Dominated by Desire
Book One of the Vespian Way
Barbara Donlon Bradley
This is an explicit and erotic novel
intended for the enjoyment
of adult readers. Please keep
out of the hands of children.
www.Phaze.com
Dominated by Desire
Copyright © 2012 by Barbara Donlon Bradley
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Edited by Adrienne Jones
Cover Art © 2012 by Niki Browning
First Edition January 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1-60659-637-1
SMASHWORDS EDITION
Published by:
Phaze Books
An imprint of Mundania Press LLC
6457 Glenway Ave., #109
Cincinnati, OH 45211
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Chapter 1
Heather stood next to her commander, going over everything she had learned about the Vespian society so far. He wanted to be sure she was ready for her next assignment. She found the idea of guarding the ambassador a bit boring but she’d done it before and it shouldn’t be a long one. The man was only to be on Earth for a short period of time.
Her first glimpse of the Vespian ambassador caught her off guard. She wasn’t sure what she expected but it wasn’t seeing him coming in like some sort of rock star. Shirt missing, exposing tight, sculpted abs, along with well-muscled shoulders and arms. He was the stuff of most women’s wet dreams and he dressed the part.
“That is the ambassador?” She couldn’t keep the shock out of her voice. His jet black hair held a bit of a blue shine, and he kept running his fingers through the thick locks like he wanted to draw attention to it. He was tall too. Had to be over seven feet, even for her six foot three frame that was tall.
“I know it isn’t what you expect but he is doing this for charity.” Her commander’s voice was laced with a touch of laughter. “From what I hear he was talked into this. They wanted him to be one of the dates for this auction but he refused.”
All she could do was stare. The women surrounding him were practically throwing themselves at him, reaching to touch whatever they could. Giggles and groans filled the air as hands made contact with his muscled arms and legs.
How was she going to work with him now that she had seen this? She wasn’t sure if she could, with this flashing in her mind all the time.
Those women who were able to touch him tried to pull him toward them but luckily he had anchored himself well, and had plenty of protection to keep them at bay. She was sure he reveled in the attention. He had a smile that could melt a polar ice cap.
“If it’s all right with you, sir, I’ll wait for this to end elsewhere.” She didn’t really want to see any more. If she was to treat him with any kind of professionalism it would be smart for her to find another place to wait inside the embassy.
“That’s fine. This shouldn’t take very long.”
Heather turned around and climbed the steps to the large double doors. Her title of ice princess fit her well at this moment. Most women would enjoy watching this display but it just made her uncomfortable.
Unable to stop herself, she turned one last time to watch the spectacle and found him staring right at her. Everything disappeared during that moment. Nothing else existed but the two of them connecting through the throng of the crowd. The moment she realized she was starting to attract attention she broke eye contact and walked into the building.
What had just happened?
Her heart beat hard in her chest. No one ever affected her. That was one of the reasons she was brought in. Where all the other women had ended up sleeping with the man, she would be immune.
She needed something to calm herself down.
Meditation normally worked for her but she needed someplace quiet and empty. She found just about every room occupied. She nodded and smiled as she entered and then left different rooms.
Eventually she did find a quiet corridor. All she needed was a small alcove and a few minutes. She heard several sets of footsteps and sighed. Not this time. She turned back to find herself face to face with the ambassador with a small entourage.
Being this close to him set her body on fire. His gaze trapped her, heating her from the inside out. Training kept her from crumbling at his feet.
“Sorry, mistress, but this is the ambassador’s wing. No one is allowed down it but him and his most trusted guards.”
The man’s voice was pleasant but she found she could look at anyone but the ambassador. She found herself drowning in his eyes. They were a golden tone with a deep amber ring around the edge. She had never seen anything like it.
Tearing her gaze from his, she blinked a couple times before she could focus on the man who spoke to her. “I am sorry. Guess I got a little lost.”
“Of course.” The man bowed to her. “One of these men will take you to your room.”
“Thank you.” She steadied herself and followed the man down the hall. It took every ounce of will power to not turn around to look at him again.
****
“And who is that?” Storm found the petite woman intriguing. She had such expressive eyes.
“She has been assigned to help you with the treaty.”
“Really?” He looked over his shoulder to watch her turn the corner. “I thought this race decided I was too difficult to work with. Their women can’t fight the pheromones I exude and the men all want to kill me. Didn’t they say there was no one able to do this?”
“Yes sir, but she’s been tested against your pheromones and fared better than anyone else. Plus she has security training to protect you and their humans. You know these humans have wanted one of their own with you from the beginning. It was a compromise that the elders approved.”
“That little thing is going to protect me?” If the elders approved he wouldn’t fight it but he couldn’t see it. Besides, it would be interesting to see if she could do her job as well as they said.
“She comes highly recommended. One of the planet’s best.”
“We shall see.”
****
Heather dressed for the formal meal. She checked her uniform in the mirror to make sure everything was in place. This assignment would isolate her from everyone she knew. Normally she would welcome it, but she feared she wouldn’t fare any better than those who had tried before her. The one thing she had been able to do before this meal was meditate. It had helped. She had been able to center herself and regain composure. She should be able to face the ambassador with poise now.
One more adjustment and she headed to the main hall where the meal would take place. She entered through the doors and took in her surroundings.
