Marek (The Vartik King Chronicles Book 1)

by Liza Probz

  “Jazmine. Tell me more of this jewel. What is it and why do the creatures want it?” Zuch tapped the table, his eyes scanning Jazmine’s face as if he were trying to pull answers out of her faster than she was willing to divest of them.

  “It’s the bronze jewel of Gillum. I honestly don’t know why they want it. I’ve heard theories, but from what Marek tells me, it doesn’t exist.” She glanced down at her hands again before wiping her eyes once more.

  “They believe the prophecies true.” Marek’s mother reached over and brushed her hand over Zuch’s clasped fingers. “If the kidnapper wants the stone, they will want Jazmine to be the one to deliver it.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, my dear.” The handsome king stood and reached toward Jazmine, squeezing her shoulder softly. “And what of your feelings toward my son? You know that he is to be the next King of Vartik, correct?”

  Jazmine stood as well, the sudden urge to leave without having to explain the complexity of her feelings for Marek sitting heavily on her. She swallowed hard and glanced toward his mother before returning her attention to his father.

  “I understand he’s the next ruler of your people. He saved my life multiple times and I owe him a debt of gratitude. I’d do anything to repay that.” She smiled and felt feminine and small in front of them all of a sudden.

  “Do you care for him as a woman does a man?” Silvia stood too, reaching to touch Jazmine’s chin.

  “I love him, but I understand his place is with the two of you and his bloodline. I honor that and will leave as soon as I am able. Your hospitality will be rewarded, no doubt. I only hope I have the means to pay you both back one day.” She clasped her hands in front of her as her pulse quickened. Had she really just told Marek’s parents that she was in love with him? Was she?

  Yes. Completely.

  “Our son does have a great responsibility and the Vartiks descend from the gods directly, but you do as well. Your mother gave you a special ability to grant your power to your offspring while giving their paternal donor the right to the bloodline. If you are to be Marek’s bride instead of the woman we’ve chosen, then the gods will make that clear.” The king smiled kindly and glanced at his wife.

  “Yes, to all of us.” She smiled at Jazmine and took her by the arm. “Let’s get you something to eat, sweetheart. Then you can rest or do whatever you like. We’ll be pulling together a team to go after your brother. You will be intimately involved in all of the planning, whether you go or not.”

  “Thank you.” Jazmine walked to the door, the conversation still buzzing around in her skull. Had Marek’s father just opened the door for the two of them to be together if the gods gave proof of it being their plan? Could she be that lucky? To have found someone in one of the hardest times of her life who would support her, protect her, and love her?

  “Surely not,” she whispered and slipped out into the hall, walking quickly back to the elevator with a new hope and a deep prayer. Forever was what she wanted. Hopefully, he did too.

  Chapter 32

  The news of Jazmine’s pregnancy had him smiling like an idiot the entire time they moved back toward the house. He couldn’t wait to tell her but wanted to make sure it was properly timed. Blurting it out in the middle of the hall or over dinner would never work. He would get her something to eat after they met with his brothers and then he would pour them a hot bubble bath. He could break the news to her when they were naked and wrapped up together in the warmth of the soapy water.

  “That shit-eating grin is getting old fast.” Nojan poked his side and chuckled.

  Marek swatted at him and pressed the button for them to be ejected onto the fifth floor of the mansion. Surely, she was almost done talking to his parents. He hoped like hell she wasn’t upset that he had left her to do it alone. She was strong and could handle most people, his parents probably being the nicest that she had encountered.

  “I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest. I didn’t expect this to work out in my favor as well as it did.” They exited the elevator in time to see Jazmine slipping into the one opposite of them. Marek moved toward her, calling her name as the doors shut.

  “Just stay here. I bet she’ll come right back up. The girl is smart, beautiful, and funny. You’re a lucky bastard.” Nojan moved out into the hall beside Marek.

  “I hope I’m lucky. Mom and Dad are the only things standing in the way of me having Jazmine as my bride. Well, that and the girl actually saying yes.”

  “Does she know that you care for her?”

