by Dakota Trace
“I know I did. I assumed with all the time which had passed it wasn’t meant to be.”
“So when he decided on you, he ruined your plans for becoming his advisor.”
“Yeah, pretty much. But you know Clara, if he’d accept me once as his equal, I’d gladly forget about it. Instead he insists on wrapping me in bubble wrap and protecting me from everything. Why can’t he see I don’t need his protection? I’d much rather have his acceptance than any advisor position in all of Venus.”
“You don’t think you have his respect?” The voice from the doorway drew both of their gazes. Jonathan stood with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Jonathan!” Gracie decided a diversion was in order. “How’s Pati doing?”
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“She’s fine. Don’t avoid my question, Grace Anne. Why would you think Rand doesn’t respect you?”
“Come on, Jonathan! You’re not blind. You’ve seen how he hovers over me. And heaven forbid I do anything that might be the slightest bit dangerous.”
“Your protection is everything to him, Gracie. He’s been doing it since you were five years old. Are you just now realizing this?”
“It’s different now.” She raked a hand through her hair. “I’m no longer his little sidekick, tagging along after you two. I’m a grown woman who happens to be his equal in every way, including magically. I’ve trained with Pati. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
“I know you are, and so does Rand. But did you ever think, Gracie, that taking care of you is just as deeply engrained in him as your need to be independent?”
Before she could answer, he turned and left the room.
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Chapter Fifteen
Rand entered the airport with Katrina, still a bit dazed from the surge of power he’d absorbed from Gracie. Walking through the small airport, he realized he stood at least a head taller than almost everyone around him. Looking over at Katrina, he noticed she barely came up to his shoulders.
"Are all people on your planet this short?" They approached the ticket counter, and he stood looking around at the busy concourse.
"Well, the average height for women is around five foot six, and men around six foot.
We do have exceptions. Most basketball players are at least six foot seven. Do you feel like you're sticking out like a sore thumb?"
"A bit. You mentioned using magic is forbidden here? "
"Not forbidden per se, Prince Rand. For children, yes it is - the ‘No Power Act’ is strictly enforced, but for adults it’s not as stringent. There are many who claim to have powers but most are charlatans. The ones who truly do have them have a tendency to walk on the outskirts of our society.”
“Or like you, ignore what power you have by wrapping it under layers of self-control.”
She nodded.
"It’s sad, Mistress Katrina. In my country, on my planet, magic is highly regarded.
We have two very distinct sects. The Wizard class, which includes a great number of our ruling classes, and then we have the warrior class called the Vindexicis. Most but not all in that class have powers, but within the group there is a special class by itself 259
which contains those who have no power, but for unknown reasons are physically enhanced.”
“Enhanced how?”
“We’re not sure of reason for the phenomenon. It’d be like trying to explain why your basketball players grow to the height they do. My cousin and I trained with a young man, who is now a Prince. He grew to an exceptional height and his prowess on the battlefield has only been surpassed by that of my sister-in-law.”
“So let me get this straight. You have two classes. One which wields magic while the other may or may not have superior warrior skills.”
“Correct. Within every class there are several minor classes. Our power wielding class – the wizards and witches also has its assorted merchants, scientific officers and artisans.”
"To bad I don't live on Venus, Prince Rand. To have magical abilities which are commonly accepted, even looked upon with respect, would be a dream world for me.”
“Any time you wish to see my world, you have but to ask. The service you’ve done for me is priceless and I’d be happy to have you there.”
“You would?” Her tone and the look on her face was hopeful.
“Of course.”
“I’d love to visit your home world. I know it seems silly and even foolish but I’ve been dreaming about your world since the first contact between our two worlds. I feel like there’s a man waiting for me. He’s been my touchstone since I was but a small child. I’d like to see if I can find him, even if it’s only to prove he’s not a figment of my imagination."
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"Of course, I’ll take you with me. It won’t interfere with your promise to your grandfather will it?”
“No. I can make arrangements with his neighbor to keep an eye on the pigs and make sure the chores are done. Gramps should be back in a couple of days.”
“All right. When we return to my home, you’re more than welcome to stay at the royal palace until you find your own special place to dwell in my world. If you decide to stay that is. I’d never hold you against your will, Katrina. You’ll be able to leave any time you wish. Your return flight would be paid for, guaranteed.”
“Then I say, all I have to do to be ready is to make some calls before we leave.”
* * * *
Pati paced back and forth outside the suite Gracie now shared with Rand. She felt like she was ready to jump out of her skin. The need Jonathan had kindled the day before had continued to burn unabated. She had thought the drug had taught her the many meanings of need. But damn if this spell isn’t making a mere mockery of the drug. When her father finally exited the suite, he almost ran into her.
"Pati, how are you today? Have you decided when you and Jonathan are going to get married?" Colin nearly knocked her over with the tray he was holding.
"Hi, Daddy, I’m fine; no I haven’t; can I go in and see her?" She kissed his cheek before rushing past him and slamming the door shut, not waiting for him to answer.
