Unlike the clergy, he'd challenged the truth, and she wanted to do the same thing.
But she didn't get a chance to say so before Dalris remarked, “Still, this does prove I was right.”
“About what?”
Teasingly, he answered, “You want me.”
Playfully exasperated, Jada smacked his arm and sat up. “If you're feeling well enough to joke, then I'm leaving.”
Without hesitation, Dalris pulled her back down, requesting, “Wait just a few more minutes to make sure your tea is working.”
She sighed, but allowed him to detain her if only to hide her face against his shoulder because of an irritating grin she couldn't suppress. Regardless of whether they ever became seriously involved, she liked that he had no reservations over his desire for her company, and kept her pleased expression downcast to prevent him from seeing it and getting even more arrogant.
But laying with him seemed to be a bad idea—after only a few moments, she could barely keep her eyes open. Dalris was so big and warm, and the way he held her was too comfortable to ignore.
It truly made her wonder how something that was supposed to be wrong could feel so right.
She also questioned how far their kiss would've gone if he wasn't prone to seasickness and they had enough time for more than a simple taste. Being honest with herself, Jada was so aroused by his attention she knew she would've considered getting the full experience—a worrisome thought.
The Cutlass was less than an hour from Westmere, meaning they were soon to be traveling together where plenty of chances for privacy could crop up, even with Karina in their presence.
So what if they had the chance? Jada was determined not to make a mistake, and the first step in doing just that would be assuming she wouldn't succumb to Dalris' allure beyond a doubt.
It would be easier if more of the crew could accompany them, lessening the possibility of getting much more than a kiss. But they still hadn't rooted out any spies, making it dangerous to bring anyone along.
Her eyes opened at the thought, gaze locking on the cabinet by the foot of the bed where the sterility potions Karina gave her a week ago were stored. If they both took it now, it would start working instantly, and continue protecting them from an unplanned pregnancy for two months before they'd need more.
Yet she hesitated. Am I actually considering this?
Jada frowned, waiting for the shame that usually accompanied such thoughts. In putting concerns of a serious commitment to Dalris aside, she knew she'd have no compunctions about entering into a physical relationship if he wasn't a draconian—the fact that thirty years hadn't quelled her curiosities about him was proof in itself.
Yet a lingering sense of propriety instilled in her by the convent at such a young age always had her feeling badly whenever she imagined it.
Until now.
Somehow, the notion that he was a draconian didn't evoke the same sense of immorality it had in the past. Instead, deep down, the idea felt … right, and the more she considered it, the more she wanted to give in.
Jada's breath left her in a rush, and she couldn't figure out which was more surprising, her lack of shame, or the strength of her desire. Perhaps getting to know Dalris as a person had chased her doubts away—he wasn't just another draconian any longer, and knowing he'd treat her well made all the difference.
Some rebellious part of her also knew a union with Dalris would be a complete slap to the face of everyone who'd tried to control her life—not that she'd ever use him in such a way. Still, the thought had a kinky appeal, at least as far as sex was concerned, and she bit her lip to keep herself from snickering over it.
But she could think of one other reason to offer the potion—Dalris' understanding. He'd shown a great deal of consideration for her since they'd met, and hadn't needed any elaboration on her desire to test the waters.
He'd simply agreed with her request.
So why wouldn't he understand now? Good idea or not, I can't afford to make mistakes.
With her mind made up, she parted her lips to tell him about the potion when he asked a question of his own.
“I think I'm feeling better now, but tell me something before we go.”
“What?”
She looked up to see a wicked smile on his lips. “Does testing the waters involve kissing you whenever I please?”
Despite her smirk, she returned as blandly as possible, “If that's what you'd normally do, then I suppose.”
His chest rumbled with unreleased laughter. “You sound so dismayed. Am I to assume you've never been in a relationship before?”
Jada lifted her head to eye him with a lopsided smile. “I'm forty-seven years old, Dalris. I've had a few.”
Somehow, her confession had his look growing sour. He'd even tensed, and it was hard to tell if his draconian possessiveness was showing, or if he'd taken a more personal exception to her love life.
But he asked plainly, “Who?”
She shrugged, naming the one he'd already met. “Menlor, actually.”
Where Dalris had seemed mildly curious before, now he looked appalled.
“Menlor?”
Jada pursed her lips, uncertain she appreciated his reaction, which made it clear this went deeper than instinctive possessiveness. “Yes, about fifteen years ago, why?”
“He was a lover?”
“I just said that,” she retorted, sitting up in indignation. “Does it matter?”
The look in Dalris' eyes said it did as he sat forward, his jaw clenching when he asked disdainfully, “So what happened?”
“Apparently nothing you care to hear about,” she remarked, immediately standing from the bed. “So I'm sorry if my fraternizing upsets you, but I'm pretty damned certain you didn't just wait around for me to show up, either.”
“I didn't mean—that's not what I'm—”
“Of course it's what you're saying,” she finished for him while grabbing her swords from the dresser. “You're upset that I didn't just sit around waiting for my mate.”
“No, I'm not upset about that. Draconians usually wait, but—”
“Did you wait for me?” she asked, spinning around to face him once her swords were strapped to her back.
