by Cara Carnes
None.
I was a Tezan slave.
No, I wasn’t in my father’s or Queen Vilma’s regions of space. I was no slave, not where we traveled. I was free because the Shadows risked incurring the queen’s wrath to keep me alive. I caressed his face. “I cannot promise what I know you wouldn’t promise me.”
His eyebrows furrowed.
“If the situation was reversed and I had been the one held captive by those mercenaries, would you have remained hidden? Safe?”
“No, I’m a Shadow, a Roteran warrior. We don’t cower.”
“Neither do I.” I firmed my grip on his neck. “I may have been born a slave, Varik, but I’ve spent the past ten solar cycles aboard a cargo ship with nothing to do but learn whatever I could. That included fighting. I will not shame all Lazar, Evon, and Vellis taught me by cowering. And I will not stand aside while any of you are struck down. Don’t ask me to.”
“Then we will continue your training. Zelig ordered as much earlier, but today only affirms the fact you need to hone more than your prowess with blades. You must learn proper techniques for handling the Well’s power. You could have severely damaged your psyche today.” Varik severed contact with me and picked up a scanner.
I sat silently as he swept it over me. He moved me to the larger one, then performed a third scan with a device I didn’t recognize. To say he was thorough was an understatement.
“Come, we will go find the others and discuss your training strategy.”
The determined tone kept me from arguing. I would rather remain in Medical with him, get to know him and his spirits. He was right, though. I needed training, and there’d be time for us to spend time alone later.
“How far are we from Tezan?”
“In four cycles, we will use three slipstreams, which will decrease our journey to another six cycles through the Meridian Highway.”
And he’d prefer I be better trained before the slipstreams happened. No, the Meridian Highway concerned him. I’d only heard rumors about it, stories Lazar and Vellis told despite Evon’s adamant belief I should not know. There were no laws within the Highway. The entire region thrived on a ruthless, kill-or-be-killed mentality.
“Lazar spoke often of the Highway. He was raised by a pirate after his mother died,” I offered lamely.
“Tezan mentioned as much.” Varik took my hand. “Tell me.”
“There’s a family, from a distant galaxy. They are explorers, survivalists who investigate planets within unclaimed regions of space for possible habitation. The Warrens. Lazar said no one messed with the Warrens, not even in the Meridian Highway. They’re the ones who created the Pirate’s Corridor.”
“I have not heard of the Pirate’s Corridor.”
“Lazar said it was a safer haven through the Meridian, an area no pirate was allowed to mess with a vessel. If they did, the Warren fleet would retaliate.” I looked down, suddenly aware I sounded smug, all-knowing. “I figured I’d mention it in case it would help. I’m sure a Tezan soul within one of you knows, though.”
“Not necessarily,” Varik said. “It takes a while for a spirit to acclimate to us and those around them. Until a trust bond is formed, we won’t always have full access to their knowledge.”
“Oh, well I can’t imagine Lazar not sharing, especially if he knows it’d help keep me safe.”
“Come, we’ll tell the others and make sure.”
Varik
* * *
Varik regarded the slumbering woman pressed against his side. She’d fallen asleep upon their arrival at the recreation chamber. His gaze swept his fellow warriors and noted they watched her as well. Snow possessed a fierce warrior heart, one worthy of Shadow warriors. He found it harder and harder to argue against them formalizing the union if she wished.
“I had not sensed anything about the Pirate’s Corridor,” Ren said. “If she hadn’t mentioned, we wouldn’t have known.”
“None of my spirits knew of it, but few of the ones we’ve acquired had reason to be within the Meridian,” Zelig said. “What of yours Marden?”
“The Warrens are well-respected by all they meet. Everyone, even within the lawless region, protects them. A Warren vessel saved one of my spirits once. They run an organization which has set a trading post up within the Meridian.” Marden crossed his arms. “Smart move. It gives the lawless a less violent way to conduct business.”
