Star-Crossed

by Cyndi Friberg

  He eased her legs apart and moved between them. She watched him, uncertainty shining in her eyes. I know you’re not ready for a full joining. We’re going to try something new. A stilted nod was her only reply.

  Lifting one leg and then the other, he positioned her feet against the furs and parted her thighs. Her eyes grew wider and wider as he pushed her legs apart. Her faint musk sent desire slamming into his gut. How was he going to keep the hunter leashed? He’d never wanted anyone this badly.

  His fingers trembled as he stroked her inner thighs. Softer than the gown she’d been wearing, her pearlescent skin begged to be touched and tasted. He pressed his lips against the inside of one knee. She licked her lips, her breasts heaving.

  Do you ache, sweetheart? Do you feel empty inside?

  Her laugh shuddered into a sigh. I’ve felt empty since the last time you touched me. No, since the first time.

  A pang of confusion followed her words. He’d only touched her intimately once before. Unwilling to sacrifice the sensual momentum, he tucked the question away in the back of his mind.

  Kissing his way down her thigh, he hovered over her smooth mound before working his way up the other side. He would never tire of her warm softness or the urgent little sounds escaping her throat. By the time he started down again, her legs were trembling. He pressed his hands against her inner thighs and parted her folds with his thumbs. He watched her face as he lowered his mouth to her slit. She gasped. He licked. She covered her face with her hands and he delved deeper.

  Do you want to do that? She sounded breathless and uncertain even in his mind.

  Stars, yes. I could live on your cream. Relax. Let me play.

  She lifted one leg to his shoulder and arched into the kiss. He grinned, then demonstrated his approval with ruthless enthusiasm. Licking and sucking, he worked his way from her opening to her clit and back. His lips tingled and heat spread through his chest, sinking into his belly and lower. Indric had warned him that her cream would be different, more potent. Drakkin stroked her slowly, savoring her taste and delighting in her uninhibited response.

  His head spun and light danced before his eyes. He flicked his tongue against her swollen clit. Each of her breathless cries launched a tingle through his abdomen. He circled the tiny knot of nerves, then caught it between his teeth and rubbed the ultra-sensitive tip. She tossed her head and rocked her hips, lost in the sensual spell.

  He slipped his hands beneath her bottom and held her against his mouth. His tongue thrust into her core over and over. She gasped and arched, her inner muscles rippling.

  Yes, love. Let me feel you come.

  She whimpered, unable to hold back her orgasm. Sizzling power swirled around his tongue, filled his mouth, and flowed into him. He groaned, his shaft bucking uncontrollably against the furs. Reaching for her mind, he tried to calm her, but his heart felt as if it would burst from his chest.

  More! He needed more of her. He needed all of her.

  Dragging his mouth away with a throaty moan, he surged up along her body and positioned himself at her entrance. “Aria, look at me.”

  She opened her eyes and he gasped. The mauve rings had expanded, consuming the lavender. The highlights in her hair blazed, emitting heat as well as color. “Now,” she demanded, her lips taking on the same ruby red as her eyes.

  His Fire Pearl was burning; it had to be now. He entered her slowly, trembling as her body opened for him, stretching around his thick length. Tight, hot, perfect, she massaged his shaft with strong rhythmic pulses. “Better?”

  “No. Move.” She raised her legs high against his sides, her passion drugged gaze consuming his.

  Pulling back just as slowly as he’d pushed in, he concentrated on the snug heat of her body wrapped around his. Nothing had felt this good in his entire life. Her vibrant energy pulsed into him, triggering tingles and random bursts of pleasure.

  He thrust to the hilt, capturing her gasp with his open mouth. The hunter writhed and clawed, demanding his mate. Drakkin drove him back. Tension built with each firm thrust. He needed more than this physical connection; he wanted to blend with her body, mind and spirit. No! She wasn’t ready for a permanent bonding. She deserved more time.

