Rystani Warrior 04 - The Quest

by Susan Kearney

  “Tessa mentioned political problems.” Angel raised her blaster and fired, bringing down a skimmer. Then she ducked into a building that appeared to be an electronics factory. But on closer inspection she realized the building was a control center with a vast security network and information-gathering system from where Tessa likely ran her empire.

  Kirek made certain that everyone, including security, had retreated inside the building then barred the doors. “There are always political problems. We are safe, here. The inside of the complex won’t be penetrated by anything less than an army. Or a Zin core meltdown. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tessa’s engineers have discovered a way to prevent that kind of attack.”

  Once again, Angel was surprised by the total calm of the children. They had gathered in a corner of the building outfitted with toys for the youngsters and vidscreens for the teens, who seemed just as intent on figuring out what had happened as the adults.

  An hour later, the family gathered around a traditional hearth to discuss the situation. Kirek had insisted that Angel join them, his expression grave. She didn’t believe she belonged here, but since they hadn’t had one moment of personal time since she’d arrived, she was reluctant to recall her shuttle from orbit and leave.

  The family congregated in a large comfortable room, the hearth filled with Rystani glow stones. Angel was surprised to see that children, from babies to toddlers to the almost-adults, were also included. Once again, she was amazed at their good behavior. Obviously loved, yet not spoiled, the kids seemed happier than many others she’d seen—even after a nerve-wracking day.

  Tessa spoke from a position beside her husband. “We’ve put together the pieces from today’s attack, and I’m happy to say it was due to a small faction of malcontents who are unhappy with the Zin peace treaty.”

  “Those responsible have been rounded up, and the law will mete out their punishments,” Kahn added. “The threat was minor, and we believe that after the treaty is ratified, life here will return to normal.”

  Dora held a baby on her lap. “So why are we here?”

  To Angel’s surprise, Kirek stepped forward. “I have a proposal I wanted to make to our entire family.”

  Stunned that he’d said nothing to her about his proposal, Angel watched the family members turn to him, giving him their full attention and respect. And love. But she saw confusion on their faces, too. Apparently, no one had any idea what he was about to say.

  Standing straight, shoulders relaxed, chin high, Kirek spoke slowly, as if knowing what he said next was of the utmost importance. “Now that my mission is over, I’ve been thinking about my future. All of our futures. I understand Alara has finished her task?”

  “I have,” Alara admitted. “Endekian women are availing themselves of my vaccine.”

  “Tessa, you’ve been totally frustrated with Federation politics. Kahn’s hinted that you’ve been looking for a successor.”

  “True.”

  “Kahn and Xander have completed the defense system of Mystique and can now leave the work to others.”

  Kahn folded his arms across his chest, his amber eyes bright with curiosity. “Are you saying we’re no longer needed?”

  “Not here on Mystique. Not even in the Federation. Most worlds are settled. It’s crowded with political backstabbing, arguments over space lanes and trade routes, and—”

  “What are you suggesting?” Tessa asked Kirek.

  Angel was shocked that he would speak of these peoples’ lives as if they were antiquated, almost as if he were belittling all they were doing. Yet, Kirek had always spoken about his family with love and the utmost respect, so she too wanted to know where he was taking this conversation.

  “Angel and I have found a portal out on the rim that would allow us to travel to other galaxies—perhaps we can find one that needs exploration and colonization.”

  “You want us to leave Mystique?” Miri’s lower jaw dropped open.

  “I won’t go without you. We’ve been parted long enough.” Kirek’s words were soft, certain.

  Oh … God … Kirek’s plan suddenly struck Angel full force. He’d always known she wouldn’t leave the Raven. He wouldn’t leave his family. So he’d come up with the solution that they should all leave the galaxy—together.

  But surely they wouldn’t go. Tessa and Kahn owned an entire world. Within the Federation she wielded more power than almost anyone. They’d made a home here that would become the new capital of the Federation. Why would they want to leave?

  Yet, at Kirek’s words, she saw excitement bolt like lightning across the room until the very air around them crackled with electricity.

  Two young boys separated themselves from the other kids and threw themselves at Kahn. “Dad, can we go? Can we? Please!”

  Tessa shook her head, love in her eyes, and chuckled. “You know, the Milky Way is damn crowded. I wouldn’t mind shaking down the new shapeshifting ship in a new galaxy.”

  Kahn hugged his boys and tousled their hair but remained silent.

  Dora placed a hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “If you’re going, then I’m going. You’d get into way too much trouble without me.” Then she turned to Zical with a question in her eyes. “Unless—”

  “I was getting bored, anyway,” Zical agreed. All at once a dozen conversations broke out across the room as everyone speculated about Kirek’s proposal.

