Mage

by Cyndi Friberg

  “Did you go to parties and chase after young men? Isn’t that the true purpose for college?”

  She shrugged yet still kept her eyes averted. “We went to a few parties together, but Lex had a steady boyfriend by then and parties in general don’t appeal to me.”

  “What does appeal to you?”

  She gestured around her with an unapologetic smile.

  “Broken-down cabins or cooking over an open fire?” he teased.

  She looked at him again. “I’ll take a starry sky over the bright lights of Broadway anytime.” Her smile faded, but she looked much less gloomy.

  “I enjoy both. I think everyone needs some time away from civilization, but I don’t mind being entertained.”

  “Of course not.” Her smile returned and firelight gleamed in her eyes. “You’re male, and males love attention.”

  He chuckled. “Guilty as charged.” He turned the spit again and was rewarded by a hiss as the meat began to render its fat. “We’re getting close.” When she didn’t say anything, he prompted, “You and Lexie were in college, both interested in photography.”

  “Sorry, I got distracted. You asked about our joint endeavors. Lexie quickly realized that what she really enjoyed was journalism, not photography, so we sort of drifted apart again.” She motioned toward the rabbit. “I can do that too. Aren’t your fingers getting toasty?”

  They were, but he wasn’t about to admit it to her. “I was born in the Fire Islands, sweetheart. Heat can’t hurt me.” He hadn’t meant to be so forward, but the endearment just slipped out.

  Color spread across her cheeks and she quickly looked away. If she blushed when he called her sweetheart, he couldn’t wait to see what happened when he kissed her. The temptation was becoming harder and harder to resist.

  Vox kept looking at her like she was on the menu and Emily had never felt so jittery. She couldn’t remember the last time a man expressed an interest in her, much less a man as impressive as Vox. He could probably have any woman he wanted, yet he’d set his sights on her. It didn’t make sense. He’d arrived with Lexie, who was much prettier than she was, yet for some reason he’d zeroed in on her.

  And she’d done it again, babbled on about her past rather than answering his question. “For Lexie’s senior project, she wanted to do an exposé on the homeless, but figured she’d never get any of the people living on the street to talk to her if she approached them with a camera crew. So I hooked her up with a remote unit that was easy to conceal. Then Larry and I hid in the control van while she and Stan went and interviewed people.”

  “I didn’t realize you’d known the two males that long.”

  “I apprenticed for Larry eleven years ago. He’s an amazing cinematographer as well as the best camera operator I’ve ever seen. Stan’s a close second, but of course he learned everything from his dad.”

  Vox nodded as he rotated the spit. “Was the exposé well received?”

  “Our instructor liked it so much he gave it to an acquaintance that worked for a local TV station. They aired it during primetime. Lexie and I were thrilled, so we’ve teamed up five, no six times with similar results. Magic seems to happen when Lexie and I put our minds together.”

  “Well, the battle born can use all the help they can get. I’m glad she thought of you.”

  The meat was ready a few minutes later and the conversation continued in between bites of food. “Do you have brothers and sisters?” She blew on a chunk of rabbit he’d torn off for her as she waited for his answer.

  “One brother and three sisters. I’m the eldest.”

  “Are your parents still together?” It was a natural next question, but she wasn’t sure if he’d find it rude.

  “Of course. Bilarrians mate for life.” He made the claim as if it was a well-established fact. Like the sky was blue or ice melts in the sun.

  “Lifelong relationships are just about extinct on Earth.” The admission made her sad. Somewhere deep in her soul she knew it wasn’t meant to be that way. “My parents were never married. In fact, I can’t think of anyone I know who has been married ten years or longer.” Fewer and fewer couples were bothering to get married at all.

  “That’s tragic.” He held out another hunk of meat, but she still held the first.

