Heretic Read online

  “The pull only amplifies attraction. It doesn’t create it,” Jillian stressed, obviously anther quote from the Rodyte doctor. “It won’t kick in unless the woman wants the male just as much. It can’t be one-sided.” She paused and shook her head. “You make it sound like a date rape drug.”

  “Dios, you sound like one of them.” Sara glared at the younger woman, anger blazing in her dark eyes.

  “It might not be a date rape drug, but it clouds the mind and warps priorities,” Lily argued.

  “So does alcohol,” Jillian persisted. “And they still serve alcohol at weddings.”

  Lily ignored the outburst and stayed focused on the situation at hand. “All that matters to you right now is being with Stront. You’re not thinking clearly.”

  This time Jillian hesitated before she responded. “I’m doing this with or without you. Obviously, I would much rather have you involved.”

  “I hope to God you don’t mean that, because I cannot give in to them.”

  “You won’t give in because you’re stubborn and filled with pride.”

  “Jillian!” Sara’s voice went up an octave and she put both hands on her hips. “That’s hateful. Apologize right now.”

  “No. You guys treat me like a child, but I’m not. I’m not even a virgin. I’m in love with Stront and I want him to claim me so he’ll have access to his magic.” If Jillian had realized how childish this made her sound, she might have chosen her words more carefully.

  “There’s no guarantee that will happen,” Lily reminded. “About thirty percent of the couples I dealt with didn’t end up with abilities of any kind.”

  “Which mean seventy percent unleashed their magic.” Jillian’s chin lifted. “I’ll take those odds.”

  “Those are the odds with my formula,” Lily stressed. “That’s not what they’ll be using in the morning.”

  “It’s not just me, you know.” Jillian squared her shoulders and stared into Lily’s eyes. “If we took a vote right now, asked everyone what they wanted you to do, my side would win by a landslide.”

  “Even if they knew they’d be risking their lives?” Lily countered.

  Jillian’s gaze narrowed and her lips pressed into an angry line. “You’ll really let me die just so you don’t have to ‘give in to them’?”

  “I won’t do anything. What happens tomorrow is entirely up to you, but I will not give my formula to kidnappers and criminals.” Angry and frustrated, Lily rushed from the room.

  Arton stood in the corridor, arms crossed over his broad chest. He was trying to hide his smile, but the corners of his mouth kept twitching. He couldn’t hear the conversation going on inside the tiny cabin, but he could easily imagine the exchange. Females in the grip of the pull rarely changed their minds about wanting their mate. The pull was instinctual and intense. Rather like his attraction to Lily. But they weren’t compatible, so why did he want her so badly?

  The privacy panel slid open and Lily stormed out. “You knew that would happen, didn’t you?”

  He pushed off the wall and fell into step beside her. “I had a pretty good idea it would be a waste of time.” Her only response was a tense shake of her head. Did she even know where she was going? His cabin was in the opposite direction. “So, will you save her from herself?”

  “I don’t know what to do. I need to think about it.” Her agitation was obvious. She walked much faster than usual and her hands were balled into fists.

  “What did she say? I knew she’d refuse you, but you seem needlessly angry.”

  “‘Needlessly’?” She stopped abruptly and turned on him. “This entire situation is needless, but it’s your fault not mine!” She shoved him hard, then started walking again.

  He rocked back on his heels, but didn’t lose his balance. “Tell me what she said.”

  “Go to hell! I’ve had it with all of you.” She angrily wiped at her eyes and he realized she was crying. Lily never cried. Through all of the tumult, and his ongoing provocations, she’d remained cool and composed. Always in control. Her ability to think logically was one of the characteristics that appealed to him. They were both pragmatic and sensible.

  Catching her upper arm, he spun her back around. “What did she say to you?” It was a demand this time.

  “She didn’t just refuse to reconsider, she echoed all of your arguments and reminded me that I’m—” A harsh sob interrupted her words and tears welled in her eyes.

