Nuworld: Claiming Tara (13 page)

“Darius!” she cried out.
Her
pussy
pulsated
against
his
dick.
The
heat
surrounding his shaft
was almost unbearable.
Darius
thrust harder, impaling her with more force than he had
with her so far.
“Yes. Yes!” Once again her feverish gaze pinned his.
“Like that,” she said, breathless. “Don’t stop.”
He didn’t want to. Hell be doomed! It was the last thing
he ever wanted to do. Telling Tara to obey him wouldn’t
work. Her nature was too structured. And his guess was
that she’d been allowed to run wild doing what she wished.
He had to show her how to submit.
Darius slowed his pace.
The look Tara gave him might have been comical when
she suddenly looked outraged. She struggled against his
grip on her wrists.
“I said don’t stop,” she hissed through clenched teeth.
“I’m not stopping, my lady,” he promised her. “But you
will consent to my lead.”
Tara relaxed noticeably and quit struggling against his
grip on her hands. She let out a loud sigh. “Don’t make me
hurt you,” she said, her voice low and threatening.
This time he did chuckle. Tara suddenly asserted all her
strength against him. Darius let go of her hands and she
came to a sitting position, pushing against his chest.
“I’m taking over,” she informed him.
Darius pushed her to the ground, grabbed her legs,
spread them then let her heels rest against his shoulders
when he leaned over her. “That won’t be happening any
time soon, my lady.”
He crushed his mouth to hers when she opened it, likely
to cry out her insistence that she wouldn’t submit. Tara’s
fingers glided up his arms and to the back of his neck. She
clasped them there and moaned into his mouth.
It was his undoing. If she ever learned he might do
whatever she wanted just to hear that sound, to feel her
suffocating heat around him, all would be lost. Darius
drove deep inside her. He thrust, feeling the friction create
a fire between them too hot to extinguish. He rode her until
she knew he planned on never letting her go. When the
pressure building inside that heat became too much, he
thrust hard, aggressively, and brought them to climax
simultaneously.
Tara stared at him, fighting for her breath.
He’d controlled her, and he knew it.
Tara dressed in silence, almost disbelieving of the sex
she had just experienced. No man had ever done to her
body what Darius had just done. She was numb, more
than satisfied, and almost in awe. Her thoughts still floated
in a fog of aftermath.
Darius dressed without saying anything then pulled her
close as they faced the breath-taking view that stretched
endlessly beyond the edge of the cliff. It felt right being in
his arms.
He
was strong,
powerful,
and still very
dangerous. But then, she noted and grinned, so was she.
All of it excited her.
“I’ll ride that bike of yours now.” He returned behind
them to the edge of the ledge they were on and shimmied
down to the first set of rocks. Darius reached for her to
help her down as well.
Tara laughed. “I’m your match in every way. I believe
those were your words.” She sat and scooted down the
rocks without his assistance.
They leapt
down
the
remaining
within
seconds
were
back
at the
eagerly climbed onto her bike.
rocks together
and
motorcycles.
Darius

Tara made a face at him. “That’s my bike and you’ll take
care of it.”
She showed him the order in which to push the buttons
on her handlebar to start the bike. His satisfied smile
turned to a frown when she climbed onto his bike.
“Are you sure it’s not too big for you, my lady?”
“My papa’s bike is at least this big, and I have ridden it a
time or two,
my lord
.” She stressed his title, sarcastically
implying his superiority over her.
Side by side, they rode down the rocky road and back
out to the meadow.
Tara
enjoyed
riding
the
big,
noisy,
cumbersome
motorcycle. There was something raw and untamed about
it, although it would be difficult to use in battle, she
thought. However, the nature of the Gothman wasn’t to
sneak up and attack their opponent but to roar into battle
with screams and confidence of victory. This bike suited
Darius’s nature just fine. If anything, she understood Lord
Darius and his people just a little bit better after riding on
the large bike that took each rut in the earth with a roll of
superiority. She wondered what Darius concluded of her
nature after riding her bike. When they’d passed the first
group of hills, he slowed her bike to a stop. She pulled up
next to him.
“Park my bike here and climb on behind me. I’ll come
get it shortly. It’ll make it a bit easier to justify the story I’m
planning to tell if we are seen. When we’re back, you may
take Torgo out to the field and give him his lesson. I know
he’s quite eager, and there’s no reason to disappoint the
boy.”