  She quickly ate the first bite, then accepted the second. The rabbit was rather bland without seasoning. Besides, he was the one who needed energy. “I’m not that hungry. You eat the rest,” she insisted when her mouth was clear again. “And I agree that it’s tragic, but I understand why it happens. True mates are incredibly hard to find, at least on Earth. Lord knows I tried, and failed.”

  He grinned. “Maybe you were just looking on the wrong planet.”

  Another blush made her want to fan her face. How did he do that so easily? Rather than analyze her body’s reaction to this handsome stranger, she moved on. “Tell me about your family.”

  “There’s not much to tell.” He quickly took a bite.

  A warning tingled up her spine. He was clearly avoiding a detailed answer. And this wasn’t the first time she’d felt like he was hiding something. “Come on. I bored you with my entire past. It’s payback time.”

  He took a large bite and then another. He was either ashamed of his past or he was inventing one. They could work through shame, but she would not tolerate lies. She sighed, disappointed by his reticence. His candor and honesty were the things she liked best about him. The striking exterior didn’t hurt. Still, a nice face and sexy body meant nothing if she couldn’t trust him.

  She was just about ready to change the subject when he said, “My parents are wealthy, very wealthy.” He sounded frustrated by the fact and she didn’t understand why. “I prefer that people judge me without knowing my background. It tends to skew their thinking, even when that’s not their intention.”

  She shrugged. His willingness to tell her meant a lot more than the revelation. “Wealth means little to me. I understand that money makes life easier, but I’m not materialistic.” She licked the juice off her fingers then scooped up a handful of raspberries.

  “I know.” He waited until she looked at him to add, “That’s why I told you.”

  The momentary tension evaporated and she relaxed, as much as relaxing was possible on a rickety wooden stool. “So what was it like being born into privilege? You don’t seem to be ruined by it.”

  “Thank you, I think.” He laughed. “It’s hard to imagine all the ways wealth shapes your life if you have never been exposed to it.”

  “Why do you presume I’ve never been exposed to wealth?” Challenge sharpened her tone.

  “Lexie mentioned how hard you fight to fund your projects. That wouldn’t be an issue if you had money.”

  “Just wanted to make sure you weren’t jumping to conclusions. We peasants don’t like that any better than you rich folks do.” She softened the statement with a smile. “So what’s it like growing up rich?”

  “My upbringing was…different. My parents were loving and attentive, but I still spent more time with staff.” He continued eating as he explained, “My siblings and I each had our own akinta, what you would call a nanny. Then all of the akintas had a supervisor called a lidrator. There were private tutors and various instructors. We weren’t even allowed to attend school until we turned twelve. Then we were sent to an exclusive private academy, and we each had a security team focused entirely on our safety.”

  “Goodness, that must have made misbehavior difficult.” She tried to imagine a life that regimented, but he was right, it was hard to picture.

  “You have no idea. And as the eldest, my father’s heir, I was held to an even higher standard than my siblings. The pressure was constant, unrelenting. It was oppressive.”

  “That’s why you came here, where no one knows you?”

  He nodded and tossed the bones into the fire. “Some of the battle born know who I am, but it doesn’t seem to faze them. I’m treated like everyone else. I’m expected to fol
low the rules and do my duty, but I’m just one among many.”

  “That must be a nice change of pace.”

  “It’s peaceful.” After licking his fingers clean, he picked up a handful of raspberries and popped one into his mouth. “Besides, I honestly believe in what they are trying to accomplish. I’m happy to support them in whatever way I can.”

  “I’m sure they’re happy to have you.” She finished the berries and wiped her hands on her pant legs. Roughing it was much more fun with a few basic supplies. Thank God this was temporary. “How many of the battle born have already been transformed?”

  Thunder rumbled in the distance, drawing her attention to the large patches of starlight peeking through the ramshackle roof. The intact side of the cabin should help insulate them from the wind, but rain had a way of sneaking through. She shivered, then brought her gaze back to her companion.

  He hesitated. “We are not supposed to reveal details until each person signs the contract.”

