Bound: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance, page 14
“Ayjetor is the fire-breathing monster from Sarlian mythology that brings about the end of all worlds,” Tov reminded.
“I’m aware,” Merrik muttered impatiently. “Why is Ayjetor sending you cryptic messages?”
“It is also the codename Laidon Feran used at the academy.”
“What does Laidon want after all these years? Have you two even spoken since the war broke out?” Merrik couldn’t help feeling leery of the sudden interest. Word of the rescued conduits had spread quickly, especially after Flora’s exceptional performance during recent missions. Was it possible that Laidon was attempting to get his hands on Cara or Raina?
“The message doesn’t explain,” Tov admitted. “It just asks me to meet him at one of the taverns we used to frequent in our youth. It’s here on Altor so it would take less than an hour by shuttle.”
“He probably wants money,” Merrik decided. “The rebellion has suffered several costly setbacks in recent months.”
Tov shrugged. “I am not sure I would mind if that is his purpose. Someone needs to overthrow Jevara. Why not Laidon? It has been years since we interacted, but Laidon was impressive when I knew him.”
Merrik considered the issue for a moment in silence. The Torretian emperor was a tyrant. No one could argue that point. But was an armed insurrection the answer to such corruption, or would Torret simply exchange one tyrant for another? Tov was a good judge of character. His empathic abilities made it nearly impossible for others to lie to him. Still, Merrik preferred to make up his own mind about trustworthiness.
“Thanks to Noratu, I have no plans for the evening.” Merrik sounded more accepting than he felt. Usually if something felt like a setup, it was. Tov seemed determined to reignite his old friendship, so Merrik would ensure Tov’s safety.
“The message doesn’t give a specific time.” Tov rubbed his chin as he considered their options. “Let’s go enjoy a drink or two and see if he shows up.”
Merrik nodded. They could use a distraction.
They walked outside and boarded the short-range shuttle. It was small and maneuverable, perfect for urban settings. Merrik was a better pilot, but Tov preferred to remain in control. Not surprising given his basic nature.
The bar was in the heart of Hanoto, the sprawling metropolis on Tepio B. Most considered the city the Altorian capital. As they reached the outskirts, Merrik couldn’t help wondering what Cara was doing. Their mind link was still active, but her emotions were banked, present yet muffled. They shared dreams nearly every night, but that wasn’t the same as being with her. He missed his mate terribly, and knew Tov did too.
They’d had no choice but to release her—temporarily. Holding a conduit against the will of her parents or guardians was a serious crime. Still, they would not let her go without a fight. Cara assured them that no other males were allowed near her. Flora thought it best if she focused on training for a while. Merrik didn’t disagree, but the separation was torture.
As Tov indicated, it did not take long to reach their destination. However, the designated tavern was in a particularly dangerous part of Hanoto. The academy had moved to a new location about three years ago and the neighborhood suffered greatly because of the loss of revenue.
Merrik wasn’t sure how to mitigate the danger. “I am not sure we should set down, but I hate to send you in there alone.”
Tov shot him an impatient glare. “I can take care of myself.”
“I never doubted that you could. I was just concerned that—”
A sleek Torretian fighter nosedived right in front of the shuttle. The displaced air rocked the smaller ship violently.
“What the fuck are they doing?” Tov’s hands flew through the holo-grid as he brought the shuttle back under control.
Merrik activated aft targeting sensors, determined not to be caught unaware again.
The fighter’s second pass was slower but it deployed some sort of cable. The leash shot toward the shuttle then connected with the hull, creating a sickening thunk.
Merrik fired twice, demonstrating their intention to defend themselves. The fighter didn’t bother avoiding the pulses. Their shields simply absorbed the energy.
“Why aren’t they firing?” Tov mused. “Why start a fight and not go on the offensive?” He activated the shuttle’s battle shields. The system quickly drained the power stores, so it was only used as a last resort.
The fighter casually towed the shuttle away from the city, drawing it higher into the air.
