Karac: Kaldar Warriors #1 (18 page)

“That will require quite a bit of energy.”  Junrik commented. 

“Yes, but if we only run the shuttle once a month, it will pay off in the long run in the number of couples brought home.”

“True.”  Junrik thought it over and nodded.  “Set it up and I’ll get things rolling from this end.  We can have a shuttle ready in 30 days.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“Any new reports on the Degren?”  Junrik asked. 

“Nothing new.  Local mobilization only.  The scouts haven’t sent anything back so we are waiting on word from them.  Hopefully by the end of this week we should know more.  Have you heard anything?”

“No, and neither have the neighboring galaxies, which concerns me.  There is something going on but either no one knows or no one is talking.  Neither of which make me very comfortable.”

“Agreed.”  Karac sighed. 

“When will you be coming home?”  Renita asked. 

“When we have things settled here.”  Karac replied.  I noticed that he said it with finality that both his father and mother picked up on.  Apparently that discussion was closed.

“Well, Ashley, I hope to see you soon.  Maybe one of these days we can sit down and have a private talk?  Just you and me?”

“Sure, that would be great.”  Inside, I was thinking that was the last thing I wanted to do. 

“Great.”  She looked at her hand computer before looking back at us.  “Well, give me a clue when you are headed home, when you know of course.  I need to start planning for the celebration.”

“Celebration?”  I asked, looking between Renita and Karac.

“Yes, dear.  As you will be mated to my son, who will be the next Ruler, we will have to invite everyone to celebrate your mating.”  I couldn’t breathe. 
Everyone?
 

“We will talk about this another time, Mother.”  Karac insisted.

“Fine.”  She said with a wave of her hand.  “Karac I am so happy for you, and welcome to the family, Ashley.  Love you both!”  Renita blew both of us a kiss before she stood up and walked out of the picture.  We faintly heard the door shut in the distance.

“I’m sorry, Ashley,” Karac mumbled in my ear.  “Mother can be a little forward.”

“Yes, she does have her days.”  Junrik replied amused. 

“It’s fine.  Just caught me a little off guard.”

“You will keep me informed of any new information?”  Junrik asked Karac.

“Yes, of course.  If anything changes on your end, please let me know.”

“Of course.”  He looked between us and smiled.  “The best of luck to both of you.  May you complete your mating soon so you both may return home.”

“Thank you, Father.”  Karac replied.  I only nodded.  Karac reached forward and ended the call.  I sat there, a little stunned from the conversation, before Karac pulled me onto his lap and enfolded me in his arms.

“You ok?”  He whispered into my ear. 

“Yeah, I just need to take one surprise at a time.”

“Sorry about Mother.  She can be a little overbearing at times.”  He nudged his nose against my ear but I could hear the amusement in his voice. 

“This is just a lot to take in.”

“I know.  But we have time.  There is no rush.”  He kissed my temple to try to sooth me. 

“Except your need to return home.  To monitor the Degren situation.  To help your father.  To celebrate our mating.  To be the next ruler.”  I couldn’t help listing off everything that was dependent on my decision to mate with him. 

“Those things can wait.  I can monitor the reports on the Degrens from here just as well as from home.  Father and I keep each other updated well enough so we don’t have to contend with any surprises.  The celebration…won’t happen until we are mated.  There is no rush.”

“Will it look bad if it takes you awhile to complete your mating?”  I asked, pulling back to look into his eyes. 

“No, if anything it will look better.  Makes you more worthy of being my mate by making me work for it.”  He said grinning.

“You’re not serious?”  I asked incredulously. 

Laughing, he replied, “You’d be surprised.  We are a warrior race after all.  When warriors have to court their females for a longer time, the warrior is tested for his perseverance and besides, it makes the mating all that much sweeter.”  I punched him in the shoulder and stood up.  I pondered if this was a good time to bring up the question that was circling in my head, and figured now was as good a time as any.

“Karac, has any one ever made a mistake in claiming a mate?”  He face instantly clouded over and looked to be made of stone.

“Of course not.”  He said insulted.  “You don’t believe me when I say you are my mate?”

“I just don’t understand how you can be certain.”

“A mate is not something you can mistake.  The feeling inside of me when I first saw you hinted at it, when I met your eyes,
that
confirmed it.  I know in my soul that you are mine.”

