Vulcan's Woman (2 page)

The Barbarians.

But this man looked too civil and regardless of his normal
appearance she gulped in fear as he waded closer.

She backed up toward the tree as the sound of her breath
accelerated in her ears. The flesh of her feet pushed against the sand and
stones as her gaze wandered urgently in search of anything she could use as a
weapon. Why hadn’t she listened to her mother and brought the spear?

“Don’t fear me. I’ll not harm you,” he said, his gaze
rolling upward from her toes to her face.

The calm in his deep voice contrasted with his mammoth size
and the power of his stride. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her arms trembling
as she pulled her weight up the slight incline. Not that it was
her
lake
but she wasn’t used to encountering anyone when fleeing to this haven.

“It’s unsafe for a woman to wander alone.”

“I’m―” She stole a quick peek at their surroundings. If she
spoke the truth would he take her into captivity? “Not alone,” she lied.

He halted a foot away, towering above her, and ran his gaze
lazily across the bottoms of her feet, her legs and then the remainder of her
body. His shadow consumed her, blocking the warm sunshine, and she suddenly
felt no bigger than a grain of sand.

“No?” He raised one brow as if detecting her lie.

She continued skittering up the bank until her back hit the
tree trunk. “N-n-no. My clan is right, um,” she pointed to the path leading
into the forest, “in there awaiting my return.”

“Are they now?” he asked, rubbing the shadow covering his
hairless chin and cheeks.

Another indication he belonged to a tribe unknown to her. No
other men in the land removed hair from their faces and chests. “Sorry, but I
must go.”

“What’s your name?”

She wasn’t going to answer but she had a feeling if he
really wanted the truth he’d succeed in forcing it from her. “Wisteria.”

He smiled and something warm stirred in her tummy.

Shocked by the unfamiliar sensation, she stood, brushing
dirt off her backside. Unlike the elderly women in her clan who wore long hides
from their shoulders to their knees, her garment consisted of two fur pieces ―
an upper section and a lower. But with the man’s eyes now roaming her bare
tummy, unease crawled along her spine.

“I saw you digging up rocks. Do you collect them?”

“I…um…” She wrapped her arms across her exposed waist.
“They’re stones.” She glanced at the pile she left near the water’s edge. “I
use them to make jewelry.”

“Jewelry,” he repeated, rubbing his chin a second time.

“Excuse me, but I must get back to my clan.”

“My name is Vulcan.”

“Vulcan, I must get back.”

“What clan are you from?”

She clenched her hands into fists at her waistline. Not that
she was strong enough to defend herself against this huge man if she had to.
“The gentlest of clans. The Peace Seekers.”

How could she leave without walking past him to the water’s
stepping-stones? The distance between their bodies was already too short—no
farther than an arm’s length. Also the forest behind them was too thick to
breach if she ran in that direction. She wouldn’t make it through the thorny
bushes and heavy tree limbs without shredding her skin, which had already taken
a beating when she’d run in fear from the predator in the sky.

Inhaling deeply, she stiffened, lowered her gaze toward the
ground and started taking cautious steps to the lake. Short, cautious steps
that soon turned into a limp because the bottom of her foot throbbed and
burned. She almost made it to the water’s edge when he placed a hand on her
shoulder, halting her getaway.

Her heart lurched and she squeaked. Hoping he hadn’t
identified her fright, she browsed the embankment for a big rock.

“You’re bleeding,” he said, his tone firm and unyielding.

She couldn’t find her voice and instinctively looked at her
feet.

“Here,” he added, stepping closer, pointing at her leg.

She peeked from the corner of her eye and saw a long scrape
on her thigh from the log. She hadn’t realized it’d cut her enough to bleed when
she’d fallen.

Time stood still as he squatted beside her and licked the
pad of his thumb.

What is he going to do?
Reluctantly she took a step
forward, preparing to dash across the lake. Just then his thumb brushed along
the outside of her thigh and he removed the blood. Her knees buckled. Heat
nestled around the leftover saliva on her flesh. The center of her thighs grew
tingly and moisture seeped onto the lining of her lower garment.
What’s
happening?

During her twenty-one seasonal cycles of life she’d never
been touched by a man in this manner. Nor had she known such a touch could
provoke so much internal warmth. It was as if her insides were bathing in the
sun. What an alarming yet exciting sensation. Despite her fear she no longer
felt threatened, nor could she mistake the pleasurable feelings fluttering up
and down her spine.