  “That you’re what?” he persisted, not yet understanding her reaction.

  “It doesn’t matter.” She tugged against his hold, lips trembling.

  He kept his grip firm while being careful not to hurt her. “Clearly it does or you wouldn’t be this upset.”

  “What difference does it make to you?” Her voice rose along with her temper. “We’re not potential mates. I’m not compatible with anyone!” With a sudden burst of strength, she jerked her arm free and ran off down the corridor.

  Stunned by the implication, he jogged after her. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Her incompatibility, their incompatibility was at the heart of her upset. All of her arguments and protestation led him to believe she had no interest in being claimed by anyone. Obviously, that wasn’t true. Despite all her claims of indifference, she did want a mate.

  He sighed as he hurried along in her wake. His life had always been solitary. He drifted from one bloody conflict to another without ever caring about the cause. He offered his skills, and his visions, to the highest bidder, knowing lives would be lost because of his insights.

  Meeting Kage had restored a sense of purpose to Arton’s life, but that didn’t change his dismal past. He’d given up on romance a very long time ago. Lily deserved someone who could love her as deeply as she would doubtlessly love him. Arton was too jaded, too ruined, to provide what she needed in a life partner.

  He was careful to keep less than ten feet between them. She’d clearly forgotten about their tether, but he’d felt the agony before and didn’t care to relive the experience.

  She took a lift to deck four, then headed toward the forward section of the ship. She didn’t have the clearance necessary to enter restricted areas, so her destination was likely the observation platform above the command center. As he’d surmised, she climbed the ladder leading to the floor entrance. She didn’t invite him to follow, yet she left the door open.

  Sunlight warmed his skin as he climbed through the opening. He closed the door before he joined her at the railing. The platform was simply that, a railed area that allowed occupants to enjoy their surroundings. A transparent dome capped the circular space while the ship was in motion. Today the dome had been retracted, offering temperate breezes and fresh air. They stood side-by-side for a moment, staring out at the surrounding forest. The trees swayed hypnotically as the wind gently stirred their branches.

  He wanted to touch her, pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he knew she’d only push him away. And he didn’t understand the impulse. If they weren’t genetically compatible, why couldn’t he stop thinking about her, longing for her?

  Maybe if he understood her attitude, it would help him unravel his. He chose his words carefully, needing information, not more emotional reactions. “I didn’t think you were interested in a long-term relationship. What changed your mind?”

  “Time and logic.” She took a deep breath and rested her hands on the railing. “I was snatched from Earth thirty-four days ago. That doesn’t sound like a lot of time. Many prisoners of war go for years without giving up hope of escape or rescue.” She glanced at him, her features gradually relaxing as she expressed her inner turmoil. “This situation is very different. We all know there will be no rescue. Humans are incapable of long-range space travel and the battle born are overwhelmed with their own problems. Like it or not, this planet is our home now. The only thing we can control is our reaction to this inevitable situation.”

  She looked at him, clearly waiting for some sort of response. “
Makes sense.” She’d barely begun her explanation, so he wasn’t sure what else to say.

  “Almost all the captives volunteered for the battle born transformation program, so they were already intrigued by the idea of bonding with a Rodyte male.”

  Arton had used the information in the battle born database to identify potential mates for the Outcasts. It was the quickest and most accurate way of locating genetically compatible females. Besides, knowing each Outcast bride would be stolen away from an arrogant battle born soldier added to the sweetness of the adventure.

  “Thea and I are exceptions, so it took us longer even to consider what you guys are offering.”

  “But you have considered it?” He studied her profile. She seemed more comfortable with her gaze averted.