“And if they put it along this so-called Pirate’s Corridor, it would be safe enough for the braver adventurers within the surrounding regions to venture there,” Dacian said. “Assuming the corridor exists.”
“Can we find it?” Ashan asked. “I’d rather chance its existence then not try, not if it gets us through the area faster and keeps Snow safe.”
“I agree,” Slade said. “I have a contact, a runner within the Gypsies who may know. She knows most everyone of importance.”
“Make the call,” Zelig replied. “Find out if she knows the best entry point for the corridor from where we are.”
“Is Snow well?” Ren asked.
“Exhausted, but unharmed as far as I can tell. We must begin her training. Today cannot happen again.”
All the men around him nodded their understanding. One by one, they vacated the small alcove. Varik remained, letting the female pressed against him rest. He stared out into the vastness of space, hoping they’d made the right decision to take her to Tezan. Very few of his spirits agreed with the plan, but the protectiveness overwhelming them was a foreign emotion. Only the grieving Tezan within him understood.
“Hey,” Snow whispered.
She stretched, long and slow. Varik’s blood heated as he watched her beautiful body arc, her long legs move outward then curl back in against him. The warm, full smile and curious, bright gaze drew him in. Unable to resist, he leaned in and feathered his mouth across hers. The response was tentative, as if she feared a rebuke. He held the back of her head and deepened the contact. She repeated each motion. Heat spread outward, thrummed within his each of his spirits.
She’s not ready.
The Starth spirit’s adamant statement halted the kiss. The warrior was right. Her inexperience was obvious, inciting a protectiveness within Varik. She burrowed into his side again when the kiss stopped. She looked out the window and sighed.
“So beautiful. There’s something so calming about the inky nothingness, as if the universes are canvases waiting for us to paint them.”
“You enjoy art?” he asked.
“Yes, though I haven’t had supplies in a long while. Mother used to salvage the scraps from my father’s court. She’d sneak them from the refuse and bring them to me.” Snow smiled.
Varik growled. Snow deserved more than someone else’s garbage. He knew nothing about art but would find her whatever she desired. He’d ask Dacian. The warrior knew more than most and would help find what Snow would like.
Perhaps Varik would learn. She could show him. “I wish to learn art with you. We will find supplies.”
“I was a child. I know nothing of value to show you.”
“You will show me anyway. I want to learn what you desire, what makes you smile.” He caressed her cheek. “Will you show me, Snow?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “But only if you let me meet your spirits tonight. May I stay with you?”
The spirits within him stirred, curious about her desire to meet them. He’d held a firm reign on them all. “Yes. Come. You need a better place to rest than here.”
“No,” she argued. “I like it here, looking out at what can be. It’s relaxing.”
“Very well.” He reclined deeper into the resting surface. She moved until she was almost fully atop him.
Varik gnashed his teeth and willed control over his raging need. The beautiful woman had no idea what effect she had on them all. Her skin was soft beneath his touch as he stroked the small of her back beneath her tunic. She settled her head against him and began tracing the etchings along his arm. Her low whispe
rs were inaudible, but the spirit within the marking heard each word. Varik closed his eyes as the souls within him calmed fully for the first time in many, many cycles.
Marden
* * *
Marden prowled the quiet vessel. The spirits within him argued as they frequently did. Too many demanded time with the female. Snow. The name suited her well. Skin paler than he’d ever seen. So smooth and soft. He spotted his quarry curled against Varik and couldn’t help but smile. The mighty Roteran Shadow he considered a friend exuded calm. Tranquility.
For a moment, Marden wondered if the female would have the same effect on the spirits he controlled. He sat on a seat far enough away not to wake the warrior, but close enough to study the anomaly at work. Eyes closed, he loosened his grip on his psychic plane and let the warm, calming energy she fed Varik’s souls enter him. He remained on the fringes of the offered sensation, too worried he’d wake her or stir Varik’s spirits.
This was their time with the female. He had no right to violate the agreement they’d all entered.
