Blaidd

“Do you believe this man in the black robe is actually an adjudicator?” Blaidd asked Serus, as they sat on the upholstered settee in Harper’s sitting room.

Blaidd shook his head at the footage being shown on the monitor. Serus glanced from the processor on his lap to the monitor on the wall.

“I think so. I believe this dispute was chosen for its entertainment value.”

“If I did a poor job keeping my mate happy, and she ruined everything I owned, I don’t think I’d announce it to everyone,” Blaidd commented with a chuckle, as the characters displayed the club the female used to bash her mate’s vehicle.

“You can change the display to something else.” Serus shrugged.

“No. I should be heading back to Torvus.”

“I can hail Nameless, and see how much longer they’ll be.”

“Don’t worry about it. They might be in public.”

“I bet they’re still at Harper’s parents,” Serus replied. “Cheryl and Gerald were eager to start packing their stuff, after hearing Harper is with child.”

“So, they agreed to immigrate to Torvus?”

“Yes.” Serus nodded. “Cheryl was so excited. She specializes in delivering young.”

“That’s good. I bet that makes Harper happy. Do you plan on getting out of this dwelling to see Earth?” Blaidd asked.

Blaidd wanted to explore the planet a little, but with Vivian on Torvus, he’d rather get back.

“I stayed behind, since we were expecting you.”

“Well, now you have the signal tracker.”

“Thank you for bringing it. We just have to wait for my sire to use his utor,” Serus replied, as he continued to work on the primitive looking Earth processor.

“Are you having any luck with that thing?”

“The hardest part is translating Torvus into English words, to type into this button array.”

Blaidd nodded. Although their language implant translated spoken language, it did nothing for written words.

“The unit is connected to what humans call the internet. It’s their version of the conduit. If we get a signal on the tracker, we can compare it to a map on this processor.”

“Do you really think Nox will attempt to hail Agrippa? I would assume they’ve stuck together since arriving on Earth.”

“I’m certain he will. My sire can’t do anything on his own, and I doubt he’s mixing with the humans. I bet he has Agrippa running around doing his bidding,” Serus sneered.

“That’s probably right. Is that an image of you?” Blaidd glanced at the picture on the processor.

“Yes,” Serus chuckled. “Harper showed Nameless and I how to use her processor by creating a social listing on their conduit. Look. I have seven Earth friends already. Of course, Cheryl, Harper and Nameless are half of them.”

“Does every human have a listing?”

“I don’t know.”

“Can you look for Vivian on there?”

“I can.” Serus typed on the processor keyboard. “There’s too many Vivian’s. We’d have to know her sire’s name to narrow it down.”

Blaidd looked at the dozen females on the display. None of them looked like Vivian. There were also several images of random things that weren’t people at all.

“Oh well. I guess I’ll be going. Tell the others I wish them well.”

“Safe travel. Hopefully we’ll have that bastard, and Harper will have news for Vivian next time you check in.”

Blaidd nodded, then pressed the sensor on his remote limen. He opened his eyes when the spinning sensation stopped, and glanced out the window at Setmar. It was good to be home. The feeling persisted even after moons of freedom.

“Lyr,” Blaidd greeted the male with a smile.

“Welcome back again, Primitus. Indago asked that you contact him immediately.”

Blaidd nodded and hailed the Chief Beta on his way out of the portal room.

“We have a problem,” Indago reported the moment he answered. “I need you in the clinic.”

“Is Vivian okay?” Blaidd demanded, instantly worried.

“I haven’t heard otherwise. This is pertaining to another matter.”

“On my way.”

Dammit. I forgot to give Vivian my utor.

Blaidd ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He spent the evening showing Vivian his toys, and completely forgot to give her a way to contact anyone if there was an emergency. The way her face lit up when she was happy had him entirely distracted. Then when morning arrived, Vivian slept so peacefully, he didn’t dare wake her.

Blaidd paused to gather his thought as he stepped onto the lift. He stared at the controls for a moment, then shook his head when he remembered where he was going.

Pathetic! He chided himself for getting preoccupied with thoughts of her again.

“What’s wrong?” Blaidd asked, when he met Indago in the clinic lobby, and followed his cousin to a private room.

“That.” Indago pointed.

Blaidd looked at the gurney to see Radma’s body, a belt still cinched around his neck.

