Arak's Love: A World Beyond Book 2 (17 page)

Chapter 19

Pounding on Arak’s door the next morning woke them. His arms loosened and he kissed Sylvie on the nose before rising to answer. She listened to his muffled words and curled into the sheets. Seconds later, a loud shriek from the living area had Sylvie jumping up. She searched the floor until she snatched up Arak’s shirt and ran out of the bedroom.

Moaning and mumbling, Faye faced the wall beside the door. “Torkel will kill me.”

“I won’t tell if you won’t,” Arak teased.

He hadn’t bothered with clothes and Sylvie took a moment to enjoy the sight of his flexing muscles and tight cheeks.

“Just get dressed you…you cat.” Faye pointed behind her back.

Sylvie laughed as Faye stared at the ceiling, blushing fiercely while he walked away. After peeking over her shoulder, Faye turned around.

“He’s gone,” Sylvie reassured.

An exasperated sigh curled Faye’s lips. “I wanted to invite you to breakfast.” She held up a cloth bag. “Joni sent clothing from your place.”

Enthused about spending time with Faye, Sylvie showered and dressed in less than ten minutes. Arak sat on the edge of his bed, wearing only black pants as he eyed her frantic motions. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and his arm snagged around her waist when she tried to race by.

“Arak! Faye’s waiting.” Her hands balanced on the smooth skin of his bare shoulders.

“She can wait.” He pressed his face to her shirt covered breasts. “We need to talk about last night.”

Though muffled, Sylvie understood him. Her hands went to his hair. Soft. Silky. “Do we
need
to talk about it?”

Their lovemaking gave Sylvie hope and a new found lease on love. Being with Arak brought back the initial dreams she’d had when she’d joined the Singles Program. She didn’t want to ruin that with a conversation she wasn’t prepared for.

“You’re my mate. My other half.”

She remembered the frantic words he’d whispered during their lovemaking. “Mate?”

His head moved up and down against her front. “I didn’t think I’d have one. I’m not full Argoran.”

Sylvie’s heart clenched. She didn’t fully understand the mate thing but he’d mentioned that it was a big deal for his mother. Hands stroking his hair, she asked in a timid voice, “Are you upset about this?”

The arms around her waist grew taut. “No! I’d never be upset about finding my other half. You mean everything to me, Sylvie.”

Her breath released on a rush. “You mean a lot to me too, Arak.”

“Come on, Sylvie.” Faye’s voice interrupted. “You don’t have time for a quickie or nooner.”

Arak eased back, head tipped up and a smile playing about his lips. “Quickie? Nooner?”

Fiery heat scalded her cheeks. “Not important.”

Wicked humor glinted in his eyes. “I think I can guess the one but why would we want to be quick?”

Sylvie shoved at him until he released her. His laughter followed her all the way out of his apartment.

***

Faye argued all the way to the dining area.

“It’s not really funny,” Faye said, brown eyes narrowed on Sylvie.

Sylvie chuckled. “You didn’t see your face.”

Lissi joined them, adding her plate to the growing spread of food on the table. Faye speared a piece of fruit and waved her utensil between them.

“Lissi, tell Sylvie it’s not funny.”

The Enotian beauty crinkled her brow. “What is not funny?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Faye announced airily, biting the fruit. “Take my side and agree.”

A smile curved Lissi’s mouth as she dutifully repeated by rote. “It’s really not funny, Sylvie.”

“If you had seen Faye’s face when Arak answered the door naked, you would have found it funny.”

Lissi snickered, her gaze shooting to Faye’s. “Truly?”

Red stained Faye’s cheeks anew as she ducked her head and ate her fruit. Sylvie laughed.

“Did I miss anything?”

Glancing up at the familiar voice, Sylvie jumped to her feet. “Joni!”

They hugged and squeezed one another. Joni held her shoulders firmly and leaned back. “Never, ever scare me like that again.”

“Not exactly like I planned it.”

Joni yanked on the loose strands of Sylvie’s hair and joined them at the table.

“You look good for a girl who almost got blown to bits.” Joni slid Sylvie’s plate in front of her and picked up a piece of buttered bread.

“We can thank Arak for the bloom in her cheeks,” Faye shared.

All eyes went to Sylvie, who glared at the now smirking Faye.

