“I was hoping to return to the Goddess temple,” Zola said.
“I’ll take you,” Vidar said. “Kaje can take Parker back to the Keep.”
She sighed. She didn’t want to be left alone with Kaje, but she’d had enough for one day. “Okay. Let’s go.”
They returned they way they’d come. He tried to start up a conversation, but she ignored him. He’d already proven he wouldn’t tell her anything of value. What was the point in pretending? When they reached her quarters he entered before she could get the door shut.
“Okay,” he said, easily using the Earth slang. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She moved a few feet away, but he stalked her.
“Parker.”
There was an edge of warning in his voice. She continued to retreat, not that it did her any good. He caught the bedroom door before she could lock him out.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” he ordered.
“I don’t appreciate being lied to.”
He scowled. “What are you talking about?”
“The strike. You didn’t tell us the truth.”
“You read my mind?”
He actually sounded pleased, which confused the hell out of her. She bit the corner of her lip and shook her head.
“No. But I felt…prevarication.”
“Why don’t you just have a look, sweetheart?”
She would never understand him. “It’s not really ethical to go poking around in someone else’s head, don’t you think?”
He gave her a hooded look that made her stomach clench. She again tried retreat, and he let her get as far the balcony door before catching her hand.
“It’s not unethical if you have my permission, baby,” he said softly. “But if you insist on holding back I guess I have no choice. We think one of the rebel factions may have instigated it,” he ended on a grim note.
“A labor dispute? Why?”
He opened her balcony door. She followed him to the wide lounge chair outside where he tugged her down between his legs. He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other over her waist.
“My clan is very strongly aligned with the Saber clan. We stay neutral in all matters except the defense of that particular clan and the Torfa Clan, of course. Roarr and I were originally meant to be the mediators of the strike.”
“I still don’t get it.”
“Vidar went instead,” he said softly. “He and his men got word about rebels in the area when they were leaving, and were ambushed.”
She felt his regret and guilt like a heavy stone pressing against her chest.
“You think the whole thing was a set up. Would the impact on the clan be that severe if something happened to you or Roarr?”
She had to force the words out. She knew she was unsuccessful at hiding her dismay at the idea. He squeezed her hip.
“If it was at the same time, there might be some temporary disarray, but it wouldn’t affect the strength or determination of the clan.” He tilted her chin up for a soft kiss. “And I’m not going anywhere, baby. Now.” He kissed her again. “Let’s talk about your lie.”
She scowled. “What are you talking about?”
“That little jaunt into town today? Your explorations of the Keep? You’re not just trying to learn your new home.”
She sighed. He was a warrior. She should have realized he’d know that.
“Eventually Tel will regroup. They’ll figure out where we are, and they’ll send someone.”
“Impossible.” He said it with such confidence she laughed.
“Did you hear about Sergei Trace?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “I know his father was the only survivor of our first expedition to Earth. Sergei was born there and came to Delroi on the same ship that brought you.”
“He was a Tel assassin for many years. He didn’t have a choice,” she added hastily at his growl. “They had his sister. Anyway, they were able to send him here before anyone knew who he was and no one was the wiser.”
He was scowling again and she reached up to smooth his brow, unable to help herself.
“For what purpose? Why wasn’t he caught?”
“From what I was able to pick up, he was here to watch Janice.” She shrugged or tried to, but he didn’t give her any room. “How he did it? I have no idea. I didn’t even know his name until we escaped. He’s known as the Shadow. He’s a very powerful telepath.”
He was quiet a long time and the change of subject was abrupt. “The view is better from my balcony.”
She looked out and was forced to agree. She’d seen sailboats on the other side of the Keep, other balconies with colorful drapes flying in the wind. “I suppose it is.”
“You agree. Good. How long will it take you to pack?”
“Whoa, hold up. Moving a little fast don’t you think?”
“If there is even a remote chance these people can get on Delroi without our knowing about it, I want you someplace I can protect you.”
She snorted. “I can protect myself.”
“They caught you before,” he reminded her.
She gave him a grim smile. “Believe me, I learned my lesson. I hesitated a split second. It won’t happen again.”
“Because you’ll be protected,” he said, his voice harsh, possessive, and cold.
“Kaje, you can’t protect me from them. Not unless you have some serious telepathic skill you haven’t shared with me?”
“You’re my der’lan. I will keep you safe.”
She snarled. His stubborn refusal to see reason was infuriating. This time she used a telepathic jolt of power to free herself. Just a tiny spark against his mind, not enough to hurt, but it sure as hell got his attention. He was on his feet in seconds, but she stood her ground as he stalked closer.
“That wasn’t fair, love,” he drawled.
He actually sounded happy. What the fuck? Then she noticed the hard gleam in his eyes and realized she’d awakened a beast she might not be able to tame. And it was sure as hell not fear that froze her in place.
“You will not use your power against me again,” he ordered.
There was no way she’d promise that. It was her best defense since he could easily overcome her physically. She shook her head.
“Then don’t treat me like I’m weak. I won’t let you take over my life.”
