CALLEY (RIBUS 7 Book 3) (25 page)

William cleared his throat. “Uhhh… Well, I have to be in Chicago in a few days, and it will be an extended stay.”

“Oh, William, that’s wonderful! We’ll get to spend some time together at last.”

“Yes, we will, sis, but there is a hitch in the plan. Marion is coming with me. She… Well… She’s pregnant, and not feeling all that well, so she has taken a leave from work. Anyway, I don’t want her alone while I’m there, so I’m bringing her.”

Chelan bubbled with joy. “William! Oh my god, I am so happy for the two of you!”

“Thanks, Chel. We’ve been trying for years.”

“This is wonderful news! Oh, but I am suddenly so worried for you both.”

“Don’t be, sis. The docs say all is fine. But she was able to take the time off, so why not take it and relax a bit, especially when not feeling the best.”

Chelan’s thoughts were transported back in time. “I remember those days well, and not too fondly. The morning sickness, the fatigue, the aches and pains, and worst of all, the worry.”

There was a hesitation on the line, then, “I don’t know how you did that all on your own, Chel.”

Chelan smiled to herself. “We all do what we have to do to get through, Will. Sometimes we don’t have any choice but to be strong.”

“I know you’re right there. But look, we need to discuss this. I know you want to remain out of the picture.”

Chelan drew in a deep breath. “I don’t know, Will. I mean, to reveal myself to Marion now would put us both in an awkward situation. ‘Hey, Marion, this is my sister. She’s back from the dead after ten years, and I never told you.’”

William laughed. “Yes, it is a bit of a problem, isn’t it? I could tell her you’re a colleague staying at my place. She has seen pictures of you, but you were much heavier then. But the trouble is, during your time away, you haven’t aged a day. She may recognize you.”

Chelan thought for a moment. “I could get a hotel room. Or I suppose I could go stay with Jim.”

“Look, we have a couple of days to sort this out. We’ll be there this Friday. We can chance the colleague story, or come up with something else. I don’t want to force you to Jim’s if you are not comfortable with that.”

“Well, like you say, I have a couple of days. And don’t ever consider it forcing me out. Keeping this under wraps from Marion is my choice, not yours. And as far as Jim goes, he has been the perfect gentleman.”

“Okay, Chel. I’ll leave it all in your hands and follow whatever plan you come up with. Just let me know by Thursday night, and we'll go from there.”

“Sounds good, Will. And congratulations again! I’m tickled for you both.”

“Thanks, sis. We’ll talk soon.”

Chelan turned her phone off and smiled broadly. Wow—her brother, a dad! She snuggled into the chair and closed her eyes. Right now, dealing with the logistics of the upcoming visit took a back seat to the warm glow settling in Chelan’s heart. Thoughts of Shan drifted into her soul as she drifted off for a small afternoon nap, basked in contentment.

*****

By Thursday morning, Chelan felt like she was going to burst. She was so excited to see William, and yet now she was out of time. She had to make a decision. Finally, she called Jim’s personal cell number.

“Hey, Chel, how are you?”

“Ummm… fine, but something has come up, Jim. William is flying in with Marion tomorrow and I want to give them their space.”

“And?”

“And I was wondering if I could relocate to your place for the duration?”

“Absolutely. But I’m surprised you want to move out. His place is huge. I would have assumed you would love the time together with them.”

“You’re right, but, uh… Marion doesn’t know I’m back.” The conversation was dead for so long, Chelan thought the connection had dropped. “Jim?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Wow. I have to admit, I don’t understand.”

Chelan began to pace. “It’s complicated.”

“I’ll say. You mean William is sworn to secrecy from his own wife?”

Chelan collapsed into the nearest chair. “Yes.”

“Wow. I knew things were… strange with this entire situation, but this really takes it to a whole other level.”

Chelan sighed. “Look, like I said, it’s complicated. If it’s an issue as far as accommodations, I will get a hotel. I—”

“No! No… it’s fine. It’s great, in fact. And what goes on between you and your brother is your business.”

Chelan almost sagged with relief. “Thanks, Jim. I don’t know what I can do to pay you back for this.”

“Absolutely nothing. Just having your company is all I require. Now, what size truck should I send over there to get all your stuff?”

