The Forbidden

by Jessie Donovan

  The female stood and faced him again. "Did I pass your test?"

  "How did you—"

  She smiled. "I've worked with many orphan boys over the last ten years or so. Trust doesn't come easy, nor do I expect it to for some time. But if I pass the first test, I usually have a shot at earning it in the long run."

  The two-year-old girl walked over to the Barren and tugged on her brown skirts. Without missing a beat, the Barren picked her up and held her on one hip. As the adult female tickled the little girl, Ryven started to wonder if maybe the Barren could help them.

  Because all of the children he'd protected deserved better than to live in a dirty, abandoned house, never knowing when their next meal would come.

  Lowering his arms, he cleared his throat. The Barren looked at him and waited patiently until he spoke. "How could you help us?"

  "I'm sure you know that the Barren citadels take in orphans and raise them?"

  "Yes, but usually only the orphans of the wealthy."

  Gosarra shook her head. "Not true. We often go looking for orphans on the streets to take in. And in your case, someone tipped me off about your activities."

  He frowned. "My activities? You mean stealing?"

  "Yes. And while you've done well for a young male, you aren't a warrior or guard, and someone noticed you and reported you to the authorities. When it comes to crimes committed by orphans, provided they aren't severe, the Barren are often given the first opportunity to collect the reported orphans and take them back to the citadel."

  Ryven had never heard of that before. Not that he'd gone out of his way to learn what the authorities did in certain cases. "And if I don't go?"

  "Then the guards will find you the next time and probably take you to a juvenile rehabilitation facility."

  "You mean they'll put me to work until I'm of age," he muttered.

  Gosarra shrugged one shoulder. "I have no control over what certain agencies do. However, I can control this situation. Say yes, and you will come to my citadel."

  He studied the female for a second before asking, "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

  "You always have a choice, child. I've given you two options—to come with me or stay here and take your chances with the authorities. So which will you choose?"

  Ryven didn't like being backed into a corner, but the Barren had been kind to him and the other children so far. And the thought of having a regular place to live for more than a few weeks at a time was more than he had hoped for in a while.

  Not that he'd agree so easily. "We'll go, but I won't make any promises."

  She tilted her head. "That's a challenge for me, then. Because I'd like to adopt you as my own."

  He frowned. "But you just met me. Why would you want to do that?"

  "Stick around long enough and I'll tell you the reason." The Barren motioned around the room. "Help me get the children ready to go. I'll make a quick call and have some of my colleagues come here to help, too. The quicker, the better. I want to get everyone out of here before the next Brevkan attack."

  As Ryven helped the Barren gather the children and what meager belongings they possessed, he tried to ignore the emotion in his heart. Because for the first time in years, he had hope.

  Hope that maybe he could protect the other children without having to commit dishonorable acts.

  Not to mention hope that maybe someone wanted him again.

