Vareen & Mica (The Alliance Book 2) Read online

  “Who provides the leadership for your clans?”

  “There is a council of representatives that meet once a month. Each clan is allowed one representative on the council. Those five men vote on the items set before them by the sub-councils.”

  “Who sits on the council for Jataci?” Vareen asked.

  “My father,” there was unmistakable pride in Mica’s voice.

  “How was he chosen?” Vareen was curious how a group of males like Mica, with their abilities, would choose one to rule for them.

  “Each clan has a line of succession, chosen from the strongest male line. In Jataci, my family line has ruled for many generations. All five clans have the Challenge of Succession every four years. Any number of males can challenge for the right to lead their clan. The sitting representative from each clan faces his opponents in feats of strength, tactics, and hand to hand battle. If that representative is beaten, the new line of succession would rule from that family line. Only the males of a family are allowed to challenge, not females. Also, a male can only challenge the clan he was born to. I couldn’t challenge the sitting leader of Renari for instance.”

  “So you are patriarchal.” Vareen had read in classes at the Academy about the different types of hierarchy. It was taught on Cestori that males were too illogical, hot-headed and unreasonable to sit on the ruling council.

  “Yes.” Mica moved his foot out to kick hers playfully.

  Vareen eyed him suspiciously and then kicked him back. “On Cestori we are matriarchal.”

  “I’ve heard that.” Mica kicked gently at her feet again, this time keeping his foot between hers.

  “What else have you heard?” Vareen used her feet and struggled to get his leg to move. It was like wrestling against a stone wall.

  “Only that Cestori is run by a council of three women, the leader of which is a power mad woman. Aicen Edal is her name and she is training her equally crazy daughter, Calinae Edal to take her place. Also, Cestori citizens are crazy and easily offended. If we were to be caught by anyone from Cestori, it would lead to a torturous death.”

  Vareen stilled in her attempts to move Mica’s leg. “That’s not true.” She exclaimed. “Well, Aicen Edal is power mad, but Cali is not willingly going to take her place. That is one of the reasons we are out here. Cali is trying to avoid being forced to partner with one of our friends. A male she isn’t in love with.”

  Vareen didn’t even see him move. One second she was arguing against what he’d heard about Cestori and the next she was pulled away from the bed to land flat on her back, with him leaning into her. The men of Cestori were much less physical and Vareen found she liked that Mica was more forceful.

  “I don’t know. The torture part is true,” his eyes were the electric blue again.

  “We don’t inflict torture on anyone—”

  “My body would disagree,” Mica pressed his lips against hers. “I’ve been in an agony of wanting you since hearing your voice in the medical unit.” His lips lazily worked from her lips to her neck.

  “I-I’m not sure that counts.” Vareen tried to gather the thoughts in her head. “Mica—”

  “I like the way you say my name.” His lips moved back up to whisper in her ear. The heat sent gooseflesh rising all over her body.

  “Y-yes, well we need to talk—” Vareen protested. Physical intimacy was easy. She was more than ready for that. Emotional intimacy, which she had a sinking feeling is what Mica was demanding, was a more complicated decision.

  “Words can be misleading.” He caressed her neck to her collarbone with the gentlest of kisses. “With you, I prefer to let our bodies talk.”

  Chapter Four

  “Mica,” Vareen purposefully said his name sternly. “I’m not sure you understand what I’m willing to commit to here.”

  Placing her hands against his chest, she pushed him back and he allowed the space between them. If he’d wanted, nothing she did would move him. Even with her advanced self-defense training an opponent as large as Mica would be hard to defeat. It was a good thing she wasn’t willing to test her abilities, at fighting anyway. There was something she was more than eager to test with him.

  “I’m willing to engage in a physical relationship. I think we both know that I’m extremely attracted to you.”

  Mica smiled, “I want you as well. More than any female I’ve ever known.” He pressed his body into hers and Vareen had no doubts about his state of desire. It was poking into her rather solidly.

  “However,” she got out quickly before he said anything further. “I’m not interested in anything long term.”