Marden would be last.
He’d make sure his time was skipped.
Though she’d handled Ren’s spirits, calmed Slade’s and Varik’s, he would never wish the nightmare of turbulence within him on anyone, most especially someone as beautiful, bright, and compassionate as Snow.
Snow.
The name was one he’d never use, not where anyone could hear, most especially her. The utterance was a mere whispered breath he expended more out of raw need than anything else. The Tezans within him demanded their time with her. So many others did as well. Marden’s comrades didn’t realize how fortunate they were to have so few spirits. The nearest numbers to him were Slade and Zelig, but neither had even half as many as him. The spirits within his friends were separate, identifiable and distinct personalities, easily contained and pacified.
Marden’s brain hurt, a constant stabbing burn. Division.
Peace.
Tranquility.
He craved what she’d offered the others, yet he didn’t dare release the grip he had. If he did he wouldn’t survive another attempt at reining them in. He’d barely survived the last. One day, he’d be lost to madness. Each cycle proved more difficult. The pathway between chaotic confusion and reality narrowed with each hour. It was why so many of the souls within him fought, refused respite. They knew waking up in a pit of chaotic despair was fast approaching.
Marden stood. He pulled a covering from the supply cabinet nearby and covered both the sleeping people.
Footsteps halted behind him, barely discernible despite the silence within the vessel. He didn’t look over his shoulder. Only one prowled the night more than him, possessed the same stealthy steps Slade used naturally.
You should rest while we can. We’ll enter the Meridian soon. He pushed the comment to Zelig through their private link, one no one else would hear.
Funny, I was here to say the same to you. Zelig looked down Varik and Snow. He is at peace.
Yes. She is good for him, as she was Slade and Ren. I feared Slade would be a problem for her.
He kept some spirits contained, far away from her. We will have to do the same.
Yes. He was glad the warrior realized the necessity. Marden, Zelig, and Slade always retrieved the more violent or unknown species they encountered. Containing the darkest spirits to only half the team kept a firm balance, one many Shadow squadrons hadn’t maintained. It was one of the many reasons he would do anything for his comrades. They were his family.
They need her. We all do. I know it’s hard for you to accept we have all found our mate, but we have. I trust you’ll do the right thing and not stand in the way, Marden.
You do not know what it is you ask, my friend.
No, I do not. But I ask anyway. I have a responsibility to Ashan, Ren, Dacian, Slade, and Varik as well. We all need what I fear you cannot allow. Tell me how to make this work for us all.
I wish I knew.
And Marden did. He wanted nothing more than to lie with Snow pressed against his side, relax and sleep. Trust another to tend his spirits while he was nothing more than a Roteran male spending time with his mate.
We will figure it out. Zelig placed a hand on his shoulder. We will all figure it out.
Perhaps. Perhaps not. Marden didn’t comment. Deep down, a few of the souls within him had already accepted what must be done. They’d shared the decision with him, but he left the many, many others unaware. They would never agree.
But sacrificing himself so Snow could have the mates she deserved would be a worthy end. Giving the Shadows he considered family a happiness beyond mere duty would be a worthy end. Yes. A warrior’s death was the only way to ensure everyone else aboard the vessel thrived.
Zelig leaned down and kissed the side of Snow’s head. The contact was brief, but more than Marden could imagine. The souls within him rioted, demanded he do the same. The Shadow commander stood at his side, as if waiting for what he knew Marden wanted, needed.
Just one kiss.
Then he’d be prepared to accept a warrior’s death when the time presented itself.
Eyes closed, he held his breath, leaned down and touched her forehead with his lips.
Warmth spread through him and burned away some of the loneliness. As if sensing his presence, Snow sighed and reached a hand outward. Her fingers trailed across his throat. He pulled back and positioned the covering firmer around her.
Sleep well, my sweet, sweet Snow.
