Harbinger

by Cyndi Friberg

  The beverage station dinged, indicating it was ready to dispense her order. Rather than risk leaving Danvier alone with the others in his current mood, she put the machine on standby and left the kitchen.

  “If you honestly think Chandar cares at all what happens to your precious guild, you’re deluded.”

  She hurried to Danvier’s side and slipped her arm through his. “I have to agree with him on that one, gentlemen. Chandar has begun a new life and it’s highly unlikely she’ll ever return to Rodymia.”

  “She wouldn’t have to return,” Lisden stressed. “We just need her to become Pyre Sterling long enough to change the charter and set us free from the tyrannical customs. We know the steering committee is negotiating without us, but we want to be part of the alliance. We want to help shape the future, but we’re trapped in the past.”

  “If you abolish the existing customs, what will you replace them with?”

  Danvier’s question surprised her. Little by little his anger was fading as his curiosity engaged.

  “We’ll establish a guiding council just like all the other guilds. We understand how backward we seem to them and in many ways we agree.”

  “But,” Barr spoke for the first time, coming out from behind his uncles. “There are many in our guild still faithful to the past, many who fight even the simplest change. We all feel that this transition would be accepted more easily if certain elements of the old customs remained.”

  “Meaning?” Danvier crossed his arms over his chest and growled out the word.

  “If one of Pyre’s children were to head the council, it would seem as if the old customs had evolved rather than being disregarded entirely,” Lisden explained.

  “I told you, neither of us has any interest in returning to the academy.”

  Wisely, Lisden didn’t argue. “Will you at least ask Chandar if she would be willing to help us? Without her help we have no hope of modernizing Harbinger Guild.”

  After a tense pause, Danvier said, “I’ll ask her, but I suggest you look for another solution.”

  Lisden accepted the decision with a stiff nod. “We won’t take up any more of your time. Thank you for seeing us.”

  “You are not leaving until this rain lets up,” Haven cried.

  Danvier glared at her. “It’s been raining for three days.”

  “I don’t care. They’re going to dry out and have something warm to drink. If it’s still raining then, they’ll spend the night. Two of them can sleep in the guest room and the third can sleep on the couch.”

  “That’s really not necessary, Ms. Tandori,” Phardin said with a warm smile. “Our ship is not well concealed. We don’t want to risk drawing attention to this area.”

  “You’ll at least have something warm to drink.” Without waiting for their answer, she headed back to the kitchen.

  “Just give in,” Danvier advised. “She’s the most stubborn female I’ve ever encountered.”

  At Haven’s insistence, the three visiting harbingers moved into the kitchen and sat around the small round table. Danvier loitered in the archway, silently watching her. She returned to the beverage station and reactivated the machine. Then she gathered mugs while it completed its cycle. She’d forgotten how much she enjoyed playing hostess and how isolated she’d been while she was mated to Javin.

  “Have you two been mated long?” Barr’s expression was open and curious as she handed him a steaming mug of civata brew.

  Haven looked at Danvier, not sure what to say.

  “I’ve not yet claimed her,” he admitted. “Though I have every intention of doing so.”

  Barr’s smile turned knowing, but he wisely kept his gaze on Danvier.

  Haven cringed. Barr might be a harbinger, but he was still a Rodyte male in his prime. Doubtlessly, Danvier’s scent was all over her.

  She passed out the rest of the drinks then joined the harbingers at the table.

  “Are you allowed to tell us what the steering committee has decided?” Lisden asked a few minutes later.

  “We’re waiting for their final decision.” Danvier meandered across the kitchen, but there were only four chairs. He stood adjacent to the table, one hip leaning against the countertop. His expression was still guarded, yet he didn’t seem nearly as angry as he’d been when the others first arrived.

  “They’ll want a unanimous vote,” Phardin predicted. “Not easy to accomplish.”

  “Master Lont will hold out for reasons the rest can’t fathom.” Lisden shook his head. “Finance Guild is always on a different page than everyone else.”

  “Does Letos know what you’re trying to do?” Danvier asked his mentors.

  “Unless Chandar is willing to help us, there’s nothing to tell.” Lisden explained. “There are so few organic females left.” He shook his head. “Our only other choice is to abandon the charter entirely and none of us wants that. Despite the archaic customs, the charter defines what it means to be a harbinger.”

  Danvier said nothing and he’d slipped back behind his emotionless mask.

  Hoping to lighten the mood, Haven asked, “So, was Danvier a good student?”

  “One of the best,” Phardin told her. “His powers developed early and his potential seemed limitless.”

  “It’s not surprising,” Lisden added. “Both of his parents were extremely strong.”

  “What was he like? Did he ever get into trouble?”

  The brothers both laughed, but Lisden answered, “Continually. He was strong willed and creative. I don’t think I’ve ever had a student who challenged me more.”

  Danvier had given her a glimpse into his past, but it was easy to picture all the things he hadn’t shown her. She imagined a mischievous silver-haired boy, driving his mentors crazy with his antics. His default mode had become serious, but she still saw flashes of that naughty child.

  “He has a charming side as well,” Phardin explained, “though he tries very hard not to show it. Some of the other students were cruel to Chandar and Danvier was very protective.”