Her gaze shot to his and locked. For a tribesman he was
gentle-handed and incredibly handsome. High cheekbones and a sharp jawline
defined his features. His hair hung past his upper arms and was straight and
smooth, much like hers. Based on the similar maturity he shared with her
brother Boar, she guessed he’d lived through at least twenty-seven harvests.
She gasped as his intense gaze locked on hers as he agilely stood.

She lifted her chin to follow his narrowed eyes when he
straightened to full height. He was so close, within mere inches. His breath
caressed her face, chasing away the remainder of her fear.

A thunderous boom echoed in the distance. Another followed.
Then another. The trees rustled and the ground shook. Startled, she lost
footing and tilted sideways.

She instinctively grabbed his hand to regain her balance as
the rumbles vibrated inside her chest. He yanked her close to his body so fast
she didn’t notice his arms had wrapped around her until they locked tightly at
her waist. With her cheek nuzzled against his bulging pec muscles she felt the
vibrations inside his chest as well.

His flesh smelled good. Odd yet calming. Unlike anything
she’d ever experienced. The scent was similar to freshly chopped wood but not
as potent, along with the aroma of pine-tree needles. She inhaled deeply while
weaving her hands behind his back. The muscles around his lower spine strained
and flexed as he peered over her head.

Another rumble shook the ground. He tightened his hold and
glanced off into the distance. When the vibrations beneath her feet faded he
loosened his grip enough to allow her to breathe easier but he didn’t release
her from his embrace. It was a possessive gesture she’d witnessed many men in
her clan utilize with their mates. “What was that?” she asked, her voice
quavering.

“I’m not sure.”

She watched his lips closely as he spoke and for a brief
moment she imagined them lowering to hers for a kiss.

The intriguing vision was quickly replaced by a depiction of
her future. A future filled with Sledge untying her garments and throwing her
to the ground to plant his repulsive seed inside her womb.

She shivered with dread and blinked to banish the vision.

Daddy, how could you do this to me?

Was that why she wished this tribesman would kiss her? To
satisfy her curiosity because she might never have another opportunity to kiss
a man she was attracted to? Oh how she wanted this. He’d stirred something
inside she couldn’t explain. Mingling intimately with someone from a different
clan was taboo but she couldn’t dismiss the sensations reeling inside her body.

She held her breath as his face slowly descended toward
hers. Her palms sweated and her belly spun. If any of her clansmen witnessed
this she would receive punishment, perhaps get pummeled with stones. It was as
if her feet were frozen. She couldn’t back away. Nor did she want to,
regardless of the cost. The thought of mating with Sledge every night made it
worth the risk. She’d watched her mom and dad share kisses and she always
wondered how it would be to taste a man’s lips. Until now she hadn’t found a
man she wanted to experiment with.

A strange craving blossomed in her tummy. Her breath caught
and her heartbeat pattered her breast. And just when their lips were about to
touch he stepped back, holding her at an arm’s length. “You should return to
your clan,” he said, releasing her shoulders.

She lowered her gaze as heat rushed to her cheeks. Had he
sensed she’d wanted a kiss? “Where will you go?”

“To gather my tribe and find what’s causing the quakes.”

Unexpectedly he lifted her off her feet and cradled her in
his arms. She gasped at the quick maneuver and threw her arms around his neck.
“I can cross the lake myself.”

“The wound on the bottom of your foot is causing you pain.
Let me assist you,” he said, stepping into the shallow water.

It deepened no farther than his hips but it was high enough
that the fur on her bottom garment grazed the cool surface. She tightened her
hands around his neck to prevent slipping from his grip.

Once on the other side he gently set her on her feet in the
grass. He then squatted and removed his moccasins. His large fingers encircled
her entire ankle as he lifted her feet one at a time and slid them inside the
cold, wet leather. The heat radiating from his hand along her leg was almost
too much to bear. She shivered and swooned and grabbed his shoulder for
balance. He stiffened.

She looked down and smiled. The moccasins were too big but
rather than complain or give them back she slid her toes to the tips. “Thank
you.”

