Vareen & Mica (The Alliance Book 2) Read online

  “Var.” Mica pulled her toward a pod sitting at the curb of the building they’d just left. “I’m compelled to do this for you. No arguing.”

  That was a strong way to put it. Why was he compelled to help her?

  Entering the pod, Mica stated, “Computer take us to the teleporting center.”

  The inside of the vehicle was very luxurious. There were two seats, both with very plush upholstery. There was a five-point restraint system for added safety. The windows were clear so she would be able to watch the city as they traveled past.

  “Confirmed, Welcome Mica Jataci and Vareen Nas.” A computerized male voice spoke, “Time to arrival in current traffic is five minutes.”

  The ride was so smooth, and acceleration happened so quickly the only indication that they were moving was the way everything flashed past them.

  “These pods are computerized?!” Vareen exclaimed. “Very interesting. How do they move? How do they know you…and me?” She struggled with her seat belt and Mica took pity on her and helped fasten it. In her opinion, his fingers brushed against her a bit more than was required, but Vareen decided she must be oversensitive. He said they were friends. She was reading too much into his touch.

  “The pods are magnetically navigated and propelled to avoid human mistakes.” Mica sat back in his seat after helping her. “The computer scans the occupants for identity as part of their programming. They know you because you’ve been added to the computer system here on Titus.”

  “Why would I be added to the computer system?” Vareen watched as the landscape swept past. “Are we staying here in Takari?”

  Mica smiled warmly at her, “You were added because I requested it.” He turned to look outside and then back to her. “As to staying in Takari, no. We are going to Jataci. I have a home on the outskirts of Jataci city.” Mica sat quietly on his side of the pod watching her.

  “That’s right, the Jataci are responsible for the defenses of the different clans. Along with the courts and punishments. Your clan is centrally located and in the tropical region of Titus.” Vareen stated absently.

  “Var, did you remember us talking about that?” Mica sat forward excitedly.

  “I think I spoke of this with Jaden,” Vareen was back to struggling to remember details of another conversation. A flash of a blanket and food in a security cell came into her head.

  “I see. The doctor was very helpful,” Mica’s lips pursed. “We’re here.”

  Vareen wondered at Mica’s reaction and then shrugged it off. The building they’d stopped at was extremely large and when they entered she saw two security lines. Beyond that, there was a booth in the center of the room and four partitioned lines. She found out from Mica that lines led to the teleportation pads. There were one each for Jataci, Renari, Metari, and Denary.

  Flashing a pass at the security checkpoint Mica took her to the waiting line designated for Jataci. Before she knew it she was being led into the teleporting room. Then it was on to Jataci city.

  Chapter Thirteen

  When the pod stopped at a home nestled into the trees Vareen had to admire the simplicity of their surroundings. The ride here from the transportation center in Jataci city had only taken twenty minutes. She had watched as the city skyline gave way to spotted housing, then to open fields.

  Arriving at Mica’s home she noted the sweeping driveway, arched steps and naturalized appearing landscape all around the main structure. Each side of the steps had a pathway running in either direction and Vareen had to assume one of those would lead to the guest house Mica had mentioned.

  Stepping onto the driveway Vareen inhaled deeply the rich smell of wet dirt, flowers, grass, and trees. The scents all swirled around to make a heady natural perfume.

  “It’s very nice here.” She looked at Mica expectantly. “Could you show me where I’m staying? It seems I’ve run out of steam and could use some rest.”

  Mica had started toward the main house when she asked to see her quarters. At her words, he solicitously offered his hand, “Of course. This way.” Instead of the main stairs, he led her to the left and around the main structure. “The guest house is in the back.”

  Vareen saw that behind the main house was a garden of some type, along with a small manicured lawn and strategically placed flowers, plants, and pathways. Ahead, about two hundred feet was a smaller structure tucked into some large fronded trees. When they took the path in that direction Vareen assumed it was where she’d be staying. As they got closer, she smiled at the lovely little house. On the outside at least, it was a small replica of the one Mica lived in.

  “I want you to make yourself at home.”

  They took a few steps to reach the door and he opened it by pressing a button on a console. Before entering Mica stopped to explain, “This is the entry console. There is another one on the other side of the door.” He pulled her inside the entryway to show her its duplicate. “I have already programmed my computer system to recognize your voice. You can speak to this console to lock the door at night if it helps to make you feel more secure. I don’t have any neighbors close by, and Luna keeps anyone from wandering on my property.”

  “I’m sorry, who’s Luna?” Vareen looked around the entry absently. The home Mica was letting her stay in was very cozy. From where she stood, ahead of her was a large open space filled with two chairs, a couch, two end tables, a dining table with four chairs around it, and a fireplace with mantel. She smiled at the thought of lighting a fire. The temperature was not cold enough to require heating, so this had to be a vanity item. To the right of this room, she caught a glimpse of a long counter, possibly a kitchen.

  “Luna is my pet feline,” Mica’s voice broke her concentration and she turned back to him.