  “Yes. I told her earlier that I wanted to press forward, but I wouldn’t be able to until I knew where she stood. Knowing that the news of us wanting to be together would kill Mom and Dad, I’m not willing to do that if it’s for naught. I’ll have to see where she stands tonight and then I’ll move forward.”

  “Do you really think they will break your current engagement?” Nojan nodded toward the elevator as it opened. “Twenty rubals. Told you she would come back.”

  “I don’t know what they’ll do.” Marek glanced at his brother as Jaz approached. “We didn’t shake on it and I’m not giving you any money. You’re a hoarder. I’m sure you have more than all of us put together.”

  “More what?” Jazmine asked, stopping in front of them. Her dress fit her beautifully, the thick curves of her hips and breasts calling his attention to remain on her and forget that his brother even stood in the hall with them.

  He reached out and pulled her close, sliding his fingers into her hair and kissing her passionately. Nojan scoffed and walked away, bitching about wanting a hot woman of his own. Marek sucked her tongue into his mouth as his fingers tightened on her. He wanted to grant her any pleasure she might long for, offer her the galaxy, and promise forever. She held life inside of her, and he was the father of the babes.

  She pulled back, her cheeks coloring pink. “Wow. What was that for?”

  “I just wanted you to know how special you are to me. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more perfect.” He kissed her again softly and rubbed his nose alongside hers. “Were my parents cordial toward you?”

  “They were wonderful.” She licked at his mouth as her fingers slipped under his shirt, untucking it and moving in for another kiss as her stomach growled loudly.

  Marek pressed into the kiss, breathing in deeply to stain the scent of her lust onto his lungs. He moved back and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

  “Let’s feed you, baby. Then we can find someplace to get away and explore other types of hunger you might have.”

  “I’m still right here. Fuck.” Nojan turned and rolled his eyes. He pressed the button on the wall and held the door as it opened. “Are we going to get something to eat or is this about the ‘other hungers’?”

  “Food,” Jazmine growled and walked into the elevator. “Food and then take me back to the room to put on something more comfortable. I feel like a frog in a princess gown.”

  “You look like a princess completely.” Marek wagged his eyebrows, tugging her closer.

  “I’ll agree with my brother, though I’d rather you not tell him. His ego is impossible at best.” Nojan winked and held the door again as they moved out onto the first floor. “You guys grab something and meet me in the conference room. The big one with leather chairs, Marek.”

  Marek nodded and turned Jazmine to walk toward the dining hall. “My brothers are meeting up for a quick discussion on the trip to find Caleb. I knew you would want to be present, so we’ll grab our plates and head that way. We can change after, and then do you want to take a nap or see the countryside?”

  “I’d honestly like to visit the library and see what information your family has on mine.” Jazmine glanced around sheepishly.

  “Sounds wonderful. How are you feeling?” Marek moved toward the kitchen, opening the door and smiling at the head chef, Karnz, as he walked toward them.

  “Much better.” She smiled up at him. “I’m honestly feeling far better than I ha
ve in months. It’s weird.”

  Marek nodded and turned to the chef. It was the jewel. It was intimately connected to Jazmine. She would continue to feel more empowered, stronger, more capable, and focused from what he understood. The fear was that she might be drawn to it. Nothing could be more damning.

  Tucking his thoughts away from what could be, he focused on the matter at hand. Food.

  “Marek. You’re finally home, boy?” The portly chef wrapped Marek in a big hug, lifting him slightly off the floor.

  “Karnz, put me down, you old goat. You’re going to throw your back out.” Marek moved back and motioned toward Jaz. “This is Jazmine. She’s my guest.”

  “And a beautiful guest, she is.” The chef took Jaz’s hand and kissed it. “What can I get you to eat? Anything your heart delights.”

  “A sandwich would be incredibly good.” She smiled and Marek forced himself not to touch her.