  “And yet no one is going to want to sign a contract until they understand the details. Like Lexie said, it’s a catch twenty-two.”

  After another pause, he nodded. “AG Nox and Raylon might have to reassess the stipulation or they could have females volunteering for all the wrong reasons.”

  “I know who General Nox is, but who’s Raylon?”

  “Raylon is governor of Lunar Nine. AG Nox set things in motion. Raylon is the one who is keeping it all moving forward.”

  “What did you decide? Can you answer my question or not?” All the background was important, but she needed to understand exactly what would be required of human females before she agreed to have any part in it.

  “The first three volunteers were human/Rodyte hybrids, so their results might differ from the rest. Twelve human volunteers were then recruited from among females who had interacted with Rodytes in the past. The transformation appears to be both successful and stable in all twelve cases, but each couple completed the process about ten days ago. That’s not a lot of time to establish a result. Because of my illness, I haven’t even had time to assess their new potential.”

  She absorbed the facts for a moment before asking, “What’s the next step? A larger study?”

  “Yes.” The building storm intruded again and they both looked toward the sky. “It’s definitely moving closer.” He stood and extended his hands toward the fire. The flames sizzled and leapt higher into the air. Was he drawing energy from the fire or did the flames recognize a kindred spirt? The fanciful thought made her smile.

  She stood as well and moved closer to the hearth, really starting to feel the chill. The fire leapt and popped. The light was mesmerizing, yet brisk air penetrated her clothes and rapidly cooled her skin. There was nothing they could do about the weather. It was best just to think about something else. “How large is a larger study?”

  “The research team would like between twenty and fifty volunteers, and the pool of females who already know about Rodytes is exhausted.”

  “Which is why AG Nox took to the internet.” It wasn’t really a question and he didn’t reply. Thunder crashed and lightning illuminated the night. She swallowed hard as dread swelled inside her. They didn’t have coats, not even a blanket. This was how people died of exposure.

  Refusing to give in to the pessimistic thoughts, she refocused on her unanswered questions. “How long will they wait before opening the floodgates? Sometimes complications don’t develop right away.”

  “Rodyte medicine is much more advanced than human,” he pointed out. “They are better able to deal with complications. If minor mutations occur, they’ll tweak the formula and proceed with the next trial.”

  Rain pattered against the roof, the gentle sound almost musical. “And if the mutations aren’t minor?”

  He tensed, his gaze darting toward the roof, then back to her. “Medical advancements always require some measure of risk. Each volunteer will have all the information available so they can make the best decision possible.”

  “Meaning, the couples will have to accept the risks if they want to participate.” As if responding to her displeasure, the rain fell harder.

  He dipped his head and his expression smoothed, becoming completely unreadable. “Nothing will be forced on anyone. Participation is strictly voluntary.”

  “I understand that.” She sighed and shifted her gaze back to the fire. “I’m just not sure I can sell it.”

  “You haven’t seen Lunar Nine yet. You don’t understand what we’re offering.”

  “True.” She glanced at him then away. The cold seeped deeper with each passing moment. It was all she could do to keep from shivering. “Lexie is clearly impressed and she doesn’t impress easily.”

  Without explanation, he moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her body. The unexpected embrace trapped her arms against her chest as he pressed his front against her frozen back. His body heat seemed to increase, gradually sinking through her clothes.

  “Are you doing that intentionally, or are you always this warm.” Helpless to resist the comfort, she wiggled more snugly into his embrace.

  “A little of both. Just relax and let me warm you.” One of his arms banded her waist. The other crossed her chest, his hand sliding up and down her arm.

  She stood tense and still, undeniably affected by his nearness. She didn’t want to be attracted to this compelling stranger, didn’t need complications messing with her well-ordered life. But the connection had been instantaneous and powerful. Something deep inside her wanted this man, needed to learn everything there was to know about him so she could figure out where he fit into her life.

