Moments later the battle began in earnest. The missiles hadn’t incapacitated nearly enough of the enemy. Roarr at his side, Kaje jumped into the fight with his pistol in one hand and knife in the other. He large man charged him. Kaje fired and twisted away, but not before he felt laser fire graze his shoulder. Before the warrior could try again Kaje shot again, leaving a black smoking hole in his chest.
And so it continued, bloody and brutal. Time meant nothing as he lost himself to the familiar rhythm of battle. Roarr’s and Barak’s warriors were joined by the Bana men who’d started the battle unarmed. They’d ripped the clan patches off their uniforms, the only way to distinguish them. Finally, there was no one left to fight. They held the courtyard and the house. He was joining Roarr and Barak as Mikail Bana was dragged out, bleeding from a gash on his side but still defiant.
“You think you’ve won, Trace,” he spat out. “You haven’t. I am only the beginning.”
“Find someplace to lock him up,” Barak ordered the warriors holding him. “I’ll question him later.”
They led him away and Kaje was shocked to see Britt and Janice exit the tall doors of the castle. He walked with Roarr and Barak, Falkor intercepting, to meet the women. He couldn’t believe the Trace warriors had allowed them to join the battle. Sergei joined them too.
“You’re scientists are inside. I separated them. The women and children were pawns, most of them mated to warriors who were in open opposition to Mikail,” Britt said.
“And no one thought to come to us.”
Britt shrugged. “They wanted to deal with it inside the clan. Didn’t want everyone tainted.”
Kaje understood that, but now they had the difficult task of figuring out who could be trusted and who should be executed.
“Any word about Xan?” he asked. If he’d passed the exam by Zola’s mother, then this was his mess.
“Anna Leigh said he’s loyal.”
“You believe her?”
“In this, yes. We’ll keep a close eye on her, though. They’ve already left Earth.”
So they’d arrive in a week or so. “How do you want to handle this?” he asked Barak, indicating the two groups of warriors who’d been disarmed and now waiting under guard.
“Shackle that group,” he said of the warriors who’d fought against them. “Let’s work on clearing the others first.”
They took over seven ground floor rooms, each of them taking one, and began the questioning. It was after midnight when Roarr came to get him.
“Come on. We’re heading back to the Keep. Barak is taking command here. If they need us we’ll come back in the morning.”
Chapter Fifteen
Parker checked the timepiece on the wall again and debated what to do. Kaje was late. Later than his earlier message said he would be. She picked up her comm, typed and deleted three testy messages before deciding to go find him. To express her annoyance in person. Was it really that hard to let her know he was delayed?
She considered changing out of the soft yellow outfit he’d been trying to talk her into wearing, but she didn’t care that it was an announcement of sorts. She’d made her decision. Decided to take a risk on the infuriating man. He’d spent so much time trying to convince her they belonged together he couldn’t possibly change his mind now. A tiny tendril of fear entered her. What if he had? What if her reluctance had finally convinced him she wasn’t worth the effort? No, she refused to believe that. But if he had, she’d deal with it. But he’d tell her to her face damn it.
No one spoke to her as she left the family wing or entered the main foyer. She took the most direct route through the center of the warrior compound. They were used to seeing her now so she doubted anyone would pay attention to her. She’d gone through the first long hall, hardly noticing anyone, when she entered the wide open common area where the warriors congregated off duty or gathered pre-mission. It was busier than she’d expected and she was halfway across before the heavy grim mood penetrated her thoughts. She slowed, then stopped.
No one had spoken to her. There hadn’t even been a nod of greeting. It was extremely unusual. She saw a group of warriors nearby who she knew, senior advisors and soldiers. They fell silent when she approached and bowed as one.
“Lady Stian, you shouldn’t be here right now,” one said.
“What’s going on?” She didn’t see Kaje anywhere. If something was wrong, he’d be here right?
“Parker,” Vidar said behind her and she turned to see him. His older brothers were with him. They were doing a good job of shielding, but couldn’t hide their worry.
“Where is Kaje?” Or the clan chief. “Roarr?”
Vidar stepped close, set his hand between her should blades, and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “We’ll tell you what we know in our quarters.”
“Tell me now,” she demanded quietly, looking at all three of them in turn.
“Parker, this is one of those times when a der’lan follows the advice of her brothers, lifts her chin, and finds someplace a private conversation remains private,” Vidar said.
She nodded, grateful when they closed ranks around her and led her back to their rooms. Once the door shut behind them, she stopped fighting the tremors that shook her. Vidar urged her to the sofa, sat next to her, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. It wasn’t like her to accept comfort, but she trusted him enough to lean close.
“What’s happened?”
“He went after the Bana clan. That’s all we know right now.”
She should have guessed something like that. Zola had let her know earlier that her mother had passed on the names of six Tel agents and four Delroi warriors to Britt. The Bana clan chief, Mikail, was on it. There was a good chance the Tel agents were with him. He wouldn’t stand a chance against several strong telepaths. Fear and fury burned in her. She met everyone’s gaze one by one and bit her lip, trying not to lash out, but damn it was hard.
