Irresistible (Delroi Prophecy) Read online

  “Yes.” She sounded curious.

  Parker held her wrist up and Rona’s smile brightened. She slid her sleeve up to reveal a similar sun tattoo. Above it on her forearm was a crescent moon with a sword through it.

  “You’ll have to get these too. I keep a tattooist in the temple. She’s free this morning if you are.”

  Parker hoped her enthusiasm didn’t show. Not for being accepted so easily, though that was nice, but for the needle. Tattoos were addictive. She stood and went to stand by the open doors, needing the calming effect the crash of waves gave her.

  “There’s…I was going to say one more thing, but really there are many,” Zola said. “But first, can we talk to the others? Janice and Sergei Trace in particular?”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” Rona said. “What else?”

  “I’d love to talk to Laney Bradford and the Earth ambassador, too. I was part of Tel from the day I was born. I might see something they don’t.”

  Parker stared at her. She hadn’t realized Zola was that deep in the organization. Rona cocked her head to one side and studied Zola. It was an assassin’s gaze. Zola’s response was the same, and Parker unconsciously took a step back. She forced herself to still when she realized she’d done it.

  “And yet you were a prisoner of Tel. Why? Did they have reason to lock you up?” Rona asked.

  Zola gave her a grim smile. “I spoke in opposition. Tel won’t tolerate that.”

  It wasn’t enough information for Parker, but Rona seemed to accept it. “You’re afraid they’ll come after you here.”

  “I’m sure they will,” Zola said. “They don’t like loose ends.”

  “You’re a loose end?”

  Parker got the feeling she was totally missing the conversation.

  “I am.”

  “Perhaps you shouldn’t have come here then,” Rona said sharply.

  “I’m sure you’re right,” Zola said and she sounded regretful. “But I’m here now and we all have to deal with it. I think Tel might be involved with your rebels.”

  That got her a sharp look from all of them. “How?” Rona asked.

  “I don’t know.” She heaved a weary frustrated sigh. “I heard that one of the committee members had managed to get some spies through the Delroi camp, and they aligned with your rebels. But I don’t have the names and I was a prisoner the last year.”

  “Why did they hold you that long?” Parker asked. “Without ripping open your mind?”

  “Even with the talent suppressing drug, they’d have to really destroy my mind to get at what I know.”

  “Which is?”

  She shrugged. “I have no idea. I had it removed. Probably the names of the agents on Delroi. That isn’t what saved us.”

  “What did?” Rona asked.

  “I was high in the hierarchy. I did have some allies. I can’t say anything more until I talk to Janice and Sergei,” she said, and Parker knew she wasn’t lying but she wasn’t telling the whole truth either. For now, she let it go. She had a tattoo to get and then a commitment to make.

  Chapter Six

  Parker was high on endorphins when she left the temple to go and meet Vidar. He was waiting for her when she rushed up, gaze immediately going from irritated to concerned. “How are you?” he asked carefully.

  “I’m fine. I was at the temple and it’s a lot of new culture to take in, ya know? Plus I really hate being late.”

  “Of course. And you aren’t late.”

  He nodded at her arm and the bandage covering her newest tattoo. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “If you think it’s a crescent moon with a sword through it, then yes.”

  “Did Kaje know you were doing this?”

  She felt a twinge of guilt for not telling him ahead of time and wanted to slap herself. She didn’t owe Kaje anything. Besides, he’d said his mother was a priestess. Why would he protest?

  “Not unless he has spies in the temple.”

  Vidar sighed, though he kept his opinion to himself. He took her elbow and steered her back to the main entrance of the Keep. She’d finally seen a good map of it and knew it was basically in three sections. The chief was on one side, the warrior compound on the other, and public rooms in the middle. Vidar led her through that public section and into another one of those impossibly big areas.

  “This is the main warrior courtyard,” he said, motioning to various areas as they stood on the threshold.

  “Right.” She nodded. “We came through here last night.”

  “The armory is down that way, the local comm center is over there,” he said, indicating both with a tilt of his chin. Then he tossed a teasing infectious grin her way. “We are going to the canteen, though.”

  Amused, she joked. “What if I don’t want to?”

  “We both have to eat, sister.” His smile was devious and his voice carried. Was he daring her to deny that claim? So publically? Was this a local custom she hadn’t learned yet?

  “You have me at a disadvantage,” she said softly.

  “I know. Not fair of me, is it?” He didn’t sound the least bit repentant.

  They crossed the courtyard to the cafeteria area she’d noticed the previous night. There were several women, most wearing the typical style of Delroi women. Some were dressed as priestesses however, in beige combat pants and boots coupled with a typical style top in blood red color. She hadn’t paid attention the previous night but realized she’d seen them then, too. All of them were with a warrior, sometimes two. Vidar led her to a table on the edge of the crowd.

  “I’ll grab us something,” he said before walking away.

  Great. She tried to ignore it, but she could feel people watching her. Feel their curiosity. Why would he choose such a public place for this session? No one approached, though, and thankfully Vidar was back in moments. He had sandwiches and bottles of water.

  “Are we meeting so openly so you don’t have to talk?” she asked shrewdly.