“You slept with the cat man?” Joni squealed then hugged Sylvie again. “How was it? Wait don’t tell me. Okay, tell me.”

Sylvie rolled her eyes and snagged her plate back. “Get your own, funny lady.”

Joni hopped up, not the least offended to fix something to eat from the food unit on the counter.

Faye cocked her head to the side. “Does this mean you’ll go through a presentation and choose Arak?”

Sylvie nibbled on the vegetable stick covered in a sweet glaze. “I’m not sure. We didn’t talk much about it.”

“Arak can’t have a Chosen.” Lissi’s statement rattled them.

Joni returned with a sandwich of some sort on the tail end of the conversation. “Why can’t the cat guy have one of the chosen deals?”

“Because of everything with his maman. When she severed the relationship with her Chosen, the Commission banned all Argorans to prevent something similar ever happening again due to their mating heat or cycle.”

Sylvie’s heart kicked up a notch. “Does it matter? I mean, we don’t have to choose each other or whatever. He says I’m his mate.”

Lissi’s eyes bugged. “A Chosen is the only legal relationship recognized on Enotia.”

Sylvie sat back, stunned but Faye chimed in. “It’s like marriage. Or their version of it anyway.”

Joni, in tune as always to Sylvie’s emotions, clasped her hand. “You should talk to him. I bet the whole mate thing is more important than being a Chosen.” Her gaze flickered to the other two women. “Not to knock what you both have.”

Faye gave a negligent shrug. “Love is love if both parties claim one another. If all I had was a lifetime with Torkel and no name for it, I’d still consider it worth the money I paid SP.”

Sylvie did too. If she and Arak were officially a couple. They hadn’t exchanged vows of love although his words earlier hinted at the same feelings she had for him.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you, Sylvie. Maybe you should ask Arak. I’m sure he’d have a better answer.” Lissi’s eyes begged for understanding.

“Don’t upset yourself, Lissi. I want to get back to my place but let’s plan another girl’s night soon.” Sylvie would talk to Arak about mating and the whole Chosen deal.

By the time she left the table everyone’s mood was restored and Sylvie went in search of Arak. In her haste to return, she hit the down button instead of up on the elevator and the doors opened on the first floor of the cavernous lobby. She caught a glimpse of blond hair and a black uniform and almost called out but they appeared to be arguing. Whoever it was stood with his back toward her in conversation with a hooded man.

Sylvie squinted as the hooded man grabbed the blond by the shirt sleeve and whispered something in his ear. The ding of the elevator had both spinning around. She felt the heat of a malevolent stare from the stranger despite his hidden features. Sylvie’s scalp crawled. Brushing off the unsettled twitch in her stomach she waved in acknowledgment to the Jutak as the doors closed and jabbed the correct button heading up this time.

Chapter 20

Arak groaned as Sylvie rubbed along his front, her hand unerringly going for the bulge in his pants. With great restraint, he cupped her cheeks and broke off the kiss. “I’ll be back to pick you up later. I want to go over a few things with Torkel.”

She licked her already wet lips. Her blue eyes darkened with longing. “Promise?”

Arak leaned in and kissed her, quick. “We have dinner plans. I promise I’m coming back.”

She stroked him one more time, gaze teasing then released him. Arak adjusted his stance with a laugh. Her playful nature appealed to him more than he ever would have guessed possible.

“How are things with your father?”

Arak slid his hands to her waist, content holding her in his arms and having her scent surround him. “My papa is doing well. Repairs on Santagos will start soon and he’s eager to update the equipment to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.”

Sylvie caressed his hair and Arak leaned his head into the touch. Having her hands on him guaranteed his inevitable reaction. He closed his eyes and purred.

“I love that.”

He smiled and lowered his head to the top of hers, dislodging her hand. “I love you touching me.”

She responded by reaching up to knead his scalp. The pressure from her fingertips sent sensation flicking up his spine. Arak’s grip tightened and he pulled her closer, his hips thrusting against her to ease the ache. He was tempted to take her back to the bedroom.

“Sylvie,” he murmured and straightened.

She smiled, fully aware of her effect on him. “Hurry back. I can’t wait to go out with you.”

If he didn’t need to get back, Arak would have blown off his responsibilities for the chance to stay right where he was. “You’re mine, Sylvie.”

“Oh, yeah?”

He couldn’t help a rough chuckle and rested his forehead on hers. “Mine.”

