Harbinger (17 page)

“Really.” Haven sounded as astonished as she felt. “Is she still with the man who captured her or did she fall in love with another Rodyte?”

“She’s still with the man who took her prisoner, though she’s his bonded mate now rather than his war bride.”

“I’ve always had a morbid fascination with the custom,” she admitted in a hesitant whisper. Most of the battle born found the custom contemptable, so she wasn’t sure how Danvier felt. “I’d love to meet her, hear about the experience from the perspective of a female.”

He chuckled. “You’re not the only one. She published a memoir that sold millions of copies and has been banned on several planets.”

“I understand the popularity, but why was the memoir banned?”

“According to her critics, she’s glamorizing a barbaric and obsolete custom that should have been outlawed years ago.”

“‘Should have been outlawed’?” The phrase gave her pause. “It has been outlawed. One of Quinton’s first acts as crown stirate was to ban the capture of war brides.”

Danvier arched his brow as his hands slid down her arms and settled on her hips. “A royal decree can’t keep men from longing for their full potential. The magic locked inside each battle born male was put there by a Bilarrian female. There’s a certain logic in thinking that another Bilarrian female can set it free.”

“Does it work?” She was almost afraid to ask.

Danvier shook his head. “Not that I’ve heard of anyway. The attempt has just perpetuated the misery, but desperate people can do irrational things.” His fingers tightened against her hips and desire sparked within his eyes, then he slowly pulled her closer. “So why are you fascinated with the custom?”

Hunger echoed through her body, speeding her pulse and firing her blood. “A mating bond can’t be forced on a female. Each captive had to be carefully seduced.”

One of his hands slid up her spine and tangled in the back of her hair. “Have I been too patient with you? Is this what you really want?” He slowly pulled her head back, exposing her throat and establishing his dominance. “Open your mouth.”

The sensual command sent heat spiraling through her body. Her core clenched and her nipples tingled. Was this really what she wanted, to be completely overwhelmed? Danvier would never hurt her. He wanted to bind their souls together. And surrendering to their mutual attraction would bring him one step closer to that goal.

Before her logical mind could save her from her darkest fantasies, she parted her lips and closed her eyes.

His mouth covered hers, lips firmly pressing as his tongue eased inside. She slid her tongue against his and he groaned. Desire surged into her mind, stronger, more primal, more
male
than anything she’d experienced before. The transfer link. She’d forgotten it was still open.

Her momentary confusion was swept away as his mouth began to move. He coaxed her response with slow strokes of his tongue and the sensual slide of his lips against hers. His fist remained firmly anchored in her hair. He wasn’t hurting her, just preventing her from turning away.

Gradually, she relaxed as sensations and emotions eroded her inhibitions. She wanted to join with him, feel him moving deep inside her body, but she would not be at the mercy of another male.

He wouldn’t release her mouth, so she pushed her thoughts into his mind.
I won’t pretend I don’t want this, but I will not bond with you.

She sensed his growl of displeasure rather than actually hearing it. His fist tightened for a moment then eased, but his kiss became more possessive.
I won’t pretend you’re not my mate, but I will never force anything on you.

Then his free hand moved to the front of her dress, releasing the buttons with dexterous speed. He parted the sides, but her breasts were still covered by the lacy cups of her bra. Rather than unfastening the undergarment, he guided her arms out of the sleeves then tugged the bra’s cups down until her nipples were accessible.

Beyond objections or pretense, she arched her back and pressed herself firmly into his warm palms. His thumb teased the hardened tip for a moment then his mouth migrated down her neck. She knew where he was going, where all of this would lead, yet she couldn’t remember a single reason why they should deprive themselves of this pleasure.

Her excitement built, tightening her muscles and accentuating the ache between her thighs. She unfolded her knees, bringing her body up as he bent his head. His mouth captured her nipple and she gasped. The firm pressure of his lips sent darts of pleasure directly to her clit.

She felt wild and restless, more than ready to join her body with his. He moved to the other side and she explored his arms and shoulders, annoyed by the material separating her fingers from his flesh. “Take this off.” She tugged on his shirt.

“Soon,” he whispered against her breast. Then he turned and laid her back across the couch. His torso was still wedged between her thighs as he slipped to the floor on his knees.

“Let’s go to the bedroom.” She could barely think straight, but she knew she wanted more than a frantic tumble on a couch.

“I’ve waited too long. I have to taste you first.”

