Fallen Star

by Cyndi Friberg

  “What happens if I don’t register a claim?”

  “I’m the clan patriarch, so everything reverts back to me.” Again the tingling lethargy accompanied each word.

  “All you had to do was stay quiet and Lierra’s wealth would have been yours?”

  He scooted to the edge of his chair and rested his forearms on his knees. “This isn’t about money. It’s about family. You are a member of my family. None of us will force our way into your life, but I hope, at some point, you’ll be curious enough to explore the possibilities.”

  Standing suddenly, she walked around behind the loveseat. She wasn’t afraid of Indric. She just felt the need for a little more separation. “If you’re drugging me intentionally, stop it! I’m not hysterical.”

  “I apologize.” The words came out of his mouth, but there was no remorse in his expression.

  “Then you were doing it intentionally?”

  “Some find my voice soothing. I won’t do it again.”

  Those mysterious eyes hinted at a lot more than the ability to soothe. He could pause time, for God’s sake. Was it really surprising that he could control emotions with his voice?

  “May I ask a question, sire?” Odintar had remained silently supportive through the entire exchange.

  “Of course.”

  “Do you know his current location?”

  “Gerrod’s?” The king seemed genuinely surprised by the question.

  “Yes. He’s a fugitive who has escaped justice for a very long time.”

  Indric’s tense nod made Jillian think he wouldn’t answer. “I’ll give Lor his last known address, but I seriously doubt he’s still there. He obviously knows how to evade capture. Even my network of spies had a hard time locating him.”

  “And yet you allowed him to disappear.” Odintar pushed to his feet, momentarily blocking her view of Indric. “Why didn’t you notify the authorities when you found him the first time?”

  She took a step to the side so she could gauge Indric’s reaction.

  His chin came up a notch and the rings in his eyes gleamed. He was clearly not used to having his actions questioned. “His behavior is amoral and utterly objectionable, but he has not broken any laws. As long as the females were willing, which it’s my understanding that they were, I have no reason to pursue the matter further.”

  “Would your attitude be the same if he weren’t your nephew?”

  Stop it. She rushed around the loveseat and grasped his upper arm, half afraid Odintar would charge Indric.

  “This is an Ontarian conflict.” Indric stood as well, though he appeared calm. “I have neither assisted nor hindered any attempts to capture him. If High Queen Charlotte is dissatisfied with my approach, she is free to contact me.”

  His arm flexed beneath her hand then gradually relaxed. He took a deep breath and then inclined his head. “I apologize for my attitude. I have expended too much time and energy trying to bring Gerrod Reynolds to justice. The ongoing effort sometimes overshadows my reasoning.”

  “I’ll give Lor all the information I have on Gerrod, but don’t expect much. The last time I had contact with him was six years ago.”

  “I appreciate the compromise.”

  Indric acknowledged the statement with another regal nod, then turned back to Jillian. “I’ll stress this again. Nothing will be forced upon you. But you have opportunities open to you now that weren’t there before. First and foremost, you would be much safer on Bilarri. I encourage you to seriously consider coming home.”

  “Home.” She laughed. “I’ve been trying to go home ever since this adventure began.” Odintar looked at her, obviously catching the sarcasm in her tone. She glanced at him then continued her standoff with the king. “I’m not leaving Earth until the Shadow Assassins are apprehended. I won’t make myself safe by making someone else a target.”

  Though Indric didn’t seem pleased, he didn’t argue. “Security within the Bunker is acceptable, but Lor mentioned some sort of undercover operation. Tell me more about that.”

  Odintar slipped his arm around her waist as he explained, “We’ve identified a tattoo shop frequented by the Shadow Assassins. Jillian was just hired as their receptionist. She’ll be accompanied by a human surveillance team as well as me or one of the other Mystics.”

  Indric narrowed his gaze, clearly unsatisfied with the description. “I’ll dispatch a security team to augment the Mystic Militia. Three empowered players is not nearly enough.”

