Triumphant (Battle Born Book 14) Page 25

  Like every other battle born male, gaining access to his abilities had been a lifelong dream. However, he would not risk harming her in any way.

  “You allow others to do this every day. Don’t you? The best commanders lead by example.”

  He smiled. Now that she had full access to his thoughts and emotions, she was even more perceptive than she’d been before. A dangerous improvement. “I’m a general, not a commander.”

  “You command the Triumphant. Don’t try to weasel out of this. Why are you being so squeamish? I thought this would please you.”

  “It does.” He pushed his fingers into her hair, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “More than you can imagine, but… I don’t want anything to happen to you. I couldn’t bear it if I claimed you only to feel you slip away.”

  She leaned over and kissed him, a brief reassuring caress. “Nothing is going to happen to me other than becoming stronger and healthier than ever before.”

  “Our soul bond alone will do that.”

  “Not like the transformation process will. The datapad Lily gave me had all sorts of information about the program. I likely know more about it than you do.”

  He’d followed the program’s evolution from highly experimental to almost route, so her claim was improbable. Still, the issue wasn’t which one of them knew more about the process. They needed to decide if they wanted to participate, and his mate had obviously made up her mind. “You want to do this, right now?”

  “I’m much too wound-up to sleep. Aren’t you?” Hope and excitement made her eyes sparkle, which made the idea even more tempting.

  But it was his responsibility to protect her, to ensure no harm came to her regardless of the situation. “All of this is happening so quickly. I think you should take a day or two to really consider the alternatives.”

  “And have the Evonti invade while I wring my hands. Not going to happen. Earth is in danger and a good friend is in serious trouble. I will do everything in my power to change both of those situations. My decision was made when I let you claim me. This is my new life path, and I will face each new challenge by your side.”

  Moved beyond words by her selfless determination, he just looked at her in wonder.

  “I don’t understand your hesitation. Is the procedure safe or not?”

  He was upsetting her, and that wasn’t his intention. Humans would consider this their wedding night. He wanted her to be happy and filled with hope. “The process is safe. That’s not what’s bothering me.” She was clearly waiting for an explanation, so he went on, “In my experience, nothing comes without a price. The universe must remain in balance. I’ve already been given a wonderful mate. If I’m selfish enough to accept this too, I’m afraid you will end up footing the bill for my happiness.”

  She scooted closer and framed his face with her hands. The sheet slid to her waist, but she kept his gaze focused on hers. “Did you ever consider that your bill might be prepaid? Think about all the years we spent without each other, all the battles you’ve fought and the sacrifices you’ve made to ensure all the battle born have better lives. I think we’ve both paid our dues. We deserve some happiness.”

  He took her in his arms and angled his mouth over hers. Their lips slid and their tongues played, lingering and tender. Neither were willing to end the kiss.

  Finally, he eased her away and looked deep into her eyes. “Go warm up the shower. I’ll let Dr. Mintell know we’re on our way.”

  * * * * *

  “That was sort of anticlimactic.” Rebecca rubbed her upper arm as she hurried along to keep up with Sedrik’s long strides. They’d just left main medical where Dr. Mintell had injected them with the mysterious “formula”. Now they were headed back to their cabin. “I expected something more dramatic.”

  “The injection just gets things started,” he told her. “Our bodies do all the work.”

  Targeted mutation, genetic synchronization, and biological optimization, she understood what the words meant. How their bodies would evolve with such precision, on the other hand, was still a complete mystery. “Will I feel it when my body starts changing?”

  He smiled. He’d been doing that a lot since their bonding, which was nice. She liked seeing him happy. “Your body started changing when I claimed you. This will be similar, but more intense.”

  “Does your body change too, or does mine conform to… Will this make me Rodyte?”

  He thought for a moment then shrugged. “In a way, I guess.” His steps never faltered. He hurried her on toward their private haven. “Your DNA will take on certain aspects of mine, and mine will absorb elements of yours. One could argue that we’ll both be human/Rodyte/Bilarrian hybrids once the transformation is complete.”

