Catch a Falling Star

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CATCHAFALLINGSTAR

AllysonJames

KingofPentacles

TheKingofPentaclesappearsasawealthykingseatedonathrone—oroccasionallyahorseorchariot—
wearingsumptuousrobes.Acastlerisesinthebackground,andhisabundantrichessurroundhim.

ConnectedtotheelementofEarth,theKingofPentaclesisatrueleader—hischaracteristicsare
steadfastnessandreliabilityandskillatalmostanything.Hisabilitiesbringwealth,butinacomfortable,
notextravagant,way.Heiswiseandgenerous,sharinghisabundancewithothersandhelpingthosein
need.AnyoneseekingtheKingofPentacleswouldbeprotectedandshelteredandcomeawaystronger.

CatchaFallingStar

ChapterOne

Pamaar

Astarfellfromtheblacknessofspace,streakingthroughthenightinacacophonyofred,blueandyellow.

Whenthestarfalls,thequeenwillcomeandtheworldwillbereborn.

Thane,nakedatthewindow,grippedthesillwithasinewyhand.“Deon.”

Behindhimonthebed,adarkbulkofamanmadeasnortingnoiseanddrifteddeeperintosleep.

“Deon.”

AnotherloudsnortthenDeonsatstraightup,hislongblackbraidshangingacrossahardface,forehead
tattooedwithasinglepentacle.Hereachedfortheswordhekeptleaningnexttothebed,instantlyalert.

“What?What’swrong?”

“Afallingstar.”

“What?”

“Focus,myfriend,”Thanesaidimpatiently.“Afallingstar.”

Deonrumbledlikeanannoyedbear.“Whataboutit?”

“Theseer.Youremember?Alloftwodaysago?”

ThethreeinterlacedpentaclesonThane’sforeheadseemedtoburn.He’dcalledtheseerinanattemptto
reassurehispeoplethatthelandwasnotdying,thatheatthirtyyearsoldhadnotyetlosthisgriponthe
kingdom.

TheceremonyhadbackfiredwhentheseerconfirmedthatThane’spowershaddroppedalongwayfrom
whenhe’dfirstbecomekingattwenty.Hispowertohealhaddiminished,andwithit,thefertilityofthe
land.

Hisrivalsinthefalcon-swordclanhadbrightened.Whenthekingcouldnolongerfunctionasking,he
shouldallowhimselftobeslaininsinglecombatinorderforanewandstrongerkingtorise.Inthiscase,
theleaderofthefalcon-swordclan,Felin,wasnextinlinetoinheritthekingshipofPamaar.

Thane’smenofthelion-starclanhadmutteredamongthemselves,knowingtheirpowerwasdiminishing
slowlybutsurely.Thentheseerhadproclaimed,Whenthestarfalls,thequeenwillcomeandtheworld
willbereborn.

Andastarhadjustfallen.

DiditmeanthiswomanwouldhelpThaneregainhispowers?OrthathewoulddieandFelinwould

assumeruleofPamaar?

AllysonJames

Deonrubbedhisface,starlightgleamingontheliontattoothatencircledhisrightarm.“Iremember.
Anyway,thestarwatcherssayfallingstarsareburningpiecesofrockcaughtintheatmosphere.Whatever
thatmeans.Mymotheralwayssaiditwasthedeathofafairy,butyouknowshewascrazy.Shethought
treestalkedtoher.”

Thanecouldn’thelpasmile.“Doyoubelieveinanything,myfriend?”

“Justmysword.”

“Whichone?”

Deonsnortedwithlaughter.“You’refunnyforamanawakeinthemiddleofthenight.Amanwhojust
pulledmeoutofadreamaboutthreewomenandwhowilllikelybeskeweredforit.”

Deonwastheonlypersoninthekingdomwhocouldjokeinthisfashionwiththeking.Deonofthenight-
darkeyeswasThane’spersonalguardandhisloyaltywasunquestioned.They’dbeenfriendssince
childhoodandloverssinceadulthood,eventhoughThanehadbeenroyalandDeonthesonofaweapon
maker.

Theysharedeverythingnow—quartersinthepalace,meals,courtesans.Thoughts,dreamsandtroubles.

“Onethingiscertain,”Thanecontinued.“Felinwilltrytofindthatfallingstarandwhatitmeans.Geta
teamtogetherandgoinvestigate.Iwanttoknowwhereitcamedown,ifitdidcomedown.”

Deonregardedhiminsurprise.“Youknowseers,Thane.Theysaysomethingcryptictostirupeveryone
andpretendtheyknowwhatthey’retalkingabout.Heprobablymeantsomethingobscurewouldhappen
thatnoonewouldunderstandbuthim.”

“Felinwillgo.”

“Good.Lethimandhisfalcon-boysrunaroundinthemiddleofthenight.”

Thanerestedhisbarebacksideonthewindowsillandfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Humorme.”

Deonregardedhimamomentthenheavedasighandkickedthelastofthecoversfromhisbody.“Ohall-
fucking-right.”

“Evenifitmeansnothing,”ThanesaidashewatchedDeonpullleatherleggingsandatunicoverhis
body,“IhavetoactasthoughIamdoingsomethingaboutit.”

Deonpausedashelaceduphisshirt.“I’llnotletFelinkillyou.I’lldefendyoutomylastbreath.Imade
thatpledge,andImeantit.”

“Verypoetic.ButIdon’twanttohavetoseeyoudoit.”

Deongrinned.“Youwon’t.I’llgutthatbastardifhecomesnearyou.”Hestrappedhissheathedsword
aroundhiswaistthentuckedknivesonvariouspartsofhisperson.

“I’llgofindyourfallingstarforyou.”

“Thankyou.”

CatchaFallingStar

DeonpausedtostrokeThane’scockwiththepalmofhishandandslantabriefkissacrosshismouth.
“Don’twaitup.”

Hestrodeoutthedoor,callingforhisteamtogettheirassesingearandfollowhim.

*****

Please,goddess,letmelandonsomethingsoft.

ThecontrolsonLea’sscoutshiphadgonecompletely.Shehungontothesteeringshaftoftheone-man
craftandcursedhermechanic,herteamleader,heronboardcomputer,theassholewho’dshotherdown
andtheentireFour-One-SixQuadEmpire,whoweregearinguptostealhugechunksofherhomeworld’s
territory.

Herworld,officiallycalledsectoreighteen,coordinateszerozerosixsevenoneandfondlycalledThe
Rock,wouldneverbeabletoattacktheempire.Theycouldonlydefend,hencethescoutingmissionsto
findoutwhereandwhentheempire’sharvestershipsmightstrike.

Leahadcomefartooclosetoaharvester—hadtoinordertoskimdatafromtheircommunicationsstream
—thenoneofhershieldshadfailedandshe’dbeenseen.

Sonowherscoutshipplummetedstraightforthisunknownplanetthatwasn’tonanyofhercharts.It
showeduponnoneofthereadoutsscrollinghaphazardlypasthereyes—itwassimplyablobofblueand
greencomingupwaytoofast.

Heronlysatisfactionwasthatshe’dbeenabletocrippleoneoftheharvester’soutridersandtheyhadn’t
firedafinishingshottokillher.Notthattheyneededto.Hercontrolshadfriedandshe’dveeredstraight
intothegravitywellofthisplanet.

Hershipscreamedintotheatmosphere,thepressureoutsidethetitaniumshellincreasingeverysecond.
Thevesselrockedandbangedasthoughitcareenedthroughacanyonandprotectivewebbing
automaticallyshotfromtheircasingstowrapherbody.

Woulditdoanygood?She’dsoonfindout.

Theimpactseemedtohappeninslowmotion—crumplingmetal,blue-whitefire,shardsoftransparent

titaniumrainingoverher,theterriblescreechofshipagainstrock.

Thetinyshiprolledoverandoverindizzyingspinsandthenmercifully,Leablackedout.

Whensheswambacktoconsciousnessherfirstthoughtwas,I’mstillalive.

Hersecondwas,Ohshit,amIinpain.

Thethirdwas,Someoneispokingme.Withastick.

Sheopenedhereyesgroggily.Thesafetywebbingtwinedaroundherbodyhadsavedherlife,thoughher
insidesfeltlikesomeonehadshakeneverythingoutandputthembackinthewrongway.Herhelmetwas
alreadyoff—whenhadthathappened?—

andshebreathedfresh,clearairofunpollutedoutdoors.

AllysonJames

Theendofsomethinglongtentativelytappedherside.Graylightofearlymorningshowedherapole
madeofwood,shinedandpolishedtorichdarknessandcarvedwithstrange,intricatesymbols.

Thepolewasheldbyabruteofamanwithafalcontattooononebicepandaswordtattooontheother.
Hisfacewascoveredwithwhorlsofblueoverwhichdarkbrowneyespeeredatherincuriosity,not
fear.

Hepokedhergentlyagainasthoughwonderingifshewerealiveand,ifso,whatwouldshedo?

Whyshouldhebeafraid?shethought.I’mlayinghalf-consciousinawreckandhehasthelongstick.

“Isthatapoleinyourhandorareyoujusthappytoseeme?”shegrated.

Themansaidsomethingoverhisshoulder.Hisvoicewasclear,butthewordswerenonsensetoher.

Asecondmancametolookoverhisshoulder.Hewasevenbiggerthanthefirst,andhisstuddedleather
shirtbaredarmsthatwouldmakeaprize-winningbodybuilderenvious.Hehadthefalconemblem
tattooedonhisface,oneoneithercheek,andhisarmsboreswordtattoos,lotsofthem.Anearring,a
swirlofsilver,dangledfromhisrightlobe.

Thismandroppedtoonekneeandtouchedthewebbing.Hesaidsomethingshedidn’tunderstand,his
voicerisinginaquestioningtone.Atleastshethoughtitwasaquestioningtone—hemightbesayingbad
thingsabouthermotherandshe’dneverknow.

Cometothinkofit,whydidn’tsheknowhislanguage?Asascout,she’dtrainedinallthedialectsofthe
empire.Herdatabanksshouldhaveatleastgivenherasampleofthislanguage,butitsoundedlikepure
gibberish.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Idon’tunderstandyou—hey!”

Hegraspedthetopofherflightsuitandrippeditopentohernavel.Thebody-huggingsuit,madetokeep
outradiationandothernastythingsencounteredinspace,waswornoverbareskin.Thefalcon-man
lookedathernakedtorsoandsmiled,notanicesmile.Hesaidsomethingtopole-manbehindhim,and
pole-manlaughed.

“Rapeisagainstintergalacticlawinallways,shapesandforms,”sheremindedhiminahardvoice.

Theman’sresponsesoundedneutral,neithergloatingnorapologetic.Shehadthefeelingthathedidn’t
knowaboutintergalacticlawandprobablydidn’tcare.

WherethehellamI?

Falcon-mantouchedthewebbingagain,tryingtofigureouthowtoloosenit.Shedidn’thelphim.The
webbingwouldstayinplaceuntilitsensedthatshewasnotlikelytobebuffetedbytheshipanylonger.
Oruntilshewasdead.

CatchaFallingStar

Thereweretriggerpointswherearescuercouldremovethewebbinganddragherbodyout.Theman
didn’tseemtoknowwheretheywere—hetuggedatthewebandranhishandsoverituntilhefounda
triggerpointbyaccident.

Thewebbingstretchedoncethenreceded,disappearingintotheslotsfromwhenceitcame.Oralmost.
Theslotshadbrokenwiththeship,somostofthewebbinghunglimplikeamanexhaustedafterall-night
sex.

Sheexpectedthetwoprimitive-lookingmentoexpresssurpriseatthemechanism—maybegruntand
point?—butfalcon-manonlylookedsatisfiedandstartedtopullherfree.

Leahadcontingenciesforhostiles.Asthemanreachedtoliftheroutoftheruinedpilot’spod,she
reachedbehindher,fishedherpistolfromitsholsterandshothim.

Thepistolwasonitslowestsettingandshouldhavegivenhimamildshock,enoughtolethergetfree.
Shehadnointentionofleavingatrailofdeadbodiesasshefledbackhome—shewasn’tthatkindofgirl.
Andyouhadtobecarefulwhoyoukilledoryoumightaccidentallystartanintergalacticwar.

Butthepistoldidn’tdowhatsheintended.Falcon-mangruntedandfellallright,buthewasupagaininan
instant.