After adjusting the strings he locked his eyes on hers and
stood. Palming her shoulders, he turned her to face the forest. “Go,” he
whispered in her ear after moving her hair aside. “And never return here
alone.”

She closed her eyes to harbor the final moments of his
soothing, warm breath. It caressed her neck and slithered to her breasts in a
cloud of comfort. “When will I see you again, Vulcan?” she asked but when she
turned around he was gone.

Vulcan remained tucked inside the forest, following Wisteria
as she strode down the path. He left enough distance between them to prevent
being seen but he also stayed close enough so as not to lose sight of her.
Those quakes disturbed him. A lot. Despite an episode of rumbles a few days
ago, he hadn’t encountered anything of that magnitude during the entire two
years he’d been on this primitive planet, Helixis.

By orders of the government he’d been put in charge of the
Special Forces and left modern civilization to document life on this world.
They named the mission Strategic Wilderness Green. The purpose—observe the
people and environment and disengage any threats.
Threats?
What type of
a situation were Vulcan and his unit thrown into?

Vulcan didn’t trust his higher-ups and expected a land
swarming with Sasquatch-type creatures and one-eyed monsters. What he didn’t
expect were humans. Real, honest-to-God humans. At least the government hadn’t
lied about that as he’d suspected. These humans looked no different than people
living on Earth. That could explain his infatuation with Wisteria. What a shock
to encounter such a beautiful woman when he’d anticipated foreign creatures.

Despite living on a planet fitting the description of the
Stone Age, she physically resembled a modern female. She had full breasts,
curves in the right places and a normal vocabulary. Numerous tribes resided on
Helixis, each abiding by their own customs. Despite living off the land, they
weren’t as primitive as one might have believed. It was as if these people were
stuck somewhere in between prehistoric times and modern-day Earth.

He backed off a little farther when she stopped and bent
down beside a tree. The way she’d squatted and moved her hands indicated she
observed something. Damn, she sent fire through his veins. Was it her raw,
native background? Her naivety? Sensual aura? Hell, it could’ve been a
combination of all three.

Why hadn’t he kissed her when the opportunity presented
itself? If he’d read her correctly she’d wanted it as badly as he had. Damn his
reservations for kicking in at the last minute. Sometimes acting respectable
produced the wrong choice. In this circumstance it had. Ah, he wished he
would’ve tasted her lips at least once to appease his lust. He’d dreamt of
doing it often enough.

This was undeniably the strangest assignment he’d undergone.
Prior to leaving Earth, his unit strength-trained, mastered battle techniques
and endured numerous torture methods to adapt. The government stated it was to
prepare them for capture. Capture? Capture from what? That was one intense
word.

The unit was instructed to enact their lives as primitively
as possible but they hadn’t arrived unarmed. They brought modern artillery,
which they kept hidden in crates and in underground shelters. Obviously the
government neglected to disclose some important information, like the real
reasons they were shuttled here. One day, and soon, he’d pry it out of Tyran,
the scientist of the team. If the mission constituted only documentation, why
the hell had they sent brainy Tyran?

Although lacking the comforts of home, they’d adjusted well
to the environment. Vulcan even grew immune to the loincloth chafing his balls.
He didn’t mind sleeping in huts or surviving off the land but he occasionally
missed taking hot showers and drinking a beer.

Despite those materialistic things, he loved the freedom of
the wilderness, the lifestyle and the adrenaline rush of a good hunt.

Not even a week into their arrival they crossed paths with a
primal tribe. Their chief challenged the leader of Vulcan’s unit, who just
happened to be him. He didn’t know whether it was a test or a power struggle
but the burly son of a bitch nearly beat his ass, until Vulcan realized they
were fighting to the death.

Relying on his survival training, Vulcan wrestled him to the
ground, not an easy feat, and after Vulcan endured numerous strangleholds and
head slams into the ground he caught a lucky break and snapped the lug’s neck.
The reigning title was handed to Vulcan, his unit was accepted into the tribe
and he was put in charge.

Nearly eight months ago a band of unidentified reptiles
invaded the territory and killed numerous tribal members and two of Vulcan’s
men. Like chameleons, the species changed to the color of their environment,
which made it nearly impossible to locate them, giving them the advantage to
attack. But despite that ability they looked nothing like a chameleon. Their
bodies resembled something akin to a human but they had scaly flesh and the
head and horns of a Triceratops.

