by Dakota Trace
“…William...your assistant…he’s the one…” Darkness swam before her eyes. Trying to hold on to consciousness was a futile battle.
“Sleep, sweetheart. You’re safe with the Triad surrounding you. Nothing will
happen.”
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“I’m so tired, Zara.”
* * * *
“Gracie! Come on Wildcat, you’ve got to open those beautiful eyes for me!” At the distress in his voice, her eyes opened briefly before closing once more.
“Calm down, boy. Wasn’t it you who was just lecturing me about control?
She’s exhausted and Zara assures me she slumbers - nothing more. She was
drugged and still managed to escape, Rand. That’s some chosen you have. I
hope you realize that and how precious she is.”
“I know exactly how precious she is. This is why I want to protect her. She’s my life and I won’t be worth a damn if she’s taken from me.”
“She’s safe with your father and the rest of the Triad. I hunger for retribution,
so what do you say we go inside and kick some ass?”
Looking up at his father and Colin, he spoke calmly despite both Ruzac and his own need for vengeance were riding him. “I’m going to see if any of the bastards who caused this stuck around. Stay with her.” Surging to his feet, he ignored the protest coming from his father. He vaguely heard Colin’s response.
“It’s his prerogative, Mica. It was his chosen they kidnapped. Let him met out what little bit of justice he can. It may get rid of the aggression which’s riding him so hard.”
* * * *
Rand pushed the door open to find the cabin empty accept for a dazed man, who was sprawled on the floor in the middle of what used to look like a chair. Moving forward, he detected the lingering trace of his chosen’s magic.
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“Yep, I detect Zara’s power here also, boy. Looks like your wildcat punished
her attacker already. Did you realize she had violent tendencies? I’d be watching
my back if I were you.”
“If she tries to attack me, she’s gonna find herself bent over my knee, Ruzac.”
A low moan from the man brought Rand to his side. Reaching down, he dragged the man upright by the nape of his neck.
William groaned louder as his feet left the floor. His eyes opened and focused on the man who was holding him two inches above the ground.
“You dared touch my chosen?”
William’s eyes widened at the menace in the prince’s voice. It was quite obvious he’d made a huge miscalculation when he’d thought he was going to able to use Gracie as his shield.
“I…”
“Even as an off-worlder, you agreed to follow the laws of this planet.”
“But I didn’t know…”
Rand narrowed his eyes. “Don’t give me that nonsense, William. You were required to sign the documentation when you landed. Even if you hadn’t, you can’t expect me to believe you weren’t aware of our laws, especially when you dealt with infractions of them on daily basis. “
William paled and tried to backpedal. “No, no…I didn’t know she was already your chosen. I thought you had to go through the ceremony before it became official.”
“Common sense would tell you that chosens, no matter what state of claim they are in, are off-limits.”
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“What are you going to do to me? All I wanted to do is go home. That bitch and her husband have my passport. I thought if I grabbed your chosen, I could get off the planet and go home.”
“Well it’s a good thing that’s what you want. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like punishment but there is no help for it. William, for your abuse to my chosen, I hereby banish you from my father’s kingdom. If you set foot on its soil again you will be killed on sight. You’ve two hours to leave or face death.”
"What about my passport? I can’t leave without it!”
“I personally will see to it you have no issues leaving Venus or being remitted to earth.
“Thank you, Your Highness." William slunk out of the cottage.
* * * *
Rand rejoined his father and rest of the Triad. Colin had her wrapped in a protective spell which levitated her while protecting her from outside contaminants. Colin was quick to reassure him. “It’s just precautionary until we can get her back to the Palace.”
Rand nodded, wishing he could touch her. Even something as simple as holding her hand would go a long ways toward soothing him.
"Rand?"
Even barely conscious and in pain, Gracie had responded to his distress.
“Shh, Gracie. Just sleep. We’ve got big plans for the day after tomorrow.”
“But I can feel your...”
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“It’s nothing. You need to rest because even though I want to be gentle and easy with you when we finally join, I’m afraid the mezclar won’t allow it.”
“Damn straight!”
Rand was going to chew Ruzac out when Gracie’s laughter spilled over him.
“Ruzac, you’re incorrigible. Don’t go giving him any more ideas than he already has.”
“Now, I can’t go promising you that, girl. But I can promise he’ll only do the
good things to you during the mezclar. I’ll save the naughty things for after it dies
down and you need the extra spice.”
“Shut up, Ruzac!” For not the first time, Rand wanted to kill his sentient power. Or at least find a gag for him.
* * * *
“Gracie, it's time to get up.” Opening her eyes as Rand's voice caressed her mind, she was tempted to roll back over and rejoin him on the dream plane. She was more relaxed than she could ever remember being despite the constant burn of the mezclar over the past forty-eight hours. She and Rand had spent the majority of the time dozing and connected on the dream plane. It felt as if she’d gotten her best friend back. Ruzac and Zara had even joined them.
