"I can try to have it ... the child sent to you after his birth," she whispered. "But, I can make no promises. The Agency will view it as a liability to my concentration. They will see it as impeding my work."
"And don't you think the child deserves a mother?" he asked, ignoring her statement about the Agency. He didn't give a damned about the Agency. They had no authority on his planet.
"I know the Var ways, Kirill. He would have a mother, it just wouldn't be me." Ulyssa stalked back toward the campsite. His low words stopped her.
"I never went to the harem, Lyssa. I haven't been with anyone since you. I know you don't care, but I wanted you to know that."
* * * *
Ulyssa expected knowing looks when they walked back to the camp, but everyone had retired for the evening, except for Falke. The Commander merely nodded at her in greeting. As she watched, Falke easily shifted into the form of a large white tiger. His bright blue eyes blinked at her before he lifted his clothes into his mouth and took off into the forest to sleep. Since there were only three tents, she guessed he went to lie in the trees.
When Falke was gone, Kirill lifted the front flap. He eyed her warily, as if he expected her to refuse to share his tent. She said nothing as she brushed past him. Coming in behind her, Kirill kicked off his boots and pulled his shirt over his head. Crawling forward with his usual liquid grace, he stayed on all fours as he came over her legs. He looked at her for a long moment. His dark gaze penetrated into hers. Slowly, she rolled onto her back and he crawled forward over her.
Kirill's eyes went to her lips. Bending at the elbows, he brought his mouth to hers in a light, tender kiss. Ulyssa met him willingly, not protesting. They didn't speak as Kirill made love to her slowly, worshiping her body with his hands and mouth. And, when they finally met their earth-shattering release, Ulyssa fell asleep in his arms. She spent the whole night with Kirill by her side.
The next morning, camp broke early. They didn't speak as they quietly dressed. A somber mood came over the group, as they mounted up and rode deeper into the marshes.
Kirill traveled by her side, not speaking. He wasn't sure what he should say to her if he did. Ulyssa was just as quiet.
The further they journeyed, the darker the marshes became until it almost looked like night. The stagnant smell only got worse. Kirill frowned, pulling his ceffyl to a stop. He looked around the marshes, before pointing up toward a rocky incline next to the path they traveled.
Turning to Falke, he nodded. They were on Lord Myrddin's land. Neither Falke nor Kirill had been surprised to discover the old noble had something to do with hiding the biological weaponry.
Swinging down from his mount, Kirill drew the attention of the others. Instantly, they followed suit and did the same. Pulling the paper from his pocket, Kirill looked it over. A slight frown marred his brow as he again pointed up. No one spoke as Kirill shifted to panther form. His clothes fell on the ground, next to the paper. Leaping with his mighty paws, he moved from ledge to ledge, up the stop incline until reaching a small cave. After a short time, he poked his human head over the side and unrolled a rope ladder down over the edge.
Ulyssa grabbed Kirill's clothing and bundled them beneath her shirt to free her arms for the climb. Without waiting to be told, she started up the ladder first. Reaching the top, she felt Kirill's hand on her arm, helping her in. She stood, her eyes searching for him in the dim cave light. Her eyes instantly moved down over his naked body. At her attention, his loins twitched and filled.
She blushed in embarrassment that she could be thinking of such things at this moment. Her gaze flitted up to his. He stared at her protruding stomach where she hid his clothes. His hand lifted as if he would touch her and a look of longing passed over his dark features.
Ulyssa looked down, realizing it looked as if she were pregnant. Swallowing nervously, she pulled the clothes out and handed them to him, meeting his searching hand. For a moment, he stood, arm extended. But, as the ladder wiggled, signaling that the next person came to join them, he quickly slid into his clothing and didn't say a word.
"Kirill, listen," Ulyssa rushed to his turned back. "I have to tell you something."
He pulled the laces on his shirt and moved to look at her.
Ulyssa glanced over her shoulder. A hand poked up from the side. "I never thought you had something to do with this ... not really. It's not the exact reason why I left. I just wanted you to know that in case we don't make it--"
A grunt interrupted her as Zoran heaved his body into the cave. He looked around, stopping briefly to study the couple before turning to motion at the others that it was safe. Ulyssa merely nodded at Krill, unable to finish as the rest of the traveling party joined them.
