Kyele's Passion: A World Beyond Book 4 (21 page)

Chapter 28

“I get it now,” Joni whispered. “You don’t want me anymore. You only wanted me in the beginning but after…” She swallowed passed the thickness in her throat. After she’d tried to kill him. “After everything that happened you decided it wasn’t worth it.”

Kyele let her go and closed his eyes as if working up to the next words. “I have never wanted or asked for anything in my life.”

“Great.” She let out a bitter chuckle. “Aren’t you special.”

“But I want you, Joni.” His lids lifted, sending a sharp glare at her interruption. “Would die to have you as mine.”

The feral light in his eyes should have scared her. Joni drew in a sharp breath. At her silence he took another step away, increasing the distance between them even more. Then he had the audacity to try and leave.

 “Then why? Damn you!” Joni gripped him by the back of his shirt. “Why are you acting like this? We don’t have to avoid what’s between us.”

He turned on her fast, eyes blazing. “You almost died, Joni. I had to watch you fight for your life because I was selfish. I should have followed up sooner on the drug but I allowed my feelings for you to distract me from doing my job.”

“It was an accident, Kyele. No one blames you for what happened to me. You weren’t even here during the attack.”

“I blame myself!”

That stopped her. She stared at his features twisted with anguish. Taking a step closer, she smoothed her hand over the scar on his face. “Kyele.”

He trembled. Her brave, dark soldier trembled. “I need to protect you, Joni.”

“You can. But I won’t let you accept responsibility for what happened.”

“Let me?” His brow quirked and a spark of humor replaced the sadness in his eyes.

Joni launched herself at him and his arms enfolded her in his embrace. “Silly man.”

“Little Earthling.”

Smiling, she nipped at his chest through his shirt. “Please let this go. Do it the right way. I’m begging.”

Kyele carried her toward the bedroom. “You only need to beg me during sex.”

Her laughter burst forth. His lack of answer was all the answer she needed. She felt as if they’d moved past a major hurdle. “Cocky aren’t you?”

“We talked about your appreciation for cocks.”

Joni sat up when he placed her on the bed. “I can’t believe you made a joke.”

“I should also add I think I might be in love with you.” His eyes glinted without humor.

Joni gasped and fumbled backward. “What?!”

He met her gaze evenly but didn’t repeat the devastating words.

“Impossible,” she told him, rising to her knees. “You can’t.”

His brow rose. “Can’t what? Love you? Be capable of love? Because as much as it surprises me, I
am
falling in love with you, Joni.”

Never did it cross Joni’s mind to think what they shared went beyond sexual. At least on his part. “You warned me not to get close to you.” When she remembered his past comments, anger soared. “I can’t have you, Joni. It’s not to be. That’s what you said Kyele and now you
think
you love me.”

“Joni—”

“You’re nuts.” Her laugh held an edge of hysteria. “People don’t just fall in love in a day or a couple of weeks.”

Kyele tipped his head to the side. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve been falling in love with you since the day I met you. Your courage, your strength. It has its own irresistible appeal. Month after month I’ve had to stand aside and watch.”

Nothing compared to the beautiful words he just spoke. She swiped at her cheeks with a quick, rough motion. Another tear rolled down her cheek. It took three attempts before she could speak. “I thought…what about…” She broke off with a sigh then looked at him with a half smile. “You’re killing me.”

Kyele brushed his finger over a satiny soft cheek. “What do you want me to say, Joni?”

She moved closer and locked her hands on his shoulders, determination filling her. “Screw you, Kyele because I don’t think, I
know
I love you.”

Joni waited for him to run. Or better yet to do his famous disappearing smoke act. Then he surprised her. “Screw me. More of your funny Earth terms but I can’t wait to screw you, Joni. No more holding back.”

“You’re serious?” She wanted to dance with happiness.

“Undress.” Kyele pulled away to whip his shirt off and fling it behind him.

Suddenly filled with the need to be with him as well, Joni tore off her own clothes. She’d barely finished undressing when Kyele’s body slammed into her, knocking them both flat on the bed.

“Remember I tried to let you go. You’re mine now.”

In spite of his order, Joni didn’t remember much of anything besides the pleasure when he was done. In the aftermath, she cuddled in his arms absorbing the warmth of his body beneath hers.

“What are we doing, Kyele?” Her hand glided up and down his torso at an even pace. She enjoyed the way his lower stomach muscles twitched occasionally from her touch.

“I don’t understand your question.”

She glanced up from his amazing abs and realized he had no idea what she was talking about. Had he seriously not thought of it? “Do you want to be my Chosen?”

Kyele ceased to twitch. “Are you teasing again, Joni?”