  “And how long will that take?” Her pulse began to race and a vague restlessness made her feel jittery.

  A chuckle rumbled through his chest as she started to go left. He patiently motioned her to the right. She turned around and followed his direction, shaking her head as she went. This crazy ship was so big. It would take her months to figure out where she was going.

  “The major changes will take place over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” he told her, “but it can take several weeks for the final transformation to solidify.”

  “That’s still incredibly fast.” Her lungs felt starved of air. Why was she panting?

  “We better hurry, love. You’re cheeks are really flushed and your pupils are dilated.”

  She didn’t doubt his description. She definitely felt strange, but why wasn’t he affected or particularly surprised? “Is it starting? Am I going to transform?” He took her hand and sped their already hurried pace. The ring of his boot heels against the deck sounded like gunfire in her ears. They were basically jogging now.

  “The first symptom is a spike in bonding fever. And trust me, I’m feeling it too.” His voice dropped to a sensual growl that sent shivers down her spine. One glance at the front of his pants verified his claim. They were trying to outrun a galaxy-class eruption of sexual need.

  “Did Dr. Mintell tell us about this?” She’d been rather overwhelmed by his lengthy explanation.

  If Sedrik answered, she didn’t hear him. Her surroundings blurred, whipping past her in a surreal haze, but her movements seemed to slow. She was running to keep up with his faster pace, yet each movement strained her muscles, as if she were slogging through mud.

  He scooped her up in his arms and his frustration rushed into her mind. His need was so great that he was ready to take her right there in the corridor. She pressed her face against the warmth of his neck, helplessly grinning. She was so turned on right now, she wasn’t sure she’d mind.

  Luckily, they reached their cabin before either of them gave in to the urgency. His boots hit the floor in quick succession as she toed off her shoes. He ripped her shirt off over her head while she triggered the seam down the front of his uniform top. He shrugged off the outer garment and rid himself of his undershirt, then picked her up so their faces were closer together. She wrapped her arms around his neck and encircled his waist with her legs, clinging to him as their mouths aligned.

  They kissed hungrily, each taking as eagerly as they gave. Emotions flowed freely from mind to mind, desire and urgency, woven through tenderness and hope. He walked—more like stumbled—into the bedroom, his mouth never leaving hers. She was dizzy and euphoric, yet still dissatisfied. She needed more of their joining, body, mind and spirit. Her core ached and her nipples tingled, needing the warm rasp of his hard chest.

  Without bothering to set her down, he ripped the front of her pants open and peeled the material off as she wiggled her legs free one at a time. She returned the favor by triggering the seal in his pants, her legs still loosely circling his hips. He let go of her butt just long enough to push his pants and undergarment to his knees, then he sat on the edge of the bed and kicked himself free of his last few garments.

  With the distraction of clothes gone, they focused onl
y on each other. Their kiss slowed yet deepened, each stroke and swirl of their tongues communicating love and tenderness. She folded her legs beneath her, straddling his lean hips. The subtle rocking of her hips rubbed her mound against his erection.

  He cupped her breasts, squeezing gently, then pulling back to tease her nipples. All the while his mouth moved over and against hers, his tongue boldly exploring the soft interior of her mouth.

  In me, she whispered in his mind, unwilling to end their kiss. Please.

  A fresh rush of desire thrust into her mind as he reached between their bodies and guided his cock to her opening. She lifted her hips until his rounded tip parted her folds. His hands returned to her ass cheeks, holding her steady while their bodies fused. She lowered herself slowly and he arched upward, filling her as she surrounded him.

  They paused for one blissful moment, his shaft buried deep in her core. Clinging to each other, they melded as completely as two corporeal beings could. Their minds and souls communicated on a level beyond words, beyond the past or future. Without specific thoughts or worries, they simply adored each other.

