Harbinger Read online

  “Before I take off, we should probably make sure I grabbed the right gizmo.” Vox held up the alloy device so Haven could see it. “Is this the right one?”

  She shrugged, still frustrated by her failure. “How should I know?” Wait. Take off? Was Vox going to leave her alone with Danvier? “I didn’t know the thing existed until Bynar told me about it.”

  “How does it work?” Danvier asked.

  “I. Don’t. Know.” She cleared her throat, determined to sound more composed than she felt. She didn’t want Vox to leave. Danvier was less likely to strangle her with someone watching and the harbinger made his anger clear with every staccato movement of his body.

  Vox motioned to the access terminal still active in front of the seat she’d occupied earlier. “Find out.”

  With an exaggerated sigh, she moved back to her original seat and pushed her fingers into the control matrix. She was supposed to be figuring out another way to escape, not answering their freaking questions. Danvier returned to her side, glaring down at her, watching every move she made. His suspicion was warranted, of course, but that didn’t make it less annoying.

  Now that she knew what the device was called, locating detailed information was much easier. “Okay, here’s an overview.” She expanded the document with a sweeping gesture. “They need to install it in their sensor array, between the power supply and the first relay. It will allow them to track the ‘random modulation in the transponder signal’.”

  “But that has nothing to do with covert shields.” Danvier rested his knee on the seat next to hers so he could lean in and see the display more clearly.

  Awareness tingled down her spine, but she stubbornly kept her gaze fixed on the display in front of her. She would not be intimidated by this arrogant jerk. Just a few minutes ago, he’d been helpless at her feet. She’d find a way to put him there again.

  She pointed out the paragraph she was quoting. “To achieve true stealth mode, the transponder signal needs to be concealed. Eliminating a transponder entirely makes it impossible for the ship to dock or interact when they’re not in stealth mode. The covert shields are completely undetectable, but modulating the transponder’s signal creates a specific resonance. It’s this resonance that will allow you to find the shielded ship.”

  Danvier reached past her and scrolled through the entire overview. She fidgeted, undeniably aware of his unique scent and the heat of his big body. Was he doing this intentionally, using his proximity to unnerve her?

  A graphic of the device was attached to the bottom of the report. “Let me see it.” Vox held up the device and Danvier nodded. “That’s the one.”

  “Does this ship modulate its transponder signal?” Vox asked.

  “Not just this ship.” Danvier’s tone grew rough and hostile. “All six of the Phantoms and the Crusader.” He swung around so he faced Haven again. “So any technomage with this device can track our ships. How many of these devices are out there and where have they been installed?”

  She didn’t knew the answer and saw no reason to uncover anything more. “Land and let me out or take me to IG Headquarters. My debt is paid in full.”

  Vox and Danvier spoke again in the language she couldn’t understand. Gods that was irritating. Danvier stilled and his expression went blank. Was he sending or receiving a telepathic message? Probably updating someone on Earth regarding their progress. It would have solved so many problems if Tandori Tribe had someone with this sort of telepathic range. Danvier came out of the trance and said something more to Vox. The Bilarrian nodded then teleported off the ship, leaving her alone with Danvier.

  Silent tension pulsed around them, making her nervous and restless. Would he exact some sort of revenge before he let her go? Just how angry was he?

  When the harbinger looked at her again, his gaze was filled with secrets rather than anger. Still she didn’t believe his apparent calm. “You can have a seat up front if you like. It’s easier to enjoy the view.”

  She tensed as trepidation sped her pulse. “Are you going to release me?”

  “I said I would and I will.” He sounded just insulted enough to back off Haven’s doubt, at least to some degree. She’d served her purpose, and caused no real damage. He had no reason to bother with her now.

  The access terminal blinked off, leaving her with a delightful view of the other center-facing seats. She gained nothing by being disagreeable, so reluctantly, she moved to the seat beside him and sat down.

  “Buckle up.” He motioned toward her safety restraints.