  Her knees pressed against his ribs, her hips lifting into each downward thrust. She squeezed him and sucked his tongue into her mouth, easily matching his aggression. He wrapped his arms around her and pressing her tightly to his chest. Then he rolled, taking her with him. He arranged her on top of him, straddling his hips.

  “Ride me.” He showed her how to move. “Take all you need.”

  She braced herself against his chest and threw her head back, her hair brushing his thighs with each rocking motion. “More.” She panted. “I need more.”

  He covered her breasts with his hands and arched up into her. Harder, faster, she dragged her body up, then slammed down, impaling herself with almost violent force. Her features contorted with pleasure/pain and her cries tore through him. He pushed into her mind as her body shook. Fire. Her intensity rushed through him, searing his senses and inundating his mind.

  Teetering on the brink of madness, he swept her beneath him and held her close. He pushed his arms under her back and grasped her shoulders from behind. She stared into his eyes, her gaze still smoldering. Over and over she tightened her inner muscles, daring him to lose control.

  “Chae Tra, my love. I’m waiting.”

  Master. She’d called him master! The hunter lunged past Drakkin’s defenses and drove into her mind. Drakkin cried out, terrified of her reaction. He waited for her scream, her struggle, her fear. He felt only heat and acceptance.

  I’m not afraid.

  Amazed and a bit wary, he began to move. His hips found a steady rhythm, firm and fast. She dragged his face down to hers and kissed him with utter abandon. Her tongue thrust into his mouth as he thrust into her core.

  Wild.

  Consuming.

  Bonded!

  He groaned as his seed burst forth deep inside her pulsing body. They clung to each other, lost in their kisses as the world spun away. He moved one arm to the nape of her neck and stroked her face with his other hand.

  Unwilling to lose the sweet intimacy of their kiss, he sent his thoughts to her mind. I wanted to give you more time.

  She eased her mouth away from his and blinked dazedly. “We’re bonded?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  She laughed, her core tightening around his shaft. “Why? I never dreamed such pleasure existed. I wasn’t sure I could tolerate the intensity of my awakening until you entered my mind. If it weren’t for ... Why did you seem so different toward the end?”

  “I’ve lived a very long time. My nature has evolved and matured, but the essence of who I was remains within me. I call that part of me the hunter. He can be brutal and savage when not tempered by centuries of training.”

  “There was nothing brutal in the way he felt about me or the way he made me feel. I sensed only ravenous desire. It was exhilarating.”

  He hadn’t dared to hope for such unconditional acceptance. Emotion clogged his throat. “I will never hurt you, my love. Never.”

  “I know.” She framed his face with her hands, her gaze softly glowing. “If it hadn’t been for the hunter, you would have been consumed by my fire.”

  * * * * *

  Noll stared at Faujer’s naked body, hating him and wanting him still. He sprawled on his back on the rumpled bed, forearm thrown over his eyes, sound asleep. Four days of hell and frustration had passed since their passionate encounter in the dressing room downstairs. Sex had triggered her vision, and Faujer took full advantage of the coincidence. He had taken her so many times, in so many inappropriate places, that hotel security must have hours of their antics on record.

  She rubbed her eyes and rolled her shoulders. How had she let it come to this? There was no tenderness in Faujer. His aggressive passion had thrilled her for a time. Well, passion was no longer enough. She would not subje
ct herself to any more of his selfishness.

  Shifting into her Mystic robes, she turned back to the bed. Faujer’s primary purpose had been to identify their target. She now knew what Aria looked like, so Faujer was expendable. The Stirate had given her Faujer, to do with as she liked. What if she liked to teach the arrogant bastard a lesson?

  She took a moment to anticipate the Stirate’s objections, then carefully approached the bed. Any information regarding this mission must be stripped from his memory. A cruel smile curved the corners of her mouth as she imagined Faujer’s horror. He would awaken naked, with no possessions, and only fragmented memories of who he was or where he had come from. He would be utterly vulnerable.

  Perhaps she should end his miserable existence. No, this was better. This was worse than death. With her hands hovering over his brutally handsome face, she extracted every fact, every memory that could incriminate Rodymia or the House of Joon. Humans would either think he was a lunatic or examine his physiology and realize his bizarre claims were true.

