Codename Spring (7 page)

You’re safe now, Jocelyn. I won’t let anyone hurt you.
Evard’s mental voice was familiar and oddly comforting. The image she’d created dissolved as his energy flowed into her mind.

That’s a sweet sentiment but no one on Earth can offer guarantees.
Now that he’d activated their link she was able to find it with minimal effort and push her thoughts toward him.

If you won’t accept my hollow assurance, what can I do for you?
He surrounded her with warmth, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

Should she come right out and ask why he hadn’t summoned her? He’d probably think she was anxious for more of their incendiary passion. Who was she trying to fool? More was exactly what she wanted.
Who says I need anything from you? This is just a bizarre dream.

His image reformed, animated and inviting, shimmering yet transparent.
We both know this is no ordinary dream.
Challenge gleamed in his light-brown eyes.
Why did you reach out to me?

Sinking deeper into the vision, she waited for her other senses to join sight and sound. She wanted to touch him, needed the comfort of his strong arms around her. His scent teased her nose then heat cascaded through her body and pooled between her thighs.
I had no other choice.
She paused and steadied her voice, refusing to sound as desperate as she felt.
Why haven’t you summoned me?
There! She’d said it. She’d admitted that she wanted to be with him, regardless of the role she had to play.

“Did you miss me?” Suddenly he lay beside her on the bed. One arm pillowed her head and his hand rested lightly on her belly, but he was like a hologram. She still couldn’t feel him.

It didn’t matter. This was business. She couldn’t allow herself to be distracted by their attraction.

“We’re in your dream now.” He answered her unspoken question, inadvertently reminding her that he was hearing every thought that flitted through her mind. “I had far more control when you came to me.”

“I can’t come to you unless you summon me.” She stubbornly kept her thoughts on task. “Is there a reason you haven’t or is this some sort of power play?”

His lips quirked then all emotion faded from his expression. “I’d only intended to torment you for a day or two but this thing at the lab put everything else on hold.”

“What caused the explosion?”

“I did.” He sat up and turned his face away. His voice was tense and unsteady as he explained, “No one was supposed to be there but Inwatta had created a shift rotation without telling me.”

She sat as well, wishing she could touch him, comfort him. Wishing this new information weren’t more important than his obvious pain. “What was produced in the lab and why was it disguised as a refinery?”

“I intend to complete the antidote even if the Resistance isn’t able to pull off my rescue.”

“You’ve given up on me before you even heard how my superiors reacted to your proposal? That’s not very encouraging.” She tried to sound facetious but his attitude stung. It was naïve to think their time together had meant anything to him. She was his path to freedom, nothing more. Still, the reality of his situation hadn’t kept her heart from hoping.

“I’m a realist. Even with the full backing of the Resistance, my chances of surviving what we have planned are slim. The antidote must remain my top priority.”

Refusing to dwell on the possibility of his death, she reminded him, “You didn’t answer my questions. Were you using that lab to work on the antidote? Is that why it was disguised as a refinery?”

“I was trying to work on the antidote but I had to have a believable diversion.”

“And deception of any kind is hard as hell while linked to Inwatta?”

He pivoted toward her and nodded. “I told her I could refine the compound, that the new version would create the same level of addiction while requiring smaller and less frequent doses.”

A shiver raced down her spine and lodged in the pit of her stomach. “Can you actually do that if you wanted to?”

“Why would I want to? I’m controlled by the compound, same as you.”

He was right. The question had been unfair. “Did the workers realize what they were producing?”

“What
I
was producing. There are three major components in the formula. I had separate teams for each component and each team knew nothing about what the other teams were doing. The first batch should have been ready for trials tomorrow. I was so damn close.”

“Then why did you blow it up?”

“Because Inwatta sensed my deception. She demanded that I allow a chemist from another sector to view my work. I’d set the charges as a precaution, knowing something like that was possible.” He raked his hair with his hand then looked into her eyes. “How many people did I kill in this fiasco?”

