[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Dakar cleared his throat once again.
Have you a throat ailment? Sherem asked humorously, receiving a sock to his
arm for his brotherly concern.
No, but this is difficult for me as you must know and you are not making it
easier.
Dakar ran his hand through his hair in much the same manner as Sherem, a family
trait, no doubt. The thought made Sherem grin. It was good to be with his brother again
unencumbered with doubts.
I think I am in love with her and& and wanted to know how you would feel if I
took her to mate, he spurted out in a rush.
Take her to mate with my blessing. She is a good match, but spare me talk of
love. More like you are crazed with lust, there is no such thing as the other, Sherem
pronounced, broodingly.
Dakar burst out laughing and stood over his brother. I am sure that attitude has
enamored Nadia to her knees. You have been lost in love with that female since you
glimpsed her, brother. The sooner you acknowledge it the smoother your road to
completing the lifemating ritual.
It is done, Sherem replied with a smirk.
133
Lil Gibson
Dakar sank back down. She said not a word to me or Tula, and her clothing,
come to think of it, covered her to her chin. Why would she hide her mating tattoo?
Sherem wanted to curse his brother for his astuteness. What to say about his
disastrous mating and the way he had coerced his mate. Sherem cleared his throat.
Probably just needs time to adjust, he finally grumbled.
Dakar clapped him on the back with a laugh and left him.
134
SHEREM
Chapter Seventeen
The following two days spawned an uneasy truce between Sherem and Nadia.
She was quiet, dignified, and controlled. The ice princess was very much in evidence
when she spent time alone with him. It was driving him insane. He welcomed the
diversion his uncle provided when he asked permission to link with the Portender.
Kindarak was struck dumb at the sight of Nadia. He had never before met her but
tales of her reached his ears. It was said that she was colorless, and incased in ice, her
reserve chilling and remote. The radiant, vibrant creature before him, however, belied
description. She glowed with inner fire like the rarest Myverion gold. She had high,
sculpted cheekbones below large, slanted eyes of molten amber. Her carriage showed
grace and charm while her silken mane proclaimed her sensual allure with every gesture.
His plans for her realigned themselves. Her charms would be wasted on Ryder. She
would, however, make a splendid addition to his collection. His reward for a victory well
fought but not as his mate. That place belonged to the mother of his son. He stepped
out of the transport tunnel connecting the two ships and approached Nadia, not taking his
eyes from her and ignoring, for the moment, all others in the greeting party.
May I present my lifemate, Nadia, Princess of Gattonia and now Princess of
Nefar. Sherem turned to Nadia. Nadia, my Uncle Kindarak. Even as Sherem
extended the proper introduction he moved forward to partially cover her from
Kindarak s sight. His warrior instincts were shouting so loudly they momentarily
disoriented him.
Undaunted, Kindarak bumped Sherem aside and instead of a formal greeting,
engulfed her in a tight embrace, then kissed her lingeringly on the cheek, inhaling her
unique female essence. Soon, he murmured quietly.
Nadia stepped back abruptly with a question in her eyes, Sherem moved to stand
close beside her, putting his arm around her waist possessively. His eyes shone like the
Macronadin native to Nefar, a warning clear within their depths.
135
Lil Gibson
Kindarak merely smiled and turned to Dakar wondering at the camaraderie the
two brothers once again shared when he had gone to such lengths to separate them.
Dakar, I must admit surprise, he murmured. I was told you and your brother
had something of a falling out. Such a pity. Oh well, everyone knows how unreliable
rumors can be. He dismissed him and faced Sherem. My boy, I believe we have much
to discuss, but later, perhaps after dinner. It would be my pleasure to have you as my
guests this evening, say eighteen hundred hours?
I have some free time now if you d like to come to the counsel room.
Alas, it has been a harrowing journey; space pirates running around everywhere
breeding battles around every corner. I fear I must rest. I am not as young as I used to
be. Until later& It was not posed as a question.
Of course, Kindarak.
Kindarak stiffened slightly. You have always called me Uncle, Sherem. Has
something changed?
As you stated yourself a moment ago, I too am not as young as I once was,
Sherem replied enigmatically.
Kindarak simply bowed and took his leave.
Your uncle is a very strange soul, Nadia commented, still unnerved by the
touch of him. Where is he from, he has an unusual accent and way of expressing
himself.
A bemused expression flitted across Sherem s face. I can t recall his homeland
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]