by Eve Vaughn
* * *
“I still think we should call the police,” Matt suggested.
London and Matt had spent the night in Paris’s apartment in hopes that she’d return. There was no sign of her, but London had found some old pictures of her sister stored away, confirming this was indeed where Paris lived.
“And what exactly will I say to them? You said yourself police don’t usually fill out a missing persons report for at least forty-eight hours.”
“That’s if foul play isn’t suspected.”
“I can’t say ‘I think my sister has been kidnapped because I feel it.’ They would want physical proof right?”
Matt grimaced. “Maybe you should leave that part about your feeling out of it and stick to things they can report, like the fact that she didn’t show up for work yesterday.”
Paris sighed. Matt was probably right like he usually was. “Okay, but --”
A sudden pounding of the door cut off what she had to say next.
Matt stood up from his chair and pushed her behind him. “I’ll get the door. You stay here.”
“Do you think it could be the people who took Paris away?”
“We don’t know for sure if a third party was involved.”
Matt didn’t have a chance to answer the door because it burst open. A tall blond man flanked by two companions stood in the doorway.
London’s eyes widened. “Father!”
Chapter Seven
She’d been telling the truth all along. It explained so much -- the beauty mark, the shorter hair, and the fire within her that hadn’t been there before. And it also explained the way she excited him like her sister never had.
London -- no, Paris sat on the bed, her hands folded in her lap.
“I… I don’t know what to say, Paris.”
“Is there anything to say? What’s happened is done and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Zahn paced the room. The only thing to do was return her to where he’d gotten her, but part of him rebelled against the idea. She was now a part of him. When they’d made love, she touched something within him he didn’t think possible. Having experienced what they’d shared, there was no way he could settle for a lukewarm marriage with London. He just couldn’t see that happening.
“So do you want to go back to Earth? The story you told me is uh… quite extraordinary. I never knew the princess was a twin. Everyone knew she was adopted but -- it’s amazing how like her in looks you are.”
Paris shrugged one elegant shoulder. “Well, we are identical twins. It happens.”
“Yes, of course. Twins are not a Thibian phenomenon so it didn’t occur to me that there were two of you. What I was trying to get at was, maybe you’d like to see your mother. The queen is a good woman. It is widely known how she loves her children. I’m sure she would want to see you.”
Paris seemed to perk up at the idea. “See my mother?”
“Yes, I can take you to her if you’d like.”
She looked like she was mulling it over for a moment before nodding. “Yes. I’d like that. You say I have brothers?”
“Yes. Six of them.”
“That’s incredible.”
Zahn’s body tightened. She was still naked and he wanted her again.
No.
She was off limits to him. He had no right taking her the way he had. From now on he would have to keep his hands to himself.
“So, uh, what will you do about London? Will you go back and search for her?”
He frowned. Was she eager to get him and London together again? He grabbed the blanket from off the bed and tossed it at her. “Cover yourself. I’ll find you something more suitable to wear.”
She crinkled her nose. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“About your sister? Funny you should mention it. When I was on Earth, my DNA tracker picked up two readings, virtually in the same vicinity. You see, I came to Earth in search of London. She left Thibius, I assume to look for you. I had the option of picking from one of the blips on my screen. It seems I picked the wrong twin.”
“So if we go back to New York, she might still be there.”
“We could go back, but we’re already halfway to the Malazian galaxy. The ship needs to be recharged in order to make a trip back to Earth. I’ll need to find the closest charging station once I deliver you to your mother before heading back to Earth to get London.”
Her lids lowered, hiding her expression. “Is that what you want to do?”
“She’s my intended. I feel it’s my duty to go back for her.”
“I see,” she said softly.
Why didn’t she say something else? Would she condemn him to a life without passion? “What do you think about me going to find your sister?” He had to test her to see if she actually cared.
“I’d like to see my sister again, and I’m sure my mother will be happy to have her back.”
He couldn’t leave it at that. He had to know what else was running through her mind. “And what do you think of my marrying the princess?”
Paris wouldn’t look at him directly. “I guess… if that’s what the two of you have to do then… I mean it will be a little awkward considering what happened between the two of us.”
Her answer gave him some hope. Perhaps she wasn’t so indifferent to him after all. Zahn still couldn’t let go. He had to push her further. “As her sister, you’d be expected to participate in the ceremony.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll be there long enough to be a part of your wedding. My mother and sister may have lived on Thibius most of their lives, but my home is on Earth.”
Zahn couldn’t keep the frown off his face. “You’d cut your visit short? I would imagine it would break your mother’s heart to see you leave her so soon considering how you’ve been separated all this time.”
She sighed. “Yes, well, I’m sure arrangements could be made for us to visit each other from time to time. You have a ship, so it stands to reason that the king has ships as well. I’ll visit for special events.”
“What could be more special than your sister’s wedding?”
“Well… I was never much of a wedding goer.”
