Mastering Their Human

by Ivy Barrett

  “It’s a reasonable request,” Sean reinforced, and Kellan tensed. She needs some space, you stubborn asshole, and you’re going to give it to her. If you scare her away now, neither of us will have any hope of winning her heart.

  Winning her heart? Did he want to win her heart? His aspirations were far less noble. He just wanted to quench the fire in his blood. Didn’t he? “I’ll have Tanner move into Ceddrik’s room and you can have Tanner’s room.” Relenting felt alien. He did it so rarely. So why was he giving in for her?

  “Thank you.”

  An odd warmth spread through his chest at her gentle smile. Curious. Kellan delved deeper into his new role. “I’ll see if I can find something more appropriate for you to wear. What else can I arrange for you? Are you hungry?”

  * * *

  Brianna released her pent-up breath and nodded. “Actually I’m famished, but I’m sick to death of closed-in rooms. Is it safe to go outside?”

  Kellan was obviously annoyed by her request. Without Sean’s intervention, the overlord would likely have refused. Sean was a wonderful balance for Kellan. Even in the castle she’d noticed how well they complemented each other. Kellan encouraged Sean to take control when he was being too passive and Sean insisted on gentleness when Kellan pushed too hard.

  She licked her lips, unable to prevent the memories from rekindling her desire. It might not have been real, but her body remembered every kiss, every caress and every—No! She couldn’t think about the things they’d done unless she wanted to continue on as if it had been real.

  If Kellan’s hungry eyes were any indication, he was more than agreeable to the concept. Sean was harder to read. His expression was cautious. Did he feel guilty for what had happened in the castle or… She didn’t know him well enough to finish the thought.

  Dragging her gaze away from them, she asked, “How long will it take for Lorelle to arrive? Where is she?”

  “She’s on a planet called Stilox, not far from here,” Sean explained. “Her mate will—”

  “Her mate? Lorelle is married?” Damn, these men moved fast. Lorelle was the last person Brianna would have expected to give her heart away.

  “Our customs are different from yours,” Sean told her. “Mate is a more accurate word than married. Marriages can be entered into for a number of reasons, to increase social standings or for financial stability. What Lorelle and Mal Ton have found is intense and elemental.”

  She couldn’t even imagine the man who could have formed an ‘intense and elemental’ connection with her no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners sister. “I’m anxious to meet my sister’s mate.”

  Sean smiled, pausing to squeeze her hand. “I’ll make the arrangements.” He looked pointedly at Kellan and added, “Why don’t you show Brianna her new room then arrange the other things you offered her?”

  “Stop trying to handle me, specter.” Kellan’s scowl would have terrified a lesser man. “I know what needs to be done.”

  “I won’t be gone long, so behave.” She wasn’t sure if the last phrase had been meant for her or the overlord, but Sean’s concern pleased her.

  Kellan followed Sean to the door and told one of the guards to send Tanner to him while Sean went to contact Mal Ton. Her sister’s mate. The phrase made her smile. Intense and elemental, she understood that concept all too well. She’d felt that sort of connection with Kellan the first time he touched her. Maybe even the first time she’d looked into his eyes.

  What about Sean? Her attraction to him was less intense yet somehow deeper. Like a comfortable simmer as opposed to a scorching flame.

  This was so confusing. She couldn’t separate what she really felt from what had transpired in the castle. The spirit had built upon real emotions, expanding and intensifying attractions already begun, so it was almost impossible to filter out fantasy from reality.

  “You’ll need to stay here until Tanner moves his things to Ceddrik’s room. I don’t want you and Tanner crossing paths unless I’m there with you.”

  “You don’t trust him?” She had no desire to encounter the interrogator either, but Kellan’s concern intrigued her.

  “I don’t trust anyone where you’re concerned. I want you to feel safe here and that’s going to take some adjustment on the part of my men.”

  “Why do you care? Am I going to be here long enough to warrant the effort?”