His demanding tone and the laser focus of his moments ratcheted her need even higher. He grabbed the sides of her panties and drew them down then tossed them aside. His hands caught the bend of her knees and pushed her legs wide. For a moment he just looked at her, stared at her sex with ravenous intensity.

She trembled, already panting harshly and he hadn’t even begun. Her need had never been this demanding, never enveloped her entire body and set her senses on fire. Then he draped her legs over his shoulders and covered her slit with his mouth. She moaned and tensed, instantly on the verge of orgasm. His tongue sank between her folds, blazing a trail directly to her clit.

Come for me. Let me taste your pleasure.
His tongue circled and flicked, ensuring her obedience.

Her inner walls fluttered as pleasure detonated beneath his skillful touch. She cried out, arching as he drove his tongue deep into her pulsing core. Then everything became a blur of sensation and hunger. He claimed her with his mouth and his fingers, touching and tasting with bold assurance. Her body was attuned to his. Only a potential mate could please her so completely.

His fingers still filled her core, lazily sliding in and out as he raised his head and looked into her eyes. “Come again, then we’ll move to the bedroom.”

She blew out a shaky breath, still tingling from her last orgasm. “I’m not sure I can.”

His thumb swept up and stroked her clit. “Don’t think, just do it.”

Echoes of sensation pulsed through her core, tightening her muscles around his fingers. He pumped into her a bit faster, but the motion was just a tease. She needed more fullness, more force than his hand could deliver. She wanted him over her, skin rubbing against skin, his face close to hers.

“I need you inside me.” His eyes narrowed, so she quickly added, “Please.”

He slowly slid his fingers free and licked her cream from his skin. Then he reached for the front of his pants and Haven’s breath lodged in her throat. She ached for him with dizzying urgency, and it wasn’t just his body she craved. She wanted the soul-deep connection only a true mate could provide. Despite her determination to resist him, she was no longer sure she would be content with just a physical joining.

Suddenly, his head snapped to the side and he held her off with an upraised hand.

What’s wrong?
Unsure what had caused his reaction, she didn’t risk asking the question out loud.

Pyre’s here. I have no idea how she found me, but she’s right outside the cabin
.

Danvier’s heart hammered in his chest as he fought for composure. What in creation was Pyre doing at Stargazer Ranch? His vision had indicated that she was heading to Lunar Nine, likely looking for Chandar. This made no sense.

He reached over and helped Haven to her feet. Then she frantically righted her clothing as he scanned their surroundings. He took a step back from the couch and drew his flexblade, transforming the dagger into a sword with a firm squeeze of his hand.

With careful precision, he tuned out the living room and focused beyond the walls of the cabin. His psychic awareness was extremely sensitive, but his range was limited. His visions had always been more dependable than any of his other abilities. So how had this happened? The question was reflexive. He knew the answer. Harbingers couldn’t see into their own future. As soon as Pyre’s actions directly involved him, his prophetic sight became obscured. Still, he could feel her ambition, her determination to achieve her goal. The specifics of that goal, however, were unclear.

Haven moved up beside him.
Is she alone?

He looked at her and shook his head. She didn’t seem afraid, just alert and ready for whatever was about to happen.

A loud thud sounded and the front door shuddered, but didn’t open. Danvier faced the portal half a second before the handle was obliterated by an energy pulse. Someone kicked the door inward and a large, dark-haired male rushed into the room.

Danvier drew his arm back, positioning his flexblade at chest level.

Pyre crossed the threshold right behind her guard and resentment twisted through Danvier’s gut. The guard had a militant bearing and they both carried pulse pistols. Clearly this was not a social call.

“Your sneak attack failed,” Danvier mocked.

Her narrowed gaze landed on Haven, then quickly shifted to him. “I felt you sense me, so what was the point in trying to catch you by surprise?”

“What do you want?” He moved his blade to an even more threatening angle. For decades he’d pictured a confrontation between him and this female. He knew she was incapable of remorse or shame, so he didn’t expect repentance. But he needed her to understand that he hadn’t been destroyed by her cruel indifference. He hadn’t just survived her treachery. He’d found an environment in which he’d grown strong and capable. Worthy of a mate.

“I jaunt off to Earth to recapture my hostage.” She motioned toward Haven with her chin while steadying her gun with both hands. “Imagine my surprise when I sensed my wayward son in the same cabin as my target.”

Bitter rage cascaded through Danvier as her words sank in. She wasn’t here for him, or even Chandar. This bitch had traveled to a remote star system in search of her “hostage”.

