Forsaken (17 page)

His vehemence helped her let go of the past without being overwhelmed by grief. “Because they weren’t Rodytes.”

Her answer brought a proud smile to his lips and made him even more attractive. “I’m sorry your sister didn’t live to see the woman you’ve become. She might have been physically ‘perfect’, but you are extraordinary too.”

“That’s just your DNA talking.” She drank the last of her
blish
and set the glass aside.

“When did you digitize your grandmother’s journal entries?”

Raina gasped. “Ashley told you about that too? I’m going to kill her.”

“I was thinking the same thing a few minutes ago. I suppose if she gives information to both of us she retains her neutrality.”

“But that’s the problem.” She playfully slapped his side. “She’s my best friend. She should be on
my
side.”

He caught her wrist and pulled her beneath his raised arm, turning her slightly until she snuggled into the warmth of his body. “I need all the help I can get.”

If he had any idea how close she was to surrender already, he’d likely change his mind. She leaned her head against his shoulder and let his heat sink into her body. “Did you have other questions or has Ashley told you everything you needed to know?”

He chuckled, the sound making his chest rumble. “I’ve barely begun to unravel your mysteries. But this is still business, for now. Did you enter all those entries by hand or scan the documents in some way?”

She tilted her head and looked up at him. “Why does it matter?”

“If you entered them all by hand, you likely know a whole lot more than you’ve told me so far. Are you ready to share or do I need to start reading?”

Easing away from him, she pivoted to face him. It made him easier to look at, but it also insinuated her knee in between them. “I have a small device with all the entries on it. Someone should probably read through them all at some point. I’m sure the information will take on additional meaning when combined with a Rodyte context. And I want the information forwarded to the Symposium.”

“Of course. Your grandmother deserves nothing less.” He set his glass down on the end table and offered her his undivided attention. “Is there anything in the entries that can assist our mission?”

“I’ve thought about those stories a lot now that I know the events really happened. I always thought Mimi had a wicked sense of irony, but it’s more significant than that. The original historian talked about something called sacred bonding grounds.”

“I’ve never heard the term,” he admitted. “Did she give specific locations and was the purpose for these areas reflected in the name?”

“It’s complicated.” She smiled and glanced into his eyes. “I’m starting to understand why you say that so often.”

His hand swept down her arm then returned to its position on the top of the cushions. He’d likely meant the gesture to be reassuring, but it felt more like a sneak attack. Awareness sizzled and her skin tingled. All he’d done was touch her arm, so why did her entire body feel electrified? “Take your time. We have all night.”

All night
. What a tempting thought. She swallowed past the sudden tightening in her throat. “Jinnel of Hautell was sent to Earth because the Bilarrians learned that the group of refugees that left Rodymia clear back when the war began weren’t really pacifists. They ran because they didn’t want anyone to find out they could manipulate magic.” The phrase slipped out automatically, but it made her pause. A few days surrounded by Rodytes and she picked up their terminology. How long would it take before she started thinking like them?

“Really? I’ve heard rumors about Rodytes who could manipulate magic, but I’ve never seen any evidence that it was true. Well, unless you count battle born daughters and harbingers. But each was genetically manipulated in some way.”

“I don’t know what is or isn’t true on Rodymia. The journals deal exclusively with what took place on Earth.”

“Right. Go on. The war began and these refugees came to Earth to avoid being dragged into the conflict.”

She nodded. Mimi’s stories had always been a fun retreat from reality. It was so strange to think that the events detailed in those journals might be relevant today. “The refugees knew that staying together would make them vulnerable.”

“Why?” His brows drew together, creating wrinkles over his nose. “I’ve always thought there was strength in numbers.”

“It depends on the situation.” She wanted to reach over and smooth his brow, help relax his expression. “They weren’t just refugees, they were fugitives, defectors. They knew they were being pursued. The Rodyte authorities wanted to make an example out of them so no one else would be bold enough to object to the war.”

“That sounds about right.” He released a frustrated sigh and some of the tension in his features eased. “Under those circumstances, it makes sense to scatter, to blend with the local population.”

“I’m glad you approve.” She glanced at him and smiled, then continued before he could respond to her sarcasm. “But they needed to be able to locate each other when it was time to breed. They were afraid that allowing too many humans into the mix would weaken their gifts and their gifts were the reason they were risking so much.”