  The sky opened with an ominous crash of thunder. Rain pelted the cabin. Wind rattling the remaining window and made the aged timbers groan. Moisture was driven through the interior, soaking everything in its path. Cold droplets coated Emily’s exposed skin and quickly saturated her clothing. She gasped and turned around, burying her face against his chest.

  Even with the fire at her back and Vox wrapped around her, she was soon shivering uncontrollably. “How can the rain be this cold? It was warm all day.” Her words were muffled against his shirt, and his only response was to stroke her hair.

  Long moments passed as she clung to him, absorbing what warmth she could. The rain soon drenched his clothes and dampened his skin, decreasing the heat he was passing on to her.

  “If I increase my body temperature any more, I’m risking brain damage,” he spoke against her dripping hair. “Are you willing to try something else?”

  “I’m willing to try anything.” A violent chill shook her body, reinforcing her determination. “We can’t stay here. Not like this.”

  “I won’t hurt you, Emily.” He whispered the promise into her ear, his voice low and even. “You’ll never have to worry about that with me.”

  Her hair rubbed against his chest as she shook her head. “Never and forever. No one can keep promises like that. Too much in our lives is beyond our control.” She raised her head and motioned around them. “Case in point.”

  He placed both hands on her shoulders, staring deep into her eyes. Rain dripped off his nose and plastered his hair to his head. “You’re right. Forever can be tricky, but I can promise you this. I will never intentionally cause you harm and I will do everything within my power to protect you.” He slid one of his hands up to her face. His fingers curved around her chin, keeping her from turning away. Then his head lowered slowly, giving her plenty of time to object.

  Paralyzed by uncertainty and desire, Emily allowed his lips to cover hers. Was this just a kiss to reassure her, or was he doing… She had no idea what he could be doing that would require kissing. His lips slid and pressed, caressing her mouth. One arm firmly banded her waist while he pushed his other hand into her hair, securing her head at just the right angle.

  She wrapped her arms around him, savoring the contrast of strength and tenderness. The fire warmed her back, yet his body felt even better, more inv
iting. A sigh parted her lips and he took advantage of the opportunity, tracing her lips without venturing too far into the softness of her mouth. He coaxed when he could have conquered, eroding her inhibitions instead of overwhelming her senses.

  His tongue continued to tease until she grew restless, then she touched him with the tip of her tongue, inviting him inside. A throaty groan escaped as he accepted the invitation and sank between her parted lips. He groaned again and shifted her head into the crook of his arm. The kiss deepened, becoming more aggressive. She responded, lost in passion like she’d never felt before. Their breaths mixed, and she found his taste evocative, sweet from the raspberries yet rich like coffee or Kahlua.

  Sensations arced between them, crackling like static electricity. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rubbed against his chest. She couldn’t get close enough, never wanted to stop kissing him.

  Suddenly she felt energy leaving her body and flowing into his. It wasn’t painful, exactly, just strange and frightening. The sucking sensation increased and she cried out against his lips. What the hell was he doing to her? She struggled, pushing against his chest, but his arms stayed firmly wrapped around her.

  She opened her eyes, trying to draw his attention, desperate to understand what was happening. His eyes remained tightly closed. He extended one hand toward the fire. The flames leapt, growing bigger and brighter, then they jumped out of the grate and onto his palm. Her startled cry was muffled by his mouth as his flesh absorbed the fire.

  His other arm tightened and his voice whispered in her mind, Don’t struggle. We’ll only get one shot at this.

  She wasn’t even sure what he meant until the world around her blurred. Quickly closing her eyes, she clung to him, welcoming the renewed intensity of his kiss. She felt the strange sucking again and surrendered to the sensation. She wasn’t sure where he was taking her, but anywhere was better than this dilapidated cabin on such a stormy night.

  Something solid connected with her feet and the air around her warmed. Still, she was in no hurry to leave the comfort of his embrace. The kiss slowed and he gradually pulled away, a lazy smile curving his lips.