Vareen & Mica (The Alliance Book 2) (10 page)

Vareen eyed Mica’s frustrated features. “I don’t understand why I have to
go.” She tried to reason with him. “I can stay and watch over Luna. It’s the
perfect solution.”

Mica opened his mouth and then snapped it shut.

“My dear.” Martac Jataci spoke from his spot at the dining table. “With
your health issues, Mica couldn’t leave you here alone. We don’t have a
challenger this cycle, but Mica would be distracted if you were to stay behind.”

“Honestly, I’m fine.” Vareen was getting tired of everyone treating her
like a helpless invalid. She didn’t remember one small,
infinitesimal
span of time, not her whole life. In fact, she hadn’t
had a reaction since the day she’d met Dani and Mica had to tell her about that
one. She didn’t even recall what they’d been talking about that caused her to
black out. Mica had said they were talking about her hobbies, but it didn’t
make sense.

Something odd was going on and Vareen couldn’t put her finger on it.
Ever
since arriving here with Mica
,
her mind had been clearing and Vareen was
sure it was
mending faster than it would have at
the hospital
. As for her body, that was fully healed. In her humble
opinion, she was as fit as ever!

During her stay in the hospital and again here at Mica’s she’d been doing
her self-defense drills to keep in shape. She thought her progress was
impressive. She’d gained back all of her muscle mass and her skills were as
fresh as ever. Maybe she should ask Mica to train with her to show him that she
was stronger. A smile crossed her face at the idea of getting the upper hand in
a battle with Mica.

“It’s out of the
question,
” Mica
stated emphatically as if that ended the argument. Vareen wasn’t that easily
put off.

“If you’re worried about my being alone, I can ask Jaden to come watch
me.” Vareen brightened at the thought. Her voice coming out excitedly, “he is a
trained doctor. If Luna goes into labor, Jaden can help her.”

The darkening of Mica’s eyes was all the warning she got before he was
towering over her. She was fascinated by the blue sparks and energy emanating
from his huge frame. “Jaden is not coming here to care for you or Luna.”

The air seemed to swell with his words and Vareen frowned. Holding her
own against Mica, she snapped, “Why not? It’s the logical solution.”

“No.”

“Give me one good reason why
not,
”
Vareen demanded

Mica leaned down until they were almost nose to nose. “Because I said
so.” His eyes were almost completely blue now.

Vareen opened her mouth and then closed it. She had the insane urge to
lean into Mica and press her breasts into his chest. To wrap her hands in his
silky black hair and press her lips against his. He was close enough for her to
do it too. Staring at his mouth she was too distracted to argue and quite
frankly forgot what they were even talking about. His tongue swept across his
lower lip and Vareen’s pulse quickened. What would he do if she broke down and
did what she wanted?
He’d have a heart
attack that his friend was kissing him for no reason, an inner voice argued.

“We need to come up with a solution. We are leaving in the morning.”
Mica’s father broke into their stare down.

Vareen blinked a few times and eased back a step. She finally remembered
what Mica had been saying. “Because you say so isn’t a good enough reason.”

“It is for me.” Mica stepped back as well until there was a reasonable
space between them. “I am responsible for taking care of you while you heal and
I will not fail in that duty. Not again.” Before she could argue further, or
ask him what he meant by that last comment, Mica stormed outside.

Vareen took a step to follow when Martac stopped her. “Let him cool
down.”

Vareen looked at the leader of the Jataci and inclined her head. “If you
think it’s best.”

Martac patted the seat next to him. “Sit here while we wait for Mica to
come back.”

Vareen sighed loudly and sat on the seat. Why was Mica acting so
strangely?

She only wanted to do what was best. She didn’t want to be a burden to
him at the Challenge of Succession ceremonies. She knew it meant a great deal
and she would just be in the way. Staying here with, or without, a caregiver
would be for the best.

She’d been told that Cali,
Vathral,
and Nellia would all be attending the ceremonies as well. The short burst of
excitement she felt at the idea of seeing her friends again died when she
thought of her unstable mental state. Would she start fantasizing about kissing
and holding Vathral next?