Tov tried reverse thrusters and sharp course changes, but the fighter didn’t react to any of it.
A portal opened directly in front of the fighter and Merrik looked at Tov. This felt deliberate, intentional. But why would Laidon go to all this trouble? Tov shook his head in disbelief. Before Merrik could ask Tov why the rebel leader would arrange this abduction, the fighter glided into the portal, dragging the shuttle behind like a pet.
“This cannot be random, but who would… Laidon.” Tov answered his own question, coming to the same conclusion as Merrik.
The disorienting surge of hyperspace lasted only a moment and then they emerged in a planet-less void. The fighter released the tether and moved off.
“Where the hell are we?” Tov grumbled under his breath as he urgently worked to determine their position.
Before Merrik could decide on the best course of action, a midsized warship deactivated its refraction shields and hung in space directly in front of them. Merrik quickly adjusted the magnification on the main viewers so they could see the entire vessel. Not surprisingly, it appeared to be of Torretian origins.
The shuttle’s main viewers flickered to life and Laidon’s image appeared on the display. The bastard had the audacity to grin. “Sorry about the dramatics, but Jevara has every bounty hunter in the galaxy looking for me.”
“That was more than just dramatic and you know it,” Merrik snapped. “It was dangerous.” The shuttle was not capable of creating a hyperspace portal, so they were trapped here until Laidon took them back.
“If you will hear me out, I will make it worth the aggravation.” Laidon accented the promise with an engaging smile. The rebel leader could be ruthless when the need arose, but he had built his following through compelling arguments and charm.
“This is a piss-poor start for a potential alliance,” Tov stressed. “You have ten minutes. Use them wisely.”
“Why don’t you come aboard,” Laidon suggested. “Let’s have a drink and catch up, then I will explain.”
“Nine minutes,” Tov corrected.
“Fine.” Laidon’s chin lifted and he took a deep breath before he started his explanation. “I have a spy in Jevara’s household. She has learned several facts that could benefit Zevon. I am willing to barter for the information, but I will not simply give it to him. I need someone who can put us in the same room to begin the process.”
“Which is where I come in?” Tov asked, his gaze narrowing.
“Yes.” Laidon stood a bit straighter, his shoulders squaring. “I have been trying for over two weeks to get a meeting with Zevon. He won’t even agree to a holo-comm. The only way he will take me seriously is if someone he knows and trusts is there to vouch for me.”
“I was more inclined to do so before this little stunt,” Tov grumbled then went on, “What is your price for this mysterious information?”
“That depends on Zevon. Only he can determine the value of what I have learned. But I am hoping this will be the first of many exchanges. I need allies and so does Zevon. We both know he is surrounded by fools.”
That much was certainly true. Zevon was a battle-tested warrior who was practical to the marrow of his bones. His recent election had shocked everyone. Zevon included. The board of governors, on the other hand, were ideological fools. Politics shaped every decision they made. All they cared about was amassing wealth and maintaining power.
Tov studied Laidon for a long, silent moment. “I have known Zevon for many years, but that does not guarantee that he will agree to meet with you.”
“All you can do is ask,” Laidon said lightly, but determination burned in his green eyes.
“What will you do if he refuses to take the meeting?” Merrik wanted to know.
Laidon sighed, but the intensity of his gaze did not decrease. “I will find another way. I have no choice. This has already taken much longer than I expected.”
Tov shook his head. “You pull something like this with Zevon and you will not live long enough to regret it. Zevon Raydo can be merciless when crossed.”
“Then talk him into meeting with me.” All playfulness fell away. “Every minute my friend is with Jevara, she is risking her life, not to mention her sanity. Jevara has been known to make his toys disappear as soon as he is finished playing with them.”
Tov stilled, his expression growing even grimmer. “You said your spy was in Jevara’s household. She is one of his pleasure givers?”
Laidon nodded and his features tensed. “She is smart and proficient with weapons as well as hand-to-hand defense, but the danger is accelerating. No pleasure giver has managed to hold his interest for long and she has been with him for weeks. Needless to say, I am worried about her.”
