"You thought you’d die?"
"No. I just decided the day Father walked away that I would never allow myself to love a man enough that he had the power to break my heart and spirit."
"Not all men are like that, lass. There were those who stayed with the Reekas until they died."
"I know." She crushed the flower in her fist, releasing the sweet fragrance. "But he hurt me in a way no other man ever could. He betrayed me. He broke my heart, destroyed my life. He took my dream away." Tears choked her voice, blurred her vision. "I swore no man would ever do that to me again."
Garret sat up, feeling her pain as if it were his own. "That’s why you fear me? Because you think I’ll give you that pain?"
Hazel eyes, sparkling with tears, looked at him. "Yes."
"My love, I would never abandon you like that, never betray you. A lifemate is for life. I am yours for life."
"How can I be sure? How can you be sure?"
"I’m not your father, sweet lass. I cannot give the love he denied you. What I can give you is my love, an everlasting love. I can’t prove it to you, only time will do that."
"I’m scared, Garret." She wiped a stray tear off her cheek. "I couldn’t survive if you loved then left me. I know this deep in my heart. It’ll be a death sentence for me."
Sixteen
Face filled with loving concern, he knelt close before her and gently grasped her arm. Firm assurance filled his voice as he said softly, "I promise before God, Dana, that I will never stop loving you, that I’ll not betray you at any time, for any reason or anyone. I am Garret of Daamen. A simple trader with an everlasting love for, and commitment to, you."
"I’m scared. I am so sorry, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I can’t help it."
Tenderly he gathered her into his arms. "Never apologize for sharing your feelings with me, sweetheart."
"What if I don’t consent to be your lifemate?" Her voice shook, choked.
Pain rippled through him and he rested his chin atop her head. "It won’t change my love for you. It’ll simply be from afar."
"You could find another to wed--"
"Never!" he replied fiercely. "There will never be another for me. I believe there is one true lifemate for every person. You’re my lifemate. ‘Tis you or no one."
Lifting her head, she gazed up at him. "Never is a long time."
"Forever is the time I will wait for you."
Their gazes locked and she saw the deep love reflected in the stormy depths of his eyes, the promise of eternal commitment.
"And if it takes forever to prove my love to you, then let it be so."
"How can you be so sure that I am the one?" she whispered.
Without hesitation, he reached down for the chain of wildflowers and laid it almost reverently upon her blonde head. "Because you are my Queen of Hearts. My heart, my life and my love are in your hands." Tenderly he tipped her chin up with one finger. "You think you are the one to fear, my beloved? Don’t you realize that it is in your power to crush my heart, my hopes, my dreams? From the moment I discovered I loved you, you became all that I needed, all that I desire. You are my future, Dana. Without you, I am nothing."
She didn’t know what to say, or how to respond. All she could do was lean into him and be surrounded by the comforting strength of his body. Closing her eyes, she nestled her head against his chest, and the steady beating of his heart lulled her wearied senses into rest.
Feeling her relax, Garret leaned back against the willow tree and cradled her in his arms. She had made no promises, yet he felt closer to her than he ever had. Aye, he’d revealed his soul to her, the power she had over his heart, but there was no doubt in his mind that she would keep it safe. No doubt at all.
The sound of the river moving lazily and the soft calls of day flyers were soothing and, emotionally spent, they slid into peaceful sleep.
~ * ~
There was blood everywhere and body parts strewn on the filthy floor of the dungeon. Reya was struggling to get up, blood pouring from a head wound. Tenia was pinned against the wall by a monstrous mutant, while Aster fought valiantly against a second mutant. Half unconscious, her ankle throbbing painfully, she was aware of it all, trying desperately to gather her wits and come to the aid of her sister warriors, knowing they might all die in this nightmare hole.
‘Are you all right?’ ‘ Easy lass.’ ‘ Let me check first.’ Being carried out to safety.
