Cold Mark (18 page)

Jax snickered behind me where he walked next to Stiller. "Enough, Braita."

"I do think it's neat." I gazed back. Winking, I whispered, "He rules the roost of Triaz."

"Yes, Ms. Valorn," Rule stated loudly. I jerked my attention forward, my eyes wide on the back of his hooded head. He was still walking with a casual stride. In plain English, he murmured in his monotone voice, "I do rule the roost of Triaz." He glanced over his shoulder, his blue shimmering eyes piercing me in place, so much so, I had stopped walking. "And, now, if you would please be quiet? These guards are here for a reason, as is the concealment of our current location for the Plumas of the east arrival in Center."

My mouth bobbed for a moment, and then I nodded quickly. Quiet. I could do that.

Firmly put in my place, I kept silent as we trudged for miles through the forest surrounding the city of Center. The only light came from the glowing Mian eyes, marking my way to the place where Mian from the east and west came to 'play'.

Bless Mother Joyal. We didn't have to hoof it the entire way to our destination. Black vehicles now carted our convoy to our final target. I sat between Killeg and Phila on the backseat of a stretched armored car with Jax and Stiller sitting on the left couch seat that ran along the side of the vehicle. Rule sat on the right couch seat. Done being quiet, my eyes were glued out the tinted window on my left. I asked in awe of the city, "Why do you call this place Center?" I had been unconscious the last time I exited this city, not getting to see anything except the inside of the Coliseum. Massive buildings erupted right next to quainter structures. It was a smorgasbord of a metropolis, the area bustling with activity. Neon lights from buildings glared and blinked at me from signs luring Mian inside for pleasurable entertainment.

Phila explained, "We call it Center because our force field is centered—located—here. The technology creates a circle throughout the restrictive pulse wave, allowing citizens of the east and the west to cross over from their own land into it."

My brows scrunched. "You mean, normally, people of the east
literally
can't cross over into the land of the west, and vice versa? I thought it was merely a politeness to keep the peace."

Killeg snorted softly. "Damn, they seriously didn't tell you shit."

I placed a stopping hand directly in front of his face. "Enough. Just answer the question."

Killeg smirked at the order, knocking my hand away with a gentle move. "The marks of the east," he pointed to the star near his right eye, "and the marks of the west are linked to the force field. The mark we choose to obtain—at the onset of puberty—keeps us from crossing into lands where we should not be. It is why the Plumas of the west could not cross over into our land without us allowing it. Here at Center, everyone can gather. Though, no weapons are allowed, except for the Coliseum if a game is planned."

"Huh, you mean like the 'arrival ritual' you made us endure?"

"Yes." He paused, eyeing me. "The arrival ritual was for the Humans' own good. The weak would have been—emotionally and bodily—destroyed here. A swift death for those who could not handle our ways was a mercy."

"We'll agree to disagree on that point." Of course, we would. It had been barbaric in the extreme. Too many Humans had died that day. It was damn near impossible for a Mian to understand that though. I moved on. "How do you allow someone to cross?"

"Each mark contains a numerical code. The delegates of Triaz control the force field. If we would have asked them to allow a certain number to pass, then the delegate would have entered the number into the system, and the individual would have had access to the east. Most delegates live here at Center. Their highest duty is to maintain the force field."

My eyes skimmed to the right and held on a certain litigator. "Your name does fit." The delegates literally controlled the land. And, survivable land was everything to any race.

No remorse. "Yes, Ms. Valorn."

My lips twitched. "Will you say 'cow' for me?"

The vehicle went quiet, almost everyone staring at me in shock.

Except for Rule. No, his eyes showed nothing from under his hood. "Cow."

I grinned. I couldn't help it. "Thank you, Rule."

He dipped his head. "You're most welcome, Ms. Valorn."

I was pretty sure I saw him smile—just a little—as he turned his head away to gaze out the window. He was definitely an interesting man. One to watch. One to have on my side. He may not have been initially impressed by me when we had first met, but Rule was made of flesh and blood. And everyone had their quirks. I just hoped I was a pleasant one for him.

As I stepped from the vehicle, the front entrance to the lavish hotel held my attention. Up above, on the mounting steps to the open double front door of the glass structure, were my Vaq. They stood side-by-side, both with their arms crossed and feet spread in a solid pose of intimidation. Their own guards dressed in black, just as the Plumas of the easts were, flanked them for this greeting of warring factions. The oxygen in my lungs was non-existent as I peered back and forth between Malik and Leo, a man of gold light, and a man of black darkness.

Though I knew, their appearances were the exact opposites of their personalities.

A trick they held close.

It had worked on me, I was ashamed to admit. But it wouldn't happen again.

Touching where the Solo on the back of my neck had adhered to my flesh, I was eternally grateful to now have it. I could observe and decide on my own free will what I truly thought of my Vaq.

