by Laurie Roma
“Look, I realize you don’t know me yet. I don’t know you either. That will change over time. Meanwhile, we’re going to have to come to some sort of understanding. I get that you’re looking out for Amari, but I’m her mate. You don’t trust me? Fine. She does, and I hope that you can respect that enough that I won’t have to guard my back against you taking swipes at me.” Literally and figuratively. “Can we agree on that?”
The beast inclined his head in a single regal nod, and Roman fought the urge to roll his eyes. At least that was one less thing he had to worry about. Negotiation over, he had more pressing matters to deal with than the proverbial annoying guard cat.
When Amari had used her magic to strip them, he hadn’t thought about where his things had gone. She could have incinerated his clothes for all he’d cared at the time, but she hadn’t destroyed anything. The black tank and gray pants he’d been wearing when she’s taken him off the Delta Station were neatly folded on a lounge chair near the wall that housed her collection of items.
His gel shoes were stacked on top of the clothing, and he assumed his wrist unit had occupied the empty space next to them. He should probably be happy the irritating kitty hadn’t decided to shit in his shoes, or maybe he’d planned to eat those, too. For now, Roman ignored his clothes, not willing to pass by the big beast to get them.
The aches and pains in his body made moving to the edge of the bed a slow and tedious process. Amari was enthusiastic and completely uninhibited, which delighted him to no end, but their passion had muscles he’d forgotten protesting in discomfort.
Hell, he was definitely feeling his age.
He started to get up, then thought better of it. “Just to clarify...if I get up, you aren’t going to try to take a bite out of me, are you?”
Rhys looked offended, if that were possible, then the beast closed his eyes. Roman was comfortable in his own skin, but it took some courage to get up and walk toward the open hallway off to the right. He disliked turning his back on a potential threat and wouldn’t have risked it no matter what had been agreed upon, except his own call of nature made it necessary.
He followed the stone pathway, hoping it would lead him to a bathroom. His muscles protested each step, and he realized how foolish it was to even think about going another round with Amari until he’d gotten more rest. Trying to keep up with a Dragon Warrior was going to end up killing him in the most pleasurable of ways.
Curious, he stopped in the wide hallway when he noticed the lights were pointed at the intricate carvings on one of the walls. He reached out to trace his finger over one of the dragons’ wings and was startled when the wall slid open to reveal a beautifully designed closet that was as large as the bedroom.
Apparently, Amari had visited the Delta Station again while he’d been sleeping.
He wasn’t upset that she had moved him in without notice. In fact, he was amused when he saw the case he’d left on the station tucked away in a space that seemed to be made for it. His uniforms hung on a rod along with other clothes, all of which he was sure would fit him perfectly.
She had meticulously created anything he’d ever want, including shoes, boots, and even a suit of black armor, but there wasn’t a single article of her clothing in the room. Instead, the wall on the opposite side of the room was filled with an impressive display of weapons ranging from swords to battle axes and staffs.
Holy nova, who owned this type of arsenal?
Apparently, his mate did, he thought with a wry grin. In the center of the room was a large rectangular counter with a glass top, and he laughed as he looked through the glass and saw his blaster next to several others. There was also a variety of knives, throwing stars, and other items he had never seen before, but was sure would be equally as lethal.
May the gods help whoever was stupid enough to ever attack them.
Leaving the weapons bunker behind, he made his way to the end of the hallway. He entered the bathroom, though, such a simple term seemed far too inadequate to describe what he’d walked into. It was a bathing room that looked as if it belonged in the middle of a jungle rather than on a space vessel.
The ceiling was a reflection of the same night sky seen from the bedroom, complete with the twin moons and millions of tiny stars. The purple moonlight was enough to illuminate the entire room, but more light shone from a variety of glowing trees and plants that surrounded a lagoon the size of a small lake. Wide stone steps led down into the depths of the pool, and lights glowed from beneath the surface, making the pink water look as if it were pulsing with life.
A waterfall continuously fed the lagoon, making the water flow over the raised smooth stones that lined the perimeter. There was a smaller waterfall about waist high that flowed into a large green crystal sink next to a multicolored stain glass door.
Relief swept through him when he found what he was looking for behind the door that slid open upon his approach. He made quick use of the facilities, then accidentally discovered that the room was voice activated and capable of shifting into a massive shower. Watching the toilet and multiple shower heads disappear, then reappear gave him a little thrill.
His new home was a magical wonderland he didn’t think he’d ever get used to.
Back at the sink, it took a few seconds to realize there was no soap, but the slight tingling of his hands made him believe there was more to the gel-like water. Deciding to test his theory, he walked down the steps into the lagoon and submerged himself.
Before he’d fallen asleep, Amari had used magic to clean his sweat-coated skin. Typically, he would’ve chosen a shower over a bath, but the idea of soaking his tired muscles had been far too appealing to pass up. Roman closed his eyes, letting the water permeate his skin. The cool liquid was a comfortable contrast to the humid room, and when the tingling sensation faded, his entire body relaxed.
He felt rejuvenated...and free.
