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  “I thought about that, but too many of our plans hinge on the Guiding Council. Though the changes we’ve proposed are radicle, we’re trying to avoid a civil war. That means we must fight within the established system. That starts by gaining control of the Guiding Council, not giving up one of the most powerful seats.”

  She was trusting him with the inner workings of the rebellion, so he gently encouraged the openness. What he really wanted was to take her to bed and make her forget about the world below. Instead, he asked, “How close are you to gaining control?”

  “When Malik becomes general—and we have a plan in place to ensure that he does—we gain the backing of the military. However, the Jintta seat on the Guiding Council will be vacant. The person who replaces Malik must also be a rebel. We can’t gain the military yet slip farther away from controlling the council.”

  “Who is likely to replace him?”

  She shook her head, glancing up at him. “Jintta fills all vacancies through physical challenge.” She seemed less wound up now, ready to explore the issues in-depth. “There are multiple war chiefs, so the challenge will not require a fight to the death. This means many will participate in the tournament. It could go on for many weeks, which leaves the rebellion vulnerable until it’s over.”

  “What about an interim placement? Has that ever been proposed?”

  Her expression calmed as strategic thinking replaced emotion. “I’ll ask Sage. She has a detailed history of the council. But the idea is intriguing. If the new general—which should be Malik—can appoint someone to fill in while the tournament plays out...” Spirit returned to her eyes, and her fingers tapped rhythmically on her leg. “This could be very helpful. With Malik in control of the military and a rebel representing Jintta on the council, it will embolden the other designations, maybe allow us to act. All we need is one more vote to start accomplishing some of our goals.”

  “But none of that will happen if Tajon follows through with his threat,” Kage reminded calmly. “One step at a time. We must neutralize the immediate threat.”

  Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “I don’t want him murdered, just silenced until we pass the merit-based proposal.”

  Kage glared at her playfully. “I’m hurt that you presumed that’s what I meant. I was thinking of kidnap, not murder.”

  The crests of her cheeks flushed as she said, “You’re right. I know you better than that. And Tajon cannot teleport, so a visit to one of your ships would definitely work to my advantage. Unfortunately, he can also sculpt inanimate objects into almost anything he wants. The gift works best with natural mediums, but he claims he can also control technology.”

  Kage cringed, thinking of all the ways someone with that ability could cause trouble on a starship. “What about pure energy. Our detention cells utilize energy barriers.”

  “I’m not sure. Sage mentioned a disruption collar. She said they haven’t been used in many season cycles, but she still has detailed records of how they were made.”

  “This is the second time you’ve mentioned Sage. Does she control some sort of archive?”

  “She’s the Guardian of Ancient Knowledge. It’s a great honor and an even greater responsibility. We’ve grown close since the rebellion began.”

  “Is she part of the Shadow Circle or just a sympathizer?”

  “She was the first person I recruited. Her input is invaluable, and she’s the only one I trust implicitly.” Eza sighed, pressing back into the cushions. “Looking back now, I see that anonymity was a mistake.”

  “It’s certainly not too late to ask the others to unmask. If they hesitate, you’ll know you have a problem.”

  Her only response was a nod.

  STANDING AT THE RAILING to the private balcony, Isolaund overlooked the arena floor. The balcony was reserved for members of the six ancient families, the pinnacle of the Sarronti elite. An illusion generator made the domed interior of the cave appear like a midday sky, complete with fluffy clouds and holographic birds that drifted across the blue-green image. Tomorrow thousands of Sarronti would crowd onto the tiered seats that had been carved from the steeply sloped floor of the massive cavern. They would cheer and shout anxious for violence and bloodshed, craving any distraction from the drudgery of their mundane lives.

  Isolaund generally avoided these spectacles, found them barbaric and distasteful. She liked to think that the Sarronti had evolved beyond such savagery. But tomorrow was too important to ignore. The outcome of this challenge would empower or squelch the smoldering rebellion. She needed to make sure their spark was snuffed out before it could burst into flame.

