Fallen Star

by Cyndi Friberg

  Damn it. She should have rehearsed an excuse for her thoughtlessness. In truth she’d been so busy and so overwhelmed by all the changes that the complication hadn’t crossed her mind. “I dropped my phone and can’t afford to replace it right now. I’m sorry if I worried you.”

  “Worried? I was worried the first two days, then I was frantic. Yesterday I got mad. Today,” she sighed loud enough for the microphone to pick up the whoosh of air. “I’m thrilled to hear your voice, but I’m still angry.”

  “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what else I can say.”

  “I was going to come see you, but the hospital said you’d been discharged. How are you feeling?”

  She hated lies. Honesty might hurt more in the short term, but it seldom sneaked around to bite one in the butt. That was deception’s favorite game. Besides, she didn’t see an alternative. At least not right now. “I’m doing as well as can be expected. Getting around sucks, but I was able to sleep through the night for the first time since this happened.”

  “Are you at your apartment or are you staying with someone?”

  “I’m at home, but Tori and Angie are helping out.” That wasn’t too far from the truth. “They’ve been wonderful.”

  “True friends are hard to find. You need to hang on to those two.”

  “I intend to.” Tension built as the conversation lagged. “Mom, I understand why you don’t like to talk about him, but I need to know more about my father.” Or at least her perception of who he had been.

  “He was a mistake, a youthful indiscretion. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Unfortunately, it’s not.” Now it was time for some creative embellishment. If her mother honestly had no idea her father had been anything other than a collage Romeo, she’d make sure her mother never found out about…reality? Could she really keep the truth from someone she loved? “Some of the blood tests they ran while I was injured revealed something odd in my blood. I was able to give them your medical history, but they really need his too.”

  A long pause followed. Jillian could picture her mother’s tormented expression, had seen it often enough while she was growing up to remember every detail. Questions about her father always drew that reaction from her mother.

  “Do you at least know his name?” Jillian persisted.

  “His first name was Jerry, but I know that’s not what you’re asking.” Another long silence followed and Jillian wished she’d done this in person. It would have been worth the four-hour drive. “How ‘odd’ was what they found in your blood? You’re not being harmed by it, are you?”

  She knew. Those few questions made it obvious. Her mother either knew or suspected. “The anomaly isn’t harming me. They’ve just never seen anything like it before.”

  “Oh, baby, you have to be careful. Or better yet, drop it completely. Get a new phone number not just a new phone. Move to another apartment. No, another city. If the wrong people get ahold of your blood, they could…”

  Soft sobbing came over the speakers and Jillian wrapped her arms around herself. The past was fracturing, bleeding, spilling over into the present. Would they be liberated by the truth or consumed by the destruction. “It’ll be all right, Mom. People are protecting me. I’m safe and so are you.”

  “You can’t trust anyone. Jillian, you have to listen to me.” Her voice was suddenly stronger, filled with purpose. “This is so much bigger than you ever imagined.”

  The last thing she wanted was to cause her mother more pain. Her mother had already endured a lifetime of isolation and fear. Much of it had been self-imposed, but that didn’t matter now. “I’ll come get you. Pack a bag and be ready in an hour. Don’t tell anyone you’re leaving.”

  “In an hour?” A thin laugh followed the question. “You can make it from Vegas to LA in an hour?”

  “Just be ready.”

  “All right. I’ll be ready.”

  Jillian ended the call and powered down the computer. She pushed back from the table and Tori walked back into the room. “Sorry. I overheard most of that. What are you planning to do with her?”

  “King Indric offered her a home on Bilarri and I intend to take him up on the offer.”

  Tori nodded as Jillian handed her the laptop. “You should go with her. Lor’s convinced the Shadow Assassins are on the move. The receptionist gig is probably a waste of time.”

  “I’m not leaving until I have one last conversation with Roxie. She might not realize what she knows, but she could have seen all sorts of things that could be helpful. I’m not going to squander the opportunity.”