  “Hold on, before we all get swept away in excitement,” Kahn spoke quietly, but everyone settled down. “A trip like this one will be dangerous. I suggest we all get a good night’s sleep, maybe take a week, and then return to discuss it again.”

  Kirek immediately turned to Angel. “Will you stay until we make a decision?”

  “Of course.”

  ENSCONCED IN THE luxurious private quarters of Kirek’s home, Angel’s emotions vacillated between hope and despair. As much as she wanted to spend more time with Kirek, she wished he’d spoken to her about his idea before he’d presented it to his entire family.

  “What’s wrong?” Kirek asked.

  “Even if your entire family wants to go exploring in another galaxy, it doesn’t mean that they won’t eventually settle on another world.”

  “That world can be our base. We’ll make the Raven our home and build a second home near my family. Seems like a good compromise to me.”

  He had everything all worked out. She should be happy. She shouldn’t feel trapped. She should feel honored that he was willing to go to such lengths for her, and yet, if he was committing to the exploration and journey only for her, she suspected he might end up resenting her for it. That would ruin what they had together.

  “Does exploring the galaxy really appeal to you?”

  He eyed her and kissed her neck. “Do you really think I would go just for you?”

  Kirek knew her so well. She turned in his arms to look into his eyes. “So why do you want to go?”

  “Curiosity. Challenge. Opportunity. Adventure. My work here is done.” He lowered his head to nibble her collarbone, sending a delicious shiver of delight through her. “Besides, I can’t imagine a life where we can’t be together. Can you?”

  She couldn’t. But she didn’t feel like talking about space travel right then. Not when there were so many other more pleasurable things they could be doing.

  He lifted his head, whispered into her ear. “I love you with my entire heart and all my soul. Whatever it takes, I’ll always find a way for us to be together. For as long as you want me.”

  Stars. He sure knew how to sneak under a girl’s skin and steal into her heart. But would she always return his love? Twice before she’d thought she’d been in love. Twice before she’d been wrong. Yet she didn’t want to think how much she would miss him if they weren’t together. “I do love you.”

  “You always will.” He grinned at her. “I’ll make sure of that, sweetheart.”

  His words sounded so good, yet she couldn’t still her doubts, not so much in him, but in her own ability
to commit to love and a permanent partner. “But—”

  He cut off her words, tracing his finger over her lips. “You’ve been inside my mind. You know me better than anyone else in the universe. Did you see anything there you can’t live with?”

  “People … change.”

  “We’ll change together. We’ll grow old together—but not for a long, long time.”

  Angel bit her lower lip. “You’re so certain.”

  “Certain. Determined to have you. Forever. Perhaps you’ve heard that Rystani warriors can be very stubborn men.”

  “Oh, really?” She started to laugh. “Define stubborn.”

  “We know what we want, and we go after it.”

  She threaded her arms around his neck, arched her back, and pressed her breasts against his chest. “And here I thought you were all talk.”

  “Take a chance on me, Angel. Marry me?”

  She tilted back her head, recognized the love in his eyes, and accepted what was in her head and her heart. Kirek understood her. He loved her. She loved him. She’d found her perfect mate. “Yes. I’ll marry you … but I’m not promising to have your children.”

  She expected him to argue. He laughed, instead.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I was just thinking how much fun we’re going to have while I change your mind.”

  “Rystani warriors aren’t the only people who can be stubborn,” she muttered, letting a challenge enter her tone. “Now kiss me, please. Before I decide you’re all talk and no action.”

  “Woman, was that an insult?” He pretended to take offense.

  “Take my words however you want.” She grinned at him. “Take me, however you want.”

  And he did.

  (Please continue reading for more information)

  The Rystani Warrior Series

  The Challenge - Rystani Warrior 1

  The Dare - Rystani Warrior 2

  The Ultimatum - Rystani Warrior 3

  About Susan Kearney

  Susan Kearney used to set herself on fire four times a day, now a USA TODAY BESTSELLING author, she does something really hot—she writes romantic suspense and futuristic romance. She can apply the old rule of “write what you know” and never run out of ideas for characters and plots. An All-American and professional diver, expert in martial arts, sailor, real estate broker, and owner of a barter business as well as women’s fitness and three hair salons, she has enough material for a lifetime.

  Kearney has written historical, contemporary, and futuristic romance as well as romantic suspense and science fiction for publishers such as Harlequin, Tor, Grand Central Publishing, Simon and Schuster, Berkley, and BelleBooks. Kearney has won career achievement awards for paranormal and romantic suspense, as well as Telly awards for her videos. She’s given workshops at national conferences on the business of writing as well as on plotting, characterization, and world building.

  A native of New Jersey, Kearney writes full time. She resides in a suburb of Tampa—with her husband and Boston Terrier. Currently she’s plotting her way through her 54th work of fiction. You can reach her through this web site. www.susankearney.com