“Was everyone brought to the same medical center?” His only response was a stiff nod. “Then three. We were able to stabilize the rest.”

He exhaled then rubbed his eyes, looking nearly as exhausted as she felt. “Thank you. I saw the condition of most of the survivors. You must have worked miracles.”

“I was one of many, I assure you.”

He shook his head and lay back down. “I killed three people. How can anything about that please me?”

Rolling to her side, she propped her head on her hand and searched his troubled gaze. “I’m sorry three more people lost their lives but you’re the best hope we’ve got. Without an antidote, all the rest of this is a waste of time. The Gathosians will finish ravaging this world and then leave us here to die.”

A bit of the tension eased from his expression but the sadness remained. “Luckily I was with Inwatta when the lab exploded. There was a safety delay in the detonation sequence. I literally tossed the trigger in the recycler, turned around and she appeared.”

“What does she think happened?” Jocelyn wanted to trace his lips with her fingertip and kiss away his frown lines.

“She’s never been interested in sector politics. At least that’s what she claims. There’s a distinct pecking order among the sector supervisors and many of them see her as an easy kill. Malik Wanatee has been harassing her for the past few days. His investigation grew decidedly more aggressive because of the explosion. She’s convinced one of the other supervisors is behind his sudden interest.”

“How does that explain the explosion?”

“She believes this nameless rival blew up the lab to prevent her from distinguishing herself with the new and improved compound.”

“Well, her paranoia helped us dodge a bullet so I’m not going to complain. Who is Malik Wannabe?” Her intentional mispronunciation brought a quick smile to Evard’s lips.

“The most dangerous man in the corporeal realm, according to many.”

“Fascinating statistic. Could you be a little more specific?” She felt restless and edgy. Being near Evard without being able to touch him was driving her crazy.

“He heads a team of soldiers who work directly for the Gathosian high command. They deal with problems within the Protectorate and discipline anchored Gathosians.”

“Sort of like internal affairs in a police department?”

“I don’t understand the reference.”

It was easy to forget he was an alien. He looked human and spoke English as well as she did. Or maybe she just needed to pretend they were two human lovers, having a casual conversation before they made passionate love. A touch of normalcy would be so welcome right now. A touch of any kind would be welcome.

“You said Malik has been harassing Inwatta,” she said, as much to bring her thoughts back in line as to remind him of his comment. “In what way?”

“He reviewed productivity reports and conducted unscheduled inspections. He interviewed guards as well as workers.”

“Do the higher-ups have reason to believe she’s screwing up?” She thought it was a simple question but it took him forever to answer.

“Inwatta is unusually interested in physical experiences. She’s allowed her obsession to compromise her productivity and that is inexcusable to the Gathosians.”

He’d schooled his expression and kept his tone casual but she understood the underlying implication. Inwatta was in deep shit. “What will they do with her?”

“Malik hasn’t completed his investigation. But if he determines she’s incompetent she’ll be taken back to their dimension and her sector will be reassigned.”

Jocelyn’s heart lurched and she shook her head. “We can’t let that happen. A gung-ho newbie out to prove themselves worthy is exactly what we don’t need right now. We have to act while the Gathosians are distracted by Inwatta.”

“I agree, but it creates a complication.”

“What sort of complication?”

“She’s on edge and defensive. There’s no way she’ll leave me alone with you this time. She’ll want to experience our pleasure, which means she’ll have access to your mind.”

“Didn’t you say my mind is shielded?”

“It is, but Inwatta is very powerful. If she wants to punch through, she can.”

“Then we need to make sure she’s enjoying herself so well she wouldn’t dare harm either of her performers.”

Her suggestion gave him pause. His gaze moved over her face, reflecting the longing that pulsed within her heart. “You don’t mind being a performer?”

“Not if the end result is our freedom and only if I’m sharing the stage with you.”

