Initiation (Xylon Warriors 1) (28 page)

She sat silent another moment before speaking. “How does Branding protect me, exactly?”

He let out the breath he’d been holding. Good. She really was willing to listen. “After it’s over, no one but a Xylon Warrior, can touch you sexually. If they try, a poison will seep into their system, and they’ll die a very agonizing death.”

“How does the poison get into them?”

“Through the sweat glands, from yours into theirs. If the body chemistry is not compatible, the poison activates.”

“Hmm, okay. But, um…why the heck did I go through the Initiation, if I could have just done this Branding thing?”

“The Initiation protects you from sterilization and poisons being transmitted sexually
and
non-sexually through torture. It also includes the self-healing element and prepares your body for breeding. A person must be initiated first, before they can be Branded.”

“I don’t know, Braden. It sounds creepy. And how does that protect me more anyhow? The Egesa could still kill me. Or imprison me.”

“You’re a super breeder. They won’t kill you. Your genetics are too valuable. After the Branding, your body locks, is the best way that I can think to describe it, with mine. They won’t imprison you, unless they can find a way around the properties of the Brand, because we’ll be connected. We’ll know, internally, where the other is at all times.”

“At all times?” Her eyes widened. “So much for privacy. I’m not sure I like that idea. How long does this Branding last?”

“Forever.”

She glanced away, and her fingers tangled. Her gaze slowly returned to his. “There’s no way to reverse it? I mean, what if we hate each other in six months? It’s possible, you know.”

He chuckled. “We’ll have to work it out.” He pulled her closer, so her thighs were now straddling him. “It’s for the best, Alexa.” Time for the absolute truth. He couldn’t expose his feelings any more than what he was about to do right now. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “I love you, Alexa. I will always love you. And I want you with me forever.”

“You love me?” Her voice cracked.

“I love you.”

Alexa’s heart took off at breakneck speed. No man had ever said those words to her and meant them. And she believed Braden meant them. The look in his eyes revealed his feelings. She chewed at her bottom lip. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I see.” A sad smile tugged at his lips. “Well, that’s too bad.” His fingers tangled in her hair. “Regardless, let me Brand you. Please. I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happy. That’s a promise, Alexa. I’ll see to it you never regret your decision.”

She wanted to say that she loved him too, and she knew that’s what he’d wanted to hear, but those words and the permanence of the Branding scared her. She’d seen so many couples break up. Her parents included. In fact, from what Kam had said, their joining was a complete lie. She hated lies, and forever was a jail sentence if a relationship developed problems.

She’d already promised Braden, in the elevator, that she would stay. But that promise had been given in the heat of the moment. Now, she was able to think more clearly. “Would that mean we were married?”

He grazed his fingers down her arms and shrugged. “Basically. We can have an Earth ceremony, too, if you like.”

Basically? She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that, or the way he said it. She did believe in his love. And if he was willing to go through a regular ceremony for her, that meant he respected her feelings on the matter. But commitment was hard. She touched her stomach.

“Don’t worry. You’re not pregnant.”

“I know. I’m protected. I was just thinking about it.” She wondered why he would say that though, as if he was certain that she wasn’t. She cocked her head. “You can’t?” That couldn’t possibly be true, given all she knew.

He laughed. “Yes. I can get you pregnant. But only during a Breeder Release. All Warriors are sterile, except during those specific times. You are now, too, and don’t need any artificial means of protection anymore. It’ll all be explained to you in more detail as you learn about life here.”

“Seems strange for a society desperate for Warrior children. You fight so hard to stop the Egesa from sterilizing your people, then you make them sterile yourselves.”

“Ours is temporary. Theirs is permanent. It’s to control the strength of the species, and the timing of births. I know it’s a little confusing.”

She rubbed her arms. Everything about Xylon society was confusing to her. “I’m still concerned about this Branding, Braden.” And not convinced that she should go through with it. “Does it hurt?”

“Not if done correctly. All male breeders have an implant in their mouths, along the inner portion of the lips. A corresponding chip in the brain activates the device at the proper time. I place a round mark on the back of your neck, at the moment that we both orgasm, and this will bind us as mates.”