“Koyat’g fate! What happened?” Blaidd snarled.

“The exquiro and I returned to continue questioning Radma, and this is how we found him in the cell.”

“He took his own life?” Blaidd asked in confusion. Radma had just been attempting to bargain information, only to turn around and commit suicide.

“That’s what it looks like,” Indago replied.

“But?” Blaidd heard the doubt in Indago’s voice.

“Medicus Dykee hasn’t done a full examination yet, but she doesn’t believe Radma died of asphyxiation.”

Blaidd glanced to Dykee, who nodded.

“Based on the lack of hemorrhaging.” Dykee pointed to Radma’s head and neck. “It appears he was already dead when the ligature was applied.”

If the medicus believed this was foul play, that was enough for Blaidd; but if Radma didn’t hang himself, then what killed him?

“Have either of you shared this information with anyone?”

“No,” Indago responded.

“Good. Galen will assist you with figuring out what caused this,” Blaidd rumbled, and Dykee nodded.

Indago hailed the Torvus medicus, as they stepped into the adjoining room, so Dykee could begin the examination unimpeded.

Blaidd didn’t want to believe another of his betas was to blame; Radma’s betrayal had been staggering enough. He held out hope that Radma’s testimony would prove false, but his death pointed to an unknown enemy who was uncomfortably close. And whoever silenced Radma had the ability to access the cells.

“Review surveillance and put a list together of the clans on duty when this happened,” Blaidd instructed Indago.

“Will do.”

“Watch your tail. If someone has gone through all this trouble, they obviously want to remove our clan from power.”

“I’ll have our clan take the rotations in the secure sectors,” Indago snarled.

“No. We don’t want to alert my enemy that I’m on to them. But make sure someone from our clan is assigned to each shift, and I want someone on my personal chambers. Also, no matter what the medicus finds, let the rumor circulate that Radma couldn’t withstand the guilt of his treachery, and took his own life. We want this bastard to think he succeeded.”

“Yes, Primitus.”

“Sorry to leave you with this, but I need to check on Vivian.”

“Will you be at the evening meal?”

The thought of bringing Vivian around a bunch of other males, and potentially a traitor, immediately had Blaidd on edge. A nagging part of him wanted to keep Vivian all to himself, but he couldn’t do that to her. Vivian had been stuck in his chambers all day, and deserved to get out.

“Yes. I think Vivian is comfortable enough to join everyone, and I need to make sure I’m seen.”

“I will see you then.”

Blaidd took his private lift directly to the top floor of the tower. He entered his bedroom to find Vivian pacing, her eyes closed, little buds in her ears.

“You don’t own me -,” she belted out a melody, her voice echoing in the room.

Blaidd leaned against the wall, and watched Vivian dance with a mix of amusement and apprehension. Vivian swayed and tossed up her hands, as she shook her long hair in agitation. The turbulent lyrics and her heated scent had Blaidd on alert.

This doesn’t bode well, he grimaced. I wasn’t here all day, but I’m betting I’m to blame. At least she hasn’t thrown anything at my head. Then again, she hasn’t seen me yet.

Vivian was worked up, but she was still gorgeous. And Blaidd preferred her ire to the sorrow and terror that shredded him. Blaidd’s eyes were riveted to the way Vivian’s full hips undulated. His fingers flexed, as his eyes traced her pert ass. Vivian spun, her eyes zeroing in on him, and Blaidd was sure she’d felt his prurient stare. She whipped the buds out of her ears with a scowl.

“How was your day?” Blaidd asked hesitantly.

“Where do I even begin?” Vivian stalked toward him.

Aw fate! “What happened?”

“When are you taking me home?” Vivian demanded, her fists on her hips.

“We’ve discussed this. It’s not safe.”

“And it may never be. I want a time limit on this shining knight act you’ve got going on. In a week, you take me back, even if the cops are still hunting for me.”

Blaidd closed his eyes in frustration. There was no way he could agree to that.

“I doubt anything will be solved in a week. I’ll return you after one full moon,” Blaidd countered. “And I stay on Earth to confirm you are no longer in danger.”

“A month?” Vivian exclaimed in a high-pitched voice that made his ears twitch. “Two weeks.”

“No.” Blaidd shook his head.

Vivian huffed and started pacing again. Blaidd remained silent. The need to please the exotic little treasure was riding him hard, but he refused to budge on this issue.

