“I think you’ve managed.” Araman said dryly. He put the papers down on the desk; he was reviewing before his underling rudely interrupted him.
“A little bird mentioned I was going to be on the move again.” Santari mentioned taking the drink Araman offered him.
“You’re not. What makes you think you’re going anywhere?” Araman asked him setting down the papers he had in his hand.
“I was told to be prepared to pack up everything.” Santari took a swallow of the almond-flavored brandy. It warmed his throat on the way to his stomach. He gave the Commandant a grin knowing he was pricking at the other man’s patience.
“Who in the Frigg said this?” Araman wanted to know.
“Your underling out there.” Santari shrugged. “She’s a bird alright. More like an old hen. What happened to the other one? She was a pretty thing.”
“I saw the nasty look she gave Brea and I transferred her to your new office. She makes for a good secretary.”
“My new office?”
Araman leveled his eyes to Santari; “This wing has been designated for Personal Warfare. Brea needs your office for her training sessions. You and I will be moving up and over apparently.”
“I’ve gotten lost. Brea will be training the men?” He watched Araman nod.
“It was deemed a part of the essentials training core. After my report, the Regent and his councilors decided that knowledge of Personal Warfare would be a good thing for all underlings to know. You may want to think about this,” he refilled his glass, “she is looking for an assistant?”
Santari choked on his swallow. The liquid stung the inside of his throat as he coughed. Araman was no help standing at the desk chuckling at his discomfort. “How about I recommend somebody? Now what’s this we are moving up and out?”
Araman nodded. “Herse is retiring and named me for his desk. He asked me to name my successor and you came up. The official notices will be announced once the Regent has signed the paperwork.”
“Well then I don’t need to panic. That should take him at least six months to get to.”
“There’s been another interesting development.” Araman informed him sitting on the corner of his desk. “A Mistress Coco from Oleander Intelligence made contact with us.”
“The up link?” Santari questioned. Araman nodded. “I thought it was his niece contacting him.”
“You were supposed to think that. And if she fooled you then she is better than we estimated. Her side thinks she was contacting a favorite uncle.” The Commandant refilled Santari’s glass of brandy. “She was enlisting our unofficial help in a coup against her Regency.”
“Possible set up?”
Araman shrugged. “Who knows but when the call comes, you’ll be the one handling it.”
“So long as I have a little time to settle in.” Santari stood up after downing his drink. “I’m not sure whether to curse you or thank you. You left big shoes to fill.” He raised his glass to Araman with a nod and downed the spirit. He stood up and set the glass on the bar.
“You just bring your own, the men will fall into line.” Araman shot back as he picked up reports to review.
Santari reached for the door and then turned back with a serious expression on his face. “You know, Araman I understand more now.”
“About what?” Araman looked up from the printed paper.
Santari gave a slight shrug of the shoulders then cast his glance to his superior officer. “Love.”
Araman’s back straightened. “Love?” He wasn’t sure of Santari’s direction of the conversation.
“I wasn’t in love with Paige like you are with Brea, but it could have gone there.” He put his hand back on the door handle, “You’re right, they aren’t disposable.” He opened the door and walked out before Araman could respond.
He stared at the spot on the floor where his commander had stood. Araman hated the fact Santari’s lesson came hard but it had been one that he had needed to learn. Santari’s use of the word ‘love’ floated around in his mind.
He had never really considered his emotions as such. Araman had accepted that fate had given him no choice but he realized he had avoided admitting to his heart, she was his choice all along. His Shinwa witch had done this to him. The papers dropped from his hands to the smooth surface of the desk. His heart pounded loudly in his chest. A cold fear washed over him. Araman was in love.
The Commandant abruptly left his office and made his way down the hall to the closest exit leading to the commerce division. He was a man on a quest. It was time for him to face the emotion fear had kept at bay. With each step he saw that he could have lost Brea but she was still with him. His pace quickened as the colored stalls of the market came into sight. He broke into a smile arriving at his favorite stall where Louie greeted him with his usual exuberance.
“I need something special.” Araman led the way into the canvas-covered stall.
“How special?” Louie followed behind.
“Love type special.” He smiled at the shopkeeper who was nodding his head.
“Ah, double or single?” A pudgy hand waved Araman to the back of the tent.
“Double.” Araman answered as Louie brought out a small box with a lock. He pulled a very small key from his pocket. He slipped the key into the hole and unlocked the wooden safe.
