Taming a Raven

by Kathleen Lash

  With the room cleared, he’d been about to move when Materna Marianna said, “Hold fast, General. Others have been summoned to cleanse Reina.

  The danger wil pass once she no longer bears the mating scent. Although,” she said, the words pronounced slowly, almost seductively, “you’re of the planet Domineer and your rod seems quite needy. Should you wish to postpone your duty for a spel , our lady’s been readied for a mating. The male selected for her is of your breed. I believe you’re a better choice. You may take her.” He wasn’t surprised one of his kind had been procured for the process. Domineers were noted for aggression, intel igence and their powerful build.

  Such attributes were sought-after commodities in numerous worlds. Many of the Raven Clan already possessed Domineer blood.

  Tempted, his mind visualized the act. His breed possessed an exceedingly strong need to procreate, especial y with a healthy, aroused female at hand. He deployed years of practiced control and the overpowering urges subsided. His cock eventual y understood there’d be no mating this morn and took its leave to soften a bit.

  “Ah, too bad, General. Your refusal disappoints me. Your young age, rank and physical strength make you a great coup in our breeding beds.

  Perhaps later when your mission is complete, you’l let us make you welcome. Your pleasure would be intense, endless for a time, and a raven could take al that you withhold from other females.”

  “Enough!” His temper final y flared.

  He’d learned from books and instructors about the handling and use of a raven. They remained a community of females throughout life. He’d never pondered the exact ritual for conception with such a one-sided social structure. He did recal their need for a male to be singular—reproduction. Prior to off-planet travel, the ravens availed themselves to males from other clans on Haven. Too, regardless of what species they mated, al offspring remained predominantly raven.

  The thought of spending time in their breeding chamber enticed him physical y for a short moment. After thinking beyond the sex, being used for the purpose of breeding repulsed him clear to his gut. It whol y remedied the col ection of blood to his cock as wel . His time in a Theazian prison taught him many lessons beyond his years, lessons not easily forgotten about being used.

  Two young ravens came into the room. Not more than two decades in age, they carried a bucket between them. They made haste going to the lady and quickly, almost carelessly, washed her. The lady recoiled from their touch but couldn’t escape with the restraints in place.

  A scent overwhelmed the warm room. It reminded him of things green and living, planet-bound rarities known only to some worlds. Flowers, sage, grasses and other such delicate organics twisted in the fragrance. When the younger of the two wet the cloth and placed it between Reina’s thighs, the lady went rigid and barely stifled a scream. Bumps from cold covered her creamy flesh as she endured yet another round of cleansing. Once done, one young raven loosened the restraints, the other went to a panel in the wal and slid it to the side. A blast of frigid air entered the chamber. Lady Reina immediately and uncontrol ably shivered.

  The younguns left as quickly as they came. Materna Marianna’s voice sounded stern. “Reina, you’re needed. You must join me now. Make haste!” Reina struggled to sit up and trembled, her eyes remained closed. Long tendrils of wet, raven black hair hung in disarray down her back with shorter pieces framing her face. “The Governance is in need of a tracker. Your time’s come.” Her shaking needled him to move. Marianna motioned for him to be stil . “Lady!” Marianna shrieked before a violent pulse shot through him.

  His head ached from the nonverbal communication. After arguing with Materna Nakita, fighting down the unexpected and unwelcome lust and standing in the frosty breeze, his temper quickly mounted. Best the lady do as requested and move her little body like her clan depended on it.

  She moved slowly off the platform as if asleep. She went to her knees beside the bed, presenting her back. Her hand came up to grasp hair and pul it forward, leaving her posterior clear to view. Taken aback at the sight of pink scars striping her from the shoulders down, his temper faded, confusion washing it away.

  Her slender arms came up and delicate fingers grasped the edge of the bed. He couldn’t fathom what she sought to accomplish. Al became clear when the materna moved swiftly toward her before raising and bringing down a whip against her flesh. The whistle of the whip and the blood rising to the surface of the lady’s skin sickened and infuriated him. His eyes blurred as he cleared the distance and snatched the offensive weapon from the materna’s hand.