The only thing which had bothered her was the fact they’d took turns joining her, until Rand had explained that with Zara in heat, it would be like pouring gasoline on an open flame. Ruzac would go up in flames and drag both Gracie and Rand with him.
“Go away. I don’t want to get up.” She snuggled deeper into the pillows.
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“If I have to come in there, Wildcat, you’re going to find yourself bonded before you can even say nay.”
“Oh yeah, boy. I second that idea. Stay in bed, girl. We’ll join ya.”
“You would, you old reprobate. I’m not ready and until I am you can just cool
your heels.” Zara was definitely cranky.
"Go away, Ruzac!" Gracie didn’t open her eyes. She could feel her chosen’s presence coming from his room.
“I don’t want to. I can’t wait until Rand slides inside that tight little body of
yours, girl. Be ready, Zara because once he does, your mine; all mine.”
Gracie opened her eyes and sat up with a groan.
“Insatiable lecher. Quit tormenting Gracie. Or you’re going to have to figure
out a way to go and sleep with Mica from the afterlife.”
“But he’s right, Zara, I want every inch of Gracie under me in the worst way. This damn burn is driving me crazy.”
Finally giving in, Gracie rolled out of the bed.
“No more, please. I can’t handle it. I’m up, Rand, and have a million things to do before our ceremony. Go pester Jonathan and send Pati to help me.
“What makes you think if I find Jonathan, I’m going to find her?”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “Come on, Rand, you can’t be that dense. He hasn’t let her out of his sight for more than five minutes since we got back to the palace.”
* * * *
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Gracie was sitting in her suite, eating breakfast when her mother and sister appeared in her doorway. When they moved further into the room, Gracie realized they weren’t alon
e. Auntie Clara was standing behind them.
"Good morning, Gracie. I must say after seeing what a fine man your friend has become, you’ve definitely been blessed." Auntie Clara sank into the chair next to her and leaned in and snatched a piece of the toast Gracie had been nibbling on.
"Good morning, Aunt Clara.”
"You’re not dressed yet! We’re going to be late for our appointment with the hairdresser.” Walking to her armoire, her mother yanked it open and pulled the first dress she came across out. Tossing it towards Gracie, she told her to go and get dressed and please hurry up.
“I don’t want your hair up, Wildcat. I want it loose and flowing down your back.”
“What difference does it make if I indulge Mom?”
“Please, Wildcat. I don’t have the patience tonight to undo an elaborate hair-style.”
“Who said anything about undoing it?”
“I want to feel your hair brush across my naked skin. I won’t be able to feel it if your hair is piled on top of your head. Promise me you won’t let her have it put up. Only one of us is going to have our hair restrained today, Wildcat.”
“That doesn’t seem fair!”
“It won’t take an hour to release my hair. I’m looking forward to dragging it across every inch of your body tonight.”
The burn inside her flared as his words struck a chord.
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“Enough! Your Auntie can pick up what you’re saying to each other. While I’m
willing to have share this with you, sweetheart, I refuse to share it with any other
person. The mating is a private matter between the chosen couple and their
sentient powers!”
“I’m sorry, Zara. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have started it. Blame my own impatience.”
Rand’s voice was apologetic.
“Don’t be apologizing to her, boy. You can talk to Gracie anyway you choose!”
“Sometimes Rand, I feel like we’ve got two bickering kids inside our heads. I wonder if we can ground them?”
* * * *
Sitting across from his father, Rand couldn't help but chuckle. The tremors were still rippling across his powerful frame but he knew he'd be okay. King Mica looked up at his son's laughter.
"What's so funny?”
“Tell me, Dad, were your grandparents this combative when they were alive?”
Mica seemed to think for a moment. “They could be at times.”
“Gracie wants to ground both of them.”
Mica burst into laughter. Wiping his eyes, he tried to control it but every time he glanced at his son, it would start over again.
“Good lord, I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life.” Mica finally managed to control himself.
* * * *
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William settled down in his seat. He was glad he was finally on his way home.
Glancing around the plane, he noticed it was mostly empty. That rarity was probably due to the prince's wedding. Closing his eyes, he drifted towards sleep, never aware that Jonathan, his former boss, was observing from the security office. When the shuttle finally was given clearance to depart, Jonathan gave a sigh of relief.
“You’ve made arrangements with Captain Espinoza to confirm when William has finally disembarked on Earth?”
“Yes, Apprentice Master Jonathan.”
“Thank you, Mr. Randle. I’ll leave you to your business now. I do believe I’ve a wedding to attend.”
“Congratulate the Prince for me, Apprentice Master.”
“Will do.” Jonathan turned and exited the office and passed by a vaguely familiar man. If he hadn’t been thinking about the million things he had to do for the upcoming ceremony, he would’ve probably recognized Harold Costas despite the changes in his appearance.
* * * *
Harold Costas was on pins and needles when the man he’d come to see finally appeared. The power rolling off the man was quite apparent and for a moment, Harold had misgivings about his association with him. “Mr. Costas. I hope your flight was good?”