Thatshouldn’thavehappened.Shestaredatthepistol,buttheindicatorlightshoweditfullychargedand
hot.Theburstshouldhaveleftthemanmoaningquietlyforabouthalfanhour.

Sheflickedthesettingonehigherandshotagain.Thisburstcaughtfalcon-maninthesideandhewent
down,buthewasupandbacktoherbeforeshecouldcatchherbreath,hisheavyhandtwistingthepistol
fromhergrasp.

Shebracedherselfforhimtousetheweapononher,butheonlyheldthepistolinhispalmandlookedit

over.He’dclearlyneverseensuchaweaponbefore,buthecarefullykeptthemuzzlepointedawayfrom
himselfwhilehecheckedoutthelightsandbuttons.Hehandedthepistoltopole-man,whoalsogaveita
curiousonce-over.

Thenfalcon-mangotbackdownonhiskneesandsearchedLea’simmobilebody.

Hepulledoutheridentcard,herless-than-tastynutritionbars,hershortknifeinitsaluminumsheath,her
emergencyanti-radiationdoseandthebloodstoneshekeptonachainforluck.

Someluck.Shewasalive,butwhetherthatwasluckyornotremainedtobeseen.

Falcon-manpeeredatthebloodstone,thenanothersmilecreasedhismouthasheliftedthechainaround
hisneck.Leaburnedwithfurybuttherewasn’tmuchshecoulddo.

Firingthepistolhadtakenthelastofherstrength.Shecouldonlygaspinpainasthemanhauledheroutof
thecockpitandoverhisshoulderandcarriedheraway.

*****

AllysonJames

DeoncaughtupwithFelinandhismenbeforetheyhadtimetoleavethevalleywherethefireballhad
landed.DeonlethiswarriorsengageFelin’sfightersandspurredhisfire-draketofollowFelin,whowas
tryingtosneakawaywithwhateverhehadstrappedacrosshissaddle.

Felinhadtochoosebetweenfightingandholdingontohisburden.Deonflewhisdrakedirectlyathimand
knockedFelinoutofthesaddle.Hetastedsatisfactionwhenthemanfellaboutfifteenfeetandlanded
heavilyonhisback.

ThebundleFelinhadbeentryingtoprotectremainedfixedtothesaddleasFelin’sdraketoucheddown
nexttohismaster.DeonignoredthegroaningFelinandlandedneartheman’sdrake.

Deonhadaknackforanimals,everyoneinthekingdomsaid.Hemadeclickingnoisestothedrake,who
calmedandletDeonapproachhim.

Thebundleonthesaddleturnedouttobeabatteredfemaleinstrangegarb.Hergarmenthadbeentorn
open,givinghimaglimpseofsmooth,baretorsoandlovelybreastsashepulledherfromthesaddle.She
managedtostandonherfeet—just—butsheobviouslyneededhealingandhadnostrengthtofighthim.

Shehadnotattoosofanykind,atleastnonehecouldsee.Strange.Courtesanssometimeskepttheirtattoos
smallandhidden,butshedidnothavethesultrylookofacourtesan.Hereyeswereastrange,palejade
green,andsheglaredathiminun-sultryanger.

Felinmoved.Themanwasstillonhisback,butsomethinggleamedinhishandandahotboltsuddenlybit
intoDeon’sside.

Heyelpedandfelltooneknee.“Whatthefuck?”

Felingrinnedevilly.Heheldasmall,cylindricalobjectthelikeofwhichDeonhadneverseenandbegan
touchingblinkingjewel-likebuttonsonit.

ThewomanstaggeredforwardandkickedtheobjectfromFelin’shand.Asthethingskitteredacrossthe
rockyground,aboltstreakedfromitandslicedabouldercleaninhalf.Thetwosidesoftherockfell
apartandsmokedriftedlazilyintotheair.

Bothdrakesscreechedandflappedskyward,flyingawayhardandfastwhileFelinandDeonstaredatthe
rockinamazement.

“Shit!”Deonshoutedtohisdrake,“Comebackhere,youpox-rottedcoward!”

Thedrakespaidnoattention.DeonlookedbackintimetoseeFelincrawlingfortheweapon.Thewoman
hadcollapsedtothegroundafterthekickandlaymotionless.

DeonscrambledfortheweaponandreacheditasplitsecondbeforeFelindid.Hesnatcheditupandheld
itthewayhe’dseenFelindo,roundcylinderpointedatFelin.

Felinfellback,watchingDeonwarily.

“Whatthehellisthisthing?”Deondemanded.Ithadbuttonsdownitshandleandcoloredlights,thered
onethebrightest.

“Screwyourself,”Felinspat.

CatchaFallingStar

“Youdidn’tknowitcouldbreaktheboulderanymorethanIdid.Theonlyoneofusnotsurprisedwas
her.”Heglancedatthewomanontheground.

Howbadlyshewashurthecouldn’ttell,andshemightbelessincapacitatedthansheleton.Herclothes
hadfallenopenagain,revealinglush,roundbreastshishandsitchedtoexplore.

“Didyoutrytohaveher?”DeonaskedFelin,thengrinned.“Letmeguess,shesaidno.”

“Yourushedoutheretofetchherlikeadogforhismaster,”Felincountered.

“Woof,woof.Gooddog.”

“Yourinsultsgrowmorefeebleeverytimewemeet,myfriend.”

“What’syourrewardwhenyoureturnwiththebone?Iknow,yougettosampletheroyalcock.Youenjoy
havingakinginyourmouth?Orbetter,inyourass?”

“Hmm,notasgoodasthedogthing.”

“Biteme,king’sman,”Felinsnarled.

“Don’tyouwish.”

“He’sdying,Deon.”Felin’stoneturnedserious.“He’sfadingandhe’stakingtherestofuswithhim.
You’dlettheentireworldgrowweakandunguardedbecauseyoulikehisprobingtongue?Putyoursword
throughhimbeforeit’stoolate.”

Deon’sangerboiled,partlybecauseheknewFelinwasright.Thane’sstrengthandhisprotectionofthe
worldwerefading.Themanhe’dlovedfromboyhoodhadlostsomuchpowerand,strongasDeonwas,
hecouldn’tstopit.

TherewereplentyoflegendsoffadingkingswhoendedtheirlivesintheChallengesothattheleaderof
thesucceedingclancouldstrengthentheWardsaroundthekingdomagain.Butthosesacrificingkingshad
mostlybeenveryoldmen.Thanewasyoung—barelyaquarterofhislifehadpassed.

Thaneknewhedidn’thavemuchchoice.He’dalreadytoldDeonthatifhecouldn’tgooutinablazeof
gloryintheChallenge,Deonwouldhavetoperformthetaskofendinghislife.

Hellofathingtoaskyourbestfriend,Deonhadgrowled.

Thanehadturnedtohim,hiseyesdarkerthanmidnight.You’retheonlyoneI’dtrusttodoitfastand
sure.

DeongrowlednowatFelin,“Youreallywantmetowasteyou,don’tyou?”

“Youknowit’strue.TheWardsarealreadyweak.Shecamefromtheskyinametalobject,likefromthe
oldlegendsbeforethefirstWarding.Sheshouldnothavebeenableto.”

Deonhidhisworrybyscowling.“Youtalktoomuch.”

“You’renotstupid,muchasyoupretendtobe.Joinmeandhisendingwillbequickandpainless,I
promise.”

AllysonJames

DeondrewhisswordandsmashedthehiltagainstFelin’sheadand,withagrunt,Felinfellback,
unconscious.

“Thoughthe’dnevershutup,”Deonmuttered.

HesearchedFelin’sinertbody,pullingoutmetallicobjectsasforeign-lookingastheweapon.Heturned
tothewoman.“Whatarethese?”

Shestaredbackathimuncomprehendingly.Hetriedthedialectsofotherclansbutgaveupwhenshe
clearlydidn’tunderstand.

Deon’sdrakelandedbehindhim,sendingupapuffofdirtandgrass.Thewomantriedtoscrambleaway,
staringinabjectterrorasthedrakelumberedtoDeonandloweredhispointedsnouttoDeon’sshoulder.

“What’sthematter?”Deonaskedthewoman.“He’sharmless.Arealsweetie.”

Atthatmoment,thedrakeswunghisfaceagainstDeon’sbody,sendinghimstaggeringsideways.Deon
snarledandsmackedthedrakewithhisfist.

Thewoman’seyessoftenedforaninstant,asthoughshewereholdinginlaughter.

“Nomakingfunofme,”Deonsaid,gentlinghisvoice.“Ijustrescuedyou.”

Heleaneddownandhauledthewomanoverhisshoulder.Beforehecouldstopher,shedartedoneslim
handattheweapon,butshedidn’ttrytograbit.Shejabbedatabuttonandtheredlightturnedgreen.
Oncethathappened,sheslumpedagainsthiminrelief.

“Ireallyneedtofigureoutwhatthisdoes,”hesaid.“Comeon,let’sgohome.”

Helaidheracrossthesaddleofhisgrowlingdrake,sprangaboardbehindherandlaunchedthedrake
acrosstheplainstowardthemountains.

CatchaFallingStar

ChapterTwo

TheTouchofaKing

They’dboundherhands.

Lealayonasofainahugeroomfurnishedwithgoldtablesandchairs,herhandstiedinfrontofherwith
apieceofleather.Nexttothesofa,floor-to-ceilingwindowsopenedtoamountainsceneofincredible
beautyandsoft,sweetairwaftedtoher.

Acrosstheroom,awhite-blond,godlikemanpickedoverLea’streasures.Theblack-hairedmanwho’d
rescuedherstoodwithhim,gesticulatingashespoke.

Theblack-hairedmanhadbluebeadsbraidedintohishairandatattooofalionhugginghisbareright
arm.Hisforeheadboreafive-pointedstarwiththefifthpointstraightup.Apentacle,shethoughtitwas
called.

Thewhite-blondmanhadredbeadsinhishairandwasnakedexceptforapieceofleatherslungacross
hishipstocoverhispertinentparts.Hishairhungtohisbackside,butshecouldseewhenhemovedthata
liontattoocoveredhisentireback.Hehadthreepentaclesonhisforehead,eachoverlappingtheother.

Everymanandwomanshe’dseenastheblack-hairedmancarriedherthroughthispalacehadthepentacle
tattoosomewhereontheirbodies,plussomeformoflionsymbol.Shewastheonlyoneshe’dseenonthis
planetsofarwithoutatattoo.

Shemusthavebeenthrownseverelyoffcoursewhentheharvester’sfightersshotherdown,because
she’dswornthattheplanetshe’dfallentodidn’texist.She’dseennorecordofitinanydatabaseorany
starchart,andnowaywouldtheFour-One-SixEmpirepassupthechancetoharvestalow-techplanet
likethisone.

Yettheyremaineduntouchedandunknown.How?

Herbondswerenottightenoughtohurt,butshecouldn’tworkherselffree.BlackBraidshadatleastbeen
courteousenoughtopullhertornflightsuitoverherbarebreasts,thoughhisgrinindicatedhethoughtita
shametohidethem.Shewasn’tcertainthattheshiverofwarmthshe’dfelthadbeenentirelysane.

Thetwomenwereonlycuriousaboutherfornowandshehopeditstayedthatway.Shewouldnotbe
abletofightifshehadto,asbangedupasshewas.Sheprobablyhadsufferedallkindsofinternal
bleedingandwouldbedeadbeforethenightwasthrough,inanycase.

Cheerfulthought.Shewasstillinshock,stillalittlenumb.Fromwhatshe’dseenthisplacewasboth
primitiveandelegant,andshedoubtedthesepeoplehadhospitals.

Thehighesttechshe’dseensofarwasablockandtacklewithcarvedwoodengearsamanusedtopile
logsontoatwo-wheeledoxencart.

AllysonJames

Thetwomenlookedoverwhatherrescuerhadbroughtbackwithhim—hercomputerizedidentcard,her
food,heranti-radiationdose,herpistol.BlackBraidshadn’tbotheredwiththebloodstonethefalcon-man
hadtaken,whichmadeherthinkbloodstoneswerecommonhere—hehadn’trealizeditwashers.

Thewhite-blondmanraisedhisheadandsaidsomethingtoher.Shewishedshecouldunderstandhim,
becausehisvoicewasrichandfull,caressingandsoothing.

BlackBraidsmadeacommentandlaughedandthegodlikemansmiledathim.