Her delightful laughter spilled out. “Are you gonna be mine, too?”

“Absolutely.” He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Arak dropped his arms to his side and stepped back. He needed to leave before he lost his restraint. “Later.”

Arak ran a hand over her head, fingers sliding through her hair then let himself out of her place. His cat protested the whole way.

***

The buzzer on her door interrupted Sylvie’s plans to take a long soak in preparation for her night with Arak. Her mouth tipped up at the corners as she opened the door. “I guess you couldn’t stay away.”

“Hello, Sylvie.” It wasn’t Arak as she’d expected. “May I come in?”

Arak’s teammates stood on the other side of the door, blond hair ruffled and his grin rueful.

Sylvie peered down the hall before moving back. “Sure. You just missed Arak if you were looking for him.”

He closed the door and shoved his hands into his uniform pants pocket. She realized that he had his weapon holstered on his hip. “He’s gone then?”

Was that disappointment in his voice? Sylvie shrugged and headed for the living area. “Yes, something about speaking to Torkel.”

“Did you tell Arak, Sylvie?” His voice came from directly behind her.

She didn’t like how close he stood to her. Sylvie eased around the table, wanting some space between them, though she couldn’t explain why. Perhaps the intensity in his eyes as they bore into her. “Tell him what?”

His lips turned down. “I like you, Sylvie. Earth females have a certain appeal just as the rumors claim.”

The remorse in his tone made her nervous. She chuckled weakly. “That’s a good thing, right?”

His hand moved to his side and he unholstered his laser. Sylvie’s stomach dropped. “Wh—what are you doing?”

She didn’t like his heavy exhale any more than she liked the way his weapon pointed at her mid-section. He grimaced. “You saw me in the lobby earlier.”

“I see you all the time.”

He snorted. “Unfortunately, this is one time I wish you hadn’t. I need you to come with me, Sylvie. And please don’t doubt I’ll shoot.”

She knew he would. Arak had said he was the unit’s best shot, his ability to hit a target with unerring accuracy had been lauded by all of the Jutaks. “What’s going on?”

And where was Arak when she wanted him more than anything this very moment?

His blond head tipped to the side and he pursed his lips. “I made a mistake. Got careless.”

“Mmm.”
Keep him distracted, Sylvie
. Her gaze swept around the apartment. Stall until a way to escape presented itself.

He waved the laser at her. “Let’s go. There’s a shuttle waiting to take us.”

“From Enotia?” She couldn’t let him take her off world. Thoughts of the cages she’d been kept in flashed before her eyes and Sylvie batted down the fear winding through her gut.

He smiled. “Away from Enotia, yes.”

Sylvie gathered her mounting courage. From behind, her fingers curled around the cute globe with all the playful images of
mosimios
swinging inside. Arak’s idea of a joke might very well save her.

“No.” Resolute. Firm. Her voice like steel. Unlike her heart which decided to pound in time to her rapid breathing.

“Do you think Arak would prefer to find your dead body?” He snarled.

Rage flared and Sylvie threw the cube as hard as she could in his direction and ran. He fired a shot over her head, destroying a light sensor and freezing her in her tracks. She spun to face him.

“I admire you, Earthling. Your bravery and courage.” His eyes darkened. “But don’t fuck with me, Sylvie.”

***

Arak sat in his hover car programming the guidance system to return to the Jutak facility when Jaron tagged him on his comm. He fingered the black ear bud. “Go, Jaron.”

“Where are you?” The question came out layered in urgency.

Arak tensed, his gaze automatically drawn to Sylvie’s building across the way. His eyes unerringly landed on the window of her unit, the blinds open as usual. How many times did he have to tell her it wasn’t wise? “I’m leaving Sylvie’s.”

A muttered curse.

Arak’s cat sat up and noticed. Why
was
Jaron calling? He had left earlier in the day to visit his parents. Faruk was covering the comm center for him. His team leader wouldn’t contact Arak unless he needed something. “What’s going on, Jaron? Does Torkel want us out and rolling?” He didn’t want to leave without letting Sylvie know. “I can be there in fifteen.”

Arak’s grip went to the door of the hover car as he climbed out. It should take him less than five to give Sylvie his update in status and cancel their dinner plans. Once more he scanned the multi-leveled building, hair curling at his nape and senses on alert. The last time he’d had a similar crawling sensation his papan’s restaurant had blown up.

