by Dakota Trace
28
"Are we talking about my sister? That's going to backfire on him, Jonathan. He'll be lucky if she just decides not to talk to him anymore. Besides he knows better. A pampered princess she’s not.”
"I hope, for her sake, she yells at him and gets it out of her system. Rand won't tolerate her shutting him out; he'll use any means he has to get through to her -- even the dream merge."
"I gathered that. He called her before I left. Evidently she did something to him and then hid in the library all afternoon to avoid him. He told her he would see her later tonight and hung up on her. She wanted me to stay, but I turned her down.” Pati grinned. “She should’ve known better.”
Jonathan shook his head in dismay at her revelations.
“Let’s hope they can come to some kind of agreement.”
“Just out of curiosity, is it hard to sustain the merge?”
“If both parties are receptive to it, no, it’s not difficult in the least. But if one party is not - then it will take a tremendous amount of concentration on the other's part.”
Jonathan glanced up at her as he finished his salad.
“Does one have to possess magic to participate?"
"If the other is receptive, no. A low level witch or wizard can accomplish it. But if the other resists, it takes a high-level witch or wizard, say a level eight to ten to hold the merge.” He nodded to the waiter when he appeared again, this time holding their food.
“So what happens if the person has no power or magic? Can they still have this type of dreaming?” Patience took her food from the waiter.
29
“Yes. I keep forgetting even though you’re her twin, you have no power. You’re such a capable woman, Pati.” He nodded in thanks to the waiter when his own plate was placed in front of him, a Venusian deep-sea fish in white sauce, simply but elegantly garnished.
“Don’t feel sorry for me, Jonathan. I may not have any magical powers but I have other strengths. Still, it is nice to know I could participate in some things that are magical. I’ll just have to find someone with magic to assist me.”
Jonathan’s fork paused midway between his plate and mouth, and slowly he lowered it back to his plate.
“Who are you planning on asking to help you with this?”
Pati glanced up at his soft question. “I haven’t any particular wizard in mind, I guess.” Unsure of the sudden change in his demeanor, Pati decided to proceed with caution. After all he’s one of the most powerful wizards in Venus.
“Well, when you do decide, let me know.” Jonathan resumed eating.
“Why?”
“Because I want to be on the top of your list.”
“Really. What level are your magic powers, Jonathan?”
“Level nine, more than adequate for dream merging.”
* * * *
Grace yawned and glanced at the clock on her bedside table. The digital display read after one in the morning and she was usually asleep by this time. The remote communications console started to buzz softly. Groaning inwardly she debated whether 30
to answer it; if she didn’t Rand was sure appear in her suite to make sure nothing had happened to her. After the fifth ring she snatched it up.
“No, I am not asleep yet.”
“Well, I can see that. I thought I would check in with you. I just got home after a wonderful evening with Jonathan. He even offered to do it with me.”
“Patience! You lucky little devil. Jonathan is very selective with whom he dream merges. I’ve only done it with him once when Rand wanted to see if he could merge with both of us at the same time.”
“Did it work?”
“Yes, it did. But it can give you a headache if you try to hold it too long. I hope you realize what you are getting into if you let him into your dreams. Earlier you laughed at me for letting Rand into mine. Jonathan is a very powerful wizard and he’ll have control of when he leaves your dream.”
* * * *
At the same moment, Rand and Jonathan were discussing the same subject in Rand’s private wing of the castle. “She actually said she was going to find a wizard to initiate her in dream merging?” Somehow it didn’t surprise him Grace’s twin wanted to experiment with dream-merging. I’m sure she’ll be as receptive to as Gracie was.
“Yes, she did. I told her if she was looking, I’d be happy to help her.”
"I know it's none of my business, Jonathan, but as Pati's future brother-in-law, what are your intentions?"
31
"I don't know quite yet, but I like her. I’m going to use the time we are helping you to get to know her better. Maybe we'll keep dating or maybe not. I know Pati isn’t looking for anything serious."
"And if you decide you are?"
"Then I'll be honest about it, Rand. Speaking of which, Pati and I talked about Deanna at dinner. I still think we ought to tell Gracie about what happened at the Gathering. I know you said she couldn't see who attacked because you were blocking her view. Now you've publicly acknowledged she's your choice for a mate, she needs to know about the danger."
"No! I'll protect her if the need arises. I'm her chosen and it is my responsibility."
"I still think you are handling this the wrong way. But it's your funeral, cousin. So, when are you going to slip into her dreams?”
“In about another hour, Gracie’s should be in a deep sleep by then.”
* * * *
When Grace had turned the communications console off, it was after two, and she was very sleepy. This is when Rand would, more than likely, make his move. If only she could make herself more alert. Yawning again, she flipped the covers off her legs and walked to the bathroom. Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, she winced at the bags under her eyes. Screw this, it’s time to turn the tables on Prince Randall de Carthwright. He wants to use the dream merge as leverage, let’s see him do it when I’m the one who initiates it. Going back to her bed, she climbed back in and got comfortable; then drawing a deep breath, she sent her mind out to find his.