“No.” She leaned up on an elbow to see his face clearly in the darkened bedroom. “Faye mentioned there is a presentation coming soon and I thought…I hoped you’d want to be my Chosen.”

He rolled over and switched their position before she could blink. “You would choose me? Knowing of my family?”

She heard the longing in his voice. Months ago if someone had asked her if she’d let a man in her life her answer would have been an adamant no. But this was Kyele. Her heart overflowed with feelings for him. Now to convince Kyele of that fact.

“How can I resist those green eyes?”

Any concerns Joni had dissolved beneath the magic of his seeking tongue. She kissed him back, sinking deeper into the warmth of his embrace. When his teeth bit her lips, her knees quivered. “Kyele!”

He zeroed in on her neck, alternating wet kisses with soft licks. He’d identified her biggest weakness their first night together and Joni determined that she’d discover his. She ran her hands up the flat planes of his belly, loving the ability to touch him freely. The erratic thump of his heartbeat under her palm as she caressed his chest.

“Do you remember asking about blow jobs?”

He focused on her intently. “Yes.”

“I’m about to show you.” She’d use every weapon available to prove how much she cared.

***

Kyele barely had his breathing under control when Joni came up from his sex and propped herself on his chest. “Are you going to be my Chosen or not?”

It was hard to gather his thoughts after the act she’d performed. He studied her expression, trying to gauge her level of seriousness. “Presentation is in a few days. That’s little time if you decide not to walk the sands.”

If she wanted to change her mind he meant. Enotians could only join in a permanent relationship if they participated in the ceremony to select their Chosen. Females were given the right to find the male of their choice and it was a lifetime commitment. The event took place at an arena covered in sand to simulate the original ancient practice. In respect and acknowledgement of their ancestors, all males wore
loittes
and nothing else to hinder a female’s gaze from taking in the display of their physical strength and prowess.

“I want to do it. I want to be your Chosen in order to scare off all the other women.” A sassy smile accompanied her boast.

No one made him feel the way Joni did. He tried not to let her words affect him but his heart pounded wildly at the idea of Joni being his Chosen. A sign that he was worthy enough to have a female who would love and care for him the way he loved and cared for her.

“I will notify the Commission immediately.” Three honorary Enotians made up the Commission and were responsible for logging the names of all participants for each ceremony and monitoring it for foul play.

“I knew you’d see it my way.”

Chapter 29

Torkel gathered all of the teams together to review how they wanted to handle this latest development.

“We have intel on Lothar. He plans to be at an upcoming sex auction to deliver a new shipment of females then stay for the auction itself. We should move on this fast.” Jaron shared the news and changed the images on the holo screen. “Who do you want to send?”

“I’ll go.” Everyone turned to look at Kyele.

Torkel stared longer than the others. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea for obvious reasons, Kyele.”

It didn’t matter what Torkel thought, Kyele planned to be a part of this mission. He slouched back in his chair and defended his decision. “Team Two can go in and launch a surprise attack. Lothar won’t expect anything.”

Jaron pressed buttons on his data pad and the images switched to caged women and men of varying species. Muted growls and snarls of frustration followed from everyone in the room. “I’m not sure it will be as easy as that.”

“Lothar never does what’s expected. Everyone involved in the sex auction has an unnatural fear of him,” V’hor added.

“I’m not afraid of Lothar.” His main goal consisted of finding any chance to get to the Marenian, Arlo, or someone who would have information on The Collector’s whereabouts.

Jaron looked up. “It is not about being afraid. If you lead a team in, it needs to be a well thought out assignment. Not one that we take on recklessly.”

“Or for the wrong reasons,” Rydak tacked on with a pointed look.

Kyele throttled back his impatience and fingered his knife.

“If,” Torkel stressed. “If I sent you, I’d want someone from Team Three on as well. Pick two from your team to go with you and Khane will accompany. This is to be a simple assault. Quiet in and quiet out. Lothar’s our target.”

Kyele’s shoulders eased as he exchanged looks with Khane. He didn’t have a problem with him going as long as he understood Kyele would be in charge. There was only one question left to ask.  “Capture or eliminate?”

No one in the room flinched.

“Capture if possible. Having Lothar alive to question would be an asset.”

Kyele nodded but wasn’t making a guarantee. “I’ll take Creed and Markus.”

The two men straightened in their chair. Any of the others would do but if Kyele strayed from the mission, they would back him up without question.

“If that’s all, the meeting is done.” Before anyone could rise to leave Torkel’s demeanor changed, his brown eyes warmed. “Kyele, congratulations on entering the presentation.”