"It should be down here," Kirill stated to the group when everyone was up. He turned, leading the way into a narrow tunnel. Ulyssa made a move to follow him. Falke put a hand on her arm and shook his head. He went in next, turning to the side to fit.
"Stay here. Guard the entrance," Zoran said to Pia, handing her a knife. He moved behind Falke. It was a tight fit for the two large commanders and they made slow progress.
"I'll be right behind you," Olek said to his wife. Before Nadja could go in, Ulyssa slipped into the tunnel behind Zoran.
The tunnel led to a large cavern. Crystal formations protruded from the ceiling. They reflected the outside light, causing spots to dance on the walls like little rainbows. Little inlets and tunnels spiraled off from the side walls. Kirill turned and marked their entrance with a scrape of a rock.
"Wow, it's beautiful," Nadja whispered, looking around.
"What exactly are we looking for?" Ulyssa asked her.
Nadja swallowed, almost embarrassed, as she unbuttoned her pants and turned around. Easing them down, she showed them a black swirling tattoo design on her back hip. "It will have this symbol stamped on it. It's the mark of the Medical Alliance. I'd assume a crate or a metal container."
"Spread out. Don't go too deeply into the tunnels. We don't want to lose anyone," Kirill ordered. Ulyssa began to move, but his arm snaked forward to grab her. With a stiff nod of his head, he ordered her to follow him. Not wanting to cause a scene, and slightly discomfited by his nearness, she obeyed.
Spreading out in all directions, they searched the cave. Kirill hopped up on a ledge, before reaching down to pull her up behind him. Ulyssa's hand rested on Kirill's arm, as she found her footing. When she didn't let go, Kirill gave her a reassuring smile and leaned forward to nudge her face with his own in a silent show of affection. Reaching for her hand, he led her forward. Ulyssa was amazed, looking around to see if he realized they were in view of the others. He didn't seem to care.
They'd only been looking for about a half hour before Falke called, "I think I got something."
A dusty brown crate was settled in a dark corner with the imprint of the Medical Alliance burned on the top. For a long moment, they all stared. Ulyssa kneeled to touch it. Kirill grabbed her arm and jerked her back. He looked at Nadja.
"Open it," Nadja whispered. Falke reached forward to open the lid, prying it with his strong hands. Kirill hugged Ulyssa to his chest. She blinked, looking up to his face. His body was tense, but felt so good pressed against her. If she were to die, there was nowhere else she'd rather be.
The crate was packed with grass and leaves. Falke frowned and didn't reach in. He looked back at Nadja.
"There should be a container inside," Nadja said, nodding for him to go ahead.
Falke reached his hand in. No one breathed. Ulyssa gripped tightly to Kirill's waist. Falke pulled out a glass jar. Frowning as he studied the contents, he turned the jar around.
"What is this?" Falke asked, just as an eyeball floated by the side.
Nadja turned pale to see it. She closed her eyes briefly. "It's human remains."
"I don't get it," Ulyssa said, lifting her head from Kirill's chest.
"It's how they get it past the bio scanners. Your computers write it off as bi
ological waste or research materials. Besides, when they do ship checks, who in their right mind would open that thing up? The real weapon's inside." Nadja frowned. "It doesn't look as if it's been compromised, but we should get it out of here just in case."
"The Agency will have a safe lab where it can be analyzed." Ulyssa felt queasy just looking at the jar. "We should keep looking. There could be more."
"No, there won't be," Nadja said. Almost ashamed, she whispered, "There'll be enough in that jar to kill five planets."
Olek tucked her arm around her.
"All right, let's get it out of here." Kirill nodded at Falke who placed the jar back in the crate.
Zoran stepped around to the other side and they managed to slowly carry it to the front entrance. Pia was waiting for them at her post. Seeing the crate, she nodded solemnly. It took some doing, but the men managed to rig a pulley to get the crate down from the steep cave. And, as they left the marshes, no one really spoke.
