“And you are an admirable male for having tamed such a dangerous female. Please tell your employer that I regret that my guards gave you such an unpleasant welcome to my kingdom,” Orem Sel said. “Why don’t you retire for the rest of the day, Chiang of Greggor? I’ll have food brought to you and your exciting mate. Let me make things up to you.”
“I accept your offer. When I contact Conor I will be happy to convey your—gracious welcome—and encourage him to come see for himself,” Chiang said, watching Orem Sel bow his head slightly.
Chiang didn’t think Orem Sel was buying their story for a minute, but there was little more he could do. Every instinct was warning him that the Peace Alliance had badly underestimated the treachery of the rulers on this planet.
He turned then and spoke loudly to Boca. “Up. You have rested enough. Be grateful our host is in a merciful mood.”
Boca pulled her body back upright, sparing Chiang one hateful glance before shifting her mental venom to the still-seated male who smiled back knowingly.
“Boca,” Chiang said. “If you say anything rude to our host, you will be punished.”
He watched as Boca immediately dropped her eyes and hung her head.
Out of the corner of his eye, Chiang saw Orem Sel motion two guards forward even as he smiled. Hoping to convince them that they didn’t need company for the evening, Chiang pulled a leather wrist restraint from the vest he wore. “Hold out your wrists, and I want both. No rebellion like last time.”
He was grateful that Boca kept her head bowed as she meekly lifted both her hands. He didn’t want her to see his concerns, which as large as they were, he knew she would read flawlessly in his energy. As soon as they were alone, he was calling the ship for help.
Chiang fastened the restraints, knotting the cord slowly and double-checking to make sure it was secure. When he heard Orem Sel laughing at his precautions, Chiang spared a glance at the male and smiled before returning his gaze to his task.
“I said my mate was exciting. I didn’t say she was safe, especially after a fresh kill,” Chiang declared, elated when Orem Sel laughed harder.
“I find you and your fighting mate quite amusing Chiang. You would probably find me a more rewarding employer than your current one,” Orem Sel said.
Chiang snorted. “Do you think you’re the first customer to make me such an offer? I am both healer and mercenary. However, I cannot consider other offers until my debt to Conor Synar is paid. Now that he’s taken on a demon, there is no leaving his employ.”
“I imagine not,” Orem Sel said. “Well, look me up if he ever releases you.”
Chiang nodded, ending it on a bow of respect, his hand tugging on the wrist restraint as he dragged Boca along with him, hoping it was to safety.
“See that Chiang and his mate are installed in the Elerin suite. I’m sure they will enjoy the accommodations there. When Conor Synar arrives, he can have the adjoining room,” Orem Sel said.
The guards walked ahead and out of the main area. They all walked for a considerable distance down several long corridors and past many rooms. When they stopped, it was in front of a set of ornate double doors. One of the guards pushed them open, and then both stepped aside to let Chiang lead Boca into the room. Once they were inside, the guards closed the doors behind them with a definitive click that Chiang knew meant a lock was being put into place. That meant there would be no roaming around later unless they wanted to risk everything.
Chiang dropped the leather tether and stepped to Boca, slowly undoing the restraint. Neither spoke for long moments as he deftly undid the straps. “So we are back among the males you escaped. I find their need to restrain their females pathetic and weak. Are they so lacking in true power that they have to keep their females unwillingly tethered to their side? I find it hard to respect them.”
Boca snorted at Chiang’s pompous declaration. He didn’t even sound like himself, but she supposed that was the point. She was trying to decide how unhappy she was that being bossy and dictatorial came so easily to him. Not that it mattered to her. For once, she was not the least bit alarmed in his presence. Maybe fighting in front of him and having his support of it had resolved a few of her concerns. She tucked the epiphany away to consider later. For now, she answered him pretty much as she always did.
“I just killed a male and severely wounded another. Are you not fearful that I could do the same to you if I chose? I could, you know. I may be your mate, but that arrangement would end with your death, Chiang of Greggor.”
When the restraints were free of her wrists, Chiang flung the leather strips behind him to land on the luxuriously large sleeping platform that he’d barely avoiding looking at with envy when they walked through the door.
“Settle down, my fierce little warrior. There is no more fight to be had today. I am grateful you received so little damage to yourself. If they had hurt you, I would have been compelled by my violent Greggor nature to avenge you. Then we would both likely be dead. Orem Sel trusts no one. But then who can blame him after what happened to Fener Sel.”
“Fener Sel got what he deserved. I wish my old mate had been killed as well,” Boca said sincerely.
Laughing for the sake of their captors, Chiang pulled Boca into his embrace, careful not to touch the arm wound that was starting to seal over. Pulling the scanner discreetly from a vest pocket, he touched it and put it between their bodies. Boca leaned into him, so it could rest on the tops of her still exposed breasts, the screen tilted up so they could both see it. She saw the corner of Chiang’s mouth twitch as he fought not to laugh at the hygiene strips bunching up. Any other time he would have shredded them before they had had a chance to stretch beyond their design.