  “Fair enough. Let’s round up our men so you can go get your mother.” Tori tucked the laptop under her arm and headed for the door.

  Chapter Nine

  Sevrin paused outside the holding cell and adjusted her midnight-blue bustier. She’d taken off the matching jacket, leaving her in a short, tight skirt and high-heeled ankle boots. The outfit was one of her favorites because it perfectly showcased her figure, and she needed every advantage for this negotiation. Satisfied that she looked her best, she triggered the door and stepped inside the small room.

  Flynn charged the energy barrier separating them. His hands touched the shimmering field and he shook with what had to be agonizing pain. His dark gaze remained locked with hers and his murderous expression didn’t change, but he didn’t make a sound. Stubborn fool.

  “Cut it out. You’ll only damage yourself.”

  He slowly lowered his arms, yet remained half a step from the barrier. “I should have listened to Nazerel. You’re a deceitful bitch!”

  “But I don’t have to be. I don’t even like being bitchy. You drove me to it.” She dragged one of the two chairs in the observation area closer to the barrier then sat. With her legs crossed, her skirt crawled well up on her thighs. The fact wasn’t lost on her prisoner. “You can either be my reluctant messenger or my willing partner. I’d much rather work with you than force you to do my bidding, but I am able to accomplish either goal.”

  He tugged on the metal collar circling his neck. “Take this off me now.”

  “After I’ve gone to all this trouble?” She snickered. “You really must think I’m a fool.”

  “I told you what I think you are. This is a waste of time.”

  She lifted one bare shoulder in a careless shrug that drew his attention to the swell of her breasts. “The precautions are necessary. You and your brothers have significant advantages. The collar simply ensures your obedience while you’re here.”

  “Where the hell is here? I can’t believe I let you drug me.” He turned his back on her and tried to rip open the collar for what had to be the hundredth time.

  “This is my new headquarters. None of you will ever know its actual location. It has been under construction for the past two years and houses state-of-the-art technology. You would not be better served if you were taken to the Rodyte capital.” She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “For obvious reasons, I must be careful. You and your brothers have disregarded many of my fundamental rules and you’ve ignored my warnings. That’s about to change.”

  “Fuck.” He turned back around. “You.”

  “We’ll get to that in a moment.” She stood and slid the chair out of her way. “You need to pay attention. You will be required to explain my expectations to the others. Now that we have the staff and the technology required for success, there will be no more self-directed hunts. I will sanction one hunter at a time. Anyone who disregards this rule will be shot on sight. There will be no second chances. Do you understand?”

  “I understand that you’re insane. How do you intend to stop us from hunting? Are you going to kill us all?”

  “If need be,” she replied without pause. “You seem to have forgotten that there are thousands of Shadow Assassins back on Ontariese. Everyone is expendable.”

  “We’re the strongest. The best.” He planted his fists on his hips and dared her to argue with his belligerent expression. “Ar
e you ready to settle for second best?”

  “I’m ready for success. If that requires a massive purge in personnel, I’m prepared for the sacrifice. Are you?”

  He just glared at her.

  She held up her index finger. “No unsanctioned hunts.” Adding her middle finger to the gesture, she went on. “The sanctioned hunter will bring his mate to the old warehouse. He will be collared. He and his mate will be drugged then they will be transported to this location. I am the only female allowed in the team houses.”

  “The others will never agree.”

  She shrugged. “They have no choice.”

  “They’ll run.”

  She smiled, anticipation making her giddy. She’d tried to play nicely with these men and they’d taken advantage of her generosity. Well, they were about to find out why people whispered her father’s name with fear and reverence. And everyone that knew her said she was just like her father.

  “Your nanites were manufactured on Rodymia. I now have the means to track them. And unlike an Ontarian tracking chip, your nanites cannot be removed.”