The true reasons behind the mission became a little clearer
at that time. The government had denied any knowledge of those creatures prior
to the attack. Vulcan refused to believe it. Sending in his team to protect the
people from the species made more sense than sending them in to study
lifestyles.

He hid behind a tree when Wisteria stood and glanced at the
sky. He fully understood her need to visit the lake as often as she had. It was
a different world. A women’s haven, sheltered by beautiful rainbows of color.
As she ambled down the path he stepped from the back side of the trunk for an
unobstructed view.

During his nine-year vocation as lieutenant general he’d
encountered an array of dangerous assignments but he’d never experienced
anything as damn freaky as that alien species. He’d rather sky-jump into the
croc-infested Everglades than do battle with them again. Damn.

As if they weren’t bad enough, a mutant breed currently
invaded the land. He couldn’t exactly say invaded because he’d only seen a few
over the past three or four weeks. Nor could he consider them
new
because they seemed to evolve from the flesh-eating tribe. If not for their
zombielike actions or the scales on portions of their bodies they could’ve
passed as humans. Whatever the hell they were, nothing surprised him here.

Sadly, abiding by the modified rules of their contract,
Vulcan burned the bodies of his fallen unit. They were not supplied with
airtight containers to transport the deceased home due to lack of space on the
shuttle. Therefore anyone opposed to cremation was excluded from this specific
mission.

It was supposed to take place over twelve months but two
years passed and they still hadn’t received clearance to leave. He shook his
head and smirked. Were they destined to evolve from the Stone Age to the Bronze
Age with these people? Would he ever see modern civilization again? He didn’t
mind the postponement but the women on his team were getting antsy to leave.

When Wisteria reached safety and fell into the arms of a
tiny gray-haired woman he backed off her trail and headed to the lake. He’d
been watching her from a distance long enough to know the woman was her mother.

He hadn’t missed much during the past few months, including
her interactions with family, romping around the yard with children and sitting
cuddled near the fire with a young woman who shared the same hair color,
mannerisms and petite size.

Even while she bathed he’d been hidden within the trees.
Despite the other tribes avoiding the lake because of the two-headed snake,
he’d watched Wisteria ride the damn thing. He worried that one day those tribes
would eventually wander into the area. Especially if they saw a prime target
such as an unescorted woman. Those murderous groups wouldn’t hesitate to
abduct, rape or shred her to pieces.

Unfortunately his unit failed to protect the peaceful clans
from the bloodthirsty tribes. Some were taken captive. Some were tortured and
mutilated. Others were ripped apart and left to rot.

If the government hadn’t prohibited any unethical attacks
against the primitive tribes, Vulcan’s team would have destroyed the so-called
Flesh Eaters or Mountain Slayers to end the ruthless murders. But per Commander
Sumner’s orders, regardless of the vicious activity, what happened between
tribes happened. He said it was their way of life, therefore the mission
constituted documenting the people’s stages of evolution, that was it.

Bull
shit!
They weren’t journalists gathering
information for the media circus. Vulcan and the unit were professionals,
trained to fight in bloody battles. Who in the hell were his bosses trying to
fool? You don’t send in the big guns for documentation.

* * * * *

Wisteria kicked off the moccasins and hid them under the
fallen nest. She’d rather wear them into the habitat because they really did
lessen the burn but she’d have to explain where they’d come from and that would
garner trouble.

“Wisteria, oh my baby,” Nodda whimpered while shuffling
toward Wisteria as she emerged from the path. “I’ve been so worried because of
those quakes.” She held up her arms, offering a hug. “Where’s Boar? I sent him
to find you.”

“I didn’t see him, Momma.” Thank goodness or he might have
caught her with Vulcan. She trusted he wouldn’t breathe a word to anyone if he
had but his confrontation would’ve been awkward.

She limped to her mom and snuggled into her embrace. “Are
you sure he went to the golden lake?”

“Yes.”

Nodda tightened her arms around Wisteria’s waist. “You’re
hurt.”

“I stepped on a thorn, but I’m okay.”

Wisteria considered herself small but she wasn’t nearly as
tiny as her mother. The top of Nodda’s head leveled at Wisteria’s collarbone.
Now that Wisteria had been in the arms of a man who’d towered above her she
knew the security her mother must feel when in her husband’s embrace.

