Claimed: Unchartered Territory (12 page)

She couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped.

“What is it?” He was beside her before she could take her next breath. Water sloshed out the bath from his quick movements.

“Nothing,” she denied, willing him to go back to his side where they were both safe from her.

“No. Don’t touch me,” she protested when his fingers traced her face gently.

Ignoring her refusal he pressed the backside of his hand against her forehead. Surprisingly it felt cool against her skin, and as much as she hated to admit it she really did enjoy his touch. 

“Tell me where it hurts?” he pressed.

“I’m not hurting.” Not yet anyway, but if this were anything like the last time the ache would start soon enough. Would he be able to help her through it again?  She resisted the inclination to reach for him, contenting herself to inhale his natural scent. 

“What did you take?” he questioned as his fingers trailed her face in a thorough examination. 

“Nothing.”

“
Dal’las
think, did anyone give you anything?”

She heard his words but could only think about the desire burrowing its way through her.  She reached for him rubbing moist hands over his muscled shoulders.

“
Dal’las
,” he repeated.  “Did anyone give you anything to take?”

She tried to concentrate then remembered the fruity drink Rabika had offered her. She’d drained the entire glass in one gulp and remembered the younger woman taking the container she’d poured from when she left.

“A drink,” she said inching closer to him hoping he would reward her for the memory.

He made a growling sound, one that should have frightened her instead it had the opposite effect of turning her on even more.

“They must have put something into your drink,” he mumbled more to himself. “Who gave it to you?”

“No more talking. Help me now,” she pleaded.

“I will,” he promised with only the slightest hesitation before lifting her easily into his arms and out the water. She clung to him as he carried her back to his bed. 

“Thank you,” she mumbled gratefully.

***

She’d been drugged.

Remar was as sure of it as he was about the air he breathed. There would be hell to pay once he discovered who was responsible for lacing her drink with what was sure to be the essence of
Q’ema
, a drug known to heighten a person’s emotions. He berated himself for not recognizing the signs sooner. At dinner she’d opened up to him with such ease and he wanted to believe it was a hopeful sign for their future together but the drug had already begun to take effect even then.

Still dripping from the bath Remar laid an anxious Dallas on their bedding. For several seconds he could only stare at her and watch as the lust took hold again. She reached for him and it was all that was needed to set the next chain of events in motion.

“Please,”
Dal’las
whimpered and his body came to an instant awakening.

He swore this time would be about her alone but it did not stop him from responding to her obvious need.

Remar pressed a gentle kiss against her lips allowing them only the briefest moments to enjoy the experience. He trailed kisses down the side of her neck. Stopped to pay homage to her breasts. His mouth settled over one distended nipple and sucked it into his mouth, twirling his tongue around it in teasing play until she arched beneath him.

He didn’t think it possible but he swelled heavier.

Someone was definitely going to pay for this torture.

Her belly tightened as he sucked and tugged at her nipples, alternating between both. Heat like molten fire scorched a path through her, and flowed into her belly to fuel her thirsty arousal. The teasing was driving her insane. Didn’t he realize it was unnecessary? She was primed and ready to go. All she wanted was him deep inside her.

When he finally lifted his head Dallas thought he would forgo the needless foreplay. She saw the desire reflected in his eyes and knew he was just as hungry as she was for release. There was a momentary bout of confusion as he dipped to place a kiss between her breasts, then another just below it and another.  She tugged at his shoulders when his lips landed on her flat stomach and continued to venture further downward.

“No,” she tried to push him away when his mouth brushed passed the tiny thatch of hair above her vaginal lips. He spread her legs further then buried his head between her thighs.

She nearly shot off the bed when he stroked the full length of his warm tongue up her clit. There was no time for recovery before he was at it again. And again. He flicked her nubbin with rapid tongue lashings that left her wanting.