  He took a big bite of his sandwich, making it impossible to answer for a couple of minutes. Then he shrugged. “It’s not in my nature, this thing Kaje wants me to do, especially with a woman.”

  “Perhaps it will be easier with me because I’m woman,” she replied. “Also you know what I’ve been through.”

  “It’s horrible what was done to you, but it isn’t the same,” he said softly.

  “No, but I understand what it is to feel helpless,” she answered in the same low tone.

  He gave her a sharp look. “It is something a warrior is unaccustomed to feeling.”

  She gave him a slight smile. “Neither are telepaths with my level of power.”

  “I suppose not.” He paused. “How do you make it stop, Parker?”

  She wished she had a good answer for that. “Time. You talk about it. You don’t bottle it up or pretend it didn’t happen. There is no magic solution.”

  He changed the subject, asking her about Earth, mundane things about the land, people, food, whatever. She didn’t try to steer him back to the reason for their meeting. She answered and picked at her sandwich, eating about half of it. He scowled when she pushed it away.

  “You need to finish that.”

  “I’m not very hungry. I had a late breakfast with Kareena and Zola before we went to the temple.”

  “Did you know last night you were going to join?”, he wanted to ask, but didn’t voice it. It didn’t matter, though because he’d accidently sent the question mentally.

  “You’re a telepath. Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “No one knows. Before the attack I was just a sensitive. I don’t know what changed.”

  “Trauma,” she responded, finally understanding the depth of the loss he felt. “You have excellent control.”

  “So the temple?” he asked. It was clear he’d stonewall her about anything else. He was good at deflecting and she didn’t have a right to push, did she? Besides he didn’t trust her enough yet for him to allow her that clos
e.

  “I decided this morning. The temple is incredible,” she answered. “I can’t get over the size and age of this place.”

  “Are your friends joining?” he asked much too casually, a hint of trepidation under it. What was his objection? Would Kaje share it? And why the hell did she care?

  “Maybe. Why?”

  He shrugged. “The prophecy. We should discuss this later with Kaje.”

  She knew about it and had no interest in kick starting an old religion. But she understood there would be security issues, especially during the upcoming celebration, and she needed the access joining the temple would give her. She looked around the busy courtyard.

  “Are there are always this many warriors in the Keep?”

  “No.”

  “So security has already been increased,” she said softly.

  He nodded. “And will more before the Rebirth Celebration.”

  She wondered how difficult it would be for her, Kareena, and Zola to see those plans. The Delroi didn’t consult women on military or safety issues, but they didn’t understand Tel the way their guests did. Before she could ask, he gathered up his trash.

  “I’ll walk you back to your quarters then I have to get to training.”

  “I can find my own way.”

  “I’ll walk you,” he said firmly.

  She figured it wasn’t worth arguing and allowed him to lead her back to her room, but he said a curt goodbye and stalked off before she could thank him for lunch. Shrugging it off, she stepped across the hall to Zola’s room. She had acquired two comm units and detailed maps of the Keep and the city, and the women made a plan to start exploring.

  Chapter Seven

  She was cleaning up the remains of her dinner when Kaje entered. He didn’t bother knocking, just sauntered in like he belonged there. Hell, if the way her body reacted meant anything maybe he did. He gave her a hot, dominant look that had her clenching her thighs together as arousal surged through her. He should have to work at it a little, shouldn’t he? It didn’t seem fair she responded with just a look. She let her gaze trail down his body and sucked in a deep breath when she saw the hard ridge of erection beneath his pants. He groaned.

  “Baby, if you don’t stop looking at me like that I’m going to be buried balls deep in you before I even get your top off. And I want to taste you coming on my tongue tonight.”

  Shock coursed through her. Not at the crudity but at how much she wanted it. She could indulge her growing fascination with this alien. She wanted to. Throwing caution to the wind, she reached for the hem of her shirt and yanked it off before that annoying, reasonable voice returned to her head. She didn’t want reason tonight. Hell no.

  “The pants too, darlin’,” he ordered in a gruff voice that made her shiver.

  Later, she’d worry about how quick she complied. Much, much later. She looped her fingers in the waistband and dragged them down along with her panties. He finally moved, prowling towards her like she was some kind of skittish prey. Slow. Primal. Hot. If he didn’t touch her soon she would start without him. She set her palms on her stomach, itching to move them up, to cup her breasts and squeeze her aching nipples until pleasure rushed through her. When had she become so wanton? So greedy? She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so reckless and it felt damned good.

  “Kaje,” she whispered, when he stopped in front of her and took her wrists in his hands. He turned one over.

  “I wish you had talked to me about this first.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s dangerous. And you’re new here.”

  It was none of his business, but she didn’t want to talk about that right now. She wanted him to fuck her until the ache between her legs stopped. He moved her hands to the counter.

  “Don’t let go.”

  Trembling, she did as he asked and clutched the edge. Then he cupped the back of her head and his lips covered hers. They were firm, his tongue demanding and she responded eagerly, rubbing her body against his. He nipped her bottom lip and gripped her hip, holding her still until she opened her eyes to meet his gaze.

  “Why are you stopping?”

  “Not stopping. Slowing down.”