Chelan burst out laughing. “Funny guy! I think what I have will fit nicely in your BMW.”

“Great. I’m working late again tonight, but I could pick you up about ten?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be ready.”

*****

The move was easy, and Chelan quickly took over Jim’s spare room. She woke up in the morning and sat quietly on the window seat, staring out over the vista as she pondered her next move with William. The easiest thing was to probably let William spill the beans to Marion, but letting her secret out to anyone, even William’s wife, rubbed her the wrong way. She didn’t know the woman, and simply put, she could ill afford any leaks.

Chelan looked out over the rooftops, her thoughts suddenly redirecting. Were they actually out there, the Iceanean warriors? Fremma had said he was putting boots on the ground for her protection, thousands of them. Could she find them if she wanted? Would they allow her to approach them? Could she communicate with them, or they with her? The fact that she had seen something in the stairwell, was that a slip-up?

So many unanswered questions, questions she had never thought to ask when she had the opportunity. But then, Fremma had not wanted her to be concerned with the logistics of the mission anyway. He’d assured her she was safe, and that was all that mattered.

She squinted against the sunlight and picked a rooftop far away, her imagination taking flight. As in her childhood, when she lay on her back and stared at the stars, pretending she was looking at another being gazing back at her, she wondered if there was a Iceanean warrior there, peering back at her. She smiled. They were out there, somewhere, and suddenly, despite her earlier fright, she felt totally at ease, her heart temporarily back with the Empire and her beloved men.

*****

It was now Friday afternoon, and Chelan was startled by Jim’s early arrival home.

“Hey there,” he greeted.

Chelan put her book down and smiled. “Hi! You’re home early, and looking rather proud of yourself.”

Jim grinned at her as he hung up his coat. “Actually, I’m not proud of myself. I’ve been away from you far too much. But I’m going to make it up to you tonight.” Jim skipped down the stairs and waved a pair of tickets in front of her. He beamed. “Dinner first, and then the symphony.”

Chelan was enthralled. “I’ve never been to one,” she admitted.

He began stripping off his tie. “I have to shower and make some calls. You go get dressed.”

Chelan looked at the tickets and then to him. “I don’t know what to wear.”

Jim smiled. “Something elegant,” he said, and started for his room. Then he stopped. “No, wait. I have the perfect thing.” And he trotted off.

Chelan waited patiently and then watched pie-eyed as he returned with a neatly wrapped box. He tore into it and from its depths he pulled a shimmering royal blue dress. He held it up. “Well, what do you think?”

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

Jim smiled. “Great! I ordered it last week just in case we had an event to attend. I know it will fit.” He passed it to her. “Why don’t you go put it on? We should get going and have an early dinner.”

Chelan watched him disappear, and then, slowly, she walked to her room. She held the beautiful silk garment up against herself, and she smiled. It had long thin straps and a low-cut rounded neckline. She stepped out of her jeans and shirt and shimmied into the dress. It hugged her curves tight and hit her mid-thigh, small slits in the sides allowing it to hang beautifully from her curvaceous hips.

She stepped up to the mirror, and then bit her lip to still the tears that threatened. It was almost exactly like the beautiful white gown Dar had given her so many years ago. Except for the length and the color, it was identical.

Chelan clenched her hands and looked up at the ceiling, her slender body suddenly beset by tremors. “Oh, god, Dar, why did you leave me?” And her heart twisted.

Taking small tentative steps backward, she sat down gently upon her bed. She rocked herself as all the memories of the blonde-haired Warlord that she had kept so carefully suppressed, washed over her. Her breathing came in irregular sobs as she thought of all the special times they had shared, his gentleness, his care, and his love.

She had not seen him since the night the Empire fell, and soft tears ran down her cheeks in rivulets. She had always wanted to ask Fremma or Korba why Dar had not returned. But deep down she knew the answer. He had loved her so deeply and so hard that he was unable to share her with anyone, especially Korba. In an act of self-preservation, he had left Iceanea indefinitely. He had not even returned RIBUS 8 for her scheduled refit last year. He simply took back-to-back missions, unwilling to surrender to his feelings. If he returned, he knew he would challenge Korba and the Let, an act that would destroy them all.