“Ok, you may have this certainty, but I don’t.  It is just hard to believe that one look would seal the deal.”

“That is the way of our race.  The way we have always found our mates.  I understand that your race does not have this ability or certainty that I feel.  That is why I am giving you time to adjust and ease into being around me.”

“So, what, you are just waiting for me to fall in love with you?”

“If that is what it will take for you to be my mate, then yes.”  He answered honestly.  I turned away because I didn’t want him to see my rolling emotions.  How much I already felt for him and how that didn’t make any sense to me.  It was a little scary at times.  Glancing at the table still heavy with food, I turned back to him.

“You should eat lunch.  You have to be starving.”  He stood up and wrapped his arms around me. 

“Famished.”  He leaned in and brushed his lips against my forehead.  When I caught my breath, he caught my gaze and I could see the heat behind it.  He wanted me.  But he didn’t want to push me.  Without conscious thought, I found myself rising to my tip toes to capture his lips.  As soon at our lips touched, the world fell away.  His arms tightened around my back, pulling me in closer.  His head slanted at a different angle to deepen the kiss.  I couldn’t stop.  I didn’t want to stop.  The fire inside of me was building with every brush of his lips against mine.  I felt the tip of his tongue trace my lips and I opened my mouth in surprise.  That must have been what he was waiting for.  His tongue surged inside my mouth, tasting every inch.  I couldn’t help the moan from escaping.  He tasted so good.  His hands were under the back of my shirt, his fingers running across my skin.  Tiny shivers of pleasure skated up my spine from his touch.  I couldn’t get enough of him.  My hands wrapped in his hair, holding him in place.  Gradually, very gently, he slowed his kisses and brushed my lips with his one last time before pulling his head back.  My entire body was flush with his and my eyes were dazed as I looked at him.

“You are so beautiful.”  He said softly.  I smiled at the sincerity in his voice.  He sighed and pulled my head into his shoulder and held me.  “I’m not rushing you.  But I love kissing you.  Holding you in my arms.”

“I…I like it too.”  I admitted.  He pulled back and gazed down into my face before smiling.  He glanced over my shoulder at the table with lunch laid out before looking back at me. 

“You ate, yes?”

“I did.”

“Why don’t you go lie down on the bed and rest then.  I’ll eat and leave Merrick in charge.  I have to check in with Darrok and Calzen.  Will you be all right if I leave you for a while this afternoon?”

“I think I can manage.”  He smiled before kissing my forehead and letting me go. 

“Off to bed with you then.”  I gave him one last smile before walking into the bedroom.  I laid down on the covers and was asleep before my head hit the pillow. 

****************************

Karac

Karac was just sitting down to eat when Calzen came through the door.  Calzen looked around, noting that the bedroom door was closed, before joining Karac at the table.

“Have room for one more?”  Calzen asked.

“Always.”  Karac grinned as he filled his own plate and Calzen did the same.

“Is Ashley resting?”  Calzen asked as he started eating. 

“Yes, she already ate, before our talk with Father.  She still seemed sore and tired from training so I urged her to rest for a while.”

“Urged?  You didn’t just tell her?”  Calzen teased. 

“I’m learning.”  Karac grinned.

“She was pretty good this morning in the sparring room, wasn’t she?”  Calzen commented. 

“A lot better than I thought she would be.  She picks up on things quickly.”

“Yeah, she’s a quick study.”  Calzen popped a small piece of fruit in his mouth and swallowed before asking, “How did it go with your Father?”

“You mean Father AND Mother?”

“
Criza.
  She met your mother too?”  Calzen winced, knowing how pushy the queen could be. 

“Yes.  At least Mother didn’t ask when the baby was due.  That would have sent Ashley over the edge.”  Karac barely suppressed a shudder.

“I bet she asked if you were mated.”  Calzen chuckled. 

“Yeah, but she played it off like we had plenty of time.  At least she wasn’t pushing the first time Ashley met her.”

“Did your father like her?”

“Yes.  He seemed quite taken with her.”

“Well, I think anyone would be a fool not to like her.  She’s smart, nice, and witty.  Can’t ask for much more than that in a mate.”  Calzen commented. 

“She is perfect.”  Karac chuckled.  He checked the bedroom door to make sure it was shut before adding, “I think she’s coming around.”

“I could have told you that.”  Calzen said shaking his head.  “She watches you any chance she gets.”

