by Ava Ryant
“Do not insult my Spark with your bigotry!” Ryhs growled out, his face hard, his Metallics flashing. Alexa could feel fury coming off him in great waves. Not Good.
“She is an inferior lunet!” Principal Devin roared, surging to his feet once more and she heard loud gasps and then...Ryhs launched himself towards the high bench. Alexa’s eyes widened and her eyebrows rose in shock. Ryhs’s Metallics were burning bright and she knew whatever a lunet was, it was very bad. His furious rage was like a throbbing masse inside her and Alexa saw the guards rush towards him to stop his attack on the Conclave member. The amphitheatre was now in an uproar. Other members were on their feet, yelling at each other. The crowd was growing agitated and the guards were about to tackle Ryhs. Uhm no.
She stepped forward and caught them just before they reached Ryhs, sending them up into the air with a wave. Alexa then grabbed hold of Ryhs just before he sacked Principal Devin and pulled him back towards her. He was not happy. At all.
“Let me go Lexa! I’m going to….” He began ranting in the Laren language. Alexa was sure whatever he was saying wasn’t a good. Although she liked the little nick-name he used when he was yelling. Her friends and family called her Lexa but so far Ryhs only called her my Spark or Mate. It seemed when he was truly irate with her she would be Lexa. Good to know.
“That’s not a good idea, my love.” She told him as she set him down beside her. He was glaring at her now and Alexa knew he was furious at whatever insult the male had just levied at her.
“Did you hear what he said?” Ryhs gritted out angrily.
“Yes, I heard but he’s obviously a blowhard asshole.” Alexa said as she tugged him close, leaning up and kissing him softly. Neither of them noticed the absolute silence and rapt attention they were drawing around the room. Everything faded away as Ryhs’s lips danced with hers in a kiss that soon grew heated. They drew apart after a moment and Alexa glanced over up to see a smiling Ambassador Lyric looking at them and a stunned Laren Conclave.
“So...is Ryhs free to go?” She asked the stunned room.
“Ambassador Alexa, would you mind putting down the guardsmen?” Ambassador Lyric asked with a grin. Alexa looked up and realized the two guardsmen were still floating in the air above them. Ooops, her bad. She lowered them slowly to the ground.
“Sorry, forgot they were up there.”
Chapter 21
Alexa, Ryhs, Ambassador Lyric and the two Advocates got onto the transport after leaving the Parliament. The charges against Ryhs were dismissed amidst a great furor of the crowd and they were now on their way home. At least she thought so. The hover transport smoothly sped through the city until they reached a gated residential area. Large black metal gates opened and inside was a truly lovely neighborhood.
“This is our Ainm’s territory.” Ryhs murmured to her as they went by large elegant villas. It made her eyes widen as she took a closer look around. Ryhs’s Ainm was obviously larger than she thought. And they had a territory?
“Aww, here we are.” Ambassador Lyric said with a smile. He practically hopped out of the transport before it came to a complete halt and sprinted up to a large residence. Amusement shot through her and she looked at Ryhs who was grinning.
“He has missed my La’Ra greatly.” Aww, that made sense. She couldn’t imagine being apart for Ryhs for even a day and yet the Ambassador had been separated for months.
“How are they able to stay apart from each other?”
“They have been mated many years. Our mating is still very new and the Call will not allow us much separation.” He shrugged as they stepped out and followed the Ambassador.
The residence was un-be-lievable, inside it most resembled a palace, with stone pillars and plants and flowers that grew everywhere and gilded, opulent decor. It was uber-fancy and lavish. It was something out of an enchanted fairytale, a fantasy come to life. It totally made sense why Ryhs had scoffed at her simple guest room if he was used to...all this.
The villa was u-shaped, with a beautiful, lush garden courtyard in the middle. Arched hallways all around with...invisible forcefields that kept out the rain instead of glass windows. Ryhs guided her through the interior, a hand on her back as she gazed around, everything amazed her. She was totally tripping out on her childhood disney princess fantasy, right now. It made her a bit giddy and for once her mind wasn’t on Anabel’s abduction.
He brought her to a wing and inside to a large suite. It looked like arabian-nights come to life. Seriously? Colorful drapes of fabric...floated in the air as if there was wind blowing them around. There wasn’t. Large ornately carved doors separated the four large rooms that made up the suite. The room they had entered seemed to be a formal living room of sorts, that look out into a private courtyard that spanned the length of the suite. Next was a dining room with a large round table and chairs. The third looked similar to a private family room with comfortable chaises and couches, and the last...the last looked like a huge bedroom. Wow. What a way to live.
“This is our wing.” Ryhs said with a sigh. He grabbed her hand and pulled her quickly through the three rooms until they reached the bedchamber.
“Doors close.” He called out and the ornate wooden doors separating the bedroom from others closed on command. He let go of her hand and went into a small room that looked like a walk-in closet. It sparked the memory of her second vision and Alexa looked closer at the room and realized...this was the bedroom she had been in during that epic vision. Wow, again. She took a deep breath and Ryhs was back, he was holding something in a clenched hand. His face was excited and...nervous. He came up to her and knelt in front of her. Her eyes widened in surprise. What was he doing?
