Ontarian Chronicles 3: City of Tears Read online

  “I’m through.” Krysta panted, her arms trembling. “Go now. I can’t hold this for long.”

  Dro Tar stepped beneath the opening, and the conduit transported her onto the other ship. Lyrik thanked Krysta for her assistance, then stepped under the conduit.

  “We have much still to say to each other,” Saebin said in a hurried rush. “I’ll contact you soon.” Krysta could only nod. Her features were tense and strained with her effort to maintain the portal. The conduit deposited Saebin in the main cargo bay of the Gale. She gasped, extending her arms as she adjusted to the sudden change in position. It had been like sliding up a recreation chute.

  “Let’s go.” Lyrik nodded toward the lift, his weapon drawn and ready.

  “Hermlin’s team is onboard.” Dro Tar reported. “The first two guards were subdued without incident.”

  They took the lift to the bridge, carefully flanking the door so they wouldn’t be vulnerable as the panel slid opened. Dro Tar steadied her gun with both hands, her gaze narrowed and watchful.

  “Drop your weapons!”

  Lyrik ignored the order and fired at the nearest guard. Dro Tar ducked, avoiding a colorful burst from the second guard. Without stepping off the lift, Saebin sent out a powerful mental pulse. The guards dropped to the floor in hapless sprawls -- and so did Dro Tar.

  “Damn. I didn’t mean to turn her off.”

  “You did good. We couldn’t risk their setting off --” Lights flashed and sirens wailed in the maintenance bay. “-- an alarm. Hermlin report. What is your status?” Lyrik rushed across the bridge and activated the main control console. “Can you rouse Dro Tar, or does it have to wear off?”

  “I’ll try.” Kneeling beside the other woman, Saebin eased into her mind.

  “Anything?” Lyrik raced between two consoles, his anxiety mounting. “I really need her if we’re going to pull this off.”

  The lift buzzed, so Saebin dragged Dro Tar clear of the doorway. “Someone just activated the lift. Check and make sure it was one of us.”

  “Hermlin, who’s in the lift? Copy. The guards are secured in the brig. Hermlin’s on his way up.”

  “I can’t rouse her. I’m sorry.”

  “Then, come here. My arms aren’t long enough to reach both stations.” She hurried to his side. A chair was positioned in front of the console. He stepped back and let her slide in. “I have it all set to go. As soon as I tell you, slide your thumb along here and push in on this.” His fingers hovered above the controls as he demonstrated what he needed her to do.

  “Got it.”

  “All right. Wait for my signal.” He sat in the other chair, his fingers flying across the controls with obvious urgency.

  Three men emerged from the lift, all panting and agitated. “They’ve got us tethered, sir,” one of the men announced.

  “Take these two to the brig, then hold on tight. It’s going to be interesting for a while.”

  The man who had spoken remained on the bridge as the other two dragged the unconscious guards into the lift. “Is Dro Tar wounded? What can I do?”

  “She’ll be fine, but secure her for take off. I’m going to have to break free of the tether.”

  Without argument, the man lifted Dro Tar into a nearby seat and secured her with safety restraints.

  “Hermlin, take over weapons. Saebin, strap in.”

  Saebin fastened the safety restraints and waited for Lyrik’s signal. The floor vibrated, and a low rumble drowned out everything else.

  “Cease and desist, or we will open fire!” A sharp male voice cut through the den.

  “Sure you will,” Lyrik muttered. “Come on, Trey.”

  “Is Director dar Aune going to override their controls?” Hermlin asked.

  “That’s the plan, but he should have cut through by now.”

  “You’ll tear the ship apart if you continue with this foolishness,” Cyrus snapped over general com.

  Saebin stiffened. His voice was all too familiar. She’d been hearing it for months. Constructing a detailed image of the overlord, she directed a Mystic compulsion deep into his mind.

  Saebin, tell them to abort. You’ll have to make a run for it in my shuttle. They’ve got Trey locked out.

  She ignored Krysta’s frantic urging and reinforced her Mystic transmission. She visualized Cyrus, manipulating him like a puppet. Release the tether, she commanded, and he obeyed. Authorize our departure.