  “Are you always so bossy?” She tugged the straps around and quickly fastened the buckles.

  “I prefer my passengers to arrive alive and feisty.”

  “What if they weren’t feisty to begin with?”

  He laughed, the sound surprisingly warm. “That’s hardly a problem with you.”

  “Well, luckily you’ll only have to put up with me for a few more minutes. This ship really is remarkable.”

  “Yes, she is.” His hands flew through the controls, creating intricate and mesmerizing patterns. Suddenly the ship banked sharply then catapulted straight up into the sky.

  “Wait!” She gasped, holding on to the armrests for dear life. “What are you doing?” They gained altitude so fast the sprawling farms turned into tiny squares of varying shades of green. Cities became blurs of silver and gray and then her view was blocked completely by clouds. Her ears popped and anxiety sped her pulse. “Why are we climbing?” He said nothing and her stomach tightened as dread tingled through her system. “Where are you taking me?” It was a demand this time and still he ignored her.

  Darkness engulfed them for just a moment then Danvier engaged the hyperdrive and reality became a stream of colorful lights. Haven closed her eyes, fighting back the nauseating vertigo. The absence of light only heightened the spinning, so she opened her eyes and took several deep breaths. Finally, her body adjusted to the altered reality.

  “You’re a deceitful bastard,” she muttered as she struggled to regain her equilibrium.

  “Look who’s talking.” He shot her a sidelong glance filled with anger and awareness. “You’ve been trying to sabotage this mission since Vox brought you aboard. When that didn’t work, you attacked me without provocation. We were nothing but polite with you.”

  What he said was true, but she didn’t know them, had no reason to trust them. Of course she was going to try to escape. “You lied to me.”

  “No I didn’t. I said you’d be released. I never said where.”

  She snapped her head toward him and glared, but her stomach heaved in protest of her sudden movement. “You tricked me and you know it.” Little by little the unnatural pull on her body eased and the streaks all around the ship became a mix of glowing colors. “I demand that you take me to IG Headquarters. This was not our deal.”

  “I’m under orders to take you somewhere else.”

  “I don’t care!” She hit the chair release with the heel of her ankle boot and swiveled toward him. “I kept up my end of the bargain. Now I expect you to keep up yours.”

  He finished whatever he was doing and eased his hands out of the control matrix before he responded to her demand. “You’ll be safer where we’re going.”

  “That was Pyre’s excuse.” She unbuckled her safety straps and scooted to the edge of her seat, far too angry to remain still. “I didn’t believe her and I don’t believe you. Now take me home.” She stressed each word, accenting her resolve, and her desperation. She’d already been away too long. Every second that ticked by increased the chances that someone would discover Javin had passed beyond.

  Danvier slowly released his restraints, turned toward her, and leaned forward. “You don’t even realize how much danger you’re in. Pyre isn’t the only one determined to control you.”

  “No one controls me,” she snapped. Javin had tried. Hell, he’d nearly succeeded, but then she’d sneaked a look behind his mask.

  Slowly, Danvier touched hi
s middle finger to her temple, a clear reminder of her attack. “Does your mate still live?”

  The question sent unexpected heat curling through her body. “Why do you care?”

  His finger slid slowly downward, caressing her from temple to chin. “A female as beautiful as you should never be left unprotected. If your mate still lives, he’s useless.”

  She hated to admit it, but the harbinger was right. Javin might have been an amoral monster, but he’d kept her safe. Even after his passing, his reputation had opened doors she would never have been able to access alone. Needing a male’s protection was an outdated concept according to the social mores of Earth, but these men were Rodyte, not human. At times it was easy to forget, but so was she.

  Danvier’s long fingers curved around her chin and his thumb traced her bottom lip. “How long have you been alone, vulnerable—defenseless?”

  “I’m not defenseless.” She turned her face to the side, dislodging his hand. “I knocked you on your ass, didn’t I?”

