He saw her sway and the need to question her fell from his mind. He knew that she was going to faint. He lowered the katana and pulled her close to his chest. His mind still wondered what she was doing here. When her eyes closed, he tossed her effortlessly over his shoulder wrapping a hand around her thigh for support. His wrath would have to wait for another day. He would see this one safe.
* * * *
Eriq opened his eyes, taking a moment to allow them to adjust to the darkness of the room. He turned his head to the window watching the stars streak past. They were still in hyperspace. Good. Nothing had happen. He shifted his position feeling the sudden weight on his arm. He looked down to the convenient woman by his side. As he shifted, she moaned and turned onto her other side. Her red hair cascaded across her pale shoulder.
She was one of the women who frequented the ship. He had liked her on the first sight, but she was not his dream woman. Her image came to his mind. Dark brown curly hair that wisped around her slender shoulders with large, serious, frightened green eyes that held him in a trance. She looked fragile, but he had been fooled before. Her face and soft curves were burned into his brain. That was not his normal dream. It was hers. She was the woman in the dream who had been alive and not affected by what had happened on his world.
A Premonition.
Some how, he felt a strong link with her. He would worry about that later. For now, his blood boiled as he though of her dark breast he would hold in his hands.
As he moved the woman beside him, he pictured it was his dream woman with her full lips. He moved over her spreading her legs with his knee. Parting the folds of her entrance, he pushed inside her. Hearing her moans, he increased his pace. Leaning down he crushed his mouth to hers plunging his tongue deep. A low moan escaped him as he felt himself about to come. He pulled out, not wanting to get the woman pregnant. He pumped once, twice into his hand spilling his essence on the woman's stomach.
He was still hard and unsatisfied. Until he found the woman that haunted his dreams, he did not think he would ever be.
Chapter 2
"So,” Lady Kiana looked at Nah'Dara across the morning table as she ate her breakfast. “The warrior came to you again?"
Nah'Dara pushed a piece of meat on her plate with her fork. Maybe it was not such a good idea to tell her, she thought. “Yes."
"What did you do? Did you kiss him? Wrap your legs around him?"
She shook her head, shocked that she would even suggest such a thing. “No, I didn't."
"I would have, but,” she shrugged her shoulders, “it's your dream.” She stuffed another piece of Danish in her mouth. “Just tell me one thing.” She pointed the fork at Nah'Dara. “What did he look like?"
That little piece of information Nah'Dara did not mind sharing. She pictured him in her mind, pushed away the blood and the dead bodies placing him somewhere different. She shivered as a warm coil of heat settled deep into her womb. She shifted uncomfortably for a second as a throbbing ache nestled at the very core of her. The image of him in her mind gave her the feeling of fire licking its way up and down her body.
"He's tall, maybe six and a half feet. He has long black hair that hangs to his shoulders, with lickable brown skin.” Kiana's laughter pierced her little thought bubble. Nah'Dara raised a brow. “What?"
"You just said lickable."
"What do you expect me to say? The guy was stunningly handsome? Or better yet, something to sweeten up the fact he was a very impressive man in an alpha very domineering almost male chauvinistic sort of way?” When Kiana stared at her with a blank look on her face, Nah'Dara knew she lost her.
Sighing, thinking that this was really a bad idea, she continued. “Anyway, the man was a fox. That's all you want to know anyway."
Chuckling, Kiana asked, “I hope you didn't faint again. You always were so,” she placed her wrist to her forehead, “dramatic."
Pushing up from the table Nah'Dara glared at her cousin with her angry eyes. “See? That's why I don't tell you anything. You always find it so funny. I'm not going to talk to you any more."
As Nah'Dara marched out the door, she heard Kiana hurrying to catch up with her. Just before she made it to the gardens, Kiana's hand clamped down on her shoulder.
"Nahni, I'm sorry."
Nah'Dara shook her head. “Don't apologize now."