Since arriving at Mica’s two days ago she’d had some alarming reactions.
She almost broke down a few times and told Mica so he could tell Jaden. Something
held her back every time she went to speak with him.
Embarrassment
mostly, since the direction her thoughts went in
regards to Mica were heated in nature.

It wasn’t the fact that she was sexually attracted to
Mica
that alarmed her. It was how real the
fantasies felt, almost as if they were memories she was reliving. It didn’t
make sense. How could she have had the feelings for Mica she was fantasizing
about in the short time she’d known him?

“Don’t let Mica’s temper scare you.” Martac patted her hand breaking into
her musings.

“He doesn’t scare me,” Vareen assured Martac. “I’m just puzzled why he’s
so adamant that I go to the ceremony.”

“Did Mica ever tell you about losing his mother?”
Martac’s
eyes deepened with pain.

“Yes.” Vareen thought for a moment and then continued. “I have the memory
of him talking about it. I know he felt her loss deeply.” Vareen had the
knowledge, she just didn’t remember talking with Mica about it. “He grew closer
to Andani and you,” Vareen met the older man’s gaze. “Mica is determined not to
lose another person important to him. He wants to be there for both you and
Dani.”

“Yes.” Martac seemed pleased. “Mica would do anything for those he cares
about. Not keeping a loved one from harm is the worst failure to him.”

“I understand that about him, but how does it relate to me and the
challenge ceremony?” Vareen was confused. “I’m a friend yes—”

“A friend,” Martac
murmured
under
his breath. “Yes, you are a special friend to him.”

Vareen eyed Martac. “A special friend?” she laughed slightly. “What do
you mean?”

“Father,” Mica had returned and was still scowling. “Can I speak
to
you outside for a moment.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m going back to my quarters. You can talk here.” Vareen
stood to leave. Martac rose as well and kissed her cheek. Vareen had blushed
hotly when he did it after their breakfast the second day she’d been here. Now
it just seemed normal. Martac Jataci had been visiting for every meal it seemed
for two days now. Vareen was used to him and his physical displays of
affection.

Before she cleared the doorway Mica grabbed her arm and turned her. “Pack
for the ceremonies. You are coming.”

Vareen glared at him but didn’t deign to answer. Instead, she removed her
arm from his hold and went through the doors. Mica was a controlling brute. Why
he felt the need to drag her to Metari was beyond her. She would pack but that
wouldn’t stop her from trying to talk with him about it again later.

Marching into her bedroom she grabbed a stack of black dresses, some
sandals,
and toiletries and threw them into a
bag. Muttering the whole time about Mica and his high-handed tactics. Turning
from the bed she slammed into a rock hard chest.

Two strong hands helped steady her and Vareen found herself in the
position she’d wanted to be in earlier. Her breasts pressed tightly into Mica,
her hands on his shoulders.

An image flashed through her mind of holding Mica like this while on
The Reliant.
Her lips were pressed
against his. Their bodies straining to get closer. Emotions flooded her.
Happiness, desire, fear, uncertainty.

Her body spasmed with the attempt at keeping the pain at bay. With a
laugh of exhilaration, she was able to remain conscious. She was getting better
at managing her reactions and she couldn’t be happier.

Mica stepped back, “Are you okay?” his eyes were flashing blue around the
edges.

“Yes. I’m almost done
packing
.”
Vareen eyed him speculatively. The only time his eyes changed to blue was when
his emotions were in play. Mica was worried about her but why?

“I wanted to explain my reason for wanting you at the challenge.” Mica
went to say more but she stopped him.

Vareen decided at that moment to go to the ceremony and find Cali. Her
friend would be able to tell her if she was going crazy. “You don’t need to.
We’re friends and you’ve taken the burden of caring for me. I’ll do as you ask.”

“Yes. Friends.” Mica seemed uncomfortable.

To change the subject and to give herself time to think, she asked, “Have
you seen Luna? She usually bothers me for a good rub down about this time.”