The dining hall bustled with waiters and servers greeting people and taking them to their proper seats. Taking a few calming breaths, she stepped into the room and waited her turn. It didn’t take too long before she was seated next to her commander.
“You sure I’m right for the job?” After her reaction to the ambassador earlier she didn’t feel as confident in herself as her superiors seemed to be.
“Yes. You passed all the tests, and you are the best in security. He emits a natural pheromone that makes people either throw themselves at him or passionately hate him. You showed you were immune to it so that makes you the perfect candidate.”
She sure didn’t feel like she was immune.
The room quieted as they prepared to introduce the ambassador to the crowd. Women sighed and tried to leave their seats to get closer to him. Men either had a big dopey grin or looked like they could kill him.
“This is what I need to protect him from? Just keep him locked up.” She kept her voice soft as she leaned toward her boss.
“That’s why you’re perfect for this,” his voice just as soft. “You see the big picture. You know we can’t lock him up but understand he needs to be kept from other people. It’s just too dangerous to have him wander around.”
“Yes, sir.” She felt the ambassador’s gaze on her. And as much as she wanted to melt at his feet like the rest of the women, she was better than that. Using all her training, she schooled her features and looked back. She had a job to do and nothing would deter her.
He gave her a smile that melted any resolve she had. There was no way she would be able to do this job. Time to get out before she got into trouble. “Sir, I’m not sure about this.”
“I understand. He’s got a personality that pushes the best of us.”
“You don’t seem to be affected.”
“I’m under sedation.” He showed her a small patch resting on his wrist under his jacket. “Everyone at this table is, except for you. You are our only hope if we want to be allies with this planet.”
If she felt something from being in the same room with him and she wasn’t sedated, just how bad was it for everyone else? She watched as the ambassador took his seat. A loud gong sounded and the waiters started to deliver their food. The appetizers arrived first. “I don’t see how I am the only person for the job. There has to be someone else.”
“Lieutenant, you can argue with me all you want. I didn’t make this decision. You’ve been assigned. End of discussion.”
“Sorry, sir.” She took a couple bites. “It’s just I’m not sure I’m as immune as everyone thinks.”
“You’ll be fine.” He picked up the glass in front of him and downed it. Heather noticed the sheen of sweat on his brow. Even medicated he was having problems. “You’re feeling the effect of the pheromone. Nothing like everyone else in this room, but we knew you’d feel it a little. And every Vespian has it. It’s part of the race. That’s why we can’t go there and they picked one of their men they felt wouldn’t cause a war. His pheromones don’t have the strength that other visitors from their planet have had.”
“Why do we want them as allies?” She knew the answer but the mineral they had to offer seemed insignificant in the face of the problems they had to deal with just gaining them as allies.
“You know that mineral would allow us to end hunger here. They have more than they need and are willing to give it to us, but we have to prove ourselves.”
The appetizer was replaced with a salad.
“And I’m the one to do that? Are you sure they went through my record? I haven’t been the model soldier.”
“I know that, but you were the one chosen so you do your duty and help the planet.” He speared a piece of lettuce with his fork.
Dinner went by pretty quickly. She did notice the air circulation was working overtime. Keeping the room clean so emotions were kept at a decent level.
She was grateful she could speak to her commander so candidly. It allowed her to voice her concerns without making a fool of herself. So now she had to protect the man as well as figure out what the planet had to do to prove themselves. She should have read the fine print before she accepted this assignment.
Once the meal was done they were led to another room for dancing and mingling.
“It’s time for me to leave. You’ve already seen your room, right? Is there anything you need from me before I go?”
“Take me with you?” She half joked. “I’m not sure who my main contact is here. Normally we would have a meeting so I would know who I am to deal with. Why haven’t we done that?”
“Another concession. You will meet the people you will deal with tonight. So have fun but stay sharp. Alcohol probably intensifies the problem.” He took his coat from one of the servants and headed toward the door.
She turned to the ballroom, scanning the area for anything out of the ordinary. As she started to do a second sweep she found her view blocked by a broad pair of shoulders.
“Care to dance?”
What a wonderfully deep voice. She looked up to find the ambassador standing in front of her. Much taller than the average human, he towered above her.
How did he do that? He was across the room only seconds ago. She did her best to ignore him. “I should be watching the crowd, Ambassador.”
“True, but dancing will allow you to study the whole group without looking like you’re doing some sort of study.” He stood beside and started to look around with her.
She knew her job better than that and knew she wasn’t looking obvious until he joined her. “No one noticed me until you came over here.”
He smiled at her slight rebuff. Offering her his hand, he didn’t give her a chance to say no again. Heather placed her hand in his, hoping this wouldn’t be a mistake on her part.
His heat penetrated and warmed her blood. If she was immune, she felt for the women who weren’t. Every time he looked at her or touched her she felt it to her toes. Her body hummed at his close proximity. How was she going to do her job?
She needed to clear her mind. One calming breath and she turned her focus from the man who held her in his arms to their surroundings and the people who seemed hyper-focused on him.
One woman caught her attention. She kept lifting her head to see him. She was able to slip from her partner and was headed right for them.
“Um, we need to move. Let me lead.” She took control of their steps, maneuvering them out of the way. It didn’t take long before the woman was gathered by a few of the guards standing nearby and pulled out of danger.
