Freeing the Prisoner Read online

  “Thank you,” he murmured. “I thought I was a goner before you showed up, little girl.”

  The movement of his jaw when he talked rubbed against her sensitive left nipple, sending a strange feeling of warmth from her breasts to the spot between her legs.

  To my sacred channel, she thought and felt hot blood rushing to her face.

  “I…you’re welcome,” she said, stepping back abruptly. “Did…did you get enough?”

  “For now.” His eyes flickered over her chest. “Seems like you spilled some.”

  “I…was in a hurry.” Dani didn’t know why his eyes on her made her blush. She looked down at herself.

  She was dressed modestly enough for a Goshan female—the fabric of her dress came all the way up to her chin, all the way down to her ankles, and even covered her arms down to her wrists. Of course, the water that had spilled on her had made the garment a little more see-through than usual and the thin fabric clung to the curves of her breasts and the peaks of her nipples, but still, she was properly covered.

  She looked back up and saw his eyes were still on her, which made her blush even harder.

  The Kindred noticed that she was watching him watch her because he shook his head and seemed to make a concerted effort to look at her face again.

  “Gods,” he groaned and “Sorry—I’m acting like a jerk, staring at you. It’s just…you’re fucking gorgeous all wet like that.”

  “Oh…thank you I guess.” Dani wasn’t sure if she should cover up or not. In the past when she’d sometimes felt males’ eyes on her—especially Councilor Tornk’s—it had made her skin crawl. But for some reason the big Kindred’s gaze caused a kind of delicious embarrassment in her instead.

  I have nothing to be ashamed of, she told herself. I am well formed, though I am as big as a male.

  Lifting her chin high, she looked down at him.

  “I came back to ask you some questions.”

  He didn’t answer her in words. Instead, a deep, rumbling growl came from his midsection.

  “Sorry,” he lifted his shoulders in a shrug, as much as the magno-lock cuffs holding his hands over his head would allow. “I haven’t had anything to eat in a while. Don’t suppose you have anything with you?” he asked hopefully.

  “I would have to go and get something from the royal kitchens,” Dani said doubtfully. “They’re pretty crowded right now because of the banquet going on but I guess I could slip in. It will probably take some time though.”

  “Don’t go then,” he said quickly. “I’d rather have you here talking to me than wasting time getting food.”

  “Making sure you have something to eat isn’t a waste of time,” Dani objected, putting down the heavy golden vase.

  As she did, she felt something bump against her left leg. At first she thought it was the hidden sud-stab but then she realized it was the sweet-berry nuggets Lavi had given her.

  “Oh, I do have something!” she exclaimed. “Here.” She pulled out one of the nuggets. The colorful and edible blue and green leaf covering gleamed like a small jewel in the dull, monochrome cell.

  “What is it?” Ky leaned his head forward, as much as the manacles would allow.

  “Only a sweet-berry nugget—a kind of candy,” Dani said apologetically. “But it has extra protein in it so it’s supposed to fill you up. That’s what my little sister said, anyway.” She looked at the big Kindred doubtfully. “Do you want to try it?”

  “Sure—I’ll try anything you’ve got. But I’m afraid you’ll have to feed it to me.” He nodded ruefully at his manacled hands. “Unless you want to let me free for a little while?”

  Dani frowned. “I’m sorry but I can’t do that. I don’t know you well enough and if you wanted to escape I couldn’t stop you.”

  He sighed. “I don’t suppose you’d take my word that I wouldn’t try to escape?”

  She shook her head. “Again—I don’t know you. I don’t know if your people are honorable or not. I am still trying to learn about the Kindred to determine what to think of you. That is why I came back tonight.”

  “Well feed me a sweet-berry nugget and ask me some questions then, little girl.” He gave her a warm smile that seemed to do strange things to her insides. “Let’s get to know each other.”