“Why aren’t you with him?” She stood up. “You can get a shuttle. We can’t just sit here.”
She had combat experience. She couldn’t leave him out in the desert, probably hurt, possibly…no. She wouldn’t go there. Vidar stood with her, a small tilt to his lips that was almost a smile.
“He did good finding you,” he said softly. “But there’s no need to rush out and endanger yourself. Roarr’s with them. They have a company of Keep warriors and a company of Trace’s warriors.”
She took a breath through the vise around her lungs. “Roarr went too?”
Vidar nodded.
“I should go check on Kareena.”
“No, Parker,” he said gently, catching her hand before she could pass and continuing wryly. “Perhaps if you hadn’t walked through the warrior’s wing wearing Kaje’s colors you go could back, but not now.”
She scowled. “Why not? I can’t wait for news with a friend? A friend I’ve incidentally gone through hell with,” she pointed out.
“You’re Kaje’s der’lan and you just acknowledged it in the most public way possible. Your first duty is to your mate, and ours is to make sure you’re protected. If you leave, it’s another public declaration. That you don’t trust us to do that.”
“You’re saying this a family honor thing.”
He nodded. She’d been around them enough to know she’d insult them deeply if she insisted on leaving.
“Well, shit,” she muttered and slowly sank back down. “What do we do now?”
Vidar and his brothers joined her sitting down. Weren’t they just a comedy team? “We wait.”
She wasn’t that patient. She reached out to Kareena.
“Have you heard anything?”
“No, but I feel Roarr through our bond. Everything’s okay.”
For a moment she was jealous. It quickly turned to irritation with herself. If she hadn’t taken so long to decide, she’d already have that connection with Kaje.
“Thanks,” she said to Kareena. “Let me know if you hear anything?”
&n
bsp; “Of course. Where are you?”
“Kaje’s quarters.”
“I’ll let you know when I get an update.”
“Thanks.”
She broke contact and reached out for Kaje. Nothing. She didn’t panic this time. Because of the distance, she hadn’t really expected it to work.
Hours later she was nudged awake and Vidar helped her to her feet. “Any news?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. You’re going to bed though.”
“I thought you said I couldn’t leave?”
“Kaje’s room is right down the hall.”
He led the way and hovered outside the door when she entered. “He won’t mind if you want to change into one of his shirts. Check the bureau.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
The door closed with a soft swoosh and she turned to study the room. The lights were off, but she didn’t need them to see. Tall glass doors on the opposite of the room opened onto a balcony. Both moons were full and high and provided plenty of light. She moved to the drawer Vidar had indicated and found a soft shirt, lifted it to her face. It smelled like Kaje, masculine and spicy, and she repressed a whimper. How had he wormed his way so deeply in her heart without her noticing? What would she do if he never came back? It was too horrible to contemplate, but she found herself wiping away tears as she changed. She climbed into his bed and buried her face in a pillow.
*
He was dead tired by the time he got back to the Keep, fended off the healers, and made his way to his quarters. He should have known Vidar would be waiting. His brother didn’t rise from his slouch in one of the big chairs, but he looked him over carefully.
“Any of that blood yours?”
Kaje shook his head. “No.”
“Your men?”
“All fine. We got the Banas and the scientists. It’ll take weeks to straighten out which warriors were part of the rebellion and which weren’t. Xan Bana will be here next week. It should be his problem.”
It wasn’t nearly as easy as he made it sound but Vidar didn’t push the issue. “I’m going to get cleaned up, go find Parker, and sleep for about two days.”
Well, go to bed for two days. He’d realized one thing during the long afternoon and night. He was done giving her time. He wasn’t wasting a second more. Vidar stood and grinned at him.
“You won’t be going far then. She’s in your bed.”
Damn, and he’d been out here talking to his brother?
Vidar grinned. “Walked right through the warrior’s courtyard wearing Steward yellow.”
She’d worn his colors. In the most public declaration she could. Fatigue and battle aches were forgotten. Joy soared.
“Tomorrow, brother,” he snapped and stalked to his room.
She lay on her side, hands tucked under her face, with her hair wild around her. Sometime in the night she’d kicked off the blanket so he got an eyeful of long smooth legs. He was tempted to strip where he stood and go to her, but he was sandy, sweaty, and bloody. He didn’t want to give her any excuse to refuse him once he joined her in that bed. Besides, he admitted, he stank to high heavens.
He was quick but thorough in the shower, stepped out and wrapped the towel around his hips. He noticed her clothes draped over the arm of a chair when he reentered the bedroom and stopped to run his fingers over them, elation lifting his heart. She knew the significance of the color, knew wearing it was a symbol of belonging. He wasn’t tired anymore, but he held himself back when he lay down next to her. She was pale. Sleep did nothing to hide the smudges under her eyes and he saw tracks down her cheeks from tears. She’d cried herself to sleep. Because of fear for him. She’d waited until she was alone. If she hadn’t Vidar would have torn into him right away. One thing a Delroi male couldn’t take was a crying woman, especially a der’lan or sister. And his brothers were determined to keep her around even if she wasn’t. Knowing Parker she was well aware of that, had held her fear back for them.