“Kyele’s going to meet you. Don’t go anywhere until he gets there.”

Arak frowned at the branches on the trees looming above. No breeze stirred. Nothing out of place. He inhaled taking in the scent of each passerby and nearby flora. “Tell me what’s going on, Jaron.”

Arak moved toward Sylvie’s building, his Argoran half urging him into a trot.

“I’m on my way back, Arak. Wait for Kyele.”

Arak paused in the lobby of Sylvie’s building. The greeters at the counter smiled in recognition and nodded politely. “No.”

Jaron cursed again and Arak heard a door slam then the beep of a hover car being programmed. “Vee contacted Torkel. We have reason to believe that the internal traitor may have turned his sights on one of the Earth females. Vee intercepted a transmission. He didn’t get an identity just a voice using distortion software to say he’d been comprised by one of the women. Torkel’s covering Faye and Kyele’s coming to help with Sylvie and Joni. All you have to do is give us time to get in place, Arak.”

And leave Sylvie? Not in this lifetime or the next. Arak took the glide up to the fourteenth floor, every sense on alert as his cat searched for the danger. When he reached Sylvie’s floor, Arak withdrew his weapon. The only one he’d carried with him today. He held the laser down by his left leg, back to the wall as he made his way down Sylvie’s hall.

When he reached her door, Arak pressed his ear to the side of the joints. Low and muffled conversation but parts he heard clearly. “-don’t fuck with me, Sylvie.”

Arak placed the voice instantly. Who else was in Sylvie’s place and why would his teammate speak to her in that manner? Jaron called his name in his comm but Arak couldn’t answer. His cat wanted to storm through the door and it took all of his control to force the urge away. Taking a deep breath, Arak knocked and slid the hand holding the laser behind his back.

The occupants in the apartment grew quiet. Sylvie opened the door and Arak knew something was wrong. Pale and clammy she refused to meet his gaze. Not crossing the threshold, he tipped his head to the side and kept his voice soft. Gentle. “What’s wrong, Sylvie?”

“N—nothing.”

He scented the lie the moment it left her lips. What had red hot anger coursing through Arak’s veins was her stutter. Since they got together, Sylvie didn’t stutter any more. It denoted a sign of the fear she’d worked hard to get rid of.

“Can I come in?” Her body barred the entrance.

Arak’s hold on his laser tightened. He knew the identity of at least one person in there. He’d caught the scent the moment she opened the door, confirming the voice of earlier.

At his question, fear burst through her honeyed fragrance. “Umm…maybe not.”

“Maybe yes, love.” He placed his free hand on her chest and pushed Sylvie back slightly to clear the way. Her heart pounded against his palm.

Arak entered, gaze searching. His friend stood near the sofa in the living area but no one else. Had Jaron sent him too? “What’s going on, Faruk? I thought Sylvie was in trouble.”

Arak relaxed and lowered his weapon. It was his first mistake. Faruk crossed the room in rapid strides and aimed his own weapon at Sylvie’s head, his other arm going around her throat. “Drop it, Arak. Don’t make me prove I’m serious. I’ll take Sylvie down.”

Resistance wasn’t an option in face of the threat to his mate. Arak’s laser hit the floor and he kicked it away.

Faruk wet his lips. “Remove the ear comm. Toss it my way.”

Arak did as he asked and Faruk’s black boot smashed the device. “What are you doing, Faruk? What’s this about?”

For the first time in their acquaintance his friend appeared flustered. Arak just needed to keep him off beat until Jaron or Kyele arrived. Arak bit back his growl.

Faruk flicked the laser in Sylvie’s direction. “Remove your shirt next, Arak.”

Arak did so immediately and tossed it toward Faruk. The black fabric hit the floor and Faruk crushed it beneath his boot. “This should keep Jaron from tracking you.”

Sylvie stiffened, her mouth falling open in dismay. Arak sensed her surprise. Faruk’s gaze shifted toward her. “All Jutaks have a tracker imbedded in the collar of their uniforms.”

Faruk toed the shirt back in Arak’s direction. “Put it on.”

Arak did, fastening the buttons quickly. “Now what?”

Faruk’s smile held a hint of sadness. “Now we take a little trip.”

And his former friend, former teammate withdrew a second weapon and tranqued him.