  Haven shook her head, still finding it hard to believe that anyone could be cruel to Chandar. “I’ve only met her once, but she seems sweet and ethereal, as if she doesn’t quite belong to this reality.”

  “She’s different, special, and the others resented her for it,” Lisden explained.

  “Danvier is special too,” Phardin pointed out. “They just knew better than messing with him.”

  “Change the subject.” Danvier’s tone made it obvious that it wasn’t a suggestion. Thoughts of his childhood would naturally lead to memories of his father’s death.

  “Are you an actual Tandori or just a member of Tandori Tribe?” Barr wanted to know.

  Lisden shook his head. “The younger generations have no respect for the past. They can’t be bothered to learn about the events that shaped our world. She’s Simolta Tandori’s granddaughter, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “You’re not,” Danvier confirmed. “She’s a pureblood descendant and official ambassador for her people.”

  Lisden looked at her with new interest in his pale blue eyes. “Then you’re participating in the negotiations? I’d foolishly thought you’d just accompanied your mate.”

  “If Danvier is representing the battle born and she’s representing Tandori Tribe, this has gone much farther than we realized.” Phardin leaned close to his brother as he spoke. When Lisden said nothing, at least out loud, Phardin looked at Danvier and said, “Letos will likely not believe you, but most of the harbingers support what you’re planning.”

  “Really?” Suspicion sparked in Danvier’s gaze. “What do you think we’re planning?”

  “Quinton’s demise and replacement.” The creases in Phardin’s brow deepened and his lips thinned. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Danvier insisted. “What you’re describing is high treason.”

  Lisden chuckled. “He doesn’t trust us, brother. And I don’t blame him. We’ve g
iven him little reason to confide in us.” He lifted his chin and listened for a moment. “I believe the rain is lighter now. We should be going.”

  The rain was still falling in sheets, but Haven was tired of begging them to stay. Danvier had legitimate reasons for his resentment. These males might not have been Pyre’s knowing accomplices, but at the very least they’d been complacent.

  Danvier walked them to the door, likely to make damn sure they left, while Haven cleared the table. The simple, domestic chore felt oddly liberating. For a few days, they’d been able to pretend they were ordinary people, living uneventful lives.

  “One more day,” Danvier returned to the opening between the kitchen and living room.

  “One more day for what?” She filled the mugs full of water then faced her mate. She was tired of fighting her own instincts, tired of pretending that she was still afraid.

  “If Letos hasn’t contacted us by tomorrow evening, he can bring his answer to Lunar Nine.”

  “Fair enough.” She slowly crossed the kitchen, unsure of his current mood. “We’ve been more than patient.”

  “I’ve been more than patient,” he muttered under his breath.

  Somehow she didn’t think he meant with Letos. Should she just come right out and tell him she was ready to be claimed? She had no idea how this was supposed to be done.

  “I think you should take a bath or something while I try to calm down. My mood is particularly dark right now.”

  “Or we can work through your dark mood together.” She cautiously placed her hand on his chest. “As long as you’re not mad at me, I’m willing to pull you out of the darkness.”

  He caught her wrist, but didn’t pull her hand away. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  She moved closer. “I don’t care how dark your mood is, you could never hurt me.”

  His other hand wrapped around the back of her neck. “Why are you so sure?”

  “Because I’ve felt your emotions. I know…” They’d never spoken of love. She didn’t want to put words in his mouth.

  “Say it.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. “Why will I never hurt you?”

  “Because I know how much you love me.”

  His mouth returned, capturing hers for a deep, passionate kiss. Then both of his hands framed her face and their gazes locked. “You said it to them. Now say it to me. I know you’re ready.”

  And she was, more than ready to establish the link that would join their souls for all eternity. She was ready for the intimacy and comfort only available to bonded mates. “You’re my mate, and I am yours. This joining was meant to be.”

  After another lingering kiss, he swept her up in his arms and carried her to their bedroom. His aggression made her feel special, desired above all others.

  They undressed in a flurry of clothing and impatient hands. He was faster and soon helped her with her last few garments. But as soon as they stood there naked, both panting softly, time seemed to stand still.

  He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “You are so beautiful, so precious to me.” As if to prove his claim, he cupped her breast with tender reverence, his gaze still locked with hers.

  Excitement zinged along her spine, but the sensation felt odd, incomplete. “Form the link now. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  He shook his head. “Doesn’t work that way. The intensity of our pleasure determines the strength of the bond. If I formed it now, it wouldn’t take hold.”

  “Then sit down, so I can help build the intensity.” She pushed him backward toward the bed, ensuring his cooperation.

  He sat on the edge of the mattress and spread his legs. The muscular symmetry of his body took her breath away. He was long and lean, obviously powerful, a body honed by years of hardship. “Is this what you want?” He fisted his cock and slowly stroked himself, but his gaze never left her face.

  She sank to her knees, steadying herself against his legs. She’d done this before, but somehow this felt different, more important, almost ritualistic. She covered his hand with hers, intertwining their fingers as he slid up and down. “Let me,” she urged, her voice still sounding breathless.

