A tentative smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Explosives don’t leave a residue.”
Her brow arched dramatically. “Who said anything about explosives?”
He turned his face away, jaw clenching as he fought for composure. “I saw it on the newsstream.”
“Odd. We implemented a media block for the next twelve hours.”
“It was a personal post from someone who witnessed the explosion.”
She leaned over him, placing her hands on the arms of the chair. “There is no escaping punishment. Your mentor is a traitor and you have been assisting him. If you cooperate right now, you can earn back your life.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong.” His chin came up and he slowly met her gaze.
She paused again, allowing the tension to build. “You killed three people tonight, Kellan. One of them had only seen nine solar cycles. The body count will likely increase before it’s finalized and Malos has the perfect alibi. If you don’t cooperate, you will pay for this with your life.”
Kellan looked at the other two Mystics. Did he honestly think either Evan or Tal would help him? Then the boy’s demeanor changed. It was like watching a snowman melt in the sun, all the defiance flowed out of him and his entire body seemed to droop.
“My master promised no harm would come to me.”
“He lied.” Mistress Alexia pushed off the chair and towered over him. “All he has to do is keep his mouth shut and your life ends.”
“I want to speak with him. Even our private link is being jammed.”
A cunning smile quirked the corner of her lips, but Kellan was too distracted to notice it. “If you have a private link to Malos, then Malos himself is blocking you, not us.”
His dark gaze snapped back to his interrogator. “He wouldn’t abandon me like that.” He shook his head hard enough to make his curls bounce. “He wouldn’t.”
“He already has. Help us solidify our case against him and we will show you mercy. Give us specific names and dates. Tell us about Malos and his connection to the Rodytes. This is your only hope, Kellan. And the offer will soon expire.”
Tears welled behind his long lashes, but he managed to blink them back. “What do you want to know?”
“How does Malos contact the Rodytes?”
“He sends coded messages to his mother and she passes on the pertinent information to her ex-lover.” His voice turned flat and defeated as he recited the facts.
“What is the ex-lover’s name?”
“Pakraut.” Kellan hung his head, likely to hide the tears trailing down his cheeks. “He’s a retired commander though he’s still influential.”
Tal motioned them out of the antechamber. It was obvious Kellan would tell them everything they needed to know.
“Do we need to rerecord our testimonies?” Evan asked as they stepped out onto the covered gallery. Dawn’s first glow had just touched the horizon, casting a deep purple haze over the area. He stood at Dro Tar’s side and Tal turned to face them.
“How did you know they’d been deleted?” Tal asked.
“There was no other reason to murder us.”
Tal nodded in agreement. “Malos is not quite as smart as he thinks he is. I had redundant backups of the files, and his minions only found the first two.”
“The real question is why did Malos trust his future to a teenager? They are notoriously unreliable,” Dro Tar added.
“Mystic arrogance.” Tal flashed a warm smile, seeming far less the imperious head master and more like Trey’s brother. “A phenomenon you’re familiar with if I’m not mistaken. Malos knew he could withstand our interrogation and he thought Kellan was beyond our reach.”
“He was,” Evan said. “If Dro Tar hadn’t been with me, I wouldn’t have been able to touch the boy.”
Tal looked at Dro Tar again, his smoky gaze motionless. “Most of the time our abilities are a gift, but certain circumstances make them a hindrance. You two make a good team.”
Dro Tar laughed. “Have you been conspiring with your brother? He said the very same thing.”
Tal made no further comment on the subject. He turned to Evan and asked, “Will you be returning to the Conservatory?”
“I’m not sure. Dro Tar and I haven’t had much time to discuss our future plans.”
“Well, you are always welcome here, if that is your wish. Personally, I think you will be more content if you allow life to take you in a different direction.” Without further comment, he walked off along the gallery.
Evan turned her to face him, his gaze warm and searching. “I’ve already broken the rules by bringing you here.”
“Twice.”
He laughed. “The first time was the head master’s idea. Regardless, we can’t stay here if we want to stay together.”
“And do we want to stay together?”
“Absolutely. I am never going to be without you again.”
His expression was painfully serious, but she refused to let anything steal the buoyancy from her mood. “Damn glad to hear it, sir.”
He frowned. “I told you not to call me that unless you mean it.”
“Fine, Master. I think we’ve had quite enough excitement for tonight. Don’t you agree?”
“I do.” He grinned, assuring her he understood the significance of the phrase.
Her heart leapt within her breast and heat pooled between her thighs. She wasn’t sure what the future looked like, but at least they’d face it together. She raised her arms and circled his neck, pressing close against his body. “Let’s go back to my studio. I’m ready to show you why sixty-nine is my favorite number.”
* * * * *
Dro Tar and Evan stood at the high, arched window gazing out at the moonlit night. A lavish bedchamber surrounded them, hinting at passion and intrigue. The simulation was flawless. Knowing it was a holographic projection didn’t prevent Dro Tar from being swept away by the setting. Misty clouds drifted across the moon and she snuggled back against his chest.
