Mystic Flame Read online

  MYSTIC FLAME

  CYNDI FRIBERG

  Mystic Flame

  By Cyndi Friberg

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © 2013 Cyndi Friberg.

  Cover art by Dar Albert

  Editor: Mary Moran

  Electronic book Publication, April 2013

  Trade Paperback Publication, April 2013

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Praise for Beyond Ontariese

  Taken by Storm

  “Taken by Storm had it all–tense action, suspense, erotic sex, humor and a wildly imaginative plot. ” The Romance Studio

  “Unplug the phone and put the kids to bed; once you start reading Taken by Storm you won’t want any interruptions!” Fallen Angel Reviews

  “For a story that will delight, entertain, and keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend TAKEN BY STORM and award it RRT's Perfect 10.” Romance Reviews Today

  Operation Hydra

  “I highly recommend OPERATION HYDRA…it’s one of the best science fiction romances I’ve ever read.” Perfect 10! Romance Reviews Today

  “Outstanding! This segment only whetted my appetite for more. The heat between Kyrsta and Trey could cause a nuclear meltdown” Simply Romance Reviews

  City of Tears

  “WOW! City of Tears by Cyndi Friberg is one amazing blend of science fiction at its best and romance at its hottest…” eCata Reviews

  Titles by

  Cyndi Friberg

  Beyond Ontariese:

  Operation Hydra

  City of Tears

  Mystic Flame

  Fire Pearl

  Consort

  Rebel Angels:

  Rage and Redemption

  Echoes and Embers

  Splendor and Darkness

  Non-series:

  Tainted Hearts

  Tears of the Dragon

  Therian Heat:

  Therian Prey

  Therian Promise

  Therian Prisoner

  Therian Prize (Coming Soon)

  Prologue

  Dro Tar Nex leaned her shoulder against the cool bulkhead in the commander’s cabin and watched the argument escalate. The ship had been orbiting Rodymia for almost a full lunar cycle and still Kort agreed to wait.

  “He’s playing you for a fool, Commander.” The subtle mockery in Evan’s tone was sure to get fists flying. Broad-shouldered yet lean, Evan stood half a head taller than the Linusian. “This is the third time Stromn postponed the exchange. He has no intention of dealing with you.”

  Kort’s beady eyes narrowed and the green tinge of his skin deepened. “If you don’t like it, get the hell off my ship.”

  Dro Tar crossed her arms over her chest as tension expanded within her. They needed Kort. The obnoxious Linusian was their only hope of finding Stromn, and apprehending Stromn was their primary objective. Stromn headed a ruthless network of smugglers who had recently expanded operations into Ontarian space. Dro Tar understood Evan’s frustration. Kort needed a push or they would be stuck on his ship until the Day Moon turned to dust. Still, the Linusian could be unpredictable.

  “Maybe you’re satisfied with these dead-end runs.” Evan paused, challenge gleaming in his lime-green eyes. “But I need something more lucrative. Stromn is never going to take us seriously when you let him push you around.”

  Kort laughed, the sound harsh and brittle. “You’re going to teach me how to be assertive? You can’t even control your woman.”

  “What’s between me and my woman has nothing—”

  “The crew is begging for permission to tame her,” Kort sneered. “If you can’t make her obey, I’ll give her to someone who can.”

  The men glared at each other. Dro Tar felt their hostility like a gravity accelerator. Tingling heat burst low in her belly as she stared at Evan’s chiseled profile. Kort’s blunt features, on the other hand, sent chills skittering down her spine. She’d suspected it would come to this, had agreed to sleep with Evan if the situation made sex unavoidable. Anticipation had been sizzling between them for days, distracting them from their duties. Maybe it was better to get it over with.

  Are you sure you’re ready? Evan’s voice sounded in her mind. This was the first time she’d worked with a Mystic operative. She wasn’t used to voices erupting in her head. He could only hear her thoughts when he intentionally created a telepathic link. The channel was obviously open now.

  What choice do we have? she responded. He’s testing you.

  “The cabins are monitored,” Evan said to Kort. “She won’t perform for an audience.” He pushed his fingers through his hair, sending the blond waves into appealing disarray.

  “And I won’t take advice from a pussy-whipped Ontarian.”

  Leaning forward, Evan brought his face within inches of Kort’s. “I’ll take care of my woman if you arrange a meeting with Stromn.”

  “You take care of your woman or I’ll show you what women are for.” Turning his head, Kort swept Dro Tar’s body with a lecherous glance.

  Evan shoved Kort back and crossed the cabin. Fight. If you suddenly give in, it will seem suspicious. He closed his hand around her upper arm.

  She jerked out of his light grasp. “If anyone touches me, I’ll show them what knives are for.”

  Grabbing her with both hands, Evan pulled her against his chest. “Kort’s right. I’ve indulged you long enough.” He bent and shoved his shoulder into her belly, easily lifting her off the floor. She kicked and squirmed until he banded her legs with his arm. Snatching her knife from the sheath strapped to her thigh, he tossed the weapon to Kort. The Linusian gasped but managed to catch the weapon. “No more excuses. Contact Stromn.” Evan stormed from the cabin before Kort could reply.