“You are a strange male to embrace me so tightly when I am covered with another male’s life force. Release me and let me wash away the filth before you…indulge your dreaded needs,” Boca demanded, voice dripping sarcasm as she ground out the last few words with all the disgust she could manage. She wanted to push out of his arms for further effect, but as usual they were banded too tightly around her. She was discovering that Chiang used his strength to serve his intentions, never letting go of anything he cared about until he was ready to do so.
“Silence, mate. I must reassure myself you still live, so you must let me. Then we will clean and treat your wound,” he said roughly. “Hug me back and stop fighting. Don’t displease me further.”
Giving in, Boca tightened her arms around him and relaxed in his. Looking down, she saw a small picture appear on the scanner screen. Three dots were highlighted.
They were being watched.
Which also meant their conversation was probably being monitored as well.
“I have no wish to anger you further,” she said softly.
“Glad to hear it. I have no wish to start over with another female. So let us both rejoice at our good fortune that you still live,” Chiang returned quietly, but with the force he knew was expected of males on Lotharius.
Boca bowed her head respectfully and then raised her gaze to his. She moved her arms down instinctively to shield his large hand as it slid the scanner across her breasts before palming it into his vest pocket again. The little shiver of excitement she got from Chiang’s fingers grazing her was revealing to both of them. She felt the lower half of Chiang tighten against her, evidence of his excitement pressed against her belly.
“I want you more each time it becomes a possibility,” he said tightly. “I want to both be at your mercy and yet pleasure you endlessly. I want you to pass out in my arms again, but for the right reasons. Perhaps a Lotharian would be a less demanding mate. If you like, I could sell you back to them. You may claim this as your reward for saving our lives.”
To prove his words the lie they were, she felt his palm covering the mark on her shoulder. It was the first time he had touched it. A shiver of apprehension shook her. Suddenly, the mark was more than just something that had spared her from having to service the guards.<
br />
Chiang bent down to Boca, first kissing her temple, then sliding lips down to growl low in her ear. He whispered ‘mine’ softly and hoped she heard. When she trembled in his arms, he growled again.
“I must have you soon,” he declared honestly, raising his head.
“What if the room is being monitored? You can’t seriously expect us to bond while they watch us,” Boca said in a small voice, covering the fact they already knew they were being monitored.
“La dracu, lasati-le. Let them watch,” Chiang said bitterly, lacing his fingers with hers in support of their predicament. “Perhaps the stupid Lotharians will learn why you do not kill me.”
“All males are alike in their pride,” Boca declared, squeezing his fingers to let him know she was playing her role, but her thoughts were that Chiang could definitely teach the selfish males more than a few lessons.
“Come. Be nice and I will consider not tying you up for the night cycle,” Chiang offered, letting his gaze drift over her.
“After fighting and winning, don’t you agree that I deserve to be left free for at least one evening?” Boca demanded.
“Yes, I do. And you may even take your pleasure first,” Chiang said, smiling at her rolling eyes.
As much as he hated knowing they were being watched, nothing was going to keep him out of her. They would use the covers for a shield. If they met their end tomorrow, he would at least have one more night in her arms.
“Instead of first pleasure, I would just appreciate some new clothes. These are ruined,” Boca said dejectedly, lifting her tattered clothing with her free hand.
“You may have both for allowing the second male to live. I am feeling generous because you obeyed me without argument this time. I hope your bloodthirsty side is sated for a while now,” Chiang said on a forced laugh, leading Boca into the small upright bathing compartment.
“For the moment,” Boca teased, “but it is early still, Chiang of Greggor. Perhaps you should restrain me tonight after all.”
“We’ll see,” Chiang teased back, smiling as he closed the door behind them. The one bright spot in their current situation was having the opportunity of pleasuring Boca throughout the night in the giant bed Orem Sel provided.
His brief text to the ship had stipulated Orem Sel’s invitation. He could only hope their lack of further communication with the Liberator would bring help quickly. They were not going to be able to have full freedom to look for the high ambassador’s daughter without Conor Synar negotiating directly.
Chapter 17
“It has already been arranged with Captain Synar. He said if a second rescue group is sent to help, I could go with you. This is more than just a research mission, Seta. You might not come back from it. You are not leaving me alone on this ship without you,” Rena said firmly. “It will be no effort to pretend to be a slave for either of us. And I refuse to leave you to face your fate alone.”
Seta shook her head. “Rena, be reasonable. There is no need for you to go. You never went with me when I did missions for the Paladin. What is so different now?”
“The Paladin missions were not like this. You are going along with the de…damn medic. See? Even I am being affected by the Commander’s emotional tirades. Earthlings and their loose tongues are contagious. I am already using her disrespectful speech. Did Captain Synar say why the medic is going along? Do they fear they will need medical assistance?” Rena demanded.
“Rena—what is the matter with you? Why are you so distressed over Malachi? I’ve been on many missions, even a few like this one. Your reaction is making you incapable of hearing any logical explanation.”
“On the contrary, I am listening very hard. You are holding back information, Seta.”
Seta shook her head “It is not just Malachi who is involved. They are both going—both Synars. Apparently, Malachi has some unique abilities that are known only to certain members of this crew. I do not understand, but I’m sure the captain would not take this situation lightly. I am not of a rank where I can question his motives. Only the commander can do that, but she is in full support of this plan.”