“We were so close,” she said quietly. “I can’t believe this will all go to waste.”
“You’ll find another programmer. I predict your fantasy emporium will be hugely successful.”
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Glancing over her shoulder, she found his gaze bright with speculation. “What are you thinking about?”
“The sign out front. If you’re going to offer a variety of adventures, you might want to reconsider the name.”
“You don’t like Vampire Adventures?”
“Misadventures, is more like it.” He leaned down and gave her neck a playful nip. “And you’ll be offering more than just vampires.”
“Misadventures.” She chuckled. “You’re right, it suits me better. Misadventures it is.” After pausing for a thoughtful moment, she said, “I’m still short one programmer.”
“We’ll get you a new programmer. The brothers dar Aune have promised to pull some strings if that’s what it takes.”
“Pull some strings?” She turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “Listen to you. I didn’t think Mystics ever got the starch out of their shorts.”
He returned her smile, his gaze warm and caressing. “I can be quite adaptable.”
His formal response made her laugh. “Of course you can.”
They’d been inseparable for the past three weeks, reveling in each shared moment, each new discovery. Their link allowed them to exchange thoughts and emotions each time their bodies joined. Dro Tar now had no doubt that she would spend the rest of her life at Evan’s side. He was her life mate, the other half of her soul. She trusted him with her life and her pleasure, and finally her heart. And he trusted her.
Despite her newfound happiness, Dro Tar knew she wouldn’t be completely satisfied until all the loose ends were neatly tied, so she chose one task to accomplish each day.
Malos finally buckled when he realized his apprentice had failed him utterly. The tribunal had concluded two days before. Malos was sentenced t
o die and Kellan would be subjected to mental and physical reconditioning. Dro Tar wasn’t sure which was worse.
“Gine’s aunt was approved as his caregiver this afternoon,” she told Evan. “We’re officially off the hook.”
“I wasn’t opposed to taking care of him.”
“I said we are off the hook.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and stepped closer. “I want children—eventually—but I’d like to ease into it. Teenagers are more of a challenge than I’d care to take on right now.” He nuzzled her neck and she pushed her fingers into the soft thickness of his hair. “Have you decided whether or not to accept Trey’s offer? He won’t wait forever, you know.”
“What Trey wants is both of us, but he’ll settle for me. He’s made that abundantly clear,” he whispered against her neck, sending tingles racing down her spine.
She laughed and eased back so she could see his face. “You make it sound kinky.”
“You know what I mean.” He ignored her naughty humor, obviously determined to have a serious conversation. “Why won’t you even consider it? You’re a damn good operative.”
“I’m not saying I’ll never accept another mission, I’m just ready for my everyday life to be less stressful. I want to focus on Misadventures for a while, try to build something that’s unique and fun.”
“And I’m ready for a little less…meditation and serenity.”
“Then that’s what you should tell Trey.”
He nodded, his expression still too serious for her liking. “I’ll join one of the director’s teams, but if any mission requires a couple, or even a female operative, I will only work with you.”
“Sounds like the perfect compromise.” She pressed a gentle kiss against Evan’s lips before she asked, “Has anyone heard from Drakkin?”
“Not yet. The director of the Symposium isn’t used to checking in with others. Besides only a select few know the nature of his search.”
“I hope he finds her.” The woman’s image flickered through Dro Tar’s mind, elegant features and shimmering lavender eyes. “I’d love to meet Vee’s daughter. She must be extraordinary.”
“We can only imagine, unless Lord Drakkin succeeds.” Cupping her cheek with his palm, he brushed her forehead with his lips. “What’s left on your to-do list for today?”
“Just one thing.” She watched his expression closely as she whispered, “Announcing to the universe that my life mate is Evan cet Roumi.”
Warmth and tenderness ignited in his gaze and his lips parted in a breath-stealing smile. “The bond is already formed and we need a witness if we’re going to make it official.”
“True.” She looked at the inviting bed, anticipation making her heart pound. “I guess the announcement can wait until morning. I have other plans for tonight.”
Fire Pearl
Cyndi Friberg
Beyond Ontariese, Book Five: Lord Drakkin promises his dying friend that he will protect and train Aria. He will unleash her latent abilities and help her reach her Mystic potential. But first he must find her.
Drakkin tracks Aria to Earth, but quickly realizes it’s too dangerous to leave her there. He is shocked by her resistance and the passion she ignites in him. He is honor bound to keep his vow, with or without her cooperation.
After years of abuse and isolation, Aria has found a life of her own. Then Drakkin sweeps in and kidnaps her, claiming his bizarre behavior is for her own good. Despite the attraction smoldering between them, she wants nothing to do with the arrogant Bilarrian. No one will ever control her again, not even the charismatic stranger who sends her senses reeling every time they touch.