  She was beautiful and so innocent in appearance. Having been through so much shit over the last few years, he wanted nothing more than to promise her better ones coming up, but he couldn’t do that just yet. He would have to bring Caleb back safe and sound first. There was no doubt in his mind that his brothers were capable of completing the mission successfully. They could do anything they put their minds to.

  “Hmm, what is this sandwich thing? Explain it and I shall recreate it for you.” The chef glanced to Marek with a look of question on his face.

  “It’s meat and bread. Just slice a few pieces off a loaf of bread and place ham or beef between the slices. If we have cheese, add it in there as well.” Marek glanced at Jazmine as a smile lifted his lips. “That right?”

  “Exactly.” She started to move toward him and stopped herself, their conversation from earlier about keeping her distance seeming to take hold.

  Marek almost wished he hadn’t said anything.

  Nojan moved in beside them, lifting his hand. “I’ll try this sandwich thing too. Sounds delicious.”

  “Marek?” The chef glanced at him.

  “Sure, why not? I could eat.”

  “You can always eat.” Nojan chuckled and walked toward a large basket of fruit, picking up a few random items and tossing several to Marek. “Let’s just eat here. I can’t find the others, but I’m sure that has something to do with the games down in the center square.”

  “Oh yeah. The festival is today, isn’t it?” Marek caught the fruits and glanced toward Jaz. “Come on. I’ll cut you off a piece of these while we wait for our sandwiches. You can decide which you like best.”

  “Sounds good.” Jazmine reached out and took two of the large pinzel fruit from him. “What festival is happening?”

  “It’s the week of Kanz. It’s almost like your thankfulness celebration. We give honor and worship to our gods for the fruits of the trees and the grains in the field.” Nojan sat down at a beautifully ornate round table, the wood dark and almost cherry colored.

  Marek set his fruit down and took Jazmine’s before reaching out to help her sit. She smirked up at him and pulled her arm away, chuckling. “I’m not helpless, you barbarian. I’m just tired.”

  “So complicated, woman.” Marek sat down and reached into the pocket of his slacks. He pulled out a small knife and shaved off a bit of the fruit for her. He handed it to her before cutting Nojan and himself a slice. She took a small nibble and squinted hard, her lips pulling in tightly.

  “Oh my god, this is wicked sour. It’s like the lemons from my home planet, but the crunch and texture are like an apple.” She took another bite before handing it back.

  Marek popped it in his mouth and smiled. “I love these. I assume you don’t by your giving it back? We beat each other up for the last one when we’re down to the final fruit.”

  Nojan chuckled and sat back. “No one beats anyone up. Marek threatens us, and because he’s the oldest and fattest, he gets it.”

  “Fattest? Fittest.” Marek reached down and ran his hands along his chest and waist. He kept himself in perfect condition, not for the desire to look good but to remain healthy. His people would need him to be around long after his father was taken to be with their ancestors, and he would. He glanced toward Jazmine as she let a sound of appreciation leave her. The lust that ran across her gaze caused his own need to awaken.

  “Oh crap. I didn’t mean to start this again.” Nojan tapped the table to get everyone’s attention. “Food’s here.”

  Marek sat back as one of the servants set their plates down. Jazmine could teach them a lot and it would start here in the kitchen. He loved to eat almost more than he enjoyed sex, the two the highest pleasure outside of being truly loved.

  “Did you get any information from the scan that you did on me earlier?” Jazmine asked Nojan.

  Marek glanced at his brother as the younger man shoved a large bite of the sandwich in his mouth. He started to respond, but nothing could be made out due to his mouth being so full. Jazmine laughed and turned to Marek.

  “Please tell me you understood that?” she asked.

  “Absolutely. He said that he did, but he wanted to double-check one more slide. You’re healthy and he’ll have the information for you fully by the end of the day.” Marek glanced at Nojan. “That about right, buddy?”

  “Yep. That’s what I said.” Nojan smiled cheekily and Jazmine laughed, the sound bringing Marek far more pleasure than he cared to admit.

  Chapter 33

  Jazmine sat back, a soft sigh leaving her as she finished the last bite of her sandwich. It had been beyond delicious, which surprised her. Visiting various planets left her wanting to go home all the more, namely because of the food. Territh had the best fare by far, but Vartik seemed to be close in the running.