Her thighs clenched. “Orgasm?”

“Yes. The sexual act is the strongest, most intimate, and oldest bond. Our society is based on that, as are most of our rites. Each Brand is unique. Everyone will know you’re mine.”

His
. Her mind was spinning. She wasn’t sure she was even taking in everything he was saying. She hadn’t really thought that she’d be marked like some dang herd animal. “I suppose we need an audience for this Branding?”

He cocked an eyebrow, not having expected that question from her. Had she overheard something? “Why do you ask?”

“We have yet to have sex in private. Not totally, anyhow.”

“Oh.” He chuckled. “Sorry about that. And, yes, we need an audience for this.” It was just a little lie, but necessary for the safety of them both, and to finish the trap.

“Why?”

“Well…” He didn’t want to frighten her any further, so he skirted the issue, and decided to tell her something that at least sounded right. “Since this is a permanent thing, it’s required to make sure that you’re not forced. Especially if you change your mind at the last minute.” That actually wouldn’t be a bad policy to put into place, now that he thought about it.

“You’d never force me.”

“No. Of course not. But it’s still required.”

“Who would be there? Erik?”

“Yes. I’d like it to be him. Do you mind?”

“He’s becoming a permanent fixture in our sex lives.”

“It just seems that way, because of the circumstances.”

“Well…I’d rather have him there than anyone else, I suppose. I trust him. I think he has a good heart, even though he tries to cover it up.”

She was right about Erik, but he didn’t really know how he felt about her getting comfortable with his friend’s presence during their joinings.

Sex had always just been sex. And group sex was no big deal. It was normal, even expected, though a few Warriors still declined to participate, with the exception of the Initiation.

Their entire way of life revolved around the joining of bodies and souls. But then, he’d never been in love before, not like this. Even his first
love
, destroyed compliments of his brother, hadn’t been this powerful.

The intimate act had now become something else to him—something more. Alexa had become more.

* * * * *

When he materialized into her quarters, Leila spun around. She dropped the clothes in her arms.

“What the hell are you doing? You scared me to death.”

Erik studied her flushed features. So beautiful. Fury exploded inside him, thinking about how she’d been hurt, physically and emotionally. When he’d had the chance, he should have killed Rave and the masked man with her. It would have been easy while they’d been unconscious. It would have also been in cold blood. That didn’t set well. Looking into Leila’s sad eyes almost convinced him that he should have made an exception. It might have solved more than one problem, given their current situation.

“You know you’re not supposed to materialize into someone’s quarters without permission. It’s a major offense. I could have you thrown out of The Lair.”

“Yeah. But you won’t. The Council asked me to go through the rooms, so we can account for everyone. Make sure everyone who’s still here has reported in.” Not really, but he didn’t want to agitate her by telling her that he was looking for hidden surveillance equipment. Any of their rooms, even hers, could be bugged.

“Oh.”

“Are those for Alexa?” he asked, indicating the clothes on the floor.

“Yes. Did she agree to the Branding?”

“Braden’s talking to her now. Kam’s disappeared.”

She sank down to the couch. “Oh, no.”

“It could just be one of his temporary departures.”

“Is that what you believe?”

“No. Not really. The timing was too convenient for it to have been one of his headaches. He would have told one of us.”

“I want to be there.”

“There?” He’d been staring at her mouth—full and lush. He gave himself a mental shake. “Where?”

“At the Branding. I have to know. See for myself.”

“I don’t think Alexa would be comfortable with you there.”

She stared at him in silence a moment. “Alexa? Or you?”

Oh, boy. Better not answer that one. Not directly. Besides, until he checked her room, they needed to be careful what they said. He turned and pretended to study one of her pink and silver snow-capped picturescapes, while checking the monitor he’d brought with him. No indication of any listening devices. He almost wished it were otherwise. It would give him an excuse not to talk about things. He wouldn’t be able to check for video until she left.

