“Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert!”
Eve snorted. “Better late than never, huh.”
Taliff shook his head, twisted a few more dials, punched a few more buttons, then stepped back from the terminal.
“What was all that about?”
Taliff looked confused for a moment, then shook his head and looked her way. “Hmmm… I manually turned off Shoshoni’s alarms.”
“Okay, then why did you look lost there for a second?”
“Well, I replaced the entire mainframe of the computer. Shoshoni should only have the files and memories from before we left Chantrea, so how did she just remember the intruders?”
“Um, Tal, how do we know there isn’t another intruder on board?”
Taliff closed his eyes and hung his head. “Shoshoni?”
“Yes, Commander Shi’Lan?”
“Where is the intruder?”
“A transport signal was detected on level three.”
“Do you know how many people boarded the ship?”
“Insufficient data, Commander.”
Taliff grunted. Eve grimaced. That was not particularly welcoming news.
* * * *
Taliff couldn’t believe the drama of the last forty-eight hours. He’d found his mate, been attacked by a friend, fucked his mate continuously, used the Manruvian Mating bonds, completed all but the last stage of the mating ritual, discovered his sister was alive, and learned the identity of the broodslave ring’s leader.
And now, after all that and narrowly escaping death by asteroid, someone else had managed to board his ship. Could things possibly get any worse for them?
“What are we going to do now, Tal? We don’t even know how many women were taken, and without that knowledge, we can’t determine how many just arrived.”
Taliff snorted. Like she wasn’t telling him something he didn’t already know. “Shoshoni, all the women originally transported on board this ship had DNA extracted and trackers in place. Can you take a sample of Eve’s blood, and determine the tracking marker frequency from that?”
“Yes, Commander. May I make a suggestion, Sir?”
“If you have any ideas that might keep us alive, I’m ready to hear them.”
“Are you the only male that should be aboard the Wanderer?”
“Yes, Shoshoni. Besides myself and Eve Roberts, there should be forty-five other Earth Lionese women, and no one else.”
“I detect thirty-seven women aboard the Wanderer, each transmitting a similar low-range frequency as the female standing near you. There are eight Manruvian Merman and three Male Chantrean on board including you.”
Eve gasped. “Merman?”
Taliff nodded and smiled. Even with the news that eight of their women disappeared from the ship, things were definitely looking up. The Manruvians were staunch allies of his brother, Hunter, and would never be party to the assassination of one of his family members. “Who are the Male Chantreans, Shoshoni?”
“Taliff Shi’Lan, Hunter Shi’Lan and Tanner Dav’Ren.”
“Dav’Ren… Isn’t that the name of the guy who planted that bomb on here yesterday?” Eve asked.
“It sure is. What the hell is Hunter doing here, and with an apparent rescue team along?”
“I don’t know, but if they’re here to help, I don’t care what prompted this unexpected visit.”
“Good point, Eve. Shoshoni?”
“Yes, Commander Shi’Lan?”
“Transport all the members of the Manruvian delegation as well as the other two male Chantreans to this location.”
“Yes, sir. Transport lock enabled. Working. Transport complete.”
Taliff couldn’t help but roll his eyes. By the time Shoshoni finished speaking, ten men surrounded him and Eve, all aiming stun blasters at their chests. “This seems to be getting to be a habit for you, Tal,” Eve murmured.
Taliff snickered, then stepped forward and pulled his brother into a hug. “Not that I’m unhappy you’re here, brother, far from it, in fact, but why are you not on Chantrea right now?”
“I received an urgent message from Shoshoni on my wrist com while in talks with the Manruvian delegates here. When we realized the danger you were in, the Manruvians offered the use of their technology to reach you.”
Taliff’s head snapped up in surprise. “I thought that was strictly forbidden.”
“It used to be,” said one of the mermen. “This is the first step in forming a more permanent alliance with your world.”
Taliff swallowed convulsively and reached for Eve’s hand. “My mate and I thank you for your help. If you or yours are ever in need, call upon us immediately.”
The blonde merman smiled, and lowered his head in acknowledgement of the debt owed. “It will be as you say.”
Eve tugged on her hand, and tried to step away from his side, but he wasn’t about to have any of that. “Eve, I’d like you to meet my brother, Hunter Shi’Lan, the High King of Chantrea.”
Eve stopped squirming immediately. In fact, she looked a little green and panicked. “King?”
Taliff winced as her voice crackled with outrage. Now wasn’t exactly a good time to introduce her to the way women behaved in front of Chantrean males, but what choice did he have. “You will not raise your voice above a whisper in the presence of others. Is that understood, Eve?”
She gasped, and all the color in her cheeks blanched out of her face. He wanted to swear to the heavens. He’d known she would react this way. It’s why he’d never discussed what was to be expected of her once he reached Chantrea. Perhaps, he should have told her right away, trained her in the proper submissive behavior, but he hadn’t wanted to tarnish their budding relationship.
The light in Eve’s eyes grew dim, her fingers grew slack in his, and the bond, which had been burning with intensity between them for hours, winked out of existence. “I see,” she whispered, then turned her gaze downward, as though too heartsick to even hold up her head. Tears splattered the decking beneath her feet, yet she didn’t utter a sound, just let the tears silently fall where they would, a silent and poignant testimony to the depth of her pain.