Tara climbed on behind him. Her bike wasn’t designed
to carry two easily, but she enjoyed being as close to him
as was required for them to ride together. She wrapped her
hands around his waist and locked her fingers together. He
held her two hands in his and skillfully drove her bike back
to the shed with his free hand.

Torgo. Tara awoke one morning to the sound of his bike
cruising over the hills. She lay in her bed for a while
listening to the rumble of the teenager’s motorcycle and
remembering her first experiences on one. She’d felt so
mature
and independent
riding
by herself,
free
to
go
wherever she pleased. Tara knew what Torgo must be
experiencing without getting up to go to the balcony and
watch.

Tara showered, dressed, and was absolutely ravenous as
she hurried down the stairs to help prepare breakfast.
Hilda and Darius were in the kitchen talking. Hilda didn’t
sound pleased.

“I just don’t understand. It was you yourself that said it
was final.” Hilda wrung her hands as Tara entered.
“It is final. However, I have matters of ruling my people,
mama. Now isn’t a good time.”
“You’re people need this. There’ll be talk, otherwise.”
Hilda reached for her son.
“Oh blast it all with your talk, woman,” Darius barked. “I
said it’s final and that’s the way of it. Nothing more need be
done. If there’s talk, I’ll rely on you to silence it.”
“Good morning.” Tara looked at the two of them ready
with questions.
“Tara, certainly you want…” Hilda looked at Tara as if
relieved that she would side with her on whatever issue she
and her son were talking about.
“Mama!” Darius interrupted her with a firm tone in his
voice. “Tara, walk with me to my bike.”
Tara watched Hilda grab a dishtowel and twist it in her
hands. She was clearly upset. When the two women made
eye contact, Hilda waved after her son, who already was
out the back door.
“Best do as your told,” she said to Tara.
Tara hated having it said she was doing as she was told.
Now didn’t seem the right moment to pick a fight, however.
She followed Darius into the backyard. He took long strides
toward his motorcycle. Tara almost ran to catch up with
him. There were more of his men than usual in the yard,
all sitting on their bikes, as if they had been waiting.
“I’ll meet you out front.” He gestured with his thumb,
indicating they should go.
None of them said a word, although most took a good
look at Tara before slowly driving toward the front of the
house.
“What’s going on?” Tara watched his mean leave. The
conversation in the kitchen with his mama had spurred her
curiosity. Now, the presence of more of his men than usual
really had her interest piqued. Not to mention, they were
armed. She wondered what Darius was leaving to do. She
also wondered if he would ever confide in her…that is, if
she decided to stay with him.
Darius waited until his men had disappeared toward the
front side of the house, then placed his hand on the back of
Tara’s neck and guided her toward the shed. He didn’t let
go of her when the small structure blocked their view of his
house, and anyone else’s view of them.
“You’ll tell my mama that you’re a Runner.”
“What? No. Why?” The moment she asked it became
apparent
that
he
was not accustomed
to
having
his
commands questioned.
“You’ll do as I say,” he informed her, and his lips
pressed into a narrow line on his well-chiseled face. Darius
stroked the back of her neck with his thumb. “I don’t have
time to explain everything to her. She’s asking questions.
You’ll answer them.” He tilted her head back by pressing
under her jaw bone. “You’ll make sure she understands
that you’re here because you want to be.”
“I’m not so sure this is a good idea.”
Darius smiled. It was only a small play at the side of his
mouth. Tara had come to learn that for him that might as
well be a full grin.
“How do your people handle you?”
Tara didn’t hesitate in answering. “They do as I say.”
Darius shook his head but then pulled her to him and
kissed her forehead. “Behave while I’m gone.”
“Where are you going?” Tara sensed some type of
military excursion. She wasn’t accustomed to being left out
of such things. “Your men are dressed for battle.”
“There are some rumors.” He twisted a strand of her hair
between his fingers. “They haven’t been confirmed. But
possibly, the Sea People are preparing an attack.” He
tightened his grip on her hair. “Ah, your eyes are glowing.
You think this is exciting.”
Tara didn’t smile though. She didn’t need protection
from the harsh realities of whatever was going on. “What
are the rumors?”
“Just that their armies are moving close to the Gothman
borders. I’m riding out now to confirm.” A slight breeze
lifted his blond curls. It didn’t soften the sudden hardened
look he gave her. “You will focus on explaining who you are
to my mama. She will be upset at first but she likes you. Be
gentle with her, give her time, and she will continue liking
you as she always has.”