* * * *
Ulyssa sighed, looking around Kirill's living room. Since his palace was the closest to the cave, and since the Agency would be coming for Ulyssa at that location, they carted the crate there. The Draig sent word to their palace that everything was fine. Not surprisingly, the Draig royal family arrived that same evening. Kirill had guest chambers prepared for them and everyone agreed to meet in the morning.
Ulyssa's hair was still wet from the shower she'd taken. To her disappointment, Kirill didn't join her, allowing her to go first. Turning to the bathroom door, she watched him step out. A towel was wrapped around his waist and his body glistened with remnants of water.
He looked her over. "Did you contact your people?"
Ulyssa held up the communicator. "They're entering the Y quadrant. They should be here tomorrow. I'm supposed to request that you allow our doctors to check everyone who came in contact with that box."
"Fine. We welcome the second opinion." Kirill nodded and turned to walk to the bedroom.
"Kirill?" Ulyssa stood from the couch and hesitated. Loudly, she stated, "Fire."
Kirill was confused as the fireplace lit. Ulyssa pulled a tattered piece of paper off the couch. She held it up. It was the trade agreement. Crossing over to the fire, she tossed the paper into the flames.
"I'm going to do my best to keep you and your people out of this. Without any evidence, they won't be able to press intergalactic charges. I know your planet is out of the treaty zone, but you really don't want that sort of attention. You'll have every space reporter, pirate, curiosity seeking nutcase knocking on your front door." Ulyssa sighed. "My record's impeccable, which will help. I'll have to tell them about King Attor's involvement, but I will try to keep it vague. I'll also tell them of your honor in helping me."
Kirill nodded. "Thank you for protecting my people."
Ulyssa walked around the couch to meet up with him. "I'm not doing it just for them. I'm doing it because I owe you. I'm sorry I almost started a war between you and the Draig. That wasn't my intent."
"In the cave, you said you knew that I didn't have anything to do with the weapons. Why then did you leave?" Kirill didn't touch her. His eyes searched her face, needing to know.
"It doesn't matter now." Ulyssa yawned, tired. "It's over. Tomorrow the Agency will come and take me away with them. It will all be over."
"If there wasn't an Agency, would you want to stay here?" Kirill took a step closer. Her head was forced back on her shoulders to look up at him.
"There's no point in dwelling on such things. There is an Agency and--"
"What if I asked you to stay?" His tone dipped sending chills over her spine. "Would you at least try?"
Ulyssa thought of Linzi. No, she wouldn't stay. She could never share him with other women. Even if she believed that he hadn't taken any since her, she knew that eventually he would. It was the way of his people and he was King. The very idea tore at her heart and made it hard to breathe. If he was asking for her and not just the baby, she could have considered it.
"No," she whispered. "It would never work. You're ashamed of me and I can't live like that."
"Ashamed? What is this human word?" he asked.
"Oh, that's a hard one." Ulyssa shrugged. "It doesn't really matter."
"Tell me anyway," he murmured.
"You act strangely with me in public, as if you are embarrassed to be seen with me," Ulyssa answered.
"You think I act strangely?"
She nodded.
"I do not mean to. You know I cannot be...." He frowned. "In public, a King cannot--"
"Shhh," she hushed. "It doesn't matter. There's no reason to think about it. I'm leaving tomorrow and no discussion will change that."
The light in his eyes faded some at the comment, but he nodded.
"But we still have tonight," she continued, soft and light. Her hand lifted to his neck, ready to memorize every inch of him. She'd hold onto the memory in the life to come. Running her fingers down over the rigid muscles of his chest, she felt him shiver beneath her touch. His skin was warm and smooth. Her fingers stopped above the steady beat of his heart. Slowly, his fingers reached up to cover hers.
"I got something for you," he said. Ulyssa smiled, her eyes traveling down to the obvious protrusion coming from the towel. Kirill chuckled. "You can have that too."
"Then?"
"Wait here." Kirill turned, disappearing into the kitchen. When he came back, he held a small box. "When you were on the communicator, Frank told you Happy Birthday. I thought ... well, it probably isn't really your birthday, but here. I got this for you."
He shrugged lightly, handing her the package. Ulyssa's fingers shook as she took the lid off. Inside was a delicate necklace of gold and pearls. She gasped. "It's beautiful. I didn't know you had such oceans here as we do on Earth."
