by Anne Kane
The witch’s eyes moved then, her gaze fastening on him, and a faint smile curved the sweet line of her lips. She stared at him intently, and he felt her slip along the pathways of his cybernetic implants until her consciousness bonded firmly with his. He could feel her every thought, every emotion. She was unsure of herself, unsure of the wisdom of this joining, but determined to do whatever she could to help locate the pirate ship and the missing Stargazer. Feminine, but with a steely determination, her character was laid bare to him in that moment. No deceit or subterfuge existed in her, and he realized she had told him the truth. Star Haven. The Triad. They existed, hidden from the rest of the world.
She led him outward to the stars, to a world of energy and color he’d never before imagined. He could feel the lines connecting the planets, pulsing with an energy that made the electronic grid of the ‘net pale in comparison. A dazzling rainbow of colors washed over him and he fought to maintain his focus. His cybernetic implants quickly compensated for the overload, and he felt Breanne’s admiration at his adaptability.
He acknowledged her openness and felt her acceptance of him. Turning his attention outward, he started to search for evidence of the pirate ship. He could sense planets and their inhabitants. People. Starships. Planets. Data packets zipped around the ‘net. A ship packed with settlers and their gear chugged slowly along in the wake of an ore carrier heading for the outer systems. Smaller droid ships shuttled passengers between habitable planets. Single commuter ships zipped importantly between the various planets and stations, their engines thrumming with power.
Roark reset his implants to filter out these normal activities and concentrated on the anomalies. He felt a slight shift as Breanne fit her consciousness to the new parameters. If there were a pirate ship hiding out there somewhere, it would be trying to blend in with the normal interstellar traffic. Together, they would find it.
They explored each section of the quadrant, his cybernetics automatically sectioning space into a series of grids. A ship full of religious zealots lumbered amid the asteroid belt, hoping to avoid detection. A poacher used a shipment of bovine creatures to mask his cargo of exotic pets. Most of the grids held only normal traffic.
They searched each one carefully, not wanting to miss any clue as to Talia’s position. They worked well together, bolstering each other’s talents and strengths. Where one could see the energy signatures and calculate the size and inhabitants of the ship, the other could scan the ‘net traffic to find out the purpose of the voyage.
Time passed in a blur, and Roark found himself starting to grow weary. He hesitated, not sure how to communicate this to Breanne. A ripple of amusement passed between them, and he realized she could see his thoughts just as he could read hers. He immediately concentrated on an image of her draped across his knee while he spanked her for laughing at him. The picture morphed into one of her sitting on his lap, her legs locked behind his back while she teased his lips with her tongue.
Laughing, he opened his eyes and broke contact with the ‘net. Breanne lowered her arms and looked up at him. Laughter danced in the brilliant blue depths of her eyes as she stood on the bridge of his ship, gloriously naked. Blood rushed to his groin, making his uni-suit uncomfortably tight.
“That was interesting.” She shook her head and the light caught the shimmering gold highlights in her cascade of hair. “I’d heard it was possible to merge minds with a cyborg, but I’ve never tried it. The last recorded instance of it was during the founding of Star Haven.” A thoughtful look crossed her face. “There’s no hiding possible in that type of union, is there? I could see your thoughts and actually feel what you felt.”
He nodded. “Same here. I know that Star Haven truly does exist, and that you are indeed one of the Triad. That changes things.”
She grinned. “I can hope that the accommodation will improve?”
He returned the grin. “Well, there’s only one stateroom on board, but I’m willing to share.”
“Nice of you, but right now I think I need some food or I won’t have enough energy to fend you off.”
Roark placed one hand on his chest and adopted what he hoped was a hurt look. “I’m crushed. I’ve never forced my attentions on a female. They all come begging me to favor them with my attention.”
“Really?” Breanne raised an eyebrow. “So I can assume you have a harem of these eager beauties waiting for you somewhere?”
“No.” He covered the distance between them in two long strides and scooped her up in his arms. “I was waiting for a blue-eyed witch to show up and take my breath away.” He watched as her cheeks flushed a deep red. He’d never seen a Stargazer blush before, and he found it charming. He headed down the passageway in the direction of his stateroom.
“Stop looking at me like that!”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m the tastiest dessert on the replicator menu.”
“But you are.” He dipped his head to nibble on the lobe of her ear. “As soon as you’ve rested up some, I intend to taste every little inch of that delectable skin.”
“We still have to find the pirates.” She frowned at him. “If you hadn’t snatched me back on the station, I would have been able to intercept Talia there and whisk her back to Star Haven with me.”
“We’ll find them.” He found her devotion to her fellow Stargazer appealing. “But we both need to eat and get some rest before we try again. Even if we manage to locate the pirate ship, we’re not going to do your captive Stargazer any good if we’re too tired to stand up.”
He paused in front of a hatch door. “Access.” A panel above the door flashed from red to green at the sound of his voice, and the door slid silently open. A soft feminine voice sounded from within the walls. “Access granted.”