“With damn good reason.” Tov shook his head, then released a ragged sigh. “I will talk to Zevon. But even if he refuses, we need to get your friend out of there.”
“We?” Challenge rippled through Laidon’s tone, but he also sounded hopeful.
Tov smirked. “The Citadel prefers frontal assaults. I’ve always found stealthy operations more effective.”
Merrik was glad Tov hadn’t mentioned Cara. Merrik sensed no deception in Laidon, but Merrik wasn’t taking any chances where their mate was concerned.
“I gladly accept your offer, but my information is good,” Laidon persisted. “Convince Zevon to meet with me. He will not be disappointed.”
After another thoughtful pause, Tov nodded. “I will contact you through Ayjetor as soon as I hear back from Zevon. Now put this shuttle back where you found it! If you want to form an alliance with the Citadel, I have work to do.”
Cara stood back from the ‘firing lane’ in one of the Citadel’s many training rooms. Raina was positioned behind a small barricade attempting to manifest a fireball or energy pulse strong enough to destroy the target at the other end of the lane. It was an exercise Cara had mastered without much effort. Watching her cousin struggle, even after two weeks of intensive training, was making Cara feel horribly guilty.
Flora, Cara, and Raina had only spent two days together when Flora and her mates were given their next mission. Not trusting Iris to supervise Cara and Raina, they were taken to the Citadel so they could begin their training. Cara’s opinion of the Citadel had not changed since the first time she had been here. The facility was old and run down. This was the headquarters for the most powerful mystics in the star system. She had expected something more impressive.
At least their mentor made a better impression than their surroundings. Provost Nadis Korla was personable and skilled. She didn’t stand on formality and never bragged about her many accomplishments. Cara liked her immediately. Nadis also seemed familiar, but it took Cara a couple of days to realize that Nadis was the trainer Merrik had contacted during her assessment. Cara had never seen the trainer, just heard her voice, but Cara was certain they were one and the same. Nadis didn’t mention the incident, so Cara followed her lead.
“Focus on the target rather than your hand,” Nadis suggested.
Raina nodded and tried again.
Uncomfortable watching Raina struggle, Cara shifted her attention to Cylex. The buff Altorian male had been waiting on the shuttle when Cara and Raina left for the Citadel. And he’d been with them ever since. Cara wasn’t sure why they needed a bodyguard. The Citadel was secluded and had its own security force. Even so, it was obvious that Cylex wasn’t going anywhere. He had dark hair and blue eyes that were even lighter than Tov’s. He never smiled and seldom spoke, but those pale blue eyes continually scanned their surroundings. More than once Raina had said that Cylex made her feel safe. Cara had the opposite reaction. Knowing that she was in enough danger to be assigned a bodyguard had Cara jumping at shadows.
“Goddamn it,” Raina cried as the sparks on her fingertips sputtered out again. “Why can Cara do this so easily when I am utterly useless?”
“You are not useless,” Nadis insisted. “Comparing yourself to anyone else is pointless. Each conduit’s abilities are unique.”
“I meditate endlessly and construct detailed visualization. But as soon as I try to manifest what I’m seeing it just fizzles out.” Emotion thickened Raina’s voice and tears gathered behind her lashes. “We are from the same bloodline. Why is Cara so much better at this than me?”
Nadis turned to Cara, challenge burning in her eyes. “Are you going to allow her to believe this is her fault when you know that is not true?”
Cara sucked in a breath. How long had Nadis known? It was a stupid question. Nadis was the most popular mentor by far and for very good reason. She had likely known as soon as Cara walked into the room for the first time.
Raina stared back, clearly confused by their mentor’s question. Nadis was right. This wasn’t fair to Raina.
“It’s not your fault,” Cara admitted. “My power has been unleashed while yours is still bound. That’s why everything seems easier for me.”
Raina moved closer, her expression conflicted and uncertain. “But how? I thought our mates were the only ones who could unleash our power.”