Immediately, Dalris grew quiet, his expression one of regret, and the fact that he needed to think about what he wanted to say told her he was about to give an excuse.
As if that wasn't bad enough, the jealousy she felt at the thought of him with another woman infuriated her. She didn't want to care about his love life, especially not if he was going to hold her own against her, and called him out before he could answer.
“Hypocrite!”
At that, Jada immediately turned and exited the room, leaving him—and the sterility potions—behind.
Her only saving grace was that she hadn't actually made the mistake of offering it.
CHAPTER 21
“Jada, wait … shit.”
Dalris didn't hesitate to follow her out of her room, realizing his reaction had, in fact, painted him out to be a hypocrite—but he couldn't help himself.
Over the past week, he'd considered the fact that Jada wasn't a draconian who might've abstained in wait of finding a mate numerous times. Knowing her mate was forbidden from the start would've likely driven her to search for someone else to bond with, and the thought nearly choked him with jealousy every time he considered it.
But that didn't mean he held it against her—quite the opposite.
If there was one thing Dalris could relate to, it was the desolate feeling of loneliness and uncertainty. Early in life, he'd decided to abstain, and followed through for five long centuries until one night, a drunken stupor stole whatever hope he had of ever finding his mate, and he broke his oath.
Since then, he'd taken an occasional partner to ease his loneliness, and he certainly didn't blame Jada for doing the same, regardless of her motivations.
Just as his former partners meant nothing to him now, hers didn't
matter either. As long as he was the one to claim her heart for good, he was content.
Yet his knee jerk reaction hadn't looked good, and that reaction was only amplified by learning that Menlor was one of her lovers.
Truthfully, it felt like he'd been kicked in the balls. I'm sorry I didn't kill him when I had the chance.
But that had nothing to do with Jada. It was simply his draconic jealousy, and he needed to make that clear.
Just before she could reach the stairs leading to the upper deck, he caught up, and almost managed to move ahead and block her path. But at the last moment, Novak came walking down, and the barbarian stopped and said their names as soon as he saw them.
“I was just about to come looking for you two. We need to talk.”
Novak's tone was serious enough to soften Jada's scowl over her upset with Dalris. “What's wrong?”
“Nothing, Karina and I just have something to tell you,” he answered vaguely, then waved a silent hand in a manner that suggested he'd rather explain in private.
Following his gesture, the barbarian turned and headed up the stairs, and though Dalris wanted to tell Jada they weren't done discussing the previous matter, he knew she'd only get even more upset. So he followed without a word, finding himself in the captain's cabin a few minutes later where Karina was waiting in front of Novak's desk.
“Hey, where have you been?” she asked curiously.
“Making a mistake,” Jada muttered.
Despite his willingness to wait before confronting their misunderstanding, Dalris didn't hesitate to retort, “You only think that because you stormed off without giving me a chance to explain.”
“I only stormed off because you made it obvious what you think without explaining!”
“Did I, Jada? Or are you just looking for an excuse.”
“An excuse to do what, exactly? Be upset that you're a hypocrite?”
“Hey!”
The sudden interjection came from Novak, who waved a hand between them and shook his head. “I don't have the foggiest what's going on between you two, but it can wait until your departure.”
“Oh, about that,” Jada began, adding spitefully, “I think it would be best if Dalris stayed here and helped you look over the crew since we haven't found the spy.”
Dalris growled, so frustrated he couldn't help himself. But Novak shook his head, denying her suggestion.
“No can do, dove. Karina's got a much better idea, and Dalris is going with you for sure.”
Jada grumbled, but didn't deny her sister the chance to explain, asking, “What's your plan?”
Nodding, Karina stated, “As much as I want to see this ruin, I realized that any spies on board right now believe I'm about to depart with the two of you, and I will. But Salt's going into Westmere with us under the guise of getting supplies, including a new cat to catch rats on The Cutlass. The catch is that the one he brings back will be me.”
Karina looked extremely proud of herself, and Dalris smiled, believing she had every right to be. It was a good plan, particularly when it was obvious that the spy wasn't going to make any moves until the sisters left the ship—saying they made any at all.
But as a cat, Karina would be able to inspect people more easily, and might overhear something incriminating.
Yet Jada wasn't as enthusiastic, pointing out, “I don't want you putting yourself at risk for this.”
Karina scoffed. “I'd be at more risk traveling with you, and you know it.”
Novak nodded in agreement. “She's right, and I hate to say it, dove, but I think you're just upset with Dalris right now.”
“I'm not just upset with him!”
“Uh huh,” he returned knowingly. “Regardless, it's risky enough for you to travel through a troll infested swamp, even with a group, so he's going.”
Jada opened her mouth, probably to argue, but a knock at the door interrupted her. The sound was accompanied by the helmsman announcing their arrival in Westmere, and Novak called an affirmation, then directed Karina, “Go let Salt know.”
“Aye, sir!” she returned with a smirk, then rushed to the door in eagerness to get started.
Jada followed her quickly enough as well, though her movements suggested she simply wanted to get out of Dalris' company, and he groaned inwardly at the thought.