  He stood before her in an instant, moving with surprising speed and agility, considering his size. “You are no longer my prisoner, but I am not nearly ready to be separated from you.”

  Stress and uncertainty often sped the pace of developing romances. She was sure that’s what had happened with Lorelle and Mal Ton. Even before the castle, Kellan’s focus on her had confused and frightened her. Then Sean inadvertently explained the phenomenon.

  No one had ever dared to refuse you before. The reminder explained Kellan’s inability to forget Sean and it explained his obsession with her.

  “I’m a curiosity, something to break up the monotony of sexual tribute. When was the last time a woman resisted you?” Not that she’d put up much of a fight. A few heated kisses and she’d melted like butter. “What happened in the castle was an amazing fantasy. But that’s all it was. Make-believe. Role-playing. I’m not a damsel in distress and you’re not—”

  “An overlord?” he challenged.

  “Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best example.”

  His fingers wrapped around the back of her neck and he tipped her face up with his thumb. “You’re overwhelmed. That’s understandable. I’m willing to slow things down, give you a chance to catch your breath. But I’m not willing to pretend this isn’t real.” His thumb brushed across her lips and his gaze focused on her mouth. “There is nothing make-believe about the connection drawing me to you.”

  Intense and elemental.

  Someone knocked on the door and Kellan reluctantly released her. She watched him stride across the room, torn between relief and disappointment. Tanner awaited him in the corridor, looking dour and wary. They spoke briefly in their native language. Tanner glanced at her, his annoyance obvious. Then he offered a stiff nod and walked away.

  “He’ll have one of the women send up some clothes and you can move into his room after we find you something to eat.” He closed the door and leaned against it, his gaze intent upon her face.

  She willed him to move, needing his touch, wanting his lips on hers. But he remained where he was, his gaze the only thing that caressed her.

  “Have you and Lorelle always been close, or did this misadventure deepen your bond?”

  “Our father and older brother were killed in a shuttle accident when I was a teenager.” She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling the space between them like a mighty chasm. “Lorelle had already begun her military career, but the loss hit us both really hard. We’d always thought we were sort of incompatible, but losing everything burns through the bullshit and shows you what’s really important. We’ve been thick as thieves ever since.”

  “I’m glad you’ll be reunited.” He pushed off the door then clasped his hands behind his back. “You must have been horribly worried about her.”

  Why was he being so distant? This might be the longest they’d been in each other’s presence without touching. She hadn’t realized how much she enjoyed the connection until he’d taken it away.

  “I was very worried.” She cleared her throat. “But that’s all over now. Right?” The assurance sounded hollow. Even if her captivity was finally over, the fallout from her abduction had just begun. How would she pay for passage back to Earth? And did she want to return? If others knew about her genetic anomaly, her home world might not be safe any longer. Lorelle would help her sort through her options and make the best decision. If Lorelle ever arrived.

  A middle-aged woman with compassionate dark eyes arrived a short time later. She gave Kellan a small bundle of clothes and offered Brianna a cautious smile. Kellan introduced
her as “Lynn from the kitchen” but hurried her away before Brianna could say more than hello.

  “That was rude.” Brianna crossed the bedroom and took the bundle from Kellan. “You obviously need to review the difference between prisoner and guest.”

  He caught her upper arm and pulled her toward him. “When you were my prisoner you were naked and chained to my bed. I’m well aware of the difference. Don’t push me.”

  She glanced at the bed, remembering the demanding movement of his mouth against her folds, his tongue thrusting into her… “Where can I change?”

  His fingers released and she stepped back. “Bathroom.”

  Feeling rather cowardly, she rushed into the bathroom and closed the door. She had to decide on a course of action and stick to it. Kellan would take as much as she was willing to give, of that she had no doubt. So how much was she willing to offer him?