  “Two weeks ago I would have argued with you, but we’re no longer limited by the confines of our ship. I suspect Lor will welcome reinforcements. However, the final say is his.”

  “Jillian will have a security contingent,” Indric asserted. “Whether or not Lor chooses to incorporate them into current missions is up to him.”

  “And if I don’t want bodyguards?” She knew the answer. She just couldn’t believe her freedom had been compromised by a father she’d never met.

  “I’m trying to be patient. I know this is overwhelming for you. But it’s my responsibility to keep you safe.” The friendly openness she’d sensed evaporated. She was no longer speaking with a member of her family. This was King Indric. “Don’t fight me on this. I will not relent.”

  She stared back at him, neither accepting nor objecting to his decision.

  He turned to Odintar and added, “I’ll arrange for a mentor from Guild Air. Your intimate relationship disqualifies you to train her properly.”

  Much to her surprise, Odintar nodded. Just like that he handed her over to someone else?

  “Don’t I get a say in any of this?” She looked from Indric to Odintar and back. “I happen to like training with Odintar. I trust him and I—”

  “He’s right,” Odintar insisted. “You’ll progress faster with someone who’s able to remain objective. I lost that ability the first time I kissed you.”

  She was about to voice her annoyance when Indric changed the subject. “Is your mother still alive?”

  “Why?” The question was so unexpected, she finally felt surprised.

  His easy smile returned. “She suffered at the hands of one of my progeny. I would like the opportunity to make amends.”

  Jillian crossed her arms over her chest, not sure what to make of the offer. “What did you have in mind?”

  He shrugged. “I can take her to Bilarri where she will live in the lap of luxury or I can arrange for her to receive an inheritance from a previously unknown relation. I can provide for her needs without her ever knowing the source of her good fortune. It’s up to you.”

  “Let me think about it. I’m not sure which makes more sense for her.”

  “All right.” He clasped his hands behind his back and squared his shoulders. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. Prepare yourself for the rush. I’m going to release the visualization.”

  The salon blurred for a fraction of a second and then they were back in the training hall.

  “I suppose my office is more comfortable,” Elias was saying. “Will that be satisfactory, sire?”

  Lor flashed a knowing smile. Even with the time strand paused, he must have sensed their absence. “I don’t think that’s necessary any longer.”

  “I had an investigator locate Gerrod Reynolds six years ago. I don’t know if any of the information will be useful now, but I’ll send over a report.” Before Lor could respond to the offer, Indric turned to Elias. “I appreciate your hospitality.” Then to Odintar he said, “It will take me a day or two to make the arrangements. I’m trusting you to protect her until then.”

  Odintar bowed and, without further ado, Indric flashed out of sight.

  “All right,” Elias grumbled. “What the hell just happened?”

  Lor laughed and patted him on the back. “I think we’re looking at the newest member of Indric’s family.” He moved toward Jillian as he asked, “Am I right?”

  She sighed. “So he tells me.”

  “Then why aren’t you excited?” L
or glanced at Odintar as he waited for her answer. “You just found out you’re royalty.”

  “I just found out I’m an obscure member of a royal family on a planet I’d never heard of until a few days ago. Meanwhile, I’m being hunted by another group of aliens who want to use females like human incubators.”

  “Well, when you put it like that…” Elias maintained a straight face as the other three laughed.

  Lor carefully placed his hand on her upper arm. “We know this has been hard on you and Odintar told me that what you’d really like is to go home for a night or two.”

  Jillian tensed. Was this where he refused because it was too dangerous? Sleeping in her own bed, surrounded by her own things was such a simple request, or it would have been without the Shadow Assassins.

  “Blayne and I spent the last three hours warding your apartment,” Lor explained. “The shields won’t last forever, but you should be safe for a night or two.”

  She wasn’t sure what “warding” entailed. “Did you create an actual barrier or just some sort of shield?”