“Fine.” Vivian threw her hands up and stopped pacing. “It’s not like I can do a damn thing about it,” she muttered under her breath, making him feel awful. “I want a guarantee you’ll take me back. Give me your oath,” she insisted.

Blaidd knew Vivian had been through more than she should’ve ever been subjected to, but the way she eyed him skeptically wounded his pride. Blaidd felt like he was coaxing a wild creature to eat from his hand.

“Vivian, I give you my word,” Blaidd sincerely promised. He drew his dagger, and pressed it to his palm.

“Stop! Put that away.” Vivian looked horrified.

“You asked for my oath.” Blaidd was slightly confused, but re-sheathed his blade.

“Not in blood!” She blanched.

Of course, she’s sensitive to the sight of blood. Blaidd wanted to growl at his stupidity.

“On my honor, and by the Fates,” Blaidd said solemnly as he pressed his fist in his hand and bowed low to Vivian.

Out of the corner of his eye, Blaidd saw Vivian flinch. He frowned, at her nervous response to the gesture. It was the best he could offer since she refused his blood.

“Thank you. Blaidd, I need something to do with my days, besides exploring your storage room. That place is a death trap.”

“What happened?” Blaidd asked in alarm.

“For starters, a giant metal soldier tried to chop off my head.”

Koyat me, Blaidd cringed. He knew exactly what Vivian encountered. A horrified, panicked feeling struck Blaidd square in the chest, as he pictured the iron warrior attacking Vivian. She could’ve died at the hands of a trainer. I should’ve known she wouldn’t know to avoid it. She’s not from here. Everything is foreign to her. No wonder Vivian’s got her hackles up. I’m such an idiot.

“I’m sorry, treasure. Were you hurt?”

Blaidd moved toward Vivian, his eyes roving her for evidence of injuries. He suddenly needed to wrap his arms around Vivian and crush her to his chest.

“Please don’t call me that.” Vivian held up her hands halting him midstride. Blaidd’s brow furrowed, as he squelched the urge to soothe both Vivian and himself. “I’m fine, but I broke a teacup.”

“I don’t care about the cup. I’m relieved you’re okay.”

Blaidd relaxed, although her palpable agitation still needled him. He understood Vivian was freaked out, and it rightfully put her in a bad mood. Still, Blaidd hated he was on her bad side - again. He couldn’t catch a break.

This is why you should’ve given her the utor, Blaidd cursed himself, as he unstrapped the communicator, then set it to contact Indago or his spare.

“Take this.”

“Why?” Vivian asked, when he handed her the utor.

“I forgot to give you my utor. If you need anything, swipe this, and it will contact my Chief Beta, Indago. Swipe here, and it will reach me, if I’m anywhere on Torvus. Again, I’m sorry. We’ll figure out something to keep you from getting bored.”

“Thank you.” Vivian’s shoulders relaxed. “I need something productive to do with my time; not just pretty stuff to look at. I like gardening, and meeting people. I was thinking -.”

Blaidd held up his hand to halt Vivian.

“I must insist you stay in my chambers while I’m away.”

“You’re insisting I stay locked up in your bedroom for a month!” Vivian’s eyes narrowed.

Blaidd didn’t need to scent the anger rolling off Viviana in acrid waves to know she was livid. It was clear by the way Vivian’s cheeks were flushed, and her hands were fisted on her hips.

He hated sequestering Vivian to his rooms, because he couldn’t trust his own people. Once Vivian got acclimated to Torvus, Blaidd planned to introduce her to others. Except now he was reconsidering. No - there was no way in fate he was going to risk Vivian’s safety. Only a few members of his own clan would be permitted in his wing, while she was alone.

“My deepest apologies, but yes. However, now that I’m here, we will have the evening meal with my pack, and I can give you a tour of all the rooms you have access to.”

Vivian was not pleased, but she gave him a curt nod.

 

Vivian

“Take it easy. The fermented bacca nectar will sneak up on you,” Blaidd warned as Vivian refilled her glass.

Vivian nodded as she took another sip. The alcohol took the edge off her grumpy mood. She was glad Blaidd was letting her have a supervised outing, but with the mood she was in, she was hardly fit to be around others. And Blaidd insisted they dress for dinner.