He seemed confused for one second and then shook it off. “Not since
earlier. I’ve asked one of my cousins to watch her, so you needn’t be worried
while we’re gone.”

“I’m sure that Luna will be fine. I just hope she doesn’t have her babies
before I get back.” Vareen turned to rummage through her bag. She didn’t want
to forget anything.

“I’ll leave you to pack then.”

Vareen didn’t turn to see Mica leave the room. She vowed to take the time
at the challenge to find answers.

“You didn’t tell me there were going to be so many people.” Vareen’s head
was swinging from side to side trying to take it all in. Their loaner pod had
arrived a few moments ago at the designated location for the challenge. There
were multiple
pavilions
dotting the
landscape, along with tents of every size and color.

“It will grow larger. There are still four days to go and only the heads
of the clans are here this early.”

“What are in the extra tents?”

“Everything,” Mica laughed at her expression. “Food, merchants, games…”

“It’s like a huge fair,” Vareen was in awe. “I’ve read about them in the
history books.”

Mica pulled her toward a grouping of large black tents. “This section of
the gathering is for the Jataci.”

Since the Metari were hosting this event on their lands it was decided
that the challenge would be held in their northern region. The temperature was
moderate enough that everyone should be comfortable. To accommodate all of the participants
and spectators the organizers of this challenge had chosen a relatively flat
spot between two of the larger rivers.

Mica pulled her toward a single tent standing in the cocoon of a group of
trees. “This way.”

“Where is my tent?” Vareen looked around for another close by, but the
rest of the black tents were
twenty feet
or so away.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t able to get the space for another tent. We’ll have
to share.”

Mica was biting his lip and Vareen wondered at his nervousness. Looking
around at all the empty space she tried to hide her confusion. There seemed to
be a lot of space, but she wasn’t an expert on the layout of the tents.

“I’m sure this will be fine.” Stepping around Mica, she accidentally
brushed against him as she entered the tent. She felt the tremor go through him
at the full body contact and an answering one in rippled down
hers, she
stilled. The urge to stay pressed
into Mica was strong. Shaking herself mentally she continued past him into the
tent.

Once inside she stopped in surprise. It wasn’t anything like she’d imagined,
it was a miniature version of the homes they built here. Upon entering there
was a small living room. To her right there were two additional flaps of
material.

Curious she stepped through the first opening and found the bathroom. It
held only a solar shower. It made sense to use the solar showering instead of
running water. There were too many tents to provide plumbing.

Feeling a sudden source of heat behind her she knew Mica was there.
Leaning back in the guise of looking up she enjoyed the feel of him pressing
into her back for one second then turned. Mica’s eyes were a brilliant blue. Were
they just friends? She gave it two days before she was a raving lunatic. She
already wanted to rip his clothes off.

“Where are the toilets?” She blurted to break the tension between then.
It was a good question to break the silence. They would need to use one at some
point during the week and she didn’t see one in the tent.

“I can show you. Each clan has been allotted a specific space. That area
is laid out roughly like a rectangular shape.” Vareen eyed Mica’s hands as he
demonstrated. “There are four tents located at each corner and one in the
middle. Those tents hold multiple toilets in each. They are white in color so
they are easier to find.”

“That should make it easier. Thank you for telling me.”

“Do you need to use one now?”

“No. I’m okay.” Vareen turned and Mica stepped back to allow her space.
“What’s in the other room?”

“The bedroom.” Mica’s voice was rough and deep.

She stepped around him and opened the other flap. There were two large
beds adorned with two pillows each and a variety of blankets. Raising her
eyebrow, she turned to Mica. “Two beds but no wall between them?”

She’d meant it to be teasing but Mica took her complaint to heart.

“Would you prefer I share with my father, or you could share with Dani?”

“No,” Vareen spoke a bit too hastily. “We’re both adults. I think we can
handle this arrangement.”

“I’ll set our bags in here. Would you like to unpack now or explore the
gathering?” Mica had been carrying her bag as well as his own and placed them
on the bed.