* * * *
32
Rand was still in his library when he felt the first brushes of what he recognized as a dream merge. He was awake - so this surprised him. Curious, he opened his mind to see who was trying to merge with him. He was astonished when he realized it was Grace who initiated the merge. He sent himself out onto the plane to meet her.
“Gracie, I didn’t expect this.” Rand met her in the middle of the psychic plane.
“What unfinished business do we need to resolve, Rand? I’m tired, and I do need my rest.”
“So you figured you would make the first move and have the upper hand – the control of the dream merge, so to speak?”
“You know me too well, Your Highness.”
“Gracie, you know it really annoys me when you call me that.”
“The unfinished business?” At her reminder, he was tempted to bend her over his knee or kiss her senseless.
“Ah, yes, this unfinished business. It seems you think you’re going to find a way to make me call off the betrothal. I’m here to tell you, it isn’t going to happen.”
“We’ll see. I’ve changed a lot in the past ten years but my stubbornness hasn’t.”
“And I’ve wanted you just as long. Go ahead pit your stubbornness against my desire to make you mine and we’ll see who wins.” Rand pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth with his. Sparks flew on the physic plane as their lips mated. With a deep groan ringing in his chest, he pulled her tighter against him; and she answered with a soft, low moan. When her lips parted, he aggressively thrust his tongue into her mouth to meet hers, claiming everything she had to offer. He was about to bring his 33
hand up to caress her breast when she suddenly disappeared from his mind. She had broken the dream merge and fled!
* * * *
“Dammit! She ran again!” Rand slapped his hand against his desk, ignoring the tented front of his pants. Reaching for the communications
console, he pressed the button. As it rang, he vowed her running days were over. She’d started this battle but damned if he wasn’t going to finish it.
* * * *
Gracie lay back against her pillows, breathing raggedly; it’d been the most intense experience she’d ever had. It was so good – so passionate - that she had lost her focus and had slipped out of the dream merge. Not that I’ll ever admit it. The communications console rang by her bedside once again; only this time she knew it would be him. Picking up the remote receiver, she held it to her ear.
“Why did you run, Gracie?” Rand ‘s voice was tight.
“I didn’t.”
“Do you really want to do this, Gracie?”
“Do what?”
“Challenge me like this. You want me just as much as I want you.”
“Attraction or not, I'm still not going to marry you. I'll find a loophole in the royal marriage laws somewhere.”
“Keep looking -- when you realize there is no way out, I’ll be waiting for you and be more than happy to accept your surrender.”
* * * *
34
The man in the communications room smiled at the exchange he’d just heard between Rand and Gracie. The woman was very resistant to Rand’s advances; perhaps he could use this to his advantage. But the question was; what would lure the staid, calm beauty away from the prince. She’d sounded quite sincere about not wanting to marry Rand. He’d just have to be patient and a solution would eventually present itself.
35
Chapter Two
Gracie woke feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world, despite the erotic dreams which had plagued her though the night. Rolling over, she came face to face with a single orchid lying on the pillow next to her head. Pleasure filled her as she lifted the bloom off the pillow. Examining it, she briefly wondered where it came from.
“Dare I hope that smile is for me?”
Shooting straight up in bed, Gracie saw Rand leaning against the open French doors.
“How did you get in here?” Shoving the covers off her, she scrambled for her robe, very aware of the fact she was only wearing a thin tunic. Before she reached her goal she found herself pinned across her bed with a very satisfied betrothed on top of her.
“It was easy, Wildcat. I simply walked along the balcony and slipped into your room while you slept. You really ought to lock your doors unless you want me to consider it an open invitation to join you.”
“It isn’t. I wasn’t aware I shared a balcony with you or I’d have locked the blessed doors.”
He leaned in and nuzzled her neck.
“What are you doing?”
“Saying good morning to my chosen.” His mouth slid up her throat to tug on her earlobe. His eyes closed with pleasure when he heard the purr which escaped her.
She’s every inch the wildcat I’ve named her.
36
“I am not your Wildcat!” Pushing against his chest, Gracie’s ire once more had been pricked. With ease, he used his natural strength to pin her hands next to her head.
Deliberately, he spoke telepathically again.
“Now, isn’t this an interesting development, Wildcat?”
“What are you talking about? Get off of me you arrogant…”
“Now, don’t be calling him names, sweetheart.”
“What the hell is he talking about, Zara?”
“Since you’re touching, you can receive his thoughts.”
Wonderful!
“Zara, huh? When did you name your sentient power, Gracie? About the same time I named mine?”
“What? You want to talk about naming our sentient powers? Get off of me, you lug!”
The clearing of a throat let Rand and Gracie know they were no longer alone.
Turning his head, he greeted Emma, one of his family’s personal assistants.
“Good morning, Emma. I see Mom decided to only send the best to take care of my Wildcat.” Turning his attention back to Gracie, he slid a hand deep into her tangled hair to hold her in place. She didn’t even have time to protest when he sealed his mouth over hers.
