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  No sooner had her fingers touched his, then he grasped her with a sure grip around her wrist and lifted her from the pool. Her knees shook with anticipation as she waited, wondering at his next move. Her eyes were fixed on the tender curve of his mouth, longing to feel those hard lips taking control of her yearning body.

  But again, he confounded her.

  Not yet. She heard regret and heavy need in his words.

  He brushed a fingertip over her parted lips, tracing the outline of their shape, before striding off to grab a woollen cover from a pile on the floor. He returned and draped the blanket around her shoulders, pulling it tight across her chest and enveloping her in instant warmth. He looped his arms under her knees and carried her a few paces to lower her with a careful touch onto the furs.

  Sherise tucked her chilly feet under the thick wool, burrowing her toes into the thick fibres. Light blossomed in her heart when he sat beside her and grabbed a fur, placing it over his shoulders.

  ‘Warmer?’

  ‘Yes, thank you.’

  ‘Good.’ A wicked smile split his face. ‘It will not do for the mother of my sons to sicken before she can bear my seed.’

  ‘You … you …’ She struggled with the urge to laugh, unwilling to show how much in tune with him she felt. She settled for glaring at him instead, not daring to admit how the amusement glowing like purple stardust in his eyes dissolved her irritation. Unable to resist, she chuckled.

  ‘The sound of your happiness lightens my soul.’ Maaka placed a large hand over his chest, his gaze intent on her face.

  He sounds so serious. What if his attentions are more than a strategy to gain our allegiance? Could he really care? Troubled at how she longed to know the true state of his heart, she wrenched her eyes aside. Fire heated her flesh like a fever as she recalled the feel of his rough skin, the weight of his body pressing her down. Her brother would never countenance such a union. But her brother was not here.

  By the stars, what I am thinking? At best, this could only ever be a one-off sexual encounter. And the last thing I need is to fall with child to a barbarian I may never see again.

  She straightened and raised her chin, groping for the threadbare mantle of her royal status.

  ‘We will eat.’ Maaka indicated the platters. The sudden coolness in his voice told her he had read her mind. With the courtesy she had come to expect from him, he offered her choices of food before seeing to his own needs. He poured amber liquid from a jug into clay beakers and proffered one.

  She sniffed at the contents, inhaling a fragrant mix of spices and a scent which made her think of warm, toasty bread. She sent a questioning look in his direction.

  ‘Mead. We use it for both food and drink.’

  ‘It is wonderful.’ Sherise licked the last spicy drop from her lips, enjoying the warmth spreading down her chest and into her belly.

  The platters held varied selections of roasted meat and root vegetables. Her mouth watered at the sight of a pastry type confection sprinkled with nuts and dripping with wild honey. She hesitated, worrying for a moment about how quickly she put on weight, and then shrugged. She devoured whatever was offered.

  Maaka inspected the platter containing the meat as if he searched for concealed weapons. He bent over, his bold nose a mere centon from the contents and sniffed. A faint exclamation of relief passed his lips and he edged the plate closer.

  She picked up a piece of meat and chewed with relish. What had he been looking for? It tasted fine to her; succulent and moist, with a tart minty-pine flavour.

  ‘What plant seasons this meat?’

  ‘It is a herb called rosemary that has been used for many centuries past on my planet. It has many uses, some medicinal and some spiritual.’ He picked up a small twig with narrow grey-green leaves and twirled it between his fingers, tapping it against her wrist then each of her fingers. Amusement crinkled lines at the crease of his eyes as he smiled; a long, slow, curving smile that caused a jitter of sensation to arc through her body leaving her weak and hot. ‘It also ensures the affection of a loved one.’

  She gulped and snatched her hand away.

  Choked.

  He thumped her helpfully on her back.

  ‘Enough. Thank you.’ She glowered at him. ‘We need to establish the parameters here. For the last time, please get it through your thick head that I am not, nor will I ever be, your mate.’

  A deep line appeared between his brows and his jaw jutted. ‘Your continued refusal to accept my claim displeases me greatly. You have told me you have no mate and I need sons. I see no need for any objection.’ He flung his head back, annoyance bouncing off him in waves of dark energy.