Andwhatasmile.Ittoldherhecarriedasadnessinsidehimthathestrovetohide,thathewasfondofthe
mannexttohimandforgivingofhisjokesandthathewasinterestedinLeabutnotinabadway.Atleast
notyet.

Thegodlikemanspoketoherslowlyandcarefully.Sheshookherhead.Thetwomenexchangedaglance
asthoughtheyweresurprisedandhadnoideawhattotrynext.

Lealetherheadfallbackonthesofa.Shewasfartootiredtotrytocommunicate.

Notechnology,likelynomedsandnomachinestoknitherinsidesbacktogetheragain.

Thewhite-blondmanlaiddownheridentcardandrubbedhisfingersagainsthishipasthoughheneeded
tocleanthetechnologyfromhisskin.Heapproachedher,hismovementsslowandcareful,likehewould
ananimalhedidn’twanttostartle.

Whenhewentdownononekneenexttoher,theimpactofhisphysiquehitherlikeastunbolt.Hisbare
thighsstretchedtight,thickwithmuscleandcoveredwithsinuousliontattoos.Thankgoddessthe
loinclothhungoverhisprivatesorshemighthavestareduntilhereyespoppedout.

Thethongthatheldtheleatherinplacedippedtorevealcoarsegoldenhairthatstartedathispelvis.More
curlsdustedhischest,coveringalineofinterlockedpentacletattoosthatleddownhisabdomen.

Acrosshisthroatheworeasilverpentacleonaleatherthong.Thesilverlookedpureandcostly,
incongruoushangingfromthesimpleleather.Hisskinwassun-touchedallover—nobathingsuitsforthis
man.

Hisfacewassquareandhandsomebutnotbeautiful.He’dseentoomuchhardshipandtoomuchtrouble
forsoftness.Thismanwasafighter.Hiseyesweredark,likepoolsofblackness,hisgazeholdingher
tighterthanbonds.

She’dnoticedthatnoneofthesepeoplehadcoloredeyes—theywereallthedarkestbrownorblack—and
hestudiedhergreeneyesasthoughtheyweresomethingexoticandstrange.

Hisgazedrewherin,madeherwanttocuphischeek,tokeephimlookingatheraslongasshecould.His
eyesheldthewisdomofanoldman,buthewasyoung,probablyaboutthirtyyearsasLea’speople
reckonedage.

Hespoketoherslowlyandsoftly,butshestillhadnoideawhathesaid.Wasit,I’mgoingtotouchyou

now,don’tbeafraid?Or,whoareyouandhowdoyouwanttodie?

CatchaFallingStar

Hebenthishead,pressinghishandstogether.Hismasculinescentwasheady,hishairsmelledofaloeand
theendsofhisbraidsbrushedherleg,aneroticfeelingthoughherskintightsuit.

Thewhite-blondmanraisedhisheadandplacedhispalmsgentlyoverherchest.

Foramomentshesimplyenjoyedthewarmthofhistouch,thenshebegantofeelverystrange.

Hiseyeswidenedlikewindowsontothenightandherbodyrosetomeethiswithouthersay-so.She
restedherboundhandsonhisstrongshouldersandraisedherfacetohim.

Heturnedhisheadsothathislipswouldjustbrushhers.Shehadnoideawhyshesuddenlywantedto
kisshim,amanwholethisfriendtieherupwhilehebusilywentthroughherpossessions.

Shefeltstrengthhummingthroughhishandsandintoherbody.Herbodyresponded,herheartbeat
speeding,herbloodpulsing,hertemperaturerisingandherquimfillingwithwarmth.

I’mgoingtohaveanorgasm,sherealized.I’mbeatup,capturedandtiedwithmyclothesrippedopen,
andIwanttohaveanorgasm.

Hekissedheragain,anotherslowbrushoflips.Herbodywoundhigher,reachingtowardclimax,herhips
liftingassheimaginedhishardandhugecockrubbingherquim.Orperhapsinhermouth,herlips
stretchingaroundthetip.

Suddenlysherealizedhewashealingher.

Shegasped.Painandexhaustionflowedfromherlikeriversinthespring,looseningherlimbsand
relaxingtheterrifiedtightnessinsideher.Shewantedtostretchandsmile,nolongerahurtanimalcurling
intoaball.

Andshewantedtohavesexwithhim.Sheglanceddownatherself,grimyandbloody,herflightsuittorn.
Great.Hewasdelectableandshelookedlikeastreeturchin.

Shesatback,embarrassed,andhesmoothedherhairfromherfacewithagentlehand.

“Thankyou,”shewhispered.

Hissmilefadedandhisfacetookonasuddenlookofpain,thetattoosonhisbrowcreasingwithhis
frown.

“Areyouallright?”

Heheldhisarmacrosshisabdomenandbenthishead,eyesclosing.

Leasatup,swingingherlegsdown.“Don’ttellmeyoutookmypainawaybutnowyou’refeelingit.”

She’dheardofempathicandtelepathichealerswhocouldtransferaninjurytotheirownbodies,though
she’dneverseenone.Themanpressedhishandtohisface,asthoughhefeltprettycrappy.

AllysonJames

BlackBraidsstrodeacrosstheroom,hisscowlfearsome.Hegrowledsomethingatthewhite-blondman,
obviouslyangry.White-Blondlookedupandanswered,hisdeepvoiceweakandrasping,andBlack
BraidstransferredhisglaretoLea.

Shegavehimahelplesslook.BlackBraidsstompedbackacrosstheroom,rattledinanornatecupboard
thatstoodnearthewindowsandreturnedwithagobletofblood-redliquid.

White-Blondraisedhisheadashisfriendshovedthegobletintohishandandheobedientlydownedthe
contents.

BlackBraidssnatchedawaytheglass.White-Blondsaidsomethingadmonishingandreturnedhis
attentiontoLea.Helaidonehandonherbrow,closedhiseyesandbegantospeakinshort,insistent
phrasesthatchurnedinherbrain.

Atfirstitsoundedlikethesamenonsensewords,thengraduallyeverythingcleared,likestaticliftingto
letamessagethrough.

“…understand?Iwantyoutounderstandme.Doyouunderstand?”

“Yes,”shegasped.“Ido.Howdidyou…?”

BlackBraidspuffedasighofrelief.“Finally.Hergibberishwasgettingannoying.”

“Yourwordssoundedlikegibberishtome,”Leapointedout.

White-Blondagainheldhergaze.“Heisangryatmeforexpendingmyenergy.Butitwasnecessary.You
weresorelyhurt.”

“Aftercrashing?Nobigsurprise.”

“Anotherhealer—”BlackBraidsbeganwithascowl.

“Mightnothavebeenstrongenough,”White-Blondinterrupted.“Shewasdying.”

“Andyouhealedme,”Leasaid.“Iguessit’snouseaskinghowyoudidthat.”

BlackBraidslookedsurprised.“He’stheking.”

HergazeshottoWhite-Blond.“King?”

“AllkingsofPamaarhavethepowertoheal,”White-Blondansweredinhisliquid-darkvoice.“Weheal
thesickestandthemostdesperateandkeepthelandwhole.”

BlackBraidsstartedtosaysomethingelse,butWhite-Blondstoppedhim.“Itisdone.ThisisDeon,my
chiefofarms,myprotector.”Hisvoiceandglanceadded,myfriend.BytheworriedannoyanceinDeon’s
eyes,Leasuspectedtheirfriendshipwasoftheundyingloyaltykind.

“IamThane,leaderofthelion-starclanandkingofPamaar.Youcamehereinafallingstar.”

“Afallingspaceship,”shecorrectedhim.“Iwasshotdown.Goodthingyourplanetturnedouttobesoft.”

Deonfrowned.“Planet?”

“Yourworld.”Shetappedthefloorwithherfoot.“Pamaar,youcalledit.”

AfterThaneandDeonexchangedawhatisshetalkingabout?look,Thaneaskedher,

“Doyouhaveaname?”

CatchaFallingStar

“LeaAuberge,flightlieutenant,secondclass.”

“I’veneverheardofaclanwithalong,unpronounceablenamelikethat,”Deonsaid.

“JustcallmeLea—unlessyouplantoimprisonandexecuteme.Thenpleaseusemyfullname.”

Thanestudiedhercuriously.“Executingyouwasnotmyintention.Iwanttofindoutaboutyouandwhat
yourpresenceheremeans.”

Deonleanedoverher,hisleather-cladbodymenacing.“Whatwewanttoknowisifyou’vecomehereto
murderThane.”

“Ididn’tknowanythingaboutThane.Orthisplanet,untilIstartedhurtlingtowardit.Ididn’tknowiteven
existed.Oryou.”ShelookedatThane.“ButI’mgladyouexist.”

Heraisedabrow,probablywonderingwhethertobehappyaboutthatornot.

“ItwaspureluckIlandedhere.”Leathoughtregretfullyofherluckybloodstonestolenbythefalcon-man.
Maybeithadhelpedher.“Whowasthemanwhofoundme?

Withtheswordtattoos?”

“Felin,leaderofthefalcon-swordclan.”Deon’svoiceheldanger.“Thane’srivalandsuretobesticking
hisuglynoseinsoon.”

“Hestolemybloodstone.”

Thanegaveherastillinglook.“Youworeabloodstone?”

“Yes.Mygoodluckcharm.Why?”

“Bloodstonesaresacred,”Thanesaid.“IfFelinhasone…”

“Justwhatweneed,aholycrusade,”Deongrowled.“Thenagain,ifhecan’tprovehegotitfroma
priestess,Icankillhim.Whatanicethought.”

“Calmdown.Hemightjustputitunderhispillowforgooddreams.Whydoyousayitwasluckthat
broughtyouhere?”ThaneaskedLea.

“BecauseIcouldeasilyhavedriftedarounduntilmyoxygenranout.Iwastoofarawayforarescueparty
andtheyknewit,thebastards.Thisplanetcaughtmyshipinitsgravity,myshipwasbuiltwellenoughto
keepmealive,Iwascapturedbysomeonewhocandopsychichealing—you.Whethermyluckcontinues
remainstobeseen.”

“DidFelinhurtyou?”Thane’svoicewentflatashelookedoverhertornflightsuit.

“Tellmeifhedid.”

“Please.”Deonsmiledanot-nicesmile.“Givemeanexcuse.”

Leashookherhead.“Hedidn’tpawme,buthedidn’texactlylookawayeither.”

“Icouldbeatonhimalittle,”Deonoffered.

“Hewillsoonregrethisactions.”Thane’swordsweremildbuthiseyesheldsteel.

“Fornow,Iwantyoutoconsideryourselfourhonoredguest,”Thanecontinued.“Iwillprovidewhatever
youwish—Iimagineyou’dlikeabathandarest.”

“I’dlovethat.”Sheraisedherboundhands.“Honoredguest?”

AllysonJames

ThanenoddedatDeon.Deonbentoverher,brushingherwiththescentofleatherandmale,thenloosened
thebondsandliftedthemaway.

“You’regoodatthat,”sheremarked.“Tyingpeopleup,Imean.”

ThewickedgrinDeonflashedhermadeherwishshe’dphraseditadifferentway.

Sheknewpeopleonherplanetwhoenjoyedtyping-upgamesupwiththeirmates,butneverhadsheseen
anyonesmilelikethataboutit.Hissmilesaid,letmeknowwhenyouwantmetodoitagain.

Thanebrokein.“Anythingyouwant,youhaveonlytoaskmeoroneofmyservants—ameal,wine,sex.”

Shejumped.“Sex?”

Thanelookedpuzzled.“Youdounderstandtheword?”

“Yes.Imeant—well,whereIcomefrompeopledon’tautomaticallyofferittoaguest.”

Deongrunted.“Notveryhospitableofthem.”

“Acourtesanwillbeavailabletopleasureyou,”Thaneexplainedinhisdeepvoice.

“Ortwoifyoulike.Doyoupreferamanorawoman?”

“Bothisalwaysgood,”Deonadded.

“Courtesan.Oh.Ithoughtyoumeantyouwereoffering…”

Thanelookedsurprised.“Iwouldbehappytoobligeifyoulike.”

“Thane,”Deonsaidinawarningtone.

“Deoniscautious,andwisetobe.”Thaneclaspedherfingersloosely.“Ineedtolearnmoreaboutyou
andwhyyouweresenttome.”

“Yeah,I’dliketoknowthattoo.”

Oratleastwhytheythoughtso.Andwhatshe’dhavetodotogetbacktothewreckageofhershipandsee
whetherFelinandhismenhadleftanythingofit.