“Please,” she begged bucking upwards to have more of him pressing into her. She didn’t think that it would be enough but he wielded his tongue with expertise which soon had her panting to catch her breath. Her head thrashed back and forth as waves of pleasure crashed over her. Then built again until it culminated into a tsunami that ripped through her on a wail so loud it was certain to ring throughout the manor.

Her breath came in short shallow gasps for air until she could finally gain control of a normal rhythm. Dallas didn’t protest when Remar pulled her into the crook of his arm, his hard length nestling against her buttocks. A reminder that she was the only one to gain pleasure from the experience.

“Who gave you the drink?” He questioned after a lengthy silence.

“Hmm?” she mumbled sleepily.

“You said someone gave you a drink,” he said gently brushing hair from her face. “Who was it?”

“I don’t remember and I’m so tired.” She yawned for good measure not willing to throw Rabika under the transport if she didn’t have to, besides she had her own questions for her new sister-in-law.

“Sleep now
Dal’las
, but know we will speak more of this in the coming morn.”

Dallas was relieved when he didn’t push the issue but she laid awake for some time after afraid that the need would assuage her again. Finally, unable to fight the fatigue she drifted into an exhausted slumber filled with decadent dreams of her new bond mate.

Chapter Ten

The remnants of sleep faded into hazy oblivion. Unlike yesterday Dallas didn’t try to reclaim it.

She was alone. She knew it the instant the fog of sleep abandoned her and couldn’t help but wonder where Remar had gone. For several moments she listened for any sign of his presence in the large room or even the adjoining one’s. Nothing. Gingerly she detangled her bare limbs from the jumble of bed coverings. Her tender muscles groaned in protest reminding her of their energetic night.

Dallas rose from the bed and made her way to the bathing room. Emerging sometime later she found a fresh cream colored outfit laid out for her. Not caring who was to be thanked for the clothing she dressed quickly and secured her hair in a tidy bun. Famished this morning it was a disappointment to see all traces of their evening meal removed. There wasn’t even a piece of fruit to satisfy her ravenous appetite.  Food now being her number one objective Dallas went in search of nourishment, hoping to find her way from this unfamiliar section of the manor to the cook rooms. With the exception of a few staff members coming and going the kitchens were empty. She stopped a curious attendant and after a quick request was provided with more food than one person could consume in a single sitting.

“A healthy appetite is a good sign the morning after a joining.” Rabika said all smiles as she bounced into the kitchen and eyed the mounds of food on Dallas’ plate. “Although I did hope you and my brother would be spending this day together.”

“One night of your brother’s presence is sufficient for me.”  Dallas quipped but couldn’t stop the heat creeping up her neck as she thought back to how their evening was spent.

Rabika frowned. “I thought last night would change your opinion of Remar.”

“Oh and why’s that, I’m pretty sure I made my opposition to this joining abundantly clear. Why would it change after only one night?”

“Can you not just accept things as they are, even now you could be breeding my brother’s child and still you protest over something that cannot be undone.”

Dallas couldn’t ignore the comment.

“And are you quite certain I might be breeding. Have you thought that perhaps I didn’t allow Remar to
join
with me last night?”

“Impossible.” The expression on her face spoke volumes and confirmed what Dallas suspected. The only Chezarian she believed to possibly become friends with had betrayed her.

“Really and why is that? Was there any plausible reason for me to permit him to touch me when I don’t even like him?”

“Do not say such things,” Rabika said barely above a whisper as she eyed any staff members who might be within earshot. “He is your mate now, and as the new
Leila
you have obligations to him.”

“Only one problem, I never signed up, volunteered or even hinted that I wanted the obligations. This joining and my
obligations
, as you so politely put it, are not of my doing. I didn’t ask to become your brother’s bond mate. All of this has been forced on me.”

Yes, it was force even if she remembered doing her fair share of pleading with him the night before to have sex with her.

A horrified looked crossed Rabika’s face and she leaned forward.  “I will not believe he took you against your will.”  Her instant anger was evident.