“Yeah?”  Karac asked, surprised. 

“Yeah.  Not to mention that she doesn’t say anything when you hold her hand or give her hugs anymore.  A vast improvement over two days ago.”

“True.  She doesn’t protest too much anymore.  Except when we were in front of her family.  She didn’t like it that I held her in my lap for that.”

“You held her in your lap when you talked to her parents?”  Calzen asked shocked. 

“Well, she was already there, and then her parents came on.  I wasn’t going to move her.  She was fine where she was.  They didn’t seem to mind once they got over their initial shock.”  Karac shrugged. 

“I’m surprised she let you.”

“Told you she’s coming around.”  Karac smirked. 

“I think she’s already made the bend.  It’s just a matter of time before you’re mated.”

“I hope so.  I’m having a hard time holding myself back.  My instincts are kicking in and I want, well,
need,
to seal the bond.  But it’s only been two days since we met.”

“Stay strong Karac.  While she likes you, I don’t think she’s ready for the bond yet.”

“I know.  I just have to keep showing her that I can protect her.  Anything she wants, it’s hers.”

Ashley

I woke up some time later, unsure how much time had passed.  I stretched and winced at my sore muscles. 
Training was going to take some getting used to.
  I crawled out of bed, used the bathroom, and then walked out into the main room.  I didn’t see Karac anywhere but there was a note with a lily and a small box beside it.  I picked up the note before opening the box.

My Truemate,

I had to leave to discuss some reports that came in.  You looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake you.  Please feel free to do anything you wish this afternoon while I am away.  Merrik is standing by should you wish to walk about the ship.  In the box is a gift.  I hope you like it. 

Until Tonight – Your Mate, Karac

I smiled as I set the note down.  He really was trying to help me adjust and I couldn’t help but melt at his charm.   I also had to chuckle at the subtle reminder that Merrik was there to “escort” me.  I picked up the box and as I opened the lid, I gasped.  Nestled inside was the most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen.  It was a plain silver chain with a blue stone pendant with smaller white stones all around the edge.  I’d never seen anything so beautiful. 
And Karac got it for me.
  Excited, I found the clasp and soon it was sitting against my skin.  I ran to the bathroom to see my reflection, ignoring my straining muscles the whole way.  I was grinning ear to ear as I took in the pretty necklace.  It really was gorgeous.  Looking at the rest of my attire, jeans and a t-shirt, I felt like I should change into something nicer.  Girly?  Probably.  Was I going to do it anyway?  Definitely. 

I walked back into the bedroom to find my bag gone where I had left it on the floor.  Confused, I looked around and my eyes landed on the dresser on my side. 
He wouldn’t, would he?
  I walked to the dresser and pulled out the first drawer. 
Apparently he would.
  In it, I could see my meager assortment of panties, bras, and socks that Calzen had shoved in a bag, along with brand new items.  Shocked, I shut that drawer and opened the next one.  A multitude of jeans and comfy pants occupied the next three drawers.  Now scowling, I strode over to the closet and found that one side contained his clothes, and the other, apparently mine.  I sorted through my new wardrobe, noting that whoever picked out these clothes certainly took my tastes into consideration. 

Still, I was annoyed.  It was a little presumptuous to hang up my clothes any buy me new ones, wasn’t it?  I’d only been there two days. 
Oh who was I kidding.  Karac was just biding his time until I finally caved.
  I sighed, knowing it was just a matter of time but not willing to give in yet.  My feelings for Karac were growing by the second.  Down at my very soul I knew he was the one for me.  I just wasn’t ready to admit it.  Because I was scared.  How do you entrust your whole heart and soul to someone?  Especially someone you just met?

Deciding on a pair of dressier pants and blouse would complement the necklace, I changed clothes.  I knew I needed to get out of the rooms for a while so I stepped out into the hall and met Merrik’s gaze.  He and another guard were standing, talking a few paces down.  I plastered a sweet smile on my face and walked up to them.

“Hi, how’s it going?”  Both of them bowed in greeting and then locked eyes on the necklace.

“Very well.  I see you found Karac’s gift?”  Merrik asked, still eyeing the necklace. 

“Yes, it is very pretty.”  I commented, letting my fingers play with the pendant.  The way they were looking at it had me rethinking the reason behind the necklace.  “Is there something special about it?”