  That got her a fierce frown. “Long term?”

  “You know…permanent.” Vareen wanted to take it back when his glorious blue eyes started to fade. The slight browning around the edges told her his desire was waning.

  “You wish for us to have sex, but that it won’t lead to anything more?” Mica stated sadly. “When I claimed you, it meant I was interested in a committed partnership. That is what it means to my people.”

  “I’m sorry Mica. I desire you, but I’m not ready for a commitment.” Vareen was disappointed that he wanted more from her than she could give.

  “I see.” Mica seemed to think for a moment and then his eyes burned blue again. Vareen wasn’t sure what to make of his sudden increase in desire. “I’ll take this moment to enjoy what you are willing to give.”

  Grabbing her into his arms, he stood up from his knees while holding her steady. The man was impossibly strong! He left the security holding cell and strode for the nearest guest quarters. Upon entering, he smashed his hand against the control panel destroying it and effectively locking them in.

  “There, now we won’t be disturbed.”

  “Mica—”

  Putting his finger against her lips he said, “No. Words aren’t important, only this is…” then his mouth brushed against hers and all thoughts but getting closer to Mica left her head.

  *****

  They talked about everything. Her days spent at the Academy. His training to be the leader of his clan. Her friends and all the trouble they would get her into. His friends and all the responsibilities they had. She’d been right to worry that Mica was going to destroy her defenses and it had only taken one day.

  “My parent’s died when I was young and I became a ward of the state.” Mica’s head was in her lap and she swirled her finger along his neck. At his quizzical look, she explained, “It means that the government had the care of me. They supplied me with a home among other children with no parents. Food, clothing, and an education.”

  “You had no other family to turn to?”

  “Couples are only allowed one offspring on Cestori. There is no one else if a child loses his or her parents.”

  “I see.” Mica’s arm was over his head and his fingers massaged her hip. “On Titus, most families have many members to take over the care of a child if the parents are lost. When my mother died suddenly, I vowed I would protect those that I cared about. I wouldn’t lose another loved one if I could help it. I was grateful for the guidance of my aunts, but they weren’t my mother and I missed her terribly. I think they helped my sister far more than me.”

  “I’m sorry that you lost your mother.” Vareen bent to kiss him. Then something struck her. “What is a sister and aunt?” she was confused by the terms.

  “A sister?” Mica saw her confusion and didn’t tease her. “She is a sibling…my parents had me, then my mother got pregnant and bore my sister. Aunts are the sisters of my mother and father.”

  “Very interesting. Your mother bore you? That means your females carry the pregnancy in their bodies?” Vareen’s fingers had moved to play absently with his nipples. “This system would allow for many extended family members. What are the males of this type of family called?”

  “Males sharing the same parent are called brothers, and my parents’ brothers are uncles to me.”

  “I think I understand.” Vareen was
astounded that they had that many lines to their family trees. “You said you have a sister. What’s her name?”

  “She is called Andani.” Mica smiled softly, “She is at our academy learning hydrology. She has always been fascinated with water and plans to work with the Metari clan.”

  “It sounds like you have an idyllic life on Titus,” Vareen whispered longingly.

  “I want you to come with me Var.” He was back to using the nickname he’d chosen for her. She didn’t mind. “Make a home with me on Titus. Bear our children.”

  There it was. The ultimate temptation she’d been worried about. A home, with a male like Mica.

  Vareen sat taller, “Mica. Is it possible with your special abilities that I would get pregnant?” her mind was whirring at the implications. She refused to admit a small part of her might not mind the decision being taken out of her hands.

  “I’m sorry Var. It’s impossible. I’ve had a procedure done that will prevent any unwanted offspring.”

  Before she could say anything further a voice rang out over the intercom.

  “You have something of ours,” the voice was male, arrogant and angry. Vareen gasped when Mica was suddenly standing and she was left holding air.

  “I don’t believe it,” his eyes were flashing blue sparks.

  “What’s going on?” Vareen began only to be interrupted.