  The torches spluttered in their braces. Shadows danced with wild abandon across the cave walls. Even the rhythmic fall of water seemed muted.

  For the first time, Sherise became fully aware of how alone they were in this small cave so far from the Hall. Perhaps it had not been a good idea to dismiss her bodyguard, but Maaka’s arrogant assertion fired her blood.

  ‘There is more to a union between a man and a woman than expediency. There must be mutual connection of the mind and the heart. I could never accept anything less.’ She met him, glare for glare.

  ‘We share that connection.’ He leaned closer, his gaze searing into hers.

  ‘An animalistic desire to mate is not what I’m talking about.’ She tossed her head. ‘I am not of your world, nor do I intend to remain here. This discussion ends here.’

  He bared his teeth. They gleamed white in the gloom and she quivered inside.

  ‘I will have my way. As the leader of my people, no one disobeys my decree. Especially those under my protection.’ He nudged her chin and scanned her face, his previous anger banked. ‘It has not escaped me how easily you issue orders. Nor have I missed the alacrity with which they are obeyed by Kondo and his men. And yet you say you are a speaker of languages and have implied your role on your ship as similar to many others.’

  When she remained silent, he continued, ‘A woman of many talents who stands and fights, who has knowledge of healing and does not flinch from the smell and sights of the aftermath of battle.’ He released her chin and smoothed a hand over his head, all the while his gaze not leaving hers.

  She hoped he could not discern the frantic beats of her heart while she sought for some explanation which would satisfy him. Should he learn of her status, he might be tempted to imprison her and trade her for the weapons he so obviously needed. Her lips parted but before she could speak, he placed a finger on her mouth.

  ‘I do not desire to hear any more lies. Until you can tell me the truth, do not speak of these matters. I will form my own opinion.’

  Anger spiked. ‘You speak of lies and yet you practise deceit with me. You want our help with your war. That is the true reason why you are so kind to me.’ By Cercis’s cloak, I should have held my tongue.

  With an expression as regal as any Darkon warlord, he removed his hand and indicated the cooling food. ‘You sound very certain of yourself. Then by all means, believe what you will of me. But know this, Sherise, you will be mine. Now, you must eat and then rest.’

  More than a little frustrated, Sherise reached for the pastry. She wanted to rant at him, drag the truth from his mouth, but she had the sense to realise now was not the time.

  An edgy tension simmered from him that seemed to play havoc with her own barely restrained needs. She frowned at the sight of her fingers trembling as she fingered the sticky sweet.

  ‘I am glad to see you enjoy your food.’ His cool and impersonal voice steadied her nerves.

  He was not the only one who could do cool.

  ‘I like eating far too much, especially anything sweet.’ She patted her rounded belly.

  ‘Why is this a bad thing?’

  Her gaze met his before jerking away. There had been nothing but admiration and a predatory hunger in Maaka’s eyes. It had not escaped her notice that the women of this world were also built o
n sturdy lines, with well-developed bodies similar to her own. Albeit, the Freeber women were of smaller stature. She chewed the flaky pastry, enjoying the crunch of nuts and the smooth molten glide of warm honey. These women were nothing like the leanness she admired so much in her brother’s wife or the petite body of her friend. They were pretty too, some with near perfect features and all with glossy, long hair.

  Strange, how he had no mate. Or had he chosen a woman to be his life partner, only for her to fall prey to the hardships of this world? Was that why he was so insistent on claiming her? Did he believe, since she was not of this world, she would be stronger? Capable of bearing his longed for sons?

  She stared at her platter and wiped her finger over the last dribble of honey before popping it into her mouth, but the sweetness turned bitter. The idea that he may care for another woman twisted her insides with sharp, stabbing needles.

  I am jealous. The realisation slammed into her. She dropped the platter and glanced up to find his heavy-lidded eyes fixed on her mouth. His lips parted, the edges of his features sharply delineated with the force of his stare.