Chapter Six

Evard clenched his fists until his knuckles ached as he listened to Inwatta gush and gloat. Her visual representation was particularly sparkly and her voice flowed like warm honey. Was she honestly trying to seduce Malik Wanatee? The idea was laughable. The man was ruthless and he already had access to powers more highly placed than Inwatta. She had nothing with which to tempt him.

With long, wavy black hair, dark-brown eyes and copper-tinted skin, Malik was the ideal Bartonese male. Too bad there were so few Bartonese females left to appreciate his masculine appeal.

“I was about to allow my anchor his weekly reward.” Inwatta floated closer to Malik’s impassive form. “You’re both Bartonese males in your prime. Perhaps you enjoy the same sorts of diversions.”

Dread cramped Evard’s stomach so he consciously relaxed his abdominal muscles. He could not let her feel his fury or guess how much Jocelyn meant to him. The explosion had left Inwatta with doubts about his obedience. This was obviously a test. “If we contact Mistress Autumn, I’m sure she can send over—”

“Spring is special and you know it,” Inwatta snapped. “Agent Wanatee can summon a pleasure ambassador any time he wants. We’ve discovered a hidden treasure at the central embassy and I want you to share her with my new friend.”

“Because Agent Wanatee is Bartonese, I’m sure he’ll understand my reluctance.”

Malik chuckled, his assessing gaze shifting between Inwatta and Evard. “I must admit I’m intrigued.”

“Then follow me.” Inwatta floated past Evard, out of the office and down the corridor. Malik fell in step beside her. They were in a section of the Pentagon Evard had never seen before. He was generally locked in his lab so that wasn’t surprising.

Cursing under his breath every step of the way, Evard followed Inwatta and her “new friend”. What choice did he have? The crafty bitch had backed him into a corner. If he refused to let Malik touch Jocelyn it would intensify Inwatta’s suspicion.

Was she hoping to convince Malik that sabotage accounted for her failings rather than incompetence? Actually, that wasn’t a bad strategy.

Inwatta turned suddenly and flowed through a door on their right. Malik looked at him expectantly. Evard was about to tell him he couldn’t enter the room when the access scanner hummed to life.

Step under the beams
, Inwatta instructed. Evard moved forward and scanner beams swept up and down his body, imprinting his image before allowing him beyond the barrier. The door slid open and Evard entered, Malik a step behind.

Excitement and horror twisted through Evard as his gaze took in the room. Had Inwatta searched his darkest fantasies then created an environment where those impulses could run wild, or had she stumbled across someone else’s playroom?

“It’s always the quiet ones.” Malik laughed and moved closer to the rack of whips, examining each implement with lazy interest.

And whips were only the beginning. There were restraints and pulleys, a spanking bench, an adjustable table and a padded swing. Directional lighting illuminated each apparatus while creating a moody haze beyond the circle of light.

“So where is this hidden treasure?”

Lights came up in the far corner of the room and Evard forgot to breathe. Jocelyn knelt on a padded pedestal, hands bound behind her back. She was naked and her damp hair had been slicked back from her face. Her nipples were tightly beaded and a red scarf ensured her silence. Smooth and creamy, her hairless mound revealed a glimpse of her delicate folds. When had she removed her body hair? Had she done so willingly or with a gun pointed at her head?

Anger surged to the surface and his entire body tensed.

Malik took a step forward and instinct took control of Evard. He blocked the other man’s path and snarled, head thrown back, teeth bared.

Relax, friend. I have no intention of entertaining this bitch. Besides, your claim is obvious. I would like to know how you formed a mating bond with a human but now is not the time.

Evard couldn’t determine the sincerity of Malik’s thoughts, so he attempted to scan his mind. Malik’s gaze narrowed and he shoved Evard back with the force of his silent warning.

If you won’t entertain Inwatta, why are you still here?
Their thoughts flowed along the Bartonese common link, concise and carefully guarded.

“Speak out loud,” Inwatta snapped, swirling into Evard’s peripheral vision. “I will not have you telling secrets.”