  Chapter Four

  Kyron liked the feel of her soft little fingers as she slipped the first greenish-blue nugget between his lips. Gods, she was gorgeous! And the way the damp red dress clung to her full curves made it damn hard to keep his eyes on her face instead of her luscious body. The see-through dress thing must be normal for her people, he speculated, since he’d seen her dressed this way twice now. He just wished the water she’d spilled didn’t cause the wet fabric to mold so perfectly to her full breasts and ripe nipples…

  No, stop thinking like that, he told himself firmly, trying not to remember how it had felt to have his cheek pressed against the soft curve of her left breast…how the hard little point of her nipple had felt against his cheek, so close to his mouth…

  She was so soft but there was strength in her too—he’d felt it when she supported both his head and the tall vase, which couldn’t be light if it was made of solid gold as it appeared to be.

  You’re trying to win her over—to make an ally, Ky reminded himself. Concentrate on the food she’s giving you, not on her body.

  He tried to take his own advice, biting down on the small, squishy bundle she’d placed in his mouth and ignoring the throbbing of his shaft which was pressing hard against his flight leathers.

  He chewed, doubtfully at first but then with enthusiasm. The little candy was actually quite delicious. The outer skin had the flavor of the Earth confection called “peanut butter” and the soft, juicy interior tasted like strawberries.

  “Mmm,” he said, showing his appreciation. “These are delicious! Tastes like peanut butter and jelly.”

  Dani frowned. “What is that?”

  “It’s an Earth food—well, a combination of Earth foods—which I had back on the Mother Ship.”

  “Earth food?” She frowned as she fed him another green and blue nugget. “I thought you were Kindred.”

  “I am but right now we’re protecting a planet called Earth from the Hive.”

  This led to a discussion of both Earth and its inhabitants and the Hive which left Dani wide-eyed with horror.

  “And they really steal away females to lay their eggs in them?” she asked, looking faintly ill. “This is terrible!”

  “Yes, it fucking is,” Ky said grimly. “Which is why I was sent by Commander Sylvan—the head of our High Council—to study their home planet and see if I could find any weaknesses or clues. Knowing your enemy is the best way to defeat them.”

  “That’s why I’m trying to get to know you,” Dani remarked lightly. She held another nugget up to his lips but Ky didn’t open his mouth for it.

  “I’m not your enemy, Dani,” he said softly. “Please, if you could just believe that…if I could make your father see it too…”

  She looked away in evident confusion.

  “I…my father is a reasonable man. I wish I could tell him you are too but then I’d have to admit I’m able to get into this cell. I’m not supposed to, you know—I’d be severely punished if it was found out.”

  Thinking of the way the males “punished” the females on this planet, made Ky frown.

  “Don’t risk yourself in any way, little girl,” he said. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “Maybe I can at least bring it up in a round about way,” Dani said thoughtfully. “I could ask him if the rumors of a prisoner are true and if he’s been to see you yet.”

  “Just don’t get into trouble.” Ky couldn’t help being worried about her. She had inner strength and a fierce spirit but she was so small. Though he had only seen her twice, he could feel a growl of protectiveness rise in his throat at the thought of anyone hurting her.

  Don’t get attached, he told himself. She may be be
autiful but she belongs here. It’s not like you can take her with you, even if you can talk your way out of this mess. She’s a princess and you’re just a pilot. So keep your damn emotions in check.

  If only it was as easy to take his own advice as it was to give it…

  * * * * *

  “I’ll be fine,” Dani assured him, though she was somewhat surprised that he was so concerned for her safety. “I know how to talk to my father.”

  His worried frown relaxed into an easy smile.

  “I just bet you do, little girl. Tell the truth—I was right, wasn’t I? You are his favorite.”

  Dani lifted her chin.

  “I believe I am, even though my little sister is much prettier than I am.”

  “I don’t believe that for a minute,” he objected and those piercing green eyes roamed over her body briefly, making Dani’s cheeks feel hot. “How could she be?”

