Tempting Flame (The Jendari Book 1)

by DJ Michaels

  Luckily for her, Tallis loved her curves and she didn't mind showing them off for him.

  Jazz donned her only expensive set of lingerie—a cream lace and satin combo that had only graced her body on a handful of occasions. Winter unzipped the long gown and Jaz stepped into it, easing it up over her hips and boobs. Slipping the straps over her shoulders she sucked a breath in as Winter zipped her up.

  The plunging neckline showed the full swell of her breasts and the sparkling fabric clung to her waist, hips and ass before flaring out from mid-thigh to the floor.

  She felt like a movie star in it.

  "Holy crap. That dress is phenomenal."

  "Thank you."

  Winter reached for Jaz's shoes, and when she picked them up she pulled a face. "Flats? Seriously?"

  Jaz grinned, lifted her hem and wriggled her foot. "I don't know how far I'll have to walk, and Tallis said the ceremony will take place outside. I don't want to have to postpone my wedding because I fell off my heels and twisted my ankle."

  Still frowning, Winter dropped to her knees and made like Prince Charming. "At least your gown is long and no one will see these monstrosities."

  Jaz laughed. "With this neckline, nobody is going to be looking at my feet."

  "Amen, sister." Winter fixed the second shoe then pushed to her feet. "I'd kill to have boobs like yours."

  "And I'd kill to have your figure." It was a verbal exchange they'd had many times, but as soon as Jaz spoke she realized she didn't mean it anymore. For the first time in a long time, she liked the way she looked. Especially in this dress.

  There was a knock at the bedroom door, then Tallis came in. He made it two steps before he saw Jaz and then he came to a grinding halt.

  "By the Goddess. You steal my breath away."

  Jaz smiled and gave him a little twirl. "Thank you."

  "Truly." He came forward, tossed a package on the bed, and turned to take her hands in his. Reverently he bought them to his lips. "I have never known a woman as beautiful as you. And I've never seen you more beautiful than in this moment." Then he nipped the end of her finger. "Well, except for that other moment that eclipses any other—"

  "Yes, thank you." Jaz pulled her hands out of his grasp before he could extoll the virtues of what she looked like when she orgasmed.

  Winter snickered and Tallis chuckled as he turned back to the bed to collect his packages.

  "Winter tells me in human ceremonies, the bride carries flowers. I've arranged for some to be waiting for you when we arrive at New Havilah." Shuffling the packages, he handed over a large, black velvet jeweler's case. "If we were on Jendar, my family would commission a necklace for you to welcome you into the clan. However, the situation being what it is, my brothers-in-arms have fulfilled that role. This is a gift from them, to you."

  Jaz carefully took the case and eased it open. Lying on the black velvet was a delicate collar of platinum filigree studded with rubies. "It's beautiful, thank you."

  "The rubies represent the flame mountains for which my clan is named." Tallis lifted the necklace from the box and moved behind her to fasten the clasp. Then he led her over to the dressing table mirror. "You do them justice, shamira."

  Jaz traced her fingers lightly over the expertly wrought design. It was perfect, exactly the right weight and length for her body. "I love it."

  Tallis bent down to kiss her shoulder. "I love you." Then he straightened, placed one arm around her waist, and used the other hand to offer her a second gift. Another black velvet box, but this one was smaller and cube shaped.

  Leaning back against his chest, she lifted the lid. "Oh, Tallis."

  Two thin platinum cuffs rested in the box, smooth and shiny but for the single etching of a black hunting cat on the broadest part of the surface. The design was an exact replica of Tallis when he was in his tigaren form. "They're gorgeous. Will you put them on me?"

  "With pleasure." Remaining behind her he reached around her waist and took out one cuff. Jaz heard a soft click and the piece separated just enough for Tallis to slide it into place. The moment he settled it on her skin another click sounded and the band closed snuggly around her wrist. Not tight enough to be uncomfortable, but tight enough that she knew it was there.

  Then Tallis did the same to her other wrist.

  Turning her to face him he once again lifted her hands for a kiss, but this time his eyes lingered possessively on the cuffs. "I can't wait to officially make you mine."