“You have sharp eyes.”
“Thanks.” She saw a flash of silver. “Duck.”
He dipped her deep. Pressing their bodies together. She could feel the hardness of his thighs against hers. The angle he held her at allowed her to feel his member at her apex. It sent sparks of desire through her. Something she didn’t expect.
She watched a small dagger fly close but over their bodies. He reached his hand up and stopped the blade in midflight. With a slight flourish he tucked it into her jacket pocket.
His employees went to work subduing the man who threw it and led him out of the room like it was all in a day’s work. Her partner seemed to enjoy their intimacy because he hadn’t straightened yet.
“Do you mind?” She tried to act indignant, but it was taking all her energy to keep her wits about her.
He straightened, taking her with him. “Just wanted to be sure the danger had passed.”
She doubted that but remained silent. Her body screamed when it wasn’t near his. Instinct was to snuggle up to him, to feel his warmth once again. It took all her willpower to keep her feet moving.
She could do this. All she had to do was focus and not on him. She picked a safe location to bring her calm back to center. A couple of deep breaths and she felt in control once again.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine, Ambassador.” She looked up at him, working hard on keeping her emotions under control.
“Don’t call me that.” A frown creased his handsome face as he moved her with the music.
“What?” Those damn eyes got the best of her. So clear and sharp, she wanted to stare into them for hours.
“Ambassador.”
“Sorry, but we never had a meeting, remember?” She didn’t mean to sound snippy but she couldn’t keep it out of her voice. “No one happened to mention your name in passing.”
“Ah, well that makes sense. My name is too hard for most humans to pronounce.”
Then why was he giving her such a hard time?
“But I have picked a humanoid name, one that I believe fits me.” He smiled at her. “Call me Storm.”
“Yes, sir.”
“No sir, either, not from you.”
“Okay, Storm.” She wasn’t sure what to think. Why would he care what she called him? They barely knew each other. “Can we take a break? I’m starting to get evil looks from the women fawning all over you.”
“Of course.” He kept a hold of her hand, leading her to where his people stood. “This is Heather.”
They nodded. He didn’t need to say any more. They knew who she was. She had been hired to keep the man safe yet she didn’t know anyone in his entourage. How was she supposed to do her job without the proper information?
“You going to introduce me to everyone? Or I am supposed to guess as I work with each of them?” Somehow she had lost control of the situation.
“Watching you guess might be fun.” He grinned as he wrapped an arm around her to make the proper introductions. Not one name could she repeat.
Why did he feel a need to touch her when it seemed that the women nearby were becoming jealous of her? She could feel it building around them. Someone might have to protect her if he kept this up, but his grip was strong and she didn’t want to make a scene.
“Okay, since everyone seems to have those roll off the tongue names I’m going to have to come up with ones I can say and remember.” She received nods but at least no one seemed to be upset with her. She felt like she was babbling. “They’ll come as I get to know you.”
An older man brought them drinks, bringing her attention back to Storm. She thanked the server as she took hers.
“Why did you thank him?” asked Storm.
“Because it’s the polite thing to do.” She wished she could move and put a little space between them but he still had his arm around her and she wasn’t real sure how to break his hold without seeming rude.
“But it’s his job.” His curiosity was evident.
“True, but we all want to be told we’re doing a good job from time to time. Thanking him lets him know I appreciate what he does for a living.” She found it interesting that his question was so genuine.
“Interesting. Our people accept their position and do their job without question.”
She scratched her head, wondering how to explain it better. It had to be something he was familiar with. A grin covered her face when she came up with the perfect subject. “When you are intimate with a woman do you show your appreciation or do you just expect her to understand because she was doing her job?”
“When I am intimate with a woman I always show my appreciation with my partner. I do that during the act.” He said it softly, his face very close to her ear.
Okay that was the wrong subject matter. She felt it all the way to her toes. Fear had her stepping away from him, breaking his hold on her. Being rude wasn’t part of her worry. Him being too close was.
It didn’t seem to faze him. Storm just stepped next to her and wrapped his arm around her once again. And that was the way the rest of the evening went. When she found an opportunity to move away from him he found a way to come back into contact with her. Her whole being was in a heightened state of arousal. It took all her strength not to jump on him and beg him to have his way with her there with everyone watching.
When the evening finally came to an end she practically dashed to her room and headed straight for the shower. It was going to be long and cold and hopefully would cool her libido.
****
Storm sat on the couch in his suite contemplating the evening.
“You pushed her hard, sir. Why?”
“I’m not sure, Fridon.” He leaned forward as he spoke. “I don’t need protection and we know that, but for some reason the elders decided I needed to have it. Out of all the candidates they had they picked her. Why?”
“We’ve been raised to never question them, sir. You know that.” The young man got up and poured himself a glass of water. “Want some?”
“No. I need a clear head.” Water had an alcoholic effect on his race.
“So why did you push so hard?” Fridon sat across from Storm.
“I wanted to see what would happen if she was hit with the full force of our pheromones. I knew it could have caused a little trouble but our air system would remove a lot of it as long as I didn’t walk through the crowd.”
“And what did you learn?” The elders assigned Fridon to keep an eye on Storm. For some reason they had a special interest in the human and him.