  Vareen’s brow furrowed. She didn’t know anyone who had domesticated animals as pets. For some reason, she found the whole idea very illogical. Interesting, yes, but not very rational.

  “While I was away she went into heat and got loose. She’s expecting a litter and has started nesting. She chose a room in the main house, so you probably won’t see her. I will make sure to introduce you to her so she doesn’t see you as a threat.”

  “I understand,” Vareen turned. “Thank you again for letting me stay here. I think I can figure everything out.” There was an enthralling scent coming off Mica and her body seemed drawn to him. She wasn’t sure what to make of her attraction, Mica was a friend, not her lover. Before she could analyze her emotions too closely and cause herself another blackout episode she stepped back.

  Mica looked crestfallen. “If you need anything there is a communication panel in the kitchen that can connect to anyone. I’ll be at the main house if you need me. It’s early and if you wake in time, how about sharing dinner with me?”

  He seemed so eager that Vareen didn’t have the heart to say no outright. “If I’m awake, I’d be willing to join you for dinner. Would you like me to try for a specific time?”

  “No. Whenever you get hungry.”

  “Okay.” Vareen didn’t know what else to say. It was as if he was waiting for something and she didn’t know what.

  “Okay,” He hesitated at the door. “Have a nice rest and if I don’t see you tonight, I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Vareen stepped back further and Mica stepped back toward the door.

  “See you later, then.”

  “Later,” she agreed.

  Mica had gotten close enough to open the door and he reluctantly stepped outside. “Later.”

  The door closed but his scent lingered. Vareen shook her head. That was an awkward encounter. There were undercurrents between her and Mica and she was afraid to wonder at them.

  Turning to explore the rest of the house, she found the kitchen to the right as she’d expected. There was only one bedroom and it had an attached bathroom with a large tub and shower unit. The controls in the tub and shower were similar to what she’d seen in the hospital so she figured Mica’s home had real
water too, not solar showers like she was accustomed to.

  Taking a blanket from the bottom of the large bed, Vareen curled into a ball and fell asleep.

  *****

  Vareen was back on The Reliant. In the security room with Mica.

  “I-I’m not sure that counts.” Vareen tried to gather a thought 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.

  The dream shifted and she was in a room now. The attraction between her and Mica pulsed like a living thing between them. Even after all the lovemaking of the past hours she still wanted him close.

  “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, clothes, and an education.”

  “You had no other family to turn to?”

  The dream shifted again, she was in a cold room with strangers and there was so much pain.

  “Mica.” I have to remember Mica. He’s coming for me. We met on The Reliant. I found his escape pod. He wants me to be his chosen mate. The doctor pushed the button again, “Mica.” Vareen screamed.

  “Mica!” Vareen sat up, still half-asleep. Where was she? Her head was pounding and she could feel tears tracking down her cheeks.

  “It’s okay Var.” Mica’s gruff voice soothed her from the shadows. She could feel him now. Against her side holding her.

  She curled into him, pressing her face against his naked chest. Her pounding headache got worse with the attempt to think, so she forced herself to relax instead. “I had such a bad dream.” To her surprise, her voice felt raw.

  “I know,” Mica’s voice came out hoarse as well. “I’m here Var. I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear it.”

  Vareen put her mouth against his skin and let her fingers trail along his sides. “I know you won’t.” Her body was responding to his nearness as it always did. The need to be connected to him, always present, pulled more strongly at her. “Mica. How long has it been since you’ve held me?”

  She needed to feel his arms around her. His body pressing into hers. When Mica stiffened against her, she smiled mischievously.

  Scooting up his body, she placed her knees on either side of his hips. Leaning forward she was able to put her mouth against his. She missed her mark in the darkness and hit his neck instead. She didn’t mind, it was a good place to start. Caressing her way along his jaw she made a beeline for the sensitive area behind his ear. Using her teeth to graze his earlobe, she got the response from his body that she’d been waiting for. The hard press of his arousal was obvious now. Nibbling her way to his lips she pressed her mouth to his.

  Mica remained still and Vareen broke the kiss. Something was wrong. If he wasn’t initiating the intimacy, he would participate if she did. He wouldn’t ever just sit quietly while she kissed him. He definitely wouldn’t sit idle while her hands explored him.

  “What’s wrong?” the pain in her head notched up at her anxiety.

  “Var.” His hands went to her head and fingered the short strands. “We can’t.”

  Vareen put her fingers to hold his hand. With an agonizing flash, it came back to her. “The Realignment Center. So much pain. I called for you.” At the hint of remembering, her body convulsed and she collapsed.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Vareen!” Mica hesitated for a fraction of a second and then holding Vareen steady he wrestled the medical dispenser out of his pocket. As Vareen shook against him, he depressed the painkiller against her neck. The doctor said it would knock her out and it did. The convulsing stopped and Vareen went slack against him.

  Hearing her tortured cries tonight, was like watching the video from her captivity all over again. Drake had downloaded all of the audio and video files from the Realignment Center on Cestori. Mica had found the ones containing Vareen’s torture, and that is what it was, no matter the name Aicen Edal or the doctors put on it.