“I don’t think I could sit by and not fight if you’re
invaded.” Tara knew how much she could help him.
Darius saw more than that. “You’re showing your loyalty
to Gothman.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Be good
while I’m gone. Go talk to my mama. I’ll be back soon.”
He got on his motorcycle and she watched him leave.
An idea came to her as she entered the kitchen, and she
approached Hilda with enthusiasm. “My lady, I’d like to
invite Reena over this afternoon. I haven’t seen her in a
while, and I have something I want to tell you. I’d like her
to be here for it.”
Hilda’s face lit up. “Ah, a splendid idea.” Hilda grinned
broadly and then opened the pantry to inspect the shelves.
“While you’re doing your morning chores, I’ll drive into
town and pick up a few things. I hear the blueberries are
good and fresh. We’ll have some of those, and I’ll whip
some cream. Cold cuts will work well, don’t you think? Set
out some potatoes to boil. I’ll make a hot potato salad to go
with the sandwiches. You might want to pick some fresh
flowers for the vases.”
Tara smiled. Hilda hurried upstairs to change for her
trip into town. For now, she’d made the old woman happy.
She grabbed the Gothman communications device, which
hung on the wall, and untwisted the thick cord to the
mouth and ear piece. Tara placed the call to Reena, who
also thought the idea was splendid.
Tara sat in the kitchen by herself and ate another
frosted roll for breakfast before starting her housework.
She felt bad about not telling Reena she’d only been invited
for moral support. Mulling over in her head the speech she
would give to Hilda, it dawned on her that she hadn’t asked
Darius what questions his mama had been posing. Seeing
the guards had completely distracted her. She didn’t like
that Darius was out in some field going over military tactics
while she sat here preparing for a luncheon.
But that was why she had entered Gothman, right? She
had wanted to understand a different way of living, this
different culture. Yet, she hadn’t planned on the
Age Of
Searching
changing her life forever. She merely wanted to
enter Gothman and observe.
She’d done a lousy job of that. She’d been prepared to
remain an outside observer, and instead she’d fallen in
love. Tara was sure of it now.
Jumping up, she made quick work of cleaning the
kitchen, then moved to the other rooms of the house. She
had so much energy, and she didn’t question its source.
Wiping down woodwork and making sure glass sparkled,
Tara smiled while picturing her and Darius racing across
the countryside. It would do good for the Lord of Gothman
to know the world outside Gothman. She would show him.
After all, Darius had shown her Gothman.
Tara had never lived in a structure like this. Although its
newness had worn off over the past cycle, the place’s
magnificence still hung in the air. She would make the
place absolutely immaculate for Reena. Hilda would be
proud, too. Both women had taken her in and allowed her
to explore their people, even though Hilda didn’t know that
was what she had done. A clean home meant something to
both of them. She hummed an old Runner tune as she
worked.
The house began to sparkle, but Tara’s thoughts became
a tangled mess. She cleaned for the old ladies. This big
permanent house was impressive, but it wasn’t her home.
Nor would she ever be able to spend all her days in any
house rooted into the ground. She was proud of being a
Runner. How could she live here with Darius and maintain
the heritage that ran thick through her blood?
Hilda came home and interrupted her thoughts. She’d
taken her frustrations out on the
house
until it
was
spotless. Hilda was pleased with her work and told her so.
Torgo entered the house, instinctively knowing that food
was going to be prepared.
“What’s for lunch?” he asked, as he hovered around in
the kitchen and sampled the blueberries and cold meat as
it was laid out in serving dishes.
“With that appetite, you will be as big as your brother
before the new winter.” Tara laughed and poked the boy in
the stomach. “Why don’t we let him eat now, so he isn’t
bored with the conversation during lunch?” Tara didn’t
want him there when she explained herself to Hilda.
Hilda nodded her agreement. “I’ll fix you a plate, my
boy.” She smiled, showing a mama’s love, as she grabbed
one of the porcelain plates from the cabinet and began
assembling his meal. “And mind you, let your mama have
her visit. I won’t have you chattering and underfoot while I
enjoy the gossip.”
“No problem. Gossip is for women.” Torgo grabbed the
plate his mama had just made for him and ran out the
door.
Reena showed
up
punctually,
carrying one
of
her
wonderful pies. The three women enjoyed scrumptious
food. Tara listened as the two chatted away about mutual
friends. After eating, Tara cleared dishes from the table
while the two women continued to chat. The time for her
announcement had come.