He wore a black pair of tight fitting pants that showed off his muscular legs, but still let his tail move freely. Criss-crossing belts, rode low on his hips. Each held a platinum curved blade, that looked as grimly functional as they were decorative. His maroon jacket with its brocade lapels hung open, exposing the velvety smooth hair on his rock-hard bare chest.

Blaidd looked suave, where Vivian felt frumpy in comparison. The foreign dress clung to her hips and ass, showing off more curves than she felt comfortable exposing.

The clingy outfit added to her sour disposition, but it wasn’t the whole cause. Vivian chickened out earlier, when she negotiated with Blaidd. It ticked her off that she barely put up a fight. Although Blaidd gave his oath to take her home, he insisted on holding her for a month, not the week she somehow expected.

I’m a veritable prisoner for a month, Vivian huffed.

She intended to tell Blaidd about her visit to Phaedra and the omega’s neighborhood, but his insistence she stay in his home, put a hard stop to that conversation.

“How do you find Torvus,” a blonde and brown werewolf asked Vivian, halting her irritable train of thought.

What did Blaidd say his name was? Nyk?

“From what I’ve seen, it’s very different from my home. But I’ve always liked traveling, and enjoy the food.” Vivian lifted her cup.

If circumstances were different, this would be the most exciting vacation she’d ever had. She’d never stayed in a hotel half as glorious as Blaidd’s bedroom, and the sights and people watching on Torvus were top notch.

“Good, good. And how have you found Earth?” Nyk asked Blaidd.

“I’ve mainly been in and around the Kralova’s home. The humans don’t use universal translators, so communication posed a big problem at first. And they’re not familiar with other breeds. I frightened Vivian and the Kralova’s parents pretty good.” Blaidd smiled at Vivian, in a wordless apology.

“You do have some crazy technology.” Vivian nodded. “I was shocked to wake up with my arm healed.”

“Was that the only thing that shocked you?” Blaidd asked, wearing a shit eating grin.

“No.” Vivian couldn’t repress the amused snort that came out, seeing Blaidd’s playful expression.

She was having a hard time staying frustrated with Blaidd, try as she might. Amber sidled up to Blaidd, and Vivian instantly remembered part of why she was so pissed, as she failed to repress the frown tugging at her mouth.

“Can I get anything else for you, Primitus?” Amber purred, while leaning into Blaidd.

Vivian rolled her eyes. Amber was hardly the sweet creature she feigned to be, with that saccharine voice.

Just fill the water glasses and move on.

“No, thank you, Amber,” Blaidd replied.

“Perhaps you’d like to spend some time together this evening?” Amber suggestively ran a hand up Blaidd’s arm.

Amber wasn’t the only one who’d been fawning over Blaidd since they arrived for dinner. The red-head was just the one who was so overt about it. Many of the Lupercalia had found a reason to come talk to him, or say hello. At first, Vivian didn’t recognize the flirting, but after the third she-wolf approached, her tail raised, her head lowered, casting Blaidd fleeting glances, Vivian was starting to catch on. Now it was just grating. Vivian wanted to yank Amber’s tail, as the bitch shoved between her chair and Blaidd’s.

How much attention does one man need? Vivian silently groused.

She hadn’t outright asked Blaidd about his harem. Vivian lost her nerve, and was too frustrated by the whole month in solitude conversation. She didn’t even know how that conversation would’ve gone. Hey, are you planning to add me to your harem? Blaidd promised to take her home, and Vivian wanted to trust he would keep his word. And if he didn’t, there was nothing she could really do, so why bother asking.

“I’m giving Vivian a tour,” Blaidd replied to Amber’s come-on.

“I doubt the female can do the things I will,” Amber whispered loudly in Blaidd’s ear.

It was pathetically obvious the she-wolf wanted Vivian to hear her. Vivian noticed the others at the table were watching. They’d heard too.

“If you want to go play with Amber, be my guest,” Vivian said with a dismissive wave, then took a giant swig of her fruity wine, letting the heat warm her belly.

I don’t care if he wants to go have a romp with that bitchy she-wolf, or any of the other women vying for his attention, for that matter!

She couldn’t really blame them. Blaidd wasn’t human, but even she found him attractive. He had this confident swagger, that pulled people in. Vivian didn’t really care that Blaidd was the leader of the Lupercalia, but among his people, it undoubtedly added to his magnetism.

Whatever.