He didn’t like where this conversation was heading. The more they talked the more he realized he was closer to losing her. The possibility of that disturbed him more than he cared to admit. Had he fallen for her and wasn’t aware of it?
Paris stood up and walked across the room, the blanket still wrapped tightly around her tempting frame. “Tell me what you know of my mother. How did she and the king come together?”
Zahn wondered if she was changing the subject because she was just as uncomfortable with where this whole thing was headed. If she wanted to ignore the sexual tension between them, he’d play along, for now. He didn’t like the idea of her not staying on Thibius.
“I was young when your mother came to Thibius, just getting my first whiskers actually. Around the time there was a law where slaves were allowed to be bought and sold. From my understanding, your mother was a slave.”
Paris gasped. “You mean she used to do hard labor and get whipped for imagined crimes?”
He shook his head. “No, nothing like that. On other planets slaves were and still are mistreated, but not on Thibius. When owning slaves was legal they were mainly used for pleasure, particularly the females. Your mother was purchased for the king’s harem. They say he only had eyes for her after that. It wasn’t long before he got rid of his harem and took your mother as his queen and adopted your sister, who he dotes on. Your mother is very regal and gracious. I see a lot of her in you.”
Paris smiled.
His heart fluttered. At that moment he would have killed for another one of those smiles.
“I’m excited to finally see her again after all this time. It’s really easy to picture London because all I have to do is look into the mirror and see her. My mom on the other hand, I barely remember what she looks like.”
“She�
�s tall, and dark with one of the most beautiful skin hues I’ve seen -- besides yours. Queen Calliope has a smile that lights up the entire room. People are drawn to her.”
“She sounds lovely.”
“She is a most worthy queen.”
“Zahn?”
“Yes, Paris?” He liked the way her name rolled off his tongue.
“Do you think I can have some time alone? I need to think.”
Just as suddenly as his happiness had come when he saw her smile, it left. He’d obviously imagined her despair about him marrying London. He wasn’t going to be the one to tell her it wasn’t likely to happen now.
“Of course. I’ll give you as much privacy as you’d like.” He turned on his heel, leaving her as she requested. Where had these inconvenient feelings come from all of a sudden?
* * *
Paris felt like her world was crumbling. When she and Zahn had come together, it had actually meant something to her. He was her first lover, but there was more to it. She found herself wanting his company for more than just the sex and the incredible things he did to her body. How could he make love to her like that and then turn around and tell her he was marrying her sister?
Not to mention, the callous brute had the nerve to say she’d have to participate in the ceremony. To hell with that. There was no way she could stand casually and watch Zahn and her sister get married. Was this love she felt for him?
Paris wasn’t sure, but one thing she did know, she wouldn’t stick around to see the happy celebration. It would be like a kick in the teeth. A thought suddenly occurred to her. Maybe London didn’t want to marry Zahn. There was always that possibility. Even if the pretext of London leaving Thibius was to search for her, she could have had another motive.
Paris snorted, thinking that if she’d been betrothed to Zahn she wouldn’t have run away. Why did life have to be so damn unfair? The first man she’d fallen for in a long time and he was marrying her long lost sister.
* * *
“Please don’t be mad at me, Papa. I had to find my sister. It was important to me. She’s my other half. I couldn’t go on without at least seeing her for myself and knowing she is happy. Besides, I can’t marry Zahn, even if I hadn’t met and fallen in love with Matt.”
London took her father’s hand, hoping he wouldn’t be too angry with her. It surprised her to see her father here on Earth. After giving her a fierce hug, he and his men had escorted her back to their ship.
London had refused to leave without Matt. It had taken some convincing, but her father finally conceded. Once on the ship, he ushered her to his private study and demanded she tell him everything that had happened to her from the time the heliocraft crashed.
She looked at her father wishing he would say something -- anything. “Why aren’t you speaking to me? I know I shouldn’t have stolen your ship, but…”
He held up his hand to halt her words. “London, it’s not that you stole the ship that upsets me, but your blatant disregard for other people’s feelings. Your mother cried herself to sleep every night since you left and when we heard the heliocraft crashed, it was another nightmare we had to deal with. I don’t think I ever want to go through that again. If I’m angry, it’s only because I love you very much and I feared for your life.”
Tears swam in her eyes. “Oh, Papa. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I’ve dishonored your name.”
He squeezed her hand. “You could never do that. I’ve never been more proud to call you daughter. Though I can’t condone your methods, what you did was a brave thing. And it was a noble cause. You never gave up on finding Paris when others had.”
“I felt that she was alive.”
“We should have listened and then if I had, you wouldn’t have seen fit to steal away the way you did.”
She sighed. “But then I wouldn’t have met Matt.”
Her father frowned. “I’m not really sure I’m happy with this Matt person. He seems like a nice enough man, but he’s a commoner. What could he possibly offer my daughter who’s grown up in the lap of luxury? You’re a princess and meant to live like one. From what you tell me, this Matt character owns a small house and doesn’t make that much money.”
