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  “What other option do we have? We don’t have her connections or her resources. If we kill her, we’ll be stranded on Earth with even less than we have now.”

  “I’m not talking about killing her. We need to find a way to control her.”

  Zach laughed and scrubbed his hand over his face. “That’s what Allenton was trying to do. Are you volunteering to take his place?”

  Nazerel shuddered. Even with her physical beauty, Sevrin held no appeal to him. “I’m soon to be soul bonded with Angie.” The lie tasted bitter. Angie was likely on Ontariese by now, surrounded by Mystics and soldiers. Or worse, her Mystic watchdog was on top of her, inside her, claiming what should have been Nazerel’s. Either way Angie was beyond his grasp and he was finally ready to move on. He wasn’t ready to admit failure, but it was definitely time for a new strategy. “I’m not an option. You, however, could show our manipulative princess what it’s like to be claimed by a Shadow Assassin.”

  Zach’s brows arched in challenge as he stared at Nazerel. “What do I gain by becoming her new sex toy?”

  “That’s my point. Allenton was Sevrin’s toy. You need to make her yours. She tries a little too hard to convince everyone how ruthless she is. Let her keep her public persona, but take control of her in bed, make her crave the aggression so badly she’ll do anything for you.”

  For a long time Zach said nothing. His cheeks flushed and his gaze began to smolder. He was obviously thinking it over—in minute detail.

  “What do you have to lose?” Nazerel moved closer yet lowered his voice. “Until we gain control over that bitch, we’re little more than prisoners.”

  “If I suddenly expressed an interest in her, it would seem suspicious.”

  Nazerel shook his head. “We all know she wants an alpha mate, and now that Allenton’s gone, there’s an opening. It’s as simple as that. Throw in a little ‘Nazerel is an arrogant asshole’ if you like. That will make your change of heart even more believable.”

  Zach finally smiled. “You are, you know.”

  Nazerel just shrugged. “I’ve been called worse. I’m going to go spend some time with my reluctant mate, which makes this the perfect opportunity for you to sneak away and complain about me to our unsuspecting princess.” He didn’t wait for Zach to agree before he flashed from the room.

  * * * * *

  “There it is again.”

  Lor turned from the dossier translations he’d been studying and walked to the navigation console where Morgan Hoyt sat. The ship was still on the ground in the middle of the desert, which left the power and capacity of navigation at the human’s disposal. “You registered another power spike?”

  Morgan made a quick adjustment to the detection grid before she looked up. “There have been four in the past hour. Each one is too faint to triangulate, but strong enough to show up as a spike.” She turned her chair around, her expression speculative. “Could it be teleportation?”

  Lor shrugged. “It could be almost anything.” He knew the human was trying her hardest, but the variables were nearly limitless. Morgan and her operatives had been an invaluable part of the raid on Team North. Her knowledge of Ontarian technology made it obvious she’d participated in joint missions before, but she’d dodged his questions every time he tried to find out more about her. High Queen Charlotte had given Lor Morgan’s number and told him she was trustworthy. Until Morgan was ready to share, or did something to earn his suspicion, Charlotte’s vote of confidence would have to be enough. “Any Mystic ability requires energy.”

  “I understand that, but it would make more sense if I was seeing evidence of a power drain. They use an ability and energy is siphoned away. That’s not what happens. These are sudden increases in energy.”

  “There are many abilities that create sudden bursts of energy,” Lor told her. “Sending thoughts or images, telekinesis and creating fire are just a few.”

  She nodded and started to turn back around.

  “You guys have got to see this,” Odintar rushed onto the command deck followed immediately by Elias Bertram, Morgan’s lieutenant. “We are so screwed.” Odintar slipped into the chair beside Morgan and activated the communications panel.

  “It’s all over the internet and television channels are starting to pick it up,” Elias said.

  The main view screen flickered to life and a news cast filled the front of the ship. “The images have been validated by two separate sources,” the newscaster said. “It’s really quite extraordinary.”

