Jana was awakened the next morning by a series of brief, shrill buzzes. Startled, she struggled to a sitting position. She was not in her bedroom, and that was not a smoke detector or burglar alarm issuing a warning. She recalled this golden suite and her ominous predicament. The remainder of yesterday had passed slowly, with her time consumed by closer study of her “quarters.” Neither of the two males had come to see her, nor had the “We’ll tell you everything later” meeting taken place yet. She had been sent a delicious dinner through the servo unit; and before going to bed, she had received curious orders about today’s business.
The monitor light came on and an unfamiliar voice instructed in a pleasing tone: “At the signal each morning, you will arise, bathe, dress, and eat. After sufficient time for these tasks, your door will open. You will be shown to a room where you will receive your daily instructions. Any questions will be answered at that time. Tardiness, absence, and defiance will not be permitted. Anyone practicing them will be dealt with severely. You will begin your tasks immediately. There will be a signal of three buzzes shortly before your door opens.”
Jana was reminded of school bells, rules, teachers, and classes. Perhaps this routine was typical for prison or military life. A female had made the announcement, adding another person to this crime list. “Daily instructions, tardiness, absence…” sounded as if she would be performing a task. Despite trepidation, Jana was anxious to obtain clues. She quelled her anger and an urge for defiance which might prevent answers to her questions, as her captor had promised. She must solve this mystery: No ransom, rescue; or release…Aliens…Another galaxy…His captive…Starships…Forever…Could these claims be true?
Jana bathed and dressed. She brushed her hair until it glowed with a gold and silvery sheen. She applied a light touch of makeup and a hint of fragrance. She was determined to look calm and attractive at this critical revelation of her fate. When she entered the other room, her meal was ready. All of the dishes were tasty, but again unfamiliar to her. That eerie feeling of uncanny reality touched her once more. She trembled visibly. She gently rubbed her hands up and down her arms to warm their sudden chill.
“Cold, Jana?” the now familiar masculine voice asked.
Jana half turned and gazed up at the camera. She shook her head. “I’m just anxious to get this over with,” she replied in a cautious tone.
“Over?” Varian ruefully echoed. “It’s just beginning,” he corrected.
“Or so you claim,” she bravely retorted. “I’ll believe you when you’ve adequately proven your words. A scientist requires indisputable data.”
“Have it your way. But don’t say I didn’t prepare you with the truth.”
He was like an unknown chemical in a vital formula. She must test him gingerly and respectfully. To challenge him could prove a harmful error. Once she obtained all the information she could, she would evaluate it and come up with a method to neutralize him. Soon, they would meet. She didn’t want him to think he had a timid, dull-witted coward on his hands. She must stand her ground bravely, but exercise caution. “Prepare me for your criminal character, or your ridiculous explanation?” she sparred.
“Oh, I’m certain you won’t find my explanation ridiculous or boring. We’ll see…”
“I’ll await your proof with bated breath.” She hoped her brave façade would make him think again before baiting her.
Her words drew a chuckle. “I’m afraid you might expire first. The meeting has been rescheduled for later today,” he informed her.
“I suppose more stalling to increase my nervousness?” she taunted.
“I suppose,” he agreed in a wickedly teasing tone.
Momentarily, the female’s voice gave the announcement of the canceled meeting. The order came to relax until notification of a new time.
More tricks! I’ve got to know the truth. Damn that camera! If I could only get out of this room and check out the rest of this place…
Jana recalled how she had escaped that thug in Andrea’s drive, giving her a risky idea. Jana stood and leisurely strolled around the room. She wanted to make certain she had her specter’s attention. She halted near the bed and swayed slightly. Touching her fingers to her forehead, she gave a soft moan and gingerly collapsed to the floor.
A voice called out immediately, “Miss Greyson, are you all right?”