The scent of oranges and vanilla mixed with the intoxicating fragrance coming from the flowers blooming on the trees and vines hanging from the ceiling. Roman drew the scent deep into his lungs, savoring the sweet aroma until he felt drunk with it, loving the way it reminded him of Amari.
Her scent called to him, and her voice was like a siren’s song, either promising ecstasy or beckoning him to his doom. It had only been a few hours since he’d last touched her, yet he ached to have his hands on her again. He felt changed by their connection, altered on the cellular level by his need for her. Even his own heartbeat felt out of rhythm without her near, and he couldn’t imagine how much worse the feeling would get once they were truly mated.
They were destined, inevitable, like a star emanating light. It was as if his entire life had been leading to her, and with that thought came a wave of guilt. He’d loved once before. Nothing could erase that from his past, and he wouldn’t want to. He cherished every moment he’d had with his chosen, Lisa, and his partner, Declan, and those memories left him feeling torn, pulled in two directions.
His past was like the proverbial elephant in the room. Amari was in his head, so he was sure that she knew, but they hadn’t had a chance to speak of it. And what was he to say? In the whole of her existence, she had waited for him. Had known that he would someday come into her life, and she had given him the precious gift of being her first, her only. Did that make him disloyal in her eyes?
Something else Amari had said during their conversation weighed on him, but he couldn’t figure out why. What was it?
The thought drifted away with the hypnotic flow of the waterfall as he floated along with the gentle movement of the water. Roman had never been comfortable being in a meditative state, and that was what this felt like to him. He wanted to remember what Amari had said. It was important enough that he tried to shake himself free of the lethargy, but his body was so relaxed, he couldn’t move.
His eyes refused to open and his lungs struggle to expand, then something wrapped around his ankle, dragging him underwater. Held in place, his body jerked as he
was forced to swallow some of the gel.
Hell, no. There was no way he was getting taken out by a damn bathtub.
Able to move again, he started to thrash around, fighting for his freedom. To his surprise, he was immediately released. Surfacing quickly, he coughed, trying to expel the water from his lungs but nothing was coming up. What the hell just happened?
And why was everything on Amari’s ship trying to fucking kill him?
“Why did you breathe that much pollen? Were you trying to get sick? That was very unwise.”
Gripping the side of the lagoon, he froze when he heard Hydra’s words. He considered launching himself out of the water, but he wasn’t sure his legs would hold him yet. Now, a million questions flickered through his mind along with a stream of inventive curses. Turning around, he forced himself to stay in the water and sat down on the underwater bench. He couldn’t see her, but he’d recognized Hydra’s voice as soon as she’d spoken.
Still, he asked, “Hydra?”
A large bubble emerged a few feet away, floating on the surface. Thankfully, she was considerate enough to keep her distance. “Human.”
“Roman,” he offered as he fought for calm, willing his pulse to steady as he regulated his breathing. He still wanted to get out of the water, but he’d been naked in front of Amari’s friends enough already. “Did you drag me under?”
The bubble dipped and jiggled as if she were agitated. “Yes, Roman. I had to.”
A horrifying thought flashed through his head. “Did I—” he was going to gag, “—did I drink you?”
“Of course not. That would be disgusting.”
That was disgusting while tasting him was fine? Strangely, that made sense to him, and he was relieved knowing he’d only swallowed some of the weird gel-water instead of any part of whatever she was. That would have just been...yeah, disgusting was a good word for it.
“So, do you want to tell me why you had to drag me under?”
“You were getting very sick. Why swim now during the blooming?” she scolded. “Obviously, you’re fine now. The air is almost clear because I was eating the pollen, and the water cleansed you, but you were foolish. Your body is not strong enough to ingest that much eiarakavan pollen, and you could have drowned if you hadn’t been healed.”
“What is eiarakavan pollen?”
The bubble stretched, elongating into a thin column of water like an arm, reaching toward the trees that surrounded the lagoon. She rammed against one of the tree trunks, then she flattened herself until she was hovering below the many purple flowers that glowed on the branches. A light shimmer of purple dust fell from the blooms, and Hydra swayed through the air, dissolving the powder into herself.
Roman didn’t remember the flowers being there when he’d entered the pool. “That stuff is a drug? Why I couldn’t move and had a hard time thinking?”
“It is pollen,” she said slowly as if he were having trouble understanding. Shrinking quickly, she returned to her bubble form. “I absorbed your language. Did I make a mistake?”
He really had to learn more about her race. The way she absorbed knowledge was fascinating. “Sorry, I needed some clarification. I’m trying to understand how the pollen works.”
“Just stay away from the lagoon when the flowers are blooming, and you won’t die.”
“Got it.” Sort of. Her instructions were simple enough. He was pleased that the shy creature had not only saved him but was actually talking to him. The strangeness made him want to laugh even if the flowers were trying to kill him.
Bizarre, his life was just fucking bizarre now.
“Humans are very fragile. I tasted that.”
Since it was said conversationally, he didn’t mention how disturbing that sounded. Instead, he nodded slowly. “Compared to Dragon Warriors and...” What was she again? “And the Voda, yes, humans are fragile. Thank you for saving me.”
“You belong to Amari,” she said simply, then began to move to the edge of the lagoon.