The room was huge, rows upon rows of Intergalactic Peace Committee members watching unemotionally as the warriors, all condemned outlaws, faced them. It was hopeless, evidence against them was strong. Fear filled her. ‘This had better work.’ A hand on her shoulder. ‘No harm shall come to you while I live.’
A tavern in the Outlaw Sector. ‘So, my sweet, have you missed me?’ ‘Like a hole in the head.’ ‘I see you have. Does my heart wonders to know that.’
Her sister warrior, sick and feverish, while she herself was so exhausted. ‘I need to check Reya.’ ‘Maverk will see to her, lass, while I see to you.’
Different scenes, chaotic, but all with a familiar theme. The concern in a deep voice. ‘I could carry you, lass.’ ‘I’m here to help you.’ ‘Do we have to fight about everything, lass? Can’t you just accept my help?’ ‘I’m only trying to help.’ ‘I’m helping her up.’
Help. Help. The same word, over and over again.
Frowning, she tried to turn away from it but the word followed her, warm and filled with concern. Hidden meanings revealed to her subconscious.
‘Spend some time with me.’ ‘I always have time for you.’ ‘Upset her and you upset me.’ ‘Talk to me.’ ‘You need a friend.’ ‘I’m no expert, but I know you’re hurting and I’m here for you.’
For you. All for you.
‘I needed a father, but I made it without him,’ she whispered to the shadowy figure.
‘I’m not your father,’ the figure responded and there was love in his voice.
‘I’m scared.’
‘There’s naught to be scared of, lass. I’m with you.’
~ * ~
Dana opened her eyes slowly, the words lingering in her mind. And he was with her, arms cradling her close to his heart, the steady beat of it in her ear. He was real. He was here. He’d always been there for her, in the Outlaw Sector, and before the Intergalactic Peace Committee, ready to defend her against anyone and everyone. Her champion when she was down, never leaving her side. Challenging fearlessly anyone who dared upset her. Not once had he backed away and left her alone.
Not even when she raged at him, swore, and ordered him countless times to leave. He merely smiled, shrugged or simply talked to her. Or went on his way, dragging her with him.
But never once leaving her alone.
Never.
As he’d promised now. As he’d proven in the past time and again. As he would always be with her in the future.
Carefully, Dana eased herself up on to one elbow to gaze at the face of the sleeping Daamen. Darkly handsome with the look of a roguish boy in sleep, it was nevertheless a strong face, full of character.
The long lashes lifted slowly and grey eyes gazed straight into hers. "Are you all right, lass?"
His first thought was for her. As he’d always done since she’d met him.
"I love you, Garret."
His thumb played gently across her chin. "And I love you with all my heart, lass."
Her hand covered his larger one. "Make love to me."
His eyes widened. "Dana--"
"I need you to make love to me. Now."
"‘Tis not that I don’t want to. God knows, I’ve thought of it often enough, but are you sure?"
"I want to prove my love to you."
Warmth filled his gaze. "I don’t doubt your word."
"Garret, I’m giving you my all."
He stilled, gaze locked with hers. His chest tightened and for a several seconds he couldn’t breathe, didn’t dare to even hope that he’d heard her
correctly. But he could see it in her eyes, the answer he’d craved for so long.
"Dana, are you...?"
"Let’s share our dreams," she whispered.
"Oh, God, thank you," he breathed.
The hand at her chin pulled her up carefully and held her for his lips to meet hers, brushing lightly along the silken flesh, tasting her tenderly. Lovingly.
When he drew back, she whispered, "Make love to me."
He thought his heart would burst. "This will be special, my beloved--"
"Dana! Garret! Where are you both?"
The words crashed through the tender moment, startling them, and they looked around to see Jase on a travel disc approaching the cottage rapidly.
"Oh, nay!" Garret groaned.
Dana surged to her feet. "I wonder what he wants?"
"Whatever it is, we’ll get rid of him fast!" Garret stood up beside her, wrapping one arm around her waist.
"Promise?"
He grinned down at her. "Definitely. Jase, over here!"