Surprised glances turned his way and murmurs of congratulations. He sheathed his knife and stood. “I want Joni to be my Chosen.”

Saying it aloud increased his nerves. It was official now. The message from the Commission arrived in the morning, confirming his request. Throughout the day he contemplated how he’d handle it if Joni changed her mind. How could he go on after knowing her touch, her passion and her love?

Then he remembered how she looked spread in his bed on the rumpled sheets, her eyes dancing and a smug grin curving her lips. Joni wouldn’t change her mind and the resolve settled in his gut. For the first time he could sincerely say he trusted a female.

The smile spreading across Jaron’s face contained enough mischief for Kyele to shoot him a warning glare. Though, it did nothing to stop his next statement. “Does she want to be yours is the real question?”

Kyele didn’t bother answering and left among a round of laughter from the other members of the Unit but it didn’t offend him because under the humor he sensed their happiness for him. For once Kyele got to be happy too.

***

He found Joni eating with her friends. Lissi, Faye, and Sylvie sat at the table with her and each of them seemed to be laughing at some hidden joke. When he approached, they all grew quiet. He was used to the reaction. Joni turned in her seat and pleasure lit her face. He paused to take in her natural reaction to seeing him. Joni leaped out of her seat and curled into his side, one arm going about the back of his waist and the other pressing a palm flat on his mid-section. Everything in him calmed at her touch.

“How was your meeting?”

He glanced down at her shining face. “I leave shortly with Creed, Markus and Khane.”

“But the presentation.” Her smile fell and she stiffened as she sought to pull away.

Kyele caught her in his arms, refusing to relinquish his hold. “I’ll be back in time for the Chosen ceremony.”

She nibbled her bottom lip and the temptation to kiss the full mouth covered in glitter proved too hard to resist. He pressed his mouth to hers in a firm kiss intending to be brief but she curled her fingers into his shirt and slipped her tongue between his lips. Kyele groaned and drew her hips forward.

The whistles and cheers caused him to jerk back. The females watched avidly. Joni patted his cheek, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “I love you. Ignore them.”

She said it so easily. No expectation implied only a genuine desire to share her feelings. Kyele ran a hand through the loose red waves. She treated him as if he were special and precious. Unfamiliar emotion choked him but he needed her to know she was not alone in risking her heart. “I love you, little Earthling.”

Her cheeks pinkened and his shaft hardened. Lust spiked in his groin. A typical reaction around Joni but this wasn’t the time or place. She glanced down and discretely caressed the bulge outlined in his pants. Kyele gripped the back of her neck and flexed his fingers in warning. He would not leave the mission more aroused than the kiss already caused.

With another toss of her hair, she smirked then rejoined the others. “Be careful and remember what we discussed.”

She referenced his need to make The Collector pay. Kyele for the first time in his life took the coward’s way and inclined his head without answering then strode from the room, his mind on how he could complete the mission
and
seek vengeance.

***

“Did scary Jutak say he loved you?” Sylvie asked, an impish smile playing about her mouth.

Joni shrugged, holding in her smug pleasure. Her heart overflowed with love for Kyele and nothing could distract from the feeling.

Faye grinned. “I think it’s sweet.”

“Sweet? We’re talking about Kyele, right?” Sylvie placed her hand on Faye’s forehead. “Is the pregnancy making you ill?”

Lissi chuckled. “It is nice to see him content. Joni brings him happiness and I for one like it.”

Joni winked at Lissi. “You’re the smart one sitting at the table.”

“Hey!” Faye and Sylvie protested at the same time.

Laughing, Joni directed the attention to both of them. “How are your men handling the baby planning?”

“Torkel is better but he watches me closely as if the baby will explode from my stomach at any moment. I told him we have months to prepare.” Faye glanced at Sylvie who bounced in her seat.

“I think Arak’s papan is more excited than both of us and his maman is planning a visit. Arak’s little sisters are driving her crazy and they want to meet their brother.”

Arak’s maman, a full Argoran shifter, lived with her mate on Argora and their two daughters while he had remained with his papan on Enotia.

Conversation continued with plans for the babies who would arrive very close together. Joni enjoyed listening to her friends. When she’d signed for the Singles Program on Earth this was what she’d wished for and now she had it in spite of all the difficulty she’d gone through to get it. Pride stiffened her back. The Marenians hadn’t broken her nor had they destroyed her dreams and one day she and Kyele would welcome children with the same excitement and anticipation as Sylvie and Faye.