  With a pleased chuckle, she moved to the center of the room. As soon as she Summoned the Storm, hotel security would rush to the room. Imagine their surprise when they found a naked man babbling in an alien language.

  Chapter Eight

  Aria danced across the stage, whirling and leaping, laughter floating around her like spring mist. She never realized how encumbered she’d been until Drakkin set her free. Vigorous, vital, energized, she’d never felt so alive.

  “Ye are far more beautiful than I ever dreamed.”

  Her steps faltered and she skittered to a stop facing the rows of empty seats. She hadn’t recognized the gently lilting voice. “Who’s there?” She scanned the shadows, reaching beyond her range of vision with her mind. “Why can’t I see you?”

  “I have waited for thy awakening with great expectation. It grows more difficult to remain here each day.”

  “This isn’t a dream.” Excitement sizzled along her nerve endings. Shouldn’t she be afraid? “We’re on the metaphysical plane.”

  “I left thee in good hands. Drakkin is a masterful teacher. Search thy soul. Test my nature, then summon my image to thee.”

  Her heart thudded and her chest heaved. Could this truly be Vee? He’d cautioned her to search for danger and he knew Drakkin was tutoring her. She had to calm down and think. Dragging a deep breath into her lungs, she scanned again. No hint of danger, no fear, just a vague sense of expectation.

  She pictured the image crystal, recalling every detail of her father. Cool air swirled around her and she looked to her side. Vee stood there, his smile gentle, eyes shining with emerald fire. He was dressed in Mystic robes and his intricately woven hair hung over one shoulder. With a subtle wave of one graceful hand, he sent his emotions to her. Regret, elation, and a soul-deep devotion, but most of all she sensed pride. Her lips trembled and she pressed her hand over her wildly beating heart.

  “I have waited so long to speak with thee face to face.” With warm and gentle hands, he drew her near. “We shall have only this one moment.”

  “Drakkin explained why you never --”

  “Drakkin only understands a fraction of the truth. I will reveal all to thee now.”

  A rush of information inundated her mind. She staggered back with a groan. “I don’t understand.”

  “Share these things with thy mate. He will understand.” Vee touched her face, then pressed a lingering kiss to her brow. “I can join E’Lanna now. We have waited a lifetime for this day. Know with all certainty that we loved thee.”

  He began to fade and her heart gave a mighty lurch. “Wait. There’s so much I want to tell you.”

  “I must go, but rest assured. You will find the happiness stolen from us.”

  Aria released the visualization and sat up in bed, unable to suppress her sobs. Drakkin sat as well, drawing her into his arms.

  “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  “I just saw Vee. I thought it was a dream, but ...” She pressed her face against his throat unable to continue. Drakkin rocked her, stroking her hair. She inhaled his scent and drew strength from his embrace. Vee made sure she understood that he was at peace, that he was excited to pass beyond. Still, she wished she could have known him, wished their enemies hadn’t kept them apart. “He flooded my mind with images and information. I’m afraid I’ll forget something important.”

  “Take your time. Whatever he passed to you will remain within your mind. If need be, I’ll help you retrieve the images.”

  “He spoke in a language I’d never heard before, yet I could understand him.”

  “Telepathic communication transcends the spoken word. You will be able to understand anyone you encounter on the metaphysical plane. He likely spoke an ancient dialect of Ontarian. Vee was always resistant to change.”

  “His speech did seem old-fashioned. Lots of thees and thous.” She eased away from his chest, but remained within the circle of his arms.

  “You said he flooded your mind with information. What did he show you?”

  “He was clairvoyant, wasn’t he?”

  “Vee had one of the most powerful precognizant gifts I have ever witnessed. The visions tortured him throughout his life.”

  “Why would he be tortured by such visions?”

  He tucked her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin. “Vee learned at an early age that fate will have its way. Knowing the future and being able to change events are two different things. Again and again, Vee attempted to change what he saw in his visions. At times the details would shift, but the results were always the same.”

