Reclaiming Mystique (SpaceStalker Saga Book 2) (30 page)

Carinna said nothing, merely hugged her sister.

“Well, let’s get some food in our bellies at least.”

They ate plates full of nuts and fruits, no meat in sight. At first the men grumbled until Carinna told them what type of meat the inhabitants of Dark World preferred. Not willing to ingest human or Dark World flesh, the men fell on their plates with gusto.

Later that night, Lord Demise returned to say that he would explain everything pertaining to the Cazeth the following day. The night would be spent in preparation for his soldiers.

That said, the crew decided to get a good night’s sleep. Carinna only had two bedrooms. The women had decided to share one, the men the other when Nesham put a quick stop to that. He grabbed Carinna by one arm and dragged her into a room, closing the two inside. Naria looked around at the others, saw their broad grins and started to frown when Jace dragged her into the other room with him, shutting the door firmly behind him. Naria heard male laughter as the others settled into Carinna’s main room.

Naria stared at Jace thinking to take him to task for his highhandedness. But he stilled her with a gentle kiss.

“Naria,” he said moments later, breathing rapidly. “You don’t belong on Dark World. That much is obvious.

Naria smiled warmly at him. “I agree. Where do you think I belong?” she asked, her arms wrapped around his neck, her body pressed tightly to Jace.

“Right here,” Jace murmured as he lowered his head again. “Right under me.”

Nesham sighed as Carinna looked anywhere but at him. As if he hadn’t made love to her in almost every way possible yet, the contrary female still acted shy around him. It was just one more thing that made him love her.

“Carinna,” he said crooking his finger. “Do that Succubus thing,” he murmured and watched her eyes heat up in anger. He chuckled softly but his laughter died as Carinna slowly removed her clothing.

She smiled slyly at him. “So you really liked that demonstration today, hmm?” She moved towards him, her pale body glowing in the dark of night, her red hair shimmering like flame in his enhanced vision.

Nesham blinked and suddenly found her floating above him, lying above him with a three-inch space between them.

“Damn, but I was joking, Carinna,” Nesham said with a gasp.

“Shh,” Carinna put her finger to her soft lips. Nesham’s eyes found her mouth and he licked his own lips in hunger, wanting to taste her again. His body hardened at thoughts of slipping deep into Carina and he groaned when he felt her whisper light touch on his body.

He watched as her hands fluttered beneath his shirt, unbuttoning it but not removing it. She floated down his body, not touching him but hovering just above him, her face even with his groin. At her mischievous grin, Nesham’s pulse rocketed.

He watched through slitted eyes as she unbuttoned his trousers and parted them enough to expose his rock hard erection. Then she lowered her mouth and he jerked, fully aroused and needing as she worked her magic over him.

“Carinna,” he groaned softly, his hands stroking her dark red hair, pulling her closer. As his body quickly neared the edge of control, Nesham grasped Carinna by the shoulders and yanked her over him. He violently pulled her on top of him and plunged inside of her, gasping at the warm wetness of her body that met his own.

But Carinna would let him do no more and rocked over him, up and down until Nesham found himself pleading for her to release him from his agony. She smiled, a sultry vixen delighting in her mastery over her lover, and she subtly repositioned her body. She moved over him quickly, doing something amazing with her inner muscles that had Nesham shuddering and groaning as he reached climax. Not to be outdone, he stroked her body and thrust tightly into her, spurring her to the same.

As Nesham tried to recuperate, he stared up at the beauty still joined to him and said the first words that came to his mind.

“Oh, but I do love you, Carinna.”

He saw her blink and smile, a wide grin that lit up her entire face.

“I love you too, Nesham,” she said shyly and leaned down to kiss him.

-18-

Jace sighed and looked down at the woman lying so contentedly in his arms. How could she have grown up in such a dark place, he wondered? It was a true testament to Naria’s strength that she hadn’t allowed Dark World to taint her.

She murmured and snuggled closer to him and he felt his heart warm. Ah, but what to do with her, he wondered. He did not have a good feeling about his coming battle in Mystique. He felt confident that he would defeat the Cazeth, but that the victory might very well cost him his life.