“I know our...Mating was unexpected and unusual to you. But it seems we do share one similar thing in our mating practices. The gift of a ring. Anabel has told me that usually the male asks his female for her hand before they...mate, it is called an engagement?” He said a bit confused and Alexa choked up a bit as she nodded, realizing the correct pose he was enacting. This had to be Anabel’s doing. Her sister was a die-hard romantic, she would definitely have schooled Ryhs in the correct way to propose.
“We gift our mates with a ring after…” he took a deep breath and continued.
“I have had this for many years, it is the ring I had commissioned for my future Spark upon reaching my majority. There was once a time I thought I would never gift it...but now I know it was meant for you.” He said and held out his hand and Alexa saw a starlight, silver ring in his palm. It was made of delicately woven strands of silver in a twisting-fashioned ring. It seemed to glow and sparkle in the light. Tears stung her eyes as she gazed at it.
“I ask now that you...accept it...and to accept me as your Mate for all the fates to witness.” He asked in a husky voice filled with trepidation.
“It’s beautiful. Yes, of course I accept.” Alexa whispered, a bit flustered. She hadn’t been expecting this. Ryhs sighed with relief and stood, taking her left hand and sliding it on her ring finger. It was a perfect fit.
“It seems this too is similar. This finger is the finger that the ring is placed by both our cultures. See, my Spark, we are not so different.” He whispered and she flung herself at him.
Their kiss devolved quickly into something more. Something she needed desperately. Too much time had passed since they’d been together like this. Everything had been in turmoil and she needed this. Needed to feel them connect in a time-honored way. Soon they were both shedding their clothes, the bed was there, her back hitting it as they fell. His body was over hers as they clung to one another. Her hands roved over his glinting skin, his Metallics shining and they kissed and kissed and kissed some more. Her body heating and tingling in all the right places as they touched and caressed each other. This was more than just a slaking of needs. It was everything.
Their eyes met as Ryhs pushed inside her, the feeling decadent and heartstopping. She wrapped her legs around them as they moved together, their eyes never
leaving each other. His were swirling rapidly with endless colors and it was mesmerizing and exotic. She clung to his back as they picked up their pace, their bodies eager for fulfillment. They crashed together, souls connecting and it was more than words could say.
_________________________
Alexa looked at the full closet filled with dresses and felt a lance of jealousy shoot through her. Whose were they and why were they in her Mate’s closet? Ryhs came up beside her a bemused look on his face.
“Whose are these?” She gritted out pointing to the dresses. Ryhs grinned and leaned against the doorway.
“They are yours, of course. La’Ra and Ey’La have no doubt been shopping for you since they received word from La’Ro.” He grinned and she blushed in embarrassment. Of course. She pulled out one of the dresses and donned it quickly. It was very Grecian inspired. Classic one-shoulder, a delicate shade of rose pink in a super-soft, luxurious material that fell to her ankles. It was very pretty but...odd. The more she began to look around at the architecture, the decor, the clothes...the odder things seemed to her. The Laren seemed to have a hodgepodge blend of Earth cultures all throughout their society. Mediterranean, Arabic, Asian, European and so many more. She wasn’t a historian or cultural expert but it seemed like a strange coincidence to her.
“You look lovely.” Ryhs said giving her a heated look as he examined her. Alexa twirled in the dress, letting it billow out around her, with a smile.
“Is it customary for females to wear things like this? What about pants?” She asked looking him over as well. He was in a knee-length, sleeveless tunic and loose pants. Very Indian except with darker colors and subtler embroidery. Another weird coincidence?
“Yes, not many Laren females wear pants. Although, I personally think you look quite delectable in those tight ones you wear when we exer-cise. You may start a new trend with those.” He said with a salacious grin, she let out a full-blown laugh at that, those were her running capri-leggings.
They left their suite laughing and holding hands. They were going to meet with Ryhs’s family for dinner. She hoped that the Ambassador would have news for her regarding Anabel. Ryhs promised that if they didn’t hear anything soon they would start their own search. It was all she could do to keep calm and composed during what felt like an endless wait. And now she also had the added nervousness of meeting the rest of Ryhs’s family. His mother and grandparents. Apparently they all lived in this home together. Yippee.
“Don’t be nervous, my Spark. They will adore you.” Ryhs said with a grin and she sighed as they walked. Everywhere she looked was elements of different cultures she recognized, Moroccan mosaics, Italian arches, Grecian domes and more, and it all blended together in astonishing harmony.
They entered the outdoor courtyard that had a very french-feel and she saw a dining table laid out and several Laren waiting for them. Ryhs went up to a tall female with bright cobalt Metallics and cocoa-colored hair dipped at the ends in that same bright blue, embracing her tightly. This must be his mother. Nervousness pierced her as she hesitated. Ryhs drew away and came back to her, taking her hand and leading her forward. The female had a huge smile on her face as she watched.