Vulcan.
He’d evoked some wonderful sensations in a
very short time. They were powerful yet unexplainable. The moisture that had
pooled on the leather skin between her thighs was the most unusual feeling. She
thought her mom had taught her everything regarding a woman’s body but she’d
obviously been mistaken. How could she leave out something so vital? Unless her
mom had never experienced it. Was it normal?

Vulcan.
Would she see him again or was he like a rare
stone she’d find only once in her lifetime? He’d left an impression she’d never
forget.

“Momma! Momma, Daddy’s calling for you,” Ivy hollered as she
trotted toward Wisteria and her mom. “The deer hide is ready to be scraped and
hung to dry.”

The moment Wisteria glanced at Ivy’s expression she knew
something had upset her. Her brows were scrunched and the wrinkled skin between
them contorted her youthful, flawless beauty.

Nodda released Wisteria and patted her cheek before turning
to head to the slaughter shack.

Ivy wrapped her hands around Wisteria’s arm and laid her
head on her shoulder. Wisteria needn’t say anything. Their silent bond
comforted and uplifted her sister.

Wisteria rested her cheek against Ivy’s hair and led her
toward the fire burning in the center of the habitat. The ground consisted of
clay and abrasive sand. She missed the beauty of the green meadows and how
soothing they felt under her feet. Especially now.

“Why are you walking funny, Wisteria?”

“I have a cut on my foot. It’ll be fine by morning. Now tell
me, why are you sad?”

“I heard Daddy and Sledge talking a while ago. Daddy traded
you to him for furs.”

“I know. Momma told me.”

Ivy halted. “For furs,” she repeated in disbelief. She took a
deep breath and sighed. “You’re worth more than animal hides.”

“It’s okay,” Wisteria said calmly, tucking strands of Ivy’s
long black hair behind her ears. “I understand why he’s doing it. He’s trying
to provide for his family. If it will keep you warm at night, it’s worth it.”

“You deserve better, Wisty,” Ivy said in disbelief, using
the short name she’d chosen for her sister. Wisteria loved how it sounded
through the softness of Ivy’s voice. “I can’t believe Daddy just gave you away.
Sledge is grotesque. He’s smelly and covered in dirt. How will you ever mate
with him?”

Wisteria’s belly soured but she needed to lighten the topic.
More for Ivy’s sake than her own. It wasn’t worth wasting energy on thoughts of
Sledge with having no way out of the situation. Only seven days remained of her
freedom and she refused to sacrifice any more time anguishing over him.

She forced a smile and pinched her nostrils closed. “I’ll
close my eyes and hold my nose.” She giggled at the nasally sound of her voice
and watched as Ivy’s lips turned into a smile too.

“Boar wants to cut Sledge’s throat and watch the life drain
from his body. He’s also angry at Daddy.”

“Really?” Wisteria knew her older brother loved her because
that’s what was expected of siblings but to display disdain to their father on
her behalf was seriously disrespectful.

“Sledge wants to venture off to seek new lands and he plans
on taking you with him. Boar thinks it’s unsafe for you to be alone in the
wilderness.”

Oh no.
Alone. With Sledge. Far away from her mom and
Ivy. It was one of the worst things that could happen.Her blood ran
cold but she remained stoic for her sister’s sake. “If I’m with Sledge…” She
halted when trees rustled near the path. She glanced over her shoulder just as
something raced through the thick brush.

“What was that?” Ivy squeaked, stepping closer to her
sister.

Wisteria studied the trees carefully, tuning in to her keen
sense of sound. “I don’t know. Maybe a deer.”

“It was too fast, Wisty. And too tall.”

“Perhaps it was Boar or one of the other men.”

Whether it was true or not, it seemed to pacify Ivy. She
released a deep breath and squeezed Wisteria’s arm. “Boar doesn’t like how
Sledge wanders off for days at a time to hunt. He cannot bear the thought of
you being left alone. I think he may follow.”

“I might be alone in the physical sense, but in my mind I
won’t be. Come,” Wisteria said, grabbing Ivy’s hand. She led her to the fire,
sat down in the dirt and yanked Ivy beside her. After a quick visual sweep of
their surroundings Wisteria lowered her lips to Ivy’s ear. “I met a man at the
lake today who will occupy my thoughts,” she whispered.