  She shuddered, snuggling against his side. “Did he know E’Lanna would die?”

  “Yes. He did everything in his power to protect her from the tragedy, then a Shadow Assassin sneaked into her dreams.”

  “How is that possible?” She scooted back a bit so she could see his face. “No one can be harmed by a dream.”

  “It wasn’t an ordinary dream. You were asleep when Vee drew you to the metaphysical plane, so you thought you were dreaming.”

  “The Shadow Assassin attacked her on the metaphysical plane?”

  He nodded. “It’s a vile practice. Those who can master the skill don’t even need to be on the same planet as the victim.” Releasing his breath in an extended sigh, he absently stroked her arm. “After three years of bitter mourning, he accepted the fact that he was unable to change the future.”

  “That’s horrible.” She drew her legs toward her chest and rested her chin on her knees. “I would have lost my mind.”

  “Most couldn’t have born such a cruel gift.” He trailed his fingers down her calf. “He’s with E’Lanna now, isn’t he?”

  She nodded, using the fact to drive back her sadness. “He knew you and I were meant for each other. He prepared me for your arrival.”

  “How?”

  “You were the man I saw in my vision right before I teleported.”

  He touched her face, drawing her gaze to his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “I wanted you to want me, not feel obligated to fulfill what I’d seen in my vision.”

  Turning her to face him, he guided her onto his lap, straddling his hips. “I didn’t need an excuse to make love to you. I watched Star-Crossed three times and could think of little else. I knew you needed a mentor, but I burned to be your mate.”

  “It wasn’t just the vision.” She brushed his hair away from his face, relishing the softness as the thick strands slid between her fingers. “For months, I watched you in my dreams. You never knew I was there, but I saw your nobility and your loyalty. I knew what kind of man you were when you showed up that day in my dressing room.”

  “How odd. Generally when people share dreams, both are aware of the connection.”

  “Maybe Vee was sending me memories. All I know is he didn’t want me to be afraid when you arrived.” She rested her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. “Th
is is the part that makes no sense to me. Vee told me to share the images with you. That you would understand what it means.”

  Ignoring the lush perfection of Aria’s naked breasts, Drakkin entered her mind. She was open and ready for him. His body hardened and his pulse sped, eager to continue their sensual exploration. This was important! He had to concentrate. His stubborn body would have to wait.

  He focused on her beautiful eyes and let everything else fade away. The vision spread before him in chronological order, waiting for his perusal. He flowed through the images, absorbing the facts without reacting to them. The nearer he drew to the present, the harder it was to remain detached. So much violence, so many lives destroyed. His stomach clenched and he gritted his teeth as he gazed at the last few images.

  “Who are they?” Aria’s softly voice severed the mental connection.

  He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, protectiveness banding his chest. Even in retrospect the threats against her filled him with rage. “The two men in the very beginning were Vade and Fro dar Joon. Vade was Vee’s half-brother. They had the same Rodyte father.”

  “What is the significance of the image?”

  “While Vee founded the Conservatory, his brother recruited those who were rejected and trained them as assassins for the House of Joon.”

  She pushed against his chest, her expression incredulous. “Vee’s brother established the Shadow Assassins?”

  “All of our information indicated that Shadow Assassins are Ontarian.” He shook his head, scrambling to make sense of the fragmented information. “They all have Mystic abilities. Vade was Rodyte. How could a Rodyte ...”

  “Maybe he was like me.”

  The pieces fell into place with shocking clarity, and Drakkin’s blood ran cold. “The smaller Rodyte band never wanted peace. They were concealing the fact that they could manipulate magic!”

  “I’m proof of their deception. A rare Bilarrian gift manifested through Rodyte blood.”

  Urgency surged through him, making his ears ring. “We must warn the kings. We must warn the Guild Masters.” He shook away the disbelief and moved her off his lap. “I have to warn my brother. The treaty allowed countless Rodytes into our communities.” Swinging his legs to the floor, he stood beside the furs.