“My Spark, this is my La’Ra, Marianna.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Alexa said politely.
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Alexa. My mate has spoken well of you and I am pleased my son has finally found his Spark.” She said giving Ryhs a happy look.
Chapter 22
The dinner went well, the meal was delicious, the company even better. Ryhs’s family was endearing. His mother was simply thrilled with Ryhs’s mating and it made Alexa’s heart clench a little. It reminded her a lot of her own mom and she imagined if their situations were reversed. It was a tad bittersweet but it had made her smile wistfully. The only dark spot dampening her enjoyment of the night was the constant niggle of worry in the back of her mind. Anabel. There was still no news.
Alexa curled over Ryhs as they lay in bed that night, her mind would not shut off no matter how tired she was. Ryhs’s hands were rubbing up and down her back lazily as they quietly held each other.
“I will get a transport ready in the morning.” Ryhs said softly and she lifted her head to look up at him.
“I do not like you worrying and I am concerned for my new sister too. We should have heard something by now.” He said to her questioning look. Relief flashed through her.
“What about the Conclave?” She asked a bit concerned. The charges had been dropped but she had gotten the impression the Conclave still wanted to question them. The Ambassador had shuffled them out before they could do so, giving explanations that Alexa and Ryhs needed to rest after their travels. Ryhs shrugged.
“There is nothing they can do. I am not charged with anything and can travel as I wish. You are Earth’s Ambassador and do not fall under their authority.” She nodded and sighed, eventually her mind quieted and she drifted off.
“My Spark, wake.” A gentle shake had her bolting upright in the bed. Ryhs was leaning over her.
“What?!” She asked urgently. As she looked around she realized it was the crack of dawn.
“My La’Ro is here, he has news for us.” That had Alexa hopping up and throwing on her robe and dashing out of their bedroom. She and Ryhs found the Ambassador in what she was calling the family room, waiting for them.
“Anabel?” Alexa asked fearfully. Her heart clenched tight with dread. Please, please, please let it be good news. The Ambassador smiled.
“She has been found.” Relief flooded her and Alexa began to pepper him questions until he halted her with his hand.
“I do not know much but received this from the Admiral.” He said giving her a datapad with a message that contained three sentences.
Have located and procured Ambassador Alexa’s sister (Anabel Davidson). She is unharmed. Returned estimated to Sarienne: sixteen revolutions time.
“That’s it?” Alexa read the message three times but nothing else appeared. The Ambassador grinned at her frustrated look.
“The Admiral is not known for his verbosity.” He said dryly.
Alexa smiled as joy flooded her. Well, okay then. She really didn’t care, her sister was found and unharmed and would be here in just a few weeks. She threw her arms around a very startled Ambassador - her father-in-law - and hugged him. He hesitated and then hugged her back with a soft chuckle.
“I am sorry to...have to tell you this after such joyous news but several Conclave members will be arriving shortly. They wish to speak with you and Ryhs this morning.” The Ambassador said after they broke apart. Ugh.
Alexa put on another long flowy dress, this time in a floral pattern. It was light and airy and she felt relaxed in it. It was very summer-ish. She could have worn her own clothes but...well...when in Rome. Besides she hadn’t brought many dresses, she was more of a pants-wearer. Alexa would save them for when she wanted to be all rebellious. For now, she would conform and it wasn’t really a hardship to wear the pretty dresses in the gorgeous fabrics. Ryhs gave her a heated look as she stepped closer to him, the Conclave members had just arrived so they really didn’t have time...to...indulge. Later, she promised herself and gave him a sexy smirk as they left their suite. All was right with her world.
She put on her serious face as they stepped outside again into the large courtyard and Ryhs directed her through the gardens to an alcove seating area. There she found the Ambassador with three Conclave members...and ugh...one was that blowhard Devin. She forced a smile as Ryhs stiffened next to her and she looked over to see his face go hard.
“Principal Devin, how dare you come here!” Ryhs growled out and started to step forward angrily. Alexa grabbed his arm and held him back. She could feel his seething fury and knew he was moments away from launching himself at the male again. Instead, she pulled him over to a two-seat lounge chair and forced him to sit.
“Really...I must say...it is the height of distaste that
you dared come to our home, Devin.” Ambassador Lyric gritted out. He too, was glaring at the male. Principal Devin just shrugged and adjusted the collar on his shirt, as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Alexa had to admit, the male had chutzpah.
“It’s Principal Devin. And why shouldn’t I have come? I am a member of the Conclave after all.” He dismissed them with a wave and Alexa felt her own pique kick up. If it’s anything she truly disliked it was high-handed arrogance and this male, he was brimming with it. The other two Conclave members shot the male a disgruntled look and gave the Ambassador a look of remorse.
“It’s alright.” Alexa jumped in when Ryhs opened his mouth to speak, what Alexa was sure was a scathingly insult. He really didn’t like this guy.
“It is not alright, my Spark. He gave you a grave insult!” Ryhs gritted out to her as they shared a look.
“It doesn’t matter what he said.”