“That she is very strong. I could feel her desire yet she refused to act on it. A weaker woman wouldn’t have been able to resist.”
“You want her.” He said it matter-of-factly. Storm never turned down a bed partner and this was the first time he had walked away without one. Any of the women there tonight would have accommodated him.
“What?” He sat back. Was it that obvious? “No, but she has piqued my interest.”
“So she has passed your test?”
“Yes.”
“I wonder how she passed the elders’ one.”
He hadn’t thought about why they picked her. Now he had to worry about that. Sleep wasn’t going to come easy to him.
****
Heather found it difficult to sleep. Three cold showers later and she still hadn’t gotten her libido under control. She had thought about calling her commander and quitting, but ended up jumping back into the shower. Meditation had worked a little but not enough to relax her for sleep.
She paced her room, wondering what would work. Perhaps if she snuck down to the kitchen she could get a hot toddy of some sort to quiet her nerves and allow her to sleep. Her simple nightgown covered her well enough so she left the matching robe behind.
Barefoot, she tiptoed down the hall from her room to the central section of the house. Most of the help had gone to bed so she shouldn’t run into anyone along the way. As she turned another corner she heard a faint noise. Her sixth sense kicked in and told her something was wrong. She needed a place to hide until whatever she sensed had gone past and she could follow them. A small alcove beckoned and she slipped inside. Steel strong arms wrapped around her waist as a large hand covered her mouth.
No one could ever hold her. She proceeded to fight whoever had her and found herself flipped around and staring into the golden eyes of Storm. What was he doing here?
He dragged her into a small door in the alcove and pushed it gently closed. The confined space intensified the feelings she had been trying to banish. Her nipples got hard just because he held her.
Storm slid one of his legs between hers, pulling her up onto it so they could see eye to eye. The nightgown she wore rode up on her, leaving her core naked against the soft cloth she now rested against. She opened her mouth to protest and realized her mistake too late.
His head dipped toward hers, his mouth covering her lips as his tongue invaded. He cradled her head in his hand, angling it to give him better access to her.
She tried to hold back. Wanted to break the kiss altogether but her willpower deserted her in the onslaught of the passion. Everything screamed for more. She fell into the desire swirling through her, giving as much as he would take.
He deepened the kiss, his hands leaving her waist and head to slide up under the gown, touching the fevered flesh beneath.
She felt them on her buttocks, then slide up her back and around to her breasts. The pebbled tips ached for more as he caressed them. He shifted her, her legs wrapping around him to maintain the contact. Now she could press her core against the hardened length of him. Her whole being was on fire.
It affected him as much as her because she felt the tremor race through him.
Just as fast as it started it stopped. She found herself on her feet as the door opened and several guards faced them.
“Everything all right, sir?”
“Yes.” His voice came out deeper than normal. He cleared his throat and spoke again. “We ducked in here when the intruders drew close. Did you get them?”
“Yes, sir. We found them just outside of this area. Looks like they turned on each other, we found them all fighting when we arrived. They’ve been moved to security to be questioned whenever you’re ready.”
“Good. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He gently touched her shoulder. “Do you wish to join the interrogation?”
She nodded. Talking was out of the question. She wondered if the guards could see her disheveled look and swollen lips. If they did they showed no reaction.
Storm offered her his hand which she took and they followed the men to the security section.
“You might not like the way we do things around here but it is our way,” he said.
He had kept his distance from her, allowing her to regain some control. What had gotten into her? She never behaved like this before. Most men who showed her any attention learned quickly she didn’t want it. What was wrong with her?
Keeping her gaze averted she couldn’t help but notice the two wet marks on his clothes. One on his thigh and the other over his groin. Heat filled her cheeks. She did that to him. What must he think of her?
Relief filled her when they entered the security section. Something to draw her focus.
Two of the guards stepped into the room. One held a strange looking weapon.
“Tell us why you invaded the ambassador’s home.”
The four men just stared at them.
“Do you know what this is?” The guard with the weapon asked. “It’s from our planet on Vespia.” He turned it on a low setting, pressing it against the stomach of one of the intruders causing him to crumple to the ground. He turned it up a notch and aimed it at the next man.
“We know nothing.” His answer wasn’t what they wanted to hear. The guard pressed it against the neck of the man causing him to cry out in pain before crumpling as well. A large burn mark showed on his throat.
“It is designed to help with our animals. We can use it on the lightest setting.” He pointed to the first man on the floor. “To keep them from wandering. The highest setting kills.” He moved it to the top notch and sliced through a table sitting in the room. “Clean and precise. Now, why are you here?”
Sweat broke out on the brow of the third one. “I didn’t get paid enough to die.”
“Shut up,” said the other. “How do you know they won’t kill you after you talk?”
“I’d rather die at their hands than his.” He looked up at the guards, fear dancing in his eyes. “We were hired to get the woman. We don’t know why, just following orders.”
She looked at Storm. “Woman?”
“You.”
“Me? Why?”
“That is the question, isn’t it?”
Chapter 2
The next morning Storm stood in front of the monitor speaking to the head of the Vespian council. “We understand there was a break in last night. That’s not like you. What distracted you?”
“Nothing.” Except a little wisp of a woman with white blonde hair and bright violet eyes, a tough exterior but so soft if you knew where to touch. He had enjoyed their little interlude. “We caught them before any damage could be done.”