  “We’ve had thirty-four days with little to do but think and we’re surrounded by females who keep pointing out the benefits of being bonded with a Rodyte. Health, longevity, protection, passion, family, and maybe even magic. Who wouldn’t be tempted by all of that? Especially when the alternative is endless years of loneliness and resentment?” The wind caught a lock of her long dark hair and whipped it across her face. She gathered the strands with her fingertips and tucked them behind her ear. “It’s also hard to be excited about life unless you have a purpose. You guys came here with very specific ideas. The women can be part of what you’re trying to build, or they can wallow in self-pity for the rest of their lives.” She glanced at him as she added, “That’s not a very hard choice.”

  He only nodded, not wanting to interrupt her until she was finished.

  “Thea isn’t swayed by any of it, of course. She’s still grieving and angry. Nothing will convince her to cooperate.”

  “And you? Have you been swayed by their arguments?”

  She shrugged, the gesture not quite believable. “As Jillian was quick to point out, I’m no one’s potential mate. The arguments don’t apply to me.”

  Her obvious disappointment tore at his heart, stirring feelings he barely recognized in himself. “A couple doesn’t have to be genetically compatible to—”

  “I was fighting for my fellow captives, protecting them from their ruthless captors.” She abruptly switched topics, hiding behind the less personal elements of the conflict. “According to Jillian, they’re all switching sides. Now I’m an obstacle keeping them from what they want. They no longer see my refusal as noble or even helpful.”

  Unable to resist the impulse any longer, he lightly touched her shoulder. Awareness tingled up his arm, urging him on to more intimate touches. “You can still help them, protect them. Your role will just be different than before.”

  “My role would be exactly what you intended from the start.” She shook her head but allowed his touch. “If I reward your bad behavior, it encourages others to misbehave. If one of the females refuses her potential mate, he might not take no for an answer. Why should he? You didn’t.”

  He had to progress carefully. She was closer to surrender than ever before. The ruthless thought made him want to laugh. His need to touch her had nothing to do with gaining her cooperation. He desperately wanted to run his hands all over her body and hear her moan his name. “Your primary argument has been that we’re forcing our will on you.” He paused, watching her reaction to his statement. Her gaze narrowed a fraction, but she said nothing. “Did Jillian at least convince you that she’s not being forced?”

  She turned her head and gazed back out at the horizon, shifting just enough to dislodge his hand. “I’m not sure I agree. The pull is a form of coercion.”

  He’d heard this argument before and didn’t understand the thinking. “The pull is a spontaneous biological function. Hunger urges you to eat. Do you consider that coercion?”

  “How well do you know Stront?”

  The abrupt subject change surprised him. She still had her face averted, so he wasn’t sure what inspired the question. “He’s been with us for little over a year. He does what he’s told without argument and doesn’t cause trouble. He’s quick witted and good in a battle.”

  Her gaze darted toward him and then away. “That’s not what I meant. Is he loyal? Can he be gentle? Will he take good care of Jillian?” Resting her hand on the railing, she looked at him but stayed just out of reach. “She’s really naive. I don’t want her hurt by anyone.”

  It was the perfect opportunity to remind her that Jillian might well be hurt unless she fixed the formula, but angering her at this point would be foolish. “Stront is both loyal and trustworthy. He’s also in love with Jillian.”

  “She thinks she loves him too, but she’s so young. I don’t think she’s ever been in a serious relationship.”

  “Soul bonding is permanent,” he reminded her. “It doesn’t get any more serious than that.”

  “You’re not making me feel better.” She heaved a dramatic sigh.

  He fought back a smile. There were all sorts of things he could do to make her feel better, but it was seriously doubtful she’d allow any of them. “Stront is a good man. You don’t need to worry about him hurting your friend.”

  A faint disturbance snapped Arton to high alert. He spun around, arms out to the side.

  “Relax,” Kage said with a lazy smile. “I come in peace.” The wind caught the ridiculous cape that was part of Kage’s barbarian costume. The blood-red material rippled in the wind, then wrapped around his torso, making him look like the cross between a Bilarrian brigand and a Roman Centurion. The munitions bands were loaded now. Kage never left his cabin without a variety of weapons at his disposal.