“A couple of weeks ago, my energy became so unstable that my parents had to allow my potential mates to finish releasing it.” A heated shiver passed through Cara as she remembered all the erotic acts that process had required. “They did not claim me, but we were courting when Noratu’s message arrived.”
“Does Flora know about this?”
“There are no secrets from bonded mates,” Cara reminded. “The mind link makes it impossible. Besides, the message stated that the deal Tov and Merrik had negotiated with my parents would not be honored. Clearly, they knew I was being courted but wanted to start from scratch.”
Raina’s brows scrunched up over her nose. “You sound angry. Do you want Tov and Merrik to claim you?”
“If I have no choice but to be part of a triad, I want to form it with Tov and Merrik. However, I’m not sure I want to be part of a triad. I would rather have control of my life, guide my own future.”
Nadis smiled knowingly. “You are not just a conduit, Cara. You come from one of the most powerful bloodlines in history. You will be part of a triad. Your basic nature will leave you no choice.”
It was hard to argue with that. Repeatedly since coming to the Citadel, she had been dream sharing with Tov and Merrik. They swore they were not creating the erotic dreams intentionally, and she knew she wasn’t. Still, more often than not when she drifted off to sleep, she ended up in their arms.
“Does your certainty have anything to do with Merrik being your nephew?” Cara softened the accusation with a smile.
Nadis did not seem insulted. “I honestly believe Merrik would make any female a wonderful mate, but that was not the primary reason for my comment. I am sensitive to psychic energy. I know you are still linked with Merrik and Tov. Shielding your mind was one of the first skills I taught you. If you have serious doubts about bonding with them, why have you allowed the courtship to continue?”
It was a damn good question. She had wondered more than once if she could prevent the shared dreams from occurring, yet she had never even tried to keep them out. And the nightly sessions were interactive. She was an eager participant, not a helpless victim.
“If you want Tov and Merrik, why pretend that you’re considering other teams?” Raina added. “I know Flora has been sending you profiles just like she sends them to me.”
A guilty smile tugged at Cara’s lips. “I haven’t even opened the messages. If she won’t let me bond with Merrik and Tov, I will leave the star system. I will not be forced into the Altorian equivalent of a loveless marriage.”
“Flora and her mates went to a lot of trouble and spent a great deal of money so they could offer you choices. It is not their intention to force you into anything,” Nadis objected.
“They are offering us choices within the expectations of the Citadel,” Cara argued. “I’m not sure I want to be a conduit.”
Nadis shook her head. “Being a conduit is not something you choose. You were born a conduit. Your physiology makes you feel incomplete without the other two parts of your triad. You will always crave what only your bonded mates can give you. The need is literally programmed into your DNA.”
Cara started to argue, but she knew Nadis was right. “It’s hard to set aside twenty years of social programming. The characteristics that are valued on Earth are so different than what is expected of an Altorian female.”
That brought Nadis’ brows together. “You do not have to answer this if it makes you uncomfortable. Did Tov and Merrik expect you to be submissive in and out of the bedroom?”
“I wasn’t with them long enough to find out. We had one conversation about the future and then the message came from Flora and her mates.”
Nadis was still studying Cara closely. The female was much too perceptive for Cara’s comfort. “Why haven’t you told Flora about any of this?” the mentor challenged.
Cara licked her lips, feeling defensive and slightly guilty. “There hasn’t been time. I’m always with you and she is always out on a mis—”
“That’s nonsense. Try again.”
With a long, shuddering sigh, Cara admitted, “I’m afraid. It is so easy to forget who I am when I’m with them. All I can think about is making them happy whenever they touch me.”
“But don’t they make you happy too?” Raina asked, obviously confused by Cara’s hesitation.
“It’s overwhelming. Trust me, it’s really overwhelming.”
“Choosing your mates is the most important decision you will ever make,” Nadis stressed. “I urge you both to take your time and carefully consider your options. Start with a solid foundation of trust. Then add open and honest communication. Developing a friendship with your mates is just as important as sexual chemistry. Make sure you both choose wisely.”
