“The approach has been hotly debated down through the years,” Haven admitted. “Our primary defense has always been neutrality. We blend with humanity and don’t give Rodytes a reason to come after us. That’s what has kept us safe.”
Garin acknowledged her statement with a nod, though the tension in his jaw made her wonder if he disagreed. “If your position changes, let me know. Not being able to contact your people from off world is a pain in the ass.”
She smiled at the offer. Vinton had been the one who bordered on xenophobia. She wasn’t sure how the other territorial leaders would feel about the opportunity.
“Letos is interim guild master,” Garin went on, “and he has requested a meeting with a representative from the battle born.”
“Is Letos acting on behalf of the IG or the steering committee?” Raylon wanted to know.
“He didn’t specify and I’m not sure it matters. Whoever controls the IG, controls the steering committee or at least has the power to control it if they want to use it. Every person on Rodymia depends on the IG in one way or another.” Garin turned back to the table at large as he continued. “I’m not opposed to negotiating with Letos. The problem is, the human task force is still waiting for a representative as well. Both situations are equally important and neither can wait until the other is resolved.”
Raylon nodded. “So who’s going where?”
“That’s what we’re here to decide. There are inherent risks for most of us if we return to Rodymia.” He looked at Haven. “Your cover was blown thanks to Pyre, but Quinton has troops out hunting all the known leaders of this rebellion. That includes Raylon and me.”
Last she’d heard it was just the Nox brothers with prices on their heads. Apparently, Quinton had expanded the list of targets considerably. Not surprising. The crown stirate was growing progressively more desperate as the crowd of Garin’s supporters swelled.
“Would Letos be willing to come here?” Raylon asked. “It would be a lot safer.”
“Perhaps, but I’d prefer to handle this quickly. Without a Phantom, it takes the better part of two days just to reach Earth. I’d like to have a clear direction by then.”
“Good point,” Raylon grumbled. Clearly, he didn’t relish the idea of leaving Lunar Nine.
Chandar followed the conversation attentively, but didn’t speak.
“I think it’s important that someone from Tandori Tribe be included in each of these negotiations.” Garin glanced at Haven, but his penetrating stare lingered on Berlynn. “That’s why you two are here.”
“Sounds like you want Danvier and Haven to return to Rodymia,” Raylon concluded. “Am I meeting with the human task force or holding down the fort?”
“Haven can’t return to Rodymia. It’s much too dangerous.” Berlynn sat up straight and looked directly at Garin, defiance shining in her eyes. “I won’t allow it.”
Haven looked at her niece, shocked by her outburst. “It’s not your decision to make.” She might as well have kept silent for all the attention Berlynn paid her.
Berlynn was completely focused on Garin and determined to start a fight. “It’s reckless and foolish that you would even consider sending her back into danger. She’s not one of your men.”
“I’m aware of the risks, Miss Tandori.” The growly tone in Garin’s voice was undeniably sensual. Danvier was right. These two had serious chemistry. “The choice, of course, is Haven’s.”
“And Haven chooses to assist wherever she’s needed,” Haven stressed. “The Tandori supporters on Rodymia can arrange the meeting with Letos. And bio-streaming will allow us to forgo spaceport security.”
“Or we can remain shielded as we did at Stargazer Ranch,” Danvier suggested. “We just need a location secluded enough to facilitate the landing.”
“Is that satisfactory?” A wry smile twisted Garin’s mouth as he looked at Berlynn. He was doing a lot of that, come to think of it.
“Don’t mock me.” Berlynn’s voice was needlessly sharp and her cheeks were flushed again. “I recently lost my father. I’d rather not lose my only aunt.”
“Of course. I apologize.”
See what I mean. Danvier deftly pushed the thought into Haven’s mind. Garin won’t admit it yet, but he has his sights set on Berlynn.
Poor Berlynn. Haven fought back a smile. Despite her current flash of feistiness, she’s actually quite innocent.
Garin is an honorable man. He would never harm a female, innocent or not.
“I’d prefer to deal with the humans myself,” Garin was saying, drawing Haven back to the subject at hand. “I’m not worried about Nazerel or Morgan, but I suspect our needs will necessitate approvals beyond their jurisdiction.”
Raylon’s only response was a thoughtful nod.
Garin looked at Berlynn and awareness pulsed again. “Will you please accompany me to Earth as an official representative of Tandori Tribe?”
With her cheeks flaming again, Berlynn looked at Haven. “The council appointed you, not me.”
“And I’m appointing you as my proxy. I can’t be in two places at once.”
“I suppose you can’t.” Berlynn glanced at Garin then back at Haven. “Do we need the council’s approval?”
Haven shook her head. “I was given control over the situation. They trust me and I trust you.”
“Then it’s settled,” Garin concluded. “You and Danvier should leave ASAP. I’d prefer to solidify an alliance with Letos before Harbinger Guild appoints the next Pyre Sterling. Without a harbinger preaching the merits of neutrality, our chances of securing the support of the other guild masters increases exponentially.”
“What’s to be done with her body?” Chandar finally spoke.