  “What the hell.” Lyrik looked at her. “They just cleared us to launch. Did you do this?”

  She smiled. “I told you shutting people off wasn’t my only trick.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Pern folded his hands on his flat belly, his eyes narrowed and intense. “Is this technology only effective with Ontarian Mystics, or can it be adjusted to accommodate any frequency range?”

  The question made Ensley’s mouth go dry. She was exhausted, physically and emotionally drained. With subtle threats and glib ultimatums, Jaden had kept her on task, compelling her to drive herself harder than she’d ever attempted before. They had refined her design, accomplishing more in one day than she had managed in three months on her own.

  “My research was greatly limited by my situation.”

  Pern waved away her response with an impatient snarl. “How did you first discover that Mystic energy resonates within a consistent frequency range?”

  She had sent him a complete background report on the project. Hadn’t he bothered to open the file? “Our team of scientists was attempting to reproduce and intensify the abilities common among Ontarian Mystics. During the course of our study, we discovered that there was an energy spike whenever one of these abilities manifested. The stronger the ability the more powerful the spike.”

  “And this spike of energy always resonated within the specified frequency range?”

  “Yes. The original test subjects all had close genetic ties. I was concerned that this genetic similarity might account for the consistency. But since coming to Ontariese, I’ve been able to establish that it was not a genetic anomaly. All Ontarian Mystics utilize energy that resonates within this frequency range.”

  “Which brings us back to my original question. If the frequency range of other Mystics can be identified, will your technology affect other races?”

  “It’s my hypothesis that this pattern will be found in all Mystic beings. The actual range may vary, but I believe we will find a consistent pattern within each race. Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to test my hypothesis. I’ve only had access to Ontarian Mystics.”

  Pern’s gaze swept the length of her body, then he glanced at Jaden. The other man stood a step back from her, silent and watchful.

  “I’m sorry, sir.” Ensley licked her lips as tension mounted within her. “I’m not sure I understand how these questions pertain to my device. Firestones are indigenous to Ontariese. To my knowledge they don’t exist anywhere else.”

  “Being able to charge firestones without the assistance of an Ontarian Mystic is appealing and potentially lucrative, but you must know I’m interested in more than this one device. There are numerous applications for your theory.”

  As Dr. Hydran had discovered. Ensley shoved back her flicker of hesitation. She could have melded with the population on Ontariese, lived out the rest of her life in peaceful mediocrity. An ordinary life had never appealed to Ensley, and it never would.

  “The possible applications are dazzling.” She curved her mouth into a soft smile as she lowered her gaze. “I look forward to exploring them for you.”

  “Jaden, remove her clothing and take down her hair. She makes me want to rut, and I can’t figure out why. She isn’t beautiful. Her body is barely average. Is there something unique in your scent?”

  Finally! It had been months since she’d had a real lover. There’d been plenty of opportunity on Ontariese, but she’d needed to keep a low profile. Simulators couldn’t carry tales.

  Don’t appear too eager, or this will be your f
irst and last opportunity to pleasure a Stirate. He likes a bit of resistance in his females.

  Jaden’s advice caught her by surprise, but her soft gasp was perfect. She licked her lips again and glanced at Pern. “Sir, I thought we understood each other. I’m here to --”

  “You’re here to do whatever I command.”

  Jaden moved up behind her, reaching around to unfasten her blouse without blocking Pern’s view of her body. She grabbed Jaden’s wrist. He pulled her arms behind her back and held them with one hand, while he continued undressing her with the other.

  “I’m not a whore. This is not why I agreed to board your ship.”

  “Women are more easily enjoyed when they are silent.” Pern relaxed in his chair, the blue ring in his dark eyes glowing.

  Momentarily releasing her arms, Jaden removed her blouse and reached for the fastenings at the back of her skirt.

  “No. I want her to do it. Lift your skirt, female, and remove your undergarments.”

  If you refuse, he will hurt you, but it will drive him wild with desire.

  She straightened her shoulders and shook off Jaden’s restraining hands. “If you want my panties off, you’ll have to take them off yourself.” Her heart hammered in her chest. Her nipples had formed tight, tingling points. Could he distinguish desire from fear?