  “Is now a good time, or shall I come to your quarters tomorrow?”

  She glanced over her shoulder, then turned around. Tajon Marr stood in the arched entrance, his hands clasped behind his back. Copper-colored hair framed his narrow face, and his gaze was an even more garish shade of orange. His ceremonial uniform was immaculate, and of a quality few Jintta could afford. Though his family was not Ayrontu, their massive trading network had made them richer than many of the elite. She disliked Tajon, found him arrogant and argumentative, but without his unique skills, both technological and mystic, many of her greatest accomplishments would not have been possible. Creating battle cats and shadow agents, ensuring the demise of enemies, Tajon managed to solve problems when everyone else failed.

  The passing thought of her precious karrons made her heart clench. The battle cats’ betrayal had robbed her of more than a devoted feline army. Her telepathic link with the enhanced creatures had augmented her magic. Without them, her powers were diminished. She had yet to determine exactly how much. She was frantically searching for an alternate energy source, but she’d yet to identify anything suitable. Which led her once again to Tajon.

  Motioning him closer, she lowered her voice. It was highly unlikely that anyone else was about, but it never hurt to be cautious. “Were you able to make the adjustments I requested?” Though she had successfully used her shadow lenitas several times now, they still malfunctioned too often for her liking. Mind slaves were only useful as long as they could be controlled, and her last two shadow agents kept losing contact with her control unit. Tajon had promised to identify and fix whatever was causing the intermittent problem. She wasn’t sure how he repaired technology that no one else even understood, and he refused to explain his methods. It had to be some bizarre combination of magic and engineering. All she knew was each issue she brought to him had been resolved to her specifications.

  “I was successful, but the complication was more complex than I originally thought. My fee has been adjusted accordingly.”

  “Of course it has.” She glared at him. “Odd that the past three revisions have all been more complex than you originally thought.”

  His orange eyes gleamed, and the corners of his mouth formed a smug little grin. “If you’re dissatisfied with our partnership, you’re welcome to find someone else.”

  “You forget your place,” she sneered, poking him hard in the middle of his chest. “We are not partners. You are my employee.”

  “If you say so.”

  She wanted to slap him, was about to indulge the impulse when Apex touched her mind with a locator ping. “Bring them to my quarters tomorrow,” she said urgently. “I’ll pay your inflated fee, but you must leave. Apex is on his way here.”

  “Good. I need to speak to him.”

  “Then leave and come back!” She shoved him toward the archway. “He cannot find us alone together.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” He didn’t even attempt to restrain his smirk this time, but thank the powers of creation, he left.

  Dragging in a calming breath, Isolaund turned around and rested her hands on the railing, resuming her earlier pose.

  Apex pressed against her back a few moments later and wrapped one of his brawny arms around her upper chest. “Will you enjoy watching me kill Malik?” It wasn’t much of a greeting, but it was typical of Apex. �
�I can’t wait to spill his blood. The fool has grown far too arrogant,” Apex whispered, excitement rippling through his deep tone. “I remember what the battle did to you.” He rubbed against her suggestively.

  She fought the urge to twist away. All the battle had done was rid her of one enemy, removing an obstacle blocking her access to the much bigger threat. Her target was and had always been the Outcasts. “I know Malik is no match for you,” she stressed, knowing better than to wound his pride, “but I’m not a fan of blood sports.”

  Apex grabbed her shoulders and turned her around, then tilted her head back until their gazes locked. “I will soon be general. My mate needs to attend all my challenges and revel in my victories.” He punctuated the statement with a meaningful look.

  Good luck finding her. Cheered by the sarcastic thought, she manufactured a smile. “You need to focus on tomorrow. Future plans should wait until your victory is official.”

  His gaze narrowed, and his grip on her shoulders tightened. “Are you inferring that you will not join with me if Malik prevails?”