Gracie was sitting in a chair in front the empty hearth. She looked up when the door slammed.
“I’m going to kill him!”
“I assume you’re talking about Jonathan this time and not my husband?”
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“Yes. As if the need burning in my system wasn’t enough, Jonathan had to place a god damned spell on me.”
Confusion was apparent on Gracie’s face. “A spell?”
“Yes! I now know what it feels like to go through that damned mating ritual. I’ve been intimate with him. This mezclar spell is ridiculous and pointless. What the hell was he trying to prove?”
“Maybe trying to prove fighting our inevitable marriage is pointless and I’ll do anything to accomplish it.” Jonathan’s confident tone sent a shriek of rage echoing through the room when Pati spun around to see him entering via the balcony.
“You didn’t tell me he was here!” Her anger was now directed at Gracie.
“You didn’t ask, Pati.”
The brief flare of hurt in Gracie’s eyes before she disguised it, shocked Pati. She had spoken without thought of how it would affect Gracie. Taking a quick breath, she apologized. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask. But I should’ve realized. Where one is the other two are likely to be.”
“Besides, Gracie. It isn’t you she’s pissed at, it’s me.” Jonathan approached Pati.
"He’s right. He's being a selfish jerk. He’s angry because I won’t bow to his will and marry him."
"That's what you think, baby!” He yanked her into his arms.
"Let me go, you overbearing Neanderthal!”
"It’s not going to happen.” He nuzzled her ear. "Because I don't want it to."
Pati hissed and kicked him hard in the shins. His arms tightened around her before he nipped her ear.
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“Bad baby.” He lick
ed the hurt away.
With a muffled growl, Pati twisted and managed to jab her thumbs into the unprotected area under his arms. He cursed before shaking her. “Knock it off before I warm your ass.”
"Stop it you two!" Gracie’s order brought both of their heads swinging around. She rose from her chair. Moving slowly, she made her way over to the couple. “That’s enough. Pati, why don’t you stop fighting him for a moment?” At Jonathan’s grin, Gracie propped her hands on her hips. “And you. Mr. de Carthwright, quit being so god damned dominating. She’s got a mind. Let her use it. There’s something called compromise. Why don’t you practice it?”
“I think you need to take your own advice, Gracie.” Jonathan crossed his arms over his chest. “Because I do believe you and Rand are no better than Pati and I.”
Gracie narrowed her eyes. “Don’t make me have to kick your ass. It’d be awful embarrassing if you’d have to go crying to Rand again about how his little wife kicked your big Vindexicis ass.”
Jonathan looked at her, stunned for a moment before his laughter filled the room. “It might not be as easy this time, Gracie. I now know you’re more than capable of following through. I’ll be ready this time.”
“So you think!”
Pati’s laughter joined Jonathan’s when Gracie stomped out of the sitting room and into the bedchamber.
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Jonathan stared down at his chosen while their laughter died. Why do we have to do this the hard way? Why is she being so stubborn when our bodies already have chosen for us? Marriage is the next logical step.
"So why won’t you marry me?" He held her tightly against his aroused body.
"Because you deserve better and I won’t be married just because our bodies are being racked by a godforsaken drug."
"Why don't you let me decide what I deserve? You, your needs and happiness, are going to be important for the rest of my life. I won't live without your love or your tight little body. They’re mine. I've claimed them and I have no intentions of giving them back."
"Bastard!" She jerked out of his arms. "Who the hell do you think you are? I'm a grown woman, Mr. High and Mighty. Just because we’re chosens doesn’t mean you’re my master." She looked him squarely in the eyes, then turned and stomped towards the door.
“I've already spoken to your father. We’re getting married as soon as Rand makes it back." His words made her draw her to a halt.
"Oh, you..." Patience sputtered before she stormed out of the room and slammed the door shut.
Standing in the middle of the sitting room, Jonathan smiled softly. Man, oh, man, life with Patience will never be dull.
* * * *
Rand watched Katrina, asleep in the seat next to him. He wished he could relax enough to sleep, but until he was back with Gracie sleep was becoming quite rare. 264
The stewardess, a friendly woman, stopped next to him and smiled.
"Can I get you anything? A drink or pillow?"
"No thank you, ma'am." Rand looked her with a tired smile. "I'll be fine."
"Are you sure? If you don't mind me saying, you look like a nice long nap would do you a world of good."
"Well, maybe I'll take a pillow.” Maybe a pillow would ease the crick in my neck.
These Earthlings definitely are built shorter than me. How in the world do they sleep in these seats?”
“Come on, boy. I want to see my Zara. Go to sleep!”
“You’re assuming we can reach her from here.”
“We’re in space. Not yet home but closer. With the extra power we took from
Gracie, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Sir?” The stewardess held out a pillow to him.
“Thank you.” Taking it from her, he placed it behind his head. Yawning, he closed his eyes. Maybe I’ll just rest my eyes. He started to drift off.