  Hope that he could be loved.

  ~~~

  Once the memory ended, Kalahn opened her eyes and tried her best not to cry. Not trusting her mental abilities, she used her voice. "Ryven, I had no idea."

  He shrugged. "You were quite young when the war finally ended. But for years, what you just saw with me and the other children was all too common."

  Reaching out, she took his hand. "I'm sorry that happened to you. It couldn't have been easy to fend for yourself and so many other at such a young age."

  "I wouldn't be who I am today without those experiences. Besides, Gosarra did become my mother. And as much as I loved my birth mother, I couldn't have asked for a better second chance."

  Kalahn had wanted to bring Ryven's mother to Jasvar before, but now it was almost imperative she did so. Without Gosarra's kindness, Kalahn may never have met Ryven at all. "Then once everything settles down, I'll make sure she comes here on the next spaceship. I know you said you will manage her transfer yourself, but I insist."

  "At one time, I would've refused your help again, until I knew I couldn’t do anything. But I'm not that young male any longer, out to prove I can do everything myself. I'll take your help on one condition."

  Searching his gaze, she asked, "What?"

  "That you agree to meet my mother when she arrives."

  She nodded. "Of course. I would've asked to anyway. I have to admit I'm curious about the female who took in a wild teen and shaped him into a wonderful grown male."

  Ryven cleared his throat. "I'd like to think I was a wonderful person before then, too. I only did what I had to do to survive."

  "I agree, but I'm sure your mother influenced you as well. I'll just have to judge for myself when I meet her. I'll also have to pry out all the embarrassing stories she knows about you, too. I'm sure there are some good ones."

  Shaking his head, he said, "We'll see about that. Knowing my mother, she'd want something in exchange, such as a secret for a secret. Come to think of it, it could be amusing to watch her negotiating terms with you."

  Kalahn raised an eyebrow. "I can negotiate as well."

  He grinned. "We'll see how well you do." He motioned toward the food on the counters. "Now, let's hurry and get dinner made so we can get on with your training."

  Ryven released her and went back to plucking the bird. As she remembered the images of him as a thin child, clearly undernourished, Kalahn vowed she'd do her best to cook an edible meal for him. Someone with his honor and integrity should never go hungry again.

  Returning to her pile of vegetables, Kalahn only recognized one that was some kind of root vegetable. If only she'd taken up the cooking lessons some of Taryn's friends had offered.

  She needed help if she were to make Ryven a good meal. Glancing around and noting all the unexplored cupboards, she said, "If you found a journal, then I bet there has to be a cookbook around here somewhere."

  "I didn't look for one, so go ahead. Although I'll repeat that I eat almost anything, so don't worry about it."

  Merely being edible wasn't good enough by Kalahn's standards, so she rummaged through the cupboards, trying to ignore Ryven's silence. She could feel his eyes on her as she moved about.

  Not that she was embarrassed. Kalahn bent over a little more than she needed to in order to check a lower cupboard. If Ryven were staring, she was going to make a show about it.

  Something flittered against her mind, but quickly vanished. The signature had the same warmth as Ryven's had earlier.

  She debated reaching out to him, but quickly forgot about it as she spotted an old, worn book. Taking it out, she read the title written in CEL: New Jasvarian Cooking.

  In the next second, Ryven's heat was at her back and his voice low at her ear as he said, "I can't read the title. But I'd like to think it's a book full of secrets."

  She rolled her eyes and looked over her shoulder. "In a way, it is. You need to work on your CEL."

  His voice filled her mind. When you master your telepathy, then you can teach me the language.

  Teachers often make the worst students, so I'll have to be quite strict.

  His telepathic voice was husky. I look forward to it.

  Aware that she could be broadcasting, Kalahn quickly pushed aside the image of him giving orders to her when they were naked and in bed.

  Whether he heard or not, Kalahn had no idea. But his voice was more distant as he spoke aloud. "For the present, however, I'll gladly listen to your instructions for dinner."

  She turned around to face him. "Good. Then finish preparing the meat." />
  Making a fist with his fingers, Ryven pounded it over his heart. "As you wish."

  As he turned and went back to his task, she couldn't help but smile at his obsequiousness. Kalahn had never imagined she'd want to cook anything, but it seemed doing any task with Ryven was more fun than when she'd done the same before in the past.

  Of course, she wanted more than just fun. All the man had to do was stand behind her and her heart rate kicked up.

  In that moment, Kalahn made a decision. She didn't know how long she'd be staying in the remote location with Ryven, but she was going to make the most of it. Yes, she'd work hard on her training and do her best to excel so she could help her family. However, she also planned to kiss Ryven many more times, too. Because it was all too easy to envision cooking with him fifty years in the future, when they both had laugh lines around their mouths and at the corner of their eyes.

  Life with Ryven would never be dull, nor did she think he'd try to change her into a different kind of female. Since her eldest brother, Keltor, had married a merchant female, why couldn't she marry a warrior?

  Kalahn had lived her life pushing boundaries, and she was about to test one more.

  Chapter Eleven

  Ryven was in trouble.

  The more time he spent near Kalahn's mental presence, the harder he found to stay away. Hell, when Kalahn had bent over to look inside a cupboard, he'd unintentionally reached out to her mind. Thankfully he'd realized it before she could sense it. Or, so he hoped.

  And yet, it took every iota of strength he possessed not to reach out again to feel her warmth.

  What was known about telepathy on Keldera was mostly related to those spliced with the ability. There were a few natural born telepaths in the Jasvarian settlement, thanks to the humans bringing aliens into their society. Ryven would need to track one down and fill in his knowledge. No trainee he'd talked to or record he'd read had mentioned something similar to his current craving for Kalahn on the telepathy plane.

  Since he couldn't attempt to find a natural born telepath for some time, he focused on watching Kalahn attempt to chop vegetables. Some might think her simple, yellow linen dress would lessen her beauty compared to her elaborate princess gowns, but Ryven thought the yellow made her blue hair stand out more. Not to mention it softened her face.

  She was beautiful.

  Kalahn looked up at him and raised her brows. He kept still, waiting to see if she'd heard him.

  "If you've finished your task, you could help me, you know."

  The corner of his mouth ticked up. "Maybe if you said please."