  “Return what belongs to us… Or else,” the voice boomed and then The Reliant was rocked by a blast against the shields. Alarms blared and warning lights flashed around her room.

  “Who was that?” Vareen was jerking on her jumpsuit while Mica grabbed his pants.

  “It sounded like Drake’s brother, Varian.”

  “How could that be?”

  “I don’t know.” Mica shook his head. “I don’t think we have much time. I need to know your answer Var. Will you come with me?”

  “That’s not fair Mica. You aren’t giving me time to think about the ramifications.”

  “Do you want to be with me or not? It’s simple,” Mica argued.

  “No Mica, it’s not that simple. I have a duty to this ship, to the crew, to Cali and Cestori.”

  “What about your feelings?” Mica grabbed her by the upper arms, “Don’t deny that you care for me. I won’t believe you.”

  “Oh, Mica.” Vareen leaned into him, gathering his heat and strength. “I don’t know. I can’t lie and say I’m sure of what I feel for you. I do know that I need to see to my duties. Let me get The Reliant back to Cestori—”

  “You don’t know what you’re asking Var. To let you go to Cestori when I need to return to Titus. I don’t know if I can—”

  “Mica?” A voice boomed down the hall. “Where are you?”

  “Temloc, in here,” he called back. “The door to this room is disabled.”

  Before either of them could move, a man broke through the wall. He was followed by two others. All of them were about the same size as Mica, with the same coloring and wearing the clothing of the Jataci clan.

  “What door?” a giant of a man similar in looks to Mica boomed out.

  The males started laughing, embracing and pounding each other’s backs. There were three other giants in the room now besides Mica and it was getting cramped.

  “Drake told us you had chosen a female from this ship. Is that true?”

  Vareen stood taller at the disbelief in the male’s voice.

  “There are some complications that I didn’t foresee,” Mica turned to find her watching from the side. He pulled her into his arms, “This is Vareen Nas. She is the science officer and second in command of this vessel. I have asked her to be my chosen mate, but she has a duty to see this ship returned to Cestori, and I must return to Titus. There are diplomatic issues to be resolved and I need to speak with Drake and the council. As soon as possible I’ll be returning for Vareen’s answer.”

  The three men looked at her intently. The one in front seemed to be their leader and spoke for them. “The others have returned to The Maxon and we can transport when you’re ready. We can understand the female having a duty to this ship. Since the small captain will be returning with Drake to Titus, that would leave this vessel without a leader.”

  Then as if she didn’t concern him any longer, he turned to go back out the hole in the wall. He pushed the two behind him to get them moving. “We need to give Mica privacy to say good-bye.”

  When it was only her and Mica left she put her arms around his waist and held tight.

  “The sooner we return to Titus the sooner I can find you on Cestori,” Mica whispered gruffly. “I have to go Var.” His lips caressed hers in the saddest good-bye.

  “Thank you for giving me time to think,” Vareen smiled, even though her heart was constricting painfully. “When you get to Cestori we can see the sights together,” she joked feebly.

  “Mica. The Maxon is wondering on our status.”

  “I’m coming.”

  Mica kissed her desperately one last time and then left through the hole in the wall. Turning back in the hallway he said, “I’ll be coming for your answer soon. Be safe.”

  “I will Mica,” Vareen went to say more, her hand reaching for him in the hall. Anything to keep him with her on The Reliant for a moment longer. It was too late. With a shimmering around the edges, Mica disappeared.

  Chapter Five

  Upon arriving at Titus, Mica said good-bye to Drake, Dak, Tae, and Arik. They all had to catch up with what had happened in their clans and were teleporting directly to their own homes. He needed to find his father and explain the situation as soon as possible. He’d found out that they were missing for the past ten months, and his cousin, Temloc, had started training to take his place. Which explained his presence on The Maxon.

  The warship being in one piece was a surprise. It hadn’t blown up as they’d all figured. The technical malfunction that had sent the crew into escape pods had been the cloaking device. When the five of them waited until the last moment to deploy in their pods, the timing had been just unfortunate enough to send them ricocheting in a different direction than the other crew members when the cloaking device stabilized. That’s why their pods hadn’t been found by The Cariyel.