From Cyndi: Drakkin and Aria’s story was originally the second half of Crossfire. But numerous emails requested that I separate and expand the story into its own book. I’ve always been fascinated by Drakkin, so it didn’t take much to convince me to delve deeper into his character. I more than doubled the length of the original story and I hope everyone will be satisfied with the result. Though Fire Pearl is primarily a scifi romance, it also has some fun paranormal and mystery elements. So, here is the new and improved Fire Pearl. Enjoy!
Read on for a taste of
Cyndi Friberg’s Rebel Angel series
Rage and Redemption
Rebel Angels 1: Rage and Redemption
Cyndi Friberg
When the couple gets together, wow. I am looking forward to seeing what Cyndi Friberg comes up with for her next story; she is definitely an author to watch. — Angel, Romance Junkies 5 stars!
Proud and rebellious, Gideon is banished from the Light. His own words define his punishment, transforming bloodlust into literal hunger. Living by his sword, he wanders the land of mortals, embittered and alone.
Naomi works in secret, illuminating manuscripts for the Knights of St. John. Gideon is drawn to her beauty and fascinated by her innocence. She stirs the shattered remnants of his nobility, intensifying the conflict already raging within him.
Gideon is unlike anyone Naomi has ever encountered before. His passionate kisses and intoxicating caresses leave her restless and wanting. Still, she senses the bleak loneliness he tries so hard to deny. Responding to his seduction with tenderness, she is determined to help him rediscover the beauty in life.
The battle lines are drawn. Gideon must seek redemption or Fall. Naomi must lead her Rebel Angel back into the light before the forces of darkness destroy them both.
Note to Reader: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.
From Cyndi: The concept of angels and demons has always fascinated me. I couldn’t help wondering how the angels felt when they were ordered to throw one third of their ranks out of Heaven. Obviously they obeyed, but how did it make them feel? I’ve been a fan of Historical romance for years, so I chose the Crusades as a backdrop for this exploration. I originally set out to capture the emotional struggles of an angel left behind by the rebellion. But, as usual, my muse decided to twist my concept. I don’t want to say too much, but suddenly my angel had fangs and I was powerless to stop the influx of paranormal elements. I hope you’ll find the resulting love story as entertaining as I did. I learned long ago not to argue with my muse. Enjoy!
Chapter One
Krak des Chevaliers
County of Tripoli, Palestine
March 1148
Fidgeting upon the wooden stool, Naomi pushed a lock of long hair behind her ear and concentrated on the manuscript page spread before her. Dust motes danced playfully in the rapidly fading sunlight but she couldn’t allow herself to be distracted. The familiar scent of ink and sandalwood soothed her, helping her focus. She shifted the precious vellum folio to a slightly different angle, catching what was left of the light.
To achieve true illumination, a scribe must release light from within the text, not just decorate the margins. Her design was intricate and interesting, but there was no spark or inspiration. No illumination.
Naomi focused on the entwined figures centered on the page and set her quill aside. Eve’s long hair concealed everything but her slender limbs. Adam, on the other hand, had only a strategically placed fig leaf to protect his modesty.
“Perhaps without the leaf I could find illumination,” Naomi muttered with a mischievous smile.
“I’d be willing to serve as your model.”
Naomi twirled about so suddenly she nearly toppled from the stool. Stifling a startled gasp, she stumbled to her feet, pretending the movement had been graceful.
Raising her gaze to the stranger’s face, Naomi forgot her clever rejoinder. She forgot to breathe. She forgot everything except the man standing near the doorway.
His features were harsh and angular yet so incredibly beautiful he didn’t seem real. Bright with amusement and speculation, his strange golden eyes captured her gaze completely.
“Shall I disrobe?”
The smoky quality of his voice made Naomi tingle. Sleek black hair had been pulled straight back
from his face and secured at the nape of his neck. Naomi wanted to trace the slash of his black eyebrows and smooth the faint creases that framed his extraordinary eyes. She wanted to test the resilience of his mouth with her fingertips and…
What was wrong with her?
Shaking away the strange stupor, Naomi forced herself to speak. “I’m not the scribe, my lord, so I require no model.”
He walked toward her, his stride long and lazy. “If you aren’t the scribe, what were you doing when I arrived?”
Naomi quickly hid her ink-stained hand behind her back. Her sandals scraped against the floorboards as she moved away from the high, angled table. “I was admiring Brother Gabriel’s work. He is the finest illuminator in the entire order.”
After so many years, the deception shouldn’t rankle, but it did. She hated the prejudice that required she deny her accomplishments.
He glanced at the manuscript page then back at her. Who was this man? His garments told her only that he was wealthy. The plush, black velvet surcoat had been elaborately embroidered in gold, and the gray tunic beneath was no less costly. He wore no sword, but Naomi sensed the menace that hovered around men of war.
“What business have you here?” she asked. “Were you looking for Brother Gabriel?”
Before she realized his intention, he reached behind her and grabbed her wrist. His touch sent shivers up her arm and Naomi sucked in a ragged breath. Drawing her arm back in front of her, he turned her hand this way and that, inspecting the calluses and stains.
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