Inside sat velvet-covered boxes. Louie opened the lids revealing an assortment of Terrian gold rings. Some were adorned with large gems and others with pearls. Araman nodded or shook his head at each box as they were shown to him. He had narrowed it down to three sets and finally settled on one after serious contemplation.
The rings that he chose were a simple band and a very large solitary diamond. Louie nodded enthusiastically approving of Araman’s decision. He locked the rejections back in their hold and tucked the box back into its hiding spot under a pile of rugs.
“Perfect choice for your bride.”
He paid for the set without hesitation and no regard for cost. Araman put the rings into his pocket and handed back the little velvet container. He gave a nod before leaving and walked back to his quarters with a little more speed than usual. He was driven by a sense of urgency. As he reached the exterior lift he could feel himself becoming nervous. The ride up did nothing to dispel the feeling.
He chastised himself for acting like a boy. He was married to the woman for Frigg’s sake. Araman shook his blonde head at his foolishness. His nerves turned to impatience, as the lift seemed slower than usual.
Brea was no where to be found when he stepped off the lift. He called out to her and his answer came from beyond the bedroom. Araman found Brea sitting outside playing with her pet. Beebles dragged the large stick over to him and tried to greet Araman while hanging on to the toy. Finally the pup let go of the stick and wriggled at Araman.
Brea laughed at the sight getting up off the ground. “I was wondering where you were.” She smiled as she approached. “We were getting hungry.” She teased.
“And here I thought I was missed.” Araman took her into his arms and gave her a kiss on the nose. His blue eyes danced as they caught hers.
“Oh that too.” She laughed.
“Glad to be back?” Araman asked her. His blue eyes were tender.
“Very.” She gave a contented sigh ,looking around at the colors of the garden. She looked up at him. “You seem to be happy.” She told him.
“And why wouldn’t I be.” He caught her in his arms, “My boss is retiring, and I was given a promotion. I have a beautiful wife at the end of the day to come home to.”
“Did you tell Santari?”
“He will take over my position.”
“I knew that.” She put her hands around his waist. “Will you always keep him at your side?” Her expression was curious.
“He saved my life, saved my career and most of all he helped me save you.” Araman said softly. “Santari knows if he wasn’t right for the job there is no friggin’ way I would hand the reins
to him.” He drank in her cinnamon essence. “I trust him with you Brea. The most sacred thing in my life.”
“You would trust Santari with me?” Brea was surprised by his admission.
“Santari understands now.”
“Understands what?” Brea knitted her brows together.
“That nobody is disposable.” He brushed a stray hair from her eyes. “Especially somebody you love.”
Brea pulled back. “Love?” Her jade eyes searched his questioningly.
Araman nodded his blond head. “Love Brea.” He answered. Behind him the Olean moons were filling the darkening sky as night descended. The garden seemed to glow as sandalwood incense filled the air.
“I could accept that we were destined for each other. It made things simpler and easier to deal with. But love always led to loss.” Araman looked down. His hands slid down her arm catching her fingers in his. “Until you.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand.
“Araman, to be a half of Chatam Pritam…”
He hushed her with a soft kiss. He pulled back watching her green eyes turn a shade deeper. “Lyra, I maybe half Shinwa and Chatam Pritam but I am also half Olean and as Olean I also believe in love.”
She smiled and shook her head at him. “You must, to be Chatam Pritam. If there is no love then there can be no lover.” She brushed aside the gold tendril that fell hiding her eyes. “And without a lover, there isn’t a soul for the bond to carry on into the next life. It is the essence of all bonds.”
“Brea, I’m trying to tell you that I love you.” Araman said impatiently. He softened when he looked at her. “I need to hear myself say the words to you.” She heard him softly plead. “So would you please shut up?” He lifted her chin with the crook of a finger. “And I do Lyra. I love you.” He sealed his words with a light kiss releasing his gentle hold.
His hand slipped down into his pocket and retrieved the rings. They fit like a glove on her finger as he placed each one. He watched in amazement at the stone turning indigo upon contact of her skin. He frowned staring at thinking he would wring Louie’s neck for the imitation.
Brea stared at Araman then glanced at her hand, admiring the delicate bands on her finger. She smiled up as the light colored gem turned to black noticing Araman’s displeasure of his gift.
“Do not fret,” She grinned at him, “Jewel rocks like this from Shinwa always change color when they are placed near our bodies.” She could see Araman’s relief cross his face.