“What did they want?”
“That new diplomat you thrust on me.” He figured someone had already told them everything that happened, so he wasn’t sure why they were asking him to repeat the information, but he was going to let them know he wasn’t happy about it.
“We were afraid of that. Someone doesn’t want our planets to unite, but we’ve come up with a solution. All trade agreements will be done on our planet.”
“Ma’am.” He felt his brow crease. “You know that can’t be done. We don’t allow outsiders on our planet.”
“She won’t be an outsider as your bride, will she?”
“You want me to bond with her for a treaty?” His anger started to boil. He couldn’t believe what they were asking of him. No Vespian had been forced to wed an outsider. It was against their rules. Why would they suddenly ignore that?
“One day you will rule this council. Can you think of a better way to complete this treaty? Did you forget how your grandfather was bonded?”
“No, Ma’am.” His grandfather had been promised to one of the council’s daughters, but then fell in love with an outsider during a dignitary mission and threw everything away for that woman. It helped bring that race and their people to their side during a bloody war the Vespians ultimately won. One they might not have if his grandfather hadn’t taken that woman for a mate.
“We need them. These people from Earth hold the key to our future.” She paused for a moment. “That is all I can tell you.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He kept his anger over the situation under control. The soldier in him knew he had to follow orders but the man hated being told what to do. Heather struck him the same way. He wondered how his little human was going to take this. She couldn’t be very happy about it either. “Who is telling her?”
“I believe she is speaking to her people right now. She’ll be instructed to meet you in your quarters when she finishes with her communiqué.”
Now all he had to do was wait.
****
“Excuse me?” She thought her ears were playing tricks with her.
“What part didn’t you understand?”
“I am to marry him?” She couldn’t believe this. “Sir, I wasn’t trained to be a dignitary. I was trained to work in the science field.”
“Correction, Lieutenant. You scored high in the science area and wanted that to be your field but your innate abilities in security put you there.” His voice held no anger but he rarely called her by her rank. Only when he wasn’t pleased with her. “The Vespian council was the one who picked you out of all the other people up for this security detail, and as part of the negotiations they wish to bring our planets together through marriage. I’m sorry you’re not happy about it but you will follow orders. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” She kept her features schooled but inside she was in turmoil. Marriage? To a man who made her blood boil? This just wasn’t fair.
“They will be sending a Vespian protocol specialist here to work with you. Once the marriage has taken place you will finish negotiations on Vespia.” Before she could protest again he continued. “Someone has been assigned to train you in that as well. You are to meet with the ambassador after we’re finished then wait for the Earth diplomat who will train you. He should be there in an hour.”
She turned off her screen and plopped into a chair. Screaming wouldn’t help, although it would make her feel better. How was she going to face him? It was as if everyone knew about the steamy kiss and decided the kiss was a good measure for marriage.
Running through her mantra a couple of times she stood and headed out the door. Might as well get this over with.
The moment the men outside his large double doors saw her they opened them and stepped aside.
“I see news travels fast here.” She stepped into his room for the first time.
“Most of my people have too much time on their hands.” He glared at the two of them before the doors closed. “What were you told?”
He seemed almost nervous over how she would react. He should be as mad as she was. Why was he taking it so well?
“Not much. I’m to be trained by my government, then your government and then we’re off to Vespia to finish the negotiations. Did I forget anything?” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, yeah, we’re supposed to be married.”
He grinned. “You seem to be taking it well.”
“Oh, believe me I want to scream, then throw something, but I’ve been trained to be better than that.”
“I can take you someplace where you can do those things.”
“Thanks, but I have to meet a diplomatic trainer in about an hour and I’ll want more time than the hour offered right now.” She looked about the huge suite, amazed at how white it was. White walls, white furniture, so sterile. “Vespians not into color?”
He looked around. “I’d rather earth tones but this is what your people interpreted from what we sent them.”
“Someone didn’t get the right memo.” She found the huge bed that must have been specially made for his seven foot six inch frame, but that brought back memories of their kiss and she wasn’t ready to confront that yet. She turned to find him inches from her.
“There is a ceremony intended mates go through.” His gold eyes searched her face.
“We have a simple ritual too.” She sure hoped his would be simple. “The man normally gives his bride-to-be a diamond ring.”
“It is my planet’s wish to have the ceremony happen now.” He continued talking like she hadn’t said anything. She just loved being ignored. Kicking something sure would make her feel better.
Storm gestured to a man hovering in the background. She sensed him back there but hadn’t paid much attention to him because Storm hadn’t.
He was dressed in strange garb, carrying a small leather book that looked centuries old. The little man stopped in front of them and waited. Two others came out, wearing the same strange clothes. One carried a chalice and the other a weird looking leather strap. The items rested on a bit of cloth.
“And what do you wish?” it came out a little sarcastic but she couldn’t help herself. She had lost control of the whole thing and had no clue how to get it back.
He hesitated for a moment. She could tell he was choosing his words carefully. “Like you I am a soldier and have been trained to follow orders. Is that not what you’re doing?”
He had a point. Storm knelt and gestured for her to do the same.
The little man spoke in a strange language she could only guess was Vespian. He gestured over their heads as he spoke, sprinkling an iridescent powder over them. Next he took the chalice from his assistant and offered it first to Storm, who took a drink, then to her.