  The newscaster’s image was replaced by another and trepidation surged through Lor. Blayne and Nazerel stood in a sunlit parking lot. Blayne’s face was toward the camera. They fought briefly then Blayne flashed from one side of Nazerel to the other.

  “Shit,” Lor muttered.

  “Oh, it gets worse,” Odintar warned.

  Blayne attacked with a sudden flurry of punches and Nazerel launched an energy pulse at Blayne. The Mystic shuddered and groaned as he absorbed the energy. Blayne looked at something beyond the camera then Nazerel flashed out of sight. Blayne flashed an instant later, leaving the parking lot empty.

  Odintar muted the newscast. “They have language experts trying to decipher their argument. This is a fucking disaster.”

  “Why was this recorded?” Lor asked. “Where were they when they fought?”

  “In front of the Provo Police Station.” Elias didn’t quite hide his amusement.

  “This isn’t funny,” Odintar snapped.

  “Sorry.” He rubbed a hand over his face and his levity vanished. “Sleep deprivation makes me obnoxious, but those two couldn’t have been more conspicuous without calling a press conference first.”

  “What do they really know?” Morgan stood, stretching out her back. “They have a recording of a fight where two people seem to disappear. Give me a few hours and I’ll make it go away.”

  “It’s all over the internet,” Odintar argued.

  “It’s a hoax and I have people who can prove it. I just need a little time.”

  “I can’t believe Blayne was this careless.” Odintar shook his head, the faint red rings in his dark eyes starting to glow.

  “Nazerel ambushed him,” Elias pointed out. “Any of us would have done the same.”

  “He should have expected an attack. I would have.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Morgan stepped in between the two men and placed one hand on either chest. “It’s a hoax. An elaborate publicity stunt for…I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.”

  “Blayne needs to stay off this planet until we’ve cleaned up his mess.” Odintar was still growling, but he’d apparently accepted the plan. “We can’t risk some over-ambitious reporter finding him.”

  “I agree with that.” Morgan lowered her arms and moved back toward the navigation panel. “We might need him later when we’re ready to ‘explain’ what everyone really saw. For now, he needs to stay hidden.”

  “I’ll make sure he does,” Lor promised. “At least Angie wasn’t caught on camera.”

  “Maybe not, but she’s been named a ‘person of interest’ by the Provo police.” Odintar folded his arms over his chest. “There was an interview with one of the employees who claims Angie stood there watching the fight. She turned and ran around the side of the building and that’s when the men both disappeared. The employee didn’t think it was a coincidence and neither do her supervisors. They’re not sure what the connection is, but they’re damn sure there is one.”

  Lor rubbed his eyebrows as pressure throbbed behind his eyes. “I’ll take care of it. Whether she likes it or not, Angie is going to have to lie low until this thing blows over.”

  “What about Tori?” Morgan looked at Lor, her blue gaze assessing. “She tends to be overly protective of little sister.”

  “The only way to ensure Angie’s safety is to keep her right where she is. Tori will understand.”

  “Famous last words.” Morgan chuckled as she turned around and went back
to work.

  * * * * *

  Blayne watched Angie hug Drakkin’s mate. They laughed then hugged again. “I take it you two know each other?”

  “Everyone thinks you’re dead.” Angie stepped back from Aria as confusion furrowed her brow. “Why did you just disappear like that? People actually thought the show was cursed. No one wanted anything to do with it after you disappeared.”

  Regret softened Aria’s gaze and she looked to her mate for support. “I was being pursued. I had no choice but to disappear. Allowing anyone to know I was still alive would have endangered them and me.”

  Angie’s gaze swept over Aria with obvious astonishment. “This is how you really look. No wonder you were so damn secretive.”

  Aria laughed. “I didn’t have many options. This look is hard to pull off, even in Las Vegas.”

  Drakkin motioned his mate to his side. “How did you two meet?”

  “Angie’s sister, Tori, was the set designer for Star-Crossed.” Aria sat in the chair beside Drakkin. “Angie often assisted her with the project.”