Jana remained still. If she failed to carry off this scheme, they would punish her greatly, or so they had threatened. Within minutes someone arrived. Opening her eyes very slightly, she could see the door remain open behind the black knee boots approaching her. She fought to master her rising fear, because she was terrified even though committed to her dangerous ruse. She closed her eyes and waited, dreading to learn if aliens existed.
A hand gently shook her shoulder as a strange masculine voice questioned, “Miss, are you sick or injured?” Jana moaned and stirred, as she decided this was the third male from her abduction. “Do you require medical assistance?” he inquired.
She asked in a small voice if he could assist her to the bed. He gripped her forearms and helped her to stand. She swayed against his chest and moaned. He released his grip on her arms to catch her sagging body.
Without delay, she forcefully kneed him in the groin. He doubled over and groaned in pain. Jana fled toward the door, slamming into a hard chest. She found herself imprisoned in the iron grip of another man whose entrance she had failed to notice. She struggled vainly to pull free. He gradually backed her up to the first man.
“Ferris, are you all right? It seems my little Earthling is bent on defiance and hostility,” he stated. “I had believed her too smart for such conduct. Foolish and unnecessary, my rash alien,” he scolded her. Her open rebellion and attack on Ferris Laus—his weapons chief and a security control officer under Kyle—caused Varian’s concern over Jana’s health to shift to anger.
Jana recognized the voice of the man who held her and had foiled her escape. Disheveled tawny hair settled wildly around her flushed face and shoulders. His face was hidden behind a reflective vizard; but she guessed his identity from his virile physique, rich voice, a painlessly firm grip and his stirring smell. Her multicolored eyes displayed an array of warring emotions, whose mirrored image provoked recklessness.
“You beast!” she screamed at him. “Release me this instant! You have no right to keep me here!” She squirmed futilely in his strong grip, but did persuade him to shift his confining hands from her forearms to her wrists.
“Behave yourself, Jana. This conduct is silly and dangerous. Don’t act like a spoiled brat!” He gently shook her like some naughty child. “Where is all that aristocratic breeding and intelligence I observed when I was watching you? Have you forgotten all of your manners in less than two days?”
As Jana struggled with Varian, she screamed at him, “You blasted animal! You vile demon! I will not become a docile prisoner or follow your stupid orders! And I will not be insulted or abused by perverted animals!” She rashly bit his hand to break its hold and to steal his attention from an action which she hoped would obtain her freedom instantly: she tried to knee him in the groin with all of her strength.
Commander Varian Saar was well trained and experienced, but Jana’s surprise attack took him off guard. A combination of eye-blurring reactions took place swiftly, unthinking, instinctively: he agilely blocked her knee jab with his right thigh, he yanked his injured hand from her mouth as he yelled aloud in pain, and his highly developed reflexes sent Jana spinning from a stunning back-handed blow across her jawline.
She helplessly toppled and fell. Her scream silenced the heavy thud her forehead made upon impact with the bedside table. Dazed by the sharp blow, she could not make out his following words over the humming inside her ears. Her senses were reeling as she fought against the blackness which threatened to engulf her. Jana touched her throbbing temple. In hazy confusion, she gazed at the red liquid on her fingertips, as tousled hair shielded her face and the bloody injury from the two men. She could feel a warm, sticky substance slowly making a path down her right cheek and she sensed an urgent need to lie down. She gradually pulled herself up and reached for the bedpost for support, swaying slightly, but noticeably.
As Varian was not a man to strike a woman, this behavior shocked both men because it was natural for a captive to attempt escape!
Varian felt remorse and shame as he watched her struggle to rise. He reached to aid her as he spoke her name tenderly. “Jana…”
She jerked her arm free. “Don’t touch me! You animal—” She collapsed on her stomach on the bed, crying into her pillow.
“Are you all right, Ferris?” Varian asked his security guard to cover his anxiety. He didn’t like to lose control, physically or emotionally, and he was distressed over his unintentionally violent response to her attack.
Ferris grinned sheepishly and nodded. “I guess she took me by surprise, sir. I’ll be fine in a few minutes. You all right, sir?” he queried, noticing his commander’s dismay and realizing the blow was unintentional.