Kiana smiled. “I thought you weren't going to talk to me anymore.” Nah'Dara growled at her. Kiana quickly laid her head on Nah'Dara's arm staring up at her with big green eyes. “I lub lu, Nahni.” Nah'Dara stopped for a moment looking at her with her lip poked out in a pout. “Please tell me. I won't make fun.” She batted her eyes. Nah'Dara had the sudden urge to bop her on the head.
Nah'Dara softened. Her lips tilted up into a warm smile. Kiana always had a way of breaking through to her when no one else could. “Alright, but the minute that you say anything smart I'm going to find a stick and beat you with it.” Clapping in delight Kiana grabbed Nah'Dara's hand and hurried to a nearby bench.
Nah'Dara looked at the morning sky with is deep blue color. The sun's golden rays spilled over the northern wall's high bushes. There was rarely any rain unless the weather satellites that circled the atmosphere sensed a dry area and generated the needed rain. The gardens reminded Nah'Dara of the ones she left behind on Clenas II.
"You're stalling, Nahni,” Kiana said as she tapped her foot on the pavement.
"I know.” Nah'Dara did not want to think about the dream, but she told her anyway in as much detail her mind was able to give her. As she told Kiana, her mind ran through the images of the bodies that scattered across the ground, and they way the warrior stood there looking at her. The warm tingle started again getting stronger by the second. Her spot on the bench became uncomfortable as she felt the heat settle deep within her once more.
Nah'Dara believed her senses were over-reacting. On top of that, a cold shaft of fear stabbed her chest as she could remember the silver color of his eyes burned in the darkness as he charged towards her. He took her in to his arms hauling her over his shoulder. She felt the heat of his touch on her bare thigh as he secured her. His finger gripped her with surprising gentleness. Overwhelmed by the feelings of fear coursing through her with the hot throb of arousal in her creamy sex, she fainted waking up in her room alone.
Kiana sighed and lowered her head. “You fainted again."
"Didn't you hear anything I was saying? It was like I was in another place, and he was very aware of me."
"Yeah, and it was kind of like the first dream."
"I know, but something was different. This time, I felt him and the trust he gave, I knew he tried to save me.” Kiana soundly punched her in the arm. Nah'Dara felt the mental energy surrounding the impact, rubbing the spot on her arm trying to ease the stinging. “Ouch, what was that for?"
"For fainting, when a handsome hunk picks up and throws you over his shoulder. Cousin, you really have to look into some of those halo-novels that you keep in your room. The next time some guy comes into your dreams, do us all a favor bone the guy before you faint.” Kiana planted her hand over the spot she hit looking at her fake sincerity. “If not for me, do it for the women that don't receive any sexual gratification everywhere and in every way they want."
Laughing at the off-handed comment, Nah'Dara hugged Kiana. “Okay, I promise.” Thinking back to the punch in the arm Nah'Dara pulled away. “Where did you learn to hit like that?"
"Lycius. He thought I should know how to defend myself. He taught me a little bit of Camtar."
"That's not all he taught you,” Nah'Dara said dodging another blow. She would just have to see how much little Lady Kiana knew. “Want to test your skills?"
"How? Father forbids us doing any martial arts training."
"What would the old man know anyway? He rarely comes out of his office. Besides, I want to see what you are made of."
"Okay,” Kiana said with a cocky shake of her head. “Meet me in the upper level gym this evenin
g after dinner. If I win, you'll teach me Old Earth English."
"Deal if I win, you'll need more practice to beat me the next time.” Nah'Dara laughed, hurrying off to her room before Kiana could hit her again.
* * * *
Eriq felt the sting of pain as General Caegan Farlow hit him on the arm with the flat of his blade. “You're wandering, Santar."
Eriq stood straight lowering the katana to his side. “Sorry, friend. I need to start over.” Eriq frowned as he stepped back raising his katana. The sun beamed down on his face. He crouched into his protective stance waiting for the attack.
The General came at Eriq in full force. Their blades connecting in a flash of sparks. His friend was quick sending each blow full of mental strength. Caegan bobbed avoiding a blow to the head as he spun and brought his blade down on the back of Eriq's neck. Giving him a sound tap on his neck Caegan backed away smiling.