  “I was Tori’s errand girl,” Angie muttered. “But it gave me an excuse to go backstage and the entire cast of Star-Crossed was hot.”

  The women laughed, but possessiveness crawled through Blayne, making him feel edgy. One kiss and he was ready to fight any man who looked at Angie? He inwardly shook his head. Lust was counterproductive to his purpose. They were here to get rid of her metaphysical bug, not start a family.

  Family. The word echoed through his being, hollow and hard. He’d given up on the concept a long time ago.

  “What are you doing on Bilarri?” Aria asked.

  “It’s a long story.” Angie sighed and returned to her chair.

  Drakkin quickly told Aria about the Shadow Assassins. “They’ve aligned themselves with a Rodyte who is helping them find mates on Earth, with or without human cooperation.”

  “Because of Angie’s Ontarian blood, Nazerel has focused on her,” Blayne added.

  “Is someone guarding Tori?” Aria reached over and squeezed Drakkin’s arm. “If all this is true, she has Ontarian blood too. Maybe you should go get her.”

  “The Mystic Militia is protecting Tori,” Drakkin assured. “She has soul bonded with Lor.”

  “Soul bonded?” Angie’s gaze snapped toward Blayne. “They said they were lovers. Somehow I don’t think that’s the same as ‘soul bonded’.”

  He hadn’t detailed Tori’s situation, so how had Drakkin… It shouldn’t surprise Blayne. Drakkin could effortlessly read minds, scan memories and even dreams. He instinctively perceived things with little or no information. No one knew the full scope of Drakkin’s abilities, because he never felt the need to brag about them, but everyone who met the enigmatic Bilarrian was amazed by his effortless command of magic.

  “Is soul bonded as permanent as it sounds?” Angie persisted.

  “It is, which is why Tori sidestepped the issue,” Blayne explained. “She didn’t want to upset you.”

  “I’m not upset, exactly, just surprised. They couldn’t have known each other for more than a week or so.”

  “Things progress a lot faster when one can look into the heart and mind of one’s lover,” Aria sounded sort of dreamy and her hand lingered on Drakkin’s arm. “Humans must rely on what they’re told or what they see. Actions and attitudes can be faked. With a soul bond, all artifice and deception falls away. We’re able to experience each other on a level humans will never understand.”

  How nice for you. Rather than speak the grumbling thought, Angie offered Aria a tight smile.

  Fear and frustration propelled the thought into Blayne’s mind. His connection with Angie was still active, but he’d constricted his end so only strong emotions passed across the link. “Our primary concern is the possibility that Nazerel can track Angie. During their last interaction, he briefly touched her mind.”

  “Does Nazerel share your gift or did he bug her?” Drakkin wanted to know.

  “He anchored a tracer strand. I don’t think it’s functional, but there were complications when I attempted to sever the link.”

  Drakkin stood and strolled across the room, hands clasped behind his back. His nonchalance was calculated. He was downplaying the importance and the danger. “Will you allow me to take a look?” He smiled at Angie, but she remained tense and suspicious, clearly not buying his casual act.

  “He won’t hurt you,” Aria assured. “He’s very good at this.”

  Drakkin shot his mate a secretive smile and Blayne felt the subtle ripple of telepathic communication. Drakkin was just flirting with his mate, but Blayne didn’t want Angie to misinterpret the exchange. He stood and approached her as well. “One of Lord Drakkin’s apprentices founded the Conservatory. Lord Drakkin is extremely skilled and—”

  “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Blayne, but the lady hasn’t refused.”

  It was a subtle reprimand. Not wanting to anger their host, Blayne briefly inclined his head. “I apologize.” He moved to Angie’s side and placed his hand on the back of her chair.

  She looked up at him and then at Drakkin, her expression devoid of emotion. “Are you just going to look around?”

  “If it’s possible to release the tracer strand, would you like me to do so?”

  “Of course.”

  Drakkin nodded. “Then let’s begin.”

  Anxiety radiated off Angie in waves. Blayne dilated his end of their connection and eased into her mind. He kept his touch light, ensuring that she didn’t sense him.