“That’s where these sacred bonding grounds came in?”

Again she nodded. “All of the refugees were dead by the time Jinnel arrived on Earth, so she isn’t sure how they ‘sanctified’ the areas. It could have been magic, technology or some combination of the two. All she knew for sure was that whatever they did is still effective today. The areas attract young healthy descendants when they’re physically and emotionally ready to form a mating bond. It’s like those salmon you mentioned. Anyone with the protein marker is drawn to these locations instinctually. Some, maybe most, aren’t even aware of the pull. They just can’t ignore it.”

“Let me guess. Georgetown is one of these sacred bonding grounds.”

“It’s actually Fairfax County, but close enough. This likely explains why Ashley and I became friends. We both felt connected to the area without knowing why. We rented an apartment in McLean, Virginia, which is in Fairfax County. My mother lives in Falls Church which is also in Fairfax County. But you already know that.” Annoyance panged through her excitement as she remembered his not-so-subtle threat.

“I’m sorry for threatening your mother. It was more or less a bluff.”

“More or less?” She gasped. “It better have been a boldfaced lie or this conversation is over.”

“I would have sent men to search her house, but I would have made sure she wasn’t there. Your mother was never in danger.” When she just glared at him, he prompted, “How many sacred bonding grounds does Jinnel identify? Where are they?”

Nothing was gained by fixating on something that never happened, so she told him. “She names three, Boulder, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Fairfax County, Virginia.”

Indigo lived in Boulder. In fact, she and her mother still lived in Mimi’s old house. Rather than confess the entire truth, she explained enough so that Kotto wouldn’t sense that she was holding out on him. “Mimi moved to Boulder when she was twenty-two. According to the journals, her captor was part of a team investigating reports of humans with paranormal abilities. They’d stumbled onto one of the sacred bonding grounds and didn’t even realize what they’d found.”

“Hold on.” He shifted on the sofa, scooting forward just a bit. “If your grandmother was drawn to Boulder
before
her captivity. Was Mimi a descendant of the original refugees?”

Still struggling with the information she was omitting, Raina nodded. Then she quickly licked her lips and explained. “Those entries were part of the reason no one believed Mimi’s stories. Not only did she claim to have been kidnapped by an alien, she claimed to be the long-lost descendant of aliens. It all sounded so dramatic and so obsessive. It couldn’t possibly be true.”

“Truth is always stranger than fiction.” He paused for a reassuring smile. “Did she have paranormal abilities?”

“Not that I know of, but I was pretty young when she died.”

“What about your mother? Is she able to do anything unusual?”

Raina shook her head, allowing herself to relax. Apparently, she’d volunteered enough information to keep him from wondering about what she was leaving unsaid. “Mom’s a lawyer. Her existence revolves around rules and regulations. It doesn’t matter what she knows to be true; it only matters what she can prove with evidence. Even if she had a paranormal aptitude, her regimented personality would have suppressed it.” Raina’s aunt and cousin, however, made claims almost as wild as Mimi’s. Now Raina was left wondering if Indigo’s claims, like Mimi’s, were all true.

“You’ve just narrowed our search criteria to a much more manageable area. This is wonderful.” He was silent for a moment then a sexy smile gradually parted his lips. “Do you realize you’ve revealed something else, something personal?”

“What’s that?”

“You’re ready to mate or you wouldn’t have felt the pull of the sacred bonding ground.”

She scooted to the other end of the couch, pressing back into the corner. “Ready and willing are two different things.”

“If you’re honest enough to admit one, we’ll work on the other.” He slid toward her, casually lifting her feet onto his lap. “Did Ashley warn you about our aversion to females wearing pants or was there another reason you chose this dress?”

“Do you agree with that ridiculous standard?” It was a diversion, but she wasn’t ready to analyze her reasons for dressing up. “You seem less…Rodyte than your men.”

His eyes narrowed and the purple rings flashed within his night-black gaze. “You’re the second person today to accuse me of not acting like a Rodyte.” With firm, fast movements, he slid her down until she lay on the couch and her legs arched over his hips. He gathered her hands and drew her arms over her head, pinning them there with one large fist. “Is this what you want?” His mouth covered hers as his hand swept under her skirt and sped up her leg. The kiss was deep, consuming, pushing her right to the trembling edge of fear. “Rodyte captives have no choice. They must please their captors or die.” He kissed her again, but the urgency softened, coaxing rather than demanding.