Varian frowned, then nodded. He tried to lighten the mood by saying, “You better let Tris check you. Jana wields a mean right knee. I’ve seen it in action before.” His comment was lost on Jana, as was his following apology: “I’m sorry, Jana. You caught me off guard. Please don’t attempt similar stunts in the future.” When she failed to respond, Varian accredited her silence to stubbornness and let it pass for now. Baffled by it all, he turned and hastily departed. What did he know about such assignments and females?
The bleeding continued and saturated her pillow. The laceration turned an angry red. As time passed, a bluish bruise began to form and swell. Jana was unable to hear the buzzer or announcement for lunch.
Ferris observed her on the monitor, then called out, “Miss Greyson, it’s time to eat. No more games or defiance.” Ferris was tempted to suspect trickery again, but he suddenly realized she had not moved or made any sound since her fall this morning.
“Miss Greyson, can you hear me? It’s dangerous to persist in this rebellion. Will you answer me?” he asked, his concern and uncertainty growing.
This time, Ferris Laus approached her with caution. On entering her room, he coaxed, “No more tricks. The commander will be upset with both of us. We’re not going to harm you. Don’t you understand you provoked his anger. He didn’t mean to hit you.” But his words brought no response. Ferris gently shook her and called her name. He leaned over and pulled her long hair away from her face. He inhaled sharply as he saw the injury on her temple and her blood-soaked pillow.
Ferris put his ear to her back and sighed aloud in relief. There was a steady heartbeat. He shouted to his relief officer in security control, “You’d better alert Dr. Zarcoff and the commander. She’s really hurt…and bad from the looks of it.”
Tristan and Varian were rapidly at her bedside. As Tristan checked Jana, Varian said regretfully, “I didn’t realize she was hurt. How is she?”
“Mild concussion with a large contusion. Sixteen-millimeter laceration,” Tristan muttered as he examined her following Varian’s dismissal of Ferris.
“Isn’t that too much bleeding for a small cut? She’s awfully pale.”
“She burst a small vein on impact. It’s clotted and sealed off now.”
“But why has she been unconscious for so long?” Varian anxiously asked. “Why didn’t she say anything to me at the time?”
“Pride. Shock from the blow. Surely you can imagine what she must have thought? You’ve studied her psychological profile.”
Varian considered Tristan’s theory for a minute. “She probably thinks she’s in the hands of a brutal barbarian. How long will this state of shock last?”
Before Tristan could answer, a stretcher arrived and Jana was taken to sick bay where Tristan sedated her lightly during treatment. He cleaned the wound thoroughly and infused Clinitroid, a drug to reduce swelling an to extirpate fluid and blood from the surrounding damaged tissues. Tristan would seal the laceration after the medication had done its job.
While he waited, Tristan wondered at Varian’s unusual cruelty to this woman. What had she done to provoke him so violently? Perhaps she would drop a clue when she awoke later. Tristan was infusing three more units of Clinitroid into Jana’s wound when Varian entered the room.
Varian covered the short distance in a couple of long, easy strides. “How is our little patient doing, Tris? Any change?”
“Some,” Tristan answered. Five hundred women aboard, and Varian could keep his distance and thoughts from all except Jana. Interesting…
Varian leaned forward to glance over Tristan’s shoulder. He noted the steady decrease in swelling and discoloration in the surrounding area. He grinned and sighed loud with obvious relief.
As Tristan touched the tender area, Jana groaned and tried to brush away his hand. Tristan said, “Go to the other side and hold her still. We certainly don’t want to risk further damage from interfering hands.”
Tristan grinned slyly as he observed the gentle way Varian handled her. As he continued to attempt to soothe her, Jana arched her back and tried to pull her hands free in unknowing protest to his ministrations.
Tristan knew the area was still too swollen to effect a scarless sealing of the laceration. As he pushed on the two jagged sides to promote the body’s natural effort at self-healing, she struggled weakly and cried out, “No-o-o…” The injury was still too sensitive to work with under this light sedation, and he could not risk a stronger narcotic with her concussion.