“See, Primitus. Let me ease you after your busy day.”

Vivian wanted to gag. Instead she ignored the conversation and looked around. The large receiving room, which doubled as a dining room, was filled with at least a hundred werewolves. Blaidd’s party sat at a table, but most everyone was on the floor, dining like nomadic desert tribes. Even the jewel toned cushions reminded her of Morocco. Vivian smiled as she watched the large families interact. It was clear the Lupercalia were close knit. They were indulgent with the children, letting them happily run around, only halting their play to shove a morsel in their toothy little mouths.

“Come, Vivian. Let’s go on that tour. Good eve everyone.” Blaidd stood, shrugging out of Amber’s grasp.

“Okay.” Vivian stood, shocked Blaidd turned down the blatant invitation. “It was nice to meet you all.”

“You as well. Good evening, Primitus,” Nyk replied.

Vivian noticed Amber’s resentful glare. She mentally stuck her tongue out, but was a big girl and didn’t actually make the face. Vivian didn’t dare analyze why it thrilled her Blaidd chose to take her on the tour, not with the disturbing things she’d learned today.

Vivian should’ve been paying attention to where she was going, instead of thinking up snide retorts, because she tripped over her own feet when she turned to follow Blaidd.

“You didn’t have too much to drink, did you?” Blaidd quickly caught Vivian, and eyed her critically.

“No,” Vivian insisted with an embarrassed smile.

Though she was certain she could walk just fine, Vivian held Blaidd’s arm as they walked. She liked the way the steely muscles in his forearm rippled beneath her palm. Blaidd nodded to a guard as they entered his private wing on the penthouse floor.

“You have free reign from these doors on,” Blaidd explained. “This is our private cookery, if you get hungry.” Blaidd pointed to a kitchen. “Down this hall are my mother’s chambers. And here is the room I think you will like.” Blaidd opened a door.

Vivian gaped at the study. There was a bank of windows showing off the impressive Setmar skyline. But it was the wall to wall shelves filled with scrolls that impressed her.

“Too bad I can’t read any of them,” Vivian frowned.

“No, but this is my processor.” Blaidd approached a desk, with a squat box on top. “Run your hand over it like this.” Blaidd swiped his thumb over the cube and instantly a 3D image appeared, hovering over the surface of the desk.

“It’s a hologram,” Vivian exclaimed in awe.

“The processor will respond to voice commands. Ask it something.”

“Okay. Show me Torvus,” Vivian asked, unable to think of anything else.

“Do you wish to view a particular region?” The automated voice asked.

“Show me the northern most point.” Vivian shrugged.

An image of a barren frozen wasteland appeared. A creature with six flippers emerged from a snow bank and waddled across the screen. It looked so real, Vivian reached out to touch the beast. She fully expected to feel the cold, but her hand passed right through the picture.

“You can listen to written works, like you see on my shelves, or watch dramas, similar to what you have at home. There’s no danger here.”

The fancy computer might come in handy to research plants. Vivian paused, remembering Blaidd forbid her from going out.

Vivian hadn’t planned to be on Torvus long enough to build the omegas a park, but now that it looked like she’d be here a while, she couldn’t get the appealing idea out of her mind. It was one of the few things that calmed her mind as she waited for Blaidd to return this evening.

“This is neat, Blaidd. Thanks. I appreciate you showing me, but I don’t think this alone will keep me busy for an entire month. I was thinking -.” Vivian began to tell him her idea, but faltered as she rounded the desk.

Blaidd caught her hand and steadied her. “Perhaps we should finish the tour tomorrow. You should probably go to bed.”

Vivian frowned at the way Blaidd abruptly cut her off and canceled their tour, leading her out of the study.

“I’m tipsy, but not drunk. Let’s continue,” Vivian insisted.

“No. I think it would be best.” He continued toward his bedroom.

Vivian pulled away from Blaidd, suddenly angry again. She was a grown ass woman, more than capable of deciding when she was drunk and needed to go to bed.

“You haven’t hit me yet, but you’re no different than Steve,” Vivian snarled. “You’re keeping me from making friends, telling me what to do, holding me hostage, and I’m sick of it. You don’t want to show me around, fine. Why don’t you go find Amber?”

Vivian spun and started down the hall, to give herself her own tour, while Blaidd stared at her in stunned silence.