  “She’s so much smaller than I am,” Dani explained. “Males like to treat her like a little doll. I would hate that but she loves it.” She shrugged. “It makes her happy. Any kind of male attention makes her happy.”

  “Maybe because you’re your father’s favorite,” Ky suggested thoughtfully.

  “Maybe.” Dani sighed. “But that is only because he wishes I was a son instead of a daughter. That’s the reason he allows me to come into the throne room and discuss matters of state with him and his councilors. Well, he did until recently…” She sighed again. “If I really was a son, I could rule after him.”

  “Why shouldn’t you rule after him anyway?” Ky asked, frowning. “Females are just as capable as males of ruling wisely.”

  Dani couldn’t help the incredulous laugh that broke from her lips.

  “What? You really believe that?”

  “Why else would my people worship a female deity?” he pointed out. “Our Goddess—the Mother of All Life—rules over us all and we love her for it.”

  Dani shook her head.

  “That would never happen here. All our gods are male and females are supposed to be subservient to males and content with their lot.”

  Ky cocked his head to one side.

  “But I get the feeling you don’t like that very much, do you?”

  “Of course I don’t!” Dani exclaimed. “Why should I be treated as less because I have breasts and a sacred channel instead of a scepter between my legs!”

  Her own outburst left her shaken and blushing. Why had she said all that and in that way? She oughtn’t to be talking about things like sacred channels and scepters to a male she’d just met—or any male for that matter.

  Maybe it was because the anger and resentment had been building in her for years and this was the first time she’d been able to talk to anyone about it. After all, talking to a Goshan male about her feelings would have resulted in disproval and punishment and it seemed useless to speak to another female—the ones she was closest to all seemed content with their fate.

  Ky raised an eyebrow at her.

  “Sacred channel?”

  “That is what…what we call our female parts,” Dani said as primly as she could. “Just as the male…member is called a scepter.”

  “Hmmm.” He nodded and Dani felt the blood rushing to her cheeks once more. Better to change the subject—any more discussion of this kind of thing would only lead to trouble.

  “We’re getting off track,” she said, as lightly as she could. “I was supposed to ask you questions and find out about your people—not the other way round.”

  He shrugged, his manacles clanking.

  “Ask me anything.”

  “What kind of Kindred are you?” Dani said, asking the question that had been nagging at her since Lavi had told her about the various kinds. “I have heard that some of you grow fangs and bite a female at the moment of…of breeding.” She blushed. “And that others share a female between them. And I had also heard that some of your kind turn into beasts.” She shivered at the thought and clutched the sud-stab in her right pocket. “So which are you?”

  He gave a soft, low chuckle that seemed to warm her all over. He had a nice laugh.

  “You seem to think we’re all some kind of monsters.”

  “That is what others are saying about you. Can you deny it is true?” Dani demanded.

  Ky’s piercing eyes sobered.

  “I don’t deny there are many different kinds of Kindred. We’re genetic traders, as I told you, so we take on some of the physical characteristics of the peoples we mate and trade with. There are Beast Kindred from Rageron but they don’t turn into beasts, they just have some beast-like characteristics. And there are Blood Kindred—the kind with fangs. But they only bite their mates to pleasure or heal them. As for Twin Kindred—the males who share a female—that is the way the Goddess designed them. It takes two of them to mate with a woman and produce offspring but they are always gentle and protective with the females they choose.”

  “Yes, but which kind are you?” Dani demanded. She felt tense and on edge, the sud-stab still clutched in one sweating hand. Would he suddenly turn into a beast, despite his words?

  “I’m none of those kind,” Ky said simply. “I’m a Touch Kindred.”

  “A what?” Dani frowned. “What does that mean?”

  He took a deep breath, as though he was debating about the wisdom of explaining. Finally he said, “It means I’m able to Touch someone else not just physically but with my mind.”

  “I don’t understand.” She shook her head. “How could you touch someone with your mind?”