Varian held her hands firmly. Jana struggled for consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered as she tried to open them and focus on the dark form towering over her. For a brief period they cleared. She stared up into the face of the handsome and breathtaking man of her dreams who had come to save her from danger and pain. Feeling safe, she relaxed.
A soul-tingling voice tenderly commanded, “Relax, Jana. Everything’s fine.” When her dreamy gaze locked on his face, a charming smile settled on his mouth. He was warmed by the way she seemed mesmerized by him.
Tristan completed his work and turned to put away his instruments. He reflected on Jana’s skills and training. With his regular staff on leave…Tristan glanced at Jana and smiled secretly. Varian wanted her happy and calm, didn’t he? What better way to distract and relax her, to win her loyalty?
Varian released Jana’s hands. He leaned forward, bringing their faces close. His blue gaze was tender. He stroked her hair and murmured softly, “That’s all, Jana. Close those beautiful eyes and sleep.”
Jana’s left hand reached out to touch his sensual lips. Her fingers traced the cleft in his chin and the smile creases near his mouth. She stared into his cobalt-blue eyes for a moment. Grasping his head between her hands, she pulled it down to join her lips to his. Jana relished the flavor and skill of his mouth as it responded to hers. She murmured, “I’ve waited for you all of my life.” Her gaze melted into his as she fought the sedative. Her eyes closed and she lost her battle for consciousness.
Varian grabbed her hands as they were limply falling back to the table. He placed them at her sides. He caressed the soft skin of her arms as his wishful gaze roamed her face. “Sorry, little moonbeam, but I’m not your destiny.”
Tristan observed the gleam of desire sparkling in Varian’s eyes. He watched the way Varian fingered her golden hair and satiny skin and he caught the sultry tone in Varian’s voice when his commander teased, “I see our little Earthling is a flirt when her wits are dulled. Her face will match the sunset when she recalls her wanton behavior toward me of all men.”
Tristan dashed his hopes and pleasure. “I doubt she’ll recall.”
“Too bad. I would have enjoyed seeing her reaction when she realized she brazenly came on to the man she doubtless considers her worst enemy. Perhaps my appeal to her would have made her realize I’m not an evil monster,” he stated with a humorous chuckle. “Carry on, Dr. Zarcoff; she’s in capable hands now,” he teased, then left.
It was past the dinner hour, and Jana was dreaming that she was dancing with the handsome stranger. His mocking sapphire eyes held her senses imprisoned in a world of romantic fantasy. She ran her fingers through the luxurious mane of wavy hair, as dark and. shiny as an expensive Russian sable. She longed to taste those sensual lips again. Her fingers lovingly traced the strong angle of his jawline and wandered across his dented chin. His face came closer and closer to hers. As his manly scent teased her nose, she trembled in anticipation of his warm kiss. Just as he was about to press his lips to hers, his image faded and she was all alone—alone in a small, semidark room which glittered with golden shimmers. A minute red light gleamed. The sedative was wearing off. Jana opened her eyes. She glared at the surveillance camera in angry resentment of its untimely intrusion. She tried to sit; the throbbing in her temple prevented it. Her fingers touched the tender spot on her forehead, then withdrew quickly as she gave a low moan.
Jana turned her head from side to side very slowly. Where was she? She gradually recalled what had happened in hazy detail. Escape was definitely impossible. She had underrated the evil of her captor and her situation. Next time, she must be more alert and careful. She would bide her time until she had a better perspective of him and her imprisonment.
Tristan came to check on her progress. He had looked forward to this encounter. “I see you’re finally awake,” he remarked cordially.
Jana glanced in the direction of the vaguely familiar voice and face of the man who was approaching her with what appeared to be a genuinely friendly smile and easy manner. Did she know this man? she wondered. He had spoken in a clear and precise tone which carried a noticeable hint of gentleness. Had she been rescued?