"We don't. The necklace is from Earth. My mother brought it with her when she came here. I thought maybe it should belong to another Earth woman." Kirill paused, frowning slightly as her fingers trembled. "Is it all right? Falke thought I should give you a sword, but this seemed better suited to a woma--"
"I love it!" Ulyssa gasped, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly. Inside she cried, I love you, Kirill. "It's perfect."
"Then why do you look ... sad?"
"I've never had a birthday present before. Well, except one year Frank gave me a day off." She sniffed. "Thank you."
Kirill grinned, pleased that she liked it. Though, his expression was still overshadowed by deep thought.
"Now," she murmured, running her hand down to grab his towel. Pulling it free from his hips, she said, "About this other present."
Kirill swept her up into his arms. She clutched the box in her hands as he carried her to the bedroom. Taking the gift from her, he set it on the mantel by his crown. Then, slowly, he undressed her, taking his time as he licked and kissed her entire length. His mouth brought her to a fevered pitch, making her squirm beneath his hold.
Ulyssa pushed him on his back, wanting to take her time to give him the same treatment. Pinning his arms above his head, she held him down, straddling his waist with her legs. The moisture from her body slid between them, as she rubbed along his strong stomach. Her teeth bit his earlobe, before sucking it gently between her lips. Kirill groaned, arching against her. He tried to reach for her hips and she stopped kissing him.
Sitting up, she grabbed the side laces from her shirt. Her gaze steadily on his curious dark ones, she tied his wrists together. Then, securing his arms to the top of the bed, she grinned.
Raking her nails down his arms to his shoulders, she began with the slow torture of her mouth on his chest. Kirill moaned and writhed beneath her. Her hand found his arousal, stroking him lightly in her palm as she rubbed her breasts against his heat. She knew if he wanted to, he could escape, but he didn't. She'd finally taken complete control of him, but the victory was bittersweet and control no longer seemed to matter.
"Please, Lyssa," he begged, thrusting
his hips.
She lifted her body up and guided his hard shaft to her opening. Impaling herself on him, she cried out. He filled her deeply, completely. She sat on him, lifting herself up so he could watch her body above his. Slowly at first, she rode him, building the rhythm until they were both thrusting and straining for release.
Primal grunts escaped them as they neared their climax. Ulyssa touched her breasts, squeezing them, pinching the nipples. Kirill's eyes stared at her hands, her body. His groans of approval urged her on. She knew he liked watching her touch herself and, as the tempo of their bodies increased, she ran her fingers down her stomach to her rub the sweet spot of her desire.
Instantly, her hips jerked as she came hard atop him. The tremors racking through her caused him to find his own release. His yell joined hers as her body milked him of his seed.
Ulyssa collapsed on top of his chest. Their hard, gasping breaths mingled as she turned her lips to his. Lazily kissing him, she never wanted the moment to end.
"Promise me," he whispered. Stiffening, he pulled hard, breaking the laces so he could wrap his arms around her.
"What?"
"Promise me you'll try to save our child's life." Kirill swallowed. "Please, Lyssa, say you'll try. Don't let them kill our son."
"I can't promise it will work, but I promise to try."
Chapter Fourteen
There was no time to talk the next morning. Siren awoke them with the dawn to inform them that a ship of Agency scientists had landed. They were covered in airtight, white protective suits complete with plastic hoods. Kirill gladly handed over the Medical Mafia crate to Dr. Elliot, the woman in charge of the group. He was very relieved to see the biological weapon leaving his planet.
Franklin was the first to step off the second Agency ship. He was a lot younger than Krill guessed him to be from his voice. His shortly cropped dark brown hair was trimmed to militant perfection and he walked with rigid purpose, very unlike the liquid grace of the Var.
Automatically, he stepped up to Ulyssa. She made a quick introduction between the two men. Franklin nodded, bowing politely and saying all the right words. Then, turning to Ulyssa, he bid her into a private conference. Kirill offered the use of the royal office, but Franklin refused, choosing instead to take Ulyssa onto his ship. That had been two hours ago and he was still waiting for her to come back off.
The Savage King Page 20