Of all the nerve
, Dallas thought abandoning her seat in one swift movement. “Of course you would know he didn’t have to force me since you took care of any protests I had by drugging me. I won’t be so trusting next time,” she threw over her shoulder in parting, resisting the urge to knock some sense into the taller woman.

Not sure where she was going but wanting to get as far away from Rabika as possible before she caused an interstellar incident Dallas was not disappointed to find herself in the garden. She half expected to be followed by guards but was happy to see she was in fact alone and free to stroll amongst the exotic flowers. The surrounding beauty did wonders to stifle her seething emotions and allow for some reflection. Rabika obviously thought she was helping to assimilate her into the Chezarian way of life. Dallas wondered again at the paradox of a world seemingly so advanced technologically but so primitive for a member of its society to think drugging someone acceptable behaviour. She flashed to Remar’s response at realizing the reason behind Dallas’ “randy” state. His reaction showed he didn’t condone the method, in fact she was certain had she given up his sister as the culprit he might not have been too lenient on the young woman. This new world was one jumble of confusion and contradictions.

She weighed all she’d learned about Chezarians in her short stay and tried to reconcile how she could live among the alien inhabitants without completely losing herself to their cultural norms. Even with their numerous drawback humans had made significant advancements in gender roles while it seemed like her new home world was stuck in the middle ages. Her mind a buzz with all the recent changes in her life she walked until she came upon an unscalable wall that stood higher than four adult Chezarian males. It was no wonder guards hadn’t followed her outside, there was nowhere for her to go.

Of course. 

Not ready to return she walked along the wall, until the sound of rushing water called to her like an invitation. Dallas’s pace quickened but came to an abrupt halt as the wall ended inches away from a drop that would surely kill anyone fool hearted enough to attempt a dive.  At the end of the drop water crashed beneath jagged rocks below forcing water clouds upward in a thick billowy mist that stretched above a rushing stream.  Feeling dejected and very much alone Dallas turned back for her trek to the manor.

The garden with its lush orange grass and multi-colored foliage lay several feet away and her steps became heavier at the thought of returning.  She was not ready to face Remar or anyone else for that matter.

The sound of a snapped twig stopped her. 

“Who’s there?” she called, studying her surroundings with careful eyes. All the while wondering if Rabika had followed her.

Silence.

She listened and waited.

Still nothing.

“Dallas!” Remar’s booming voice broke through the quiet.

Dallas looked up to see him stalking across the wide expanse towards her. She wasn’t sure if it was his sheer presence or bellowing that set her heart thumping wildly in her chest.

“Neanderthal,” she muttered walking towards the frowning Chezarian.

He looked angry. 

She rolled her eyes. So what else was new?

“Where have you been?” he demanded. Dallas didn’t miss the way his gaze slid over her body as he stopped a few inches in front of her. She hated the excited sensation his look generated.

“Here. If you couldn’t tell I was just out for a walk,” she explained.  “I assumed I would be allowed to explore your home without an escort?”

“Our home
Dal’las
and you are free to move about our property but I will not permit unreported, extended absences from you.”

“Thank you for the clarification. I’ll file that between could care less and not my concern.” she mumbled sarcastically. As she made to move around him.

“Who were you talking with a moment ago?”  He stopped her with his words even as his gaze scanned the surrounding area.

“No one.”

“That’s odd, I thought I observed you talking.”

“Just to myself apparently. You have the most peculiar flowers on this planet and I couldn’t help but comment on it.”

His brow ridges furrowed at her explanation but he chose not to pursue the conversation.

“I have arranged for the medic to see you.”

“Why? I’m fine.” It was her turn to frown.

“Although you appear not to be experiencing any side effects from last night’s ordeal, I do not wish to take any chances.”

“And if I decline?”

He cocked his head at her defiance letting her know he wouldn’t be refused.

She clinched her hands at her sides in frustration, “Well in that case, lead the way.”