“Yes.”  Merrik replied.  “It is given to the heir’s mate as a mating gift.  You wearing it is a sign that you approve of the mating.”  My eyes bugged in shock and my hand stilled on the pendent. 
Oh shit.
 

“Really?”  I huffed.  I shook my head and rolled my eyes for good measure.  “Well, it would be nice if he would explain these things to me ahead of time.”  I mumbled. 

“Do you not approve of Karac?”  The other guard asked sounding shocked.

“Well, I wouldn’t say that.”  I hedged. 

“Then what is the problem?”  Merrik asked.  “If you approve of him courting you then wearing the necklace only affirms your affections towards him.”

“I thought you said it is a sign that I approve of mating him.”  I put my hands on my hips for emphasis. 

“Yes it is.”  Merrik replied confused.  Then understanding dawned.  “Our definition of mating is more general than yours.  Mating to us includes the courting period, not just the act.”  I could feel my cheeks burning but this was something I had to have straight.

“So, me wearing the necklace just says I like Karac and want him to keep showing me affection?  Not that I want him to…um, well…mate…with me, right now?”

“Correct.”  I could tell that Merrik and the other guard were trying to hold in their laughter.  I rolled my eyes at them, again.

“Really, you people should have a manual that comes with every warrior.  It would make our lives easier.”  I teased as I crossed my arms across my chest. 

“A few of the mated females have developed a, what they call, crash course, about interacting with an intended warrior mate.”  Merrik looked to the other guard for confirmation, and he nodded.

“That would be helpful.  Where can I get one?”

“It isn’t in writing.”  Merrik replied.  “They are meeting informally with the newly mated or prospective mates to share information in small groups.”

“Sweet.  Where and when do they meet?”  I was eager to talk to some of the other women to get their take on this whole situation. 

“I think, for your sake, Kelly will make an exception.  I’ll take you to see her now.”  He motioned for me to start walking. 

“Who is Kelly?”  I asked as we started walking down the hallway.

“She was one of the first females mated right after the deadline.  It helped when she registered.”  Merrik gave me a look out the corner of his eye.

“Don’t get all upset with me for not registering.”  I shrugged.  “I was happy where I was and didn’t want to go traipsing through space.  Also, you guys didn’t give a lot of encouraging information about yourselves to begin with.  I’m cautious by nature.”

“At least Karac found you.”  The other guard mumbled. 

“So he did.”  I conceded as I left the conversation at that as we navigated the halls.  Our party received a few double takes as we traveled.  The warriors’ eyes would acknowledge us, glance away, and then quickly look back for a second look at my necklace.  All of them stepped back and bowed as we passed.  It was kind of annoying.  I wasn’t royalty and I didn’t know them, or them me.  Who’s to say I deserved their respect?  Just because I was the prospective mate of the future heir should not grant me automatic rights and privileges.  I was a big believer in earning people’s trust and respect.  When you start getting things handed to you on a platter, you start taking things for granted.  After about ten minutes of walking, I finally realized that we were going to an area I was pretty sure I hadn’t been to before.  “Where are we?”

“The mated section of the ship.”  Merrik replied without looking at me.

“Oh.”  Of course, they would have different sections for mated and unmated.  With all their rules about not talking to a woman if you weren’t mated, this would lower the chance of ever running into that issue.  Merrik stopped in front of the door and pushed a button.  We waited a moment before the door slid up and a large warrior stood facing us.  He looked at Merrik and the other guard before his eyes traveled over me and landed on my necklace.  His eyes widened a fraction before he knelt on one knee. 

“Your highness,” the warrior stated and I blanched. 
Your highness?  Shit, I wasn’t even mated and I had a title already?
  He looked up and asked, “How can I help you?”

“Uh hi.  You can start by addressing me by my first name, Ashley.  Titles don’t sit well with me.”  I crossed my arms and gave him a straight face. 

“You want me to use your first name?”  He raised one brow in surprise but remained on one knee looking up at me. 

“Yes,” I said, then, looked toward Merrik.  “Is there some rule that says he can’t?”  Merrik shrugged before answering. 

“Back on Kaldar, royalty are given titles.  Out of respect.”

“But we aren’t on Kaldar.  So, I can decide what I want to be called, right?”  I challenged. 