  “All I am is yours.” He slid his hand out from under hers and gathered her hair into one fist.

  She lowered her head and his hand followed her movements, keeping her hair confined without pulling. He wanted to watch, see as well as feel his shaft disappear into the warmth of her mouth. Pausing to fill her nose with his scent, she slowly circled his flared tip with her tongue. The plush softness of his skin was a sharp contrast to the solid column of flesh wrapped within her fingers. Fascinated by the contradiction, she took him deeper into her mouth while continuing to stroke him with her hand.

  He groaned and shifted his hips, obviously restless. She caressed him with her tongue as her lips glided farther up along his shaft. A sense of power unfurled inside her. No wonder he liked doing this so much. Every shudder and moan sent sparks of arousal flying through her body. She was surrounded by his smell and his taste grew stronger with each stroke of her tongue. Knowing how exciting he found her attention, made it even more arousing for her.

  Suddenly he grabbed her under the arms and propelled her upward. “I don’t want to finish like that and I’m already close.”

  “I don’t mind.” She tried to kneel back down, but he wouldn’t let her.

  He didn’t argue. Instead, he pulled her onto the bed and pushed her over onto her back. Then he was kneeling on the floor and her legs draped over his shoulders. His mouth latched on to her slit hard enough to make her cry out. But the suction lasted only a moment and then his tongue eased into her crease. He caressed her folds and teased her opening, but didn’t venture near her clit. He loved to drive her right to the edge of orgasm several times before he finally let her come.

  She ran her fingers through his hair and reveled in his urgency. He licked and sucked, building the tension with ruthless tenderness. The pleasure rose, tightened to the point of completion, then he backed off and started all over again.

  “Please,” she cried after an especially close call. “Let me come.”

  He raised his head and looked into her eyes as he pushed two fingers into her needy core. His features were so tense he looked almost angry, yet affection softened his gaze. “Come. I won’t stop this time.”

  One of her legs slid off his shoulder as that arm began to move between her thighs. His lips finally encircled her clit and his fingers continued their teasing slide. She arched her hips, abandoning herself to the pleasure. Sensations gathered beneath his mouth and rippled around his fingers. Her body flared with sudden heat and she couldn’t catch her breath.

  His lips gently pulled on her clit and the pleasure detonated deep inside her. She cried out his name, shaking with the forceful surges of her orgasm.

  Replacing his mouth with his thumb, he quickly drew his fingers out and found her entrance with the head of his cock. One of her legs was still over his shoulder, but the other sprawled outward, offering him unrestricted access to her core. He pushed in slowly, stroking her clit with his thumb.

  When their pelvises pressed together and his entire length was encased in her warmth, he paused. “Look at me, love.” He waited until she blinked away the sensual muddle and raised her gaze to his. “Last chance to change your mind. Once I do this, there will be no turning back.”

  That was a sweet exaggeration. Mating bonds could be broken, it was just dangerous and painful. The realization didn’t matter. She intended to spend the rest of her life with this complicated harbinger. “I’m sure. I want this. I want you.”

  It was all the encouragement he needed. He drew his hips back and paused with just the tip inside her core. “It will likely sting, but try not to struggle.”

  Staring into his eyes, anticipation made her feel giddy. He thrust deep, filling her with one hard stroke. His energy pushed into her mind, burning brighter than it ever had before. She started
to tense, to resist the invasion. Then she remembered her own words. He would never hurt her, because he loved her more deeply with each breath.

  She opened to him, surrendered and sure. His hips began a steady rhythm as his energy branched out through her mind. A sharp sting drew a gasp from her throat, but the pain was gone so fast she barely had time to register the sensation. Then the link opened, spanning their minds, connecting their souls, giving her access to everything he was and giving him complete access to her.

  Dizzy from the pleasure and the staggering emotions surging into her mind, all she could do was surrender to his aggression and offer herself without reserve. He let her other leg slide down his arm then shifted from his hands to his forearms, bringing their faces much closer together.

  “I love you, Haven Tandori, and I always will.” He sealed the vow with a deep, consuming kiss.

  Unwilling to stop kissing him, she returned the vow telepathically. I love you, Danvier Evon, and I always will.

  Passion blasted her mind in response to her vow, the intensity nearly painful. He moved faster, surging in and out with frantic speed. She raised her legs up along his sides, not wanting to hamper his movements. Their mouths fused, their breaths mingled, and their tastes mixed so completely it was impossible to tell one from the other.

  Suddenly his hands framed her face and his rhythm changed, the strokes growing longer and a bit slower as he neared completion. She tightened her inner muscles, pushing the pleasure higher, wanting to soar at his side.

  He cried out sharply and arched his back, coming to rest deep inside her. She felt his seed bath her inner walls and his pleasure inundate her mind. Her own orgasm burst apart, sending hard ripples up through her core. They clung to each other, still kissing as sensations ricocheted through their minds and bodies.

  Most of his weight rested on his elbows and knees, but his warmth blanketed her. He slipped one arm beneath her neck and stroked her face with his other hand.

  “I love you, mate,” he whispered against her damp lips.

  “And I love you, mate.” She hurried through the words, needing to say them out loud.