  “The pain from the cold brought her awake. Stronger pain is needed to make her alert,” she said.

  “You’l die if you harm her again.” He ripped the damn thing apart and threw the pieces against the wal . “Bring me her clothes.” He went to the lady, bent and placed his hands at her waist. Icy skin made him pul away before he placed them firmly a second time, knowing now what to expect. She came to her feet with his aid and he helped her turn. Her arms fel limply against her sides and he lifted her, seating her upon the soggy furs. His palm touched her frozen cheek and she nuzzled against him. Her eyelids drew apart lazily. “I can’t think clearly. The pain wil make me conscious.”

  Her soft, drowsy voice sank into him. His thumb touched a cheekbone before stroking her perfect skin. “You’l not be brought to your senses by a whip. Not in my presence and not this morn, Lady. You’l be given the time you need once we’ve left this asylum.”

  “It’s our way.”

  “It’s not mine.”

  The Materna reappeared with another raven fol owing. They set a smal , worn satchel next to his bag and placed clothing on the bed. As they worked the soft black leather garments over her chil -bumped skin, Marianna said, “She’l not leave here unless we know she can comprehend. If she’s our hope of continued safety through Governance patrol, we’l take no chance. It’s not in our nature to be cruel, especial y to one of our own. I only meant to waken her in the quickest manner possible.”

  “Your attempt at rushing the process astounds me. Nakita delivered quite a performance before agreeing to turn the lady over. By the markings on her back, it’s obvious your only regret wil be the effort in finding another to take your wrath.” When needed, he helped the lady stand and they continued working the supple covering over her long, curving legs.

  “The contempt in your voice isn’t necessary. We al bear similar marks, having endured what’s necessary at points in our existence. Your shal ow knowledge may yet get her kil ed.”

  A belt was tightly cinched around her hips to hold the pants in place. Reina cooperated the best she could. A black leather shirt was then pushed over her head before they tied her in. At last she depicted the raven women shown to him throughout training, the exception being her slender, naked feet and swol en half-mast eyes.

  “Your foot, Reina, lift it for us,” the Materna ordered.

  “Sorry, Materna.”

  He held her arm as she hobbled first on one foot and then the other while knee-high black boots were pul ed up. Her flesh warmed once she’d been covered. The sleek, wel -worn pants rode low on her hips and hugged every inch. The shirt covered her breasts with intricate lacing, revealing skin and the inner edges of plump mounds. It fastened behind her neck, leaving long arms and slim shoulders exposed. Her bare waist al owed him to see the muscles in her abdomen flex as she repositioned herself.

  When she was almost ready to leave, he released her arm and fetched his bag. He brought forth the col ar and fastened it securely around her neck before placing the slim armband control unit around his wrist. The compliance device would be used only as a means to protect the woman. With that foremost in mind, he felt less vile having placed it.

  The materna and young raven stepped back to view their work before an intrusive, keening and highly infuriating cal penetrated his skul . Each time it happened, he seemed more sensitive to their form of communication. Lady Reina’s attention heig
htened and revealed two unusual y colored amber eyes.

  The trademark ring of white around the black pupil expanded as the sound continued to escalate. The youngun whipped around and ran from the chamber. A similar inclination came over him as his temples pounded. Marianna continued emitting the high-pitched vibration that lessened Reina’s stupor.

  Gage’s jaw set so he wouldn’t utter a complaint about the repeated cal s. He believed anything to be more merciful than bloodying her back. With their kind being more sensitive to the shril broadcasts, it was little wonder she pul ed herself together soonest.

  The sleepy appearance gave way to acute awareness as her body tensed, muscles tightened and her spine straightened. The transformation amazed him. A few moments back, he’d hardly been able to fathom the delicate, sensual creature could be a tactical, ruthless expert at locating and at times destroying targets twice her size.