What had he done?
Taliff swallowed past the lump in his throat, and looked away from his mate. Pity welled up in his brother’s eyes, and he prayed the others couldn’t tell just how much he wanted to allow his own tears to fall.
He would fix this thing between them. He wouldn’t allow any other option. But, for now, he had to get them and the remaining women to Chantrea.
“So, tell me, oh king of mine, how in the hell are we to get home without suffering yet another attack?”
Hunter’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, let me take care of that.”
Taliff shook his head, hard pressed not to laugh. Once, Hunter was well known for his devilish and oft times depraved humor. He couldn’t wait to see what he had up his sleeves.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Eve watched the proceedings from a distance. In fact, everything felt distanced to her. Where before joy filled her heart, now despair dwelled. A black cloud of depression had extinguished all hope for a happy future among the Chantrean people.
She lost Amy to the Black Rose, and Taliff to his customs. Only the women who’d been aboard the Wanderer were hers to care for now, and even that seemed too much for her to bear.
She had no idea where Taliff went after he deposited her on board the Manruvian Ship, Victory, several hours earlier. All she’d been told was that all of the women would be transferred to the Merman’s ship and escorted into Chantrean air space.
Eve was thankful that she’d be alone for the journey. She didn’t know what to say to Taliff, or hell, what to feel. The hurt and pain were so deep, so debilitating she could only assume she did indeed love the ass. Too bad she’d figured it out too late to do anything about it.
The longer she stared out the view port of her quarters, the larger the pink and purple world of Chantrea grew. Soon, they’d arr
ive and instead of excitement and anticipation, Eve felt nothing but dread. How was she to lead the women, to make them see the positives of the situation, when she couldn’t see them herself?
It seemed an impossible situation, but there was nothing else to do but get through it one day at a time. And if those days were now something to dread rather than anticipate, it was her problem, not that of the others.
She’d ensure they knew about all the rules of the Chantrean society, so they wouldn’t be blindsided as she was. Perhaps, then, they at least would have a chance at finding happiness with their future mates. Her happiness died nearly a day ago.
A lone tear trailed down her cheek and she absently flicked it away. Would the heartrending pain never end?
Taliff swallowed the bile that threatened to spill from his throat. The pain on Eve’s face, the total absence of light in her eyes, nearly destroyed him. Somehow he had to make this right. But how?
What if he’d damaged their relationship beyond repair? Didn’t she realize he didn’t want her to be submissive all the time, just in public? And how insane was that? Other than in the bedroom, Eve didn’t have a submissive bone in her body. She was alpha through and through.
His thoughts should have been on her needs, not on saving face in front of the other men. If he could reach around and kick his own ass he would. But that would only serve to make him feel better, not fix the mess he made.
Perhaps, he and his people needed to change, rather than their Earthen counterparts. What had his people really gained by having the men make all the decisions? Hadn’t he repeatedly insisted, at least to himself, that Eve was just as strong and dominant as he? Why would the Chantrean females be any different? And why in Goddess Alana’s name hadn’t he realized this earlier, before destroying whatever faith and love she’d begun to feel.
“For what it’s worth, Eve, I am sorry. I was wrong. Wrong about so much.”
He watched as Eve’s shoulders stiffened but she refused to turn and look at him, not that he could blame her. He’d treated her abominably, and he knew it. Somehow, he’d earn her respect back, and maybe one day her love, though he didn’t hold much hope for that.
Shit, what was he talking about? What nonsense was his subconscious spouting? He snorted. He was just as Alpha as she, her match in every way. He would find his way back into her heart. No other alternative was acceptable. And it was about damn time he remembered that too. “I can’t change the way all the women on our planet are treated, moya. But, I can treat you the way you deserve. I won’t be placing you in the women’s wing at the palace, but moving you into my personal ones”
“You think that makes everything better, Commander Shi’Lan?”
Tal winced at Eve’s use of his station rather than his name. Things could be better, but at least she’d finally spoken. “No, moya, but perhaps you and your pride will have the influence over their mates to change the way things are. One day, we might be worthy of your respect, but until then, we can only take one day at a time and do our best to become the men you all deserve.”
Eve shook her head in denial as she continued to look out into space. “Pretty words, Tal. That’s just a bunch of pretty words.”
He didn’t know what else he could say to her, and maybe words weren’t enough anyway. He’d prove to her he respected her opinions, her strength, and even her independence.
“You’re right, Eve. Until you see that I’m speaking the truth, that’s all they are. Pretty words.” He straightened from the doorway, and moved across the room to stand behind her. He ached to pull her into his arms, to promise her he’d make things right. But no matter now much it would ease his despair, it wouldn’t make her believe him, or make things better between them.
“Please, Eve. I can’t stand this distance between us. Maybe that’s selfish of me, but the pain is too much.”
When she still didn’t turn to face him, he did the only thing he could think of to prove that he didn’t need to always be in charge. He dropped to his knees, lowered his head to the floor and placed his hands behind his back. “I submit to you, moya. All that I am, all that I will ever be, is yours to do with as you please.”