Tristan smiled as he carefully checked her injury. “It’s doing just fine, Jana,” he stated. “How do you feel? A headache? Dizziness? Nausea? Blurred vision?” His tone rang with more than professional concern.
Jana stared at his mouth in open bewilderment, warning him of a problem. “You look distressed. What’s wrong?”
She hesitantly answered, “I don’t know…My eyes and brain aren’t working in unison. Your lips move differently from what I’m hearing, like a movie with the sound and picture running at different speeds.”
“No, problem, Jana. We speak different languages, that’s all.”
“But I can understand you perfectly,” she argued, confused.
“Because I’ve implanted a microtranslator in your aural canal. It instantly translates my language or any language you may hear into yours.”
“That’s impossible.” Jana said, fear teasing her mind.
“Perhaps on Earth, but not in our world. You see, the people of the Maffei Galaxy and our two adjoining galaxies are advanced a thousand years beyond your native planet. We all have embedded microtranslators. They’re necessary when dealing with so many different languages. Don’t let it confuse you or frighten you,” he entreated.
He sounded as if…Dread filled her. “Who are you? Where am I?”
“I’m the chief medical officer and head of research on this starship. You’re in my medical facility being treated for an injury. I’m from the capital planet Rigel in the Maffei Galaxy,” he calmly explained.
“Come now, Doctor, surely you aren’t going along with this ridiculous tale of my being abducted by aliens?” she challenged.
A troubled look touched his eyes. “It’s true, Jana. You must accept it.”
“And if I refuse to play along with this evil sport?”
“Your reason for being my patient should tell you how reckless that decision could be. Commander Saar is adamant about obedience.”
“Obedience!” Jana scoffed in astonishment. “Why should I obey a brutal criminal? He said he won’t release me. Why should I cooperate with him in any way? No!” she stated firmly.
A genuinely worried expression appeared on Tristan’s face. “I hope you will comprehend the futility of such rebellion. I know a great deal about you, Jana. Don’t make things rough on yourself by being reclassed as a disrupter.” He flashed her a winning grin, “Please don’t belie my high opinion of you.”
“I suppose your high opinion of me is that I’d cower in fear, or become a submissive and timid prisoner,” she said angrily.
“No, you’re very wrong. I was under the impression you would find the courage and wisdom to accept a situation you can’t alter. I expected your intelligence and curiosity to overrule any foolish pride.”
“So I’ll cower before that barbaric animal you call your leader? Grovel like some coward or simpleton?” Anger sparked in her eyes.
“Not grovel, Jana, merely accept his authority,” he reasoned.
“Commander Saar is a ruthless tyrant, and you’re all liars!” she cried.
“I understand your confusion and doubts, Jana, and even your anger. As incredible as it seems, it is true. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to help you through this adjustment. I hope you can learn to trust me, and like me. I’ve great respect for you and your abilities. I would give my retirement for a research assistant like you.” Tristan smiled at Jana.
“He said I could never return home. Is that true?”
“Yes,” Tristan reluctantly replied. “But you’re in no danger.”
“Then why am I treated so vilely?” she demanded.
“If I’m correct, you did provoke Commander Saar by attacking him and one of his men,” he admonished her.
“I only tried to escape or learn the truth. Any captive would have done the same, including your savage leader.”
Tristan again emphasized the facts. “You’re on a starship in the middle of space, Jana, so escape is impossible. We are Maffeians and we’re traveling back to our native galaxy. You must accept your fate and submit to Commander Saar’s authority. I should think your curious, probing, scientific mind would find this adventure a little bit thrilling and intriguing,” he suggested, trying another path to reach her.
“Thrilling to be a captive?” she protested. “You must be as insane as he is,” she stated quietly. “Perhaps it’s contagious madness, Doctor.”
“Think of it, Jana—other worlds, other races, advanced technologies, the unknown. Doesn’t that fascinate you at least a little?”