  He swung her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her down gently, pulled his shirt over his head, then went to work on his boots, but when he stretched out next to her he was still wearing his pants. That would not do at all. She wanted him naked, moving inside her. She reached for him but he grabbed her hands and stretched them over her head.

  “Oh no, baby. I’m taking my time tonight.”

  Putting words to action, he leaned down to lick one nipple, then sucked the other into his mouth. Slow. Gentle. A tease.

  “Harder,” she begged. “Please, Kaje.”

  Teeth scraped the inside swell of her breast and she groaned.

  “You like pain, baby?”

  She didn’t know how to answer. She’d always been too afraid of rejection to ask before.

  “I haven’t tried it,” she whispered, feeling the blush crawl up her face.

  Fantasized though? Hell yes. In theory, she craved it. She wasn’t sure about reality. His hand slid up, rested on her collarbone a second before moving to cup her nape. His thumb brushed lazily over her racing pulse as he stared at her.

  “If it gets to be too much tell me stop.”

  She nodded.

  “Say it, Parker. I need to hear it.”

  “Okay. I’ll stop you if it doesn’t feel good.”

  He didn’t question her further and this time when his mouth closed over her nipple he sucked her hard. Then he used his teeth. It stung, but oh she liked it. She wanted more, bowed her back in an effort to get closer. He used his fingers on her other breast. Gently at first. Pinching when she pleaded for more. She cried out, pleasure and pain mingling in a way she’d only imagined before except it was so much better. It was instinct to open her mind to him, to share the feeling. He groaned, giving her smile full of wicked intent, before rolling over. He sat back on his heels, lifted her knees high, and spread her thighs wide.

  “I want you like this. Open for me. Under my control.”

  He slid down between her legs and blew a hot breath over her pussy. She jerked and he gripped her hip with one hand. He used the other to spread her even more, exposing her clit to his gaze. Then he licked her and it took self control she didn’t know she had to not arch closer. Demand more. When she didn’t, he did it again and again. Pleasure hummed through her. She fisted her hands in the blankets to keep from reaching for him, giving him the control he wanted. Submission felt illicit, added to the thrill. Each stroke of his tongue, each scrape of his teeth wound her tighter and tighter until she knew another couple of seconds and she would come.

  He stopped abruptly. Thrust two fingers into her pussy. She cried out at the sudden shift and the orgasm slipped out of reach. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to scream or punch him.

  “Look at me, baby.”

  She met dark, hooded eyes. “I was so close,” she whined.

  “I’m not ready for you to come yet.”

  Okay, maybe this submission thing was overrated. He chuckled and she realized she’d shared the thought. Damn. He moved his hand, fingers sliding in and out of her easily. It wasn’t enough.

  “Slow and gentle?” he asked. She shook her head, desperate for a firmer touch. Hard. Maybe even rough. “What, baby? You have to talk to me.”

  Was he planning on breaking down every inhibition she’d ever had in one night?

  “Harder.”

  The next few strokes were harder but still slow. It wasn’t enough.

  “Faster,” she begged. He wanted specifics? Fine, he’d get them. “I want you inside me. I want you to fuck me until neither of us can walk.”

  “Gods, baby, you are so damned hot. I am going to fuck you. Later.”

  He licked her clit again then sucked it between his teeth. The sting quickly morphed into bliss. She wanted
so much more but she didn’t have the voice to ask for it. She didn’t have too. His fingers continued their steady withdraw and retreat, faster and harder, and this time when her body drew taut with her impending orgasm he didn’t stop her. He petted her through it and once her shudders subsided, he loomed over her, his cock pressing against her pussy. He waited until she met his gaze then thrust home. It felt so good, beyond pleasure and pain, she cried out. He froze.

  “Don’t you dare stop,” she managed to croak out.

  But he didn’t follow her order.

  “Is that what you want?” he asked seriously. “To be in charge in our bed?”

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and thought it over. She hadn’t ever really wanted to be the dominant partner in bed, but neither had she wanted to go fully submissive. It was a surprise to find she liked it, didn’t want him to stop what he was doing. She shook her head.

  “I don’t want to be in control.”

  “Good,” he growled, rolling his hips. Teasing her. “I can’t help being dominant, baby, but I’ll make you feel good. I don’t get off on pain.”

  This time she froze. Great. So now she was a perv. Why the hell had he asked in the first place? She turned her head to her side but he gripped her chin and made her meet his gaze.

  “It isn’t pain when it gives you pleasure, baby. If it didn’t do that for you, it wouldn’t do anything for me. I’m explaining badly.”

  “No. I get it,” she said. “Because I like it, you like doing it.”

  “Yes.”

  *

  This time she didn’t complain when he moved, even though his strokes were gentle and lazy. Kaje took her hands, laced their fingers together, the need to touch every inch of her primal and inborn. Pressed together, legs entangled, his cock harder than he’d ever been in his gods damned life. He didn’t know how much more he could take of this but he needed her with him every step of the way. So he watched her as he rocked in and out. Waited until her eyes began to haze before quickening his strokes. She clenched around him and he damn near came right then.

  “Don’t do that. Unless you want me to come without you.”