Hiddeninacompartmentabovethepilot’schairwasatinycommunicationsdevicethatwouldtight-beam
adistresssignaltoherpeoplewhichwouldthenhomeinonasub-dermalimplantbehindherear.No
scoutsentthenormal,generaldistresssignalswhenintroublebecausethosewouldonlybringtheFour-
One-Sixboyshardafterthem.

Thetightbeamwastobeusedonlywhenshehadadefinitelocationwhereshewasstranded—orto
locateherdeadbody.Shehadn’thadtimeorstrengthtogettothedevicebeforeFelinhaddraggedher
away.

ShouldshetrustThaneandDeonwiththisinformation?Shewasn’tcertain.Well,shewasascoutanda
goodone,whichmeantshewasexpertenoughtowatchandlearnwhilepretendingnotto.

Thaneliftedherfingerstohislips.“Afterwetalk,wemighthavesex.Iwouldenjoyit.”

Iwouldtoo—ohgods,Iwould.

CatchaFallingStar

Evenifthismanandhissidekickdecidedtolockherupforgood,shewouldlovehavingsexwithThane.

Justtouchinghisbodywouldbeanorgasmicexperience—hewouldn’tevenhavetodoanything.

Well,maybehecoulddosomething…

“Ifthere’sanysex,countmein,”DeonsaidtoThane.“I’msupposedtobeprotectingyouanyway.”

Leagulped,rememberinghissinfulsmile.Doeshemeanoneatatimeorbothtogether?

DeonreacheddownandslidhisfingersacrossThane’sshoulder.Histouchwaslight,acaress.

Andnowwe’regoingwhereI’venevergonebefore.Sometreacherouspartofheradded,Andwouldn’tit
befun?

ThaneusedDeon’sarmtopullhimselfup.“Myservantswillseetoyourneedsfornow,”hesaid.

Itwasadismissal.Thanehelpedhertoherfeet,hisarmrock-hard,hisearlierweaknessgone.Atthe
sametime,fourpeopleinsimplegarb,nolesstattooedthanDeonandThane,enteredandstoodwaitingat
thedoor.

OfcourseThanecouldaffordtobepoliteandnice,shethought.Heheldallthecards.Hehadher,her
shipwasawreckandhehadconfiscatedherweaponsandheridentification.

Leadidn’thaveevenaprimitivemaptoshowherwhereshewasonthisplanet,nowaytocommunicate
withherpeopleandnowaytotravel.ThosedragonthingsDeonrodesofearlesslylookedscaryashell.
Theirteethwereaslongasherarmandnowaywassheapproachingoneonherown.

No,shewasstuckinthisbeautifulpalacewithtwotall,gorgeousmenwhoofferedtohavesexwithheras
casuallyasthey’dofferheraglassofwine.

Maybeshewasstillinhership,unconsciousanddreamingallthis.

Inthatcase,I’llsitbackandenjoyit.

Butsheknewthiswasreal,everyminuteofit,andsheneededtofigureoutwhereshewasandwhatwas
goingonandwhatthesetwomenwanted—besidessex.

Asthepoliteservantsledherout,Thaneglancedupfromthetable.“Sleepwell,”hesaidinhisgorgeous
voice.

“Surething,”shesaid,herbodywarming.Shehadafeelingsheknewwhatshewasgoingtodreamabout.

AllysonJames

ChapterThree

Customs

ThaneheardDeonapproachashestudiedthewoman’soddweaponatthetable.

Hesensedhisfriend’sagitationwithoutlookingup,andcaughtthescentofleatherandDeon’sspice.

“Becarefulwiththat,”Deonsaid.“Slicedthatboulderrightinhalf.Scaredtheshitoutofme.”

“ItscaredFelintoo,yousaid.”

“Yeah,heobviouslydidn’tknowwhatitcoulddo.DamngoodthingIgotitawayfromhim.”

Thanecarefullylaidthemetallicweaponnexttotheotheraccoutrements.Theknifeheunderstood,
althoughitsseamlessandplainmanufacturingpuzzledhim.AllweaponsonPamaarweredecoratedand
consideredanartform.Noartisanwouldcraftaknifewithouthisspecificpatternsemblazonedonthehilt
orblade.

Thesquare,shinyboxhedidn’tunderstandandtherewasnowaytoopenit.Thesamewiththeslender
metallictube.

Thentherewastheflatterboxmadeofasimilarshinysubstancethatcouldbepushedatoneend.Fromthe
otherendprotrudedaglobthatlookedorangeandslightlydisgusting,thoughhecouldseegrainsfloating
init.

Hesniffedit.“Thisisfood,Ithink.”

“Poisonmaybe.”

“She’seatensome.”Onecornerhadbeendistinctlynibbled.

“Maybeshehastheantidote.”

Thanesnortedalaugh.“Myever-suspiciousbodyguard.I’mnotgoingtoeatit—

I’mcurious,that’sall.”

“Ididn’tseeanytattoosonher.”Deonslunghishipagainstthetableanddangledhisbootedleg.“Haven’t
checkedherentirebody,ofcourse.”

“She’llundresstobathe.I’llhavetheservantstellme.Orthecourtesans.Isentheroneofeachincase
shechangeshermindandwantsreleaserightaway.”

“Howcanshehavenotattoos?Unlessshehadthemremoved,andwhowoulddothat?”

“ShespokenolanguagefamiliartomeandIknoweverylanguageofPamaar,”

Thanemused,thenhelookedDeonintheeye.“Webothknowwhatwedon’twanttosay,thatshe’sfrom

beyondtheWarding.”

Deonlookedstricken.“That’simpossible.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Yousaidyousawthewreckageofthefireballthatbroughtherhere—whatdidshecallit?Aspaceship.
”

“I’veneverheardofanythinglikethat.”

“NeitherhaveI.WehavetofacethatshecameinthroughtheWarding.Andwhat’smore,Felinwillfigure
itoutaswell.”

ThanetracedDeon’sswallowdownhisbrownthroat.Deonwasafighter,awarrior.Helikedtosolve
problemswithhisswordanddrinkwineandlaughaboutitafterwards.Hedidn’tlikecomplexproblems
likeThane’swaningpowersandweakeningWards.

“Youknowthelegends,”Thanesaid.“WhentheWardingisgone,wewillbedevastated.Therewillbe
nothingtostoptheouterdarkness.”HeregardedtheobjectsLeahadbrought,smallsymbolsofcoming
destruction.

“Itisn’tyourfault,”Deonsaidwithheat.“Aking’spowershouldn’twaneevenwhenheisoldunless
there’ssomethingverywrongwithhim.Andthere’snothingwrongwithyou.You’revirileashell,Ican
attest.”

“Wedon’tknowthatitisn’tmyfault.ImighthavedonesomethingtoweakentheWardingandpossiblyam
makingitworsebystayingon.”

“Don’tyoudarestartaskingmetokillyouagain.I’mnotdoingit.”

ThanefeltDeon’sfearandworryrollingoffhim.DeonwasloyalandwoulddieforThanebuthated
decisionsthatweren’tblackandwhite.

“Comehere.”HetuggedDeoncloserbyhistunicandDeonslidhishandtoThane’swaist.

“Ineverwouldhavesurvivedthislongwithoutyoubesideme,”Thanesaid,hisfaceaninchfromDeon’s.

“Orinfrontofyou,orbehindyou.”

“Iwasn’tforgetting.”

Theirlipsgentlymet.DeonsnakedhistongueintoThane’smouth,tastingofsharpspice.Hethreadedhis
fingersbehindThane’slonghair,holdingthenapeofhisneckastheykissed.

ThanelethisfingerstraveltothelargebulgebetweenDeon’sthighs.Deonmovedhisfeetapart,letting
Thanestroke.Thane’sowncockwasalreadyashard,reactingtofeelinghisfriendreadyandrandy.

“Youlikethatgirl,don’tyou?”Deonasked.“Iheardthegleeinyourvoicewhenshesaidshewantedto
havesexwithyou.”

“DidIsoundthateager?”

“Yousoundedthathorny.She’ssweet,Iagree.Nomatterwhatherpartisinallthis,Isaywetakeherto
bed.Iwon’tbeabletowatchoveryouifIdon’tjoinin.”

“Right.Yourprotectiveinstinct.”

“Youbetcha.”

AllysonJames

“Whenthestarfalls,thequeenwillcomeandtheworldwillbereborn.We’vehadthefallingstaranda
woman.Nowtoseewhattheseermeantbytheworldbeingreborn.”

“Maybewedon’twanttoknow,”Deonsaid.

“Maybenot.Butforrightnow…”HelickedDeon’scheek.

DeonslidhishandtoThane’sass,looseningthethongthatheldtheloinclothinplace.“Don’tyouhavea
kingdomtorun?”

“Itcanwaittwentyminutes.”

Deongavehimastareofmockoutrage.“Twentyminutes?Whatdoyoutakemefor?”

“Mymostloyalfriend.”

“Yougotthatright.”HetossedThane’sloinclothasideandpressedhiswarmhandunderThane’sballs.
“Whatdoyouwantfirst?”

ThanegrewharderasDeon’ssleekblackhairbrushedhischest.“Yourmouth.Iwantyourmouthonme.”

DeongrinnedanddrewhistongueacrossThane’slowerlip.“Hangontosomething.”

ThanegrippedtheedgeofthetablewithonehandasDeonsanktohisknees,leatherbrushingThane’s
heatedskin.Thanemadeanoiseofsatisfactionashisfriendclosedhismouthoverhisveryreadycock.

Deonhadagiftedtongueandheplieditwell.HerubbedtheundersideofThane’speniswithitallthe
waytohisballs,findingeveryspotoffieryecstasy.Thane’sfingersbitthetableuntilhethoughtthey’d
indentthewood.

ThenDeonsucked.ThanelookeddowntoseeDeon’seyesclosed,hiscockdisappearingbeyondhis
lover’slips,thestiffshaftpressingtheinsideofDeon’scheek.

DeongruntedalittlewithconcentrationandThane’sballsliftedandtightened.

“Damn,yousuckgood,”hewhispered.

Deonlookedupandsmiledaroundthehugecockinhismouth.

ThaneclenchedhisfistsandsuddenlyhisseedshotoutofhimandontoDeon’swaitingtongue.

Fuckit,he’dwantedtospinitout,haveDeonsuckhimforalongtimebeforeThanecouldn’tstandit
anymoreanddemandedhisass.ButThanewaspentupfrommeetingLeaandfromtheconnectionhe’d
madewhenhehealedher.She’dalmostclimaxedwithitandhe’dwantedsobadtoscrewherrightthen
whileDeonwatched.Onlycautionhadkepthimawayfromher,forcinghimtoofferhercourtesans
instead.

Deon’sthroatmovedasheswallowedThanedown,hislipswetwithThane’ssemen.

“Fuckingdamn,”herumbled,easingawayandwipinghismouth.“Youneededthat.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Howdidyouknow?”Thane’sbodywasstillhot,hisadrenalinepumping.Thereleasehadn’teasedhis
need—ithadonlymadehimhotter.

HepulledDeontohisfeetandlacedhistongueintotheotherman’smouth,slidinghishandstohis
leather-cladass.HelovedhowDeontastedwithhimselfandDeonallmixedup,evidenceoftheir
sacred-bond.

“There’snooneherebutus,”Thanesaid.

HeknewDeonwouldunderstandwhathemeant.Hisfriend’seyesdarkened.

“No.”

Theyhadthisargumentallthetime.“Ineedit.Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerI’mgoingtobealive—give
methatatleast.”

“No.”DeonputhishandonThane’schestbutdidn’tpushhimaway.“Ican’tandyouknowit.Don’task
me.”

“Icanorderyouto,asyourking.”

“Youcanordermetojumpoffthehighesttower,too,andI’lldothatbeforeI’llletyoubreakthelawsof
Pamaar.Stupidlaws,butnonetheless.”

“Iknowit’sbadwhenyouuseawordlikenonetheless.”

“Hey,Icanreadadictionarytoo.”

“Youneedtorelease,”Thanesaid.Thatwasobvious—thelacingsofDeon’sleggingsbowedoutward
withthepressureofhiswanting.

“That’sallright.Icancallacourtesan.Balinisaroundsomewhere.”

Thanesteppedawaytocatchhisbreath,tryingnottoargueanymore.Deonwasright—theyhadtofollow
therules,asmuchasitkilledthem,nowmorethanever.