Haven cringed. After their introduction, Chandar had carefully avoided eye contact with her. Did Chandar blame—how could she not blame Haven for Pyre’s death? Haven had killed her. Danvier resented Pyre and found her actions contemptible. Was it possible that Chandar didn’t share his antipathy?
“According to Letos, Harbinger Guild is officially asking for the return of her remains.” Garin paused as he looked at Danvier then back at Chandar. “You two are her next of kin. So I’ll do whatever you want done.”
“Incinerate her,” Chandar said firmly. “She doesn’t deserve the sort of pomp and spectacle Harbinger Guild is doubtlessly planning.”
Garin looked at Danvier again. “Do you agree?”
“Absolutely. She was consumed with the need for affirmation and power. She deserves to be forgotten.”
As the meeting adjourned, Haven hurried over to Chandar. Her response to Garin’s question had made it obvious that there was no love lost between Chandar and Pyre. Still, Haven felt the need to clear the air with Danvier’s sister.
Before Haven could speak Chandar took her hand and smiled warmly. “I don’t blame you. Learning of her death was shocking, but Danvier shared the memory with me. You have nothing to regret. You were simply protecting your—my brother.”
No doubt, she’d been about to say “your mate”. Like Garin, Chandar seemed to have drawn her own conclusion. “I’m glad you understand. I didn’t mean to harm her. I just kept her from harming someone we both care about.” They lapsed into silence for a moment, then Haven said, “I’d like to get to know you better. I’m hoping we can be friends.”
“I know we will be. Harbingers can see the future, don’t you know?” She punctuated the claim with a playful wink then moved off to join her mate on the other side of the table.
Harbingers couldn’t see into their own future, so Haven knew Chandar was joking. Still, she’d been less reserved than her first impression. Rather like her brother.
Haven looked around and found Danvier near the doorway, attentively watching her. Berlynn had slipped away, likely avoiding a one-on-one conversation with Garin. The tension between those two was combustible. If they didn’t act on it soon, it was likely to erupt without their permission. She cared deeply for Berlynn and wanted he
r to be happy. She just wasn’t sure Garin Nox was the key to that happiness. He was so autocratic, so militant. The adjective made her smile. Most generals tended to be militant. It sort of went with the territory.
Danvier placed his hand at the small of her back as he guided her out into the corridor. “We’ll likely spend at least one night on Rodymia. Can you quickly pack a bag?”
“Of course. Most of my things are still in the bag I packed at Stargazer Ranch.”
“I’d forgotten about that. And before I forget about this,” Danvier grinned, “one of Garin’s hackers was able to ‘liberate’ your funds. A sizable fortune is secured in a numbered account on Ontariese.”
“That’s amazing. Please let him know how grateful I am.”
“Once you figure out your long-term plans, I’ll help you transfer the funds to the financial institution of your choice.”
He walked her back to residential village one and paused for a deep yet tender kiss. “Can you be ready in an hour?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Then I’ll meet you on the departure concourse.”
She watched him walk away, heart fluttering in her breast. Everyone else expected them to form a mating bond. Why did she still feel the need to resist?
The door to Berlynn’s apartment parted as Haven approached and Berlynn motioned her inside. “Do you have a few minutes to chat or are you going to wander around in the hallway?”
“Sorry. I get sort of dreamy whenever he’s around.”
“I noticed.” Berlynn laughed then added, “We all noticed.”
“And how do you explain the change in you whenever a certain general is around?”
Berlynn shot her an annoyed look. “General Nox means nothing to me. I just find him…”
“Don’t stop there.” Haven hooked her arm through Berlynn’s and led her toward the loveseat. “It’s just you and me now, sweetheart. You think he’s hot. Admit it.”
“Danvier is too distant for me, but I’m thrilled that you like him.”
Haven made a face. “You know who I meant.”
“Garin is a bona-fide hardass. Why would any female be attracted to him?”
“He’s way too stern and stuffy for me, but there’s something about him that makes you challenge him. Open challenge to any Rodyte male means only one thing.”
Berlynn tilted her head, clearly fighting back a smile. “And what’s that?”
“You’re ready to wrestle. You want his hands on you, pinning you down while he kisses you senseless.”
“Is that what Danvier did to you last night? Sounds perfectly horrible to me.”
Haven laughed. “Keep telling yourself that. But if you really mean it, you need to stop challenging him.”
“I don’t challenge him. I speak my mind, as I do with everyone.”
“No. You’re downright bitchy with him and that’s not like you at all.”
That got Berlynn’s attention. “Was I really bitchy?”
“Well, maybe disrespectful is a better word. But you were waving a red flag in front of his face and he was more than ready to charge.”
“All right.” All playfulness fell away as Berlynn grew reflective. “I’ll make sure I don’t openly challenge him. It sounds like we’re going to be spending a lot of time together in the next few days.” The sigh in her tone belied all her objections. Berlynn might not be ready to admit it, even to herself, but she was very attracted to Garin Nox.
“I told Danvier I’d be at the ship in an hour, so I need to get moving. We’ll finish catching up when I get back.” She gave Berlynn a quick hug then headed for the door.
“Have fun and good luck with the negotiations.”
Haven blew her a kiss. “Same to you.”