“As best as can be expected.” Harold fidgeted in his seat.
“Good. Thank you for traveling here on such short notice. I assure you time is of the essence. I don’t know if you’re aware of Grace O’Connor’s pending nuptials?”
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Harold nodded and wondered where the man was going with this thread of conversation. It’s all Gracie has ever wanted. She was devastated when Rand left for his advanced studies and rejected their bond. Despite my own feelings for her, I’m happy Rand has finally wised up and seen what a precious treasure he has.
“To be quite blunt, Harold, Ms. O’Connor is being forced into marrying the Prince.
When she couldn’t use legal means to dissolve their betrothal, she ran away from Prince Randall, only to be dragged back. She contracted me to find you. Since your departure to Earth, Ms. O’Connor has realized the depths of her feelings for you. She’s willing to leave Venus and live on Earth with you. But she needs to know if you still want her before she commits.”
“Still want her?” Harold’s head was spinning.
“Yes, of course. After the Prince’s betrayal, she’s expressed concern about chasing another man who doesn’t return her feelings. She doesn’t want to force her presence on you, if you don’t still feel the same way.”
Joy filled Harold. “Of course I still want her! I only left because the thought of seeing her with her chosen was more than I could bear.”
“Good, good. Ms. O’Connor will be pleased to hear that.” The man pulled out a sheaf of papers. “Now, at Ms. O’Connor’s request, I’ve secured an invitation to the wedding for you and a place to stay where you won’t attract notice. You’ll be joining Princess Deanna and Prince Charles as their respected guest. Be ready an hour before the ceremony and Ms. O’Connor will meet you at the east entrance of the Royal Gardens, where you’ll leave together.”
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Harold stood and took the papers from the man. Shaking his hand, he couldn’t keep the grin of happiness off his face. “Thank you so much for contacting me, Mr. Sorin.
You’ve just made me the happiest man on Venus.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Costas.”
* * * *
Gracie's Suite Olivia watched with misty eyes as her daughter stood with her back presented to Emma. The personal assistant was slowly tying the intricate ties on the back of Gracie's wedding dress. All the other preparations were finished and Gracie looked regal in her white satin and lace. To Gracie, the soft brush of her maid's hands against her back were uncomfortable. Every inch of her skin felt as if it were burning. The mezclar had become increasingly persistent as the day had worn on.
Taking deep breaths, she tried to control her racing heart. She hated feeling like this.
“This is even worse than the fear. I’m ready to jump out of my skin, Zara.”
“Soon, sweetheart. Very soon it’ll all be over.”
“God, I hope so.”
Agitated, she pushed her hair off her face.
“Damn hair.”
“Thank you, Wildcat, for leaving it down.”
“Only for you, Rand.”
* * * *
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Rand gritted his teeth as he fought to control the tremors wracking his frame. They’d grown in intensity as the day had worn on. As his trembling fingers attempted once again to pull his hair back with a leather thong, he cursed while he fumbled and it dropped to the floor once more.
“Can’t you even do that, boy? Where’s your control? Even I managed to tie my
own hair back for my bonding ceremony.”
“Shut the fuck up, Ruzac!”
Just then, Rand caught Jonathan’s reflection in the mirror as he walked into the dressing room.
* * * *
Jonathan stooped down and picked up the hair tie. Taking a good look at his best friend, he immediately noticed the severe tremors consuming him. F
uck, he’s not going to make it. He’s so far gone now, I don’t know if he’ll make it back up the aisle without fucking Gracie. I’d better help him. The sooner the bond is in place the better.”
“Here." Jonathan handed the leather strip to Rand, who promptly lost it again when his trembling fingers wouldn't close around the small object.
"Son of bitch!" Rand’s eyes glowed with anger when it fell to the floor once more.
"Just leave it there. I doubt it’ll matter to Gracie if your hair is pulled back or not."
"You don't understand, Jonathan. It is customary for the bride to loosen the groom's hair during the ceremony, another damn tradition." Rand’s voice was hoarse and shaky.
"Fine. Give me the damn hair tie. I'll pull it back for you." As he briskly pulled his friend's hair back, he continued to talk. "Does your father know you’re in this condition?"
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"No. I sent him to be with Mom. She was having some last minute issues with the caterers."
"Screw the caterers. How are you going to make it through the ceremony without attacking her?" Jonathan ran the comb through the long ponytail at the base of his friend’s head.
"I don't know," Rand groaned helplessly. "I feel like I'm on fire. Gracie is the only one who can put it out."
"Enough of this!" Jonathan headed back to the door. Sticking his head outside, he hollered at someone in the hall.
“Yes, enough already, boy, I can’t wait any longer. We need to join.”
Rand closed his eyes. If Ruzac had said anything other than ‘we need to join’ Rand would’ve disregarded it as more of his sentient powers nagging. Ruzac had been needling him all day, but the desperation in Ruzac’s voice and the whispered ‘we’ only drove home the fact they were both at the end of their tethers and needed the bonding now.