“Comehere,”hesaidquietly.“Icantouchyouatleast.”

Deontuggedthebellpullanywayandspokeinasoftvoicetotheservantwhocrackedopenthedoor.Then
DeoncametoThaneandletThaneunlacehisleggingsandreleasehiscock.

Deonwashardandheavy,warmgoodnessinThane’shand.HekissedDeon,mostlytokeephimfrom
startingtheargumentagain,whilehestrokedDeon’shot,swollenshaft.Thanelovedthefeelofit,fatand
long,thetipsatin-soft.Itwouldfeelsogoodfillinghisass,ifonly…

BalinenteredandThanesteppedaway.Balinwasacourtesan,withsleekbrownhairandinterlaced
tattoosrunningalongtheinsidesofhisarms.HetookinDeonstanding,scowlingandhard,andThane,
whosanktothenearestdivan,spreadinghislegstocooloff.Balin’slookturnedquestioningandThane
gavehimasilentnod.

Balinstrippedoff,revealingatall,hardbody,andThanegottowatchwhileDeonworkedhimup,
slatheringhimwithlube.ThenBalingotdownonallfoursonthecarpetedfloorwithDeonhardand
readybehindhim.

“Thane,”Deongroanedasheslidinside.

AllysonJames

BalinturnedhisheadandlookedoveratThanewithanexpressionofunderstanding.Deonthrewhishead
backandpumpedhardintoBalin’sass.“Thane,”

hemoanedagain.“Damnation,Iloveyou…”

*****

Thebathwasathingofluxury,agold-platedtubsevenfeetlongandfourfeetdeep,filledtothebrimwith
steamingwater.OneofthefemaleservantsremainedwithLeatohelpstripawayherflightsuitandease
herin.

AsLeasatbackinthewelcomingwater,thewomanlookedovertheflightsuitincuriosity,examiningthe
fire-retardant,radiation-blockingmaterialandrunningherhandsalongthenearlyinvisibleseams.

“It’sstronglikesilkbutfeelslikelinen,”themaidsaid.“Isitflax?”

“No,it’s…Well,I’mnotsurehowtoexplain,Ijustknowitprotectsmefromfireandtoomuch

battering.”

“Whatclangrowsthecroptomakeit?Orisitfromananimal,likeagoat?”

“It’sartificial,”Leasaid,closinghereyesasthebathwater’sheatbitintohermuscles.“Madeina
factory.Iuseitbutdon’treallyknowmuchabouthowit’smade.”

“Artificial,”themaidrepeated.“Idonotknowthisword.”

“Artificialmeansnotreal.Oratleastmanufactured,notnatural.”

“Notreal?”Themaidturnedsurprisedeyestotheflightsuit.“ButIamholdingit,soitisreal.Howcana
thingbenotnatural?”

“Nowwe’redelvingintophilosophy.MaybeI’dbettersticktogettingclean.”

“Ofcourse.”Themaidfoldedthetornflightsuitandputitonachair.“Italktoomuch,butIamacurious
lady.Iwillscrubyourback.”

Leahadneverhadanyonescrubherbackexcepttheoccasionalcutemanshetookshoreleavewith,but
themaidbroughtoutahugespongeandaloofahasbigasLea’sheadandstartedtorubLeadown.Aftera
momentofresistance,Leagaveintothepleasureofhavingthedirtandsweatrubbedfromherskin.

Shewasevenhappiertobedriedoffwithbigtowelsanddressedinasoftsilkrobethatclungtoherskin.
Themaidledhertoabedroomwithahugebedstrewnwithcushions.Lea,usedtoherbunkbackatthe
barracksorsleepinginacrampedship,founditstrangetosinkamongsomanypillows.Themaideven
tuckedherin.

“Thaneistheking,”Leasaid,tryingtofightsleepuntilsheunderstoodafewthings.“Butheseems
unhappy.Didsomethingbadhappentohim?”

Themaid’sexpressionbecameguarded.“Hiswifediedafewyearsback.Shewasagoodwoman.”

“OhI’msorry.Doeshehavechildren?”

Morecaution.“No.”

CatchaFallingStar

“That’stoobad.”Akingwithnochildren,ifsherememberedherarchaicEarthhistorycorrectly,couldbe
inadangeroussituationbecausetherewouldbenoheir.

Someoneelse—sherememberedthehardfaceofthefalcon-manwho’dpulledheroutoftheship—might
trytostepin.

Sheyawnedasthemaidstraightenedthecovers.Thewomanworeasimplesleevelesstunic,baring
strongarmswithtinypentacletattoos.“Andyouarepartofthispentacleclan?”

“Lion-star,”thewomansaid.“Yes.Weallare.Wearetherulingclanthiscycle.”

“Thiscycle?”

“Fourcycles,fourclans.WhenThanedies,longmayhelive,thenextclanwilltakeupthekingship.”

“Letmeguess,thefalcons.”

“Thefalcon-swordclan.Andthenthedragon-wandclanandthetiger-vesselclan.”

Leabegantoslideintosleep.“Pentacles,swords,wands,vessels—cups,maybe?

LiketheTarot?”

“Thewhat?”

“Cards,”Leamurmured.“It’sinthecards.”

Suspicionenteredthemaid’svoice.“Youshouldhavebeentaughtallaboutclansasachild.Whichclan
didthekingsayyouwerefrom?”

Lea’sdimmingawarenessadvisedcaution.“Ihitmyheadprettyhard.Idon’trememberthings.”

Instantlythemaid’stouchbecamesolicitous.“Nomorequestions.Yousleepwellnow.Thekinghas
touchedyou,soyou’llgetbetter.”

LearememberedThane’swarmhands,thedarknessofhiseyesthatpulledherin,in,in.Sheremembered
howherbodyhadheated,spiralingintoecstasy.“Mmm,maybehecantouchmeagain.”

“Notjustnow.”Themaidplumpedanotherpillow.“YouneedrestandheiswithLordDeon.”

Leacrackedopenhereyes.“Whenyousaywith,doyoumean…”RememberingDeon’scaressand
Thane’sreaction,shemadeacirclewithherthumbandforefingerandpierceditwithherotherforefinger.

Themaidstaredatherblankly.“Ofcourse.”

“They’relovers?”

“Yes.”Themaidobviouslyhadnoideawhyshewasasking.“Havebeensincetheycameofage.They’re
sacred-bonded.”

“Ithoughtyousaidthekinghadbeenmarried.”

“Yes.”

“AndhewasloverswithDeon?”

AllysonJames

“Whenthekingmarried,LordDeonbecamethequeen’sloveraswell.Asitshouldbe.”

“NotwhereIcomefrom,”Leasaidunderherbreath.

“Perhapsyoudon’tremember,”themaidsaid,tryingtosoundreassuring.“Now,yougotosleep.Maybe
yourmemorieswillcomebackwhenyouawake.”

Leaclosedhereyesagain,knowingsheneededtheresttofacewhateverwastocome.“Honoredguest”
mightbeThane’swayofsaying“prisoner”inthisgildedcage.

HeandDeon?Sheimaginedthetwohard-bodiedmentouchingeachother.Theirarmsaroundoneanother,
tonguesprobingeachother’smouths.Cockslongandhardandswollen,Thane’sinDeon’smouth.

Ashiverrackedherbodyandherquimfilled.Sheputherhanddowntopressagainstit,andtothat
sensationshefellintodeepsleep.

*****

Shewoketosomeonestrokingherhair.ShethoughtofThane’shandsomefaceandnight-darkeyes,and
purredagainstthetouchinherhalf-sleep.

“Mmm.Thane.”

“DoIlooklikeLordThanetoyou?”avoicefilledwithhumorsaid.Awoman’svoice.

Leasnappedhereyesopen.Alushwomanlaynexttoher,lateafternoonsunlighttouchinghairofdeepred
thatflowedinringletsoverthecurveofherwaist.

Sheworeabluesilkrobeopentohernavelandhadsmallandintricatelionandpentacletattoosonher
cheekbones.Alineoftwinedflowersdecoratedtheinsidesofherarmsundertheloosesleevesofthe
robe.

Leathrewoffcoversandscrambledtotheothersideofthebed,landingonherknees,eyeswide.The
womangaveherapuzzledlook.

“Issomethingwrong?”

“You’reawoman,”Leagasped.

Shelaughed,herdarkeyescrinkling.“Iknowthat.MynameisEmilie.Thanesentme.”

“Hesentyou?ButIdon’t—notwithwomen.”

Emiliedidn’tlookintheleastworried.“Hewasn’tcertain.Itisnotroubleifyoupreferaman.”She
rolledoffthebedandsaunteredtothedoor,thesilkrobeclingingtoherhips.

SheopenedthedoortoadmitamanasattractiveasEmiliebutinnowayeffeminate.Hehadthickbrown
hairgatheredinatail,asquare,masculinefaceandafirmbodyunderatight,sleevelesstunic.Thesame
kindofinterlinkedflowerpatternEmiliehadfloweddowntheinsidesofhisarms.

CatchaFallingStar

HehaddarkeyeslikeThaneandDeon,buttheyheldnowherenearthesadnessofThaneorthewariness
ofDeon.Hewasamanwholivedforsensualpleasureandhissmiletoldherso.

“ThisisBalin,”Emiliesaid.“Leasayssheprefersaman.”

“Luckyforme,”Balinanswered.Hehadarich,deepvoice,notquitethedarktimbreofThanebutnot
bad.

LearealizedtheyexpectedhertoacceptBalinasasubstituteforThaneandbehappyaboutit.“Wait.”

Balinlookedsurprised.“Allright.”Hesatdownontheedgeofthebed,completelyathisease.“Youtell
mewhenyou’reready.”

Sheshookherheadindisbelief.“Holygoddess,youpeoplereallyknowhowtotakesomeoneprisoner.”

“Prisoner?”EmilieaskedblanklyandBalinlookedequallyperplexed.

“Nevermind.IneedtoseeThane.I’mawakenowandfeelmuchbetter.Ireallyneedtotalktohim.”And
trytofigureoutifIcanretrievemypistolandgetbacktomyshiptocallforhelp.

“Youcannotatpresent,”Emiliesaid.“ThekingiswithLordDeon.”

“Still?”Goodgods,theyhadstamina.

“Still?”Emilierepeated.

“TheyweretogetherwhenIwenttosleep.It’slateafternoonnow—Imusthavebeenasleepforhours.”

“Youhavebeenasleepfortwoandahalfdays,”Balinsaid.“We’vebeenwaitingforyoutowakeup.
LordThanewantedustobehereincaseyouwantedpleasuringwhenyoucameoutofsleep.”

“Twoandahalf…”Leaputherhandtohertangledhair.“Sweetgods,whydidn’tanyonewakeme?My
ship’sbeenlayingouttheretwoandahalfdays.Ineed…”

EmilieputherhandonLea’sshoulder.Balinlikewisestrokedthefoldofherthigh,bothtouchessoothing.
“Youneededtoheal,”Emiliesaid.“LordThanetoldusyouweresorehurt,neartodying.Hestartedthe
healingprocessbutyourbodyneedsresttocompleteit.”

“AndheprovidedmewithsomeonewillingtohavesexwithmeincaseIwanteditwhenIwokeup,”Lea
finished,dazed.“Howthoughtfulofhim.”KeepingmesatedsoIwon’trunaway.

“Yes.”Emilielookedpleasedsheunderstood.“IfyoupreferBalinonlythatwillbefine,orwecouldboth
pleasureyouifyoulike.”

“Doeseveryoneonthisplanethopintobedwitheveryoneelse?WhataboutSTDs?”

BalinandEmilieexchangedaglance.“STDs?”Balinventured.

AllysonJames

“Sexuallytransmitteddiseases.”Whentheylookedbaffledagain,shesaidimpatiently,“Youknow,you
havesexwithsomeoneandtheyhaveavirusandprettysooneveryonehasit.”

Emilieshookherhead.“Ihaveneverheardofsuchathing.Wehavenodiseasehere.Wehavetheking.”

“Thewalkingpharmacy?”

Theyhadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout.“Thesewords,”Emiliesaid.“LordThanegaveyou
knowledgeofourlanguage,butIthinkitdidnotworkalltheway.”

“Letmegetthisstraight.Thereisnodiseaseherebecausetheminuteanyonegetsacough,thekingcures
you?”