He stepped into the room and gently laid her down on his sleeping platform. He couldn’t resist letting her silky hair slide between his fingers before brushing a chaste kiss across her forehead. “I’m going to go grab some food from the synthesizer in the galley. Any special requests?”
Breanne shook her head. “Just as long as it’s warm and fills my belly.”
He laughed. “One warm bellyful coming up. Make yourself comfortable while I’m gone.”
“Some clothing would probably be a good idea.” She looked around.
“I like you just fine without clothes, but if you insist you can see if any of my things fit you.” He found the thought of her in one of his shirts even more erotic than her current state, and his cock jerked in response. He headed for the doorway. If he didn’t go get that food soon, it would have to wait while he sated himself in her warmth.
A mocking chuckle followed him down the hallways, letting him know she could read his thoughts.
* * *
“Ready to give it another try?” Roark tucked a stray lock of hair back behind her ear.
Breanne nodded. “I don’t want to waste any time. If the pirates know I’m still on their trail, they may disappear.” And Talia would never have a chance at freedom. The thought of letting her fellow Stargazer down left a sour taste in her mouth.
Roark turned those sexy eyes of his on her, and she felt a rush of liquid warmth between her legs. The man was incredible. In the two solar periods since she’d been on the ship they’d made love four times, and she’d enjoyed it every single time.
They walked down the passage to the bridge. “I’ve rigged up a platform for you to use. Not perfect, but at least it’ll hold you when you get tired. I wouldn’t want you to fall and bruise any of that delicate skin of yours.”
“Thank you.” A great lover and thoughtful. Breanne peeked up at him from beneath her lashes. If she were looking for a mate, he’d be on the short list. Unfortunately, she had the feeling that the cyborg didn’t want any complications in his life.
“There it is!” They stepped onto the bridge and Roark gestured toward his creation with a theatrical flourish.
Impressed, Breanne circled the makeshift platform
. He’d used lightweight carbon rods to fashion a frame that would hold her upright without interfering with her movements. The crossbeams held loops of synth-rope, so she could slip her hands in them without worrying about them chafing her wrists. “I’m impressed.” She reached up to gauge the height of the loops. “When did you have time to do this?”
“While you were napping.” He gave her a wry grin. “As I’m sure you know, cyborgs don’t require as much sleep as humanoids, so I had a quick power nap, and then came up here. Is it going to be okay?”
“Definitely. Way better than last time.” She unsealed her uni-suit and shrugged out of the snug material. “If it’s okay, I’d like to meditate for a few moments to center myself before we start.”
“No problem.” He took the suit and hung it over the arm of the navigator’s chair. “I’ll connect to the ‘net, and you can join me when you’re ready.”
Breanne watched him head over to the captain’s chair and slide into it. Tearing her gaze away from his broad shoulders, she lowered herself into a sitting position with her legs crossed and her hands resting on her thighs. Closing her eyes, she took deep, cleansing breaths and emptied her mind of everything but the task at hand. Talia. They needed to find her.
She concentrated on everything she knew about the other Stargazer. Her light mocha skin. Her dark eyes. Her gentle sense of humor. When she had a clear picture firmly in her mind, she stood and approached the Stargazer platform. Fastening the padded belt he’d provided around her waist, she tested it to make sure it would hold her weight. Next, she slipped her hands into the loops of synth-rope and pulled the loops snug against her wrists.
Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and reached for Roark’s steadying presence. The energy of the ley-lines could be a trap, tempting her to draw more and more of it into herself until it consumed her. Most Stargazers chose a mate early in life, using his steadying presence to help them resist the hypnotic power of the lines. Breanne had never met a man who tempted her to trade her freedom for the security of a mate until Roark threw her over his shoulder and dragged her aboard his ship. Now she understood what her co-workers had meant when they talked about a bonding, but her freedom would be a high price to pay.
Roark’s solid presence slid into her consciousness, and she felt herself relaxing into the bond as though they’d done this a thousand times. She could feel his resolve to find the pirates, edged with his guilt at having thwarted her attempt to intercept Talia at the space station. She sent a gentle wave of reassurance. It would be all right. They would locate the pirates.
They turned their joint focus outward and began the search. They’d already ruled out all of the better-known shipping lanes and common rest stops. This time, they searched the lesser-used paths, the shadowed sides of planets, the routes strewn with planetary debris and abandoned satellites. They took their time, not wanting to miss any spot large enough to hide the pirate ship. Roark sifted amongst the multitudes of data packets zipping around the ‘net while Breanne concentrated on the energy lines and the information they contained.
They worked their way outward from the station, passing planets and asteroids and the occasional manmade structure. They learned to read each other’s thought patterns and react to the subtle changes in their link. Breanne spotted a freighter hiding behind a scattering of asteroids and her hope rose until Roark read the data streaming from its bridge. An archeological expedition searching for artifacts among the debris of a former moon. Time passed, and just as Breanne felt her hope beginning to fade, Roark perked up and showed her a data stream coming from behind a giant ice planet.
Digitally encoded to loop the message whenever the transponder came into contact with a reader, the message was simple.