“This female is unusually appealing but she is also claimed.” Malik faced Inwatta, fists planted on his hips. “If I want to fuck her, I have to kill your anchor. I don’t think the high command will appreciate losing an anchor over a pleasure giver.”

Evard waited, tense and ready to fight. Malik wasn’t exaggerating. Any Bartonese male would die before he allowed another man to touch his mate. And even if temporarily so, Jocelyn was his mate.

“Can’t you…unclaim her?” The center of Inwatta’s being darkened and began to rotate. “I really want to see the two of you together, moving inside her.”

She didn’t want to see it. She wanted to experience it. She wanted to take over Jocelyn’s body while they both fucked her.

“You can’t have everything you want.” Malik’s emphatic statement saved Evard from his tormenting thoughts. “Someone should have demonstrated that fact years ago.” He reached into his pocket as he added, “I have all the information I need.”

Malik withdrew a plasti-scroll from his pocket and unrolled the warrant, holding it up as a computerized voice proclaimed, “Inwatta, Sector Three Supervisor, you have been summoned before the high command to answer the charges of incompetence, insubordination and an unnatural interest in corporeal pleasures. You will return with Agent Wanatee immediately or hunters will be dispatched to retrieve you dead or alive. We anxiously await your return.” Malik released the bottom edge of the scroll and it rolled back up with a dramatic snap.

“Why go through the motions of this farce of an investigation when you intended to arrest me all along?” Inwatta sounded defiant but her illumination was suspiciously dim.

“My investigations are thorough and objective. I had not made up my mind until I stepped into this room. You have obviously strayed far from the Gathosian path.”

“And you’re a traitor to your own people!” She scoffed then faded from view.

Malik turned to Evard, their gazes searching each other’s. “It will likely take the high command a few days to choose a new supervisor. I suggest you use those days to your advantage. Once the new supervisor arrives security will tighten considerably.” Without waiting for his response, Malik walked from the room.

Evard rushed to Jocelyn and untied the scarf. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Jocelyn moved her jaw and rolled her shoulders. She hadn’t realized she’d been tensing until her muscles began to cramp. Being taken to a medieval funhouse hadn’t surprised her nearly as much as the audience that awaited when the curtain parted. “That was Malik Wanatee? Was the…glitter cloud Inwatta?” He released her wrists and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he helped her down from the pedestal.

“Yes and yes.”

She refused to think about what could have happened. They had an opening and they needed to take it and run like hell. “If she’s in her dimension, can she still sense what’s going on with you?”

“She frequently appears when I think about her, so she must be aware to some degree. If what Malik said is true it might not be a problem.”

“You don’t think she’s coming back?”

He paused, rubbing his eyes for a really long time. She glanced down and shook her head. She’d actually forgotten she was naked. Quickly rummaging through the cabinets, she found a red velvet cloak. The plush material felt heavenly against her bare skin and the covering seemed to help his concentration.

“I want to sever the link permanently but I’d rather wait until we’re on the traumavac before you stop my heart.”

“That makes sense. We can easily fool the guards. We’ll tell them Malik blasted you when Inwatta tried to retreat into your body.”

“Works for me. Are your people standing by?”

“They are.” She looked around the playroom, eyes narrowed and assessing. “Where would they stash a real weapon in a place like this? I’d rather not whip you into unconsciousness.” Evard tapped her on the upper arm with a small pulse pistol. “Where did you get this?”

“From my pocket.”

“Inwatta allows you to keep a weapon on you?”

“She’s incorporeal. That can’t hurt her but it can keep someone from hurting me if she’s not there to protect me.”

The sarcasm in his tone revealed how poorly Inwatta protected her precious anchor. “Her perspective, not yours?”

“I think she likes the continual reminder that our weapons are useless on her.”