Especially since she still wasn’t convinced he wasn’t just amusing himself with her until someone new came along. He moved close enough to reach her, but didn’t do so. Instead, he tilted his head to one side and studied her. She resisted the urge to squirm under the scrutiny. He wasn’t a telepath, but she got the impression he was trying to read her mind.
“We need to work on your trust issues, baby.”
“That goes both ways,” she said, hating the sudden huskiness in her voice. He was close enough to touch, to kiss, and she knew they weren’t ever going to agree. So she closed the distance between them and set her palms on his chest. His lips curled into the slightest smile. Damn, she’d missed him. His touch. His cock.
“You won’t distract me, Parker.”
“Hmm,” she murmured. “What a shame.”
But when she started to lower her hands, he caught her wrists and held them to him.
“I didn’t say you shouldn’t try.”
His voice was light, teasing. Oozing charm. Part of her knew he was going to seduce her and she should resist. He knew it too. Before she could convince herself however, he swung her up into his arms, carried her into her bedroom, and stripped her. Now, she thought, was the time she should slow things down.
She knew when this affair ended, she’d go back to her mostly staid, rigidly controlled existence. But the passion he infused her with, the fire he lit, was an experience she wanted. Later, she might regret it. Or she might not. But for once, she was just going to live in the moment. Then he kissed her and did she want him to stop? Hell no.
Chapter Nine
Kaje pulled back long enough
to rip his shirt off and drop his weapons belt. When he reached for the snap on his pants she shoved him away. Her small delicate hands went to work on the button, then the zipper. She freed his cock with a soft sound that was almost a whimper and glanced up at him with a shy though sultry, sinful smile.
“It’s my turn,” she said and slowly dropped to her knees.
He froze. It was the only way to stop the growl welling in his chest or the demand she suck him deep. Lust whipped through him, setting a fire of arousal he’d never experienced before, never imagined was possible. Then she licked the head of his cock, took it into her mouth and he knew he’d wouldn’t survive the pleasure.
“Gods, baby, you have to stop. I’ll never last.”
She moaned, wrapped one hand around his shaft and cupped his balls with the other. She stroked, sucked, massaged. It was mind blowing. This was his mate. Giving to him, seducing him with that wicked little tongue. He wanted to give her a turn, but not like this, not first. Before he could stop her though, his hands twisted in her hair, urging her to take him deeper, faster, and she gave him exactly what he wanted. Ecstasy like he’d never felt. Belonging he’d only dreamed of.
When his orgasm rushed through him, she didn’t pull back. She swallowed every drop of cum while staring up at him with hungry eyes. He couldn’t stand waiting anymore. He was still hard, desperate for the clasp of her hot, sweet pussy. He pulled her up and was amazed he made it to the bed before thrusting into her. She cried out at the invasion, wrapped her legs around his waist and dug her heels into the small of his back.
“Oh, god, don’t stop,” she all but panted.
He didn’t want to. He wanted to stay buried in her, surrounding her for the rest of his life. But this wasn’t enough. She wasn’t burning up with desire, not like he needed her to be. He gently pulled her legs away and withdrew from her body.
“Kaje,” she complained, reaching for him.
“Shh. Lie back, my der’lan. Let me share the pleasure you give me.”
Reluctantly she did as he asked, a tiny smile curving her lips. “I don’t know if I’ll survive more pleasure.”
“You will,” he promised.
Though he knew she would be changed. He was her mate. No one could love her like he could. No one else could possess her so completely. He wondered if the stories were true about what a male could do to his der’lan. Make her mad with ecstasy. Delirious in her desire. He sure as hell intended to find out. He straddled her body and reached for the headboard, finding the tiny pressure points that opened the hidden compartments. Her eyes widened when he pulled out restraints.
“Um. Kaje? That might be too much submission for me,” she whispered.
But she’d opened that mental link between them again, or maybe it was just growing stronger, and he knew she was interested. Her arousal had grown not diminished when she saw the cuffs.
“No? It won’t hurt. I promise.”
She bit her bottom lip while she stared him in the eyes. “I was locked in a cage for so long.”
“I know, baby.” He stroked the side of her face. He wasn’t sure he could explain his need to have her completely under his control. For her to agree with it. He needed her to accept his instinct to take care of her in every way imaginable. But he didn’t need to.
“You really have to learn to shield, Kaje.” She lifted her hand to stroke his face. He turned to kiss her palm and even that small gesture seemed an erotic act.
“Let me take care of you, Parker,” he coaxed. “Trust me.”
It seemed like forever while he held his breath waiting for her to reach a decision. Finally she nodded and stretched out her hands. Offered her wrists. He couldn’t have hid his elation if he tried. She laughed, teased him.
“Y’all take this alpha male thing very seriously.”
He grinned back as he stretched her arms over her head and secured her. “You wouldn’t like me if you could control me.”
He had her at his mercy now. Satisfaction rolled through him as he leaned down to lick at one hard nipple.
“That might be true,” she gasped.
“Definitely true,” he murmured before sucking the hard tip into his mouth.
He didn’t want her able to think. He wanted her drowning in desire. Drowning in him. When he bit, she groaned. It was like fucking music.
