“I won’t be separated from Vareen again, not even for one day. I know her capabilities and I’m sure that she can handle being at the challenge,” Mica insisted.
“It’s settled then.” His father stood to leave. “I’ll be back for breakfast in the morning. Andani, I have some things I need you to arrange before we leave for the challenge. Can you ride back with me?”
“Yes. Mica could use some time alone with his chosen.”
His sister stood and joined his father to walk to the door. Mica showed them out and then rubbing his head thoughtfully over what his father had warned. Was his cousin going to challenge for leadership? Would it be better for Vareen if his cousin won? As his father’s heir, he would never turn his back on his clan. If his cousin took over the burden of leadership, he would be free to take care of Vareen. His honor rose in outrage, bellowing at him for even thinking those thoughts. He was a warrior of the clan Jataci. Born and bred to lead his people when his father willingly turned over his seat. Martac Jataci being defeated in the challenge was never going to happen.
Mica went to check on Vareen. There were a dozen things he needed to see to for their trip.
Chapter Seventeen
Vareen eyed Mica’s frustrated features. “I don’t understand why I have to go.” She tried to reason with him. “I can stay and watch over Luna. It’s the perfect solution.”
Mica opened his mouth and then snapped it shut.
“My dear.” Martac Jataci spoke from his spot at the dining table. “With your health issues, Mica couldn’t leave you here alone. We don’t have a challenger this cycle, but Mica would be distracted if you were to stay behind.”
“Honestly, I’m fine.” Vareen was getting tired of everyone treating her like a helpless invalid. She didn’t remember one small, infinitesimal span of time, not her whole life. In fact, she hadn’t had a reaction since the day she’d met Dani and Mica had to tell her about that one. She didn’t even recall what they’d been talking about that caused her to black out. Mica had said they were talking about her hobbies, but it didn’t make sense.
Something odd was going on and Vareen couldn’t put her finger on it. Ever since arriving here with Mica, her mind had been clearing and Vareen was sure it was mending faster than it would have at the hospital. As for her body, that was fully healed. In her humble opinion, she was as fit as ever!
During her stay in the hospital and again here at Mica’s she’d been doing her self-defense drills to keep in shape. She thought her progress was impressive. She’d gained back all of her muscle mass and her skills were as fresh as ever. Maybe she should ask Mica to train with her to show him that she was stronger. A smile crossed her face at the idea of getting the upper hand in a battle with Mica.
“It’s out of the question,” Mica stated emphatically as if that ended the argument. Vareen wasn’t that easily put off.
“If you’re worried about my being alone, I can ask Jaden to come watch me.” Vareen brightened at the thought. Her voice coming out excitedly, “he is a trained doctor. If Luna goes into labor, Jaden can help her.”
The darkening of Mica’s eyes was all the warning she got before he was towering over her. She was fascinated by the blue sparks and energy emanating from his huge frame. “Jaden is not coming here to care for you or Luna.”
The air seemed to swell with his words and Vareen frowned. Holding her own against Mica, she snapped, “Why not? It’s the logical solution.”
“No.”
“Give me one good reason why not,” Vareen demanded
Mica leaned down until they were almost nose to nose. “Because I said so.” His eyes were almost completely blue now.
Vareen opened her mouth and then closed it. She had the insane urge to lean into Mica and press her breasts into his chest. To wrap her hands in his silky black hair and press her lips against his. He was close enough for her to do it too. Staring at his mouth she was too distracted to argue and quite frankly forgot what they were even talking about. His tongue swept across his lower lip and Vareen’s pulse quickened. What would he do if she broke down and did what she wanted? He’d have a heart attack that his friend was kissing him for no reason, an inner voice argued.
“We need to come up with a solution. We are leaving in the morning.” Mica’s father broke into their stare down.
Vareen blinked a few times and eased back a step. She finally remembered what Mica had been saying. “Because you say so isn’t a good enough reason.”
“It is for me.” Mica stepped back as well until there was a reasonable space between them. “I am responsible for taking care of you while you heal and I will not fail in that duty. Not again.” Before she could argue further, or ask him what he meant by that last comment, Mica stormed outside.
Vareen took a step to follow when Martac stopped her. “Let him cool down.”
Vareen looked at the leader of the Jataci and inclined her head. “If you think it’s best.”
Martac patted the seat next to him. “Sit here while we wait for Mica to come back.”
Vareen sighed loudly and sat on the seat. Why was Mica acting so strangely?
She only wanted to do what was best. She didn’t want to be a burden to him at the Challenge of Succession ceremonies. She knew it meant a great deal and she would just be in the way. Staying here with, or without, a caregiver would be for the best.
She’d been told that Cali, Vathral, and Nellia would all be attending the ceremonies as well. The short burst of excitement she felt at the idea of seeing her friends again died when she thought of her unstable mental state. Would she start fantasizing about kissing and holding Vathral next?
Since arriving at Mica’s two days ago she’d had some alarming reactions. She almost broke down a few times and told Mica so he could tell Jaden. Something held her back every time she went to speak with him. Embarrassment mostly, since the direction her thoughts went in regards to Mica were heated in nature.