9
Snow
I wasn’t sure what I expected to see in the murky space around us when we entered the Meridian Highway. There were no warnings, no markers to warn hapless wanderers to venture no farther. It just…was.
Three cycles had passed since we charted a course for the Meridian. My entire body ached. The Shadows had taken their new roles quite seriously. I’d been trained in swords, lasers, plasma blasters, and assorted weapons by Zelig and a grouchy Marden. Slade helped me hone my hand-to-hand, which I was woefully bad at compared to him. I was beyond pathetic compared to all the Shadows. Fortunately, they’d had mercy on me and given me time with Ashan and Ren in between weapons and hand-to-hand each day. The evenings ended with Varik and Dacian, who helped me strengthen my psychic plane, so I could use the Summoner’s Well properly.
I’d spent one evening with Ren and another with Varik. Then he’d had to go on shift, so he’d taken me to Ashan.
I hurt. And prepared or not, I was now in the Meridian Highway, on the way toward Tezan. I wasn’t sure what was ahead, what would become of the Shadows and me when we arrived. All I knew is we’d entered the Meridian Highway at what I considered a horrible time. Exhaustion plagued the Shadows as they prowled the ship, as if awaiting trouble. We had two cycles of travel before we’d hit the entry to the Pirate’s Corridor, if what Slade’s friend said was true. He trusted her, so I did as well.
I trusted all the Shadows.
More importantly, I was irrevocably drawn to them. Mine. My inner barbarian, if I had one, considered all of them mine. No one would harm them, touch them without going through me. I’d never experienced the emotion before, but I’d grown to fully embrace it because I sensed it wafting from them. I knew they felt the same way.
Ren had said it was a union’s pull, an instinctive need to recognize an intended mate.
They were my intended mates.
I didn’t argue the declaration my heart and soul made. I had no reason to argue with what was the most intense emotion I’d ever experienced.
Love.
Marden and Zelig remained withdrawn from me. I sensed their hesitation. Their spirits approached mine curiously a few times, at least Zelig’s did. Marden remained locked up tight and rarely neared me. He remained near during training only, and even then he made Zelig be the primary trainer.
“There you are.” Dacian’s voice returned my thoughts to the ship. “I was starting to suspect you were hiding from me.”
�
��I would have if there’d been any place to hide,” I admitted. I turned and rested my head on his chest. “My head throbs, my bones ache, and my entire body is a stabbing pain.”
“Which is why tonight I’m going to help you connect with the Summoner’s Well and draw its healing energy into you.”
“I thought drawing power was too dangerous. The queen can track me if I use a Well, right?”
“You are stronger than her,” Dacian said. “You should control what the Well does and doesn’t show her, at least in theory.”
Dacian had many theories. I smirked at him when he approached. He wasn’t as carefree and jovial as Ashan, but his quick wit and brilliant mind enthralled me in a way none of the others did. I could spend many cycles talking to him, learning so much from him. How had he attained so much knowledge? How did he remember so many details?
His long body folded into the meditative pose he’d taught me with a practiced ease. I watched, enthralled with the way his muscles bunched and flexed. He’d switched into the requisite attire the Shadows enjoyed most—a pair of short pants which wrapped loosely around their waists and ended at their upper thighs. “Why do you all wear only those so much?”
“Comfort. Displaying the etchings affirms our pride of the spirits we contain. It appeases them, makes our control of them simpler.” Dacian rested a wrist on each knee as he looked over at me. I wasn’t graceful like him, likely never would be. With enough grunting and groaning I managed a semi-decent interpretation of his pose. A chuckle, belly deep and so sexy my toes curled, rumbled through the small room. He reached over and moved my right leg, then grasped my waist and dragged me until I was in front of him.
My pulse quickened. He unfolded his long, powerful legs and pulled me even closer. Warmth seeped in where his bare chest touched my back. His thighs clenched me firmly. I leaned against him. Hot breath fell across my cheek, along the shell of my ear. A shiver, an awareness I couldn’t deny, rippled through me.