Rule stared up where they gazed down at me, and then turned his attention to me. "Do you need a few minutes, Ms. Valorn?" He lowered his head and spoke gently. "They are not as frightening as they appear."

"I know that," I snapped. My feet were moving before I could stop myself, survival instincts keeping my back ramrod straight. Never show fear to a Mian. Never. The rest of the entourage quickly followed, though Killeg and Phila hadn't left my side, nearly in perfect sync with me. My Vaq held their ground, evaluating the scene, waiting for me to come to them. It was only natural. I had fled them.

I swallowed on a dry throat as I ascended the stairs, each one taking me closer to my fate.

When I was in the wake of the light from the open doors, my feet faltered. A quick hand on my back from Jax kept me moving. With determination to show no fear, I stopped mere inches away from my Vaq. I tilted my chin up, raised my brows, and stated coolly, "Malik. Leo."

My eyes widened in shock, and a harsh grunt escaped past my lips, when Leo grabbed my right wrist and pulled me over to the 'side' of the west. I grumbled softly, but he hadn't hurt me. In fact, his touch had been remarkably gentle, a beautiful dance of defense, twirling me to face the Plumas of the east. It was hard to not roll my eyes as Malik and he stepped even closer together, squishing me between the two of them. "Okay, okay. I get it."

Malik grunted, his silver gaze swinging down to mine. My lips thinned seeing what he showed no one else. Deep hurt—the kind that tormented until you go insane or put a knife to your own throat.

I had done this to him. To them.

Me.

I had caused them this much pain.

Bit by bit, my head lowered in shame, my gut churning in sickening heat. A roaring toilet might be needed if I didn't take calming breaths. It had been explained that a great distance away from their Soul would mentally sever a Vaq pair, but what I had done had also physically debilitated them. I was betting they had hardly slept because of the worry over my well-being on an alien planet.

Dammit, how the hell was I supposed to escape if I felt this way?

I inhaled deeply and exhaled calmly.

Freedom.
My freedom
. I tilted my chin up in defiance.

I had done what I had done. I wouldn't bow down for my actions.

It had been needed. And my adventures outside of their land had been fruitful.

I now knew more than they would have told me in a year.

Though, I did say honestly, "I am sorry."

Leo lifted a hand, and his long, strong fingers tilted my chin in his direction. Brutal golden eyes held my gaze without flinching. "As are we."

"True," Malik stated solemnly.

"Although ... " Leo's golden brows touched together over his gaze, and he sniffed in my direction. "I do find it curious how you smell of
them
." He bent as I tried not to freeze at his words, bringing his face ever so close to mine. The tip of his nose touched mine, and he inhaled deeply. Quietly, he tipped his head from one side to the other, running his nose gently over my cheeks, breathing in acutely. Just as smoothly, he hummed deep in his throat, lifting to his full height. Still with his grip on my chin, he brushed his thumb in a tender caress over my thinned lips. "I think Malik and I need some time alone with you."

"I'm agreeable to that." Shit. I shouldn't have tipped my head away from Rule when he had sprayed me down. "Though, I should explain I slept in their bed—while they slept on their couch in another room. That's why I smell of them." Time to lie.
Make it believable
. I scrunched my face in false disgust. "Nothing
sexual
happened between us."

Malik murmured, oh so,calmly, "We know they wouldn't be so stupid."

Threat. Threats were everywhere. "Shall we go inside?"

Leo rubbed his thumb over my lips once more, watching the action closely, before turning his glowing golden gaze on Killeg and Phila. "Yes, let's do."

Dinner time with the Mian was more like feeding time with the Mian. If I waited a full week to eat too, then I would probably pile my plate as high as they did. Sitting with our group at a fine dining table, this was all very civil. I kept my attention firmly off the man who I believed to be responsible for this.

Rule. The man of the hour who was keeping the conversation rolling.

Instead, I picked at my food, keeping my attention on my plate. I needed a game plan.

Leo and Malik were suspicious, their understated flicked glares at Killeg and Phila not missed.

Stiller was doing a fine job, responding to all of Rule's headways into conversation, pulling his Plumas into the discussion, as well. Jax sat beside him, silently glancing at me every so often.

I did flick a quick glare in his direction. I was
thinking
. I didn't need his concern right now.

Oh! I knew what to do. Humor and protection were always decent topics. It would make my Vaq pleased to know I had been in safe-keeping with the other Plumas. I cleared my throat when the conversation lulled and peered across the table to the Plumas of the east. "Killeg, Phila, why don't you tell Malik and Leo about my idiocy at the Crank Pit? And how you two got me out of there without your people coming after me?"

Stone, cold silence met my question. Tendrils of fear shivered down my spine as one and all turned their direct attention to me. Some had wide eyes of shock. Others with exasperation—Jax.

My expression couldn't be more confused.
What did I do now?

Rule instantly leaned forward, directing everyone's gaze toward him. "I'm sure she meant to address the Plumas by their formal titles." His blue gaze snapped toward mine. "Not so informally."