  He stared at her silently, nostrils flaring, eyes narrowed and hostile. “This is intolerable.”

  Again she shrugged. “Only if you make it so. The rules are flexible. You’ve lost my trust. Regain it and I’ll grant you more freedom.”

  “How do we regain your trust?”

  “By following the rules.”

  His hands folded into tight fists. “We had it better on Ontariese.”

  “Oh now that’s just nonsense. You will each be granted the opportunity to hunt and I will enable you to transfer your abilities to your mate. Can Overlord Lyrik say the same?”

  “None of your attempts have been successful. Why should we believe you now?”

  “I have staff and equipment now that I didn’t have before. Dr. Porffer, bless her soul, tried as hard as she could, but even she admitted that she was in over her head. Her teacher’s teacher and his hand-selected team are now at my disposal. The next time we attempt a transfer, it will succeed.”

  The fury in his gaze gradually became something more calculative. He licked his lips and gazed into the distance. “What do I have to do to be the one you choose?”

  Now that was more like it. “This is rule number three. Each hunter must pay for his sanction with sexual tribute. I’ve decided it’s too great an honor for any hunter to know that he fathered my child. I will enjoy the talents of each hunter before he begins searching for his mate.”

  “If you’re hoping to absorb our abilities; it doesn’t work that way.”

  “Let me worry about how it works. All any of you need to worry about is pleasing me.”

  He tore his shirt off over his head, chest heaving. “I’d like to pay for my sanction. Please.”

  He added the last word with such rancor it made Sevrin smile. This was going to be even more fun than she’d imagined. “Tribute must be offered willingly.”

  “Oh I’m more than willing. I’ve been imagining this since I first saw you.”

  She chuckled. No doubt he’d been imagining all sorts of cruel things, but this was about her pleasure and his surrender. These men were impossibly arrogant and in desperate need of a lesson in humility. “Take off your pants. Let me see what you’re offering.”

  It took a moment for him to unclench his hands enough to use them. He ripped open the front of his jeans and shoved them down his thighs. He wore nothing underneath. All the while he glared at her, rebellion evident in every movement. He had a fabulous body, but then they all did. The current generation of Shadow Assassins had been genetically engineered for height and muscle mass then sculpted to perfection by exercise and discipline. Flynn also had a pleasant face. Symmetrical features and light brown hair.

  She took her time, enjoying every aspect of his masculine form. Strength and tension were evident in every limb, every bulge and ripple. Except his cock. Though well shaped and full of potential, the shaft wasn’t even hard.

  “You don’t look very willing to me.” She motioned toward his crotch.

  “Let me touch you, mistress. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

  “No. I’d be dead. It’s obvious you’re still angry.” She moved to the control panel on the wall and activated a compartment at the head of his bunk. The compartment slid open and restraints spilled onto the thin mattress. “Lie on your back and cuff your wrists.”

  “I can’t perform in such a demeaning manor,” he snapped. “Shadow Assassins are always in control.”

  “Not anymore.” She kept her tone light and tried to look bored. “Restrain yourself or I’ll find another messenger. It really makes no difference to me.”

  He stomped to the bunk and spread out on his back. Each movement radiated resentment, which made his surrender even sweeter. He closed his eyes and blew out a harsh breath. “You have my word I will not harm you. Please leave my hands free.”

  Did he really think she was that stupid? “Not a chance. Stop stalling.”

  With obvious reluctance, he raised his arms over his head and fastened the alloy cuffs. Then he turned his head and glared at her. “Let’s get this over with.” Anger intensified the green of his eyes. They were really quite beautiful.

  She deactivated the energy barrier and moved two steps closer. “It doesn’t work like that.” Angling her body so he could see her cleavage and her ass, she bent from the waist and unlaced her ankle boots. “I haven’t had a man since Zacharous was captured. I intend to savor every moment of this.”