This is Talia, a Class 4 Stargazer. I’m being held aboard the pirate ship Alpher against my will. Please forward this message to the Triad.
Chapter Four
Breanne felt a surge of elation. That exact message had arrived at Star Haven last moon cycle, convincing her to investigate. She sent a cyber hug to Roark, and then began to search the ley-lines, looking for the one that would lead them to the transponder and ultimately the pirate ship. The lines were clearer out here away from the static and interference of denser populated space. It didn’t take her long to identify a deep blue line that would lead them straight to the pirate ship. She drew the energy into herself, capturing it between her outstretched arms, and directed it toward the engines.
The ship began to move in the direction she wanted, and she reveled in the power coursing through her, even as she diverted it to the engines. The ship picked up speed, moving silently toward their prey. She could sense Roark’s surprise. He wanted to wait, to be sure of the target before they moved in. His doubt resonated across the bond. She spared a moment to reassure him, picturing her objectives so he could understand what she was doing. She had no intention of blundering into the pirate ship and alerting them to her presence, she just wanted to get close enough to do some reconnaissance and come up with a plan.
The line began to feel shorter as they closed in on the pirates. She let some of the power of the lines slip away from her, slowing the ship. It was so much easier to do that, to let go, while she was linked to Roark. He grounded her in a way she’d never have believed possible if it wasn’t happening. The addictive lure of the ley-lines was barely noticeable, and she brought the ship to a smooth stop in the shadow of a cluster of meteor fragments. Opening her eyes, she saw Roark leap out of his chair and hurry toward her.
She sagged against her bonds as the energy of the lines drained from her, leaving her weak. Roark was right there, holding her up, releasing her from her bonds and carrying her gently from the bridge.
“You should have told me you were played out.” The gruff tone of his voice failed to hide his concern.
“I’ll be fine. We found the pirate ship holding Talia. That’s what’s important.”
“It’s not worth risking your life for. Is it true you could get sucked into the lines, be unable to let them go?”
Breanne nodded tiredly. “Yes. But not while I’m linked with you. You anchor me to this reality. That is so cool. I’ve never worked with an anchor before.”
He dipped his head to nuzzle her hair. “I’d never forgive myself if I lost you. We can find another way to track down your Stargazer.”
“No.” She roused herself to glare at him. “Give me time to regroup my powers, and I’ll be ready to go.”
He turned to enter the stateroom, and laid her down gently on the sleeping platform. “Okay, but you have to promise not to risk yourself like that. You scared me.”
Breanne stared up at him, marveling at how quickly he’d become important to her. She had an overwhelming urge to do as he asked, just to ease that worried look from his face.
“Promise me!” A stern frown marred the line of his brow.
She felt a soft smile curve her lips. He thought he could demand her obedience. “I promise. Now get those clothes off and get down here.” She watched his brows rocket skyward, and resisted the urge to laugh.
He shook his head. “You need to rest and regain your strength.”
Breanne reached up to run her hand along the tight curve of his thigh. “You forget, Stargazers absorb the energy generated by sex. Right now, what I need the most is to replenish myself.” She tilted her head back and looked up at him. “So how about it? Want to give me some of your strength?”
Emotions chased their way across his rugged features. Doubt. Worry. Hesitation. Then he growled low in his throat and proceeded to strip his clothes off. Breanne propped herself up on one elbow, admiring his muscular body as it came into view. Wide shoulders tapered to a lean waist, with ropes of heavy muscle covering his entire body. Scars ran every which way, some older than others. They told of a hard life, one spent fighting for his very survival.
Then her gaze took in his massive cock curving upward. This was no civilized man she could bend to her will. He
looked powerful and dangerous, and yet very concerned for her. She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted a male in her life.
He closed the distance between them in a single stride and pounced onto the sleeping platform, capturing her beneath him. She looked up into his face, into those gray eyes smoldering with naked lust. He lowered his head to sear a possessive kiss across her lips. He kissed her like a man who’d waited too long, his breath hot on her cheeks, his teeth scraping in his eagerness. Their tongues dueled in an erotic dance that left them both gasping for breath. The feel of his hot skin against her sent flames of lust curling along her nerves, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him close.
She could feel his barely restrained desire, and realized that the link they’d forged on the bridge hadn’t completely dissolved when she’d released the energy lines. She ran a finger down his cheek, tracing the rough scar that marred his features. She could get addicted to this, to the taste of him, to the sense of belonging, of being connected so intimately to a man of such power. Not a man, she corrected herself. He was so much more.
“You are so beautiful.” He sat up, straddling her belly with his long legs while his fingers traced a path from her face to her breasts, cupping the plump mounds in his hands. He tweaked a nipple between his thumb and forefinger, and Breanne shivered with need. Her breath caught in her throat as he moved lower, toying with her belly button, exploring the soft curve of her hips. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
“I want to feel you inside me.” She licked her lips as she imagined the feel of that massive shaft invading her inch by slow inch. “I want you to kiss me and hold me and fuck me until I can’t move.”