  “It’s an extremely sensitive alarm. You’ll be warned if anyone approaches, even if they try to teleport in. It will give Odintar time to flash you to safety.”

  Which meant Odintar was coming with her. Her stomach tightened while her pulse leapt. Why did she still feel so conflicted? Their romance was exciting, exhilarating, but one night of peace and quiet had its own appeal. Whether Odintar meant to or not, he’d influenced each decision she’d made since he barreled into her life. Still, they were trying to accommodate her needs and she didn’t want to seem ungrateful.

  “Thank you,” she said to the three at large.

  “Tori’s in the lounge,” Lor told her. “Why don’t you go visit with her while Odintar briefs us on the last few days.”

  Despite the polite wording, Jillian knew an order when she heard one. She’d been dismissed, pushed aside so the adults could talk without upsetting the child. “I’d be happy to, if I knew where the lounge was.”

  “Take a left, then a right, then another left. Then it’s the second door on your right.” Elias used an angled hand gesture to illustrate each turn.

  “Left, right, left. Got it.” Suddenly anxious to be away from the bossy men, she spun on the ball of her foot and hurried down the hallway.

  Warmth and encouragement seeped into her mind, making her link with Odintar tingle. At any other time she would have welcomed the affection. Right now, it felt too much like what Indric had done. She found her end of the link and squeezed it shut, blocking Odintar’s access to her mind.

  She darted around a corner and collided with someone. Stumbling back as the other person reached out and steadied her. “Sorry.”

  “No problem.” The hand grasping her upper arm released. “You must be Jillian.”

  Jillian looked up and fought for a reply. Tall and curvaceous, the red-haired woman emanated authority while still maintaining her femininity. Not an easy balance to achieve. “Are you Morgan?”

  The woman smiled and went from pretty to stunning. “I am. Can I help you find something?”

  “I was headed to the lounge. At least I hope I was.”

  “You’re almost there. Turn left at the next corner and you’ll find the lounge a little ways down on your right.”

  Beauty was generally an advantage, but a woman in Morgan’s position would be seriously hampered by physical appeal. Jillian didn’t envy Morgan her challenges. “Thanks.”

  “Will you be staying here now or were they able to work out the logistics of your apartment?”

  “I’m going home for a day or two. We’ll see what happens after that.” She tried to sound as assertive as possible. Too many forces already had influence on her decisions.

  Morgan’s sky-blue eyes narrowed as if she’d object, then she nodded. “Very good. It was nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Jillian lingered in the hallway as Morgan continued on her way. There was a fine line between protective custody and captivity. Jillian would not allow these people to make her a prisoner in her own life. She wouldn’t put herself in unnecessary danger, but neither would she cower in the corner like a frightened child.

  She found the lounge and was relieved to see that Tori was the only other person in the medium-sized room. Tori sat at a square table working on a sleek laptop. She glanced up from the screen and smiled. “Hey there, stranger.”

  Jillian slipped into the chair across from her. “Hey yourself.” The back wall was lined with vending machines and couches had been arranged to one side, leaving room for the tables on the other. “Did Lor put you to work or are you researching a new design project?”

  Tori closed the laptop and looked at Jillian. “I think my set design days are part of my past. As soon as this crisis is neutralized, Lor and I will probably go back to Ontariese.”

  This didn’t surprise Jillian. Lor was some sort of hotshot on his planet, so Tori’s life would have to conform to his. Still, it bothered her that Tori was willing to abandon her entire life without a backward glance. “What about Angie?”

  “Angie will likely come too. Blayne wants—”

  “What about what Angie wants? Or what you want? Why are you rearranging your lives to fit the needs of these men?” Tori opened her mouth, obviously ready to defend her choices, so Jillian rushed on. “Angie has always been part Gypsy, but you have a life here, an occupation and—”

  “And what? An occupation was all I had before I met Lor.”