“Karac might not want-“

“If it isn’t a rule, then I’ll deal with Karac.  Later.”  I turned back to the warrior in front of me.  “Please, while we are not on Kaldar or with other dignitaries, please call me Ashley.”  Then, realizing my slip asked, “Wait, you’re not a dignitary, are you?”  I could see the amusement on the warrior’s face.

“No, I am not.  I am a warrior of Karac’s fleet.”

“Ok, so now that we got that out of the way, I’m Ashley.  Nice to meet you…”

“Diekt.  And it is an honor to meet you, Ashley.”  He bowed again then stood up.

“Wait, how are you talking to me?  Wasn’t there some rule about warriors not talking to females?”  I looked between my guards and Diekt for an answer. 

“That only applies to unmated warriors.”  A feminine voice from behind Diekt sounded and I could hear footsteps coming up beside him.  “Diekt, are you going to let the woman in or are you just going to stand there?”  Chuckling, Diekt stepped back.

“Please, come in.”  Diekt said.  We walked in and stopped a few paces in as I was broadsided with a huge hug.  Surprised, I hesitantly returned the hug.

“Kelly!  Let her go.”  Diekt admonished.  I looked over Kelly’s shoulder to see the shock and nervous look on his face. 
Was I not allowed to be touched by other women either?

“Sorry hun.”  The woman, Kelly, smiled at me as she stepped back, ignoring the growls from the other warriors.  “Oh, hush up.  I was just excited to finally meet the mate of Karac.”  She held my hands, still beaming at me.  Overwhelmed, I smiled in return.

“Uh, well, Merrik said you might be able to answer some questions about…the relationship between us and them.”  I said, nodding toward the three warriors who were still watching us curiously.  At least the growling had stopped. 

“Of course.  Here, let’s go over here and talk.”  She started to lead me over to the couch but turned back when Merrik started to follow.  “Not you.  You can stay in the kitchen with Diekt.  You and your friend.”  She said, nodding at the other guard.  Merrik scowled but backed up and walked to the kitchen.  Suppressing my smile of amusement, I followed her to the couch where we both sat.

“So, you said your name was Ashley?”  She folded her legs under her and gave me her full attention. 

“Yes, and I take it you are Kelly?”  I decided to get comfortable and slipped my shoes off before turning sideways to face her. 

“One and the same.  Tell me, when did you get here?”  I could practically feel the excitement coming off her. 

“Night before last.”

“He took you at night?”  Kelly looked shocked. 

Laughing, I replied, “Yeah.  And I’m pretty sure he did it without the local law enforcement knowing.  They weren’t present.”  I pointed out. 

“Oh my.  I can’t imagine.”  She shook her head, hiding her own laugh before looking back at me.  “I take it you didn’t register?”

“No.  I didn’t trust them when the news came out and decided it would be better to hide.”

“You hid? I mean, I figured you probably did to stay off the radar but not many of the other women have really hid-hid.  If you know what I mean.   Where did you hide?”

“Actually, fairly close to where I grew up.”  I sighed, thinking how it seemed like such a good plan in the beginning.  “I lived in rural Montana and knew a lot of people around there.  There was this guy my age down the road that I didn’t really talk to much but was a family friend.  He took me in.”

“You’ve stayed with a man you didn’t know well since the deadline?”  I got the feeling people didn’t shock Kelly this much. 

“For six months.”  I nodded and smiled.  “It worked out well.  He was really sweet and fun to be around.”  Then I remembered our conversation yesterday.  “Although, I don’t think he will ever talk to me again.”  I didn’t meet her eyes.  It hurt thinking that Nathan wouldn’t be around to talk to anymore. 

“I take it he grew to like you more than a little.”  Kelly commented softly. 

“He asked me to marry him.”  I admitted and Kelly gasped.  I heard a chair scrape in the kitchen.

“He didn’t!”

“Yes, he did.”  I looked over at Merrik who appeared at my side suddenly, scowling.

“Who asked you to marry him?  Does Karac know?”  Merrik demanded.  I looked behind him and knew that he had been in the kitchen with the other warriors.  I found both warriors flanking Merrik with matching scowls. 

“How did you hear that?”  I asked in astonishment. 

“Oh they have excellent hearing.  I’ll tell you all about it.”  Kelly said absently. 

“Answer my question.”  Merrik commanded as he looked down at me all intimidatingly.  I glared in return.