It wasn’t the fact that she was sexually attracted to Mica that alarmed her. It was how real the fantasies felt, almost as if they were memories she was reliving. It didn’t make sense. How could she have had the feelings for Mica she was fantasizing about in the short time she’d known him?
“Don’t let Mica’s temper scare you.” Martac patted her hand breaking into her musings.
“He doesn’t scare me,” Vareen assured Martac. “I’m just puzzled why he’s so adamant that I go to the ceremony.”
“Did Mica ever tell you about losing his mother?” Martac’s eyes deepened with pain.
“Yes.” Vareen thought for a moment and then continued. “I have the memory of him talking about it. I know he felt her loss deeply.” Vareen had the knowledge, she just didn’t remember talking with Mica about it. “He grew closer to Andani and you,” Vareen met the older man’s gaze. “Mica is determined not to lose another person important to him. He wants to be there for both you and Dani.”
“Yes.” Martac seemed pleased. “Mica would do anything for those he cares about. Not keeping a loved one from harm is the worst failure to him.”
“I understand that about him, but how does it relate to me and the challenge ceremony?” Vareen was confused. “I’m a friend yes—”
“A friend,” Martac murmured under his breath. “Yes, you are a special friend to him.”
Vareen eyed Martac. “A special friend?” she laughed slightly. “What do you mean?”
“Father,” Mica had returned and was still scowling. “Can I speak to you outside for a moment.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m going back to my quarters. You can talk here.” Vareen stood to leave. Martac rose as well and kissed her cheek. Vareen had blushed hotly when he did it after their breakfast the second day she’d been here. Now it just seemed normal. Martac Jataci had been visiting for every meal it seemed for two days now. Vareen was used to him and his physical displays of affection.
Before she cleared the doorway Mica grabbed her arm and turned her. “
Pack for the ceremonies. You are coming.”
Vareen glared at him but didn’t deign to answer. Instead, she removed her arm from his hold and went through the doors. Mica was a controlling brute. Why he felt the need to drag her to Metari was beyond her. She would pack but that wouldn’t stop her from trying to talk with him about it again later.
Marching into her bedroom she grabbed a stack of black dresses, some sandals, and toiletries and threw them into a bag. Muttering the whole time about Mica and his high-handed tactics. Turning from the bed she slammed into a rock hard chest.
Two strong hands helped steady her and Vareen found herself in the position she’d wanted to be in earlier. Her breasts pressed tightly into Mica, her hands on his shoulders.
An image flashed through her mind of holding Mica like this while on The Reliant. Her lips were pressed against his. Their bodies straining to get closer. Emotions flooded her. Happiness, desire, fear, uncertainty.
Her body spasmed with the attempt at keeping the pain at bay. With a laugh of exhilaration, she was able to remain conscious. She was getting better at managing her reactions and she couldn’t be happier.
Mica stepped back, “Are you okay?” his eyes were flashing blue around the edges.
“Yes. I’m almost done packing.” Vareen eyed him speculatively. The only time his eyes changed to blue was when his emotions were in play. Mica was worried about her but why?
“I wanted to explain my reason for wanting you at the challenge.” Mica went to say more but she stopped him.
Vareen decided at that moment to go to the ceremony and find Cali. Her friend would be able to tell her if she was going crazy. “You don’t need to. We’re friends and you’ve taken the burden of caring for me. I’ll do as you ask.”
“Yes. Friends.” Mica seemed uncomfortable.
To change the subject and to give herself time to think, she asked, “Have you seen Luna? She usually bothers me for a good rub down about this time.”
He seemed confused for one second and then shook it off. “Not since earlier. I’ve asked one of my cousins to watch her, so you needn’t be worried while we’re gone.”
“I’m sure that Luna will be fine. I just hope she doesn’t have her babies before I get back.” Vareen turned to rummage through her bag. She didn’t want to forget anything.
“I’ll leave you to pack then.”
Vareen didn’t turn to see Mica leave the room. She vowed to take the time at the challenge to find answers.
Chapter Eighteen
“You didn’t tell me there were going to be so many people.” Vareen’s head was swinging from side to side trying to take it all in. Their loaner pod had arrived a few moments ago at the designated location for the challenge. There were multiple pavilions dotting the landscape, along with tents of every size and color.
“It will grow larger. There are still four days to go and only the heads of the clans are here this early.”
“What are in the extra tents?”
“Everything,” Mica laughed at her expression. “Food, merchants, games…”
“It’s like a huge fair,” Vareen was in awe. “I’ve read about them in the history books.”
Mica pulled her toward a grouping of large black tents. “This section of the gathering is for the Jataci.”
Since the Metari were hosting this event on their lands it was decided that the challenge would be held in their northern region. The temperature was moderate enough that everyone should be comfortable. To accommodate all of the participants and spectators the organizers of this challenge had chosen a relatively flat spot between two of the larger rivers.
Mica pulled her toward a single tent standing in the cocoon of a group of trees. “This way.”
“Where is my tent?” Vareen looked around for another close by, but the rest of the black tents were twenty feet or so away.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to get the space for another tent. We’ll have to share.”