  This wasn’t a fantasy realm. Submitting to him now would come with real conflicts and consequences. Her heart thudded out her excitement as she unfolded the bundle and inventoried the clothes. Perhaps fully clothed she’d have more luck thinking with her mind rather than her libido. A tunic, not unlike the one she wore, had been paired with drawstring pants. Slip-on shoes, but no undergarments. Her breasts were small and round, so she frequently went without a bra. Still, the lack made her feel vulnerable—and a bit naughty.

  She pulled on the pants then took off Kellan’s tunic, intending to exchange it for the smaller one. The clothes rested on the counter in between the two sinks. As she turned to pick up the other tunic, her gaze collided with an image in the mirror.

  Clutching the tunic to her chest, Brianna stumbled back with a gasp. A woman stood behind her, pale face visible over her left shoulder. Mouth dry and knees wobbling, she slowly turned around. No one was there.

  Was this the same entity the men had seen in the fantasy realm? She pivoted toward the door and opened her mouth to summon Kellan. Her throat tensed and no sound escaped. Whipping her head toward the mirror, she rubbed her neck and glared in silent accusation.

  The phantom moved to the side, allowing Brianna to see her more clearly. Though sleek white hair flowed to her shoulders, her face was smooth and her light blue eyes sparkled with hypnotic intensity. “I mean you no harm, but I need to speak with you, not the overlord.”

  A bit more pressure could have closed her airway completely. It was obviously not the spirit’s desire to harm her or she would be unconscious. She nodded then motioned toward her mouth and shook her head.

  “Do you promise not to draw his attention?”

  She nodded again and the pressure paralyzing her vocal cords released. “Are you the spirit?”

  “It’s not a title I would choose, but some call me that.”

  Her gaze gravitated toward the door.

  “Don’t.” There was menace in her tone now where only warning had existed before. “I’ll just take a moment of your time and then you can rejoin your men.”

  “What do you want? Why do you perceive Ceddrik as a threat? Kellan insists he’s harmless.”

  “Perception has nothing to do with it and his name is not Ceddrik.” She spit out the name as if it tasted foul. “He is a vile little worm who should have met his maker a long time ago.”

  “We understand your dislike for him. We don’t understand the cause.”

  “Let Sean scan your memory. This is not a burden you should carry alone.”

  The suggestion sent chills down Brianna’s spine. The last thing she wanted was anyone poking around in her mind. “Just tell me what Ceddrik is hiding. Why continue with these games?”

  “You appeared to enjoy my games.” The spirit smiled, her eyes glimmering. “Can’t say I blame you. Your men make quite a team.”

  She surrendered to a dreamy smile, unable to hide the flush spreading across her cheeks. Your men. Why did that sound so perfect? “Do you know where Ceddrik is or not?”

  The spirit waved away the question. “There will be many battles in this war. Open your mind to the specter. He’s better equipped for this one than the overlord.” Without further explanation the image faded away.

  Brianna tugged on the new tunic as she rushed out the door. “I just saw the spirit. She can manifest in this realm.”

  The men sprang apart, making her wonder what had them so engrossed. “She appeared to you in the bathroom?” Kellan looked at Sean. “I thought you said she only exists on the metaphysical plane.”

  “I never said that. I realized she has no physical body. That’s all. I have no idea what she’s capable of doing.”

  “She’s perfectly capable of making herself visible in a bathroom mirror.” Brianna gathered her hair into a loose mass and tossed it over her shoulder. “It doesn’t seem to matter that we’ve abandoned the castle, she’s still determined to slay the dragon.”

  “What did she say to you?” Sean asked.

  Uncertainty twisted through her. Just the thought of Ceddrik’s invasion still made her queasy. “Has Ceddrik definitely left the compound?” Kellan nodded. “But no one saw him leave?”

  “The guards saw him leave. They just had no reason to question his departure at the time. He was in one of the skimmers, so there is no way to track him. It would have been better for us if he’d stolen my skiff.”

  “You avoided my question.” She hadn’t been sure if Sean would allow the evasion and he didn’t disappoint. “What did the spirit want?”

