Genesis

by Christie Rich

  “If I were you, I’d forget about me completely. Seems I’m nothing but trouble.”

  “I like trouble. You should know that already.”

  “You act like we’ve known each other for years. I still don’t know you all that well.”

  “What’s to know? Neanderthal, remember?” He beat his chest. “We simple minded.” He jumped to his feet then fell to a half crouch. With a dark glint in his eyes, he edged closer, curling his fingers inward and pushing his hand against my shoulder. He grunted before he sprang at me.

  I squealed and rolled to the side. Too late. He had me in a vice grip, pulling me toward him. He sniffed my hair. I slapped his hand away. “Stop it!”

  His dark voice sounded near my ear. “Smell good.” His breath tickled my neck.

  “Okay. Cut it out. I’m tired.”

  “Jett tired too.” He lifted me into his arms and hauled me over to the bed. He gave me a brief smile then dropped me on the mattress.

  I laughed. “Good night, Jett.”

  He waved over his shoulder. “See you in the morning.” He opened the door and turned toward me. “Sweet dreams.”

  I smiled and this time I couldn’t wipe it from my face. “Just get out of here already.”

  He waggled his eyebrows then closed the door softly.

  I lay back on the bed, covering my eyes. That was probably the most fun I’d had with a guy in…well…forever. Hmmm.

  I woke to a racing pulse. Sweat dripped down my hairline. Still in the fog of sleep, I blinked, trying to banish my terror. Nothing was wrong. It never was. Of all the nights for this to happen, when I had finally gotten a dreamless sleep. I rolled onto my side and fluffed my pillow before I settled back onto it.

  A shadow moved in my peripheral vision. Fear clamped my chest. Keeping as still as I could manage, I scanned the nightstand, looking for a weapon. Nothing.

  I told myself it wasn’t real. I was imagining it. Maybe I was still dreaming?

  The shadow headed for the door. I didn’t even think about it first. I leapt off the bed and onto his back in a matter of seconds.

  A dark grunt split the night. He tried to capture my hands, but I dug my arm further into his windpipe. He stumbled. I tightened my hold.

  Without much effort, he flipped me over his back. I landed on the bed in a tangle of limbs. He straddled me, pinning my arms faster than I could fling him off and clamped a warm hand over my mouth.

  I was now this man’s prisoner. Over my dead body.

  I set a fireball ablaze just above his head. Before I had a chance to manipulate it or even use it to see who this was, the thing evaporated into smoke that burned my already aching lungs.

  My attacker brought his mouth near my ear. “I see you’ve learned a few things about your power.” He grunted. “I could teach you to create an indestructible fire.”

  Heath? Oh heavens, he was invading my dreams again. I tried to shout for him to get off me, but he ignored my mumbled protests.

  “Not quite yet, Rayla.” He laughed. “I rather like this position. Give me a few minutes and I guarantee you will too.”

  “Scoundrel,” I said, only it sounded like, mmm-mmm.

  “Scoundrel, is it?” He wiggled on top of me, spreading his legs along mine. “I might as well do something to deserve that label.”

  My heart beat faster. Dang it. Why did he affect me like this? Especially while I was dreaming. I should be the one in control here, not him.

  He laughed. The moonlight illuminated his sharp cheekbones and too tempting lips. His fingers found the strap at my shoulder then brushed it toward my upper arm.

  The warmth of his skin set my own on fire. When I released a heavy sigh, he let go of my mouth. I licked my parched lips, unsure what to say.

  “That’s much better, now isn’t it?”

  Heaven’s yes. I stopped my mind from drifting to what I knew would be more amazing. Even if he was a dream, he wasn’t going to control me. “Get off me, Heath.”

  He wriggled in deeper. “Oh, come now. What sort of reception is this for your almost bondmate?”

  “Almost is the key word here.”

  “I know you want me.”

  I raised my brows, giving him a smirk. “You probably know lots of things, don’t you? Like the cosmic weight of sand, or maybe, oh, I don’t know, what Gibbit was doing here tonight?”