He heard her suck in a startled gasp, and prayed he’d done the one thing that showed his sincerity.
As the seconds passed and Eve made no move to accept his submission, the last of Taliff’s hope vanished. His heart, which he thought could hold no more pain, overflowed with it. Tears flowed from his bowed head in rivers and he made no move to wipe them away.
“Oh, Tal,” Eve sighed. “I don’t want your submission. I only want to share my life with you, to be your equal, not your doormat.”
His voice thickened with tears. “Forgive me, moya.”
He heard the rustle of her ankle-length skirt as she moved to kneel in front of him. The whisper soft touch of her trembling fingers beneath his chin sent a shiver of longing down his frame. When she finally raised his face to look into hers, he could see the light in her eyes he thought to never see again.
He wanted to hold her so bad, but would she welcome his touch?
You won’t know if you don’t try, Tal.
Eve?
Who else speaks to you this way?
Only you, moya. There is only you. And he knew she realized exactly what he was saying. From now on, her thoughts, feelings and needs, took priority over all else.
Taliff felt Eve’s tentative psychic probe as she attempted to reestablish their mate bond. He mentally grabbed hold of the flickering connection and poured all his emotions, all his fears and worries, through their bond, until the link between them was as solid and strong as titanium forged over the fires of Gangi.
With infinite tenderness, he pulled Eve into his quivering arms, doing his best not to crush her with his strength. When she nestled her face into the curve of his neck, he breathed a sigh of relief, and laid his head atop hers. He’d allow nothing to come between them again, not even his own stupidity.
Minutes passed as Taliff held on to his mate, aware only a few minutes remained of their time alone. Soon they would approach the space dock and be expected to immediately transport to the planet below. He wanted to show Eve all his planets delights, but until their plan was implemented, he’d need to forego the grand tour.
Her safety, and the safety of her pride, demanded extreme precautions, but he’d do his best to ensure Eve never felt a prisoner in her own home. If he had to bring the wonders of Chantrea to her, she’d never feel as though he kept her only to serve as his broodmare.
Enough of their women had suffered that fate over the generations, and he’d perpetuate the custom of isolationism and servitude no longer. Now, if only he could somehow convince the rest of Chantrea’s males to change their ways. Ah, well, that was something to think about another day.
The intercom chimed through the room and Taliff reluctantly let loose his grasp on his mate. “It’s time, moya.”
Eve nodded, then glanced away, but not before he saw the worry skitter across her face. He sighed, understanding the difficulty she’d face. As strong and independent as she was, it would be very hard for her to see how the others were to live. Her compassion for others was just one thing he so loved about her.
After getting to his feet, he pulled Eve into his arms, gave her a quick squeeze, then with her hand in his walked to the intercom panel. “Go ahead, Computer.”
“Your presence is needed at the demarcation point.”
“Understood, Computer. Wait thirty seconds, then transport Eve Roberts and myself there.”
“Understood.”
“Are you ready, Eve?”
She gave him a fleeting smile that didn’t reach her eyes, before nodding. “I’ll make things right for you and the others, Eve… somehow.”
“I know you’ll try, Tal, and that’s all you can do.”
He could hear the resignation and doubt in her words and vowed to do his best to make his words reality.
Seconds later, Tali
ff and Eve stood amongst the other transporting down to the surface. Not only were the rest of the Earth women transporting down as well as Tanner and Hunter, a contingent of armored Manruvians would accompany them. They were taking no chances of losing the women to a surprise attack upon their arrival on the planet.
Hunter Shi’Lan, High King of Chantrea, looked over those gathered in front of him, and sighed wistfully. His gaze landed on Taliff, his brother, who held the hand of his mate securely. He was happy for his brother, truly he was. But he wished that his match had been found among this batch of Earthen Lionese. He hadn’t given up hope that he’d find her, but the wait for her disheartened him.
Pasting on a smile he knew didn’t reach his eyes, he addressed those gathered in front of him. “Chantrea is a land of prosperity and peace, but a land suffering for lack of women. That is where you all come in. Our people need you, our men need you.”
Muttered voices and darting glances met his unflinchingly honest statement. Better to lay out all the facts now, than withhold information. He’d seen the results of that just yesterday between Taliff and his mate.
“However, Chantrea is also a land of subservient women.” Startled gasps and heartrending moans filtered through the crowded room. He hadn’t expected anything less after witnessing Eve’s reaction. Hopefully, what he said next would ease their hearts and perhaps their fears some.
“I have witnessed with my own eyes the depth of pain this type of treatment causes you, so I can promise this. I will meet with my advisors and tell them of the harm this attitude causes to you, and do my best to see things change. It won’t happen overnight, and might not happen for many years. But women will have opportunities not afforded to them now. This I vow, as High King of Chantrea.”
The women wore various expressions on their faces, from disbelief and outrage, to resignation and hope. His advisors were a stubborn lot as were most men of Chantrea, but the felines of Earth were their last hope. If they were to survive, their customs and traditions would no longer serve them.
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