“You got another thing coming, if you think I’m putting up with this bullshit again,” Vivian mumbled. “I’m already staying on Torvus. I’ll be damned if I’m staying in this tower.”

Blaidd stomped toward her and stepped in front of Vivian. She could see he was bristling. It should’ve frightened her, but Vivian was too mad to care.

“I am not that bastard,” Blaidd growled through his clenched jaw. “If you want to continue, let’s go. What do you want to see?” He huffed.

“How about you show me your harem, since that’s where I’m going to end up,” Vivian snapped.

“What did you say?” Blaidd’s eyes widened in shock. “Where did you hear about that?”

Vivian noted he didn’t instantly deny it. Oh god!

“The rumor is true, isn’t it? You’re this high and mighty Primitus, and can just claim any unmated woman you want. You were only telling me what I wanted to hear, weren’t you?” Vivian tried not to choke as she ranted.

Blaidd reared back, but remained silent. Vivian shook her head and headed for his bedroom, no longer interested in taking a look around. She just wanted to go to bed, before the angry tears leaked from her eyes. She couldn’t bear to have Blaidd witness her lose it. The hand on her shoulder, halted her stride. Vivian turned, but couldn’t make eye contact.

“I did have a harem,” Blaidd admitted.

Vivian nodded as she stared at the floor. For some reason hearing Blaidd admit it hurt. Blaidd lifted her chin.

“But it was disbanded when I went to the Hold.”

“So, you haven’t entertained the notion about me?”

“Do you want to know the truth?” Blaidd asked. He appeared hesitant. His tail had gone still.

“Yes,” Vivian insisted.

“Let’s go to my room and sit.”

Vivian held her breath, as they went back to Blaidd’s bedroom. He looked so incredibly serious, his brow furrowed. It made Vivian nervous as she sat on a cushion in his sitting area.

“Seasons ago,” Blaidd began, “A mage told me my fated mate would be an exotic female, from a planet on the Dagger’s Tip.” Blaidd tapped on the communicator strapped to his wrist, and pulled up an image of a constellation that looked like a knife. “Earth is located in a galaxy near here.” He pointed to its tip.

You and Blaidd were meant to cross paths, and this is exactly where you’re supposed to be, Vivian repeated Phaedra’s words. He does think were supposed to be together.

Vivian didn’t know what to say. She was doing her best not to have a meltdown. Earth was her home. It was all she’d ever known till a few days ago.

“Blaidd, I -.”

Blaidd held up his hand, silencing her.

“My freedom was taken from me once, but never again.” His eyes flashed. “And though I admit I’m guilty of taking what I want, I would never steal your right to choose your own path, no matter what someone predicted. But, Vivian, I do care what happens to you, and I can’t stand the thought of you coming to harm because of me. So, please don’t ask me to return you to your home now.”

Blaidd’s voice was filled with such sincerity as he reiterated his promise that Vivian felt awful for accusing him of nefarious intent. Her thoughts drifted to the heart to heart they had by the pool, and the kind things Blaidd had done for her.

How many times are you going to make him promise, before you’re willing to believe him? She needed to stop second guessing Blaidd. She couldn’t let her fears get the best of her. Not everyone is awful.

“Okay. I believe you.” Vivian nodded, and her shoulders eased.

“It’s a silly prophesy. We are so different,” Blaidd added. His tail snaked around and tickled Vivian’s ankle, to emphasize the point.

“We are,” Vivian smiled and swatted it away, as she relaxed further.

“Harper calls me a mangy mongrel. You probably find me incredibly weird and hairy.”

It wasn’t his appearance that she had an issue with. If Blaidd was a sultan on the opposite side of Earth, she’d still miss her home. But Blaidd’s self-deprecating comment lightened the mood.

“No. I kinda like how velvety fine your hair is. It’s not like a furry pelt. I’ve seen men on Earth with long patchy hair on their backs, and it is not attractive at all.” Vivian stuck out her tongue as she shook her head.

“You like this, huh?”

Blaidd smoothed his hand over his muscular pecs, gratuitously preening, like a peacock. Vivian knew it was meant to amuse her, but he did have a body to be proud of.

“Easy there, stud, cause those ears are a deal breaker. I bet you can pick up signals from space with those things,” she teased.