Theglancethetwocourtesansexchangedthistimewasmorecautious.“Yes.”

“Howcanhebesomanyplacesatonce?”

“Thekinghasthehealingpoweroftheland,”Balinexplained.“Hecanchargeotherstohealinhisname.
Hedidsowithhisqueen,whowasagreathealer,andwithothersoftheclan.Fewfallill.Thelandkeeps
uswhole.”

Ifthat’strue,whydidThane’swifedie?shewondered.Anaccidentperhaps,likeafall—ormaybeone
ofthosefire-drakeshadchompedonher.Wouldthesetwotellher?

Buttheylookedateachotherwarilynow,asthoughadvisingcareintheirwords.

“Allright,soyouhavesexwithoutfearofsomeembarrassingordeadlyillness.Butwhataboutmarriage?
Youtakehusbandsandwiveshere,right?Themaidwhoputmetobedsaidthatwhenthekingmarried,
Deonbecamethequeen’slovertoo.”

Thepairofthemnoddedwithoutsurprise.

“Soyouexchangepartnersandhavecourtesanswithoutanyonebeingupset?”

Emilielaughed.“Menandwomenwhomarrysharegreatlove.”

Balincontinued,“Iftheywantotherpartnersinthemixandbothofthemlovethethirdorfourthparty,then
nooneisunhappy.Andeveryonecallsforcourtesans.

Sometimesahusbandbringsoneinforhiswifeandhimselfforfun.Aslongasitisdoneinloveandwith
consent,nooneminds.”

“Ican’tbelievethisplanethasstayedhiddenthislong,”Leasaidhalftoherself.“Ifeveryoneknewwhat

asexualparadisewashere,they’dgoonshoreleaveandnevercomeback.”

EmilieandBalinweregivingeachotherthatshe’scrazybuthumorherlookagain.

“Whataboutchildren?”Leaasked.“Withsexcomeschildren,andifyou’refreelypromiscuousyoumust
beoverrunwithchildren.”

“Whatiswrongwithchildren?”Balinasked.“Ihavemytwo.”

“Ihaveonesofar,”Emiliesaid,hereyeslightingwithpride.“Abeautifuldaughter.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Yes,but…Surelythesehusbandsandwiveswhobringinextrapartnersandcourtesanswheneverthey
wanthavemanymorechildrenthantwo.Unlessyouallhaveahellofabirthcontrolprogram.”

“Everywomanhastwochildren,”Emiliesaid,hervoicegentle.“Whentheyareready.”

“Onlytwo?Andyoucanchoosewhentobepregnant?”

Shenodded.“Yes.Youmustknowthat.”

Learememberedthemaid’ssurprisethatshedidn’tknowabouttheclans,andherownfeebleexplanation
thatshe’dhitherhead.Themaidhadprobablyexplainedthatthepoor,beat-upwomanintheking’sguest
roomhadgoneoutofhermind.

“Sure.Iknowthat.”Shetrailedoff,decidingtocurbhercuriosity.Sheneededtoknoweverythingshe
couldaboutthesepeopleifsheweretokeepherselfsafe,butapparentlyThanewantedthemtothinkshe
wasfromthisplanet.

Plusshehadnoideawhethertheycouldsecretlypipeinformationtotheempirethatthey’dcaughtarogue
scoutfromtheRock.Shehadn’tseenanyadvancedtechnologysofar,butthatdidn’tmeantheydidn’t
haveithidden.

“Ineedtogetup,”Leasaid.Sheswungherlegsaroundthesideofthebed,butsuddenlyEmiliewas
behindher,soothinghandsonhershoulders.Emilie’sfingersfoundmusclesthatwerestifffromLealying
inbedtwoandahalfdaysandeasedthemloose.

“Youarestillfatigued.Iseeitinyourface.”

Balinplacedawarmhandonherabdomen.Hissmilehadbecomepromising,hiseyesdark.

“IwanttotalktoThane,”shesaid,hervoicefaint.

“HeiswithLordDeon,”Emilierepeated.“Incounsel.”

“Isthatwhatthey’recallingitthesedays?”

“Theyhavemanymatterstodiscuss,”Emiliesaid.

Balintwinedhisfingersthroughthebacksofhers.“Inthemeantime,let’sseehowyoutaste.”Helifted
herhandandlickedherpalm.“Mmm.Verynice.Nowliebackandletmetasteyourquim.”

Leaswallowed.“Tastemy…”

“Ifyoulike,”Emiliesaidinsoftvoice,“youcanlickmypussywhilehegoesdownonyou.Wouldyou
likethat?”

Godshavemercy.Leashouldn’tbeexcitedbysextalkfromanotherwoman,buthernipplespinchedhard
andheatbegantoleakbetweenherthighs.Thesetwoknewexactlywhattosayandinexactlywhattoneof
voice.

“Thankyou,but—”

“Ifyouarenotcomfortablewiththat,Icansuckleyouinstead,”Emilieoffered.

“Manywomenlikethat.OrIcansimplywatch.”

AllysonJames

Lealetoutagroan.Thiscouldnotbehappeningtoher.ItwouldbesoeasytosuccumbwhileBalinkissed
hercheekandwhisperedthathewantedtodrinkthenectarbetweenherthighs.Butshehadtoremainon
guardandfindoutwhatThaneintendedtodowithher,andwhethershecouldgetbacktohership.

“Really,IwanttoseeThane.”

Balinsmiled.“Icannotfaultyourtaste.Heisafineman.”

“Don’ttellme—you’rehislovertoo?”

“WhenheandLordDeonwishit.AndtheylikeEmilie.Weareatthetopofthecourtesanclassandare
oftencalledtopleasetheking.Hespecificallyrequestedusforyou.”

“Likeofferingsomeonethebestbottleofwine,”shesaid.

“Exactly.”Balinseemedpleasedsheunderstood.

“Lieback,”Emiliesaidgently.BalinmovedoffthebedandslidthesilkupLea’slegs.Histhumbsfound
theswollennubofherclit.

“Ah,sheisready,”Balinsaid.“Andverywet.”

LeawatchedEmilie’snipplesdrawtodarkpoints.“Thatisgood,”Emiliewhispered.

Sweetgods,I’mabouttobepleasuredbyacourtesansenttomebythekingIhavethehotsfor.Noone

isgoingtobelievemyreport.ShethoughtaboutJustin,herclosestfriendinthefleet.They’dneverbeen
lovers,buthewastheonlyoneshecouldtalkaboutsexwithandviceversa.

Shecouldalmosthearhisgratingvoice,Soyougotyourrocksoffwithmalecourtesan,eh?Whoakid.

Shefeltasharppaininherheart,missinghimandfearingshe’dneverseeJustinagain.Butno,hewould
havestartedlookingforherbynow.Wouldasearchpartyfindheronthisworldthatappearedonno
charts?

“Youareworried,”Emilietoldher.

“Youcouldsaythat.”

“Forthismoment,troublesdonotexist,”Balinsaid.HiseyesweredarklikeThane’shadbecomewhen
he’dhealedher.“Letmepleasureyouwithmyfingers,thenmytongue,thenmycock.Ifyouwishto
pretendIamLordThane,youmay.Feelfreetocallmebyhisname.”

“Wouldn’tthatberude?”

“Notatall.Iamheretopleasureyou.ThatiswhatIamfor.”

“AndifIsayno,Idon’twantany?”

“Thenwestop.”Balinkepthisfaceneutralbutshesawdisappointmentinhiseyes.

“Wetrulyonlywishtomakeyoufeelgood.”

Hisfingerssoftlyrubbingherclitcertainlyfeltgood.Shemoanedagainwithoutmeaningto.

CatchaFallingStar

“Whydoyoufightyourdesires?”Emilieasked.“It’snothealthyforyou.”

“Ishetryingtotortureme?Ortestme?”

“Who?”Balinasked,confused.

“Thane.”

Balinlaughed.“Hedoesnotcallthistorture.Ifyoudoprefertobetiedup,wecansendforthecourtesans
whodothis.LordDeonisgoodatitandhewillknowthebestofthosewhospecializeinbondage.”

“Deonisintobondage?Ishouldhaveguessedwithalltheblackleatherhewears.”

“Hewearsleatherforridingandfighting,”Emiliesaid,confusedagain.“Itisprotective.Whenheplays,
heusuallylikestobenaked.”

LeahadasuddenvisionofDeon,thepowerfulblack-hairedwarrior,starknakedandaskingwithasinful

smileifLeawasreadyforhim.

Balin’sfingers,whichhadn’tstopped,burnedonherclit.SheaddedtothevisionThane,equallyas
naked,watchingDeon.ThefantasycoupledwithBalin’slighttouchtriggeredherorgasm.

ShewrithedandbumpedagainstthebedinawaveofsuddenecstasywhileEmiliesmiled,lookinghappy.
Balinteasedherforawhilelongerthenleaneddownandpressedakisstoherswollennub.

“Mmm,youdotastelikehoney.”

“Sweetgods,Ididn’tmeantodothat,”shepanted

Avoicerolledfromtheothersideoftheroom,“Ihopeyoudid.”

Leagaspedandsatup.Thetwocourtesansrosefromthebed,bowingrespectfully.

“Mylord,”Balinsaid.

Thanestoodinthedoorway,white-blondhairtousledtohiswaist,hisdarkeyestakingineverything.
BehindhimwasDeon,darkandwarrior-like,enjoyingthescene.

Leagothastilytoherkneesandpulledherrobeclosed,blushinghard.“Thane,”shesaidhoarsely.
“Hello.”

AllysonJames

ChapterFour

Drakesvs.Spacecraft

ThanefoundeverythingaboutLeafascinating.Herhairwasfourdifferentshadesofgoldalltangled
togetherandsilkytothetouch.Courtesansoftendyedtheirhair,butnodyeofthisworldcouldmatch
Lea’sstrangegoldenhue.

Andhereyesweregreen.NooneofPamaarhadgreeneyes—Lea’swerelovelylightgreenwithflecksof
gold,framedwithgoldenlashes.

Therippedandstainedgarmentshe’dbeenfoundinhadgivenhimaglimpseofherdelights,butthebody-
clingingsilkrobesheworenowshowedeverylusciouscurveofher.Hernipplespressedthesilkinhard
littlenubs,betrayingherexcitement,andshecouldn’tquiteholdthefabricclosedoverherthighs.

Shehadasiren’sbeauty,thoselegendarycreaturesthatluredmentotheirdeaths,andthebestpartwas,
shehadnoideaofthis.Ifshehadbeenanordinarywomanfromthelion-starclan,he’dhavelaughedin
delight,spreadhimselfonthebedandsaid,Haveyourselfagoodtime,darling.

Butshewasastrangerfromnoclanatall,frombeyondtheWarding,andsheshouldnotbehere.Themaid
who’dhelpedherundressandbathehadreportedthatLeahadnotattoosanywhereonherbody.

Havingnotattooswasunheardof.Shewasasundecoratedasherplainknife,whichmadeherveryodd
andverydangerous.

DeoncaughthisunspokenhintthathewantedtospeaktoLeaawayfromthecourtesans.HegaveThane
thebarestnod,thencaughtBalinaroundhishipsandtowedEmilietowardhimbyherbelt.Both
courtesanssmiledandmeltedagainsthim.

Leawatchedthemwithherlipsparted,stillkneelingonthebed.“Yousentthemtome.”

“Theyarethebestoftheirclass,”Thaneanswered.“Didyoulikethem?”

“Really—Idon’tneedsex.”

Theanswersurprisedhim,becauseeveryoneneededsex.Youcouldnothavelifewithoutsexandfrankly,
hewouldn’twantto.

“Ineedit,”Deonrumbled.“Joininifyouwant.”

HetookthetwocourtesanstotheothersideofthelargeroomandLea’seyeswidenedasDeonslidhis
handsinsideEmilie’srobeandbegantokissher.Balinstrippedoffhistunic,theliontattooacrosshis
shouldersblendingwiththeintricatecourtesantattoosontheundersideofhisarms.

“They’regoingtodoitrightinfrontofus,”Leasaidinamazement.

CatchaFallingStar

“Yes,whywouldn’tthey?Deonismypersonalguard,andhe’dhardlyleavemealonewithyousohe
couldhavesex.”

“I’mnotdangerous,”shesaid,buthereyesshifted.“ThatcrashbeatmeupandapparentlyIsleptfortwo
daysandsomechange.I’mweakasakitten.”