  “Like this…” His pale green eyes grew heavy lidded and suddenly unseen fingers whispered across her cheek and stroked a strand of hair from her face. At the same time, an invisible hand stroked over her shoulder and down her arm. It was as though the big Kindred was free of his bonds and standing in front of her touching her…only he wasn’t. His hands were still manacled and held immobile above his head. There was no way he could be touching her physically and yet, he was.

  There was only one explanation for this—black magic.

  A gasp caught in her throat and Dani drew out the sud-stab and thumbed the button on its side. A blade of wickedly sharp blue steel punched out and she gripped the handle tight.

  Almost before he could draw another breath, she was on him. Putting a knee against his crotch, she grabbed a handful of his thick brown hair and yanked it back, baring the strong cords of his throat. Positioning the sharp tip of the sud-stab just below his ear, she glared into his surprised eyes.

  “You didn’t tell me you were a shag-ra! Never touch me with your magic again or I will kill you.”

  “Easy…easy, little girl!” His eyes were wide—not frightened so much as surprised, Dani thought. “I don’t know what a shag-ra is but it’s not magic—it’s just my Touch sense.”

  “It must be magic—black magic,” Dani insisted. “And a shag-ra is a dark magician—one who uses his powers to hurt others for gain.”

  “I’m not that—I wouldn’t do that,” he protested. “Look, if you’ll just let me explain you’ll see that it’s a natural part of me—of who I am.”

  “What you are is a shag-ra,” Dani muttered but she took the sud-stab point from under his ear and stepped back, though she kept the small, sharp weapon ready in her hand if he tried anything else.

  “Goddess…” Ky swallowed hard and eyed her with apparent admiration. “You’re fierce, little girl.”

  “I have told you before, I am not little not among my people.” Dani glared at him, though before she had rather liked his nickname for her.

  “Our peoples are different,” Ky said gently, his deep voice a soft rumble. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t get along. People only fear what they don’t understand…let me explain to you.”

  “Well…” Dani frowned, then nodded grudgingly. “All right. Speak but don’t work your magic on me again. My people believe that a shag-ra is evil and must die at once.”

  “I promise, I mean you no harm,
” Ky said earnestly. “I wouldn’t even have shown you my Touch sense except you asked what kind of Kindred I am.”

  Dani lifted an eyebrow at him. “This ‘Touch sense’ of yours—can you use it to hurt someone?”

  He sighed. “If I wanted to, sure. But I took an oath not to because it’s not for that. Using it that way would be barbaric—wrong.”

  “What is it for then?” Dani demanded.

  “For what I just did,” Ky said in a low voice. “For Touching a female I’m attracted to—for touching my mate.”

  “You have a mate?” This had not occurred to her before though Dani now felt it should have been the first question she asked the big Kindred.

  But he was already shaking his head.

  “No, I’ve never been mated. But if I did claim a female as my mate, I would use my Touch sense on her—my whisper fingers and whisper lips—to pleasure her.”

  Dani frowned. It must have been these “whisper fingers” he had used to touch her with. But…what about the other thing he had said?

  “You have another set of lips?”

  “It’s part of my Touch sense. It feels like a real mouth—warm and wet and soft—against your flesh. Or the flesh of a female I was claiming as my own,” he added quickly.

  For a moment—just a moment—Dani imagined what it would be like to have that secret, invisible mouth on her flesh…to feel the lips pressing softly against her skin, the tongue tasting her body…

  No! She pushed the thought away quickly. It was wrong—forbidden—to use such magic on anyone. And no matter what the Kindred said, being able to touch someone without using your body was magic. What else could you call it?

  “I must go,” she said abruptly. “I have been here too long already.”

  “I understand. I never should have Touched you.” A look of remorse came over his face. “I’m sorry, Dani. You’re just so beautiful. I’ve never…never wanted so badly to use my Touch sense on anyone. But I should have restrained myself—should have just explained my Touch sense to you without giving you a demonstration.”

  “Yes, you should have,” she said shortly.