This man with his warm smile, gentle blue gaze, and sunny disposition affected her favorably. Jana pondered his words and reasoning. If he spoke the truth—but as a captive! Resentment flared anew within her. “Surely you jest, Doctor…”
“Zarcoff, Dr. Tristan Zarcoff, chief medical officer and chief research officer of the starship Wanderlust, at your service. Try to accept this situation, and work on adjusting, Jana, then you’ll be happier. If you find yourself in need of a friend, I’ll—” He halted and actually flushed and stammered in obvious embarrassment.
Seeing that blush, she warmed to him immediately. “You’ll what, Dr. Tristan Zarcoff?” she prompted.
He recognized the change in her mood. “If you’re not totally averse to the idea, I’ll be honored to fill that position.” His eyes twinkled with a merry gleam. He awaited her reply.
Jana thought of a sad-eyed but comforting hound dog. She smiled and answered, “As I find myself lacking friends at the present, I’ll accept your kind offer if you are serious.” Perhaps she would find a valuable ally in this genial man.
“Quite serious and delighted. Friends?” he offered.
“Friends,” she readily agreed. She asked, “What will this Commander Saar have to say about your fraternizing with the enemy?”
“Hopefully nothing,” he said, then laughed.
“And if he does?” Jana asked, pondering his motive.
Tristan lowered his voice to a secretive tone of conspiracy and replied, “We’ll have to make sure he doesn’t, won’t we? Take this and get some rest.”
Jana eyed the sleeping pill. “But I just woke up, Dr. Zarcoff.”
“I know, but it’s late. By morning, you’ll be fine. Come on, Dr. Greyson, don’t be a bad patient,” he teased and waited for her to take the pill.
In the commander’s quarters, a meeting was taking place between Varian and Martella Karsh. It was late, but the coordinator of the charl project was too distressed to sleep. Sensing a problem brewing, Varian had agreed to a private conference with Martella. He had assumed Martella was upset over Jana’s absence in class today, or more accurately the reason for it.
“Commander Saar, are you sure you want to proceed with this scheme for Ryker? Do you thoroughly understand the ramifications of what you’re doing, sir? If it suited his purpose, Ryker could slay Jana or a thousand women and feel no guilt. This plan to ensnare Ryker makes me nervous. So much deception for one delicate female and for one grim mission.” Many times during the last six weeks Martella had seen Varian enter the control room, where surveillance tapes were being made of impending captives, just to watch Jana, before this “Ryker bait” ruse had entered his mind. Now, after the trouble today…
Varian leaned back in his chair and studied the obviously worried officer. He reiterated several points. “You know she was selected and captured to serve as our cover, Martella. The other females will only draw regular attention to the auctions; we needed a goddess to justify obtaining the attention and presence of planetary rulers. I scanned those promo tapes on Jana which you sent out today. No man, however powerful, could resist attending our auction when such an angel will be displayed. Luring Ryker off Darkar so we can simultaneously accomplish a second goal won’t be an added burden to Jana’s adjustment or her role in our mission. She won’t even know she’s our accomplice.”
Varian shifted in his chair in an attempt to relax. “We’ve already discussed this with Nigel and Tris and Kyle. I thought everyone involved in this additional scheme was in full agreement, even if none of us likes using Jana for a dual ruse. But it’s a perfect plan, Martella. Jana has all of us to protect her, she’ll come to no harm from that demon. You’re a member of the Elite Squad, Martella; surely you recognize the importance of defeating Ryker Triloni, who we know is somehow plotting the overthrow of the Maffei Interplanetary Alliance. The Kadim personally chose you for this assignment because he has faith in your skills and loyalty. I need your help on this.” For the second time today, Varian was caught unprepared by a woman’s conduct; this time it was by Martella’s statements and turbulent emotions.