She held it and looked at Storm. She should be fighting this. Why wasn’t she? Her hesitation put a worried look on his face. They were both caught up in something neither had control over and he was right. She was only following orders. The marriage would probably be annulled the moment the treaty was signed.
Lifting the cup, she took a sip, finding the liquid bitter to the taste. She couldn’t help making a face as she swallowed it. Whatever was in the liquid made her head buzz a little. Next the man took the leather strap and said a few more strange words. Taking her left hand and Storm’s right he wrapped the strap around each, speaking his odd little language before tying the ends.
She started feeling lightheaded. Her world spun then went dark.
****
“These humans are a little weak, aren’t they?”
Storm had been quick enough to catch her the moment she passed out. He turned to glare at the little man. “You sure your potion wasn’t a little too strong?”
“Sure it was.” He pointed to the soft, thin leather slowly seeping into their wrists. “Didn’t think she should know the details of this ritual.”
“She will be part of our world now. Would you keep secrets from me?”
“Of course not. But secrecy is our way and you know it.” The Vespian religious leader shuffled to the door. “The bond will be complete once the cord has disappeared. She will probably think this marriage can be reversed once the treaty has been signed. You will have to convince her to accept it.”
“Why her?”
“She is your destiny. Treat her well.”
“I promise.” Being careful of the leather, he picked her up and placed her on the couch. He had thought about placing her on his bed for a moment or two but knew he needed to take this one step at a time.
He was bonded. Storm couldn’t believe it. When he learned they wanted the bonding ceremony this soon he tried to get out of it again. The argument he had with the elders and their religious leader didn’t work. It came down to two things. One, the elders had their own reason for wanting this human as his mate and two, he could never win an argument with a man who had visions. Heather was seen in a vision as his mate. That was all it took for them to make the decision. He had always trusted their decisions before so he put his and her fate in the hope they were right again.
Once the leather had been absorbed thoroughly he woke her. “You alright?”
Her eyes fluttered open. “Yeah. What was in that drink?”
“No one knows.” He helped her sit up.
She rubbed her wrist. Did she still feel it on her?
“It sure packed a punch.” She sat up when she realized where she was and what had just transpired. “I need to be meeting that stupid trainer.”
“You could skip it for the day.” He was amazed at how she snapped to the task at hand, but she had no idea what she had been through. “I’m not sure how long the wine will sit in your system. It could make you groggy for a while.”
“I’m fine.” She pushed herself to her feet only to land right back on the couch. She looked up at him and grinned. “Okay, maybe it still has a little bit of an effect, but I can do this. It will probably only be a ‘what do you know so I know what to teach’ lesson anyway.”
****
The diplomat they sent was a young man barely out of training. She was sure of it. Great, she needed someone to show her the ropes and they sent her a bookworm.
He sat his pad on a nearby table and shook hands with her. Something happened during that handshake because she felt a slight flush and his whole demeanor changed. He cleared his throat. “Right, so I have my notes right here.”
He picked up his pad and proceeded to read from it but he kept looking at her. She wasn’t sure why, but it made her uneasy. Once he had covered what he knew of her assignment he sat the pad down and took her hand. “So what do you need to know?”
“Um, isn’t that why you’re here?” She pulled her hand out of his grasp and moved so that there was some furniture between them.
“Did you know you have the prettiest eyes?”
Something was definitely wrong. Men found her attractive but she never had one go this overboard. “Excuse me, maybe we should reschedule.”
“No, no.” He cleared his throat. “I’m quite capable of doing this.”
She crossed to the air unit and turned it on high. It seemed to calm him down for a moment but it didn’t last long. Pretty soon he was chasing her around the room. Spouting how much he loved and wanted her and how he would die for her.
“You need to get a hold of yourself.” He was acting like all those women who chased after Storm.
“I only want to hold you.” He lunged for her.
She really didn’t want to hurt him, but she knew she needed to subdue him now before matters got out of hand. She stepped to the side as he lunged, making him miss her completely and land on the floor with a thud. She grabbed him by both arms and pulled them hard behind his back. “Don’t move or I’ll dislocate your shoulders.”
Storm took that moment to come charging into the room like an enraged bull.
She looked at Storm with fire in her eyes. “What the hell was in that drink?”
Chapter 3
“Did he hurt you?” Storm had sensed something wrong with her and raced to get here. He feared he’d have to tear the man off her but found she had it all under control. She stood over him with one foot on his head, pinning his arms behind him.
“Do I look hurt?” She glared at him, controlling the man at her feet with very little effort.
No. She looked glorious. And very angry.
Several guards came in and secured the young man before leading him out.
“What was in that drink?” she asked again.
“Nothing that would cause that.” At least he didn’t think it would.
“You sure? Maybe it’s your wine that causes all the women to go gaga over you, and now that I’ve had some from your planet it’s caused the same effect.” She sat in a chair, clearly upset by the whole affair. “He was fine until he shook my hand.”
“I don’t have to touch anyone to cause that reaction.” He felt for her. He had been living with it all his life. This was a first for her. One he didn’t think would happen. “I’ll see what I can find about this but I recommend you stay away from people until we can figure out how to counteract it.”
She just nodded. Perhaps his gift would lift her spirits. “I have something for you.”