“Is that so?” Blaidd exclaimed in mock offence. “Well you must be practically deaf with those tiny ears. I’ll move closer and talk louder, so you can hear me.” Blaidd scooted over. “Is that better,” he raised his voice.

“Huh.” Vivian played along with a snort.

“I said, can you hear me better?” Blaidd chuckled as he leaned in close.

Vivian smiled as she looked into Blaidd’s amber eyes. The flecks of gold seemed to dance with his mirth. The deep rumble of his laugh was infectious. It had been so long since she’d laughed like this. Maybe it was the stress of a moment ago that made this all the more amusing, but it was.

“You’re a goof,” Vivian laughed.

She reached out and tugged one of his pointy ears. It was so velvety soft, her fingers lingered, gently rubbing back and forth. Blaidd grew quiet. Her hand trailed down his temple to his cheek.

“So smooth,” Vivian whispered.

The jittery feeling low in her stomach returned, as her fingers lazily stoked his cheek. The way Blaidd looked when he emerged from the bath in all his glory surged forth. Vivian couldn’t remember the last time she’d touched someone tenderly, or felt desire.

“Vivian,” Blaidd said, as she leaned in, wanting to brush her lips against his.

Blaidd took hold of Vivian’s shoulders and held her back. His eyes had turned serious. Vivian frowned and suddenly felt incredibly embarrassed.

“I-I’m sorry,” Vivian stammered, as she scrambled off the cushion, and fled toward the bathroom.

One minute she’s pitching a fit about being thrown into his harem, then she practically throws herself at Blaidd, like all those women at dinner. Vivian repressed a sob, mortified by how she was behaving.

What is wrong with me? I must be schizophrenic.

Suddenly Blaidd captured Vivian around the waist, and pulled her back against his chest.

“Don’t ever flee me. It makes me want to hunt you,” his impossibly deep voice husked, as he buried his face in her hair, his lips grazing her neck.

Knowing his fangs were inches from her throat, was both unnerving and thrilling. Blaidd gripped her hips, his fingers pressing into her flesh through the fabric of her dress. He was disturbingly strong. But as firm as his grasp was, Blaidd was still careful not to score her with his nails.

Vivian’s heart beat rapidly in her chest. She could feel his desire pressing into her back. From the brief glimpse she had, Blaidd wasn’t a small man. Aroused, he was even more daunting.

“Oh,” Vivian gasped, shocked at the sudden turn things had taken. She thought he wasn’t interested, but clearly, she was wrong.

Her breath picked up pace. A frisson of nervous desire whipped through Vivian, and her knees nearly gave out. Vivian clamored to hold on, gripping the muscular arm that banded her waist.

“I’m not a gentle male, and I’ve never known such a delicate creature.” Blaidd’s breath ghosted over the sensitive skin of her neck. “You have no idea how you tempt me, Vivian. Even now, I’m having a hard time resisting the urge to sink my teeth into this spot, here.” Blaidd’s lips parted, so she could feel the tips of his fangs against her neck. “I would hold you in submission, as I bent you over the bed. I’d shred this dress, then spread these luscious thighs. I wouldn’t be able to go slow as I sink my staff into your heat. Even if you squirmed and cried out, I would be so lost, mistaking it for passion.” Blaidd ground his erection into her.

Vivian’s breath caught in her throat, as she felt his canines press against her skin. The image of Blaidd taking her roughly shouldn’t have excited her like it did, but she wanted desperately to become lost to passion.

“I refuse to hurt you,” Blaidd growled.

As swiftly as he’d captured her, Blaidd released Vivian, and her back felt cold. Vivian turned in time to watch him stalk out of the room.

“Blaidd,” she called out, but he didn’t stop.

What are you doing? Vivian asked herself, as she sank to the tile floor.

 

Blaidd

Blaidd found himself back in his study. He could still smell Vivian’s sweet perfume and it was driving him mad.

“Show me Vivian,” he snarled at the processor.

“Unknown individual,” the voice replied.

“Vivian is the human female that last accessed the processor,” Blaidd growled in frustration.

“Information assimilated.”

A view of Vivian appeared, from when she’d been standing in the study gawking at the processor. Blaidd sank into his chair and stared at her. He felt hot all over, his gums ached where his canines lengthened. Blaidd tore open his pants and fisted his engorged length, roughly stroking up and down.

“Tell me I’m not going into heat,” he groaned as he worked his staff.