  Blood trickled from Reina’s nose and Gage reached out, grabbed the materna and shook her harshly until the sound stopped. Reina used the back of her trembling hand to make a pass beneath her nose. It came away smeared with blood. Marianna stepped away from him and turned, saying, “The whip would’ve been kinder.”

  When the lady coughed and covered her mouth, he saw spatters of blood on her palm. He reached behind her and grabbed a damp discarded cloth before careful y wiping her face and hand. She’d been spared nothing. Once he cleaned her, he aggressively threw the cloth aside. The old hag best make herself scarce. He had the inclination just then to make her bleed.

  He grasped the lady’s arm, gathered both bags and led her toward the door. “We have ten minutes to board ship. If you can’t keep up, speak now.” She walked silently as her long legs and booted feet almost kept stride. Although her gate was sure, purposeful and determined, it wasn’t particularly feminine. Pleased with their progress and her ability to keep up, he quickened the pace. Conveyance from the underground caverns was impossible and they needed to reach surface level before they could transport.

  As they walked, he mental y prepared for that which lay ahead. Soon they’d be aboard the Raze IV. Each successive ship built in the Raze series boasted numerous technological advances from the one prior. He’d commanded IV previously when she’d been the newest member of the fleet. After having spent the past six months serving on the council, he felt a measure of excitement having the Raze back and heading to space. He’d been too young to sit with elders and measure out tactical advice. He belonged at the helm of a ship. Those at the Governance final y realized his true value. A pity it took Blaize Deacon’s abduction to bring it about.

  “The control device isn’t necessary, General,” she said as she walked, spine straight and head held high. “I’m quite wil ing to accompany you.”

  “Its purpose isn’t to persuade you to go, Lady. It’l be used for compliance during our time together.” He stole glances at her in the ever-increasing light and wondered how she’d received that information. The corner of her mouth kicked up a bit and her expression immediately put him on alert. She should be resigned or displeased at its use, not amused. “Have you the notion to test its effectiveness, Lady?”

  “Certainly not, Sir. Materna Marianna relayed the seriousness of my placement with you and my need for success in locating the president’s son.”

  “And when did she tel you al this?”

  “She explained prior to you shaking her, Sir.”

  The words by themselves had been utterly respectful. He didn’t care for her tone of voice or the increasing smirk. It rather infuriated him. “If you understand how grave the situation is, explain to me what you find humorous.”

  He stopped her by planting his feet and using the hand on her arm to spin her. He wanted to view her ful facial expression. A purposeful frown appeared even harder for her to maintain, the light in the tunnel reflecting the whimsical set of her eyes.

  “Sir?”

  “Your eyes are dancing with laughter,” he said, using a tone clear with warning many military men twice her age cowered from.

  Daring to make a tsk ing sound prior to speaking, she replied, “My eyes can hardly dance, General. You’ve mistaken me. I’m deeply sorry I’ve given rise to your anger. Please forgive me.”

  Not a damn thing about her expression looked remorseful. If the lives of her clan didn’t rest on her shoulders, he’d swear she took some perverse delight in the contradictory behavior. He forced his mouth to remain closed as he considered the possibility he might’ve misconstrued her demeanor. His knowledge of ravens was gleaned years prior and his personal experience consisted of fifty-one minutes. “We must hurry.” Almost to the main level, she commented, “I beg your pardon, Sir, but your col ar is a bit tight and gives me the incredible urge to scratch beneath. Is there by chance a different one available for my irritation?”

  “Compliance,” he gritted out.

  “Very wel , Sir. Compliance. Is there?”

  “No.”

  A long sigh came from her and on a breath he swore he heard, What a pity.

  In contrast to her implied words, his retort came out loud enough there could be no mistake. “I may have erred when I took the whip from your elder.” He glanced over and final y found an appropriate expression. His cal ous remark wiped away any trace of humor and that he took comfort in.