  If Malik won, Apex would be dead. What a ridiculous question. “I wasn’t inferring anything, simply stating a fact. I have no doubt you will triumph, but Malik is a fierce warrior. Do not underestimate him.”

  “She’s right, sir,” Tajon’s voice drew Isolaund’s attention to the arched entrance. Tajon stood there as before, hands clasped behind his back. “Sorry to interrupt, Lady Farr, but there’s something my war chief needs to know.” Wisely, he only glanced at her before fixing his gaze on Apex.

  “This better be important, Tajon. As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m mentally preparing for tomorrow’s challenge.”

  “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t, sir.” Tajon continued his militant pose and got right to the point. “Simply put, sir, the fight is rigged. I’ve been unable to identify the puppet master, but the puppet is well known to my family.”

  Apex stepped back from Isolaund and faced the younger male. “Spell it out. What have you heard and how serious is the threat?”

  “My father is chief of Wind Rider clan, and we have feuded with the Long Shadows for generations. They have a spell caster among their clan capable of all manner of evil.”

  “Are you speaking of Velmar Rylin?” Isolaund asked, stepping up beside Apex. Tajon had her complete attention now. Her rivalry with Velmar began during training and had smoldered ever since. In recent cycles they had more or less ignored each other, each staying out of the other's territory, but she disliked the surly bastard intensely.

  “I am, Lady Farr. I have it on good authority that Velmar has been hired to ensure that War Chief Malik wins the challenge.”

  “You know this spell caster?” Apex asked her, his expression tense and disapproving.

  Was he angered by the plan to defeat him or jealous of her nearly nonexistent connection to Velmar? Apex’s possessive tendencies were disturbing. More and more, she was convinced that the lumbering brute would serve her best as a mind slave. Which made Tajon even more important to her eventual success. She didn’t know which development was more frustrating.

  “Velmar is skilled and more than willing to sell his abilities to anyone able to meet his exorbitant fees.” She looked at Tajon and narrowed her gaze as she added, “Using magic for personal gain is strictly forbidden by all the ancient texts, but the practice has become quite common in recent cycles.”

  Tajon’s only response was an upraised eyebrow.

  Apex touched her arm, drawing her attention back to him. “How seriously should I take this threat?”

  “If Velmar is involved, very seriously.” Before Apex could respond, she looked at Tajon and said firmly, “Thank you for the warning. Apex and I will figure out what to do.”

  Tajon inclined his head respectfully, but not before she saw the flash of annoyance in his gaze. He didn’t like being dismissed like a servant. Well, too damn bad. His family might be rich, but he was a common foot soldier, one of the expendable masses.

  “Can you protect me from this spell caster?” Apex asked after the ringing of Tajon’s boot heels faded. Few knew about her abilities, and that’s the way she liked it.

  Apex was already too sure of himself, so she answered honestly. “Velmar was no match for me in training, but it has been many cycles since I challenged his abilities.”

  He scowled at her, crossing his arms over his chest. “You told me your magic is the strongest in the world below.”

  “To my knowledge, it is.” Or had been when she had access to the karrons. The loss still stung. She’d thought of those cats as her children, and they’d chosen to follow a servant into the world above! It was irrational and deeply hurtful.

  “If you’re invincible, why do I see fear in your eyes?” Apex persisted.

  “It’s not fear. It’s caution. Something you could benefit from.” She straightened her spine and tossed back her long multi-colored hair. “Now, we both need to prepare for this battle. You focus on your opponent, and I’ll focus on mine.”

  Chapter Five

  “I should go,” Eza said softly, but the last thing she wanted was to return to the world below. She sat on the sofa in the main living space of Kage’s cabin. The room was tiny compared to her luxurious apartment, but Kage was warm and supportive, surprisingly gentle for such a brutal male. She pressed into his side as his arm encircled her shoulders.

  “Stay.” He gazed into her eyes, his expression unreadable. “I don’t think you should be alone tonight.”