  He pulled back a little and smiled. My eyes stuck on his sultry mouth. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. I thought I could leave it to him to check on you, but when I felt what happened earlier, I had to come.”

  I scoffed. “The part where I almost got eaten? Or the part where I was having more fun with Jett than you can imagine?”

  He chuckled. “I’d love to show you some fun. Just say the word.”

  “I already did. Get off. And before you say it, not that way.”

  He full-out frowned at me. “Why can you joke with him, but all you want to do with me is bite my head off?”

  I lifted my neck, but he didn’t budge. I groaned. This wasn’t real. It had to be just the weird way my subconscious was using to make me face my responsibilities—my feelings. “I don’t know, all right?”

  His fingers brushed my hair then lingered at my nape. “I’ve missed you, Rayla. I ache for you.”

  He was not going to manipulate me anymore, even if this was a dream, I needed to show him who he was dealing with. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  When his lips feathered the hollow of my neck, I melted into a puddle of need. “I know you feel the same.”

  Ooh the arrogance of this man. “Yeah, well, too bad for you I know the difference between lust and real desire.”

  To my surprise, he raised his head and smiled. “That’s right, baby. I was the one that taught you.”

  “Heath, if you don’t get up, I’m going to scream my head off.”

  “Threats mean nothing in a dream.” He inched closer. “You’re not going to scream anyway.”

  “One…”

  Another chuckle. “I know your heart. You want me so badly it’s eating you from the inside.”

  “Two…”

  He inched toward my ear. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I really came here to fulfill that need.”

  Man that sounded good. “Three…” I sucked in a huge mouthful of air.

  His lips covered mine, searing the scream right out of me. This was what I wanted. This was what I’d needed since the moment I left Lombarda. I pulled him closer, taking in the spice of him. I never wanted him to stop. I never wanted to wake up from this dream. Was this a dream? I hoped so—I could get into this if it were.

  His groan sounded real, and his body, oh the way he fit everywhere just right. I had to be dreaming because I would never actually let him do this in real life.

  He laughed, flipping me on top of him. “How’s this for real?” With that as my only warning, he pinched my backside.

  “Ow!” I jumped off the bed and covered my mouth.

  Heath was in my room.

  I should scream. How had I thought he was a dream?

  He rolled onto his side, cupping his head in his hand. “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve been told I was dreamy a time or two.”

  “Ha!”

  “That all you’ve got, darlin’?”

  I pointed at the door. “Get out!”

  “You sure are bossy.” He held his other hand out to me. “Not necessarily a bad quality to have…especially in bed.”

  Images I shouldn’t have been thinking flashed through my mind. My face flushed. Grunting, I marched over to him and yanked on his fingers. “You need to leave.”

  Instead of me tugging him to his feet, I ended up beside him again. “I have a better idea, involving me and you and a bed, but not here.”

  “I won’t go with you.”

  He grumbled under his breath. “Why don’t you just end this absurdity? You. Are Mine. I’d be happy to show you just how much if you would shut up for two seconds.”
/>
  I shook my head, pulling away.

  He snared me in his arms. When he spoke, the fire in his voice faltered. “Wait…please.” His voice turned soft. “I’m done joking, okay. Just let me hold you for a little bit.”

  My heart ached for him, but I couldn’t let myself get caught up in the feeling. It was nothing more than the aftereffects of compulsion. I stiffened.

  “Please, Rayla? I need to feel you near me.”

  My question came out as more of a breath. “Why?”

  He pulled back, gazing into my eyes. “How can you ask such a thing?”

  “I…I know you feel a strong connection between us, but it’s not real.”

  His fingers traced my spine and my pulse exploded. Dizziness swamped rational thought. “Tell me you don’t feel that. Tell me you don’t know the difference between what you feel for them and me.”

  “That’s not fair!”

  “Whoever said it was? You agreed to be mine already. I’m simply asking you to honor that agreement.”