But before he could leave the cabin, Novak called for him to wait.
“Dalris, I'd like to have a word if possible.”
Nodding, he shut the door once Jada was on the quarterdeck, then asked, “What's on your mind?”
Coming around to stand on Dalris' side of the desk, Novak started with the question, “Just to be sure, there's nothing seriously wrong between the two of you, is there?”
Though it felt serious, Dalris answered simply, “It's just a misunderstanding.”
For some reason, a look of enlightenment dawned in Novak's eyes, and he suggested as if from experience, “Her flash fire.”
“Her what?”
“That's what I call Jada's quick temper. Sometimes she takes exception to something you say, then storms out before you can explain.”
Apparently, Novak knew his mate well, and flash fire did sound fitting. “That's about it,” he confirmed.
The barbarian waved a hand. “Don't worry, she'll let you explain soon enough, and I'm not trying to stick my nose in your business. I actually wanted to talk to you because I realized you don't have any weapons.”
That was true. Dalris hadn't had a chance to pack anything before coming to Ithelyon with Jada, and while he didn't need an arsenal, having a blade of some type would be beneficial, especially for dealing with trolls.
So he didn't complain when Novak led him to a cabinet and opened the doors to reveal his personal collection of blades, offering, “Pick whatever you need to take with you. You'll be hard pressed to find something worth a damn in Westmere, and these blades were crafted by the best swordsman in Ithelyon.”
Inspecting the various weapons, Dalris asked, “The best swordsman? You mean Juliana Da'Vir?”
“None other.”
Smiling, he looked the assortment over, realizing Novak had to have paid a pretty penny for so many differing types. Unless … , “Do you know Juliana personally?”
The barbarian smiled in a way that said it was more than just knowing her personally when he answered, “Aye.”
Dalris grinned, reaching for a one handed broadsword suited to his fighting style.
Lifting it away, he pulled the blade from its sheath and turned it in his hand to get a feel for the weight, soon nodding in approval at how well it handled.
“I always had a preference for two handed weapons myself,” Novak remarked. “Maybe you should grab a dagger to have on hand, too, and don't worry about returning them.”
Snagging one of the smaller weapons from the cabinet to shove into his belt, Dalris gave the barbarian a questioning look. “No?”
He shook his head. “Bad luck to loan blades outside of battle, and besides, Dra'Kai's House has been doing business with a competitor for years now. So I thought I might grease the wheels.”
Novak grinned deviously after admitting his motives, and Dalris certainly didn't mind passing on word of the trading company to his House, smirking as he mentioned, “I may have some work for you on a personal level. Of course, I'd have to wait until I returned to Terra before I could assign it.”
Heading back to his desk, Novak smiled and mentioned, “I don't think that matters much since I'll be waiting right here until the two of you get back. Besides, if you and Jada ever hit it off, I'm sure she'll swing business my way regardless.”
“True enough,” Dalris returned, and though he worried Jada might try to take off without him if he didn't join the group soon, he paused at the door.
Novak's mention of waiting for them to return had brought a specific concern to mind, and it wasn't the first time he'd considered the matter during their trip to Sadonia. But now that they were on the verge of depa
rting, this would be his last chance to put the request forth, and it could prove to be beneficial in case they ran into trouble.
So he turned back to mention, “Before I go, I'd like to ask you a favor, Novak.”
“What favor?”
Stepping toward the desk, Dalris continued, “If something should happen, and you don't hear from us for a while, I'd like for you to send word to my brother in Nalona. His name is Liam, and he won't ask questions. Just tell him I've found my mate and where to track me.”
“Liam in Nalona, you say?” Novak thought it over before slowly nodding. “We'll need trustworthy help finding you if things go wrong, so I'll keep it in mind.”
“Thank you.” With that said, Dalris turned to the door, adding, “Guess I should go before Jada leaves without me.”
Joining him, the barbarian laughed. “Aye, stay on your toes until that flash fire cools off.”
Smiling, he exited the cabin and stepped onto the quarterdeck to see that Salt and Karina were already preparing for departure while Jada was gathering their supplies. The rest of the crew was working around them, all but ignoring the approaching storm—though Dalris was definitely noticing the rise and fall of the ship again.
So he moved down to the main deck, hoping to distract himself from the motions by helping prepare, but someone asked his name at the landing of the steps.
Turning around, Dalris saw one of the crewmen standing nearby—his name was Moore, the same barbarian Adravi attacked a week ago.
Since then, Dalris had learned that Moore was a long time member of the crew with a wife and three children he worked hard to support. He also played a mean game of cards, and Dalris returned his greeting with a friendly nod.
“Need something?”
“Yeah,” he replied, walking over with a fist held out. “I wanted to give you this to thank you for stopping that wyvern last week.”
Curiously, Dalris held out his hand, and found a ring being placed in his palm. The metal band was silver and set with a moderately sized diamond that could fetch a small amount if it turned out to be real.
Lifting the gem, he fogged it with his breath while Moore explained, “That's the only thing I have worthwhile aboard. I won it in a card game last week, and I doubt it's worth much, but—”
Fated Fortunes Page 17
