tarsea did to whatever she purchased. It was a new fantasy she added to the others she had stored up for Koel and her to act out. Where the hell was he anyway?
The shopping trip was a blast. On Earth, JoAnna tended to shop alone, with a style consultant on call. Spending time with Alex and Candy brought her back again to the wonderful times she once had with the girls as well as what had been missing in her life.
JoAnna stood before the mirror in one of the outfits she had just purchased. It was the type of outfit Troyk women wore at night when they attended what was referred to as the second seating at any restaurant. The tunic was made of transparent, delicate fabric with beading strategically placed around her breasts. JoAnna had never worn anything this daring and could not wait for Koel to see her in it.
There was a knock on the door and Candy entered. “You look great in that. When Shirl and Starc get back, we will all go out and show it off to the world.” Her friend sat in the only chair in the bedroom she had been assigned. While they shopped, Candy decided she would continue to stay with the Childers and JoAnna was moved to the small guest room toward the front of the house.
“I have never had anything quite like this before,” JoAnna admitted. “Don’t you feel a little self-conscious wearing it in public?” JoAnna carefully pulled the tunic over her head and put on one of the more practical tops she had purchased.
“At first I did, but when I noticed all the other women wore the same type of evening wear, it became less of an issue.” Candy shifted in her chair, it was obvious she wanted to talk about something other than fashion.
“Spit it out, Candy,” JoAnna said, “I can see you are flailing in the chair. What is it you want to know?”
“Are you a mind control telepath?” JoAnna’s stomach fell to her knees after Candy’s question. She momentarily was not sure how to answer her.
“Well, that was certainly direct,” JoAnna finally answered, she struggled to sound as unaffected as possible. “Why do you ask?”
“I saw how you were able to manipulate the salesclerk,” Candy replied. “You are living with us for the time being, I have to know what you are capable of. Shirl and I are all new to these powers and it is a little scary.”
JoAnna had done what she always did when she went shopping, doing it without thought. She had been caught by her old friend and she would not deny it. It was the first time JoAnna was going to come clean about her ability to influence another person.
“I realized the day I met the Carlsons I had a gift. For the first time I really wanted something, for them to adopt me, and I made it happen. If you have a power, it would be foolish not to use it. Why work so hard for something, if it can be handed to you?”
Candy looked at her for what felt like an eternity. Butterflies swarmed in JoAnna’s stomach, waiting for Candy’s verdict about the use of her gift. She never really cared what people thought about her before, but for some reason it mattered with Candy.
“Shirl has a gift, I suppose it would be silly for her not to use it to travel from world to world.” Candy got up and started to pace. JoAnna figured Candy was still determining what to say. “I struggle with the whole mind control thing. Alexia’s aunt went apartment hunting and did not get the cute little garden home she liked because she had an open mind to continue looking. A mind control telepath ended up manipulating her into renting his unit. She did not even realize it had happened until Tolfer pointed it out. It is scary that you have the ability to do that to me.”
“I do not do that to people!” JoAnna said defensively. However, one of the words Candy had said kept rolling in her mind, manipulation. She could not deny she had done exactly that on many occasions. “Besides, sometimes I cannot help what ends up happening, I can’t always control my gift.”
“Listen, I am not condemning you, Jo Jo. Shirl and I did not know we were telepathic until we entered this dimension. We both have different powers we are constantly struggling with trying to understand and control. You developed yours early, without knowledge of what it was. I know a mind control telepath you can talk to about your gift.”
JoAnna did not want her abilities broadcast to the world, especially Jeryl Jarlyn and her uncle. There were a lot of secrets being kept in this household and she was going to add another. “I don’t want the Prime Ruler to know until I am ready. He already has suspicions about my gift. It would be nice to have another person’s perspective, if we can keep it between us.”
Candy smiled and came over to hug her. “Trust me, Tarah Mardroft will keep your secret. She is the sister of our good friend, Koel.”
It was the first time her soul mate’s name had been mentioned by one of her old friends. “Koel?”
“Don’t play coy with me, Jo Jo,” Candy said. “I know he went to Earth to see you. When he returned, Koel was in a foul mood, since his soul mate had not returned with him. Koel told us the soul mate telepathic channel opened between the two of you when you first touched. It’s hard to miss the electrical jolt that occurs, even though I was stupid enough to believe it was static electricity when it happened between me and Tolfer.”
“The Prime Ruler just mentioned about one couple,” JoAnna shared, “I assumed it was Shirl and Starc he had been talking about.”
“It was, they are the only outed couple, and we’d like to keep it that way,” Candy warned her. “So we both have secrets to keep. I am going out on a limb and will trust you.” Her friend’s voice shook, which concerned her. Was that why they hid Alex’s true identity, they did not have faith in her?
“You can count on me to keep your secrets.”
“I hope you can. Our lives depend on it.”
Chapter 5
The Troyk Penal Colony World
Chartail Adholm sat on the small sandy beach which bordered a pristine lake. The moon was full; its light reflected on the black water. It was a breathtaking sight. The sound of wave
s rippling to shore was lulling her to sleep.
There was a tranquility sitting here alone in the dark. She had purposely distanced herself from the small settlement nestled near the banks of the large body of water. It had been a week since the Utopia community moved to the camp that had once belonged to the portal guardians. Chartail, like the others, had worked hard relocating the former Troyk freedom fighters. For now, she just wanted the near quiet this spot afforded. Although she could still hear rumblings from the village, it was more like white noise.
She heard footsteps approach from the direction of the settlement. Chartail hoped whoever it was would pass her by. She was not ready to be social just yet. Being strong in front of others was exhausting. If she had fifteen more minutes of peace, she would be ready to return.
“There you are,” a male’s voice she was familiar with came from the direction of the earlier noise. “I have looked everywhere for you.”
Chartail turned to see Tarsea Childers, who stood a stone’s throw away. Without an invitation, her former boyfriend sat next to her. At least he was not chattering away. Tarsea tended to be on the quieter side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. It was an embrace between friends who were no longer lovers. Murmurs of voices from the village and cricket chirps serenaded them.
“I had to get away from all the sorrow, before it started to weigh me down.” Chartail did not have anyone in the village to talk to, so she took advantage of Tarsea’s presence. “If I submerge into depression, I do not know if I will be able to surface again.”
The Mind Control Telepath Page 4