“I’d like to find Cali if you don’t mind.” Vareen felt that talking with
her friend might help. Vareen had a very real fear that she was going crazy.

 
“Her tent will be in the Renari
section. I need to speak with Drake and I can escort you if you’d like.”

“That would be nice, thank you.” Cali moved to the opening flap in the
tent.

“We could visit the merchant and food tents after visiting if you’re
hungry. There are sure to be delicacies from Denary that I think you’d like.
Bolvian
chocolate crème cake is very popular.”

“It sounds delicious. I’ve got something of a sweet tooth and wouldn’t
mind sampling some of the sweets available in the food tents. The hospital
didn’t cater to junk foods.” Vareen chanced a look at Mica’s face and saw him
watching the path intently. His gaze going from side to side as if he was
looking for something. His brow was furrowed as if he was worried about
something.

Seeing her gaze on him, Mica forced a smile and Vareen asked, “Is
everything okay?”

“Yes. Fine.” Mica steered them around a group of women talking at an
intersection of paths. His pace picked up and Vareen felt as if she was almost
running. Turning back, she saw that the women were watching them. Not all of
them were wearing smiles. A few of them appeared downright hostile.

“Here we are. The Renari. If I know Drake, and I do, he’ll be at the
outer boundary, toward the tree line.”

That is the direction he drew Vareen in with gentle pressure on her
elbow. After a few moments on the
path,
they found him. “There he is.” Mica pointed to a lone tent placed off the end
of the path. “Drake.”

At his
name,
Drake turned to see
her and Mica.

“Mica, Vareen. You’ve made it as well.” It didn’t take long with Mica’s
longer stride and fast pace to reach Cali and Drake’s tent. Both men greeted
each other with a shoulder slapping hug. Drake bowed to her and straightened.

“Cali is inside and I’m sure she’d love to visit with you. Do you mind if
I take Mica away for a moment?”

“No go ahead, I’ll say hello to Cali.” Vareen stepped into the tent,
“Cali are you up for a visitor?”

“Vareen. Of course, I’ll be right out.”

Cali’s tent configuration was exactly like the one she shared with Mica.
One couch and two chairs in the living room area for seating. One small table
for refreshments.

“I was just unpacking, not that there is very much to unpack.”
 
Cali entered the living room from the flap
leading into the bedroom. “All I have is the purple dress and sandals. Although
Drake did warn me that it can get cold in Renari. They call it a winter period
and I’ll have to add a cloak, boots, and leggings to my outfit if I’m outside.
That might be interesting.”

 
Cali took her hand and led her to
the couch. “Do you want anything to drink? My mother-in-law has got me addicted
to this sweet and sour concoction she makes. I have some if you’d like to try
it?”

Vareen noticed a pitcher of liquid and goblets on the table in front of
them. “Sure,” she answered distractedly. She wanted to bring up her gaps in memory
but she was sure Jaden would have told Cali not to talk with her. Taking the
glass Cali handed her she absently took a large swallow. The tart drink made
her eyes water and mouth pucker.

“What is this?” Vareen gasped out.

Cali laughed at the look on her face, “It gets better when the sweet
nectar kicks in. Usually after the first few sips.”

Vareen didn’t know if she believed her
friend
but took another sip to be nice. It actually did taste a bit less sour and
sweeter
.

“So, how are you feeling?” Cali eyed her carefully. “I wanted to visit
with you more at the hospital, but Jaden advised against it. When you were
released I offered to have you come to Renari, but I was outvoted.”

Vareen didn’t know that Cali had wanted her to go to Renari. “Who
outvoted you?” she asked her friend even though she knew the answer.

“Well, the doctor discussed it with us.” Vareen could see that her friend
was hemming and hawing over what to say. “That is to
say,
Drake, Mica and I all felt—”

Vareen decided it was time to get everything in the open before her poor
friend gave herself a heart attack. “I want to know Cali. It’s okay to tell
me.”