“That’s why Louie said it was perfect.” He chuckled. “And here I thought it was a Terrian diamond.”
“Shinwa gems are more precious.” Brea said up to him.
Araman smiled down at her taking the breath from her lungs. “I would agree with that.” He pulled her in closer to him wanting to feel her curves against him. “I love you.” The whisper caressed her ear. All that she was to him, he let his inner web carry into hers. A small gasp escaped from her when she felt the warmth of his energy.
Her green eyes were caught in pools of warm blue searching her for a response. “Oh Araman,” softly sighed from her lips, “I love you.”
His mouth came crashing down on hers pulling her closer into him. Brea’s arms coiled around his neck drinking the masculine sandalwood musk permeating the air. His kiss became soft, tenderly making love to her mouth. His lips parted from hers and moved to the top of her collarbone teasing the spot with his tongue.
A moan from her lips encouraged Araman; his free hand cupped a breast. He smiled at her pressing it into his palm. Cinnamon burst into his senses. His thumb grazed the hardened nipple sending energy waves to wash over her soft body.
Brea dropped her head back as the tingling spread throughout her. She looked up at him through her lashes and enjoyed the slow burn he was building. She guided his head to where his hand had played wanting to feel the pressure of his mouth.
Araman gave a quick tease with his teeth sending a shudder through her. Brea pulled his lips to her breast demanding his mouth’s attention. He complied to her wishes as his massaging fingers undid her belt on the tunic, freeing the material. His hand sensuously caused a trail of electricity to go up her thighs, gliding across the silky barrier between them.
He dropped to his knees and pushed up the garment needing to taste her nectar. His tongue dipped into the velvet folds holding the sweet honey wine. A groan escaped from Brea’s throat; she parted her legs giving him access to the juice he craved.
Strong hands grabbed the top of her thighs; a hot tongue tasted her. Brea’s hand flew to the top of his head arching her back. Flames shot through her body and web when he gently began sucking her aching nub. A hand left her side and found its way to the dam. A finger explored the opening of her slick slit stoking her heat. Her spice filled his nose as his tongue erotically danced with her clit.
His aura invaded her; Brea could no longer think. Her mind was only aware of the burning sensations that Araman’s seduction was having on her body. The primal need to release her flow was becoming all consuming. His fingers slid deeper; his sucking pulled on her need. A husky growl invaded the night.
Araman supported her back and lifted her before lowering her to the grass. He ignored the colored moons watching above or the dance of the pearly clouds against the shimmering stars; he had to drink from her waters. His tongue dived in.
The growl ebbed into a soft plea. His cock hardened. He had to taste her first. His fingers replaced his tongue as it returned to its sweet assault of her bud. Two fingers stroked along the velvet encouraging the flood.
Brea could no longer hold back. Her body arched and let the dam overflow as Araman continued to urge the release. The longer she flowed the harder he sucked savoring the sweetness of her nectar.
“Araman.…” His name was a plea from her lips.
He rose up as she arched. Her warmth gloved him upon his entry. His hands held her hips positioning her facing him upright. He shuddered at her soft walls squeezing against his sensitive skin. She glided up and down his slippery shaft. The friction spread molten lava across the combining bodies. Their chakkras pulled them closer together causing Araman to plunge deeper and deeper into Brea. Each thrust sending their bodies further into the need for flight.
Arms wrapped tightly around each other as their energies swirled in an opalescent turbulent mist. Araman’s name ripped from Brea’s throat and cut through the silence; she felt her surroundings burst into millions of stars. She was caught in the middle of fireworks as her orgasm tore through her entire being.
Araman joined her in the crossfire with his own explosion. His masculine voice rose over hers as his seed spilled into her. His song echoing his love broke the quiet of night. Their energies sparked as the climax reached its peak then settled about them like the morning’s breath on soft petals. They sat holding each other under pastel colored moonbeams while starlight danced in the playground of their souls.
* * * *
Against the backdrop of a perfect Olean night sky he heard Araman’s aria. Santari stopped and looked up at the tall building hating and envying his superior. There was no way to bring back the one he lost.
A stab of pain hit the lone man’s chest. An image of Paige with her smiling violet eyes and inviting lips flashed through his mind. He missed the feeling of her soft blonde hair on his shoulder and the way she felt against his skin. Santari knew he missed most of all the complete way he felt when he was with her. A curse was uttered.
He faced his direction home with a heavy heart. Santari was very envious, indeed.
The End
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
C
hapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Araman's Aria Page 26