  Transporting directly to his father’s quarters seemed the easiest thing. Since he resided in The Grand Tower, he’d needed permission to transport and his father had been warned he was coming.

  “Mica.” He barely had time to brace for the impact of his father’s hug and then it felt as if his ribs were cracking. His father was slightly shorter than him, but heavily muscled and with an imposing bearing. What Martac Jataci wanted, he usually got. There weren’t many that could stare him down. With dark brown eyes that bordered on black when irritated, his scowl could scare the blue out of the sky. When happy, the lines around his mouth and eyes told a different story. One of a man that laughed and loved.

  “When I heard the news I couldn’t believe it. I got all the basic information from the data download. It’s amazing that you were found, and by Calinae Edal of all people.”

  His father talked as they walked into his quarters. The Grand Tower, where his father resided, was fifty floors of private suites. Each floor could be personalized for the owner. The penthouse, where his father lived, had an entryway that you accessed by the elevator. Directly off of that was a great room. This housed his entertainment equipment, a large selection of seating, and huge double doors that opened to a wraparound balcony that gave sweeping views of Jataci City. On the right was a large kitchen stuffed full of the newest gadgets and cooking devices. His father thought himself an accomplished chef and liked to show off in the kitchen. Along the wall to the left was a hallway that led to his father’s bedroom, sitting room and bathroom. Along a hallway to the right, before the kitchen were two guest rooms with a shared bathroom splitting them. He would sometimes stay here when he didn’t want to trek across the city to get home, and he knew his sister did as well.

  “Come and sit down.” Hi
s father led him to a sofa. Placed out for him was a variety of food and drink items in case he was hungry or thirsty.

  Careful not to knock into the table, he settled into the seat.

  “Tell me about her.” His father didn’t waste time with what Mica knew he was most interested in. His cousin would have passed along the information that he’d taken a chosen mate, and let her go with The Reliant back to Cestori.

  “Her name is Vareen Nas. She was the science officer and now captain of The Reliant.” Mica began. Talking with his father it all poured out. Her childhood and how it molded her. The duty she felt toward the ship and getting it back to Cestori. His feelings for her and the magnetic pull he had to be with her, and his worry for their future.

  “Why couldn’t Drake’s mate take The Reliant back to Cestori?” his father pointed out a valid argument.

  “Drake didn’t want Cali to face her mother alone. Vareen wasn’t in the same position as Cali and was the best choice to return the ship and crew to Cestori. I’m sure Drake will elaborate on his motives when he attends the emergency council meeting he’s requesting.” Giving his father a determined look he added. “I’ll be going to Cestori when the Council sanctions a mission there. I’m confident that it will be soon.”

  “I’m sure it will be. It sounds like Aicen Edal needs to be dealt with.”

  “Mica,” A female voice called from the entryway. “I just heard. Where are you?”

  “In here little sister.” Mica stood up and braced himself for another round of rib-cracking hugs.

  With a flash of black, his little sister was in his arms. Seeing her again, Mica realized she’d grown up without him realizing it. It had only been ten months, but it felt as if years had passed by. Why hadn’t he seen his little sister as a grown woman? In his mind, she still wore her hair in pigtails and chased after him relentlessly. Now, what he saw in her place was a stylish woman he hadn’t realized was inside the little troublemaker. She seemed taller than he remembered at just under six feet and had an athletic build. The dress all women on Titus wore was the same. There were ties that went around the neck, leaving both shoulders and all of the back uncovered. The front had a deep V. The rest of the dress floated in layers to land in waves to mid-calf, with slits to mid-thigh. The material was form fitting and never gapped, slipped, shifted or gave peeks of skin that wasn't meant to show. Since the clan color of Jataci was black, all females of his clan wore that color. His sister had her black hair styled, pinned, and tucked to perfectly frame her face. Her usually brown eyes were flashing with a blue tint, showing her emotional state.