  “I’m not sure that’s wise.” Though she wanted nothing more.

  He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. “I just want to hold you.”

  A soft scoff escaped her throat. “I had a mate, Kage. I know what desire looks like, and I see it frequently in your eyes.”

  “Oh, there is no doubt that I want you. But I’m willing to hold you, just hold you, if that’s what you need right now.”

  “And if it’s not?” She forced herself to hold his gaze. She was a mature female. She would decide when or with whom she would share her body. She wanted Kage, had from the moment she first saw him, but she refused to pretend that all she wanted was a few hours of pleasure. They both deserved better than that. “I have only ever been with my mate. I have no interest in a casual affair.”

  He picked her up and sat her on his lap, bringing their faces much closer together. “Rodytes can sense their mates. So can Ontarians. It’s a combination of sight, scent, and instinct, but when it happens, there is no denying the connection. I never really understood what that meant until I met you.”

  Her eyes widened, and she inhaled sharply. “But we are from different worlds, different star systems. How can I be your mate?”

  “My favorite mentor believed that all sentient life originally descended from the same ancient race.” He pressed his hand against the side of her face, gazing deep into her eyes. “I have no idea if he’s right, but I know what I feel when I look at you. Eza, you are my mate.”

  Her heart fluttered and heat cascaded through her body. She hadn’t dared to admit it, to even consider what the longings meant, but she felt the connection too. “If this is true, why have you kept it from me?”

  “You weren’t ready to hear it.” A slow smile bowed his sensual lips, and his dark gaze began to smolder. “In some ways, you’re still not, but I’m exhausted from resisting what I feel for you.”

  It was the only warning she got before his mouth descended and her body came alive with new sensations. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the passionate kiss. The past fell away and the future faded. Her reality narrowed to this one moment and this one male, her mate, the other half of her soul.

  Without separating their mouths, he stood. She clung to him, safe in his arms, more than ready to express her need for him.

  They kissed, tongues stroking, lips sliding, breaths mingling their scents. “How far would you like this to go?” He whispered the question against her lips. “Are we
just sharing pleasure?”

  She wasn’t sure what he was asking. “Is it not always pleasurable when your people join bodies?”

  He smiled then kissed the tip of her nose. “If it’s done right, it is. I meant the mind link. I know you’re not ready for me to claim you, but this will likely reactivate our transfer link. Is that all right with you?”

  Tensing in his arms, she pushed against his chest. “Please put me down. Apparently, I need to know more about Rodyte physiology before I decide...what I want.”

  With a heavy sigh, he returned to the sofa and again placed her to his lap.

  She scooted over and sat beside him, frustrated by her uncertainty. Deciding to spend the night with him had felt wonderfully rebellious. Why did everything have to be so complicated? She wanted to forget about all the decisions looming before her not face a choice that would literally affect the rest of her life. “Do your people only join bodies with their mates?”

  Despite his obvious restlessness, he explained, “I’m a complex hybrid, so I wasn’t sure that any of this applied to me. Apparently, it does. Rodytes can share pleasure with anyone they like, but they can only reproduce with a genetically compatible mate. Producing Rodyte offspring also requires a permanent mind link. Ontarians can reproduce without a soul mate, but finding the other half of their soul allows them to create a telepathic and empathic bond unlike anything experienced by ordinary couples. Ontarians who find their soul mates bond for life, while ordinary couples are more likely to separate. How does all this work with the Sarronti?”

  “It sounds like we are more like Ontarians than Rodytes. We can reproduce with any Sarronti. Over the centuries, we have also discovered other species are compatible with our DNA. However, those lucky enough to find their true mate share a much deeper and more intimate relationship than ‘ordinary couples.’” She had been so relieved, and so grateful to find that her father had contracted her to a kind and passionate male that she’d believed Lorton was her true mate. Now she wasn’t so sure. What she felt for Kage was already more intense than the affection she shared with Lorton, and all Kage had done was kiss her.