  She sighed. Explaining what the spirit had suggested didn’t mean she had to allow Sean into her mind. “She said Ceddrik wasn’t his real name and she told me to let you scan my memory of his invasion. She said there would be more than one battle in this war and that you were better equipped for this battle than Kellan.”

  “It takes a freak to hunt a freak,” Kellan muttered, and Brianna smiled.

  “You’re jealous.” She was amazed by the realization. Kellan commanded more power than anyone she’d ever met and still he coveted the mutants’ abilities.

  “Weren’t you taught not to bite the hand that feeds you?” His tone was mostly playful. “I thought you were hungry.”

  “I am, but I’d like a shower first.”

  “I think we could all use a shower.” Kellan stepped forward, but Sean caught his arm.

  “We can shower in Tanner’s room,” Sean insisted. “Brianna needs some time alone.” His gaze focused on her, his smile warm and charming. “Take as long as you like. In fact, why don’t you take a bath and really relax? One or the other of us will be out here, in case you need anything. Then we’ll continue our conversation over dinner.”

  * * *

  Distracted by the rapid-fire developments, Sean followed Kellan and Brianna down the hallway. They were all freshly bathed and in new clothes, but Sean’s mind was still fixated on their unwanted visitor. What sort of being moved freely between dimensions without a corporeal tether? Incorporeal entities seldom bothered interacting with physical species. They considered themselves higher forms of life, having evolved beyond the need for the tactile stimuli. Something must be keeping the spirit here. Something intense and personal.

  He needed Fane’s advice and his expertise, but there was no way in hell he was leaving Brianna alone with Kellan. There was no telling what the wily bastard would do if left to his own devices.

  Sean had expected this to be a simple hostage negotiation. He’d planned to be gone for no more than a day or two. Then he’d return to Sarah. Instead, he found his future embroiled in uncertainty and Sarah left alone in her time of need.

  He’d attempted to contact her telepathically several times. She was blocking him, shielding her mind from everyone. Which left him with an impossible choice. Abandon Brianna or neglect his sister. Sarah was surrounded by people who cared about her and were trying to help her. If she’d only let them, while Brianna had no one but him. At least until Lorelle arrived, and that might take a day or two.

  There was
no way of anticipating how long it would take them to unravel the mystery surrounding Ceddrik and perhaps ‘slay the dragon.’ Meanwhile, he and Kellan were attempting to define their roles in Brianna’s life, or if they would have roles in Brianna’s life.

  His gaze focused on her narrow back as they descended the front staircase. Did she want them in her life? The question was daunting. He wouldn’t even begin to evaluate if what she wanted was what she needed. That would drive anyone mad.

  Everything that happened in the castle had to be disregarded. They had been under the spirit’s influence. But what if Kellan was right? What if the spirit only enhanced what they felt, exposed their deepest feelings and allowed them to express things they would ordinarily suppress?

  “Are we going outside?” Hope rang through her tone, making Sean’s heart ache for all she’d suffered. His life had been hard and he’d survived many harrowing changes. Even so, he’d never been deprived of his basic freedom.

  “The woods are too dangerous at night. We’ll have to be creative.” Kellan led them to the skiff, which was waiting outside the main entrance.

  “Are we going somewhere or is the ship our destination?”

  “You’ll see.” Kellan smiled and she climbed into the passenger cabin.

  Sean didn’t miss the smoldering hunger in Kellan’s gaze. Feeding Brianna was the current objective, but he obviously had other plans for how the meal would end. Tread lightly, overlord. She’s not as strong as she wants you to believe.

  Kellan swung toward him, blocking his path. “I think she would surprise you,” he said in Protarian. “But regardless, she’s in no danger from me. I want only her happiness.”

  “And if her happiness requires you release her?”

  “It won’t,” he said emphatically.

  Sean shook his head as Kellan boarded the skiff. Despite his insistence that Brianna was free, Kellan clearly had no intention of letting her go.