  She smiled at Marek and stood, wanting to reach over and run her fingers through his hair. It was longer than it had been when they met, the curls at the top getting more prominent. She forced herself to move from the table instead of following the desire of her heart. He asked her to keep her distance just until he could help his parents understand their situation. She could respect that.

  She gathered up everyone’s plate and walked it back to the kitchen, Marek fussing at her about doing anything when she was the guest. She didn’t want to be a guest but a permanent fixture. To find a place to really call home was the cry of her heart. Now to get Caleb and figure out if Vartik was that place.

  The large chef moved toward her, a smile on his portly face. “Well? How was my first sandwich?”

  “Delicious. I’ve honestly never had a better one.”

  He laughed loudly and patted his stomach. “I was thinking the same thing. I just had two. What a delightful lunch item. Thank you for bringing the idea to me. You’re welcome in my kitchen anytime. Just don’t touch the stove. It’s mine and mine alone!”

  Jazmine smiled at him and nodded. “Don’t touch the stove. Got it.”

  Turning, she walked into the dining hall as her heart filled with desire. Desire to belong. Nojan and Marek were pushing at each other playfully, the sound of their laughter causing her lip to turn up in a smile. She missed her brother, but their relationship had never been playful. Caleb was an old soul and so filled with concern and worry of destruction that he never really seemed to live. How he was surviving whatever the hell he was going through was a mystery to her.

  There would be no pulling him out of his shell once she got him back. It didn’t matter though. She would never stop trying. She stopped beside Marek as Nojan’s eyes got wide.

  “Wow. Your light is brilliant and shimmering. What has you worked up?” He glanced up at her as Marek moved in closer, sliding an arm around her back.

  “What’s the matter, Jaz?” Marek turned her to face him.

  “Just thinking about my brother.”

  “Oh. Let’s find the others and we’ll figure out the last pieces of the puzzle to get us on the road to finding him,” Nojan suggested, glancing at Marek as if asking permission.

  “How about I t
ake Jaz to the library and you and I go round everyone up? I don’t want to drag her all over the city. It’s the hottest part of the day. We’ll show her the grounds tomorrow morning early when the sun’s yet to fully come out.”

  “I like that idea.” Jazmine ran her fingers over her stomach, glancing down at it. “I’m feeling much better, but the fluttering in my stomach hasn’t stopped. Weird.”

  “I think I know why. Let me put two and two together and we’ll talk tonight?” Nojan reached over, running his hand along Jazmine’s shoulder.

  “Hands off, dude,” Marek barked at his brother and glanced down at Jazmine. “You want to change first?”

  “No, the dress is actually quite comfortable. Just show me where to go and I’ll hang out there until you come get me or I’ll find my way back to my room.” She smiled and glanced at Nojan. “Did you tell him about stripping me into my panties and bra?”

  Marek growled as Nojan held his hands up. “Oh shit. Tell him you’re kidding. Tell him you’re—”

  Marek moved so fast, Jazmine almost didn’t see him. Nojan took off down the hall yelling of his innocence.

  Jazmine smirked and looked over as the chef joined her.

  “Boys will be boys, eh?”

  “They’re men, or at least they appear to be.”

  “We all do.” He laughed. “The library is at the opposite end of the floor. It takes up a large chunk of the north hall. Have a great time. It’s beautiful and peaceful there.”

  “Great. Tell the men—I mean boys—that I’m there if they come back looking for me.”

  “I shall.” He chuckled again and disappeared back into the kitchen.

  Jazmine picked up another fruit that looked more like a peach and wrapped it in a small napkin, wanting to keep it for later should her stomach start up again. She walked down the long hall that ran along the side of the mansion, the walls a beautifully tinted glass from floor to ceiling. The sun sat in the far end of the sky, its yellow tint having bled out to almost crimson. She would have to spend one night outside, watching it set. Marek had most likely seen it set a million times.