  But reality soon insinuated itself into the idyllic moment, reminding them of the impending conflicts and the purpose for their quest. Earth was in danger, and the battle born were humankind’s only hope of defeating the Evonti. Meanwhile, the Outcasts had captured over a thousand human females then fled the Milky Way. Again, the battle born were the captives’ only hope of rescue.

  Rebecca gradually raised her hips. His fingers tightened, preventing her from separating them completely. That hadn’t been her intention, but his obvious need thrilled her. He pulled her back down as he released her mouth and stared deep into her eyes.

  She dove into the velvety depths of his purple-ringed gaze, mesmerized by the intensity and warmth of emotion shining there. He welcomed her, drawing her deeper than she’d ever gone before. Their bodies continued to move, the steady rhythm propelling her spiritual journey.

  Driven on by instinct and urges she’d never experienced before, she flowed past memories and sensation, thoughts and calculations. Logic and rationale gradually faded, absorbed into the enormous store of sizzling energy. Like a massive reservoir the energy stretched out before her, hinting at the true scope of Sedrik’s power. The surface rippled and tossed agitated by something or someone only it could sense. Then she realized she was the cause. The energy recognized the being destined to free it from its crippling barriers, and it was anxious to begin.

  Reaching out slowly, she tested the barrier, trying to understand its nature and possible weaknesses. She eased closer, then closer still. Color and light flashed before her eyes, purple, blue and gold, with ribbons of black. It was beautiful yet somehow menacing. Tingles became prickles, and prickles flared to stings.

  What are you doing? It’s causing you pain. Sedrik’s worry swirled around her, threatening her concentration.

  I need you like this. Rather than explaining further, she sent a vivid image into his mind.

  After a moment’s hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her and scooted back to the middle of the bed. Then he rolled in a tight circle, sweeping her body beneath his as she’d requested. She raised her arms above her head and surrendered the physical into his keeping.

  He entwined their fingers and lowered his head. His mouth played over hers as his hips recaptured the slow, deep rhythm she needed so desperately.

  Perfect, she encouraged. Don’t stop. Then she flowed back into the secret part of his being requiring her attention.

  But no sooner had she arrived then she felt the storm cresting. They needed each other so desperately that a quick ending was inevitable. Pleasure blasted her senses, pulling her back into the physical like a stubborn undertow. She fought against the pull, knowing her work had barely begun.

  Rebecca? Concern rippled across their link and she was vaguely aware of Sedrik separating their bodies. He moved to her side and lightly touched her face. Rebecca, what’s going on?

  It’s time, my love. This is the moment you’ve waited for your entire life.

  What can I do? How do I help you? Concern and frustration wrapped around every word.

  Relax and don’t distract me. Just hold me close and keep me safe.

  Always and forever. He kissed her gently then reluctantly backed off, fading into the background without withdrawing from the meld completely.

  With increased focus, she continued her examination, using skills she didn’t realize she possessed. How was she doing this when a few days ago she’d never even sensed someone else’s thoughts? Her logical mind tried to analyze the contradiction, to explain something that simply made no sense.

  Then a benevolent yet powerful force drew her back toward the task at hand. It calmed her and enabled her to center her being. Determination replaced uncertainty and filled her with driving purpose. She must release Sedrik’s power, and she must do so now. He would never be able to release it for himself.

  Ignoring the pain, she eased back into the barrier, scanning its size and thickness. The more she learned the more discouraged she became. Transparent and all-encompassing, the barriers seemed insurmountable. She had no paranormal abilities, so how was she supposed to destroy something so impenetrable? It was, in a word, impossible!

  This is only impossible if you convince yourself it is.

  Rebecca froze, frantically scanning her surroundings. That hadn’t been instinct or impression. Something else was in here with her, and it sure as hell wasn’t Sedrik.