She jerked her head to the side, panting and dizzy. “I didn’t mean it as an insult. You’ve been wonderfully patient—”

“I’ve been too patient.” He released her hands long enough to turn her face back around then he captured her wrists again.

His lips rubbed and slid as his tongue explored, then the motion of his free hand drew her attention. He’d reached her hip and his fingers grasped the side of her panties. She waited for the impatient yank, but he hesitated.

He raised his head and stared into her eyes. “Never doubt that I am Rodyte. I can be ruthless when I must.”

“I know.” She probably should be scared, but once again his aggression had stopped just short of actual force. Over and over when he could have bent her to his will, he’d negotiated instead. It showed her more about his character than he was likely willing to reveal.

“You must be marked. Will you be honest enough to admit that much?”

Her heart was beating so fast she could barely think. “Yes.”

His jaw clenched then released before he asked, “Is there someone else you wish to do this with?”

Like the coward she was, she couldn’t speak the words. She only managed to shake her head.

Clearly pleased by their progress, he let go of her wrists and brushed her hair back from her face. “Say it, Raina. I want this more than anything, but I will only take what is freely offered.”

She sucked in a deep breath, trying to recapture her composure. Instead, her head reeled and her core ached. “I want this too.”

“Not good enough.” He leaned down and kissed her softly, soothing her with his touch. “Tell me exactly what you want.”

“I want you to mark me.” The admission freed something deep inside her, something dark and elemental. In a voice she barely recognized she added, “I want your scent all over my body.”

I want your scent all over my body.

Kotto’s heart missed a beat as Raina’s words echoed through his lust-addled brain. His mouth found hers as he gathered her in his arms and carried her into his bedroom. Every step he took stoked the fire raging through his body, fueling the intensity. He wanted her stretched out beneath him moaning in pleasure as he filled her—

But she hadn’t agreed to be claimed. She’d only agreed to let him mark her with his scent.

He reached the bed and lowered her legs without releasing his hold on her torso. Her arms circled his neck and her toes barely touched the floor as their mouths mated, tongues tangling in a sensual duel. Could he do this? Could he strip her naked, touch her,
taste
her, and then roll over and go to sleep?

Apparently, battling the same doubts, she pulled back until their lips separated. “How far does this need to go? Do I have to be completely naked?” She stared up at him, her uncertainty obvious.

Skin-on-skin contact was unavoidable, but she didn’t need to be completely naked. He just wanted her that way. Rather than lie to her outright, he evaded the question. “I’ve already seen you, Raina. There’s no reason for your fear.”

“I’m not afraid.” She wiggled, sliding down his body until she found solid footing. “I don’t want to make this any harder than it has to be.”

He grinned. Despite his consuming hunger, a lighter approach seemed to work better with her. “Sweetheart, I’ve been hard ever since I woke up from that stupid dream.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I had nothing to do with that.”

Catching her hand before she scurried out of reach, he drew her back into a loose embrace. “I wasn’t accusing you of anything other than being desirable.”

She looked up then, challenge shining in her reddish-brown eyes. “Why?”

“Why?” Honestly baffled, he almost let go.

“Why do you find me desirable? It can’t be my personality. I’ve been an argumentative pain in the ass since we met. What do Rodyte females look like?”

He shifted his hands to her hips, making their stance less restrictive without releasing her. “The question reveals the difference between humans and Rodytes. With Rodytes, sexual attraction has very little to do with outward appearance. We don’t go ‘looking’ for our mates. We hunt for them.”

“And how do you hunt if you don’t react to outward appearance?” She lowered her gaze as if she dreaded his answer.

“We scan, we scent, and we wait for our bodies to tell us we’ve located the right one. It’s instinctive, a biological reaction to—”

“Compatible DNA?” She made it sound objectionable.

He curved his fingers around her chin and tilted her head back. “Genetics is much more dependable than basing a relationship on something as changeable as physical appearance. Neither of us will look like this ten years from now. Why do you sound so disappointed.”