Chelan hugged herself tightly, still rocking gently. She had loved Dar so dearly, and in ways she could never pinpoint. Even in the presence of Korba and Fremma, with just a simple look, the massive blonde man could make her heart flutter. He had given up everything for her—his women, the Guild, and his home—choosing war rather than love simply because she belonged to Korba instead of him.

Chelan sniffed at her tears. Fremma had adjusted, coexisting with Korba and loving her when he could. But Dar could not live that way. He changed his crew in space, refusing even the slightest connection with his home planet lest he run into her. Chelan clutched at her stomach. And then her eyes widened.

She stilled her sobs as new revelations shook her to the core. In the past, she had always been immersed in Korba’s and Fremma’s love, their physical presence muting her pain over Dar’s loss. But now that she was isolated on Earth, her true feelings for the blonde Warlord wove tendrils about her, squeezing her until she could barely breathe.

Chelan jumped to her feet and clenched her hands to her breast. How was she going to endure the coming months? She wanted to get back to the Empire
now
. She needed to find Dar and… And what? Force a confrontation?

She sat back down and rubbed her palms over her hot cheeks. She tried to wring him from her mind, replacing him with the image of her beautiful mate, but her head ached almost as much as her heart. Rekindling anything with Dar was a futile endeavor, and deep down she knew it. No mater how indelibly etched the man was within her soul, she knew Dar would never come back to her. He was lost for all eternity.

Chelan shut her eyes and tried to stop her rocking. Then her heart stopped. She could hear Jim’s footsteps. She scrambled to her feet and wiped away her tears, her motions frantic. He knocked on the door.

“Chelan?”

Chelan turned her back on the door and faced the mirror. “Come in,” she whispered.

Jim opened the door cautiously and then stepped in. “Oh, man,” he uttered, nearly wilting at the sight of her.

Chelan pasted a smile on her lips and then turned to face him.

“Oh, Chelan! Dare I take you out in that?”

Chelan blushed and cast her gaze to the floor.

Jim’s eyes travelled up her long legs, but then his light mood dissipated, the sight of her red eyes tugging at him. He stepped up to her. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.

Chelan smiled. “Nothing, Jim. I’m just overwhelmed.”

“Good. For a moment I thought I did something wrong. It’s okay, Chelan. It’s the least I can do for you.”

Chelan’s eyes glinted. “You overdo everything, and you spend too much.”

Jim shook his head. “I think not.” Then his expression became serious. He tensed as he stared down at her soft lips, but he thought better of it. He smiled. “Wait here—I have some matching shoes.” And he disappeared.

Chelan turned back to the mirror and stood up tall. Suddenly she was glad to be going out. She needed the diversion and the deliverance from all her internal turmoil.

In a moment, Jim returned and presented her with a pair of blue silk shoes. Chelan grinned as she took them from him. “I hope I can stand up in these.”

Jim laughed. “You can use me for support. I won’t mind.”

Chelan reached for him and steadied herself as she slipped into the shoes. Then Jim stepped back and looked over her now six foot frame. “Wow,” was his only word.

Chelan peered down at herself and then to him. Finally, excitement hit her. “Let’s go!”

Jim made some final adjustments to his suit and then offered her his arm. Once out in the foyer, he stopped and turned her to him. “Stay put,” he ordered, and then he disappeared into his room. Reappearing, he presented her with a three-quarter-length fur coat.

Chelan gasped. “Oh no!”

“Oh yes. Otherwise, you’ll freeze.”

Chelan shook her head. “You take that back.” And she took a step away from him.

“Not on your life. Come here.” And he lunged at her, catching her by her wrist. She tried to pull away, but in her high heels, she was no match for him.

“Jim, you have to stop!”

“Yes. Well, if you die on me, then I’ll stop.”

Chelan ceased her struggles and Jim tucked her into the coat. He pulled it tight about her and then drew out her silken hair. He stepped back, but he did not smile.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

Jim crossed his arms and studied her, almost with a frown. “Hmmm. Diamonds,” he mumbled.

Chelan rolled her eyes and grabbed him by the hand. “No,” she stated firmly as she wrenched him toward the door. “You keep this up and I will move out. Food is all I require.”

Jim grinned as he allowed her to yank him out into the hall. “You’re right. They can wait until tomorrow.”