“Stay the night,” he whispered, while they dressed.
She sucked in a deep breath, instinctively retreating, already regretting her rash behavior. “Bad idea.”
He cocked an eyebrow, his lips tilting into a half smile. “Excellent idea.”
She shook her head. “I can’t.”
She felt his frustration with her refusal, but he didn’t argue. “I’ll take you back to your rooms then.”
“I’m sure I can find my way.”
“I’ll take you,” he said firmly. One look at his expression and she dropped it. It was clear he was going to insist. She shrugged one shoulder.
“Suit yourself.”
She turned and started up the stairs. Behind her, he murmured. “I always do.”
The walk to her rooms seemed to take forever. With each step her reason returned and by the time she entered, regret had set in. She knew better than to get involved with a playboy even if he was gorgeous and charming. Hell, she ought to know better than to get involved with an alien. They were enemies not too long ago.
“Parker,” he said, stroking his knuckles down the side of her face. The tender touch made her stomach flip flop. He pressed a quick kiss against her lips before brushing them with his thumb. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He didn’t wait for her to agree before spinning on his heel and leaving. She was still staring at the door when a knock came. She shook off her strange reaction to Kaje and answered. Zola stepped inside and gave her a puzzled look.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“How was your date?” Zola countered with false innocence.
Parker snorted. “It wasn’t a date. Just dinner with the locals.”
“Sure it was,” she said, wandering around the room. “Be careful.”
Parker tilted her head to one side and studied the other woman. They’d only known each other as prisoners, but even then Parker had never seen her display nerves. Tonight she did.
“What’s got you so on edge?”
Zola stopped and rubbed a hand over her face. “I don’t know. It’s just…a feeling. I can’t believe Tel would let me go so easily.”
“The Delroi seem confident Tel can’t even get on their planet much less find any of us.”
“Yeah.” This time Zola snorted. “That kind of overconfidence gets people killed all the time.”
She wasn’t sure if Zola was paranoid or had reason to be suspicious, but she agreed that eventually Tel would come after one or all of them. “Do you think we’re in any immediate danger?”
“Probably not.” She sighed. “I’m just antsy. I’m in a place I don’t know. With people I know little about.”
Parker didn’t like it much either, but for a woman like Zola, used to living deep in the shadows, knowing everyone’s secrets, it had to be hell.
“So what do you want to do about it?”
Finally, Zola relaxed and smiled. “Recon. Start inside the Keep and then go out into the city.”
“Easier said than done. They don’t want any women leaving the Keep alone.”
“Oh, I’ll find a way.”
Parker laughed. She didn’t doubt Zola for an instant. “I have an appointment at noon, but I can help until then.”
She wanted to learn her way around too. Never knew when that kind of information might come in handy.
“See you at breakfast then,” Zola said then left.
Chapter Four
The computer chimed that every encryption available on—and off— the market was up and running. Anna Leigh Gray took a deep breath, smoothed her expression, and signed in, praying the extra program on her system worked as she’d been promised. She needed them to see her old image not her new face. None of them trusted enough to meet in person at the moment, which definitely worked in her favor.
When it had become clear the committee was leaning towards ordering Zola’s execution, Anna Leigh had used her daughter’s resources to reach out to Britt Anderson. Then she’d made sure that she was unavailable for the next full meeting. One that had taken out all but six members of Tel’s leadership with the help of the Delroi. Before her daughter’s rescue, she’d found a very discreet, very expensive plastic surgeon, a member of the underground, who’d given her such a complete makeover she should be able to disappear anywhere. But not until she had more information. Not until she knew which operatives had been sent to Delroi.
She might need the bargaining power.
Was that mercenary? She didn’t care. She’d lost one child to Tel. She wouldn’t lose the other. Thankfully, as the others signed on, she saw no indication that her subterfuge wasn’t working.
“We’re all here, let’s get started,” Patrick, their de facto leader, said. “What do we know?”
“They’re definitely on Delroi. The attempt to take them failed. We should go to the final measure,” Clark said.
Killing Zola and the other two prisoners. Anna Leigh didn’t wince, though that was her child he was talking about. She didn’t react or comment. She knew Zola would be on her guard, but she also knew Clark would never let her go. Zola knew who his agents were. Or had before she’d had the information removed by an unknown telepath. Anna Leigh had helped him escape, though neither of them were aware of that. As far as Zola was concerned, her mother was the enemy. Zola was alive and free so Anna Leigh didn’t have a problem with that. But she knew it wouldn’t last long if she didn’t do something.
“Your agents are still active?” someone else asked.
Clark nodded. “They, and my contacts, are secure.”
That was a problem for Anna Leigh. Not only did she not know who they were, she didn’t know how many he had or how he had gotten them on planet. She needed that information to save her daughter and bargain for her own freedom. And she had a plan to get it. Clark’s mind would be useless when she was done, but she didn’t feel an ounce of guilt. He’d do the same to her given half the chance.