  “How did you get up here?” Lily asked, her voice tremulous. “You didn’t come through the door.” She pointed to the floor opening, which was squarely in her line of sight.

  Unlike many of his men, Kage could teleport. Most assumed that his “powers” were the result of highly sophisticated technology. He had once trained as a techno-mage after all, and passing off technology as magic was what they did best. Only Arton knew the truth. The overlord loved gadgets, especially when they mimicked paranormal gifts. However, he had genuine abilities too.

  Kage ignored Lily’s question, looking at Arton instead. “I know you took her to see her friends. What was the outcome?”

  “Jillian refused to reconsider, but Lily’s decision has yet to be determined.” All the cabins were under surveillance. Kage could have found out what transpired without leaving his quarters. What did he really want?

  Lily tensed as Kage turned toward her.

  “The transformation program launches tomorrow. Are you willing to— Will you please ensure that no one is harmed by the process?”

  Lily stared up at the overlord, shocked by his civility. She opened her mouth, but a sharp cry echoed through the trees interrupting whatever she’d been about to say.

  Kage rushed to the railing and stared out across the forest. “Report!”

  Arton couldn’t hear the responses, but he knew Kage had opened a link with the patrol groups scattered about the forest.

  “Understood. Contain it, but don’t fire unless it leaves you no other choice.” Without explaining what was happening, Kage teleported off the platform.

  “What’s going on?” Lily moved up beside him, concern and curiosity widening her gaze.

  “I’m not sure.” Gradually opening his mind, Arton began to scan.

  “Who was Kage talking to?” Her voice became hushed, uncertain.

  Arton held up one hand, backing her off without pulling his focus. It was unlikely his talents would be of any use if the guards were dealing with an “it” not a who. Besides, there was no way he was dragging Lily into danger and the tether bands made it impossible to leave her behind. She stood beside him, quiet and still, so he reached over and took her hand.

  Lily’s mind was chaotic, not surprising for a person with no training. He eased inward, penetrating as slowly as he could.

  “What are you...oh.” She gasped softly, then fell silent again.

  Once h
is mind was linked with Lily’s, he projected his being back into the woods. He glided along, spreading his energy on the wind as he absorbed images, sounds, and impressions. Surges of fear and desperation guided him toward the scene. Three guards had a creature trapped in the corner created by a rock formation and a tight cluster of trees. The animal snarled and snapped, lips pulled back from sharp-looking teeth. Its eyes flashed yellow in the dimness, but the dense shadows concealed the details of its appearance. A woman stood cowering in the embrace of an Outcast. His face was turned away, so Arton couldn’t identify the burly male.

  “What is that thing?” Lily whispered.

  “Carnivorous predator. Indigenous. Our patrols have come across them before.”

  Kage approached the creature slowly, hands extended, palms out.

  “What’s he doing?” Concern sharpened Lily’s voice.

  Arton glanced at her without ending the scan. Her face was always lovely, but the soft twilight accented her high cheekbones and supple skin. She’d closed her eyes as she focused inward. His hand was halfway to her face before he realized what he was doing and lowered his arm. He had to stop touching her, no matter how badly he wanted her. She’d been interested enough to look for him in the matching database. He shouldn’t give her false hope. He wasn’t interested in a mate and she deserved more than what he could give her.

  His hold on the forest scene began to slip, so he quickly fed energy into the scan. Kage bent to one knee, his hands still extended. The creature growled.

  “Oh please, just kill it,” the female murmured, her voice muffled against her male’s chest.

  Suddenly, the creature leapt at Kage, jaws clearly aimed at his throat. A stream of energy arced through the gloom and incinerated the creature half an instant before its claws imbedded themselves in the overlord’s shoulders.

  “Damn it, Torrin,” Kage grumbled as he pushed back to his feet. “I told you not to shoot.”

  “He was going for your throat, sir.” Torrin squared his shoulders and raised his chin, looking even meaner than usual. “I wasn’t willing to risk it.”