Spotting them, his friend leaned slightly to the side, changing direction and heading toward them. As he neared, they saw his grim expression.
Drawing to a halt before them, he jumped down from the disc and handed a viscomm to Dana. "I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news at a time like this, lass."
"What’s happened?’
"Rominac has disappeared again and Diago accuses Zar. Northland and Southland ready themselves for war. The message comes from Cina."
A chill went through her. Her brother. War.
"Damn!" Garret looked at Jase. "Who is this Cina?"
"Rominac’s lover."
"Lover?" Dana stared at Jase.
"Apparently. She begs to talk to you and waits for you to contact her on this."
Opening the lid, she gazed at the visual screen. "What is the code to reach her?"
"Just press the recall button."
Within minutes a tear-stained face appeared on the screen, and Garret studied the young wench over Dana’s shoulder.
"Cina?" Dana queried.
"Yes. Are you Rominac’s sister?"
"Yes."
"Thank the stars! You must return to stop this war that is brewing!"
"What’s going on? Who are you and why the concern for Rominac’s safety? You’re a Southlander, aren’t you?"
"I am now. I was a slave of Diago’s, given to Rominac. We fell in love but marriage is forbidden in our lands. He helped me to escape to Southland and promised to meet me when he could."
It suddenly made sense. All the little hints had been there. Rominac himself had said that he had something he had to do, that life and love had risks worth taking. This was what he meant. He had found true love... and it had led him into trouble.
"That was when he was captured?"
"I didn’t know about that. I only heard about his presence and subsequent rescue after you’d left."
"So how can you be sure he’s missing again?"
"I managed to contact him through the viscomm. When Zar wasn’t here, just as I’m doing now. He was supposed to meet me but I haven’t seen nor heard from him since."
"How long has he been missing?"
"Three days. Diago contacted Zar and accused her of taking him, but she hasn’t. They’ve declared war on each other, Dana. I don’t know where Rominac is in all this. Please, you must come back or we’re all going to die!"
"What can I do? I’m a warrior and fighter, a bodyguard, not a diplomat--"
"Talk to Zar and Diago, they’ll listen to you!"
Hell. She rubbed her eyes. Why now? "Let me think this through, Cina. I’ll contact you later."
Sniffing, the Southlander nodded and the screen went blank.
Snapping the lid shut, Dana swore softly. Walking over to the other side of the bridge, she stared down into the lazily flowing waters sparkling beneath the sun’s warm rays.
Jase looked at his friend. "I’m sorry to intrude but she has to know. ‘Tis her father and brother."
"You did right." Garret sighed heavily. "We could only stay insulated for so long." Curse it.
After several minutes of silence, he crossed the width of the bridge to stop behind Dana and place a hand upon her shoulder. "What are you going to do, lass?"
"I can’t leave them unaided." Turning to face him, she added bitterly, "Even here, Diago’s foul touch reaches out and taints."
"So leave him alone."
"What of Rominac? He and the wench he loves are caught in the middle of this. I have to go."
"I’m coming with you."
"No, this could be dangerous. By the time I get there, war could have started."
"Even more reason why you’re not going alone." His hand swept up to cup her cheek. "Where you go, I go."
"I don’t want you hurt."
"Nor I you."
Jase cleared his throat. "Before you two go off on this venture, remember the Intergalactic Peace Council? They deal with these conflicts all the time."
Garret was relieved. "Aye, they do."
"They can stop this?
"Aye, my love. Jase, thank the stars for your clearheaded thinking. Lass, we have to head there right now and seek audience with the Council. Hurry and get ready."
~ * ~
They disembarked from the planet shuttle in the huge docking bay of the Intergalactic Peace Ship.
Gazing around at the many races walking the immense halls, Dana asked, "Where do we go now?"
Garret took her hand. "To the Council chamber. They’re expecting us."
Remembering the last time she’d faced the representatives of all the planets governed by the Peace Ship, she grimaced.