She nodded, knowing nothing she could say would ease decades of abuse and isolation. “Let’s get you out of here.” After double-checking that the pistol was on one of its lowest settings, she shot two short blasts into the middle of Evard’s chest. He shuddered and clasped his torso, his features contorted with pain. This might not kill him but it obviously hurt like hell. She was preparing for a third shot when his legs finally gave out.

Rushing forward, she supported as much of his weight as she could, softening the impact as he hit the floor. She increased the intensity setting on the gun then set it aside, making sure it was still within reach. “Help! Oh my God, help me!” Her forlorn cry echoed off the gloomy walls and her brow creased. Had the designers been farsighted enough to soundproof their wonderland?

She ran to the door and stood in the threshold, projecting her call down the corridor. “Help me! Security! Anyone, please help!” Immediately footsteps echoed in the distance, so she yelled again. “Down here! I need a medic. Someone’s been shot!”

Two armored guards rounded the corner, guns drawn. She raised her hands and motioned with her head. “He’s in here.”

The guards systematically checked the room before turning their attention to the wounded man. One guard was a humanoid male, the other a reptilian female. The female took up a position near the door while the male approached Evard.

“What happened, ma’am?” he asked Jocelyn.

“Agent Wanatee shot him.” She gestured toward the gun she’d used to stun him.

The guard knelt beside Evard and checked for breathing and a pulse before he asked, “Where is Agent Wanatee now?”

“He tricked the Gathosian.” She wrung her hands, allowing the cloak to gape, revealing the majority of one leg. “She thought he was going to join the fun but he was here to arrest her.”

“I told you that bitch was out of here.” The female guard didn’t sound upset about the development.

The male guard was more methodical. After stealing a glance at Jocelyn’s thigh, he focused on her face. “Why the big setup? If Wanatee had a warrant, all he had to do was unroll it and she was obligated to respond.”

“I don’t know. Maybe he knew she wouldn’t go without a fight and he wanted to minimize the damage. Does it matter?” Jocelyn sank to her knees beside Evard, making sure the cloak parted nearly to her navel. She had few weapons at her disposal at the moment but she intended to use every one. “She flew into Evard and the agent started blasting. I thought for sure he would incinerate poor Evard before the Gathosian gave up.” She looked up at the guard and he quickly raised his gaze from her cleavage.

“Bartonese anchors are extremely valuable,” the female guard explained. “If Inwatta had been responsible for Evard’s death, the high command would have sent an assassin, not a hunter team.”

“Then we better make sure he recovers,” the male guard grumbled. He reached across Evard and picked up the pulse pistol. “This thing is on seven. If he took a sustained hit, he’s damn lucky to be alive.”

“Which doesn’t mean his insides haven’t turned to goo.”

Jocelyn wanted to hug the surly female guard. She was making this all so easy. “If you’ll let me use your audiocom I can have a traumavac here in just a few minutes.”

“Of course you’d have the hotline code. We must take care of our ambassadors,” the female guard muttered then stepped out into the hall.

The male guard flicked the release on the ear cuff and handed it to Jocelyn. She held it in place and activated it with verbal commands since the device was tuned to the guard’s brainwaves.

“Hotline dispatcher. What’s the nature of your emergency?”

Hearing Saroji’s familiar voice almost made her smile. “Gun blast to the chest. Patient is unconscious but breathing.”

“Your location appears to be blocked. Please provide GPS coordinates.”

She looked at the guard with what she prayed was a guileless expression. “They need GPS coordinates.”

“Tell them to set down in the northwest corner of the courtyard.”

Jocelyn conveyed the location to Saroji then handed the guard back his audiocom. He quickly clipped the cuff back onto his ear then leaned down and heaved Evard to his shoulder. “It’s like half a mile from here. This place is too damn big.”

Jocelyn hurried along behind the guards, clutching the cloak together as well as she could. The guard paused to switch shoulders then paused again and gave his burden to his partner. The female guard’s pace was even faster than the male’s had been. Jocelyn was doing her best just to keep up.