“You’re going to need help. Braden won’t be in the best position to do that, not if he wants to concentrate on the act. I’m assuming he’s going to do it for real this time, not pretend. Egesa and Pain Masters are more easily fooled than those we’re up against now.”

He discreetly pocketed the palm-sized monitor. “It’ll be real.” He turned toward her. “Braden wants her protected and joined to him as quickly as possible.”

“Then let me help.”

“How?”

“I’m not a totally defenseless female, Erik. I do have training.”

He stalked over to her and pulled her off the couch. He dragged her against his chest. “Fine. Show me what you can do, right now.”

She pushed against him. “Don’t be stupid. Let me go.”

“Make me, Leila. Take me down.” The feel of her against him was pure ecstasy, and his body immediately hardened.

“You’re being an ass.”

“And you’re being unrealistic.” Regretfully, knowing now was not the time, he released her and stepped back. The look of rejection in her eyes, almost permanently in her eyes since the incident on the Marid ship, was too much. “I’ll see what I can arrange. If someone gets hurt, we’ll need a Healer fast. It might as well be you.” It was the most he could do, for now.

* * * * *

Kam turned to Laszlo. “Have you told me everything?”

“Of course.” Laszlo watched the monitors. Each displayed a different area in The Lair. “What are they planning?”

“What makes you think they’re planning anything?”

He turned to face Kam. He’d confided in Kam when he needed someone’s help. Now he wasn’t so sure about that decision. “Just because I’m losing my power, doesn’t mean I’m losing my mind, too. What are they planning?”

Kam turned away from his intense stare. “I don’t know. And they won’t confide in me now. Leila’s, no doubt, revealed her suspicions. She knows I’m involved somehow.”

“What about Alexa? Can you find out from her?” She would be the easiest to manipulate. But that also made her vulnerable—too much so.

“I’d have to get her alone. And I don’t think that’s possible.”

“We’ll keep a watch. Just in case. If it comes down to it, will she be loyal to you or side with Braden?”

Kam’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask? Why would she have to make that decision?”

“Just curious.”

Chapter Nineteen

Alexa felt better now that she’d showered, had something hot to eat, and was dressed in comfortable sweats. Black, of course. These people had no fashion sense when it came to colors. Black happened to look good on her though, despite her pale complexion, so she wasn’t going to voice any complaints quite yet.

She listened to Braden on his vid-cell. He’d been on the cell most of the evening, talking to various people. She didn’t understand the majority of what she heard him say. And he kept sending her into the bathroom, or kitchenette, or closet to get or do something trivial, trying to distract her. He’d even tried to get her to nap. Not very subtle.

She knew something more was going on than just plans for the Branding. The tension was too thick. His words too intense. The silences that followed even more so.

He looked over at her and smiled, which made her feel somewhat better. He had a great smile. She wished he’d do it more often.

Earlier, while she’d showered, Braden had joined her. She’d thought he wanted shower sex. He’d surprised her. No sex, but their time together was more sensual than any she could remember.

He had washed her gently, shampooed and conditioned her hair, then toweled her dry. He’d lotioned her body until her skin felt like silk, paying particular attention to the back of her neck—an erogenous zone she hadn’t even realized existed. He’d helped her dress, and only then had he tended to himself.

The feel of his hands gliding over her body, his lips brushing the back of her neck, had almost driven her crazy, and she’d seriously considered seducing him right there in the bathroom. He must have known, because after he’d finished, one of those sexy smiles she loved so much tugged at his lips, and he kissed her lightly on the forehead, as if not at all affected by what was happening. If he hadn’t been hard as a rock, a condition he couldn’t very well hide, she’d have been thoroughly bummed out. However, if he could hold off until the Branding, so could she.

After their bathroom encounter, when they were both safely dressed and back in the sitting area of his quarters, he had put out a romantic meal for them, prepared with his own two hands. While they’d sat together, he’d held her hand, caressed her cheek, and fed her unfamiliar juice-filled pieces and sweet oblong selections of food. The alien tastes filled her mouth with an explosion of delicious sensations. He’d even shut off his cell, so they wouldn’t be disturbed until they had finished.