  “Why are you so afraid?” His legs framed hers, trapping her chair in its sideways position. He hadn’t really touched her, but the promise was there in his eyes. If she pushed him, he’d retaliate. He’d restrain her, control her, until all his mission objectives were complete. He might look like an angel, but he clearly thought like a soldier.

  “I’m not afraid. I’m proactive.”

  His only response was a small shift in his expression. She refused to figure out what it meant.

  He had to be taking her to Earth. It was the only destination that made sense, but what did the rebels hope to accomplish by kidnapping her? Without being there to guard the secret, it was only a matter of time before the IG realized what she’d done. And without Javin’s reputation to protect her, she really was helpless. At least as long as the current power structure remained in place.

  “I’m pretty sure I know where we’re going,” she told him. “Can you tell me why you’re taking me to Earth?”

  One corner of his mouth quirked in a sardonic smile. “I already told you. I’m following orders.”

  Provoking him was counterproductive, but she couldn’t seem to tame her wayward tongue. “Are you really such a mindless puppet? Take a guess. What does General Nox want with me?”

  Chapter Two

  Danvier glanced at the control matrix then took a deep breath. Phantom shuttles were highly automated. Once the course was set, they basically flew themselves. His high-backed seat still faced Haven’s and he clutched the armrests to keep from reaching for her. If he touched her again, he wouldn’t be able to stop with a quick caress. The urge to pounce, to subdue her was nearly overwhelming and she was her own worst enemy. Every word she uttered provoked him, challenging his control. She’d attacked him, for creation’s sake. He’d never met a female who was quite so spirited.

  Her features were deceptively delicate, making her vibrant personality even more surprising. She wore a conservative blouse with a tiny floral print and calf-length skirt of darkest blue. The rings in her eyes couldn’t decide if they were purple or blue. He wasn’t sure if emotion or light caused the transformation, but he’d witnessed the change several times in their brief acquaintance. Wavy brown hair just grazed her shoulders, allowing the soft-looking mass to swish against her cheeks when she moved her head. Cobalt-blue streaks threaded through the brown. She might have been raised on Earth, but Haven Tandori appeared to be full-blooded Rodyte.

  She was part of Tandori Tribe, a group of outcasts who had abandoned their homeworld rather than support a war they found objectionable. Most Rodytes considered the choice cowardly. Danvier understood the prevailing attitude, yet he also saw nobility in Tandori Tribe’s conviction. Few were willing to go to such lengths to demonstrate their principles.

  Haven’s eyebrows arched and her phitons deepened from violet to midnight blue. “Have you followed orders so long you can’t think for yourself anymore?” Though her tone was light, almost singsong, challenge infused every syllable.

  Did she want him to react? Was that why she kept challenging him? “I think it’s unwise to provoke a Rodyte male when you’re six hours from your destination.” He accented the threat with his best scowl and still she laughed.

  “You’re a harbinger.” She waved dismissively in his direction. “Servitude is in your genes. You were trained from birth to be obedient.”

  He grasped the armrests of her chair and brought their faces close together. “I’m not like most harbingers.” He caught a lock of her hair and curled it around his finger. What he really wanted to do was pull her onto his lap and kiss her into submission.

  “I’m not afraid of you.” Despite her claim, fear shadowed her expression and she pressed back into her seat.

  He released her hair and wrapped his fingers around the back of her neck, leaning in even closer. Her scent sank deeper with each breath he took, spreading through his senses, creating an awareness he’d never experienced before. He felt intoxicated, yet hyper alert at the same time. Garin had said Haven was off limits. She was still grieving her mate. Pursuing her now would be selfish and unprofessional. But none of that seemed to matter. Danvier couldn’t stop touching her.

  “Leave me alone.” She shoved against his chest.

  He didn’t budge, couldn’t bear to deprive himself of her scent. “I haven’t done anything yet.” Denial was pointless. He wasn’t sure why he attempted to conceal how readily his instincts had engaged. He wanted her badly. Pretending otherwise was hypocritical.

  “I had a mate,” she reminded him sharply. “I know what you’re doing, what it means.”