  A million flymoths swarmed inside her belly. Her intention to keep him at bay vaporised. Her toes curled tight amongst the wool and beneath her damp skin suit, her nipples tightened as her breasts swelled with a throbbing need. She leaned forward, her gaze riveted to his strong face, her hands trembling in their aching desire to touch every centon of dark-gold skin that still glistened from the pool. She pulsed with want as she imagined all that hard, heavy heat pressing into her.

  And a warning wailed like a careening asteroid in her mind, that this would be a disastrous mistake.

  Her body shaking as if from a lethal fever, she forced herself to withdraw.

  He smiled.

  By the glorious goddess Cercis, he did more than smile.

  It was triumph etched in every sharp, hungry plane of his face. In the intensity of his gaze. In the deep mobile curve of his mouth. In the waiting stance of his tense body.

  Soon.

  Had he read her thoughts? Or worse, her heart?

  He sounded so smug, a quaking surge of excitement travelled through her trembling limbs.

  She broke her stare.

  ‘Time for you to rest,’ he said, his voice gruff and deep. ‘Close your eyes, Sherise, while I play for you.’

  Too tired to argue any further and confused at how quickly she’d come to care for a man who was almost a stranger, she curled up in the furs. Haunting, deep notes filled the air, the tones rich and evocative. Sherise opened her eyes to see Maaka, sitting cross-legged with a long wooden pipe placed between his lips, his hands moving along the smooth timber in a slow caress.

  The tune tugged her heart. It spoke to her of legends and myths, love lost and the fight for freedom.

  Gradually she relaxed and fell into a profound sleep, knowing he maintained a vigil by her side.

  Chapter 14

  As soon as she woke, Sherise had requested to return to the healing cave where she relieved Bree and Maaka departed in search of Kondo. He found his quarry in the Hall with his back against the wall.

  But Maaka was not fooled by the seemingly casual pose. He suspected the warlord kept a sharp watch on the comings and goings of the Lycaneans and the Freebers. Another who didn’t trust him. And he had good reason.

  Despite his feelings for Sherise, or perhaps because of them, Maaka was determined to press on with his plans. At any moment, Sherise and her people could leave Earth and with their departure would go his race’s last hope of a future.

  Disappointment from her lack of trust in him still hammered like physical blows inside his heart. He couldn’t believe how much her suspicions hurt. During the long night while he watched over her, he kept reminding himself of all they could lose. This was bigger than his own desires, bigger than Sherise’s determination to deny their connection; this was two entire races’ survival at stake.

  He had to gain the Star People’s support. Or failing that, he’d do whatever was necessary so his people could live.

  Maaka rubbed a hand over his bristly jaw as he sidestepped recumbent bodies huddled under furs and considered Kondo’s continued diligence to duty, despite the fatigue he must be feeling.

  Could the warrior’s stamina stem from the result of controlled breeding or perhaps the product of imbibing chemicals? Either answer could be of considerable use to his people. With his sweet Sherise busy tending the wounded, now would be the perfect time to garner more information.

  And, if he was lucky, an ally.

  A grim smile twisted his lips and Maaka closed the distance with quick strides. He sank into a crouch beside Kondo.

  Kondo remained still, staring ahead into the shadowed cavern. ‘Where are my females?’

  Maaka swallowed the swift surge of fury, guessing the other man deliberately baited him. ‘My mate and her friend see to the wounded.’

  The other man merely grunted.

  Maaka’s respect rose further when his opponent failed to respond. A well-seasoned fighter, this man. He rested his head against the rock and sighed. ‘As leader of my people, I hold their future in my hands. You have seen a little of the hardship we face with our day-to-day battle to survive.’ He spread his hands wide, indicating the primitive surroundings. ‘I must know whether an advanced race such as yours pose a threat to us.’

  Kondo turned to meet his gaze. ‘We are not meant to be here.’

  Maaka considered the stark statement for several beats. ‘Aah, then a mistake with your navigation. Your star ship was off course?’

  ‘In part. It was our intention to arrive on this planet but in your past. For us, this time here and now is the future.’

  Maaka’s heart rate kicked up a notch. ‘You must be keen to return to your own time.’

  ‘What any of us wants is immaterial. The only fact that matters is that we are stuck on this rock.’

  Was that resentment in the warrior’s harsh tones? ‘I find it hard to believe your people would make such an error.’