She did not back down from her sense of duty to Jana and herself. “Ever since our talk earlier, I’ve been worrying over this pit you’re digging for Ryker. Like all men, Ryker needs heirs. A charl would probably suit his needs and character perfectly, especially one like Jana, and more so if he thought he was stealing the woman he thinks you love or desire. There are so many hazards in your plan, sir. We shouldn’t do this to Jana; she’s too special. Whether or not she knows she’s helping us, we owe her.”
“Relax, Martella. She’s only a temptation, not a sacrifice,” Varian asserted confidently, noting the woman’s formality, as if she were registering an official protest against his offending order. He patiently went over the same ground he had covered in his talk with Nigel and during their joint conference this morning. He explained Jana’s “accident.” “She can help us accomplish two goals: defeat Ryker and execute our mission secretly. And if I can foil Ryker, I might find a way to encourage truces with Maal Triloni and Jurad Tabriz. As long as Ryker’s around to keep their hatred and hostilities burning, our world is in danger. Don’t fight me on this,” he urged the disquieted woman. “Help me make it work for all of our sakes. In return, I’ll help you any way I can with your pet project. Is that fair enough?”
“But not in time to save Jana from being sold like a piece of property. Isn’t there some way to avoid auctioning her? She’s such a valuable human. Can’t we release her for aiding us? Or couldn’t we pretend to sell her to someone who’ll protect her until the laws are changed and she’s freed? What about feigning a sale to Supreme Councilman Draco Procyon? She would be safe, and he wouldn’t have to actually pay for her. Her living with Councilman Procyon would keep Ryker or one of your other enemies from getting to her. You haven’t overlooked that possibility, have you?”
“No, Martella, I haven’t,” he confessed in a tone which unintentionally exposed his inner feelings. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s the effect of enemies on my life.”
Martella wanted to make a wild suggestion about Varian buying this perfect mate; she decided it was too soon to risk putting him on the defensive. Yet, she quietly asked, “Varian, what happens if Jana falls for your ruse to fool Ryker? What if we can’t change the charl laws in time to spare her or if we can’t entice Draco’s help?”
“Don’t fret, Martella; I won’t allow her to fall in love with me.”
“How will you prevent it? When you feign interest in her to seize Ryker’s attention, how do you think Jana’s going to react to you? Like all women do. Despite your good intentions and cautions, she’ll be hurt.”
Varian hadn’t wanted to think about this facet of his plan, for he knew how he would be compelled to deal with it. “I’ll give her reasons to mistrust and dislike me. The pretense need only be mine. I can make other people think I’m enchanted by her without her assistance or knowledge. Perdition! I don’t want her to fall in love with me! She doesn’t need that complication in her new life. And I don’t need it in mine. If Ryker suspected such feelings—”
“You know I trust you, and I wouldn’t disobey orders. But this time, I think you’re too close to the fire to see its flames. Look at her, Varian. Have you ever seen such a perfect specimen? This girl was born to mate with a very special man.” Martella’s gaze drilled into Varian’s, as she unwittingly dropped a stunning clue to her thoughts.
“I hope you aren’t insinuating what I think,” Varian scolded. He didn’t know why tremors swept over his muscular frame. “She’s a charl. Varian Saar can’t buy a mate! What about her alien blood in my sons?”
Having exposed her feelings, Martella did not back down. “What you really mean is you can’t risk claiming a mate which your brother will try to slay, right?” she boldly quizzed this unique man who had shared many days and perils with her on this and other Elite Squad missions.
Varian scowled. “I’ll reward Jana’s help, but nothing more. Forget this nonsense about Draco and secret plots to save Jana. Hear me, Martella? Get these crazy ideas out of your head.”
Martella eyed Varian intently. He was as brilliant and dangerous and powerful as a fiery comet, a man destined for even greater things than he had already accomplished. A man like Varian Saar attracted the attention and influenced the emotions and the fates of males and females, of friends and foes. Could Jana Greyson win this man’s love and acceptance? If so, could she hold on to them? Could she hold on to a man who was a blazing comet speeding across destiny’s heaven? Could she hold on without being burned painfully, or without being utterly consumed?