For one tense moment, he was too angry to speak. His jaw clenched and a muscle in his cheek ticked out his agitation. Then emotions flowed out of him like water overflowing a dam. Pyre was destructive and utterly self-absorbed. His life had been so much better without her. Thinking of her, in any context, was a waste of energy.

He calmed and refocused on his soon-to-be-mate. “Haven isn’t going anywhere with you.”

“Not that it matters, but what are
you
doing with her?” Her cold gaze bore into his with more interest than the question implied.

“From the smell of this place, I bet I can tell you,” her companion offered with a smirk.

The comment earned him a glare from both females, but Pyre replied, “We don’t have time for this. Grab her and let’s go.”

The guard stalked forward, his movements stiff and careful. Had he hurt himself when he tried to break in the door? Danvier stepped in front of Haven and pointed the sword at the intruder. “Not going to happen.”

Much to his frustration, Haven stepped to his side.
I’ve got this.

He didn’t argue. Instead he lunged for the guard and slammed the flat of his blade against the intruder’s hand. The pulse pistol went flying and the guard responded with a well-aimed punch. His speed, however, seemed hampered and Danvier easily dodged the blow. He quickly repositioned and swung his sword again. The flat of the blade connected with the male’s head this time and dropped him as the impact vibrated up Danvier’s arm.

Pyre shot a warning pulse between Danvier and Haven, drawing their attention back to her. “There’s no need for pointless heroics. I just want Haven.”

“Over my dead body.”

She sighed, then her lips twisted into a hateful snarl. “If you insist.”

Danvier glared into her eyes, not believing she’d do it. But a long stream of energy burst from the barrel of her gun and all he could do was watch in horrified disbelief as death raced toward him.

Haven leapt in front of him, arms spread wide.

“No!” He screamed and tried to shove her sideways, but her feet were planted firmly and her body hardly moved.

The pulse hit Haven in the upper chest, but it didn’t penetrate. Instead, it bounced off, blown back at Pyre by a concentrated burst of air.

Pyre threw herself to the side, trying to avoid retaliation. The blast hit her hard enough to spin her body around. She screamed as the energy saturated the left side of her body, spreading with agonizing slowness. Fear and disbelief contorted her features and then the light slowly faded from her eyes. Her body crumpled to the floor, sightlessly staring off into the distance.

Silence fell heavy in the room as shock held Danvier motionless. His mind refused to register what his eyes had just beheld.

Then Haven shuddered violently and staggered back into him. “I didn’t mean to kill her.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist, steadying her. “All you did was divert what she aimed at me. If she’d only meant to stun me, she’d still be alive.”

Pyre had tried to kill him.

The realization tore through his mental fog, abolishing the merciful numbness. His mother hated him enough to end his life. No, that was giving Pyre too much credit. He’d been an obstacle separating her from something she wanted, so she’d attempted to remove him. Her actions were always ruthlessly simple. Or actually, her actions
had always been
ruthlessly simple. Pyre would never harm anyone ever again.

Haven turned around and buried her face against his chest, arms wrapped around his back. “I’ve never killed anyone before.”

“She did this to herself.” He stroked her hair as he struggled with his own emotions. Should he be relieved or angry that it had happened so quickly? Pyre deserved punishment for her role in Chandar’s tragedy, but it would have been better if the rebels had questioned Pyre first.

Rachel and two of her staff arrived a few minutes later. The male staff member secured Pyre’s guard while Rachel helped Haven accept the strange turn of events.

“I need to return to Lunar Nine.” He waited until Rachel and Haven stopped talking before he tried to move the situation along. “The guard must be questioned and Pyre…I’m not sure what should be done with her body.”

“I’m coming with you.” Haven eased out of Rachel’s maternal embrace and stood.

Rachel opened her mouth as if she’d object, but then she closed her lips and looked at him. “When will you return? I was hoping to spend some more time with Haven.”

“I’m not sure.” He reached down and took Haven’s hand. “Obviously, this was unexpected.”

“I’ll come back,” Haven assured Rachel, but remained at his side. “This is more important right now. Pyre was a guild mistress. Her death will create all sorts of complications. We have to control them if we can.”

“Where’s your ship?” Rachel’s employee asked. “I’ll help you load your uninvited guests.”

“No need.” Danvier looked at Haven with a conspirator’s smile. “I can bio-stream them from here.”

Surprise widened his eyes. “Bio-stream? Does that mean what is sounds like it means? Can I see your ship?”

“When we return. I promise.” Danvier wasn’t in the mood to indulge the other male’s curiosity. Besides, they really did need to get moving. As Haven said, Pyre’s death was going to send shockwaves all the way back to Rodymia.