  ‘A Relic does not make such simple errors!’ As quickly as his outrage flashed, it passed and Kondo shrugged. A despondent gesture. ‘Nor did the Darkon technology fail. In the middle of your galaxy of stars, there is a vortex through which our ships can traverse from one world to another. We collided with the wreck of another ship and were thrown off course.’

  ‘Your ship must have sustained damage, then.’

  ‘For a barbarian, you are intelligent.’

  ‘Ah hah, I see I am in the company of another intellect.’ Maaka grinned and dummy punched him in the chest. ‘Perhaps we can be of use to each other.’

  Kondo compressed his lips.

  ‘How damaged is your ship?’

  ‘The chance of repairing her sufficiently to return to our home is slim.’

  ‘Tell me, my friend. You refer to yourself as a Relic. Who are the Darkons then?’

  ‘The guardians of our galaxy. They keep the peace now that the war is over.’ Kondo slid a glance in Maaka’s direction. ‘We were enemies once, but I have sworn an oath of allegiance to their leader.’

  ‘A man of loyalty,’ drawled Maaka. He fielded the irate glare directed at him and remained impassive. ‘This will not test your vow, Kondo. I merely suggest a friendship of sorts.’

  ‘She is not for you,’ Kondo said flatly.

  With difficulty, Maaka reined in his anger. ‘Nor is she for you.’

  ‘She is a Darkon and will never renege on her duty to protect those under her care.’

  ‘I would not have her otherwise,’ Maaka said agreeably.

  Kondo gave a short laugh. ‘You are as wily as she, a pity you will never come to know this yourself. What is it that you have in mind?’

  ‘Join forces with me and fight by my side. With access to your weapons and technology, I know we will prevail against my enemies. I will accept no less. The Corporation must be destroyed. If not, my people will continue to suffer until our bones are r
educed to dust.’ Should he share his suspicions about the Teacher? I have no evidence of his involvement with any of the Corporation’s decisions. I will wait for Kondo’s decision before telling him more.

  Kondo frowned. ‘And what of the Puridean people themselves? What will happen to them?’

  ‘They will be given the opportunity to surrender. Come, you have been inside the Fortress, seen how they want for nothing. And now you are here. Look around, my friend, and tell me if my people deserve this desperate life. Every day we struggle for food and fresh water. Every day there is the chance one or more of us will be attacked by the Half-dead and turn. Of all that we suffer, for a Lycanean that is worse than death.’

  The Relic warlord remained silent for a few moments. ‘I have little authority on our ship and cannot guarantee the Darkons will agree. However, I will put forward your words to the Darkon Commander. On behalf of my men, I will consider your offer. But, Maaka, I will not wage war on the Darkons. Nor will I do anything to imperil their safety or endanger Sherise.’

  Maaka’s twitched his eyebrows together. ‘How many men will follow you?’

  ‘I have twenty loyal to me and my name. I am a Relic warlord, once leader of my people and the enemy of the Darkons until circumstances changed. I surrendered my leadership to my younger brother and embarked on what I hoped would be an easy journey to another universe while I decided on my future path.’ The arrogance left Kondo’s voice and it was his turn to sigh heavily. ‘With what has happened to our ship, I am thinking I made a poor choice.’

  ‘If your ship cannot be repaired, my friend, then this land will be your home. You will do well to consider on which side you will fight.’

  ‘Then you are determined on war.’

  Maaka met his gaze with a steady stare. ‘I fight for freedom, for equality, for a right to live without fear.

  ‘And …?’

  ‘For retribution for those who were turned into monsters. And for the dead, slaughtered before their time.’

  A slow smile split the Relic’s face. ‘My favourite battle cry.’

  ‘That is good. Let me tell you a little of our past so you may judge for yourself.’ In a low tone, Maaka continued, ‘The Corporation has weapons against which we cannot defend ourselves. In the tales of our Elders, our people also lived within the compound, but we were driven out because we were not pure. Some say we were bred to be that way. Banished to the Outworld with little protection, we have fought for every breath that we have taken. Now, we are hunted by the Half-dead as a food source and hunted by demon gods for sport.’