He had been prepared to die for his people for a long time now. But Naria had changed things. He now looked for ways to ease his burden, even going so far as to accept Dark World’s help in securing the planet. He frowned. And he’d both informed and accepted his crew’s decision to help the Psi.

What next? But already thought swam in his head of a future with Naria, of the two of them swimming together in the violet pools on Mystique, of Jace showing her his kingdom and the wonders contained therein. Never before had an Offworlder been voluntarily brought to Mystique. Yet Jace had every fantasy of doing so. He sighed and shook his head.

A less selfish man would have ended all ties with Naria. He knew she cared for him. It was apparent in the way she looked at him, in the uninhibited responses of her body under his able hands. His body heated as he thought about Naria’s sensuality. She responded to beautifully to his touch.

He ran a hand over the curve of her hip, resting his palm under her soft breast. His fingers smoothed over her silken skin, palming the firm globe and molding the nipple under his hand. She squirmed under him and Jace relaxed his touch, wanting her to rest some more.

He exhaled deeply and prayed that he could keep everyone safe. Lately the only comfort he felt lay buried between Naria’s thighs, replete in her warmth and affection. Worries and burdens fled his weary mind as she gave him safe harbor in her arms.

Jace closed his eyes and decided to let what come may.

The next day Lord Demise sat and studied the group of odd Offworlders before him. He grimaced slightly as he noted the glowing aura surrounding Carinna and the large Fenturi. The house echoed his feelings and shuddered slightly.

The Rovi looked very impressive, as did the other two men. All of the men appeared to be warriors, large, strong and intimidating. The experiences they had survived on Dark World had clearly made them stronger. And yet the Fenturi interested him. By all accounts he should have been stark raving mad. After the things his daughters had done to the man, and the condition he’d last seen him in, he would have expected no less than a quiet death for the noble Fenturi.

And yet, Demise stared harder at Mikhel and the Demon Lord’s respect for the man increased at Mikhel’s lack of worry at his perusal. Demise saw a faint trace of Naria, and the blonde sitting by her side. Ah, he thought. The two had assisted in the Fenturi’s healing. And unknowingly made him that much stronger.

Then Demise looked towards Naria. She sat quietly next to Jace, the blond Psi. Unlike Carinna and her new beau, however, a darkness lingered over Naria and her captain.

Demise studied them thoughtfully. The Psi evidently felt something for his daughter for the man sat stiff, protectively near her. And yet a taint of something clouded the emotion surrounding the two.

Not wanting to dwell on the pleasant air of doom over the young man, Demise stifled a small smile and spoke to the group.

“My warriors are prepared to render the appropriate support to capture our prisoners, the Cazeth. Make no mistake, Jace. Our sole mission is not necessarily to assist you, but to bring our people to justice.” Demise smiled and his eyes burned. “The Cazeth have much to answer for.”

“Yes, they do,” Jace agreed quietly. “But Orsan shall not be returning with the others. He’s mine.”

Demise cocked a brow in surprise. “You think to defeat Orsan?” He chuckled. “Not very smart, but an admirable sentiment nonetheless.” Demise noted Naria’s concern as she stared at Jace. He felt irritable knowing he should not interfere, but his daughter’s happiness tore at him. Demise sighed. “Very well, human. But know that if you hope to defeat Orsan and live, you will need Naria at your side.”

“No,” Jace said adamantly, shaking his head.

“Yes,” Demise answered. “Naria has gifts that no demon on Dark World will ever master. She will be the key to your success, or your failure. Now ready your ship for transport. We will be waiting for your signal before we enter the fray. As you have suggested, your knowledge and reconnaissance of your lands will be more than necessary for this to succeed.” Demise frowned. “We cannot let even one Cazeth escape. Already the fabric of the System tears.”

“How much time will you need?” Castor asked.

“Give us a day to be in place. We would travel with you but most of our troops would be unable to function separated from our world by the time you are ready to fight. Know, however, that we will be there in your time of need.”

Jace and the others nodded. Then Demise stood.

“I would like a word with you Carinna, and you,” he pointed to Nesham.

Nesham stood and walked Carinna into another room, looking stiff and prepared for anything. The others would have followed but Naria shook her head.