  After kicking off her boots, she reached beneath her skirt and removed her panties. She looked at him, pleased to find his eyes had followed each move. A zipper secured the front of the bustier, the laces on the back largely ornamental. She lowered the zipper several inches, allowing most of her breasts to spring free. The semi-ridged cups skimmed over her nipples, revealing a hint of areola with each breath.

  She looked at his cock and smiled. That was better. “If you hurt me, I’ll slit your throat.”

  He said nothing, just waited for her next move.

  Tired of the perpetual ache between her thighs, she was tempted to just climb on and ride him fast and hard. But it had been weeks since a man last touched her. She really wanted to play. Besides, the longer she made him wait, the wilder he’d be when she finally took him.

  She moved closer to the bunk, pulling up her skirt as she went.

  His eyes drooped, nearly closing, and he inhaled deeply. “Are you as wet as you smell?”

  “Why don’t you find out?” She straddled his hand and closed her eyes, trembling with anticipation. He shoved his fingers into her wet passage without warning or preparation. Was that two or three? Gods she felt full. Her inner muscles rippled with near orgasm and she groaned. “Watch it. That almost hurt.”

  He rotated his hand and found her clit with his thumb. “Is this what you want? Or this?” He shuttled his fingers in and out.

  She caught his wrist and pushed his fingers deep. “Now gently touch my clit and make me come.”

  His touch obeyed, but his words were another story. “You might think you want it gentle, but we both know you don’t. You want me on top of you, pounding into you, while you fight against the cuffs.” He spread his fingers, stretching her as his thumb carefully circled her clit. “Or better yet, let me hold you down so you feel my fingers biting into your flesh as my cock thrusts deep again and again.”

  An orgasm burst with shocking intensity, dragging a startled cry from her throat. Her inner walls caressed his fingers while his thumb prolonged the spasms with undeniable skill.

  “Straddle my face so I can lick you.”

  She’d been just about to do just that, but his command made her change her mind. She unzipped the bustier and tossed it aside then climbed on top of him. Rubbing her breasts against his chest and her mound against his shaft, she ignored his frustrated thrashing and concentrated on pleasing herself.

  Unfortunately, he was right. She enjo
yed sex much more when she was being taken, overpowered and overwhelmed by a masterful lover. His body slid against hers, arching with obvious frustration. It was fun to deny him, but she was also denying herself what she really needed.

  “Your scent is making me crazy.” He panted. “I want you to ride my tongue.”

  “This isn’t about what you want.” She bunched the skirt up around her waist so she could straddle his hips. Then she reached between them and found his cock. “It’s about what I want.” She used his cock like a toy, rubbing it up and down her crease and around her clit, anywhere but into her core.

  “Put me in. Gods! Put me in.” He forced the plea out between clenched teeth.

  Again she’d been about to do so. Why wouldn’t he shut his damn mouth and enjoy the ride? “Each time you make demands, you postpone the pleasure.” She slid back onto his thighs and waited until he looked into her eyes. “You do not have permission to come.”

  His exasperated growl made her grin, then she bent and sucked him into her mouth. He felt enormous as he slid between her lips, incredibly hard, yet also soft. She caressed his base with her hand as she worked his tip with her lips and tongue. Each of his shudders and groans made her bolder, more determined to hear him beg.

  “I can’t… Stop or I’ll…” She pulled back just in time to watch his seed burst from his tip and splattered across his flat belly.

  “Now look what a mess you’ve made.” Careful to avoid the splatters, she crawled upward and positioned herself directly above his mouth. “You didn’t have permission to do that, so this is your punishment. You will lick me until I’ve had enough, regardless of how long it takes or how many times I come. You’ll keep right on licking.”

  “Yes, mistress,” he muttered as she lowered her sex toward his mouth.

  * * * * *

  Jillian had never seen her mother at a loss for words. Estelle Taylor was known for her strong opinions and her willingness to defend them, yet she’d barely spoken since Lor teleported her to the Bunker.