  “Thanks a lot. We’ve been friends for years. That means nothing to you?”

  Tori paused, her expression tense yet compassionate. “You’ve never questioned my decisions, even when you didn’t agree with them. What is this really about?”

  “He promised there wouldn’t be any more surprises and then—Bam! I get sucker punched.”

  “Who made the promise and who threw the sucker punch?”

  Jillian tried not to sound melodramatic, but the past week had been surreal. “After rearranging reality as I had known it, Odintar promised he was finished screwing with me.”

  Tori laughed. “I wasn’t aware that he’d started screwing with you.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I do, but I’d like you to answer the question. Has there been literal screwing?”

  Jillian rubbed her eyes. She was so not in the mood for Tori’s sense of humor. “Yes, we’re lovers. Now can we return to the important subject?”

  “Do you mean the part where you’re Bilarrian royalty?” Tori grinned at her.

  “Lor warned you?”

  She nodded, clearly unwilling to let Jillian’s grumpiness rub off on her. “I’ve heard that King Indric is even better looking than Lord Drakkin. Is it true?”

  “Why would you care and who the hell is Lord Drakkin?”

  “Aria’s mate. Remember, she’s on Bilarri. Drakkin once ruled the mountain region of Hautell. I think one of his sons is king there now.”

  “There’s more than one king on Bilarri? Or is Indric Drakkin’s son?”

  “No relation, but Lor said they’ve been best friends for centuries. Bilarri has four regions and each region has its own monarch. Indric rules the deserts of San Adrin.”

  That’s right. Odintar had mentioned the four regions. The people from each region were empowered by a different element. It made sense that they’d have separate rulers. Jillian tucked away the facts, not sure when, or if, she’d need to know more about her homeworld. No, Earth was and would always be her homeworld. Bilarri was simply the planet that had produced her paternal grandmother.

  “Is there any chance I can make a phone call? I really need to talk to my Mom.”

  “Does she do internet calls? I could text her phone and tell her to go online. Internet access is scrambled or encrypted or whatever. I had to register my facial scan before they issued me a logon.”

  “You can try. She has a smart phone, but she’s bad about letting the battery run down.” S
he told Tori the number.

  Tori opened her laptop and sent the text. “And you never answered the question. Is Indric hot? I’m asking strictly as an artist, you understand.”

  “Sure you are.” Jillian chuckled. Just because Tori was married didn’t mean she’d gone blind. Artists were notoriously visual and Tori was no exception. Besides, without her work as a set designer, she would need a new artistic outlet. “King Indric was arguably the best-looking man I’ve ever seen.” Indric had been more classically handsome than Odintar, yet it was the subtle savagery in Odintar that fascinated her.

  “Form his image in your mind so I can see him. I’m starting a sketch book of the different…species sounds so strange, but I guess that’s what we’re encountering, different humanoid species.”

  Jillian thought about Indric, letting his image form with as much detail as she could. She felt the brush of Tori’s presence then her friend sucked in a breath.

  “Okay, wow. I thought Drakkin was a challenge. I’m not sure I can do justice to Indric.”

  “Lor doesn’t mind you drawing all these other men?”

  Tori shrugged. “I’ve drawn just as many women. Have you seen Morgan? OMG That woman is disgusting.”

  Before Jillian could respond a musical pinging drew Tori’s attention to her computer screen. “We’re in luck. Your mom is logging on. Do you want video?”

  “No. I don’t want to explain why I’m not at home.”

  Tori established the connection then slid the laptop toward Jillian. “I’ll be back in a few.”

  Jillian wasn’t sure the gesture was necessary. Tori knew everything she knew and more.

  “Hello? Are you there? Jillian?”

  The anxiety in her mother’s tone drew Jillian closer to the screen. “I’m here, Mom. Are you okay?”

  “That’s my question? Where the hell have you been for the past week? Why haven’t you returned my calls?”