"You’re not an outlaw now, my love."
"I know, but places of law like this always make me uneasy."
He cast a teasing glance at her. "Mayhaps a little of the outlaw still exists in you."
"That’s just what Cormac said."
"Here is the lift. It won’t be long and we’ll be there."
Ten minutes later they arrived at the double doors leading into the chamber, and giving her hand an encouraging squeeze, Garret led her past the guard who checked their hand prints on the scanner before nodding them through the door.
The chamber was smaller than the one used for trials, she noted. No witnesses or observers were needed, only the planet leaders, fifty-four in all, representing their own planets and others. However, not all were present. A long table with ten occupied chairs behind it was situated in the middle of the room. A tall man in black robes sat in the middle.
"Meekta." Garret inclined his head. "I had thought all the leaders would be present."
"At this stage there is no need for more than ten. Once we hear what you ask, then it shall be brought to a full hearing, if deemed something to act upon."
"And how long would that take?" Dana queried, not liking the thought of a delay.
The hard gaze switched to Dana. "Ah, the Reeka warrior. It depends on the situation."
"The situation is war. What do you say to that?"
"Explain yourself."
"On the planet Orkra, Northland and Southland are planning war."
"Oh?"
"They do so because of the disappearance of the Northland leader’s son, which has been wrongly blamed, possibly, on the Southlanders."
"I see."
When the Council members continued to regard her calmly, she frowned. "Well?"
"Unfortunately, this is no concern of ours."
"What? What the hell do you mean?"
His jaw tightened. "Your tone is offensive, warrior."
"My tone? You’re worried about my tone when there is war brewing on Orkra? It’s the duty of the Council to prevent it!"
"Easy, lass." Garret saw the growing annoyance on Meekta’s face. "Mayhaps you could explain to us, Meekta. I’m afraid we don’t understand."
"It’s not so hard, Garret." A Saalm Consult Member leaned forward. "Planets who are not members of th
e Intergalactic Peace Council don’t come under our laws and guidance."
"You mean Orkra isn’t a member, Karion?"
"That’s so."
"So no assistance or diplomats will be sent there?"
"Correct."
"How can you call yourselves an Intergalactic Peace Council and leave a planet to be torn apart by war? People killed?" Dana asked angrily.
"We don’t force planets to unite with us, it is their choice. The benefits for them are great but some remain a law unto themselves. If we enforce it, it wouldn’t be a uniting for the good of all. Orkra refused to unite, therefore they stand alone."
"The Northland leader is my father, his son my brother! Surely that means something?"
"So I understand." Sympathy glimmered in her eyes. "It means this is exceedingly hard on you, but it makes no difference."
"It does to me!"
Leaning forward, Meekta fastened a narrow gaze on the furious Reeka. "That is why I am passing an order onto you. Because of your blood involvement with this, you are not to interfere in this war or go near Orkra."
"You can’t do that!"
"Your race are members of the Intergalactic Peace Council, and therefore you are bound by its laws."
"Surely they can’t do this?" She glared at Garret, who was standing silently beside her with his jaw clenched.
"I’m so sorry, lass but they can." He looked at the imposing black-robed leader. "Is there no way to stop this?"
"Orkra chose its own course and they must run it."
"I won’t betray my brother!"
"Know this now, warrior. If you disobey the order given you, you will be outlaw once more."
"You can’t!" Garret stepped forward, astonished anger on his face. "‘Tis her blood kin--"
The beautiful, golden-eyed Morican on Meekta’s left raised one hand. "Enough, Daamen. Once we start breaking laws for one person, soon another follows and before we know it, the structure that has kept fifty-four planets and countless races in relative peace will crumble, and wars will wage everywhere. We cannot allow that to happen. While we feel for Dana, the decision stands."
"Damn you all to hell!" Dana raged, and stormed from the room.
Garret started after her. "Dana, wait--"
"Hold, Garret."
He looked over his shoulder angrily at Meekta.
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