Chapter Ten
Danvier checked the computer readouts for the hundredth time then swiveled his chair so he faced Haven. She’d converted the center-facing seats into a padded bench and was sleeping like a child. He should leave her alone. She was obviously exhausted, but he was bored and restless. And his desire for her had gradually built over the past three hours.
She was his mate and his body knew it. Everything that made him male, demanded that he claim her before some other male had the opportunity to steal her away. It was a primal instinct, impossible to ignore. Each time he took her, she’d understand more clearly that they were meant to be together. But each time he took her, it was harder not to anchor the mating bond, not to make the joining real and permanent.
With a sexy little groan, she rolled to her back and stretched her arms over head. “What time is it?”
“What time is it on Earth or what time is it on Rodymia?”
A sleepy smile curved her lips. “How long have we been gone?”
“A little over three hours. We’re about halfway there.”
She blinked herself awake and propped up on one arm. “Want to switch? I can watch the controls for a while if you need to catch some Zs.”
“I need something else a whole lot more.” Hunger made his phitons burn and his blood sizzle.
“And what would that be?” She slowly licked her lips, obviously understanding the direction of his thoughts.
“I want you naked and straddling my lap, so I can bury myself deep inside you.”
She swung her legs over the side of the bench as passion ignited in her eyes. “And will you be naked too?”
He shook his head. “Not this time.” After a long, electric pause, he admitted, “I want you to obey me.”
“Obey you?” Rather than sounding insulted by the word, she seemed intrigued. “Have you earned my obedience?”
“You saved my life. In some cultures that links us forever.”
With slow, sensual movements she stood and faced him. “And in other cultures, that makes you my slave.”
“True.” He stood and moved around her, taking her in from every angle without touching her. “Do you want to command me? Is that another one of your fantasies?”
“No.” She looked up at him through the silken fall of her hair.
“Then will you allow me to command you?” His cock bucked against the front of his pants, more than agreeable with the game.
Her pink tongue sneaked out again and slid across her lower lip. “Give me an order and let’s find out.”
“Unbutton your blouse.” He let authority ring through the words while trying not to sound harsh.
She raised her hands to the front of her blouse and unfastened the first few buttons. The transfer link activated, yet he wasn’t sure if she had opened the connection intentionally or if the link itself responded to the sudden spike in their emotions. “I still think this would be more fun if we both undressed.”
He shook his head. “Maybe next time.”
“Have it your way.” She went back to work on her blouse and soon had the front opened. “Better?”
“Take it off, the bra too.”
Anticipation rolled across their link, hot and electric. She was enjoying the game, which made it even more exciting for him. She took her time about it, slipping each side down before letting it slide from her arms. The bra took so long, he nearly reached over and did it himself. But as soon as her lovely breasts came into view he froze, so tense with need that all he could do was stare at the soft mounds.
Demanding desire pulsed through his body, but he stubbornly held himself back. “So beautiful,” he whispered.
“You’re welcome to do more than look,” she offered with a sexy smile.
He ignored the suggestion and motioned toward her skirt. “Keep going. I want you naked.”
She unfastened the skirt and let it pool around her ankles for a moment before she bent to pick it up. She waited until he was behind her to bend over and the pose nearly buckled his knees. Her nicely rounded ass and sleek hips demanded his attention, while her long, shapely legs would easily encircle his waist once he moved on top of her. And her slit, already gleaming with desire, peeked out from between he
r thighs.
“Shoes and stockings.” His voice was tight, but not nearly as tight as the pressure in his crotch. Gods, he needed to be inside her. Soon!
When she stood before him in nothing but a pair of lace-edged panties, he could resist temptation no longer. He cupped her breast and bent to kiss her, delving deeply with his tongue. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss, so he quickly pulled her panties down. He slipped his hand between her thighs as she scooted the undergarment aside with one foot.
“Open,” he ordered against her parted lips.
She moved her legs farther apart so he could more easily touch her, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted to touch all of her at once and hear her cries of pleasure. With his lips still covering hers, he rotated to the side then walked backward until he felt the padded bench against his knees. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap, her knees bent as she straddled his legs.
“Much better.” He ran one hand from her face to her mound in a continuous sweep. His gaze bore into hers. Her legs were spread by the position and her breasts were beautifully displayed. “Reach back and grab my knees. You don’t have permission to touch me anywhere else.”
Her eyes widened and uncertainty rippled through her desire. “Do I need permission to touch you?”
“You do today.”
She hesitated for a moment longer, then determination overcame her uncertainty. She moved her hands behind her, arching her back as she grabbed his knees. “Go on, touch me.” The challenge in her tone was inescapable.
So he touched her, exploring every curve and silken plane with extreme thoroughness. He stroked her arms and back, her legs and hips, intentionally avoiding her breasts and sex. Only when she was squirming beneath his hands and her nipples were tightly beaded did he focus in on the areas she needed him to touch.
He cupped her breast, teasing the tip with his thumb. Her passion-muddled gaze found his and desire pulsed across their link. She needed this, wanted him to command her, to bring her senses to life in a way no one else could. He bent to her other breast as he slipped his free hand between her thighs. She was slick and ready for his cock, but he wanted something else first.
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