The conversation went on to cover recruitment, critical ongoing operations, and possibly elevating some of their more seasoned subordinates to the committee. Anna Leigh replied when necessary, but her mind was focused on the job to come. Like all the others in this private chat, she couldn’t be traced using her internet connection. She’d learned long ago how to hide and how to find those who were hiding. The icon on her screen indicated she was in Capitol City where everyone expected her to be. In truth, she was in Old Miami mere blocks away from Clark.
And it was time to do the dirty work.
She signed off, shut down the slim computer before slipping it into her pack, and headed out of the office she’d “borrowed”. The owners would never know she’d been there and she’d never return. The rest of her things were already packed in the old beat up car she’d paid cash for a few days ago. She tossed her bag inside, drove two blocks to a busy shopping area and parked.
The surgeon had done a brilliant job. Not only did she look totally different, she looked ten years younger. Her hair was professionally died a couple of shades darker than her natural medium blond and she wore colored contacts. If anything gave her away, it would be her psychic energy. But she’d had years to learn how to shield her mind and she was damned good at it. The guards at Clark’s front door didn’t bat an eye when she walked past. In only took a few minutes to reach the cross street and circle around to the back. After stretching her senses, she determined there was no guard there. She easily scaled the back wall, staying in the shadows. She only sensed one mind inside. Clark. Arrogant and stupid. He made what she had to do so much simpler.
It was easy to get in the house, easy to sneak up behind him and press the hypodermic against his throat. He reacted precious seconds too late. The drugs were powerful—a paralytic and talent suppressor—and fast. Recognition slowly dawned in his eyes as she swung a chair around to face him.
“Anna Leigh,” he croaked.
She smiled and his eyes widened in fear.
“Wh
at do you want?”
“Everything. Every dirty little secret you have, Clark, even if I have to leave you a vegetable to get it.”
She was dead serious and he saw it.
“Why?”
She debated not telling him but what was the harm? He wasn’t going to be able to pass it on. “You should have let my daughter go.”
She didn’t wait for a response, just set to work stripping his shields. She did it fast, not caring if it hurt, repressing her revulsion at the feel of his mind. She looked for knowledge of spies and informants on Earth and Delroi. Unfortunately, he was very good at hiding information, even from himself. She found code words instead of names. Dozens of them. They couldn’t all be active. Could they? If they were how the hell had Clark hid it from the rest of the committee? She searched for more, breaking down shields he had on other sections of his mind, and found the names of the Tel members who had worked with him. Most of them were dead.
There was a knock on the door before she could look for anything else. “Mr. Clark?” someone called. “You missed your check in.”
The door rattled. Out of time. She cleanly slit his throat and went out the way she’d come.
Chapter Five
Parker wasn’t surprised when Kareena joined them for a late breakfast. Nope. That wasn’t what froze her tongue. It was the overwhelming sense of joy in her friend’s eyes, the excitement in her mind. Parker sensed a mental bond, strong and unbreakable, between her friend and Roarr. She gaped, couldn’t seem to help herself. Kareena had always sworn to keep herself distant. To protect her heart.
“I know,” Kareena said, buttering a piece of toast. “I can’t believe it either.”
“Are you nuts?” Parker asked. What if it didn’t work out? What if he was the enemy? Kareena grinned.
“I’m taking it on faith.”
Zola was quiet, suspiciously so, but Parker knew she was taking everything in.
“Did you two hear about the temple attack?” Kareena asked.
“Yes,” Parker answered. She’d already filled Zola in.
“Good. We have complete access to the Keep and the temple. If you want to go out into the city, you’ll need an escort. I can’t get Roarr to budge on that.”
Parker was stunned. She couldn’t believe Kareena was accepting a man limiting her movements. Kareena met her gaze.
“I’m pregnant,” she said softly. “He’s a little overprotective. I am certain we’re safe with Roarr, his family, and he trusts the Stian’s absolutely.”
Parker felt her unease though.
“What’s bothering you then?” Zola finally spoke.
“Tel won’t stop. We all know that. And these rebels…I don’t think they’ll stop either.” Kareena told them about the upcoming Rebirth Celebration, a rededication of the temple to the goddess, and the eminent guest list.
“All of the women from Earth in or close to positions of power will be here. In one place,” Zola said. “And only two of them are not psychically gifted. That makes a damned tempting target.”
Kareena nodded. “I thought the same thing.”
“Have you discussed this with anyone?” Zola asked.
“You up for a little walk? I think you should meet my new mother in law.”
Parker blinked. “That serious?”
“Which part?” Kareena responded guilelessly.
Parker snorted. “Kareena.”
She sobered, met Parker’s gaze then Zola’s. “Be careful. These men can forge a mental bond with a woman.”
Parker found it hard to read Zola generally, but at Kareena’s words, she felt a spike of alarm.
“Thanks for the warning,” Zola said to Kareena, and it was heartfelt. What the hell was that about? Parker didn’t get the chance to pursue it. Zola stood, cleared away the plates, and moved towards the door. “Let’s go meet your mother in law.”
“What time is it? I need to be back by noon,” Parker said as they left the guest wing.
Kareena pulled a sleek Delroi communicator from her pocket and glanced at it.