"I feel pretty good now that I've beaten you."
Eriq wiped the sweat away from his forehead with the back of his hand. “Don't get used to it. I'll beat you next time."
"Not too soon, I hope. I'd like to stick my chest out a little longer.” Caegan grabbed the small towels from the bin on the wall to throw one at Eriq. He caught it before it hit his face. “You were thinking about her again, weren't you?” How could he not? Almost every night for the past six years has been about her, alternating between Mireya and the mysterious woman. He liked the other woman better, less clothes, more skin, no wailing at all.
Eriq shrugged his shoulders. “I can't get her out of my mind."
"Damn. I knew it wasn't a fair fight.” Caegan draped the towel around his shoulders. “Who is this woman anyway? Have you been able to figure that out, when you do, am I able to give her a kiss?"
Eriq pushed back the immediate surge of jealousy he felt. “Why would you want to kiss my dream woman?"
"It's not everyday I get to beat the Great Prince of Altaria. I might want her in my corner.” Caegan sat for a moment deep in thought. Eriq could hear his mind turning. “Is she real Sans?"
"I don't know. I've never dreamed of anyone accept Mireya."
"So, she's not.” Caegan whipped his face with his face with his hand. “But all I hear about lately is this woman in your dreams. On and off, you've seen her. Spirit, she must be real to cause you this much grief."
Eriq laughed. “You're just enjoying the fact you beat me today."
Caegan laughed along with him. “I am, aren't I? It feels good.” He gave another chuckle. Then his face shifted giving Eriq a serious look. “She must be real. You have to find her. Do you think she's Altarian?"
Eriq sat next to him letting the katana sit against his leg. “I don't think so. She didn't have the same features. She has a dark skin with green eyes and long brown curly hair. Altarians are dark eyed and golden skinned."
Caegan took a sip of water from his container. “She sound's Hudanian. With the desert planet they live on, it's no wonder that they all have dark skin."
"I don't know. She seems different though, as if she was able to communicate with me deeper than I had ever been with anyone."
Caegan coughed. “You can't be serious. Are you telling me that this woman was able to bond with you?"
The thought nearly stopped his heart. He had not though of that. Only life mates were able to bond through dreams, very close, very bonded life mates and only after the wedding bond.
"I felt her, before I saw her.” He did not know how to explain it. When he was in the dream, a wave of awareness washed over him, like a tingle or a familiar flame spreading through him settling low in his stomach.
Even now, he felt it; he felt her. The sensation slid very faintly along his spine settling low in his groin. He suppressed a groan.
"Well,” Caegan slapped his knee. “Looking for her is out. With this treaty with the federation, as well as now the marriage with Lady Lehr, you can definitely say that your chances of finding her are slim and none."
His friend was right. The ceremony would be in a couple of weeks, not enough time to go into a search for his dream woman. However, until then, he would get as much as he can with the dream. After all, she was just a dream, yet with all his dreams, he knew he could change the outcome.
* * * *
Nah'Dara rested her head back on the gym wall. Little Lady Kiana had proved to be a lot better than she thought. She counted each and every attack with her own sending her bursts of mental energy. She actually broke out in a sweat ... for all of three minutes. Just to be fair, she did not beat her by that much, not showing Kiana her full mental strength.
Kiana sat next to her with a towel draped across her lap. She still heaved in exhaustion. Her round golden brown face happened to be red along the cheeks and forehead with a smile touching her lips with each breath.
"I guess I need more practice, huh?"
"Yep. Cause I expect you to actually beat me the next time.” Nah'Dara stood from the floor, each muscle protesting under the strain. She held out her hand for Kiana who took it gladly. “You really got some moves, cousin. He's taught you a lot."
They headed for the door. As much as she liked the feel of a good workout, she did not like the fact that there was a lake of sweat between her breasts.
"I hope so. Now, I'll have something to tell him. I—,” she gasped suddenly, stopping in mid sentence. Nah'Dara watched her face go from pink to white.