  Sighing, she replied with an overly sweet voice. "Would you please assist this helpless female, who can't seem to manage without a male explaining everything?"

  He snorted. "Stop it. That sort of request doesn't suit you."

  When he moved to her side, Kalahn looked up at him. "Why are you so accepting of my behavior? I've always wondered about that, especially since everyone else has tried to change or correct me from the moment I could talk."

  He shrugged. "I spent many years living inside a Barren citadel. Things are done differently amongst them when no one is watching. The vast majority of the residents are female, and the citadels don't run themselves. The Barren Mother is almost the equivalent of a politician or even a king. To me, it seems natural that females can do more than what the current law allows."

  He reached for a knife, but Kalahn stilled his hand. "Do you think if others were given a chance to visit the citadels or even stay for a week or more, opinions would change?"

  "I'm not sure, both concerning the Barren and the citizens. The Barren have peace when the outsiders aren't around, and to subject them to strangers constantly being underfoot would be unfair. At least until they have more freedoms everywhere."

  Kalahn sighed. "It was just an idea."

  "And change starts from ideas, so don't stop proposing them. Besides, given what I've heard of Azalyn Sulani, she will try to change things as well. After all, she worked in the merchant business, which is the most open-minded when it comes to what females can do and/or accomplish."

  At the mention of Azalyn, Kalahn plucked at her dress. "I wish I could know my soon-to-be sister-in-law better. I heard stories of Keltor falling for and losing his love as a teen, so I'm glad he found Azalyn again. I think she and I would get along well. But as selfish as it is, I think my place is on Jasvar."

  Placing a finger under her chin, he gently forced her to meet his gaze. "It's not selfish to want to stay somewhere you feel useful. I, for one, am grateful you're here." He leaned down a fraction. "And not just because you seem to have an affinity for telepathy."

  As they stared at one another, Kalahn voice filled his mind. I want to kiss him, but I'm not sure if he wants me to.

  Ryven stood at a fork in the road. He could be noble, pretend he didn't hear her thoughts, and stick to his vow to train Kalahn before he pursued her.

  But as he stared into her green eyes, with her heat and scent so close, he wanted the less noble path. For the first time in years, he was going to shirk his duty to do something he wanted.

  He leaned down a fraction closer and whispered, "I want you too, Kalahn."

  Her eyes widened. "W-what are you talking about?"

  Lightly stroking the underside of her chin, he smiled. "You've been projecting again."

  "That's impossible. My shields are strong."

  "Then maybe you wanted me to hear you."

  He waited to see how she'd respond.

  Kalahn finally placed a hand on his chest, and he sucked in a breath at her touch. Physical strength meant nothing when it came to this female. A simple caress could probably fell him to his knees.

  Her voice was low when she finally spoke again. "What I want usually doesn't matter."

  "In this moment, it means everything. Take what you want, Kalahn. I promise I won't tell anyone."

  Raising her face, her hot breath danced against his lips as she whispered, "You may regret those words."

  "With you, I will regret nothing."

  With a growl, Kalahn closed the distance between them and kissed him.

  Ryven immediately opened his mouth and allowed Kalahn's tongue to tangle with his. Each caress and lick only made him groan harder at her taste. It was sweeter and more addictive than he remembered.

  He hauled her body against his, loving the feel of her soft curves against his hard muscles. Everything about her, from the swell of her hip to the lushness of her breasts, made him want to toss her on a bed, rip off her dress, and worship her body.

  As if reading his thoughts, Kalahn growled and dug her nails into his shoulders before she bit his bottom lip.

  His princess was a little rough. And he liked it.

  Her voice filled his mind. More, Ryven. Show me more.

  Each syllable sent heat through his body, straight to his cock. When she added, I-I don't know what I want, but I want something, his lust intensified tenfold and his control snapped.

  Ryven lifted her hips and turned to sit her on the counter. Kalahn opened her legs to allow him to stand between them. He rubbed her luscious thighs and wished he could feel her skin instead of the material of her dress.

  I want that, too.

  Since Ryven hadn't spoken, he must've projected. But he was too far gone to care.

  Running a hand up under her skirt, he took a possessive hold of her calf and tugged her closer to him. Her skirt was in the way of what he truly wanted, to feel her hot center against his trouser-clad cock.

  Maybe Kalahn would allow him to rip it in two.

  A male voice boomed inside the room. "You might want to lock the door next time."

  Ryven immediately broke the kiss and stood in front of Kalahn, to shield her from view. "Orvar, what are you doing here?"

  The male didn't move from his place leaning against the doorjamb. "There's something you should see."

  "Can't it wait?"

  Orvar shook his head. "No. Oth
erwise, I would not have set foot inside this volcano." He stood upright. "I'll give you a few minutes to right yourself, but no longer. This is important."

  The male disappeared down the hallway, leaving Ryven alone with Kalahn once again.

  The realization of what he'd nearly done washed over him. He'd nearly tried to take a female that wasn't his bride, and with her sitting on a kitchen counter no less.

  Maybe he was still that dishonorable youth who'd stolen and lied on the streets.

  "You're not," Kalahn stated.

  With a frown, he turned to face her. "What did you say?"

  "You're projecting again." She scooted to the side, closed her legs, and righted her skirts. "And if you regret what just happened, then maybe it's a good thing Orvar interrupted us."

  "Kalahn—"

  She put up a hand. "Just go and cool off. We'll talk when you get back."

  Ryven leaned forward and touched her cheek. "I don't regret it for the reasons you think."

  "Later, Ryven," she murmured.

  He wasn't sure if Kalahn was hurt or confused, not that he cared for either option. But he would give her time to cool off and then discuss their future at length.

  There was one last thing he needed to do before he left, though. "Let me check your shields, just in case."

  Before she could speak, Ryven looked inward. However, Kalahn was inside his mental space. Have you been here the whole time?

  Of course I have. This is my area.

  No, it's mine.

  What are you talking about, Ryven?

  He took a second to scan around and something seemed off with the dimensions. I'll be right back.

  Exiting the small passageway through the mouth of the feline, Ryven searched for Kalahn's signature. She shouldn't be far from him.

  But once his eyes found her signature, he was speechless.

  What's wrong, Ryven?

  After a few beats, he found his mental voice. Come see for yourself.

  Kalahn's presence was soon next to him, and she finally saw what he did.