  “Jaden, lift her to my desk. I want her kneeling in front of me.” The ring in Pern’s eyes burned brighter, and a cruel smile curved his lips.

  Ensley struggled. Her breasts swayed, and her back arched as Jaden moved her into position. He remained in front of the desk, holding her arms behind her back. Pern pushed his chair back and stood. “Your breasts are too small.” He squeezed them both, his hands warm and firm. “But your nipples are lovely, so responsive and eager to please.” He rolled the aching buds, massaging and tugging until she groaned. She closed her eyes against the onslaught of sensation. He must not realize how easily she could be won. Pain shot into her chest as he pinched her nipples. “Do not close your eyes. I honor you with my touch. You will keep your eyes open.”

  Desire pulsed through her core as she stared into his eyes. He explored her entire torso, not just her breasts, stroking and teasing. Could those intense blue rings hypnotize? She couldn’t drag her gaze away. Her breasts ached, and her nipples tingled, echoing the throbbing in her core. He reached beneath her skirt and dragged her panties down to her knees, his fingers lingering against her skin.

  “I can smell your musk. I know you want me. Why do you shrink from my touch?”

  “I don’t know you.” She panted. “My body may ... respond to certain stimuli, but I don’t want this.”

  He nudged her thighs apart and pushed two fingers into her slick passage. “Really?” He pulled back and thrust harder, rocking her against Jaden’s chest. “I can tell how much you despise this.” Slipping his hand out from under her skirt, he sucked her cream off his long fingers. “Pleasure or pain?”

  “What? I don’t understand.”

  “I am aroused by either. Which do you prefer?”

  “I prefer to be released. This need not go any farther.”

  Both men laughed.

  “We’ve barely begun,” Pern said. “Force goes more naturally with pain. If you want pleasure, lie down on your back and kick off your panties.”

  She hesitated.

  He won’t ask again. Unless you enjoy pain, do as he says.

  Jaden released her arms, and she turned, lying back across the desk. The smooth, cool surface teased her skin as she wiggled out of her panties. Pern returned to his chair, his gaze moving over her naked breasts.

  “Now lift your skirt and bend your knees, so I can watch Jaden touch you.”

  Without hesitation, she raised her skirt to her waist and bent her knees. Jaden was like a silent puppet, moving at Pern’s command. She stared into the Stirate’s eyes as Jaden caressed her body. Jaden’s fingers were warm and skillful. He rolled her nipples with one hand, while he teased her folds with the other.

  Why was Pern contenting himself with such a passive role? She was spread before him, willing, ready, yet all he did was watch.

  You know nothing of true power, silly girl. You are his for the taking whenever he wants. You surrendered too easily.

  She snapped her legs closed and covered her breasts with her hands. “I can’t do this. I’m not a whore!”

  Pern stood, leering down at her. With a soft chuckle, he splayed his fingers across her belly. “You are a whore. You just haven’t accepted it yet.”

  Insulted by his nonchalance, she tried to sit. He easily held her in place.

  “If you’re hungry, you must beg food from the crew. When you’re ready to sleep, you must convince someone to share his bed. What do you have to barter except your body on a ship filled with men?”

  “I’ll sleep in the lab.”

  “The lab belongs to Jaden.”

  Ensley’s gaze flew to Jaden as a slow smile parted his lips. Had he done this intentionally? He’d encouraged her to resist!

  “Do you want a bed slave, Jaden? Or shall I offer her to the crew?”

  “That depends.” He paused dramatically. “I like my bed slaves willing.”

  “But Ensley is not a whore.” Pern grasped her knees and spun her body on the smooth surface of the desk. Her head rotated off the edge, arching her neck. “Offer your mouth to Jaden. Demonstrate your willingness.”

  Glaring up into his smug face, Ensley gritted her teeth. How masterfully he’d manipulated her. She would rather endure the Stirate’s cruelty. Jaden unfastened his pants and freed his long, thick erection. Her lips trembled, and anticipation made her insides quiver. She needed him thrusting between her thighs, not sliding against her tongue.