When she woke he would make sure she heard he knew. That she knew how proud and grateful he was for her loyalty and honor. He’d make sure she knew he loved her.
“It’s kind of hard to miss,” she whispered, voice heavy with sleep. “You’re practically screaming it.”
Yawning, she tilted her head back and opened her eyes. “You’re back.”
“And you’re exhausted,” he said, gathering her close in his arms. “Go back to sleep, baby.”
“Tell me,” she whispered. “Tell me out loud.”
He turned her so they faced each other. “I love you, Lady Stian.”
“I love you too. But if you scare me like that again I might hurt you when you get home.”
He grinned. Home. Here with him. “Did you pack yet?”
“Your brothers wouldn’t let me leave. That won’t happen again, Kaje. I’m a priestess and the Steward’s der’lan. I won’t hide out in here like a coward while you go out and fight.”
Damn, she was incredible. Fierce and strong. She would make the Keep proud. But while he’d allow her some latitude he had limits. He wouldn’t be taking her into battle with him the Barak and Falkor had with their mates.
“As long as you stay inside the Keep or the temple.”
When she started to protest he stopped her with a kiss. It was hot and hard. Demanding. She melted against him and it took effort to draw back.
“Don’t argue, baby. I won’t risk my heart.”
She frowned, but instead of trying to dissuade his decision, she changed the subject. “What happened? I couldn’t sense you. You were too far away.”
He hadn’t thought much about the range of her telepathy. With the bond it wouldn’t matter. “It’s time to complete this, my der’lan.”
“I know. I’m surprised you waited this long,” she teased.
But no longer. The words of the ritual mating prayer played in his head and he didn’t hold them back. On the last word he felt the connection, the bond between them snap together. It was a shock. Touching his heart. His soul. She stared at him with wide eyes, surprised but thankfully not fearful.
“There’s no escaping me now,” he murmured, as he rolled to his back and pulled her to drape over him.
She gave him a sultry smile. “That goes both ways.”
Magnificent and possessive. She took the very air from his lungs.
“Now, no more stalling. What happened yesterday?”
He told her everything.
“Did Bana tell you where the Tel agents are?”
He repressed his anger. “The memories were removed. We have no idea where they are.”
He was starting to realize they weren’t as safe as they’d once believed. Thankfully, Parker was able to defend herself against these enemy agents. Still…The image of her walking into the thick of weapons’ fire would haunt him for the rest of his days.
“Promise you’ll be careful, Parker,” he ordered. “Don’t take anymore stupid risks.”
He expected her to lash back at that, but she surprised him. “I won’t. But I want the same promise from you.”
“You have it.”
“They’re coming for us. Me, Kareena, and Zola.”
“I know.” And it terrified him. “We’ll face them together.”
As daunting as that task seemed—allowing his der’lan into danger instead of shielding her from it—it felt right. She grinned.
“I heard that thought.”
He grabbed her hips and rolled over, covering her body with his.
“Eavesdropping, my lady?”
He leaned down to kiss that spot on her neck that always tempted him. She shivered.
“What if I was?”
Her hands slid up her back, scratching lightly. He arched into the caress, wanting nothing more than to pound into her. Take her hard and fast this first time as a truly mated couple, but he stopped himself. She deserved more. Better. To celebrate their future, he wanted to go slow and savor every second. Every touch and taste. Every ounce of he
r pleasure. She went still and sensed a combination of need and tension from her.
“No,” she whispered, her hand closing around his cock and guiding him into position. “Don’t wait. You can do slow and teasing later. Now I need you inside me. Hard and fast, mate. Prove to me this is real.”
“You know it is, baby.”
“It feels like…a dream. I’m afraid if I hesitate it will slip through my fingers.”
“Never,” he whispered, thrusting into her. Unable to refuse to her desire to be comforted. “I will never let you go.”
He took them on a wild fast ride, didn’t hold any of himself back. He gave her everything. His heart. His soul. His body. The bond between them was strong and he felt the gift of hers in return. Was shaken by the level of trust she’d given him. The first tremble signaling she was coming rippled through her body. He was powerless to hold back as his own as her pussy tightened around his cock, as if refusing to let him go. It was a long time later, still shuddering from the orgasm that he spoke.
“I love you,” he whispered, as she sucked in a deep breath. Flushed with passion. Beautiful and all his.
“Possessive,” she gasped.
“Hell yes.”
“That goes both ways.”
He hated hearing that hint of vulnerability in her voice, but he was patient. They were together, she was his, and time would prove his loyalty more than any promises.
“I like this possessive side of you,” he said.
“Oh yeah?” She looped her arms around his neck. “You better because it isn’t going away.”
“I don’t expect it to.”
“I love you too,” she said softly.
Irresistible (Delroi Prophecy) Page 14