  Dro Tar shoved against Evan’s back. He smacked her on the ass. “This is not going to happen,” she yelled. “I saw you with your hand down Lissa’s pants.”

  “Her hand was down my pants and that’s as far as it went. I told you that three weeks ago.”

  “Why the hell should I believe you?”

  Several crewmembers chuckled as they passed, but Evan entered their cabin before he replied. “Have I ever lied to you?” He slid her down against his body until her feet touched the floor.

  “How would I know?” She struggled against his hold, glaring up at him. “I trusted you until I found you with—”

  “Nothing happened!” He pushed her back and pinned her against the wall with the weight of his body. His hands framed her face. “I’m tired of aching, nephri. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want me anymore.” She’d never heard the strange word, but his tone caressed it, made her certain it was an endearment.

  She stared into his smoldering gaze and felt her insides melt. They might not be longtime lovers as they were pretending, but attraction had sparked between them from the very start. His confidence appealed to her. His sense of humor kept her from going insane. Pretending she wanted nothing to do with him had been harder than surrendering to desire. Licking her lips, she lowered her gaze to his mouth. Finally, she’d feel the heat of those sensual lips.

  “You’re still an arrogant jerk,” she whispered.

  He chuckled. “I can work with that.”

  His mouth covered hers and he pulled her away from the wall, pressing
her tight against his body. With frantic urgency they touched each other, too impatient to fully undress. He slipped his hand beneath her uniform top and unfastened her undergarment, freeing her breasts for his eager exploration.

  She tugged his shirt up and found bare skin, stroking his back and sides with ravenous hunger. She’d dreamed of this, imagined their joining, yet he’d seemed reluctant to touch her.

  I knew they’d watch us. I didn’t want to put you through that. Even in her mind his voice sounded breathless and edgy.

  I don’t care. I want this. I want you.

  He drew her breath into his mouth and traced her lower lip with his tongue. His hand cupped her breast, his thumb teasing her nipple. I don’t want to share this with them. I want—

  They can only intrude if we let them. Look at me. Think only of me.

  Sweeping her into his arms, he placed her in the middle of the bunk and quickly undressed before joining her. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered as he pulled her uniform top off over her head then tossed her support garment aside. She sat, exploring his broad chest as he knelt between her legs. His body was masculine perfection, lean, toned and sharply defined. She squeezed his thick upper arms and broad shoulders. Her pulse raced as each touch brought them closer to fulfillment.

  He touched her with reverent care, his hands skimming her fevered skin. His patience tormented her, coiling tension between her spread thighs. She trailed her fingers downward, reaching for his thick shaft, anxious to feel his hardness and his heat.

  “Not yet.” Grasping her wrists, he guided her hands to the bed behind her, arching her back provocatively. He bent to her breasts, capturing one nipple between his teeth while he firmly rolled the other.

  Each touch, each nibble wound the coil tighter. She squeezed her eyes shut, blinded by desire. Her legs trembled and her core pulsed. She needed him there, needed him now! “Please.” The word escaped with a ragged gasp. Weeks of anticipation and the ever-present sense of danger sharpened her emotions and fueled the flames.

  “Lie back.” The husky command robbed her of strength, made her hot and boneless. He tugged off her boots and unfastened her pants. She raised her hips so he could finish undressing her. “You made me wait. Don’t think this is going to be easy.” She trembled at the tender threat, reminded of their unwanted audience. “Open your eyes. Look at me. Think only of me.” The possessive passion gleaming in his gaze took her breath away. This was more than a mission. The emotions etched in his face were stark, elemental, real. “Raise your arms above your head and leave them there or I’ll bind you.”

  She obeyed, her gaze locked on his passion-flushed face. He touched her boldly, building her need to the edge of orgasm only to pause and refuse her release. After lavishing attention on her nipples, he wandered across her quivering abdomen. He scooted down, forcing her legs wide to accommodate his shoulders.

  Her lids started to droop as the throbbing became painful. “Look at me.” Their gazes collided and he pushed two fingers into her core. She cried out, arching off the bed.

  “Please!”

  He flicked his tongue across her clit twice then grinned. “You refused me for weeks. Why should I show mercy?”

  “I thought…I’m sorry. Please stop teasing me.”

  Dragging his fingers nearly out of her slick passage, he narrowed his gaze and covered her clit with his thumb. “I like teasing you. I like hearing you beg. Beg some more. Beg me to taste you.”

  A hard, needful spasm constricted her inner muscles while tenderness softened her heart. “Please taste me. Fill me with your tongue.” She’d never wanted anything more or needed anyone so desperately. He parted her folds with his fingers and traced her slit over and over. She bucked and swayed, trying to bring his tongue into contact with her aching clit. He was punishing her for her stubbornness, she understood that, but a certain gleam in his eyes warned her that this was not all for show. Evan intended to devour her, claim her, overwhelm her in ways she had yet to imagine.