  “Please,” she whispered. “I haven’t had ... I need --” She bit back the words. She would not beg these bastards!

  “Yes?” Jaden stroked his hand up and down his length, mocking her with the gesture.

  Stubbornness surged with dangerous intensity. She slipped her hand between her thighs and found her swollen clit.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Jaden grabbed her wrist, then dragged both her arms above her head. “The Stirate offered you pleasure. You were too proud to accept.”

  She looked at Pern, shocked to see compassion in his expression. “If you offer your mouth to Jaden, I may take pity on you. But no more pretenses. You are my whore.”

  Her spirit rebelled against the label, while her aching body demanded she obey. She shot Jaden a furious glare, then relaxed against the desk. Her neck arched, her legs parted, and she opened her mouth.

  Jaden released her arms and moved closer, brushing himself against her lower lip. “Lick me, female.” She licked her lips, then flicked her tongue against his flared head. “Again. Stroke me with that hot, wet tongue.”

  Hating him, knowing he’d bested her, she longed to refuse, to turn her face away, or bite him. Her breasts heaved, and her belly tightened. Warm hands settled on her knees. Pern. She couldn’t see him, but his touch was gentle, almost reassuring.

  How could she have misjudged them so completely?

  She licked Jaden, keeping her mouth open, waiting for him to accept her silent offer. He guided her hands to his hips and slowly sank into her mouth. Pern’s hands drifted down her inner thighs. Tension coiled, making her tremble. Her core rippled. God, she needed release!

  “You were disobedient,” Pern said, “and disobedience must be punished.” He traced her slit with his fingertip. Her legs shook, and she arched her hips, desperate for penetration. “You will not be filled because of your pride, but you will have pleasure.”

  Jaden began to move in her mouth, long, steady strokes that bumped the back of her throat. She held his hips, accepting the hot slide of his shaft against her tongue, imagining him deep inside her. Pern played lazily between her thighs. He teased her opening, never venturing beyond. His thumb passed over her clit, yet his caress remained feather-light and inconsistent, keeping he
r orgasm out of reach.

  Cupping the back of her neck, Jaden rocked into her mouth. She closed her eyes. Helpless. Powerless. They would use her as they saw fit. Grant her pleasure when they deemed her worthy. Tingling heat rolled through her abdomen and gathered between her thighs. On a dark, elemental level, she had never been more aroused.

  “Yes!” Jaden cried. “Oh, gods, yes!”

  Pern covered her clit with his thumb and rubbed rhythmically. Heat coalesced beneath his touch, building in tandem with Jaden’s frantic thrusting. Sensation burst within her, showering her body with tingling pleasure. Jaden drove deep one last time, his butt flexing as he released his seed. Pern continued to stroke her, dragging every last shiver from her trembling body.

  Lazily squeezing her breasts, Jaden pulled out of her mouth. “Well done, female,” he whispered and refastened his pants.

  Pern took her hands and pulled her up. Their eyes were on a level as she sat on his desk. For just an instant the bright blue ringing his pupils vanished, and the entire surface swirled like ink. Deep within her being, longing stirred, stealing her breath and making her moan. He tenderly cupped her cheek; his touch achingly familiar. Then the sapphire rings reappeared, and his brow furrowed. He lowered his hand and stepped back.

  “Next time, accept your role, and you will know true pleasure.” A note of confusion remained in his tone.

  It had happened again. Had he felt the bittersweet stirring? She searched his gaze, hoping for some hint of recognition, but all tenderness was gone.

  “Take your slave from my office,” Pern muttered. “I have work to do.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “So, what does it do?” Saebin asked as Lyrik entered the aft lounge. She sat across a minrell table from Dro Tar. Apparently, Dro Tar had been teaching her how to play the holographic game.

  “Nothing as interesting as we expected.” They’d hardly seen each other since boarding the Gale. He’d spent the first few hours eluding a search party and the rest of the day with Hermlin analyzing the mysterious modification. “The shields make us undetectable to conventional scanners, but they were designed so the ship could still be tracked by our military. The modification simply scrambles the tracker signal. No one can detect us now.”