  I groaned and hit his chest. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

  He grabbed my hand, interlacing our fingers. “You could have gone with Roger and waited for reinforcements. You could have backed out when I asked you if you were sure.”

  I wasn’t going to allow myself to admit he was right. I also checked my mental barriers to make sure he couldn’t know the weakness I harbored towards him. “I thought it was the only way.”

  “Why do you deny what we have?”

  I closed my eyes tight because I couldn’t stand the haunted look in his eyes. “You don’t really care about me.” Just like Brody.

  His chest muscles bunched under my fingers. “Is that what you think?”

  I didn’t know what to think anymore. Heath consumed every thought I had. I’d tried to forget him over the past month. If he really cared like he was implying, how could he let me go to Uldran or here? He was playing it safe.

  “Do you blame me?”

  Wait. What? I hadn’t spoken out loud. My walls were firmly in place. There was no way he could be reading my mind right now.

  He smiled. “Think again. You could never build a wall strong enough to keep me out.”

  “What!”

  His fingers brushed my parted lips. “Shhh. You’ll wake the entire castle.”

  “Why don’t my shields work on you?” I hissed at him. “Jett said he couldn’t hear my thoughts anymore as long as I kept my conviction. Trust me. I’ve got conviction where you are concerned.”

  He touched the tip of my nose. “Jett doesn’t have the connection I do with you, and as far as your conviction goes…” He gave me his rogue smile. “That is yet to be seen.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “Good to know things haven’t changed all that much.” He gave me a grin that turned my stomach to sunshine. “I did have a good reason for staying away until now.”

  Trying to distract myself, I looked at the stars twinkling above the canopy. “What’s that?”

  “I’ve been in the mortal realm.”

  My ears perked up. “What for?”

  He eased back and placed his hands behind his head. “Been enlisting help.”

  My mind flitted to Natalie and Sam. No one had mentioned them. I needed to contact Roger to see if they were okay. “Who?”

  He snared my shoulder as if he couldn’t stand not touching me. “Not so fast. I’ll tell you, but after.”

  “After?”

  He nodded and pulled my head against his chest. His heart thudded wildly beneath my ear. And if I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was nervous. Heath nervous? Laughable.

  “You do this to me.” He bent closer, inhaling deep. “You are my air, Rayla—my life.”

  Whoa. Could I get any more uncomfortable? “Liar.”

  He pulled away, giving me a clearly offended huff. “I’m serious.”

  “You don’t do serious, Heath. I’ve already been warned, by you, in fact. I’d be stupid to believe otherwise.”

  He swallowed hard. “I’ll admit I’ve been that way in the past. Not so anymore.” He tugged me closer. “Words mean nothing; I know you feel it too. All you have to do is give me a sign.”

  I licked my lips, but turned away when he moved closer. “I’m not ready,” I whispered.

  He sighed, his body tensing. “I know. It’s why I haven’t pushed you until now.”

  My door handle jiggled. “Rayla?” said Jett. “Are you okay? I can’t get the door to open.”

  Heath smiled at me. “My cue to leave. Think about what I’ve said.”

  “But you didn’t tell me what you’ve done in the human realm!”

  He shrugged. “Later.”

  An instant after that, I held onto air. The door burst open. Jett’s face was contorted in fear mixed with anger.

  I stumbled to my feet, carefully avoiding the shards of wood scattered on the floor. “I was just about to get up. You didn’t have to break the door.”

  His chest heaved as if he had fought an entire army to get in here. “Why didn’t you answer me?”

  “I…was asleep.”

  “I heard voices.”

  I cocked my head at him. “You shouldn’t say things like that out loud.”

  His jaw tightened as he walked past me. He checked every corner of the room. Moonlight peeked over the edges of the ceiling, lighting our surroundings in an ominous glow. Eventually, he made his way back to me. “Why are you lying to me? Did Gibbit show up again?”

  “No. I’ve been alone.” The lie slid easily from my lips. I didn’t want Heath to get into trouble, but more importantly, I didn’t want to explain why I didn’t out him when I had the chance.