Hewishedthatnotbeingabletounderstandhalfofwhatshesaiddidn’tmakehersodesirable.“Tellme
aboutyour…spaceship.”

Again,hergazeflickered.“Notmuchtotell.AstandardscoutmodelXXH-2736,outthreeyearsago,a
goodlittleshipthatneverneedsmuchmaintenance.Ofcourse,you’dknowthatjustlookingather—she’s
prettycommon.Nosecrets.”

Herwordswereglib,butThaneknewtherewasmuchmoreherethansherevealed.

Hestretchedoutnexttoheronthebed,thoughsheremainedalittleballofbluesilkontopofthepillows.

Thaneworeonlyhisloinclothandlyingfull-length,proppedupononeelbow,wouldallowhertoseeall
ofhim.Shewastryingnottolook,buthergazekeptsweepingoverhimandlingeringonhispelvic
region.

“Shipsfloatonthesea,”hesaid.“Butyourswouldsink.”

“You’veseenitthen?”

“DeonandIflewouttoit.”

Shelookedalarmedthenmaskedherexpression.“Ononeofthosedragonthings?

Whatarethose?Theycan’tbeforreal.”

“I’drathertalkaboutyourship,”hesaidfirmly.“Andwhereitcamefrom.”

“Space.Hencethenamespaceship.”Shehesitated.“Youcan’tbealow-techworld.

You’dhavebeenharvestedbynow.NooneescapestheFour-One-Six.”

“Thefouronesix?”

“Unlessyou’reworkingwiththem.Thatwouldbehighlyunusual,butIsupposeitcouldhappen—oh
Goddess.”

Thanelookedaroundforthecauseofhershock,butonlysawthatDeonhadstripped.EmilieandBalin
kneltinfrontofhimandbeganlickinghiscock,theirtonguestanglingaroundeachother’sastheyplayed.
ThesightmadeThanehardenhimself.

Lea’sfacewascherry-red,butthesightobviouslyexcitedher.Herbreaststightenedandhesmelledher

arousal.

“Donotbeembarrassedbydesire.”Thanerestedhishandonherthigh,likingthesmoothsilkofherrobe.
“Itisajoyousthing,acelebrationoflife.”

“Well,theysurelooklikethey’recelebrating.”

Deonclosedhiseyesandtiltedhisheadback.ThanealwayslikedwatchingDeoninpleasure—theman
sankhimselfintoit.BalinandEmiliehadbeenwisechoicestobecomeroyalcourtesansbecausethey
knewexactlyhowmuchtogiveandwhentobackoff,whenitwastimeforgamesandwhenDeonand
Thanewantedtobealone.

AllysonJames

“Thecourtesansarehighlyskilled,”Thanesaid.“Balinhasbeenchosenastheonlymanallowedtoenter
theking.”

HershockedgazeflickedfromthethreesometoThane.“I’msorry?Didyousayentertheking?”

“Hehasbeengivenclearanceto,shouldIdesireit.Amanmustbehighlytrustedtodothat.Onlyin
Deon’spresence,ofcourse.”

“ButIthoughtyouandDeon…”

“Arelovers?Weare.Buttheking’spersonalbodyguard,bylaw,isnotallowedtoenterhim.Thereisthe
dangerthatthekingwouldbecometoohighlyinfluencedbyhim—atleastthat’swhatthelawsays.I’d
trustDeonwithmylifeandIthinkIcouldfallunderhisswayevenwithouthimpenetratingme,butthe
kingmustrespectthelaws.Wefindmanywaystoenjoyourselves,inanycase.”

Shelistened,openmouthed.“Ican’tbelieveI’mhavingthisconversation.”

“Ican’tbelieveyouknownothingofwhatI’mtellingyou.Wheredoyoutrulycomefrom,whatclan?And
whydidyouremoveyourtattoos?”

“I’veneverhadtattoos.Foronething,inspaceflight,youneverknowwhenyou’regoingtorunthrougha
heavilymagneticareaandifthere’smetalintheink,you’rekindofscrewed.Besides,Ihaveathingabout
needles.”

“Tattoosneverhurt.”

“Why?Becauseyou’retheretohealeveryone’spain?”

“Tattoosaredonebytheverybestartistsandtheyreceivetheking’shealingpowers.”

“Isee.”

Sheclosedhermouthagain,shuttinghercuriositybehindhereyes.Hesensedthateveryquestionshe

askedmaskedwhatshetrulywantedtoknow.Norwasshegoingtotellhimwhathetrulywantedto
know.

“Whataboutmystuff?Myrationbarandknifeandthings.”

“Theyaresafe,”heassuredher.“Lockedawayinmyrooms.Noonewilltakethem.”

Shebitherlipasthoughshedidn’tlikehisanswer.“Iwanttoseemyship.”

“Itisnothingbutaruinedheap,mostlyburned.”

“Iwanttoseeitanyway.OristhatyourwayoftellingmeI’mnotallowedtoleaveyourpalace?”

Heshrugged.“Iwilltakeyoutoseeit,ononecondition.”

“Andthatis?”

Shelookedwary,likeahuntedanimal.Hewantedtoexplainthathekeptherhereforherprotection,so
Felinwouldn’tfindheranduseher,buthealsoknewDeonwasn’tcompletelywrongtoadvisecaution.
Theyhadnoideawhoshewasorwhereshecamefromorwhosheworkedfor—orwhatdangerto
Pamaarsherepresented.

CatchaFallingStar

Herosetohiskneesandreachedforher,cuppinghishandsaroundherface.“Letmegiveyouanother
healing.”

Herlipspartedandhereyesfocusedonhis,thepupilsspreadingblackthroughthegreen.Hefelther
pulsebeneathhisfingers,herbreathonhisface.Shehadacleannessabouther,asparklinghonestythat
wovethroughheraura.

Hetracedthepainofherinjuries,faintnow,downtotherootofthem,tofindthemmostlyhealed.Thane
neededonlyasmalldoseofhispowertofurtherclosethewoundsanderasethefaintscarstheyleft
behind.Thepaintohimselfwassmall,thoughhecouldn’tstophisasmallintakeofbreathashefeltthe
pull.

“Ithurtsyou,”shesaid,soundingdistressed.

Henodded,buthercompassiontuggedathisheart.Heclosedhiseyesandlettheirlipsmeet.

Holygods.Shewasripeandsweetanddamnshetastedgood.

Herbreathcamefast,warminghisskin.Itwaseasytopushherdownintothebed,tolayfull-lengthover
herandfeelherlushbodyagainsthis.Hekissedheragain,slidinghishandinsideherrobeandcatching
theglobeofherbreastinhispalm.

Acrosstheroom,thesoundsofsexbecamemoreintensebutThanehadnodesiretoturnhisheadtosee

whattheywereupto.LookingintoLea’seyeswasmorepleasurablefornow.

“Isthispaymentforyoutakingmetomyship?”shemurmured.

Hesmiled,feelinggenuinemirthforthefirsttimeinalongtime.“Thatisafunidea,butno.Thisis
entirelyvoluntary.”

Hekissedheragain,pluckinghernipplebetweenhisfingers,likinghowsherosetohistouch.Hiscock
washardandtight,andherubbedherquimthroughthethinlayersofclothseparatinghimfromher.

HeheardDeoncryout,“Ohgods,fuck,I’mcoming.”

HearinghisfriendsohappymadeThanewarmwithneed.HekissedLea,lettinghishandopentherobe
furtherandmovetoherquim.

“You’rebeautiful,”hewhispered.“Andsowet.”Hedrewhishandawayandtastedheronhisfingertips.
“Doyouneedtorelease?”

“I’dsayso.”Hervoicewasathroatyrasp.

ThanelookeduptowhereDeonhadcollapsedtoachair,holdingbothcourtesansonhislapwhilethey
kissedhim.

“Deon,myfriend.Ihaveneedofyou.”

HefeltLeagaspasDeongentlyputEmilieandBalinasideandwalkedacrosstheroom,stillnaked,his
cockalreadyrising.Hehadaliontattooacrosshispelvisthatmovedsinuouslyashestrolledtothem.

AllysonJames

HelookedatLeainherhalf-openrobe,eyessparkling.“Whatdoyouneed?”Hesatdownonthebedand
ranacaressinghandoverLea’sleg.“Wouldyoulikemetotakeher,orwatchwhileyoufuckher?”

LeasuddenlyrolledoutfromunderThaneandfacedthemonherkneesagain,handsout.“Allright,waita
minute.Himwatching?I’mnotusedtoanyofthis.”

Deonlookedslightlysurprisedbutnotoffended.“It’swaytoodangeroustolethimlieinalover’sarms
withoutmelookingoutforhim.ButI’dbehappytoobligeifyouwantrelease.”

“Release?Isthatallitis?”Shesoundeddisappointed,whichintriguedThane.

Deongrinned.“Weneedtorelease—what’swrongwithenjoyingit?”

“ObviouslyIcan’texplain,”Leasaid,herfacered.

Deonshrugged,alwayseasygoingaboutsex.HeranlightfingersacrossThane’scheekbone.“Doyou
needme?”

“Notrightnow,”Thanesaidgently.“Atleastletmereleaseyou,Lea.It’snotgoodtoholditin.”

“Maybeshecoulddoitherself,”Deonsuggested.“Iwouldn’tmindseeingthat.”

Thanewouldn’teither.HeimaginedLeakneelingonthebed,herrobeopen,whileherfingersplayed
betweenherlegs.Hewouldstrokeherback,encouragingher,whileshestrokedherwarm,wetcenter.
She’dmoansoftlywithitthenwithdrawherfingers,glisteningwithdew,andraisethemtohislips.

Butheknewthatwouldn’thappenrightthisminute.Herchestroseandfellasthoughshesharedthevision
withhim,butsheseemedembarrassedandawkwardinsteadofeager.Thatmustbeit—theywereall
lookingatherthewaythey’dviewanunusualflowerornewkindofart,whichhadtobeunnerving.But
shewassodifferent,sounique,hecouldn’thelpbutstare.

“Wecanwaituntillater,”Thanetoldhergently.“AfterIshowyouyourship.”HeturnedtoDeon.
“Prepareyourdraketotakeusbackouttothevalleywhereshefellfromthesky.”

FromtheflickofDeon’seyes,Thaneknewhewantedtoaskasharpwhy?buthekepthisthoughtsto
himself.Healsokeptquiethisdisappointmentthatthesexualplaywouldn’tcontinue.

Lea’seyeswidened.“Ohgeez,nowthey’re…”

AcrosstheroomBalinlayonhisbackonthefloor,hishandstuckedbehindhishead,whileEmilie
happilyrodehim.

Deonchuckled.“Wewoundthemupprettytight,youandme.Theydeservesomeenjoyment.”

“Idid?”Lea’sgreeneyeswidenedinamazement.

“Emilietoldmeyoudidn’twantthem.Theyforgiveyoubecausetheyknowyou’retiredandhurtand
don’tmeantoberude.”

CatchaFallingStar

“It’srudetoturndownsex?”

“Toacourtesanitis,”Deonsaid.“It’sliketellingthebestartistintheworldthatyoureallydon’twant
thesculptureshemadeespeciallyforyou.”

“Oh.”

Thanesmiledather,tryingtolookreassuring.“Leaveherbe,Deon.Shedoesn’tunderstand.”

Whyshedidn’tunderstandwasthemystery.Shedidn’tknowconceptstaughttoPamaaranchildrenin
everyclanfromtheearliestage.HeexchangedanotherglancewithDeonthatwarnedhispartnernotto
prytoomuchandputheronherguard.

Coaxinginformationfromapersonwasmucheasierandmorerewardingthanthreateningthem.

HehadnointentionofhavingLealookathiminfearandeveryintentionofherlookingathimindesire.
Shealmosttrustedhim,wasalmostreadytosurrendertohim,butnotquite.

Hehopedbytheendofthedaytomakethatsurrendercomplete.

*****

“Dowereallyhavetorideonthatthing?”

Leapeeredintrepidationatthedragon-likecreaturethatwaitedinthecourtyard.Itstoodcalmlytethered
toathickpole,awidesaddleonitsback,butitwasafarcryfromthedocilefarmhorsesonLea’splanet.

Thedrakestoodtenfeethighatitsshoulder,theneckextendingbeyondthat.Itsleatherywingswere
foldedagainstitsbody,butshe’dseenitswingspanoutinthevalley,nottomentionfeltthestrengthofthe
creatureherself.