* * * * *

“Members of the Steering Committee are dropping like flies, are you sure you want to risk joining our ranks?” Master Belington smirked.

Letos fisted his hands so tightly his knuckles ached. It was a damn good thing this was a holo-conference or he might have punched the head of Academia Guild in the face. No one had been fond of Pyre Sterling, but Belington was openly reveling in the news of her death. “I’m
interim
guild master. An election will be held to officially fill the position.”

When he brought the news of Pyre’s death to the IG council a short time before, they’d wanted him to accept their unanimous appointment. But his first act as guild master couldn’t be disregarding the charter by ignoring the need for a vote. Besides, he wasn’t sure he wanted the position. He was a field operative, not a diplomat.

Nevertheless, with Pyre and Javin both dead, and Quinton making threats against the IG, certain decisions could wait no longer. So he’d stepped into Javin’s shoes, at least for the time being. Now he sat behind Javin’s desk, surrounded by the elegant richness of a guild master’s office, and began the work of protecting the Integration Guild.

A bit of Belington’s snark faded as he looked into Letos’s eyes. “How’d you find out before the Harbinger Guild?”

“Apparently, my spies are more efficient than their visions.” Letos folded his hands on the desktop, attempting to look more relaxed.

“So why tell us?” Master Gutorrez, head of the Civil Order Guild was the polar opposite of Master Belington. Gutorrez was quiet and methodical, analyzing situations with militant precision, while Belington just loved to argue. A failing of many intellectuals.

Holo-images of the two guild masters filled the chairs in front of Letos. They could not only see him, they could also see each other.

“Until the next Pyre Sterling is chosen,” Letos began, “Harbinger Guild is a rudderless ship. The former Pyre Sterling was the loudest supporter of neutrality.”

“The former Pyre was the loudest period.” Belington’s sarcastic attitude returned with a vengeance. “Hopefully the next one will be more malleable.”

“I don’t want to take the chance,” Letos told him. “I’d like to contact the battle born now and offer our support in exchange for final approval of whomever the rebels intend to install in Quinton’s place. If a treaty is already in place by the time the harbingers choose the next Pyre, they will have no choice but to go along with whatever we decide. We aren’t soldiers, but we can’t stand idly by while this conflict plays out. An alliance is the only way we can ensure that all of our interests are protected.”

Belington looked at Gutorrez and smiled. “He sounds like a guild master already.”

Gutorrez wasn’t so easily convinced. “Javin was also a stanch separatist. Does the IG council support your proposal?”

“It wasn’t unanimous, but they’ve agreed to the plan if it’s proposed by the steering committee. They aren’t willing to act unilaterally.”

After a thoughtful pause, Gutorrez said, “I’ll need to speak with my guild, but we’ve been ready to oust Quinton for some time now.”

“What about the other four guild masters?” Belington wanted to know. There were a total of eight seats on the steering committee. Letos held one temporarily and Pyre’s seat was now empty, which left six. Letos had decided to contact those six in groups of two.

“I’ll be contacting them next. I’ve found conversations are more productive in smaller groups.”

Gutorrez chuckled. “I think we’re going to get along just fine. I’ll com you in the next few hours with our decision.”

Letos nodded and Gutorrez’s image blinked off.

“Do you know who Garin Nox intends to install in Quinton’s place?” Belington sounded curious rather than sarcastic, for a change. “I know you’ve interacted directly with the battle born on several occasions.”

Letos relaxed enough to smile. “I’m not the only one with spies among the battle born?”

Belington just returned his smile.

“If Garin has someone in mind, he’s not saying.” It was more or less true. Letos knew of several possibilities that Garin would likely support, but the wily general had never confirmed or denied any of them.

“Why wouldn’t it be Garin himself?”

Letos shook his head. “Garin’s a soldier to the marrow of his bones. His popularity will pave the way for his choice, but Garin doesn’t want to rule. He’s a crusader, not a king.”

“What about one of his brothers?”

That possibility had crossed Letos’s mind, but he wasn’t ready to trust Belington with more than he’d said already. Belington was known to have a big mouth. Letos had never heard of a leak within the steering committee. But if secret information ever reached Quinton’s ear, Belington would top Letos’s list of suspects.

“The elite will never tolerate a battle born ruler.” Again, Letos’s statement was true, at least on the surface. The battle born would demand representation within the new regime. Letos simply had no idea how Garin planned to accomplish it.

Belington studied him for a few more seconds then nodded. “I’ll let you know how my guild votes.”