In a separate room, Demise looked intensely from Nesham to his daughter. The bond between them would not be broken, he saw. Already the golden light of love flowed strongly from the Fenturi to his little demon.

“Very well,” Demise said with a sigh. “Your choice has been made, and I give you my blessing.”

Nesham blinked. “You can do that?” he asked. “Wouldn’t a curse be more appropriate from a Demon Lord?”

Demise grinned as Carinna nudged Nesham with a small frown. “Not for you two,” Demise said softly. His grin faded as he stared into Nesham’s blazing blue eyes. “But know if you fail to protect my daughter, your life will be less than forfeit,” Demise warned.

Nesham straightened and glared at the Demon Lord. “I am Fenturi. I can do no less than see to her every need,” Nesham said. He placed his arm around Carinna and hugged her tightly to him.

“Very well,” Demise said with a nod, feeling more than satisfied. If his daughters wouldn’t live on Dark World, at least they had chosen mates that would do them proud. “Now go and fetch me Naria, and the blonde.”

Carinna grinned and threw her arms around her father’s neck. Then she scampered away pulling Nesham in her wake.

Naria and Jace entered warily, staring at her father as they approached. Even so, Jace stood between father and daughter, placing himself in harm’s way should any befall them.

Demise contained a small grin. “Jace,” he said, and pursed his lips.
You know what you are about with my daughter?
he sent mentally, avoiding Naria’s wavelengths.

I do
, Jace said, though he sounded torn about it.

For it seems to me that Naria is unsure.
And she is very special, Jace Arel of Zescha
.

The use of his full title surprised the Psi.

Demise laughed softly.
Did you think I would not have found out all I can about the man my daughter chose?

At that point Naria frowned. “Father, please. What are you saying? And why won’t you let me hear?”

“It’s alright, Naria,” Jace said soothingly, reaching for her hand and stroking it softly. “Your father and I are just coming to an understanding.”

Yes we are
, Demise said.
She is precious and should you make her unhappy you will definitely answer to me.
And you must know that part of her will always be rooted here
.

Demise watched as his words had their intended impact on Jace. Yes, Naria might flee from Dark World but her gifts, her very essence, came not just from her mother but from her father, a Demon Lord, as well. And if Jace wanted a full future with Naria, he would have to accept that fact. Demise waited and wondered. It would take a very strong human indeed to acknowledge a constant presence of darkness in his life.

Demise watched as Jace looked at Naria, really looked deep into her eyes. Then the blonde leaned down and kissed her tenderly.

“Very well, then,” Demise said with a nod, pleased that he had not been wrong about the Psi. “Now let us get you ready for this mission.” So saying, he turned to Naria and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

He leaned down and whispered into her ear, “This man is worthy of you, daughter. And know you have not seen the last of me.” Then he blinked and vanished into the air.

“Quite an exit,” Jace commented as he stared after Demise. He didn’t know why he had made a commitment to Demise when he had yet to make it to Naria, or even himself. And yet, he couldn’t let Naria go. Even with his death an imminent happening, he would not let one minute of his life pass without her in it.

“What did he say to you, Jace?” Naria asked quietly, her eyes searching his for answers.

But like a good Psi, Jace shielded himself from her intense probe. “Man talk, sweetheart,” he said and kissed the frown on her face. “Now we have more important things to worry about, don’t we?”

Hours later as they sailed towards the thirteenth Nearworld planet, Jace considered the near future.

“I don’t like it, Jace,” Castor grumbled. “You shouldn’t be going in there alone. You heard what Demise said. You’re going to at least need Naria with you, not to mention the rest of us.”

“Yes, but only when I attack Orsan. I don’t plan on going up against him until you’re all in place. We don’t even know what the city looks like now. I have to get a picture.”

“I should go with you,” Mikhel said quietly. “I have more speed and better skills to navigate through worlds than you do.”

“Yes, well I’m stronger than all of you put together,” Koneru grumbled. “If anyone should go it’s me.”

Jace sighed in exasperation. Thankfully Naria and Carinna had closeted themselves in one of the rooms to talk while he and his men discussed the landing. They had been arguing for some time now, not willing to listen to his orders. How he had lost control of his ship he did not know.