“Did she send you?”
He’d been wondering why Amari hadn’t come and saved him herself. It seemed like something she’d do considering she was in his head. Maybe the blood bond was similar to vampire stories of old. Did she have to keep feeding from him to strengthen their connection? That was a question he would have to ask her. Also, it would be nice to know if there were there more tranquilizing plants elsewhere on board.
What else in his new home wanted to kill him?
“She knows you’re fine.” Hydra’s form flattened a little. “I wasn’t spying...exactly. I was curious, but I wasn’t supposed to bother you.”
Uh oh, she sounded upset. “Well, you saved me, so I’m glad you were curious.”
“Amari would have come herself, but she was handling another sister crisis.”
Concerned, Roman sat up straighter. “Is something wrong with her sister?”
“Not her specifically.” Hydra hovered at the edge of the lagoon, elongating several arms to collect some of the fallen flowers on the ground. When the blossoms dissolved inside her, Roman barely held back a shudder.
That really was unnerving to watch.
“I still don’t understand. Amari’s sister isn’t in crisis, then?”
“Eden is fine. Crises are what we call what other people ask Amari to fix. It seems like there is always an endless stream of them. This time, Eden and the others made a mistake while practicing new magic, and now the sand creatures are attacking the palace.”
That was not what he was expecting to hear. “I’m sorry...what?”
His bemused laugh rippled through the air as Amari appeared in the room. His heart skipped a beat seeing that she was dressed in a light green gown the same color as his eyes. The gown was sleek, hugging the curves of her flawless body and draping over a single shoulder, showing off the beautiful gold tattoos on her arms.
She looked like a goddess, perfect in every way.
Immediately, she sat down on one of the stones surrounding the lagoon and reached out to cup Roman’s cheek. “Forgive me, mate. Are you well?”
“I’m fine.” Holding onto her wrist, he turned his face and pressed a kiss to the center of her palm. He rubbed the stubble on his cheek against her soft flesh, meeting her gaze again to see the concern shining there. “Really, I’m fine. Hydra saved me from the pollen.” Glancing over, he no longer saw any sign of the Voda. “Where is she?”
“Hydra exited the room using a passage between those two stones near the waterfall. I assured her I am not angry she came here to observe you and that I am grateful she saved you. She is sensitive and will avoid us until she forgets to worry.”
He didn’t know what to say about that. “Ah, Hydra mentioned something about a crisis. Is your sister okay?”
“She might not be when I see her next. I should have been here instead of dealing with her,” Amari said, the annoyance clear in her tone. She stood again. “I have prepared us a meal. We can eat, and I will tell you why I was delayed. Perhaps that will help explain why I did not rush to your aid sooner.”
“You don’t have to explain, though, I’m interested to hear about the sand people.”
“They are creatures, not people.”
He sighed as he found himself standing next to her, dry and dressed in a soft tunic and matching pants the color of smoky fog. This time, he only felt vaguely disoriented when she’d transported him, but the sensation passed quickly. “Damn, I was hoping you’d join me in the lagoon. Next time, I want you in the water...hot and wet.”
Her glowing gold eyes flared brighter with interest. “Aye, I want that, too.”
Stepping closer, he brushed the back of his fingers down her arm, and he smiled when she shivered. “Then why don’t we just—?” His stomach chose that moment to let out a loud rumbling growl. “That might have to wait. I guess I am hungry.”
“Then I shall feed you.” Her delicate shoulders slumped slightly. “I have not been a very good mate to you this rising, have
I?”
“Amari, I’m not a puppy. You don’t have to worry about taking care of me every second of the day.”
That made her lips twitch. “Says the male who almost drowned in my bathtub. Your word for the bathing pool,” she explained, making him grin back at her.
“I didn’t drown. I was drugged, damn it.”
“Again, I apologize. I would have come if Hydra was not already here.”
“I believe you. Now, no more transporting on an empty stomach, please, and this way, you can give me a little tour of my new home along the way.” Reaching down, he took her hand in his. “I already found the weapons room—I mean, the closet,” he clarified when she shot him a look. “I didn’t see any of your clothes in there.”
“I do not store anything since I can create whatever I need. The weapons are items I have collected over the years, as are the items on the wall in the bedroom.”
“Yeah, I noticed the jump drive you’re not supposed to have on one of the shelves.”
“It is deactivated.”
“Well, that’s good to know. It would suck if it blew us up some night while we were sleeping. I know the Artanes—the brothers that own the company you liberated the jump drive from. A lot of people weren’t too pleased when it went missing.”
“It is part of my collection,” she said with a shrug.
“And your collection is impressive. What is that black substance in the space next to the jump drive that keeps changing shape?”
“That is an atylyta sphere, a very powerful energy source.”
He groaned. “Great, something else that can explode. I’m sorry I asked.”
“I would never allow anything to blow us up.”
“Uh huh.” He’d never win this argument, so he let it go. He didn’t want to know where all of the other objects came from either. When the sliding doors opened, he pulled her to a stop. “I just have one more question before we go out there. Exactly how many other things on board are going to try to kill me?”
She winced. “We may have to do some redecorating.”