“You have a couple hours. Plenty of time.”
The comm unit reminded her how cut off she was from everything she knew. It made her nervous.
“We could use a couple of those,” she said.
Kareena nodded. “I’m sure Rona can take care of it.”
They left the corridor their rooms were on and entered a huge space, with soaring ceilings and alcoves along the length with seating. It was empty. About halfway through they passed another door that required a palm print for entry.
Curious, she pointed at it. “Is that where the family wing is?”
“This is all part of the family wing. That’s where the family’s private quarters are.”
“So this is the promenade,” she said softly. She’d meant to ask last night but had forgotten. Good thing they’d decided to go on this little walk. Kareena slanted her an inquisitiveness glance.
“Yes. Who are you meeting?”
“One of Kaje’s brothers. Vidar.”
“And?”
Parker shook her head. “Personal.”
Kareena understood, but she could see Zola didn’t. “I was a counselor on Earth. I’d prefer that not get around here. Warriors are cagey enough as it.”
Zola nodded. “They don’t strike me as the type that likes to talk much.”
Kareena laughed.
“What?” Zola asked.
“Some of them talk,” she said dryly. Parker assumed she was talking about Roarr.
“Kaje is pretty chatty, too,” she muttered.
They’d entered and left the big common area they’d entered yesterday after the shuttle landed, and found themselves back where they started. Kareena led them to what at first appeared to be a solid wall. She placed her palm against a plate that was remarkably well camouflaged and led the way into a tunnel. It lit up as they walked forward, until finally it opened into a narrow gorge. Her mouth fell open.
“Holy shit,” she whispered.
Kareena grinned. “Impressive, huh?”
Impressive wasn’t even close. The walls soared high, the sky a bright clear blue above them. But it was the temple that was stunning. It was carved into the side of the cliff, columns several stories high with two statues flanking it just as tall. Both were women. One a warrior, one a healer. Other figures were carved into the stone above the high arch. Flabbergasted, she followed Kareena and Zola across the sand to the steps that led inside. Lady Rona met them at the door with a friendly smile.
“I’m glad to see the three of you up and about,” she said. “Come inside.”
They got the grand tour. It was an incredible temple. Spacious meeting rooms, alter rooms, kitchens and a cafeteria. And then they entered an area she could only describe as a stadium. It was massive and the back wall was open to the air and sea. All around them, women trained. Martial arts, weight lifting, and an area that looked to be shooting stands. It was the last thing she expected to see women doing on Delroi, and her shock must have shown through.
Rona smirked. “Not what you expected? The Keep is a bit different from the other warrior clans.”
“Yeah, I heard that but I didn’t expect to see this,” Parker said.
She knew given half a chance Kaje would pamper her, try to protect her to the point she wanted to throttle him. She hadn’t gone snooping in his head but that was easy enough to read. This would make him crazy.
Rona shrugged. “Most prefer to forget the goddess cult still exists or that we all train as warriors. There are few of us so it’s easy to do so.”
Interesting. That would make them excellent spies. Or assassins. She met Zola’s gaze and knew she was thinking the same. Rona’s smile was pure Cheshire cat.
“Few of you, except here, I’m guessing,” Zola spoke for the first time. “And maybe other parts of the south?”
“There are some clans that are more welcoming than others. And some fathers prefer their daughters’ guards
be women.” She shrugged. “No one feels threatened by us.”
“The perfect camouflage,” Parker said. Rona just smiled.
“We actually wanted to talk to you about something else,” Kareena said, looking around. “But perhaps someplace more private.”
Rona arched an eyebrow. Precise. Perfect. So feminine. Parker was jealous as hell. She’d never been able to pull off that cool woman of the world thing.
“Come with me,” their host said, leading them through one of many corridors to a large, well used office. Shelves lined three walls and were loaded with books and scrolls. A desk sat on the left side facing a cozy sitting area. The opposite wall was glass doors that led onto a wide balcony. The doors were all open and the scent and sound of the sea comforted Parker. She relaxed as she took a seat. “What’s on your mind, Kareena?”
“Our enemies won’t give us up as easily as some expect,” she said carefully. “The Rebirth Celebration, with so many Earth women here in the Keep, is an open invitation.”
Rona was silent for a couple of minutes and it felt like a lifetime. “What is it you want?”
“We need to get to know this city.”
Rona shook her head. “You are Roarr’s der’lan and you’re pregnant. He can’t interfere on temple matters or the running of the goddess cult. But this oversteps my bounds. It’s not about the cult.”
“I know.” Kareena nodded. “I’m not asking for me. But if Parker and Zola were members of the cult, and unmated, and guests of the clan chief, shouldn’t they have free reign to go where they wish?”
“You’re that concerned about this Tel group?”
“Yes,” they all answered together.
“Well, I can name you priestesses easy enough. That won’t stop the warriors in the Keep from trying to protect you, though.”
Parker knew nothing of their structure but could guess after last night’s dinner conversation. “Novice, apprentice, priestess?” she asked.
Irresistible (Delroi Prophecy) Page 4