The challenge in her voice gradually changed to frustration. “It’s just hard to shift gears. I know I’m not beautiful, so I—”

“Stop it.” His voice cut with enough vehemence to make her cringe. “Everyone is beautiful if one takes the time to look. Your skin is so smooth and soft, it begs for my touch.” He brushed the backs of his fingers across her cheek. “I’ve never seen eyes as bright and expressive as yours. And the color is fascinating. Your bottom lip is just full enough for nibbling.” Again he demonstrated his claim before continuing his list. “And your body.” He groaned as one of his hands swooped down and cupped her ass. “You’re lithe and graceful like a dancer, yet curved enough to leave no doubt that you’re a female ripe for claiming.”

She blushed and dragged her gaze away from his face. “I might be thin enough to be a dancer, but I’m anything but graceful. Besides, I’ve always hoped to connect with a man on a level deeper than physical attributes.”

“Explain.”

“I want to find similar interests or aspirations, find someone with whom I genuinely enjoy spending time.”

Had the insult been intentional or was she just rambling? “You haven’t enjoyed the time we’ve spent together?”

“That’s not what I meant.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing her agitation. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. There just hasn’t been very much of it.”

“I want to change that, but my intentions don’t alter why we’re here.” He was trying to respect her needs and give her time to come to terms with what they were about to do, but their conversation was making her more uncomfortable, not less. She’d responded without fear to his aggression before. Apparently, it was time to pounce again.

“We can’t do this simply because our genomes complement each other.” She sounded resolute, very scientific. “Compatible DNA is even more random than physical beauty.”

“I sought you out because of your professional expertise and you just happened to be my biological match, my potential
mate
. Some would call that destiny, not coincidence.”

She lowered her lashes, shielding her gaze. “I don’t believe in coincidence.”

He slipped his arm around her waist and lowered his head as he whispered, “Neither do I.”

Enough talk. Enough stalling. He’d vowed to protect her and marking her was the next step in ensuring her safety. The justification made him chuckle inwardly. He ached for this woman, had thought of little else since he’d streamed her aboard his ship. She was spirited, passionate, and
his
.

Her lips were pliant and soft, yet remained pressed together. He caressed her with his lips, giving her time to accept the inevitability of these events. When she continued to resist, he teased the seam with the tip of his tongue, stroking and flicking until she gasped and let him in. Rather than thrusting deep, he eased inside, rewarding her surrender with tenderness. She clutched his back, pressing against him as if he were the only solid object in the universe.

“The more of my skin rubs against yours, the stronger my scent will be,” he whispered the explanation against her damp lips. She nodded, so he took a step back and unfastened enough of the closures on the front of his uniform top so he could peel it off over his head. He bent and tugged off his boots then paused to gauge her reaction. Her eyes rounded and bright flags of color spread across her cheeks. “You’ve seen me before too.”

“My bedroom was dark and I was half convinced you were a dream.” She stretched out her hand then snatched it back.

He caught her wrist and pressed her palm against his chest. “Touch me, Raina
.
I’ve dreamed of your hands moving over my body.”

Without a word, she obliged him. She stroked his chest and shoulders, bringing both hands into play as she explored his corded arms and abdomen. “Do all Rodytes have a fast metabolism or are you just workout junkies?”

Standing perfectly still, he savored her touch, thrilled by the knowledge that this was uncharacteristic behavior for his self-proclaimed lab rat. “We’re warriors. It’s part of our job to remain strong and healthy. And those, like me, who were raised by the military, receive genetic alterations to increase our strength and stamina.” She circled behind him and continued her tactual examination of his flesh.

“Well, you must be very good at your job.” When she faced him again, her smile was finally playful.

He reassured her with a slow, gentle kiss then whispered, “My turn.”

A zipper ran down the side of her dress. She raised her arm and he lowered the fastener, loosening the bodice. She immediately pressed the sagging material against her breasts as he slid the straps down her arms. “Please turn off the lights.”

“No. I want to look at you.”

“But you said Rodytes aren’t concerned with physical appearance.”

He gently pulled her arms away from her chest and the dress slipped to her waist. “I said physical appearance is less important to us than it is to humans. That doesn’t mean I’m not aroused by the sight of your breasts.”

“What little there is of them,” she grumbled.

With one hand splayed against her back, preventing her retreat, he bent and kissed her rose-colored nipples. “Lovely. Truly lovely.” He sucked on one and then the other, making her squirm. “See how quickly they respond to my lips?”