  Chapter Two

  Appearing suddenly on the bridge of the ship, Reina glanced around to make sure she’d arrived in one piece before noticing the people standing at attention. How sil y they looked, completely stil as if carved from stone. Officers wore the same dark blue uniform as the general while those in lower ranks wore garments much lighter. Their customs were somewhat known to her from studies on the Governance, but she never imagined she’d see the formality in person. The use of raven women ceased when she wore braids.

  They saluted her escort, giving him complete attention. She remained emotionless on the surface but her stomach bunched up with trapped laughter.

  A brigadier general title suited the muscled and staunch man. His arrogance alone could’ve earned it for him. His height could’ve too. She wondered if these military people ever devoted time to laughter, fun or other such worthy pursuits.

  “General Ryker, the ship’s been made ready,” an officer the general’s age said.

  “Very good. At ease.” His deep and commanding voice was perfectly suited to his station.

  He stood at least nine inches tal er than her. She didn’t particularly care for his intensity to be focused in her direction. Regardless, his gaze met hers prior to saying, “Lady Raven, I’l take you to the mapping room if you’re ready to begin.” Her mouth practical y watered at al the electronics she’d studied but never laid fingers on. She had little interest in star charts and old-fashioned navigation. Her education was superb. She walked forward cautiously to the communications panel.

  “Lady!” Warning and menace were strongly conveyed because she’d heard that particular tone prior. It mostly came from others in authority.

  She wasn’t a bad raven, didn’t mean to anger those having charge of her, but certain things proved too tempting and, alas, she couldn’t stifle such strong urges. Quickly bending at the waist, she touched the virtual screen and made it sizzle to life. She was bemused by the responsiveness and speed strong urges. Quickly bending at the waist, she touched the virtual screen and made it sizzle to life. She was bemused by the responsiveness and speed in which it rotated, located and made her requests reality. She spoke in utter awe. “Such lovely playthings you have at your disposal, Sir.” Barely hearing the snickers from the personnel, she had no such trouble detecting his presence. His breathing alone told her she’d receive at least a scolding for touching toys she’d yet been given permission to handle. In an attempt to avoid the lecture, she programmed the artificial intel igence as she spoke. “Blaize Deacon, major in the Serenity Governance, son of the most popular president to date for ending a two-hundred-year war.” The baby major’s face appeared before stati
stical information rushed in front of her eyes. She loved the speed of technology and knew to another it might’ve appeared as random flashes of light. It took many slaps from a few of the maternas before they believed she could thusly learn. But, oh, that’d been so many years ago with a relic of tech-data. She actual y concentrated very hard to grasp al the information spewing forth. Transfixed by particulars, she reflexively sat at the console so her body would be at ease while her mind worked.

  Gage and the others looked on as she became total y focused on what the computer transmitted into three-dimensional images and words. He’d initial y neared to pul her away from the sophisticated equipment as she appeared to randomly play with the screen. It quickly became obvious her skil in the use of computers surpassed anyone on board.

  “Do you know who’s taken him, Sir?” she asked, her voice sounding detached and emotionless.

  “Theazians.”

  Her fingers worked quickly as images raced. “Real y, General, an entire world destroyed. Was it necessary?” His jaw set at her flippant remark.

  Before he could speak however, she again managed to avoid his wrath when she drew in a breath, held it and released it with a sound of hurt. “Bastards!

  Pity you didn’t get al of them.”

  Without interrupting her, he stepped around so he could see her face. The moisture in her eyes told him she’d learned the history of Theazians. The images of countless acts of brutality in the murder, rape, pil age and annihilation of vast colonies of beings flashed by in rapid succession. The screen went stil as she looked up. A tear threatened to escape.

  “I apologize for my initial tactless ignorance, Sir. Please forgive me?” He studied her sad, pained expression and believed it to be genuine.

  “Of course.”

  Soulful amber pools held his gaze. She truly appeared sorry for the jibe. He’d led the force in the obliteration of Theazia years prior and never felt anything but utter relief at its destruction. Many of the inhabitants perished as the planet turned inside out but not al were caught in one strike. Some of the demons were off world and continued to maraud from various base camps throughout the system.