  "Me either."

  Tallis lifted his eyes to hers and the intensity of his gaze made her dizzy. She couldn't quite get enough air into her lungs and her legs were weak and shaky.

  And he knew it, if his sly grin was anything to go by. "I'll give you another ten minutes with Winter, then we have to go."

  "All right."

  He dropped her hands, gave Winter a polite nod, and strode out the door.

  Jaz took a couple of wobbly steps and sank onto the bed. Winter flopped down beside her. "Holy crap, I feel like I need a cigarette."

  "You don't smoke."

  "No, but he is—as in smokin' hot."

  Turning to face Winter, Jaz allowed a self-satisfied smile to light up her face. "Yep. And he's about to be officially mine."

  "If I was the marrying kind, I'd be jealous." Sitting up, Winter put her arm around Jaz and squeezed. "I can't tell you how thrilled I am you finally got your happy ending."

  "It is happy, but it's not an ending." Jaz took a deep breath of joy. "It's really the beginning."

  "So it is." Winter released her with a smile. "Now show me your new bling before Tallis boots me out."

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  When it was time to go, Jaz walked Winter to the door and tried not to tear up as she said goodbye. As soon as the door closed, Tallis walked out of the spare bedroom dressed in what he called his "regimentals". The black boots and black leather pants she recognized from the night of her rescue, but the long-sleeved, tight-fitting leather jacket was—according to him—something a rhe'hashan only wore on ceremonial occasions. The jacket did amazing things for his shoulders, arms and chest—making him look cool and lethal at the same time. His thick black hair hung free over his shoulders and even that didn't manage to soften his look. But then she noticed his eyes. Black as a midnight sky and burning as hot as the sun. For her.

  Her whole body quivered as he walked over and took her in his arms. He was so warm and strong Jaz wanted to sink into him and never come out.

  "Are you ready to become am'chai?" Tallis asked, kissing the top of her head.

  "Yes." She was nervous, but she wasn't uncertain. Deep down where it truly counted, she believed in Tallis, herself, and the relationship they could have together.

  "Let's go then." Stepping back from their embrace, Tallis took her by the hand and led her towards the bedroom.

  "Ah, aren't we leaving?"

  "Yes."

  She frowned at his broad back. "Via the bedroom?"

  "Yes."

  Jaz couldn't see his smile, but she could hear it in his voice. Not willing be the source of any more entertainment, she closed her mouth and decided to wait him out. Thankfully she didn't have to wait long.

  "From this moment forward, you can accept that everything you see, hear and experience is to remain secret. No humans can ever know what I'm about to show you."

  "All right." Jaz was already in possession of several dangerous secrets, and she assumed that she'd learn more as her relationship with Tallis developed. "I'd never do anything to endanger you or your family."

  They entered the walk-in closet and came to a halt when they reached the back wall. Turning to face her, Tallis cupped her cheek. "You are my family, too. In fact, you're the most important person in my life." He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "And with every day we spend together, your importance to me will grow."

  Jaz smiled but didn't get a chance to respond before Tallis continued talking. "Behind this wall is a transit pad that will take us to
New Havilah." He pressed the wall and a small panel clicked open. "This is a bioscan and it's coded for me, obviously, but it also allows Deasun and Borini access in case of emergencies."

  Tallis placed his hand on the scanner and sang softly. Jaz heard a snick, and then most of the wall disappeared, revealing a small, dimly lit room. The walls were plain and the floor was almost covered by a rubbery-looking mat. Taking her hand, he continued to sing.

  His song washed over her like a physical touch and she almost closed her eyes to savor the sensation. But just before her lids shut she caught a strange movement in her peripheral vision. The large potted plant that seemed to thrive in the dim dressing room began to quiver and sway to Tallis's song. Black, glossy leaves arched and shimmered, and then the whole plant began a slow, outward spiral. The leaves opened out as the stem rose to reveal a large, clear chunk of crystal. The crystal began to glow and the rubbery mat gave off a low hum.