“Ah, my dear, this was a grand idea of yours.” Hilda sat
back and patted her large stomach. “I’m full to the brim.
Now then, you said there was something you wanted to tell
me. Plans on the claiming, I’m thinking.” The old lady
smiled and winked at Reena.
Reena frowned at Tara. “You want to discuss your
claiming?”
“Well, in a way.” Tara hesitated. “If you’ll excuse me, I
will be right back. I think if I show you something, it will be
easier.”
Tara ran up the stairs. In her room, she reached under
her bed for the bag Reena had given her and pulled out her
Runner
clothing.
For
a moment
she
just
sat there,
caressing the black leather. She hadn’t seen them in over a
cycle. The embroidered symbol of her clan made her feel
warm inside. This was who she was and that would never
change.
Reena’s mouth fell open as Tara entered the room with
the clothes in her hands. “Child, what are you doing?” she
whispered, shocked.
“What do you have there, girl?” Hilda looked up, not
seeing Reena’s expression go white.
“Lord Darius asked me to do this.” She laid the clothing
on the table and spread them out.
Reena immediately recognized them. The embroidered
symbol of the clan stood out plainly to see. She stared at
the red blood drop with the circle around it.
Hilda gasped in horror. “Where did you get those
clothes?” She stood up quickly, jumping back, and her
hand went to her heart.
“Hilda, they’re my clothes. I’m a Runner.”
Hilda shook her head as color drained from her face.
Reena and Tara hurried to her side and helped her back
to the chair.
The old woman stared at the clothing as if it would bite
her if she dared look away. After a minute, she looked at
Tara. “What is this you’re saying?”
Tara sat next to Hilda. Reena took the chair on the other
side of her old friend and held her hand.
“I came to Gothman to learn about your people. I’d
heard the stories of a proud, large race of people, so
different from my own. All I wanted was to see how you
lived. I didn’t expect to become so involved with your
family,” Tara said, letting her last words trail off.
“Ah, so now you have a lord who’s gone and claimed
you. Let me guess, he can’t figure out how to get out of this
mess, and so he’s sent you to me. What is it you want?”
Hilda pulled her hand free from Reena’s and fisted it on the
table.
“This will be scandal for our family,” she hissed under
her breath.
“Well, my lady, I didn’t know he claimed me when I
moved in here.” Tara glared at Reena. “He finally admitted
to me that he’d announced a claiming. But it was after I
found out from Thelga at the grocery store. I was furious
and ready to run from this land right then. I told Darius
that no one claimed me without asking me first.”
Reena covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Hilda’s chair
scuffed against the floor when she slid back and turned on
Reena. “This is serious, old woman. The Lord of Gothman
can’t claim a Runner. It will be the biggest scandal our
nation has ever known.”
For a moment, no one spoke. The two women stared at
each other. Tara gave Hilda time to digest what she’d just
learned. Regardless of what Hilda now thought of her, Tara
would never embarrass her or Darius. But then Hilda
looked from Reena to Tara and back again. Her mouth fell
open as if she would say something.
Reena’s expression changed and she shook her head.
She touched Hilda’s arm and Hilda closed her mouth.
Reena spoke before Hilda did.
“Do you love Lord Darius, child?” Reena asked looking
away from Hilda.
Tara saw Reena was trying to help. “I think I might,” she
admitted voicing her feelings for the first time.
“I’ve seen the two of them,” Hilda said to Reena,
although her tone was accusatory instead of sounding
pleased. “They act like they belong together. You knew
about this, didn’t you, old lady? I daresay you planned the
whole thing!” Hilda accused.
“She came to me the night she arrived in Gothman.”
Reena waved her hand in front of her, knocking Hilda’s
accusations out of the way. “She wanted to know the life of
Gothman. I didn’t know she was coming.”
“Reena, Runners are our enemy. You know she won’t
stay here. It’s not in their nature to stay put. I don’t need to
tell you-”
“My lady, I’m not your enemy.” Tara
stressed,
interrupting, and putting her hand on Hilda’s. “I don’t
understand why our people consider each other enemies.
We aren’t a threat to each other.”
“And so you think you can change how Gothman feel
about Runners, do you?” Hilda shook her head and
clucked her tongue. “Is that why you were sent?”
“If she’s claimed to the Lord of Gothman, it would be a
good start.” Reena was quick with her argument.