“They’re sensitive.” Her voice grew breathless and she clutched his upper arms.

“I can see that.” He freed her arms from the straps and urged the dress lower. It momentarily caught on her hips then pooled around her ankles.

She kicked off her shoes, but wiggled away when he reached for her panties. “Take off your pants first.”

He took a deep breath. She obviously trusted his control more than he did. It would probably be wiser to leave them on. But he wasn’t feeling particularly wise right now. He unfastened his pants and pushed them past his hips. They bunched around his knees, so he sat on the edge of the bed to pull them off. He still wore an undergarment, but the material was clingy and clearly revealed his hardened cock.

Much to his delight, she approached him before he could stand. He spread his legs and pulled her to him, burying his face between her breasts. He inhaled deeply, holding her scent in as long as he could before exhaling. “Your shape is pleasing, but your scent makes my entire body ache.”

She laughed and the movement of her chest drew his attention to her pert little nipples. “So if a Rodyte male tells me I smell nice, it’s even better than saying I look pretty?”

He sucked on her breast hard enough to make her moan. “The only Rodyte male that should be saying either to you is me.”

Pressing her hand to the side of his face, she captured his gaze and smiled. “That’s why I’m here. So everyone will know I’m taken.”

Possessive hunger tore through his body, setting him in motion. He wished to the gods that she was ready to be “taken”, but that wasn’t what she’d meant. He picked her up as he stood then turned and placed her in the center of the bed. Quickly yanking off his socks, he lay down beside her, devouring her with his eyes. He wanted to say something meaningful, wanted this to be more than a safety precaution, but words escaped him.

Instead, he slipped his arm under her neck and pulled her up onto her side. Their legs automatically entwined as their mouths met in the middle. She touched him every bit as boldly as he touched her, which amplified the urgency of his need. He caught her knee and pulled her leg up around his waist, aligning their pelvises so his cock pressed against her mound.

She gasped. He rocked against her and she groaned, so he did it again and again. He filled her with his tongue as he imagined that layers of fabric didn’t separate their bodies.

Suddenly, she pushed him away and rolled to her back, panting harshly as she stared up at the ceiling.

“What’s wrong?” His voice sounded harsher than he’d intended.

“I want…” She covered her face with her hands as she took a deep breath then slowly turned her head and looked at him. “I want to touch you, give you pleasure like you gave me in our dream.”

Desire slammed into him so hard it robbed him of breath. When he finally forced air back into his lungs, it sounded like a strangled moan. “If I undressed completely, I don’t think I’ll be satisfied with your hand. I want you too much.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Color stained her cheeks again and her gaze shifted back to the ceiling.

Frustrated by her self-deprecation, he leaned over and kissed her mouth. “You’re sorry for wanting to touch me?” He kissed her again. “Or you’re sorry I won’t let you play?”

“I’m sorry I apologized.” She smiled, assuring him that she’d received his message about needless apologies.

He guided her hands over her head and threaded his fingers through hers. “The strongest concentration of pheromones is in my semen.” Her eyes widened and he chuckled. “We both agree that’s not an option for tonight. The concentration in my saliva is almost as strong, so I’m going to put my mouth all over you.”

Her fingers tensed around his and her lips trembled. “If you don’t trust yourself enough to let me touch you, how will you…do that and not lose control?”

“As long as I stay focused on your pleasure, I’ll be fine.”

“But—”

He cut off her objection with another breath-stealing kiss. “Your only option is yes or no.” His gaze bore into hers. “You already agreed to let me mark you. Would you rather be claimed instead?”

Kotto’s question sounded far too much like an ultimatum. Raina tensed for a moment then analyzed his expression. The purple in his eyes shimmered like crushed amethyst and some inner struggle sharpened his features. He was holding on by a thread, and
she
was the cause of his conflict. He wanted her, truly wanted to be inside her so badly he was starting to shake.

So let him claim you
. The temptation whispered through her mind and her core pulsed in agreement. She shoved back the possibility and forced herself to think. Marking her would allow her to move freely about the ship and give her more time to decide what she wanted. If she let Kotto claim her, he’d consider her his mate, his lifelong partner.

She shook her head. “I’m not ready for that. We’ll do this your way.”