Shamara (10 page)

"Head hurt?" he asked, pouring another dose of Darya's concoction.

"Yes. It feels better when I'm lying down." Eirene opened her eyes, spearing him with her crystal gaze. "But I can't rest well here. I want to return to my own quarters."

"Here, drink some more of this," he said, refusing to argue. He held out the glass.

She took it and drank. Jarek guessed the medicine made her feel better, or she'd resist. He was beginning to see the magnasteel core inside the woman, despite her fragile appearance. But then, Enhancers didn't need physical strength, not with their mental powers. Eirene would be a handful when she was fully recovered from her illness.

She said nothing as he placed the tray across her legs and settled into the chair, shifting the lanrax to his lap. He held the silence as well, willing to give her latitude to adjust to the situation. She picked at her food, her attention returning repeatedly to the lanrax. Jarek reached down to pet it. The animal chattered contentedly.

"It seems to really like that," she commented.

"Yes. Lanraxes need contact with their owner."

She ate a few bites, watching him stroke the animal, then put down her utensil. "Can I touch it?"

"Maybe. Sometimes they won't let anyone but their bonded owner touch them."

Setting aside the tray, she scooted to the edge of the bunk. Her robe slid up around her thighs, giving Jarek an eyeful before she tugged it back down. Spirit, she had great legs. His throat dry, he forced his thoughts away from that forbidden avenue.

She leaned toward the lanrax, and it hissed, digging its claws into his thigh and causing him to do some hissing of his own. However, the little creature seemed to accept her touch, gradually relaxing and chattering softly.

A delighted smile spread across Eirene's face. "It's a female," she declared decisively, stroking the soft maroon fur.

Jarek had just felt a surge of energy, and wondered if she had used her power to come to that conclusion. She probably had no idea he could pick up her energy pattern so easily.

"A female, huh?" He hadn't taken to time to verify the lanrax's gender; although he'd been around enough of them, since the one he'd given his sister many seasons ago had been very prolific in the reproduction business.

"Now how can you tell that?" he asked. "Seems to me you haven't looked in the right place to verify this little fellow's sexual persuasion."

Another smile tugged at her lips.
"She
is sweet and gentle. Not obnoxious, or bossy, like a typical male."

He turned the lanrax onto its back. It squealed indignantly, but allowed a gentle examination. "You're right. She's a female. Explains why she's so temperamental."

"Maybe she doesn't like being locked up, or forced to do what you want her to."

"Oh, she loves it, because she has me," he couldn't resist teasing. "But she needs a name. What do you think we should call her?"

Eirene thought about it. "Don't you have a name you like, perhaps that of a family member?"

Jarek shrugged. "I could choose from a lot of names. But I thought you might like to pick something."

Surprise flashed across her face. "You'd really let me choose the name?"

It was such a little thing, yet she seemed excited by the prospect. Her reaction intrigued him. Hell, everything about this woman intrigued him. "Sure. Go ahead."

"How about Ranie?" She paused, swallowed hard. "It's a version of a name I'm very fond of."

He'd have let her name the damn lanrax anything she wanted, just to see the pleasure it seemed to give her. "Ranie… I like that. Ranie it is." He leaned back, watching Eirene. He could tell the name meant something to her. "Where is your family?"

She stiffened, her tension palpable. "I have no family."

He'd be willing to bet that wasn't true. "Where are you from?" he persisted. She'd started to name a place and stopped herself, so he didn't really expect an answer. He did get a reaction, though—a brief spiking of her energy.

"I don't think that's of any concern to you."

His instincts told him she was hiding something—or hiding from someone. Not surprising or unusual in this universe with no real justice. He took another approach. "You never told me why you cut your hair."

"Yes, I did. I told you I was tired of it."

"I meant the real reason."

Her eyes narrowed, wariness flashing through them. They were her most expressive feature. She'd probably be appalled if she knew how clearly they appeared to reflect the inner woman. Not that he planned to tell her.

"There's not a specific reason I changed my hair," she said. "Although you seem to think there is. Just like I'm not an Enhancer, but you insist on believing that I am."