Seta held up several dresses to her as she stood in front the small group of mirrors she had affixed to the clothes chest. “Yes, this one, I believe,” she said smiling at her reflection. “I look exactly like you in this dress, Rena. If you must accompany me, shall we go as a matched set? That should make us extra valuable as slaves on Lotharius. It will also be great fun to see if we can fool your medic into preferring me.”
“Malachi is not my medic. Stop being focused on such trivial things when there are graver concerns,” Rena said, crossing her arms.
“Well, if you’re insistent on going along and embarrassing me, the least you can do is entertain me in the process,” Seta said. “Yes—I’ve made my decision. We’ll go as dual-birth female slaves.”
“My patience is exhausted with talking to you. I’m going for a walk,” Rena said, marching to the door.
“What secrets do you suppose Malachi keeps, Rena?” Seta asked. “My instincts are on alert around him all the time. I have attempted to discover what he hides from the world, but he is extremely clever in speech.”
Rena stopped, hand on the door. “Be careful of his counsel, Seta. Malachi has a dark side. I saw that when we first met. What possible good can he do for the mission? I have trouble believing Captain Synar means to involve him.”
“Perhaps you should personally ask, Rena. Malachi would probably tell you for a kiss,” Seta suggested, smiling as her sibling closed the door firmly behind her without another word.
***
Malachi headed back into his body when he heard the knock on the door. “Just a moment,” he called, rising and stretching his limbs.
He had been practicing leaving his form and coming back in. No matter what he tried, there was always a little delay in body response when he left his physical form. It was actually the one situation that worried him taking Conor Synar’s form into what undoubtedly would be a battle, based on what he recalled of Fener Sel’s treachery.
Malachi opened the door finally with a smile and sweep of his hand as he walked across the tiny room. “I knew you’d eventually come to me. We are like polarized forces seeking to fulfill our destined connection. When our energies combine, we might even create a celestial spiral.”
“Cease your nonsense. I have come to ask why you are going on this mission,” Rena demanded. “Does Captain Synar intend to kill all the Lotharians?”
Making shaming noises with his tongue, Malachi closed the door quietly behind her. No need to alarm the rest of the crew just because the emissary was upset with Liam.
“Didn’t you hear? We’re not allowed to kill them. Boca said another emissary of the Creators told her that. You’re out of the divine information loop.”
He paused in his teasing and took in her dark expression, the white light behind it a stark contrast.
“Being corporeal does not agree with you, my glowing Angel. Your energy is dimming.”
Rena turned her back on the gloating demon, refusing to believe his observations were true.
“My time is growing short in this body. I care not what happens because soon this physical episode will fade behind another millennia of service to the Creators. I am meant for a better existence than walking around in some other spirit’s leftover skin suit.”
“Wow,” Malachi said in admiration of her vehemence, walking to stand close to her, barely resisting the urge to take her ‘skin suit’ into his arms and make her appreciate it.
“I had no idea the power of being an emissary caused delusions of grandeur. Are you telling me you miss nothing at all of being corporeal?”
Rena turned to glare at him. “No. And I am not delusional. Tell me what Synar intends.”
“You don’t know?” Malachi asked, surprised again. “Why? Have the Creators blocked you from reading Liam too? Some day you’ll have to tell me what you did that was so bad.”
Rena fought her anger until she trusted her voice to be calm. “No. I am not being blocked. I simply cannot see his intentions.”
Malachi laughed. “That sounds more like a yes answer to me. Welcome to the club, my enticing Ethosian. Neither can I—at least not about this mission.”
“What do you mean?” Rena demanded, pacing away, though the tiny room made it difficult to put any real distance between them.
“I mean I don’t know what Liam intends other than to find the high ambassador’s daughter,” Malachi explained. “If I knew more, I would tell you, but I don’t.”
Rena walked to him and peered up into his dark gaze. “I don’t trust you. I wish to see for myself.”
Wanting her touch more than he wanted to feel offended, Malachi reached for her hands, lifted them to his shoulders, and bent to touch his forehead to hers.
“Just don’t hurt my physical form too much. I’m having enough problems with this body as it is,” he whispered.
Rena felt his shoulders beneath her hands and couldn’t stop the squeeze she gave them or the pleasurable sigh that escaped her when she did. “My reaction to you is beyond ridiculous. How can I see inside you when I….”
Her words drifted away when he brought his hands to her tiny waist—to Rena Trax’s tiny waist. Another sigh from him had her anger rising. Malachi laughed softly, even when his body reacted with rising excitement to her touch. “Do you suppose the Creators are torturing you, me, or both of us?”
“Silence, demon. Let me get this done,” she whispered.
“If you ever want to test the limits of that form you’re in, will you please let me know?” Malachi asked. “My skin suit—as you call it—craves yours.”
“I crave nothing but to return to energy and leave this bag of organics to rot as it was doing when I found it,” Rena said fiercely.
“Pity,” Malachi said stoically, even though he felt none for her at all. “Commence your invasion, Angel. I open my spirit to you.”
The Healer's Kiss: Book Four of the Forced To Serve Series Page 21