Gracie was drifting on the psychic plane when she was drawn out farther than she’d ever gone. She didn't know if it was due to the extra power or the fact she felt lost without her chosen. Not surprising, she found Rand lying on their bed. He seemed restless, so she smoothed an unruly lock of his hair out of his face. Suddenly his eyes opened and locked on hers.
“Gracie? Come here, my love, I need you next to me.” He tugged her down beside him.
“Rand.” It came out as a sigh as she laid her head on his chest.
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“All mine. Damn if I haven’t missed holding you in my arms.”
“You just miss the sex.” Her protest was drowsy.
“That too.” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he nuzzled her ear.
“What am I going to do with you?” Closing her eyes, she drifted along the edge of awareness, her body’s need for sleep overruling every other need.
“Love me and accept me as I am. No other can love you as I do.” He pulled her closer when her soft snore teased the skin on his chest.
* * * *
Opening his eyes, Charles lay under his chosen and wondered why he hadn’t been drawn to his own death. It was the way of chosens. One could not live without the other. The shock of what happened had kept him clinging to his lifeless wife. “I’m not sure if I want to go on without her.”
“I’m sorry about your wife, but I need you to go on.”
At the intimate brush of a female’s voice in his head, he looked around the room.
Seeing nothing, he frowned.
“Who are you?”
“A simple Earthling girl who needs you to survive. I fear for my sanity if I’d lose you.”
“Surely there’s someone else for you?” He couldn’t fathom how he was connected to a girl on Earth.
“No. You’ve been mine since I was a small child. I won’t let you go simply because you’re scared of surviving without her.” The sassiness of the woman’s voice intrigued him.
“Are you calling me a coward?”
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“No. Just a man uncertain of what his life now has in store.”
“I don’t want to go on without her.”
“I’m coming. Don’t let go until I at least have a chance to meet the man who saved my sanity and more.”
“I don’t want that responsibility. I couldn’t even protect my own wife.” Charles closed his eyes against the emotional pain and tried to follow the path Deanna had taken. His eyes flew open when he felt the bonds holding him tight.
“It’s not going to be that easy, Charlie. I won’t let you go without a fight.”
“Damnit! I don’t want you, or this!”
“Too bad.” Her voice was now amused.
“You’re pissing me off, little girl!”
“Good. Pissed off is better than wallowing in self-pity any day of the week.”
Charles’s temper flared. “You’re poking at a sleeping cat. Let it be.”
Her laughter washed over him. “Good. I’ll do whatever I have to keep you with me.”
“What exactly do you think is going to happen when you show up here, little girl?”
“Why I do believe once you’ve had time to mourn your wife, I’ll be able to convince you to take a walk down the aisle again.”
“Show up within ten feet of me, little girl, the only thing you’re going to get is a hot ass.”
“Typical man. Why do you always have to threaten to warm a woman’s bottom?”
“You’re not going to let me go are you?”
“No, Charlie. You’re too good a man to lose.” He could feel the warmth of her embrace wrap around his psyche.
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“All right, I’ll stay for you. But you better not leave me. I can’t handle another loss.”
“I’ll never abandon you, Charlie.”
The screaming of the maid broke the connection he had with the mysterious woman.
"Fuck!" He cursed, when he tried once more to follow Deanna, he realized whatever bond the girl had tied them together wasn’t going to let him die. Gently setting Deanna aside, he rolled off the bed. Entering the bathroom, he
took a washcloth and washed the blood off of his body. Within moments he was once more clean. When Jonathan rushed into the room, Charles was ready.
“She’s gone. What am I going to do?” The hoarseness of his voice made the misery and uncertainty he was feeling quite apparent.
“Take it one breath at a time. Focus on me. We’ll get through this. There has to be an explanation.”
Charles focused on Jonathan and was oblivious when Mica rushed in and immediately took care of the body and summoned Auntie Clara.
Clara entered the bedchamber followed by Gracie, who had to be woken up. Once the situation had been explained, Gracie dressed quickly. Auntie Clara sat down on the bed next to him and took his hand between hers. Immediately her gift flared to life. What she found astonished her.
“Excuse me but you can’t have him. I’ve waited too long for him.”
Clara narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before addressing the voice. “My dear, Charles is nearly forty years younger than I. I’ve been called in to help him deal with his grief.”
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There was a pause before the voice answered. “Good. I’m happy he’s got you. But tell him if I arrive and find him gone, he’s going to have one pissed off Earth woman on his hands.”
“I like you, girl. I think you’re just what he’s going to need.”
Turning back to Charles, she smiled up at him. “That was rather interesting. Tell me, Charles, how long have you been hounded by her?”
“Her?”
“Yes. I was just contacted by a sassy Earthling who told me if you’re gone when she arrives, there’s going to be hell to pay.”
Charles looked thoughtful for a moment. “This aggressively? That just started but I’ve felt the tug of her for many years. I just assumed it was my bound power trying to break free. But I’m not worried about that right now. Why didn’t I follow Deanna? Why am I still alive?”
"It’s simple. It’s not your time to go. This Earthling has also forged a bond with you.