“What?” Her tone flat.
“When you mentioned the ritual of this planet I thought it would be a nice gesture for me to follow it since you went along with ours.” He pulled out a small box. “I’m not sure if it is the right thing, but the man at the store said this was traditionally what all brides wanted.”
She took the box, and looked at it before looking at him. He watched as several emotions flitted across her face. “There’s another part to the ritual. You are to get on one knee and place it on the ring finger on my left hand.”
He did as she asked. Pulling the ring from its velvet confines he slipped it onto her finger. It looked good on her hand. His way of marking her as taken. There was an instant gratification in that.
“It’s beautiful.” She flexed her fingers. “Did you get the biggest rock in the place?”
“No. Was I supposed to?” He took her hand in his to see where he could have gone wrong.
The moment he touched her he realized what the man went through. A desire quick and powerful sliced through him. It took him over. All he could think of was having her.
“What?” She looked in his eyes and saw it. Hers widened in fear. “Not you too. All you did was touch me.”
She pulled her hand out of his and dashed from the room.
****
She wasn’t sure where she was running to, but she knew she needed to put some distance between them. Maybe it would help. Just before he tackled her to the floor she knew he was right behind her. She wasn’t sure what alerted her but she braced for it.
He took the brunt of the fall, cushioning her landing with his body. Then he rolled her over so he was on top and he knew she couldn’t get away. She tried to get out of his grasp but he would have none of it. Grabbing both hands he pinned them between them.
“Now. What was the point of that?”
“Putting distance between us so you could think clearly?” She tried to wiggle free but he had her pinned too well. She wasn’t going anywhere.
“Not sure if that would work, but there is something you need to know about my people. It doesn’t look good to see a man’s bondmate running away from him. Speaks badly of the relationship.” He dipped his head, capturing her lips with his.
She felt the deep drugging kiss to her bones. Nerve endings screamed for more. Her brain screamed for her to gain control before it was too late. But he was in control. His lips covered hers. His tongue filled her mouth, begging hers to dance with it. Heather found herself losing the battle as strong desire seeped into her. He finally broke the kiss and lifted his head enough to look into her eyes.
She could see the raw passion burning there. If she wasn’t careful he would take her right then and there and they had a crowd building. “And how does it look for the man to ravish his bondmate out in public?”
“No one would think twice of it on my planet.” He kissed her again. This one a little longer and deeper. It had her gasping for air. He must have noticed the fear she fought to keep out of her eyes because his whole demeanor changed. “But we’re not on my planet and those around me seem to forget that.” He got up and offered her a hand.
She took it, waiting for the strange reaction to take him over again.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and steered her toward his chambers. Those who had surrounded them wouldn’t meet her gaze and she was grateful. She wasn’t sure if she could hold her head high after that. Her knees felt weak.
“Before you touched the young man he didn’t seemed to be attracted to you?”
His question brought her back to what had happened before the kiss. Two kisses and she was putty in his hands. What kind of diplomat was she? “I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. But I was too busy thinking they sent me someone fresh out of the academy instead of someone seasoned in the field to pay any attention to anything.”
“Then maybe it wasn’t you.” He walked into his room with her and headed to the bathroom. Opening a drawer he pulled out a small machine and ran it over her palm. Through the violet light, residue on her hand could be seen. He had the same residue on his from helping her up earlier and possibly when he slipped the ring on her finger. Another machine took a small sample of the residue and ran it for diagnosis.
“He put something on your hand all right. It’s seems to be a love potion.”
The intercom beeped at that moment. “Sir, call coming in for Heather. It’s her commander.”
They reentered the main room so she could answer the link. It seemed strange that he would be calling her right after this.
Her commander appeared on the screen. “Lieutenant, why did the embassy turn away the man I sent?”
“Because we just had another incident, sir. We thought we let in the man you sent but it turned out to be a decoy.”
“Anyone hurt?”
She wanted to say only her pride but instead she remained professional. “You want to show me a picture of the man who was supposed to be here?” The image of a middle age man popped up. She turned to look at Storm. “See? That’s what I expected. I should have figured something was wrong the moment I saw him.”
“Who?” asked her boss.
“Do you still have him here?”
Storm nodded.
She turned back to her commanding officer. “We’ll send a picture of the young man we have in custody in a few minutes. Let me know if he shows up in any of our data bases. For now though, it looks like we’re going to have to cut off visitations, any training done should be done via comlink. We have some work to do here. I’ll contact you later.” She severed the link and turned back to Storm.
“I have known that man all my life. I trust him.” She sat down in an overstuffed white chair. “But as tight as both sides have been with security, how did anyone know I was staying here? How did they know I needed someone to train me as a dignitary that fast? There has to be a spy somewhere in the ranks.”
Storm walked back to the bathroom and came out with another tool. This one removed all of the residue from their hands.
“Thanks, was afraid I wouldn’t be able to shake hands with people there for a while.” She stood and started to pace. “When did your people tell you about the marriage?”
“About the same time yours told you.”
“So you always carry around the little guy in the funny clothes?”
“No. He requested to come on this mission.” He smiled at her when he realized what she was thinking. “Very astute but he has visions we never question. He is innocent in all this.”