  Wondering what the hell was going on, she glanced up at Tallis. He stopped singing, gave her a wink, and towed her to the center of the mat. Wrapping both arms tight around her, he lowered his head until his lips brushed her ear. "Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you."

  Jaz did as he asked, her head resting against the hard warmth of his chest, her hands linked on his lower back. He resumed his song, the sound vibrating through her body as she held him close. There was a moment of dizziness and she tightened her arms, using Tallis as an anchor. Then his song finished and he whispered, "We've arrived, shamira. Welcome to New Havilah."

  She opened her eyes and looked around to find herself in another tiny room, almost identical to the one she'd left. "Um, thank you?"

  Tallis laughed and ushered her out of the chamber into the most spectacular living area she'd ever seen. Three of the walls were made entirely of glass. The wall to her left showcased a screen of green tree canopy and the wall on the right had a glorious view of mountains and sky. But it was the central view that caught her attention. The vista was dominated by the deep sapphire blue of a vast lake. The house was perched on a cliff, its back to the trees and its front hanging over the sparking water. Reflections from the lake danced on the roof and Jaz crossed the room to get a better look.

  She passed lots of plump, oversized furnishings, and she didn't quite make it to the window before something else caught her eye. On the side table were a couple of photos of a me'hendra and a creature that looked a lot like an oversized bear. Jaz gestured to the frames. "Our host and his me'hendra?"

  "Yes. That's Hadar in his ursaine form. And you've met Kotiri."

  Jaz took a closer look. The "ursaine" (whatever the hell that was) had steel-gray fur tipped in indigo, and his eyes were vivid purple.

  "Ah, you're here."

  Jaz turned at the sound of the strange voice, just in time to see Hadar ascend from a trap door in the floor. Like all rhe'hashan he was built like a fighter—tall and strong—but his economy of movement lacked the prowling motion of the feline warriors. Hadar's shoulder-length hair was a bright, silvery gray and his eyes were the same stunning purple in his two-legged form as they were when he was furry.

  He walked across the room and came to a halt in front of her, holding out his hands palms up. Unsure of what she should do, she cast a quick glance in Tallis's direction. "Place your hands on Hadar's, palm down."

  Jaz complied and as soon as her hands made full contact, Hadar bent at the waist and bought the back of her hands to his forehead. "Welcome to my home, Jasmine." Straightening he pinned her with his piercing gaze. "I look forward to welcoming you to the clans once the ceremony is done."

  "And I look forward to becoming clan." Or at least, she hoped she would.

  "Come, the others are waiting downstairs." Hadar lead them back to the stairwell, pausing at the top to look up at Jaz. "Don't be intimidated. We're all here because Tallis is our brother and we want to support him. If you love him, we'll love you."

  Somehow that sounded like a threat as well as a promise. She just gave him a nod and tried to appear like she was taking all this in her stride. "Good to know."

  The truth was, the reality of what she was about to do was starting to catch up with her. She wasn't having second thoughts, and she couldn't wait to be officially bound to Tallis, but it was a really big step. And it was a step she was taking all alone. Apart from Winter—who couldn't even come to the ceremony—none of Jaz's friends or family had any idea about the commitment she was about to make.

  Jaz had been on her own for a long time, so she was surprised at how lonely that made her feel.

  Then Tallis moved closer, wrapping her up in a hard, quick hug. "Are you okay?"

  Leaning against him for a moment, she absorbed his heat, his strength, and the firmness of his conviction. "Yes, I'm good."

  Her feelings and disappointments in regard to her family had nothing to do with Tallis, and it was all old water under a disused bridge. She was about to get a new family, and she couldn't wait to make it official.

  Descending the stairs behind Hadar, Jaz stepped into a room with two glass walls. One of the plastered walls formed a backdrop for an extensive kitchen and dining area. The other wall had two doors, both of which were closed. Jaz didn't have a chance to see much more than that, because the spacious room seemed to be full of rhe'hashan and their me'hendra.