  Vareen had been brutally mistreated. If he could kill them all again he would. The only ones who escaped the destruction of the Realignment Center were Aicen Edal, the other two council members, and a handful of others who’d been smart enough to flee when Cali had ordered it. His resolve to never go back to Cestori or let Vareen go back was stronger today than when he’d made the vow.

  “Mica.” The way Vareen screamed for him would haunt him until the day he died. He hadn’t protected his mate when she needed him. It was a devastating fact he faced every day.

  Holding her closer he vowed it would never happen again. Nothing would keep him from being there for her. He would protect her this time.

  Mica gently caressed her face. He was torn on whether or not to tell the doctor about Vareen’s reaction tonight. If he didn’t say anything, and it was dangerous for Vareen he’d never forgive himself. If he told the doctor, and Vareen got taken from him, he’d never survive the separation.

  In the end, Vareen’s safety came first. He would tell the doctor.

  Moving ever so carefully out from under Vareen’s prone form he made his way to the kitchen. “Computer, connect me to Dr. Jaden Takari.” After waiting for a few moments, the doctor’s face came on the console.

  “Mica. What’s wrong?”

  “Vareen had a nightmare. She was remembering the Realignment Center. I had to dose her with the medicine you gave me.”

  “Hmm.” The doctor rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Did she remember the Realignment Center or the emotions she felt at the time?”

  “Is there a difference?” Mica wasn’t sure where the doctor was going with this.

  “Yes. We’ve talked about this. The procedure attempted to block all emotions, not memories. Vareen has the ability, and does, remember almost everything about her life. The only gap is between finding your pods and waking up here on Titus. It’s those memories and the emotions they evoke that we haven’t been able to reach. If she can start to remember that gap of time, then it’s a breakthrough. I just need to know if she is reacting to the events or the emotions.”

  “I don’t know how much she remembered.” Mica admitted, “She was acting playfully and tried to initiate intimacy. The next thing I knew she said something about the pain she’d endured and calling for me.”

  “Intimacy?” the doctor raised an eyebrow, “Can you be more specific?”

  Mica didn’t want to leave anything out, but talking about Vareen’s sexual advances didn’t seem right either. Reluctantly he said, “She kissed me, passionately. Straddled my hips—”

  “I think I get the picture. Let me think.” The doctor muttered to himself. “She was dreaming, woke up…??” His face alight the doctor asked, “Did she wake up?”

  “She was talking and moving around.” Mica thought back on their interaction. “I’m not sure if she was completely awake.”

  “That might be it!” The doctor snapped his fingers. “In her subconscious somewhere is the last pieces of those lost moments. Vareen might have managed to save a small piece of her emotions inside her psyche. And it’s only allowed to come to the forefront when she’s asleep, or semi-awake.”

  “Why didn’t anything like this happen at the hospital? She never had another reaction after that one time after speaking with Cali, while talking about chosen mates.” Mica rubbed his fingers over his scalp in frustration.

  “Because she didn’t feel strongly about any of us.” The doctor seemed thoughtful. “The last pieces of the puzzle to fall into place for Vareen are going to involve you. If I’m correct they are also going to be the most damaging. Love and hate are different sides of the same coin.”

  “So her feelings for me are pushing through, if only in her subconscious. How do I work with that?” Mica wanted to know. “You warned me not to push her.”

 
; “You have to let things happen at their own pace. Even if she only remembers during sleep, it is likely that those feelings will slowly trickle into her waking moments. Under no circumstances should you engage in sexual intercourse until I clear it, even if she instigates it. She would see this as a form of attack or rape since it is her unconscious mind seeking the closeness, not her waking one.”

  “You don’t know what you’re asking,” Mica growled angrily. “Could you deny the touch of your chosen mate?”

  “You have to.” The doctor snapped back, “The only other way is to separate you from her until she’s regained her memories, which might not happen being separated from the person that causes them.” The doctor waved his hands in agitation. “If you can’t manage what I’m asking—”

  “I can handle it,” Mica’s stated vehemently. The idea of letting Vareen go back to the hospital went against all of his instincts.

  “Okay then. Keep me informed of her progress.”

  The doctor closed the communication link and Mica rubbed his eyes tiredly. He would get a few hours of sleep on Vareen’s couch and then leave before she woke up. He didn’t want her to catch him sleeping in her home without her permission.

  Reclining on the couch he closed his eyes.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Vareen stretched and slowly opened her eyes. There was a faint light coming through the window and she sat up. It felt like she’d just gone to bed but the light told her it was much later. She’d missed dinner with Mica. Just thinking about him brought back the strange dream she’d had. In the dream, he’d been holding her while she cried about something. Then the dream had turned intimate. She’d kissed him and for some reason, it had felt right.

  Vareen shook herself out of bed. She needed to get a handle on her runaway fantasies about Mica. He was her friend, nothing more.