The ever-present doubt nagged at Jarek, chipping away at his tentative confidence in his plan. Could his instincts have failed him?
No,
he told himself. He'd always trusted his gut feelings, and they'd always seen him through. He had to believe his strong intuitive abilities came from a higher power, and that he would receive the guidance he needed to save his people. He must believe that. He only hoped he found a solution before the Controllers captured him.

"Perhaps changing your hair had something to do with you being an Enhancer," he speculated. Maybe he wasn't the only one who suspected Eirene's true identity. Maybe someone else was pursuing her.

"You're wrong," she insisted. "On both counts." She shoved the tray toward him. "I'm tired. I want to rest now."

He'd pushed enough for now. He put the lanrax down and took the tray. "That's a good idea. I'll check on you later. If you're feeling better, maybe you'd like to eat the next meal in the galley."

She didn't acknowledge him, turning away and shutting him out, as she did every time he pressed her. He took the tray to the galley, Ranie scampering right behind him, and cleaned up there. Then he spent the rest of the morning in the cockpit, answering messages and dealing with the many responsibilities his father's death had thrust upon him. Ranie curled in his lap and remained there as he worked. He found her presence comforting in an odd way. At least he wasn't so totally alone with her around.

At midcycle, he returned to the galley and prepared some soup. Ranie scrambled back to her perch on his shoulder, watching with interest, her upturned nose twitching at the scent of cooking food. After he finished, Jarek gave her a piece of bread and returned her to the lav in his cabin, ignoring her loud protests.

He went to check on Eirene and found her awake, sitting in the chair. She looked more rested, and some color had returned to her face. "You feel up to walking to the galley for midmeal?" he asked.

"Yes. I'd like to get out of this chamber." She pushed herself out of the chair. She swayed a little, but held up her hand when he moved toward her. "No. I want to get around on my own."

"All right," he agreed, but stayed close in case she needed assistance.

She looked around as they stepped into the corridor and touched the wall. "Is this a ship?"

"Yes. It's my craft. Starclass, fast enough to take us to Aldon, then on to the twelfth sector."

She stumbled, and he grasped her arm to steady her. Anxiety radiated from her, and she was trembling. The realization she was on a ship must have brought home the reality of his intentions. He pulled her around, bringing her flush against him. He could feel her heart pounding. "I told you exactly what my plans were," he said quietly.

"Let me go. Please," she pleaded, panic edging her voice.

"You have nothing to fear from me." He ran his hands soothingly along her back.

She didn't pull away, and he held her close a few moments, waiting for her to calm. She was so small, a petite package containing a megaton of power. As they stood there, he became aware of more than her breathing and her heartbeat. He felt her soft curves pressed against him, felt the smooth resilience of her skin beneath the robe's bell sleeves. Blazing hells. She was still weak, clearly shaken by the reminder he was forcing her to go with him, willing or not. And all he could think about was her allure.

Her innocence was so obvious now, he couldn't understand how he hadn't recognized it at the Pleasure Dome. She had no knowledge of feminine wiles or flirtations, but then she didn't need to resort to artifice. Her simplicity and her fresh, unadorned beauty were seduction enough.

He slid his hands up to cup her face, seeking to reassure her, as he willed his libido to cool. "I've told you I won't hurt you. My word is good."

Despair filled her eyes. "You're forcing me to go with you."

"You're safe with me," he reiterated.

Desperation remained etched on her face. Gently, he skimmed his thumb over her lower lip. Just that one touch triggered a host of erotic images. He remembered vividly how she had tasted when he kissed her at the Pleasure Dome; how she had felt, naked beneath his hands. His body responded in a heated rush. A pull stronger than gravity and as old as creation brought his mouth to hers.

He shouldn't be doing this, shouldn't be giving in to the clamoring of his body…Spirit, she was sweet. All softness and warmth and inexperience as she allowed his mouth to settle over hers. He teased her lips with his tongue, grasping for control, determined not to ravage her mouth like he wanted to do.

Suddenly, she pushed against him, breaking the contact. He released her, and she staggered back. Her face was flushed; her chest rose and fell rapidly. Great. He'd really messed this up.