  Is there some reason you’re being this paranoid? Drakkin’s signal was narrow and heavily shielded, clearly meant for him alone.

  She’s been through a lot and I promised to protect her. I will not interfere.

  Then stay back. If you become a distraction, I will push you out.

  Understood.

  Drakkin advanced with gradual pressure, his signal strong yet meticulously controlled. He released some sort of pulse, but Blayne didn’t recognize the frequency.

  You are calm. There is no danger. You are safe. Drakkin sent the thoughts ahead of him as he ventured deeper into Angie’s mind.

  Images flooded Blayne’s mind, inundating him with chaotic emotions. A red-haired woman with kind blue eyes appeared in many of the memories. This had to be Angie’s mother. The emotions surrounding her were too complex and convoluted to be triggered by anyone else. Anger and grief, fear and regret were all eclipsed by Angie’s burning resentment. Yet an aching sense of loss threaded through the bitterness.

  A stronger pulse made Angie gasp and Blayne instinctively reached for her. He ran his hand down the back of her hair and massaged the nape of her neck. He started to speak, to say something soothing, but Drakkin had warned him not to distract her.

  She remained tense and still beneath his hand, her eyes tightly shut.

  Drakkin moved closer, his shins nearly touching her knees. “I can remove the link, if that’s what you want, but I think it’s unwise.”

  Her lashes fluttered then she opened her eyes and looked up at Drakkin. “Why?”

  “As Blayne detected, the link is not functional, but it could well lead you to Nazerel.”

  She shook her head, glanced at him then back at Drakkin. “I can’t even feel it. How can I use something I can’t feel?”

  “I’m about to activate your gift. Once I’ve done so, you will become aware of many things.”

  “Gift? What gift?” She crossed her arms over her chest and sank back into one corner of the chair.

  “You’re a farseer. You will be able to perceive events as they happen in distant locations from your physical body. It’s a relatively common gift. However, I detect a second component to your gift, one very few possess.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Drakkin’s smile was patient, yet his gaze had turned fierce and speculative. “You’re a temporal farseer. Your visions are not limited by space or time. Once you learn to
control your gift, you will be able to see into the past and the future.”

  “Cool,” she muttered then looked away.

  She doesn’t believe you.

  Drakkin chuckled. I’m aware.

  Angie fidgeted beneath Drakkin’s assessing stare. He obviously believed she had some sort of psychic power, but she knew better. All of these men were crazy if they thought she was anything special. If Nazerel knew all of the things she’d done, and all the things that had been done to her, he’d shudder and walk away. Ontarian blood or not, she wasn’t anyone’s ideal mother. Blayne was wasting his time and Drakkin obviously had better things to do than…

  Uncertainty seeped into her impatience. She’d been teleported to another planet after witnessing a telekinetic fight between two telepathic aliens. How could she be sure about anything anymore?

  “I’ve never had any sort of vision.” She shrugged, feeling foolish. “I rarely even dream.” That was a blatant lie. Each time she closed her eyes she prayed she wouldn’t dream because her dreams were filled with images and events she’d spent the better part of a decade trying to forget.

  “Your gift is latent,” Drakkin told her. “It’s not surprising that you’re unaware of it. I can activate it in stages, if you prefer. That will make it easier to control.” The rings in Drakkin’s eyes suddenly flashed and he looked at Blayne. “Lor wishes to speak with you. He says it’s urgent.”

  “Ask him if the information is for me alone or if he’d rather speak with Angie as well.”

  Drakkin stepped back from her chair and made a sweeping gesture with one hand. Lor’s image appeared to his right, vivid yet transparent.

  Magic video conferencing? What would they think of next?

  “I suspect the fact isn’t going to please either of you, but you’re suddenly celebrities.” Lor appeared anything but amused.

  Blayne moved to stand beside her chair. “What are you talking about?”

  “You’re little dustup with Nazerel was caught on tape, including your miraculous departure. The recording is plastered all over the internet.”