  Who are you? she demanded. What do you want with me?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rebecca held perfectly still, waiting for the specter to respond. Like the volunteers, she’d sensed someone guiding her from the beginning, showing her what to do when she hesitated. She didn’t sense an overt threat, but why was the entity hiding in the shadows like a criminal?

  I’m not hiding, Rebecca. This is a soul bond, the deepest and most sacred of links. Even I can only intrude to this small degree.

  Recognition snapped into place, providing an unexpected, yet not unwelcome answer. You’re Skyla, Sedrik’s mother?

  Among other things. Relax, dear. I’m here to help.

  Even more profound understanding unfurled within Rebecca and she gasped. Skyla was the “Ghost Guide” so many of the volunteers talked about. She had been helping them, guiding them through their transformations, ensuring that their mates finally had access to their inherited powers.

  Questions flooded Rebecca’s mind. How was Skyla doing this? How had she even known her assistance was needed? She lived on a different planet, for God’s sake. In a different galaxy! Sedrik had said his mother was unusually powerful, but this was—

  Rebecca dear, you need to concentrate or I’ll lose my hold on the link. You’re causing energy fluctuations that are extremely hard to stabilize.

  Unable to shake off the thoughts completely, Rebecca said, You did this for the others too. Didn’t you? You’ve been helping them from the beginning.

  Is that a problem? Skyla sounded amused rather than concerned.

  Of course not! Most claim they would have been lost without you. But why do you care? And how do you know when each one is ready for your help?

  These are questions that can wait until after this battle is fought. We are here for an extremely important reason. Her tone became stronger, edgier. More like Sedrik’s.

  Sorry. Rebecca reined in her emotions and focused on the restless reservoir in front of her. Somehow she had to free it from the barrier.

  Have you figured out the nature of the barrier? Skyla asked.

  Not really, but it’s massive and seriously dense.

  Irrelevant. The barrier wants to release the energy. All you have to do is convince it to let go.

  That made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Rebecca ignored the fact, refusing to be dissuaded by her old reality. It stung like fire when I touch it. It certainly didn’t feel like it wanted to let go.

  L
ook closer. No, don’t look at all, sense the barrier, feel its basic nature.

  The suggestion sounded way too new age for Rebecca’s liking, but she tried. Rather than driving her will into the barrier like a spike, she melded with it, allowing it to become part of her. So familiar. She knew that rhythm, had surrounded herself with this scent, had seen this color combination! It’s Sedrik. The barrier is as much a part of him as the reservoir.

  Very good, Skyla praised. So how do you overcome this obstacle?

  I don’t. It will overcome itself. All I have to do is convince it to stop battling itself. Sedrik needs to surrender.

  Rebecca sank deeper into the barrier, no longer afraid or hesitant. She opened herself to the conflict, wanting to understand. The barrier revealed itself in more detail as it felt her willingness to give. The battle born were taught from the cradle that they were tainted, unworthy, lesser than other Rodytes. Their fathers were brave warriors, but their mothers were enemy captives, emphasis on enemy. It didn’t matter how much they achieved or how well they performed, they were always battle born.

  You must surrender the hate, the bitterness, before you can join me in our bright new future. You will never be truly mine as long as you hold on to the past.

  Her words drew Sedrik deeper into the link. He resisted for a moment, then flowed to her side. That’s easier said than done. Don’t you think I’ve tried?

  She sent a wave of warmth toward him, revealing her own struggle and the freedom she’d found beyond the pain. You don’t have to tell me how hard it is, my love. I experience it ever hour of every day. But you must do more than try. You must let go. It’s a conscious decision to rise above your past, a moment-by-moment choice to reclaim the life they tried so hard to destroy.

  His frustration and anger spiked, tossing her like a rowboat on the stormy ocean. Then his spirit stilled, focused, and brutal honesty calmed the waves.

  I don’t’ know how, he admitted.

  Of course you do. She pushed her love across their link, letting him borrow her strength for a change. You might not be able to do it for yourself, but you can do it for me.