  Tallis guided her to the center of the room, then each warrior and his me'hendra came forward to greet her. Deasun and Piala, Kasim and Shallamar, Lioth and Rishana, and Hadar's Kotiri. An older rhe'hashan stepped forward with his me'hendra, and Tallis introduced them as Borini and Liron. They were all very polite and the men were kind, but it was hard not to be overwhelmed by all that muscle—both of the skin and fur variety.

  Then Itohan trotted forward and Jaz was so glad to see a familiar face she dropped to her knees, evening gown be damned. As soon as Itohan was close enough, she threw her arms around his shoulders. "Hello, gorgeous."

  Itohan chuffed as he settled against her. Placing one enormous paw on her thigh he buried his head in the crook of her neck. Then he started purring so loudly Jaz felt it vibrate all the way down to her bones. Closing her eyes she took a moment to absorb all that feline affection.

  Then Borini rounded them up. "Time to go." He was older than the other rhe'hashan and his dark hair was cut close to his scalp. Tallis had explained Borini was like a father to him, but right now he sounded more like a drill sergeant than a parent.

  And everyone snapped to it when he spoke. Jaz had barely risen to her feet before Tallis put his arm around her waist and guided her to yet another trap door.

  This time the stairs led outside. The me'hendra jumped from the house to the ground, leaving the rhe'hashan to use the steps. They walked under the house in single file, keeping to a narrow path that wound its way around rocks and vegetation. When the trail came to a sharp incline, Tallis scooped her up and carried her as though she weighed nothing more than a child.

  Squeezing her arms around his neck, Jaz whispered to him, "You should let me walk, you know."

  "I will. This part of the track is rough, but it'll smooth out soon enough."

  Jaz didn't make a second protest. Tallis wasn't even breathing hard and it was wonderful to be carried. Not that she'd ever admit that out loud.

  As soon as the ground leveled out Tallis lowered her to her feet, clamping a possessive arm around her waist. They fell into line and Itohan came up to prowl next to her, his shoulder bumping her hip every time he took a step. Quite frankly, she was glad for the support. Her stomach felt weird. Not sick exactly, but kind of churny. And her hands were clammy with sweat.

  In an effort to take her mind off the strange man and cat procession—and the ceremony to which they were heading—Jaz tried to focus on her surroundings. There was no discernable path that she could see and the forest floor was covered with leaf fall and scrubby grasses. Tall trees packed the area and every now and then she glimpsed a brightly flowered shrub or a clump of wildflowers.
Some looked vaguely familiar but there were a lot she was sure she'd never seen before.

  "Not all of these plants are Earth natives, are they?" she asked Tallis in a low voice.

  "No. We brought a lot of Jendari trees and plants with us on the seed ships and we've planted them out to see how they fare."

  "They fare pretty well by the looks of things."

  He grinned at her. "You haven't seen anything yet."

  Five minutes later, she had to agree with him.

  Their strange group broke out of the tree line and into a clearing the size of a tennis court. The ground was a smooth carpet of velvet lawn, and around the clearing stood a circle of tall, thin trees. In between the trees, and climbing up the trunks were an array of flowering shrubs and plants. They were so colorful and robust Jaz would never have believed it if she hadn't seen it firsthand. Flowers the size of dinner plates competed for attention in every color of the rainbow, plus some colors she'd never imagine existed. Leaves ranged from greens to blues to reds, and flitting among the trees were an intriguing array of birds large and small.

  "It's amazing," she whispered.

  "That it is." Tallis released her waist and took her hand. "This is a sacred grove, dedicated to the Goddess and maintained by both hands and magic." He nodded to the edge of the clearing. "Here comes Jamar."

  A woman walked into the clearing and Jaz got her first look at a Jendari who wasn't rhe'hashan. Jamar was tall and slender, her light-brown hair woven into tiny, intricate braids on the top of her head. She wore a floor-length dress in a purple so dark it was almost black, and around her waist she'd fastened a silver belt with dangling charms shaped like the moon and the stars. Her face boasted the same exotic angles as the rhe'hashan, only in a much softer, more feminine form. She was exquisitely beautiful.

  Jamar walked over to Tallis and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Tallis Ba'reha, it's good to see you again."