“Have you remembered who gave you the drink?” he asked waiting for her to fall into step besides him.

“Sorry, my memory is a bit foggy on that issue commander and chief, but I’ll be sure to report it the moment it comes to me.”

“Why does it sound like you are mocking me
Dal’las
?”

“Beats me.” She shrugged in feign ignorance.

***

Dallas endured the medics poking and prodding for several moments before her exam was considered complete.             

“So, am I in good health?” she turned to her examiner ignoring Remar’s hulking frame.  He’d stood quietly back during the procedure and she tried to pretend he wasn’t there at all. Not a feat easily done. 

The medic cast a quick glance over her shoulder before answering.

“Excellent.”  Was all he provided.             

“And what of the test?” 

“I will review them carefully and provide the High Commander with any additional findings.

“Of course you will. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the High Commander who was drugged.  It was me.”  She crossed arms over her chest defiantly.

“Once he has had a chance to complete his report I will provide the information to you.”  Remar offered from behind her.

“I reiterate the injustice was done to me so I should be the first to know about any results,” she stated firmly without turning in his direction.

“Tell me
Dal’las
, have you a grasp of the Chezarian written language? Your translator will not aid you in this regard.”

Dallas considered his response with growing irritation. 

“If I were permitted to go home there wouldn’t be a need for me to learn your barbaric language,” she threw over her shoulder before hopping off the exam table. Neither male attempted to stop her as she headed for the entrance.

“Thank you Qer,” she heard Remar say and knew he wouldn’t be too far behind her.

“
Dal’las
,” he called as she retraced their steps through the cavern of the manor.

Dallas’ first instinct was to ignore him, but preferring to avoid another confrontation she thought better of it.

“Yes,” she managed to sound normal. All the while inside she raged over the helplessness of her situation.

“Perhaps you’ve had enough outdoors today, maybe you should stay inside and rest.”

“Your medic seemed to think I was in great health,” she reminded not breaking her stride in route to the peace of the garden.

“Fine. Then I will join you.”

“What,” she stopped short to glare up at him. “If you’re concerned that I’ll wander off than I promise not to be gone too long.”

“You can accompany me outside or back to our rooms, the choice is yours,” he offered.

In her opinion both options sucked the big one. But in response she turned to take long strides into the warm air. He could follow her all he wanted it didn’t mean she had to talk to him.  

***

Remar smirked at her retreating form.  He lagged behind to allow her to put a slight distance between them and possibly cool her temper. It really wasn’t his intent to anger her further but no matter what he said or did seemed to gain her ire. His brother’s warning of the previous evening echoed in his mind until he forced it out.

She was his soul companion. Destined by the gods just for him. He would penetrate her icy exterior without the aid of enhancements. Remar’s jaw clinched at the reminder of the drugging. He believed his bond mate to know far more than she was telling.

Reluctantly, he admitted owing a thread of gratitude to the person who drugged her. The
Q’ema
root was used as a truth revealer in interrogation. Its properties tapped into the users emotions and with the right stimulus could get them to reveal anything. Although it was a method he would have never considered using with
Dal’las
the end result showed her natural desire and attraction for him. Had she truly harbored the distaste she pretended to possess, the
Q’ema
would have exposed it.

He regarded her frame not certain whether to admire his bond mate’s determination or be annoyed with her behavior. A Chezarian woman would not dare say a quarter of the things she had to their mate. But, as she reminded him on more than one occasion she was no Chezarian female.

With ease he fell into stride beside her, tempted to pull her into his arms and prove, once again, she enjoyed being there without the enhancing properties of the drug. Instead he tried a different method.

“If you refuse to speak to me I am uncertain how we will discuss your new position,” he started.

Dallas stopped suddenly, turning narrowed eyes up at him as if he were saying something she didn’t quite believe. “So you’re saying you were serious last night?”

“Why would you think me to be untruthful? I do wish for your transition here to be as easy as possible.”