  I was now sure of one thing, at least. The connection I shared with Heath was completely different than what I had with Jett or any of the other lords.

  The loss of him hit me anew, and all I wanted to do was curl into a ball and cry. I smiled at Jett. “Can we talk about this more in the morning? I’m still really tired.”

  He shifted uneasily before he nodded. “I hope you know you can tell me anything, Rayla.” With that said, he let himself out. A few moments later the door was fixed and back in place.

  I heaved a huge sigh. Jett was a good person, but I doubted he would take Heath’s invasion too kindly. I needed to get my head sorted out. If only I knew how to do such a thing.

  Chapter Nine

  Morning slammed me in the face. I woke to a gentle shake and a kind smile, but that did nothing for the ache that currently occupied three quarters of my head. The glaring light didn’t help, either; however, it did halo Jett’s impeccable features in a golden glow. It would have made an awesome composition.

  I smiled back even if it didn’t have an ounce of sweetness. The yawn I tried to suppress slipped past my lips along with a slight groan. “Can’t I have a little bit longer?”

  He pushed the hair off my forehead and ran his finger along my jaw. “I would be happy to give you all the time you like. Just say the word, and I will inform Tabitha you have made your decision.

  I jumped to my feet. “I’m up. Give me a minute to get dressed.”

  He frowned, which planted a pit of guilt right in my stomach. “I’m afraid the Altasian delegation is already here. They have waited longer than is customary. We must meet them in the great hall.”

  I pointed at my nightgown. “I can’t exactly go down in this.”

  His eyes swept the length of me. “Maybe not the best idea.”

  “Well?” I said, ignoring the blush that heated my cheeks.

  He didn’t look away. “Well, what?”

  I gave him an incredulous glare. “Get out. I need to change.”

  “We don’t have time.” New clothes covered me in an instant. How did he do that? I’d managed to cover myself in armor when Ainessa had a knife to my throat, but I’d yet to figure out how to do it again when I wasn’t an emotional wreck. Maybe that was the key?

  I ha
rdly thought this formal enough of an occasion to be wearing a ball gown, the obvious downside to having anyone else clothe you. I picked at the sparkling fabric. “What’s this for?”

  He sighed. “It was a request.”

  “From whom?” If it was Luke, he would get an earful.

  “Queen Kalista.”

  I shrugged, realizing there was no point in arguing about a dress, and followed Jett to the great hall. A bountiful feast lay before us full of savory dishes, meats and cheeses, not to mention an assortment of delectable fruits. I hadn’t slept all day, had I?

  “Ah,” said a familiar voice. “Here she is.” Luke strutted over to me then took my hands. His warm fingers caressed mine, sending a flush of chills through me. He leaned in to brush a kiss along my cheek. “It’s so good to see you, Rayla.”

  I stepped back a bit to get a better look at him. His glamour was better today. I could hardly see through it at all. His golden mane had grown at least four inches and now curled behind his ears. The scar on his cheek was barely visible and was all that remained of his injuries, at least on the surface. The rest of him was as perfect as ever. Tension within me released. He was healing. I pulled him into a hug. “How are you?”

  He laughed. “Never better, my lady, now that I have your arms around me.”

  “Cheesy much?” I asked, bumping his shoulder.

  He grinned and the world melted away. Luke was like sunshine blaring in your face. You had to take notice.

  He turned toward his companion. “Rayla, may I introduce Queen Kalista of Altasia. She insisted on coming to meet you.”

  The queen stepped forward. She appeared a couple years older than me, tops, but her eyes were old. Just how old was anyone’s guess. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rayla.”

  I smiled. “Thank you. I’m pleased to know you.”

  She gave me a curt nod. “We’re looking forward to your visit. The whole kingdom rallied together to prepare once we found out you would be coming to us sooner than expected.”

  “Thank you,” I said because I couldn’t think of anything else. It wasn’t my fault Tabitha had gotten a bee up her pant leg.

  “Well,” said Luke. With graceful fingers, he pointed to the nearest table. “Shall we?”