Mica was biting his lip and Vareen wondered at his nervousness. Looking around at all the empty space she tried to hide her confusion. There seemed to be a lot of space, but she wasn’t an expert on the layout of the tents.
“I’m sure this will be fine.” Stepping around Mica, she accidentally brushed against him as she entered the tent. She felt the tremor go through him at the full body contact and an answering one in rippled down hers, she stilled. The urge to stay pressed into Mica was strong. Shaking herself mentally she continued past him into the tent.
Once inside she stopped in surprise. It wasn’t anything like she’d imagined, it was a miniature version of the homes they built here. Upon entering there was a small living room. To her right there were two additional flaps of material.
Curious she stepped through the first opening and found the bathroom. It held only a solar shower. It made sense to use the solar showering instead of running water. There were too many tents to provide plumbing.
Feeling a sudden source of heat behind her she knew Mica was there. Leaning back in the guise of looking up she enjoyed the feel of him pressing into her back for one second then turned. Mica’s eyes were a brilliant blue. Were they just friends? She gave it two days before she was a raving lunatic. She already wanted to rip his clothes off.
“Where are the toilets?” She blurted to break the tension between then. It was a good question to break the silence. They would need to use one at some point during the week and she didn’t see one in the tent.
“I can show you. Each clan has been allotted a specific space. That area is laid out roughly like a rectangular shape.” Vareen eyed Mica’s hands as he demonstrated. “There are four tents located at each corner and one in the middle. Those tents hold multiple toilets in each. They are white in color so they are easier to find.”
“That should make it easier. Thank you for telling me.”
“Do you need to use one now?”
“No. I’m okay.” Vareen turned and Mica stepped back to allow her space. “What’s in the other room?”
“The bedroom.” Mica’s voice was rough and deep.
She stepped around him and opened the other flap. There were two large beds adorned with two pillows each and a variety of blankets. Raising her eyebrow, she turned to Mica. “Two beds but no wall between them?”
She’d meant it to be teasing but Mica took her complaint to heart.
“Would you prefer I share with my father, or you could share with Dani?”
“No,” Vareen spoke a bit too hastily. “We’re both adults. I think we can handle this arrangement.”
“I’ll set our bags in here. Would you like to unpack now or explore the gathering?” Mica had been carrying her bag as well as his own and placed them on the bed.
“I’d like to find Cali if you don’t mind.” Vareen felt that talking with her friend might help. Vareen had a very real fear that she was going crazy.
“Her tent will be in the Renari section. I need to speak with Drake and I can escort you if you’d like.”
“That would be nice, thank you.” Cali moved to the opening flap in the tent.
“We could visit the merchant and food tents after visiting if you’re hungry. There are sure to be delicacies from Denary that I think you’d like. Bolvian chocolate crème cake is very popular.”
“It sounds delicious. I’ve got something of a sweet tooth and wouldn’t mind sampling some of the sweets available in the food tents. The hospital didn’t cater to junk foods.” Vareen chanced a look at Mica’s face and saw him watching the path intently. His gaze going from side to side as if he was looking for something. His brow was furrowed as if he was worried about something.
Seeing her gaze on him, Mica forced a smile and Vareen asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Fine.” Mica steered them around a group of women talking at an intersection of paths. His pace picked up and Vareen felt as if she was almost running. Turning back, she saw that the women were watching them. Not all of them were
wearing smiles. A few of them appeared downright hostile.
“Here we are. The Renari. If I know Drake, and I do, he’ll be at the outer boundary, toward the tree line.”
That is the direction he drew Vareen in with gentle pressure on her elbow. After a few moments on the path, they found him. “There he is.” Mica pointed to a lone tent placed off the end of the path. “Drake.”
At his name, Drake turned to see her and Mica.
“Mica, Vareen. You’ve made it as well.” It didn’t take long with Mica’s longer stride and fast pace to reach Cali and Drake’s tent. Both men greeted each other with a shoulder slapping hug. Drake bowed to her and straightened.
“Cali is inside and I’m sure she’d love to visit with you. Do you mind if I take Mica away for a moment?”
“No go ahead, I’ll say hello to Cali.” Vareen stepped into the tent, “Cali are you up for a visitor?”
“Vareen. Of course, I’ll be right out.”
Cali’s tent configuration was exactly like the one she shared with Mica. One couch and two chairs in the living room area for seating. One small table for refreshments.
“I was just unpacking, not that there is very much to unpack.” Cali entered the living room from the flap leading into the bedroom. “All I have is the purple dress and sandals. Although Drake did warn me that it can get cold in Renari. They call it a winter period and I’ll have to add a cloak, boots, and leggings to my outfit if I’m outside. That might be interesting.”
Cali took her hand and led her to the couch. “Do you want anything to drink? My mother-in-law has got me addicted to this sweet and sour concoction she makes. I have some if you’d like to try it?”
Vareen noticed a pitcher of liquid and goblets on the table in front of them. “Sure,” she answered distractedly. She wanted to bring up her gaps in memory but she was sure Jaden would have told Cali not to talk with her. Taking the glass Cali handed her she absently took a large swallow. The tart drink made her eyes water and mouth pucker.
Vareen & Mica (The Alliance Book 2) Page 10