  Rodyte males could identify potential mates by scent. The more compatible a female was with his physiology, the more appealing he’d find her scent. And he found Haven extremely appealing. He slowly raised his head and looked into her eyes. “You ‘had’ a mate? Meaning, you don’t have a mate any longer?” Javin’s death had been revealed to Danvier in a vision. Before this voyage was over, he intended to hear Haven confirm what he’d seen. She was a widow, no longer protected by a mate.

  She ignored the questions and digressed to an earlier statement. “Why aren’t you like most harbingers?”

  He wanted to bury his face in her hair and explore the impulses triggered by her scent, but now was not the time or place for such an exploration. Kissing her, tasting her, would countermine a direct order from his best friend and anchor. So reluctantly he moved his hands back to the armrests of her chair and put a little more space between them. “I escaped Harbinger Academy when I was a child and was raised by my battle born uncles. I never realized how much that upbringing shaped my perspective until I spent time with other harbingers.”

  “You ‘escaped Harbinger Academy’. Were you a captive? Was someone holding you there against your will? People wait years just to be considered for induction. Why would anyone run away from such a place?”

  His nostrils flared and his fingers clutched the armrests of her chair. She wasn’t just being mouthy now, she was being insulting. He’d never met a female more in need of taming. Garin’s order alone held him back. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Besides, her provocation was a transparent attempt to gain information and he wasn’t willing to reward her arrogance.

  “So set me straight. Apparently, we’ve got plenty of time.” Gradually the mockery in her expression was replaced by curiosity. Her thought process was like an agile dance. Anger hadn’t made him talk, so now she’d try cajoling. “Aren’t you Pyre Sterling’s son? Why would you need to escape an institution run by your mother?”

  “Pyre Sterling might have facilitated my birth, but she is not my mother.” Resentment made the statement harsh and cutting.

  “And she likely cost me what was left of my life on Rodymia,” Haven reminded him. “There are no Pyre fans here.”

  Thoughts of Pyre always made him edgy and he was already wound tightly enough. Not trusting himself to speak, he released her chair and turned back to the
main viewscreen. Hopefully, she’d change the subject, or better yet, stop talking altogether. Every word out of her mouth challenged his aggressive nature, the part of his soul it had taken years of targeted discipline to subdue.

  No such luck.

  “If you were just a child when you left the academy, who helped you escape?”

  He wanted to tangle his fingers in her hair and pull her head back so he could kiss her sassy mouth. It was ridiculous. He never reacted this strongly to anyone. Without turning his head, he muttered, “If I tell you my secrets, will you tell me yours?”

  “You brought it up. I didn’t ask.” She suddenly stood and her seat swiveled back to its forward-facing position. “I’m just trying to understand how it happened.”

  There was much he needed to explain and Haven would accept the news better if they’d established some level of trust. They had six hours to kill and he’d rather not spend the entire time bickering. So he checked the readouts then stood as well, positioning himself in the space between the two forward-facing seats. If he moved within arm’s reach, he’d touch her, so he wisely kept his distance. “Pyre summoned my father to her bed as she does with every organic male harbinger. Refusing her wasn’t an option.” Miraculously, Haven listened attentively without comment or question. “When she conceived the first time, Father thought he’d fulfilled his obligation to the guild and expected to be left alone. All he wanted was to focus on his training so he could become the best harbinger possible.”

  “That’s not what happened?” She fiddled with her skirt with one hand, her dark eyes wide and watchful.

  “I was male, so Pyre waited the appropriate months and then summoned him again.”

  “It’s a harsh and archaic tradition, but can’t organic harbingers only reproduce with other organic harbingers?”

  Was she defending Pyre? The possibility stunned him into silence. He studied Haven’s face, assessing her gaze. All he saw was curiosity and concern, so he exhaled then answered her question. “That’s what we’re taught, but my sister just formed a mating bond with a battle born soldier. According to academy lessons, Chandar and Raylon shouldn’t have gotten that far.”