***

Markus, Creed and Khane crouched beside Kyele at the back door of a tunnel they’d discovered, which lead into the building housing the Marenian’s latest slave auction. From the exterior it appeared to be a common bar. In fact, the owners of Siim’s originally intended to use it to entertain off-world visitors but the planet’s dry clime and barren landscape negated their plans. Now it sat unused, its ragged appearance a reminder of what could have been. Or it did until the Marenians moved in with their criminal activity.

Kyele adjusted the mask over his face and checked his face shield for a secure fit. The others mimicked his actions with their own equipment. The heavy dust blowing in the air built at an incredible rate and clogged lungs to the point breathing became difficult after long term exposure.

“Ready?” Kyele asked, withdrawing his laser.

He received affirmative grunts and took the lead, kicking the door in. It splintered from the impact of his boot. No alarm sounded thanks to Jaron disabling it. They charged in, ducked low and raced down the dusty interior. Loud bidding echoed from ahead leading to one of the rooms further down. Kyele signaled with a fist up and they stopped behind him.

“Jaron said Lothar allegedly arrived this morning and Vee believes he’ll stay to the back and not in the front where customers can see him.”

Dim light at the end of the tunnel represented their objective. On one side of a stage a crowd awaited with the intent to purchase beings forced into sexual servitude. The slaves should be in the back and they’d have to be careful not to harm any of them in their efforts to capture the head of the ring. Lothar had a proven history of disposing of slaves and those around him without regard for the lives lost.

“Khane you and Markus head to the front and mingle with the buyers. See if you can confirm of visual of Lothar or Arlo.” Arlo was of particular interest to Kyele since one of the males he tortured claimed the Marenian had knowledge of the attack.

Markus removed his mask and filter, placing both in his pocket. He withdrew a plain shirt from his pack and slid it over the highly recognizable uniform with the Jutak emblem on the front. Khane did the same but paused at the entryway into the front room. “Remember to stay focused on the mission, Kyele. We’re here for Lothar.”

Lips pressed tight, Kyele secured his weapon and pulled out his knife. “I know.”

Creed remained silent at his side. After another moment, Markus and Khane disappeared through the door. Kyele turned away immediately, footsteps light as he moved toward the back.

“I follow your lead, Kyele. Whatever you need,” Creed muttered in his comm.

Kyele exhaled, a veil of calm falling over him as they walked into the staging area for the sex slaves. Cages lined one wall containing women and men in various stages of dress with a few completely nude. Bruises were visible on many and Kyele shoved back the memory of Joni being in a similar situation. She was safe back on Enotia. Her nightmare was over.

As he and Creed walked past the first cages, the occupants cried out and shied away. Anger swirled inside his chest and the burning in his eyes hinted they were probably glowing.

“Jutak. Jutak.” A few murmured.

Creed cursed violently drawing Kyele’s attention. His teammate knelt beside a crate crammed in a corner. Blood and other fluid covered the bars and the floor. Kyele’s lungs seized at the sight of the occupant. He walked over and gripped Creed’s shoulder to keep him from reaching inside. Curled in the corner sat a girl who could have been Suravi’s age. Thin and filthy she shivered when she met their gazes. Dirt tracks lined her cheeks.

“I cannot leave her, Kyele. Do not ask me.”

They saw many things like this but at times it hit closer to the core of what made them Jutaks.

“If we take care of Lothar, everyone in here will be freed.” Kyele waited, knowing time was of the essence.

At some point the guards would return to check on the merchandise or hear the growing excitement of the prisoners. The gleam in the eyes of the captives once they recognized Jutak warriors threatened to expose them. A few would stay silent because they wanted to be rescued but the others would cry out to the guards. The desolation in their eyes said they’d lost hope and turning in elite warriors might garner them leeway during their imprisonment.

Creed stood. Beneath his mask, his eyes burned and waves of anger pulsed from him. “Let’s find him.”

“You check there.” Kyele pointed to a narrow passage that lead to a closed door. “I’ll go this way.”

“Comm if you need me or run into Lothar.”

They parted, stealth in every move. Kyele kept his back to the wall and halted at a dead end. No rooms or offices this way. “Nothing here. Markus, Khane do you have eyes on target?”

“No visuals,” Markus spoke in a murmur, the low hum of voices trickling in via the comm as well.

“He might not be here. Jaron gave us limited time. If we can’t verify, we need to signal for Torkel and Team One to evac the premises and arrest those present,” Khane added.

Torkel made it clear rescuing any slaves was the priority if they couldn’t find Lothar. He was adamant about not leaving them behind to suffer at the hands of the Marenians. As a result Team One awaited Kyele’s contact before they moved in.

If Creed didn’t find any sign of Lothar, Kyele would notify the team. Saving others from this fate ruled out his need to see to those who’d abused Joni.