Gracie could feel Zara’s pleasure and it only increased her own. Am I being a fool with my resistance? Or should I simply give in?
“Not a fool, Wildcat, just be yourself and eventually you’ll give in. I’ll accept nothing less.”
37
“Like hell!” Goaded beyond her control at his smug arrogance in her eventual surrender she nipped at his lower lip.
He pulled back with a snarl. “You’ll pay for that, Wildcat.” Rolling off the bed, he stormed out of the room.
“I dare say, Lady Gracie, his royal highness left here in a mood.”
Gracie shook her head at the girl’s obvious understatement. “Why not speak the truth, Emma? He was pissed off. But not nearly as pissed as he will be.”
“Mistress?” The question was more than evident.
“Never mind. I suppose Queen Aria has a full schedule for me today?”
“Of course, Lady Gracie.”
“Well then lazing around in bed isn’t going to get it accomplished. Give me thirty minutes to shower and we’ll go join Mr. Pissy downstairs for breakfast.”
Emma had to cover her mouth to stifle her laugh.
Batting her eyes at the girl, Gracie couldn’t help but add, “After all, since he’s the one who’s insisting on this farce of marriage, I think he’s going to have to hold the hand of his “helpless” new bride. I’m sure we’ve got tons of invitations that need to be licked.”
Unable to control her laughter any longer, Emma let loose.
* * * *
Rand was sitting at the breakfast table when Gracie joined him. Rising from his seat, he waited for her to be seated. As the servant poured her a cup of coffee, he watched her spread her napkin across her lap. He waited for her to speak to him. After her earlier response it was odd but she seemed content to sip her coffee and nibble on her toast in silence. 38
Sipping at his own coffee, he winced at the sting of the hot brew against the swollen area where she’d nipped him.
“Do something, Rand. I like it not.”
“And you’re not the one with the sore mouth. The last time I listened to you, I ended up in the fountain.”
“Which my Zara will answer for once we’re completely bonded.”
Finally he could handle the silence no longer. “Nothing to say, Wildcat? Or are you afraid I’m going to retaliate for earlier?”
“Retaliate? No, I know you’d never hurt me. Jonathan always did say you were like a big pussycat when it came to me. All roar but no bite.” Blotting her mouth with her napkin, she continued as if she hadn’t just insulted him. “Now, I do believe Emma said something about invitations that needed my attention. So if you’ll excuse me, unless you plan on licking the envelopes, I’ve got a meeting with your mother.” Pushing back from the table, she turned to leave the room. As she reached the door it swung shut in front of her with a thud.
“You know I would’ve thought you’d outgrown such childish behavior, Prince Randall.” She could feel him moving across the room towards her. As always I can tell when he’s near and damned if it doesn’t piss me off.
“Gracie, I’ll take quite a bit of guff from you, but there are some things I simply won’t tolerate. The next time you imply I’m all bark and no bite, you’re going to find yourself draped over my knee.”
“Kinky, aren’t we? Now let me out of here. I don’t want to keep your mother waiting.”
39
"We can stay like this as long as you like. My father might wonder what’s keeping me, but he once was a young man, although I doubt my mother gave him even a tenth of the trouble I just know you’re going to give me. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“This is your choice, Rand. Don’t place the blame on me. It’s not my intention to keep you.”
“We’re not leaving this room until you apologize and you give me the kiss I wanted earlier. I won
’t accept less. I warned you last night the time for running time is over. I’ve waited a long time for you. You’re mine.”
Gooseflesh ran over her body at his claim. He’s nearer than I thought. She jumped when she felt the warmth of his breath on the side of her neck.
"No.” Her denial was automatic but inside her she could feel Zara rising to the surface.
“No? We’ll see about that.” His lips, warm and parted brushed the side of her neck before traveling upwards to find her ear. A whimper built inside her when his lips teased the outer edge of her ear before his tongue dipped inside to explore its inner whorls.
She shivered when she felt his rumble of pleasure against her ear. His arms crept around her waist to pull her back against him.
“Ready to give in?”
“No.”
Groaning at her denial, he spun her around and fastened his mouth to hers. His tongue shot out to intertwine with hers. Pulling her closer, he didn’t bother to stop the instinctive need to grind his hips against hers. When he finally lifted his head, both of them were breathing raggedly.12:3
40
“And now?” Even to his own ears, his voice sounded raspy.
“What?” Her eyes were dazed.
When he heard the clearing of a throat for the second time, he finally realized Emma had interrupted them once again.
“Damn, Wildcat. You make me forget where I’m at.” Laying his cheek against the top of her head, he could feel the slight tremors coursing through her. “You’re more potent than janja.”
Wonderful, now he’s comparing me to the main ingredient in raz-ice, she thought.
“I heard that, Wildcat.”
"Let me go, Rand."
Slowly, he released her from his arms, but caught her arm before she could move away from him.