“You really need to be careful where you aim that thing. No wonder women try to tear off your clothes.” He tilted his head at her, not quite sure what she was talking about. “That smile is deadly.”
“Does it make you want to tear off my clothes?” He brightened the smile just for her.
And so much more, but she wasn’t about to let him know that. He made a move to grab her which she dodged, or so she thought. Instead she found herself pinned under him once again.
“Now, where were we?”
“Discussing who could be after you.”
“You mean you.” He nibbled on her ear.
“Us then.” She felt sensations rocket through her blood. She arched against him, trying to dislodge him but just made matters worse. He settled himself between her legs and continued to nibble on her ear and the side of her neck. Now all she could think of was his hardening length right where she wanted it. When he moved against her, sparks shot through her veins from the contact.
She felt like she was on fire. Focusing on the conversation wasn’t working. At the moment all she could focus on was where his lips where, sucking on a bit of her neck, making her insides clinch.
“You taste so good.” Pulling her hands up above her head he pinned them with one of his while he worked on her uniform with the other. “I want to taste more.”
He made short work of the seals on the top, revealing her skin to the cool air. She arched her back again when she felt the heat of his mouth on her flesh. A sigh escaped her when his lips closed on one of her breasts.
She was so focused on the sensations she didn’t realize his hands hadn’t stopped on her top and had removed the rest of their clothing. There was nothing between them now. She could feel the little hairs on his legs when he shifted them against hers. Could feel his member pulse against her thigh.
His lips made an upward trek to her lips. He captured her mouth with his as he entered her. Her body shuddered as he filled her. Her muscles tightened around him. An orgasm, quick and sure overcame her.
“Good lord, woman.” His breath came out like a pant. He rested his forehead against hers as he fought for control.
“Shh, there’s more where that came from.” Where did that come from? She should have told him it had been too long and her body was betraying her but her lips wouldn’t move. Her body did. It knew what to do to keep the sensations going and it wasn’t about to stop him from causing the delicious waves of desire crashing through her. She wrapped her legs around him, giving him better access. He moved inside her, causing a delicious friction she wanted more of. He pressed his lips against her throat, nibbling on the spot that got a strong reaction from her earlier.
She felt her muscles tighten again. Her body had a vise grip on him. His intake of breath let her know that grip affected him. He picked up his tempo, sliding in and out of her faster. It pushed them both closer to the edge.
His lips latched onto her neck as he drove deeper into her. She felt teeth scrape against her skin as everything tightened in her. The most powerful orgasm she had ever felt had its hold on her. The vibration started gently and as it built in intensity it took over. From her toes to the tips of her hair her body started to hum. Then everything splintered around her. She lost track of her surroundings, as lights exploded behind her closed eyes. It was an out of body experience for her.
When she finally became aware again she found Storm snuggled against her.
“I see you’re back.” His breath tickled her collarbone.
“Sorry. Never had that happen before.”
“I’ll add that to my list.”
“What list?”
“That you are very quiet when you’re intimate. Mind blowing orgasms are out of body experiences.” He sat up and scooped her up into his arms. “And quite boneless afterward.”
He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. In seconds he joined her, pulling her into his embrace before pulling the covers over them.
Her only thought was she was going to be so fired over this.
****
She arched her back as she opened her eyes. That was some dream. Focusing on the room she sat up fast. This wasn’t her room.
It hadn’t been a dream. She sat up.
“Where are you going?” She turned to find him lying beside her. Had he been waiting for her to wake up? He had that heart stopping smile on his face. Wrapping the covers in his hand, he started to pull them off her, revealing all of her to his predatory gaze.
What had she done?
“As much as I’d like to spend the rest of the day right here where we can get to know each other better...” His gaze roamed over her, igniting her desire with just a look. “There is a series of medical tests you must go through before we leave for Vespia. I have been told the doctors want to get started on them now.”
She climbed out of bed, trying to keep her dignity and padded over to her clothes. Picking up her pants she held them out to him. “How did you get these off me?”
“Vespian secret.” He watched her with that same predatory smile.
She pulled the pants on, then her top, shaking her head. Vespian secret or not she couldn’t believe she had shown no control with him. Just because she was to marry the man didn’t mean she was supposed to fall into bed with him the first chance she got. Then she realized they never even made it to the bed and felt her cheeks heat up a bit.
Fully dressed and hopefully in better control of her emotions. When she looked at him he was fully clothed too. He escorted her to the doctors before heading off. It figured he’d leave her now. She hated doctors.
“Could you step into this archway?”
She did as they asked, waiting for the thing to turn on.
“Thank you.” The head doctor gestured for her to step out.
“That’s it?” She didn’t see any lights flashing or hear any type of noise.
“That’s it. We’ll give the results to Storm when we’re finished.”
Now the questions would begin. Again.
She sat at a small table in the hall near the kitchen sipping coffee. It didn’t take him long to find her. So what would his first question be?
“Your results are back and the doctors would like to speak to us.”
So there will be a whole panel of people asking questions. Pretty normal. She could almost bank on what their first question would be. Heather followed Storm back to the main med lab. She found herself looking at the large scanner again. They had nothing so advanced on Earth. There were large devices like that. She had spent plenty of time inside them but they took a lot longer to the job.
“I don’t know.” She answered the unspoken question she got just about every time someone scanned her for the first time.