"I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened," he said. Would he be forever apologizing to this woman, he wondered, forever plagued by contrition for his actions toward her?

She braced herself against the wall. "Is this part of the deal, too? Not only am I being kidnapped and forced to travel with you, but I must submit to your sexual urges as well?"

"No! No … I—" Jarek raked his hands through his hair. Damn. "I know you won't believe me, but I don't make a habit of doing this, of—" Of what? Letting lust cloud his judgment? Shatter his normal magnasteel control? Eirene affected him in ways no other woman ever had. He needed to regain control, and fast.

He looked into her eyes and saw both accusation and alarm there. Damn, now she was even more afraid of him. He didn't want her fear, only her cooperation. "This won't happen again. I give you my word."

"What good is the word of a man who would kidnap a woman and keep her a prisoner?" she shot back.

"I've explained my reasons for taking you with me. I believe you're a compassionate person. Surely you can understand that I have no other options. And I think you know, deep down, that I mean you no harm. My behavior was out of line, and it won't happen again. Trust me, Eirene. Please."

She turned and headed for her cabin. Wanting to kick himself, Jarek let her go. He couldn't continue to mishandle her and expect her to come around and cooperate with his plans. Not only that, but time was running out.

Eirene appeared well enough now. He'd only been waiting until he was sure Darya wouldn't be needed further. They would depart Elysia first thing tomorrow.

*  *  *

Eirene hurried through the marketplace, toward the transport station. The temperature on Elysia dropped considerably at night, and the air was chilly. She clutched her robe closer as she moved along the path, weaving between various beings. The marketplace never closed, as transports departed and arrived at all hours. It was amazingly crowded at this time of night, but she paid little attention. She had one thing on her mind—escape.

Fortune had been with her when she entered Jarek's cabin as he slept. The sleep state had lowered his mental defenses enough for her to merge with him and deepen his sleep even more. She'd been very careful, praying she wouldn't hurt him. Then she'd used her powers to disarm the hatch alarm and leave the ship. That had been a near disaster. She'd overloaded the circuits and almost caused a fire. Just another reminder of her incompetence.

Relieved to be free, she'd hurried to her rented quarters and retrieved her satchel, which contained the jeweled daggers that would provide her a means of surviving. By the time Jarek woke up, she'd be long gone. It didn't matter where; there were numerous settlements where she could learn healing techniques. He might search for her, but eventually, he'd give up the hunt. Perhaps she could even return to Elysia one day and work with Darya.

She slowed as the transport station came into sight, thinking about the Shielder people and their horrendous plight. Her heart went out to them, and her hatred for the Controllers elevated another notch. But she couldn't help the Shielders. She had no real control over her powers, couldn't channel them with any sort of consistency. She caused more harm than good when she tried. Pain speared through her as she thought of Rayna.

There was more to worry about: the added threat of being discovered as Enhancer, and sold into slavery. The Controllers would expect her to use her powers on their behalf. They could torture her all they wanted, but she wouldn't be able to produce for them, either.

Jarek himself was threatening enough. He had turned her universe upside down on every possible level. Eirene wanted to curse him, but knew the blame rested with her. By healing him, she had foolishly broadcast her Enhancer abilities. She hadn't been careful enough leaving Saron, and he'd been able to follow her to Elysia.

On top of everything else, she was attracted to Jarek. When he'd kissed her earlier this cycle, her body had come alive with physical cravings she'd never experienced before. The encounter brought home the seriousness of the threat he presented.

At least it served to strengthen her resolve to escape, and she had succeeded in that endeavor. Freedom was within her grasp.

She skirted the edge of the transport station, her destination the automated ticket terminals on the right. She would check the departure boards and choose a destination before she got in line to purchase a ticket. She glanced at the lines to gage how long it would take, and a tall male caught her eye.

A Leor.
He was massively built and bare-chested. His bald head gleamed beneath the huge halogen lights illuminating the area. He moved through the lines, studying every individual as if he were looking for someone. A fission of alarm shot through Eirene, and she quickly took cover behind the nearest departure board.