But that was exactly what it felt like, with the way his skin crawled and every sense was alive, focused on Vivian. It explained why he wanted to growl at every male that looked at her. It had taken every bit of his self-control to repress it during the evening meal. All it took was a single touch to throw him over the edge. When Vivian ran from him, his hunting instinct kicked in. It was all he could do to keep from tackling her, and acting out his depraved desires.

I almost bit into her creamy neck. Blaidd ran his tongue over his sharp aching teeth in disbelief.

Although he’d always been a hot-blooded male, the nature of his species went dormant the seasons he spent in the Hold, as if it knew the futility. Except now the heat reared its head with a vengeance.

“Koyat’g fate,” Blaidd snarled, and released his staff.

His hand brought little relief. It was pointless even trying. Nothing but the delicate female would ease the burn overwhelming him. Blaidd tugged his hair in frustration.

His utor pinged. Blaidd debated ignoring it, till he saw it was Indago.

“What?” Blaidd growled.

“Primitus, glad I found you. The human answered your primary utor,” Indago said.

“I gave it to Vivian, in case there was an emergency. I forgot to tell you.”

“Is everything okay? She didn’t look well. Her eyes were leaking,” the beta asked.

Blaidd closed his eyes.

You bastard, you scared her again. She’s already worried you’re planning on throwing her into your harem. But you just had to grope her and tell her what was going through your sick head. Her mate beat her, and what do you do, you practically attack her. Vivian just wanted to feel a kind touch, not some perverted bastard’s lust.

“Vivian is homesick.”

Blaidd didn’t lie, that was the truth. It just wasn’t the reason for Vivian’s current state.

“Ah. Surveillance didn’t reveal anything,” Indago said in frustration, “but I do have news from Galen and medicus Dykee.”

“I’ll meet you in the clinic.”

Blaidd glanced at his bedroom as he passed. He debated apologizing to Vivian, but he’d likely screw that up. It wouldn’t be much of an apology. He’d just end up trying to touch her again. So Blaidd continued on to his private lift.

“What did you find?” Blaidd asked when he finally reached the clinic.

“There were unusually high amounts of a natural chemical toxin in Radma’s body,” Galen reported.

“If we hadn’t suspected he was murdered, we never would’ve noticed the elevated levels. We would’ve overlooked them as a product of the death process,” Dykee added.

“Do you have the last test results from when my sire died?” Blaidd asked.

“Better. We have a blood sample in the cryo unit.”

“Test it,” Blaidd insisted.

“Good idea,” Indago agreed.

“Yes, Primitus.” Dykee nodded.

Blaidd needed to know if the two deaths were connected. It wouldn’t tell him who was behind the betrayal, but it would confirm his sire’s death wasn’t a fluke illness. Blaidd paced the clinic as the test was run.

His thoughts swirled around the problems plaguing him; Nox on Earth, this traitor, and Vivian in his room. When he was in the Hold, he was desperate for excitement.

I must’ve been crazy. Now Blaidd had more excitement than he could handle.

“Primitus,” Galen captured his attention. “Your hunch about your sire was correct.”

Blaidd nodded grimly.

“What do you want me to do?” Indago asked.

“I need to think. Pass the word about Radma’s death, as we discussed. No one must know about these assassinations.” Blaidd swore Galen and the Dykee to silence with a glance.

“Of course, Primitus.”

Blaidd headed back to his chamber. He drew in a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. Blaidd hesitantly entered his room, only to find Vivian fast asleep, slumped on the long cushion by the table. It was a relief, tempering his need to do something untoward.

Vivian had been writing in her book. When she fell asleep, it dropped to the floor, spilling her papers. Blaidd picked up a folded sheath with writing scribbled on it. His heightened senses noticed a scent that was similar to Vivian’s coming off the paper. The note was from her family.

I bet they’re worried about Vivian.

A thought occurred to Blaidd. He used his utor to take several pictures of the letter, then scooped Vivian up, and placed her in bed. Blaidd stared down at Vivian. His hand reached out to brush the mahogany hair away from her face, then paused. He desperately wanted to curl up with Vivian.

I can’t stay in here.

He’d never be able to resist her, even though she was asleep. In fact, there was nowhere on Torvus he could go, that he wouldn’t feel the pull. Blaidd reassured himself the guard was posted nearby, then headed for the limen portal, and Earth.