  He pressed his lips against her, sinking his tongue deep. She gritted her teeth and whimpered, sensations welling up inside her. His warm hands on her thighs, his intimate kiss, his gaze burned into hers. It was all more than she could take. She cried out sharply and came in hard, shuddering waves.

  Prolonging the distinct spasms with his clever tongue, Evan dragged every last tingle from her body before he raised his head. “Turn over.”

  Lethargic and replete from the shattering orgasm, she didn’t move fast enough. He flipped her over onto her stomach then pulled her hips up until she understood what he wanted. She folded her legs beneath her, resting on her knees. He nudged her thighs apart and entered her in one forceful drive.

  She cried out, surprised by his sudden aggression and the stunning fullness of his thick length filling her. He reached around and found her swollen clit, pairing each deep thrust with a circular motion until she was gasping and rocking to meet him.

  “Mine.” He growled the word against her hair, his hands firm on her hips. “Say it, nephri. Say you’re mine.”

  Her body squeezed him greedily as he thrust into her. The intensity built. Her heart pounded against her ribs.

  “Say it!” He increased his speed and force until she cried out with each demanding penetration.

  “I’m—yours.” A pulse of scalding pleasure like a Mystic flame burst from him and she screamed. He buried himself to the hilt, his arm wrapped around her hips. Wave after wave crashed over them, sweeping them beyond the ship, beyond the danger, beyond reality.

  They clung to each other. Their harsh gasps the only sound. Wrapping her tight in his arms, he rolled them to their sides, his body still lodged deep inside hers. He pressed kisses against her neck and shoulder, one of his hands cupping her breast.

  “What does nephri mean?” she whispered.

  “It’s an ancient Mystic term.” His warm breath teased her ear. “It means beloved.”

  Chapter One

  Mist rolled across the rutted path and Dro Tar squinted into the darkness. A soft keening drew her attention to the castle looming in the distance. She inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh scent of pine and the complexity of smoke and roasting meat. A cool gust made her shiver as clouds obscured the moon.

  A well-muscled arm encircled her waist, trapping her hands at her sides. She struggled. Her captor tightened his grip, pressing against her back. Heat sank through her clothing and his scent, an intoxicating combination of leather, exotic spices and musk enveloped her. She sighed, relaxing in his embrace. He gathered her hair away from the nape of her neck and pressed his mouth to her sensitive skin. Warmth, pressure, moisture, his kiss held the perfect combination of each. He scraped his teeth over her flesh and cupped her breast.

  “Did you honestly think you could elude me so easily?” A faint accent colored his words, but his tone was thin and nasal.

  “Pause program.” She wiggled out of the vampire’s embrace and crossed her arms over her chest. His appearance was perfect. Midnight-black hair with just a hint of curl, broad chest, narrow hips and long-fingered hands. Light flashed on in the adjacent room, allowing her to see her business partner. Grat Farlay stood at the control panel, clearly frustrated by yet another delay. “So shoot me.” She motioned toward the vampire. “His voice is still wrong. It needs to be deeper. Vampires can seduce with a word, curl a woman’s toes by whispering her name. John here needs a decongestant.”

  “Deeper is a bit too vague,” Grat muttered. “Tone, pitch, inflection, cadence. Where do I begin? I need an audio sample, a starting point.”

  “End simulation.” The holographic projection dissolved, leaving her in a bare room with the robot she’d named John Doe. “Go charge up. We’ll play some more later.” John moved to the far corner of the simulation booth and backed against the wall, engaging his charger prongs. Dro Tar left the sim-chamber and joined Grat at the control console. “The atmosphere is perfect. We’re stimulating all five senses. John’s AI integration
has never been more convincing, but that voice has to go.”

  “I’ll move on to the bedroom sequence and you go find me a voice.”

  She nodded and crossed the lab, her mind rushing on ahead. Sam Elliot had the rich depth she craved, but how would Grat filter out that drawl? Taking the corridor to the left, she headed for the tiny office in the back of their ramshackle building. Sean Connery wasn’t much better. Who ever heard of a Scottish vampire?

  “Hello, Ms. Nex.” The deep male voice came from directly behind her and tingles danced down her spine. “You were surprisingly hard to find.”

  She recognized Trey dar Aune with the second sentence, but for just a moment she was back in the simulation booth. “Say it again.” She didn’t turn around.

  “You were hard as hell to find?”

  “No, the first part and say it in that hushed, sort of growly tone.”

  He chuckled. “Hello, Ms. Nex. As adorable as you are, you know I’m happily married.”

  “Yes. Oh gods, yes!” She swung around and grabbed his wrist, ignoring his startled expression. Dragging her former commander behind her, she headed back to the lab. “I found him, Grat. Oh boy, did I find him.” She pushed Trey toward the console and activated audio record. “Say it exactly like you did in the corridor.”

  “What the hell is this about?”

  “Just do it.” She gave him another little shove.

  “Hello, Ms. Nex. You have clearly lost your mind.”

  “Trey,” she cried. “We really need a voice clip to use in this simulation. Just cooperate for once in your life.”