Oh, hell.
Lord Trenton stood in the doorway. His golden brown face was crimson with anger; his eye shot daggers at her.
"Kiana, go to your room. I will deal with you later.” Kiana dipped slightly, scurrying around her father.
"I will not allow my daughter to be turned into a warrior,” he said to her. Nah'Dara had heard the argument several times before. This time was no different. “How many times have I forbidden you from practicing martial arts?"
I lost track after one.
"Uncle, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but Kiana already knows enough. I didn't teach her a thing.” It was not enough, that she was being forced to marry to an Altarian, but now she had to sit here listening to why it was wrong if her cousin learned to defend herself. “There is nothing wrong in teaching her how to fight. My father did with me.” She pushed around him. She had to get to her room to take something for the headache that was building. The stress always increased them; already her head was starting to pound fiercely.
"And now look at you. Your arrogance has run off every lord I've set in front of you. Such shrewish behavior I will not tolerate. I will not have my daughter acting the same way."
Oh, no he did not just call me a shrew. “I won't accept a man, no matter his status, that just sits there and does nothing. Not even defend his own against the enemy.” Sure, she was talking about him. Her father would never question her. Uncle Trenton did not understand. He was never a soldier like her father. He never had to defend and be killed for it.
Trenton sneered in disgust. “See, you're even sounding like a warrior."
"Good,” she roared over her shoulder, “then I know I don't have to depend on a man to fight for me.” Accept for the warrior in her dreams. He could fight for her all he wanted. She pushed that thought away quickly as she marched down the hall towards her room.
"No man wants a woman that could lead an army."
"I don't care, Uncle!” She waved her hands in the air. She was not going to talk about it anymore. “And, I don't need one especially if they can't accept me the way I am."
"At the moment, we need the cooperation of the Altarians more than anything, but all you do is sit here thinking of only yourself when the people of Cedar need the trillium.” She whirled on him in front of her door. How could he be so heartless? A treaty? That is all he cared about.
"All you care about is that damn treaty. I don't give a damn about Cedar.” A lie, but it felt good to say it. “Don't lecture me about responsibilities when I'm not even in charge of my own life.” That was about to ch
ange. “Well, Uncle you won't have to worry about the treaty or me any longer.” Before he could get out another word, she disappeared behind the door. She knew that he could open it. Hell, it was his castle, and she was just a visitor. Nevertheless, he did not. She heard his loud footsteps as he walked away from the door.
Throwing herself across her bed, Nah'Dara buried her face in the pillow and released a loud, but muffled scream. She wiped at the tears on her face. Screw it! She would cry, not over this. To hell with all of it.
Pushing up from the bed, Nah'Dara crossed the room to her lava, peeling her pants and tank away in angry jerks. She threw them to the floor as she stepped into the shower.
Automatically, the sensors released a steady stream of water from the top of the ceiling. She stood under it letting the warm water hit the top of her head spinning on to her body. She should not have let her uncle get to her. Uncle Trenton was not her father. No matter how much she needed his guidance now, she would never put anyone in her father's place.
Turning around, Nah'Dara ran her fingers through her wet hair. Her mind wondered to her warrior and his tall form came to her without hesitation.
He would never hurt me.
His hands reached for her, in her mind she went to them willingly. Spirit, she wanted more than anything to feel safe, to feel wanted, but it was not going to be now.
In a fit of frustration, she pushed him from her mind bathing quickly. Never again was she going to let someone in her heart so that it could break all over again. She did not dare put him there. He was just a dream, someone her brain invented after too much stress.
The sensor shut off the water as she stepped out of the shower. She grabbed the towels from the bar to wrap one around her breast and another one around her wet hair. She walked out of the lava going directly to the mirror.
"Computer, has the date been set for Great Prince's arrival.” The silver-eyed woman appeared, replacing her reflection.
"Yes, Lady Nah'Dara. The gala has been set for 04/27/2381."
Premonitions Page 3