“Open your mind to me, baby. I want to feel what you do. What pleases you.”
He didn’t expect her to embrace the mating so quickly, however, and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t comply with his demand. He didn’t like it, but he was a patient man. He suckled at her harder, giving her that bite of pain that drove her wild, before moving to her other breast. He didn’t stay there long. There was so much more to touch. To taste. He left teasing little nips down her body, not lingering until he was between her spread thighs.
“Oh please, please, please,” Parker muttered.
He rimmed her pussy with his finger. Blew a breath over her. “What, baby? What do you want?”
“I want your mouth on me. I want you to make me come.”
He fully intended to, over and over again, but this time he was making it last. His mouth lowered to her pussy, lapped over her unhurriedly before thrusting his tongue inside. Back and forth, slow and easy. Until she was thrusting her pelvis against him. Begging for more. For completion. He replaced his tongue with two fingers, twisting them to hit that sensitive spot in front. As the first shudders of her release wracked her body, her sweet taste consumed him and he sucked her clit into his mouth. One orgasm wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.
*
Oh god, what was he doing to her? Parker was begging now, pleading, and she wasn’t sure what for. She’d come so any times but there was no relief. She knew there wouldn’t be until he fucked her. But why? This was beyond yearning, beyond lust. It scared the hell out of her but she couldn’t resist it. She didn’t want to think about it yet. She wanted the euphoria, wanted release, wanted it to never end. Finally, finally, Kaje moved up her body, kissing as he went. He stared into her eyes as he tucked the head of his cock to her entrance and pushed in.
“Parker, baby, you feel so good,” he growled.
It was so far beyond good the statement was ridiculous. Best sex ever was more like it. And then he moved and it became something else. So much more. For the first time since he’d started she wanted loose. She wanted to cling to him as he fucked her. Needed the contact. Needed the anchor.
“My wrists,” she gasped. “Let me free.”
“No,” he growled, and it was definitely a growl. His teeth scraped across her collarbone. “Not yet. Not until neither of us can move or think.”
She almost laughed. “I can’t move now,” she reminded him between pants. “And trust me, I’m not thinking.”
She felt amusement in his mind as he gave her a glare that wasn’t entirely feigned. Worse, the slow gentle thrusts stopped.
“Yet you’re arguing.”
She bit the corner of her lip, on the verge of just begging him to fuck her hard and fast, but she had the sense it would be a mistake to surrender to him so completely so soon. He would own her body and soul. She’d never be free if she gave into the demand she felt from him. Surrender. Submission. He wanted everything, but what the hell was he giving her in return? His eyes darkened as he stared down at her. His expression softened.
“Don’t do that, baby,” he said and she heard the confusion, an edge of frustration in his voice. He leaned up and released the cuffs, circled her wrists and pulled her hands to his shoulders. “Don’t hurt. Don’t fear this.”
She hastily checked her shields. All intact. Was her expression giving her away?
“I’m not afraid of you.” She gripped his shoulders, tried to roll her hips to drive him deeper into her pussy. “And I’m definitely not hurting.”
This time he did glare at her and his expression changed, became hard and edgy.
“Be very careful, der’lan. The bond may
not be complete, but it’s growing. I feel you, and I know when you’re lying to me.”
Panicked. Trapped. She didn’t know what the hell she was feeling but she sure didn’t like it. Couldn’t he just fuck her? Why pretend it was more? Why set her up for future heartache?
“I don’t know what you want from me, Kaje,” she whispered.
“You, baby. I want you.”
He gripped the back of her head, tilted it a bit, and kissed her as he started to move. His mouth was firm on hers. His tongue demanding. Claiming. His cock was hard, hot, and he drove her mad. He gave her what she wanted, fucked her hard and fast and made all her worries melt away. She came with a shower of exquisite sparks, the pleasure so intense she felt splintered. He was half a second behind her.
She was half asleep, beyond sated when his comm unit chirped. He took it and his clothes, murmured goodbye and slipped away. But she knew he’d back, and couldn’t deny she was looking forward to it.
He returned much sooner than she expected, though, an hour later. She was standing in front of the cooler contemplating something to eat when he sauntered in. Like he had every right to come and go as he please. He walked up, gripped her hips, and nuzzled her neck, completely undoing the reprimand that hovered on her lips.
“Pack a bag, love. We’re going on a trip.”
She turned around and leaned against the counter, arching an eyebrow at the confident demand in his tone.
“Is that right? Where to?”
“The Green Zone.”
Okay, now she was intrigued. “Are Kareena and Zola going?”
“Kareena isn’t. Zola is welcome if she wants to tag along. Falkor and Janice will be there.”
Wasn’t that perfect? “I’m sure Zola would like to come. Let me go ask her.”
Zola of course was all for an outing that would let her talk to Janice. They were both packed and ready to go in minutes. Vidar and a couple of other warriors met them at the shuttle. When everyone was boarded and she was sitting next to Kaje she asked, “Why are we taking this trip?”
“Falkor is going to make a new trade agreement and I’m going to help negotiate.”
Irresistible (Delroi Prophecy) Page 8