“I never said that. He makes pretty good money to this country’s standards.”
“But not to mine?”
Paris rolled her eyes. “You’re the King of Thibius. There aren’t many people who would equal you in wealth.”
He folded his arms across his massive chest. “But that leads me back to my question. What does he have to offer you?”
“Love. He can give me that and then some. When I look at him, I feel the same way you do when you look at my mother. He makes my heart beat fast and I feel sad when he’s not around. He’s kind, gentle, considerate and he treats me like a queen.”
King Blaze rubbed his chin, as though contemplating what she’d said. “A queen you say?”
“Yes. He wants to marry me and I’d like to raise a family with him.”
“If your wish is to be with Matt, then I’ll see to it that he’s given a proper job once on Thibius, earning enough to keep you in the style you’re accustomed to.”
“Papa.” She tried to gentle her voice because the next bit of news would probably upset him. “I don’t think you understand what I’m trying to get at.”
“What?”
“Matt and I… we’re going to live on Earth. That’s where I’d like to raise my family. Being a princess was nice, but I want my children to grow up in the place of my birth. I think it would be an ideal situation.”
He stood up suddenly. “No!” he yelled in a thundering voice. “I can’t let you do that.”
Weeks ago, she would have argued with him, but now she saw his anger for what it was, fear of losing her. His love for her was so touching the tears ran down her face. “I’ve given this some thought and my mind is made up. I’m not a little girl anymore and the decision is mine.”
“Do you realize how your mother will take this news?”
London nodded. She’d already thought about it. “Yes, I think she’ll be upset, but I think she’ll understand.”
“But Earth is so primitive. They get around in cars. We haven’t had cars on Thibius for at least several hundred years.”
“I can learn to deal with the technology here. As long as I have Matt by my side, I can make it through most anything.”
Her father paced the room before halting to give her a long hard look. Finally his features softened. “You’re serious aren’t you?”
“Yes, Papa. You could always send a ship for me to visit and I can take some Thibian technology back to Earth with us to stay in contact with you and the family.”
“Zahn will have to be informed the engagement is off.”
“I know. Maybe when we get back to Thibius I should be the one to tell him. That would be the right thing to do.”
Blaze smiled. “I’m very proud of you. I appreciate your maturity. This Matt has certainly changed you for the better. And if you love him, I could learn to love him too.”
“Do you think Zahn will be very angry?”
“Knowing what a prideful man he is, probably. He went in search of you.”
“Oh, no!”
“What?” her father asked with a look of concern on his face.
“I just had a thought. What if Zahn went to Earth with a DNA tracker and got Paris instead of me? That would be a disaster.”
“Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that possibility, but if that’s the case, we’re in for a nice family reunion.”
“But what if he mistreats her? He’ll think she’s me, and…”
Her father raised a dark blond brow. “If I for one moment thought General Zahn had it in him to mistreat a woman, do you think I would have chosen him for you? I know you didn’t care for him, but he is a good man, London.”
London knew her father was right, but she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had taken over. Even if Zahn didn’t hurt
her sister, she could imagine how frightened Paris would be to be taken by some strange man who claimed he was her mate. She shuddered at the thought. “If she is with him, I hope she’s safe.”
Blaze smiled at his daughter. “If she’s anything like you, then she’s a fighter. I have a feeling a reunion between the two of you is imminent.”
“I hope so. Seeing her again will make everything perfect.” The thought of seeing her sister filled her with excitement.
“Yes, it would. It would certainly make your mother happy. I’m also eager to meet her. If she looks anything like you, I’m sure I’ll love her just as much as I love all my children.”
London giggled at her father’s joke. “Papa, we’re twins!”
He winked at her. “I know.” Then his smile slowly faded. “There is something I’ll have to learn how to do,” he said with a sigh.
“What’s that?”
“Letting you go.”
The tears wouldn’t be held back this time. London walked into her father’s arms. “You’ll never have to let me go.”
Chapter Eight
The moment was finally here. She would meet her mother, after all this time. Before they landed on Thibius, Zahn had contacted the queen to let her know he’d found her. They were waiting for her.
They’d made a detour to Zahn’s palace first, however. It was a nice place and Paris could easily see herself living in this luxurious home, but instead it would all be London’s someday.
Ever since that conversation in his room, Zahn had treated her with a polite aloofness, and she couldn’t stand it. Why was he suddenly keeping his distance from her? She didn’t like it one bit. Maybe she’d take matters into her own hands.
She knew they were supposed to leave in moments, but she couldn’t go to meet her mother without telling him how she felt. Paris went in search of him. His palace was so large, one could easily get lost in it.
She had to finally ask one of the servants for Zahn’s whereabouts and was directed to his private study. She knocked on the door hoping he would answer.
“Come in,” he called from the other side.