Deonlaughed,voicerumblinganddeep.“Youaren’tafraidofCutieareyou?He’sgentleasapuppy.”

“Afive-tonpuppy,”Leamuttereddarkly.

Deonfoundherhilarious,butThaneputawarmhandonhershoulder.He’ddonnedagraytunicand
breechestuckedintoblackbootsandthrownagraycloakoveritall,likeanadventurerinthebooksshe’d
readasachild.Atightlymuscled,leather-booted,gorgeousadventurerwithsin-darkeyes.

“I’llbewithyou,”hesaid.“You’llbeallright.”

Thanehadanamazingabilitytomakeherfeelhopefulandassured.Whenhe’dstartedtokissheronthe
bed,she’dbeenreadytohumphimthenandthere,nomatterthatheheldhervirtualprisoner,nomatter
whoelsewasintheroom.ThecourtesansandDeonhadn’tbeenpayingattentionanyway.

WhenThanehadaskedDeontowatch,she’dsnappedoutofherwanting.Thanewasn’tamanshe’dmet
onshoreleavewho’dagreedtohavecasual—safe,ofcourse—

sexwithherbeforeshehadtoreportback.

AllysonJames

Thanewaskingofhiscountryandhelivedinapalacewithafearsomeguardsmanwhowasalsohis
lover,andthey’dcapturedLea,nomatterwhatanicespinThaneputonit.Hedidn’ttrustherandshe
didn’tknowifshecouldtrusthim.

He’dlockedawayheraccoutrementsandshewonderedwhatexcusehe’dmakeifsheaskedtoseethem.
Notthatshecaredabouthertastelessrationsorevenheridentcard,butherpistolwouldfeelgoodnextto
herhip.

Butsheknewwithoutaskingthathewouldn’tletherhavethegun.Deonhadwitnessedhowdangerousit
wasandnomatterhowmuchThaneofferedherfoodanddrinkandsex,hewasn’tstupidenoughtolether

runaroundarmed.

Ergo,aclean,funrelationshipwasnotpossiblehere.Sheneededtofindherspaceship,sendasignaland
gettheheckoffthisplanet.

Severalservantscameouttothecourtyardtoholdthedrakewhiletheymounted.

DeonscrambledtothesaddlewithoutassistanceandreacheddownforLea.ThaneliftedherintoDeon’s
arms,thenhehauledhimselfupusingDeon’shandforbalance.

OneoftheservantstossedthereinstoDeonandwithasudden,sickeningjolt,thedrakelauncheditself
intothesky.

Leasqueezedhereyesshutandclungtothesaddle’sropes.Thedrakedidn’tflysmoothly—heswooped
andglidedanddroppedandroseuntilLeagrittedherteeth.

“It’sallright.”Deon’svoicewarmedherear.“I’mrightbehindyou.AndThane’sbehindme.Rightwhere
Ilikehim.”

Leapeeledopenhereyestofindalandscapeofincrediblebeautyfloatingbelowher.They’dleftthecity,
whichrecededtoaglitteringpileonthehorizon.Insteadofsteelskyscrapers,turretsofstonelinedthe
citywallslikeintricatelace,lookinglikefairy-talepalacesLeahadreadofasachild.

Nosmudgeofpollutionordusthungovertheplanetandblueskyarchedsoftlyoverhead.Razor-sharp
mountainsslicedthehorizontotheleftofthecity,buttoitsright,wherethedrakeflew,wererollinghills
andgreenswards.Shesawcultivatedfieldswithroadsrunningneatlythroughthemandclustersofthatch-
roofedhouses.

She’dglimpsedsomeofthiswhenDeonhadflownhertothepalace,butshe’dbeeninjuredandoutofit
andhadn’tbeenabletofullyappreciateituntilnow.

“It’sbeautiful,”shebreathed.

“It’shome,”ThanesaidfrombehindDeon,buthisvoiceheldsadness.

Theyflewfornearlyanhour,whilethegreenlandscaperolledunderthem,thenDeonjerkedthereinsand
Leabitbackayelpasthedrakeplummetedsharply.Theemeraldturfofthevalleytowhichtheyglided
wasmarredbyalongblackstreakthatendedinatangleofcharredmetal.

DeonlandedthedrakewithbarelyabumpandThanedismounted.HereachedupandliftedLeadown,
thenDeonswunghislegoverthedrake’sneckanddroppedtothegroundbesidethem.

CatchaFallingStar

Leawalkedtothewreckageinsorrow.“Shewassuchagoodlittleship.Thosebastardsaregoingto
pay.”

ShesensedDeonandThanebehindherandknewshewouldn’tgetmuchchancetoact.Shekneltinthe
smallcockpit,theonlythingthathadsurvivedmoreorlessintact.

Thewebbingthathadheldherinplacestilldangleduselesslyandallherinstrumentswerefriedorhad
beenpriedout,eitherbyFelin’smenorThane’s.

Notthatitmattered—onlythetransportdevicehademergencybatterypowerandthatwouldn’tlast
forever.Besides,thedeviceneededthetransportbuttontowork.

Sheslidherhandtotheprotectedpocketofthebulkheadwherepilotsstashedtheirmostemergencyof
emergencydevices.Noscoutleftwithoutanextrarationoffood,hydrogenatingcrystalsthatwouldbreak
downalmostanythingintodrinkingwaterand,mostofall,thetiny,button-sizeddevicethatwould
broadcasthisorherwhereaboutstoafellowscout.

LeapalmedthebuttonasThaneandDeonbothhunkereddowntopeerinsidethecockpit.

“’Tisstrangemagic,”Deonsaid,runninghisfingersovermetalplating.Hetouchedtheshaftthathad
thrustupbetweenherknees.“Whatdoesthisdo?”

“Nothingnow.Butitwasforsteering.”

“Whatpulledthisvessel?”Deon’sdarkgazerovedtheremainingdialsinfascination.“Yousteeracart
withayokelikethisoraboatwitharudder.Butyouhadnowatertofloatonnorbeasttopullyou.”

“Notpull,push,”Leasaid.“Boostedbyrocketsfedbyfuelpacks.Allofwhicharedead,ofcourse.”

“Fuelpacs,”DeonrepeatedandglancedatThane.“Whatkindofanimalisafuelpac?”

Leatriednottolaugh.“Notanimal.Machine.”

Thanehadfollowedthisdiscussioninsilence,hisdarkeyesenigmatic.Nowhespokeinalowvoice.
“YouknowitisnotofPamaar.ThisvesselcamefrombeyondtheWarding.”

“What’stheWarding?”Leaasked.

“Itistheboundarythatkeepsussafe,”Thaneanswered,thoughDeonshothimawarningglance.“The
barrierbetweenusandouterdarkness.Youshouldnothavebeenabletogetthrough.Youshouldhave…”
Hemadeagesturewithhisarm.

“Bouncedoff?”Leafinished.

Washetalkingaboutaforcefieldofsomekind?Onethatnotonlyshouldhaveshuntedhershipasidebut
onethatkeptthisworldfromshowinguponcharts?

“IfI’dbouncedoff,I’dhavebeentoast.Iwouldhaverunoutofair,oroneofthefineboysfromtheFour-
One-Sixwouldhavemademeafireballjustforfun.”

Thanefrowned.“Youaresayingthesepeoplewantedtokillyou?”

AllysonJames

“Wantedto,wouldloveto,aredyingto.I’mfromtheRock.Theywanttoharvestusandwedon’twantto
surrendertothem,sowe’retryingtofigureouthowtodefendourselves.Lookslikeyoualreadyfounda
way.”

“Harvest?”Deongrowled.“Whatdoyoumeanharvest?”

Leastoodupandgazedatthevalley,thecoolbreezestirringherhair.“Allthis,dugoutfortheminerals.
Thecityrazedandanythingvaluabletaken.Theystealeverything—water,materials,stone,evendirtif
it’srichenoughincarbonorfossils.Allthepeopletakenawayandrecolonizedastheycallit,thoughit’s
notmuchmorethanhomelesssheltersandindenturedservitude.That’stheFour-One-SixQuadEmpire’s
modusoperandi.Theycome,theysee,theytakewhattheywant.”

“Youmeanthey’reraiders,”Deongrunted.“Likethenorthmenfromthetiger-vesselclan.”

“Raidersonagrandscale,”Leasaid.“Theypretendtobeoh-socivilizedaboutit.

Packeveryoneoffbeforetheystartharvesting,sayingpeoplefromabackwardplanetneedabetterlife.”

“ThedarknessfromoutsidetheWarding,”Thanesaidslowly.“WhentheWardingfails,wewillfacetotal
destruction.That’swhatthelegendssay.”

“Well,iftheymeantheFour-One-SixEmpire,they’reright.Butthisplanetdoesn’tshowuponanychart
orreadout—Ionlyfounditbyaccident.WhateverthisWardingis,it’skeepingyousafe.TheRockisn’tso
lucky,whichiswhyIhavetogetbackthere.”

Thanewatchedheramoment,absorbingherwords.Thensuddenlyhegrabbedherwristandtwistedit,
incrediblestrengthopeningherhand.Hepriedthetight-beamcommunicatorfromitandhelditup
betweenhisfingers.

Leatriedtolungeforit,butDeoncaughtherinaviselikegripandlockedonearmaroundherfrom
behind.

Thaneheldthetinycommunicatordelicately.“Whatisthisandwhatdoesitdo?”

“Wheredidshegetit?”Deonasked,tonefrustrated.

“Shetookitfromhership.”

“Shit.Ineversawherdoit.”

“Whatisit?”Thaneaskedagain.

Leastoppedstruggling,realizingthatDeonwasdamnstrongandnotabouttolethergo.“Atight-beam
communicationdevice.You’retoolate—Ialreadyusedit.”

ChapterFive

TheWarding

DeonwatchedThane’seyesnarrow,hisslowangerbuildinglikeastorm.AnyonewhoassumedDeonthe
strongestofthepairwaswrong—whereDeonwasvolatile,Thanehadacoldstrengththatcouldmakehis
enemiesgibberinterror.

Leawasn’texactlygibbering.She’draisedherchinandlookedatThanedefiantly,thoughDeonfelther
shaking.

“Whatdidyoudo?”Thaneaskedinadeceptivelycalmvoice.Thewindstirredhiswhite-blondhair,the
redbeadswovenintoitclickingsoftly.

“Itsentasignalbacktomypeople.Onlymypeople,doyouunderstand?It’scodedandtight-beamedso
thatnoonewilltraceitbutmypartner,Justin.He’llcomeandretrievemeandyoucangobackto
enjoyingyourcourtesans.”

“Likeafocus-stone,”Deonsaid.Seersclaimedtheycouldcommunicatewitheachotherbypeeringinto
stones,thoughhestillthoughtseerswerelunatics.“Exceptthisone’sfrombeyondtheWarding.”

ThaneflickedhisgazebacktoLeaandhiseyestookonalookofsorrow.Thatwasanotherreasonfor
Thane’sstrength—hiscompassion.Hedidwhatneededtobedone,buthewasnevermerciless.

“I’msorry,Lea,”Thanesaid.Hepickedupahand-sized,flatrockandlaidthedeviceonanotherrock.

LeastruggledagainstDeon’sgrip.“No,please,Ineedthat.”

Thanegaveheranothersadlook,buthewasfirm.“YouareofPamaarnow.”

Heliftedthestoneinhishandandsmashedthedeviceflat.Leasworeandfought,butDeondidn’tlether
gountilThaneindicatedforhimtodoso.

Learacedtotherockandscoopedupthesmashedbitsofmetal.Shestareddownatthem,headbowed.

“Ican’tletmorepeopleinthroughtheWarding,Lea.Itisdangerousenoughthatyoucame.IftheWarding
fails,wehavenothingtoprotectusfromthedarkness.”

Sheliftedherhead,herfacewet.“Mypeopledonotevenhavethat.Youatleasthaveashield.”

“Mypeoplearealreadydying.Wehavenotbeenpenetratedbythisharvestingempireyouspeakof,and
yettheWardsarefailingandpeoplearedying.Ishouldhaveallthepowertosavethem,butIcando
nothing.”

AllysonJames

Deondrewasharpbreath,notlikingtoseeThanesobleak,butthiswasthefirsttimeThanehadspoken
ofitoutloudtoanyone.EventoDeon,Thanedidn’tliketotalkaboutthetruth.

“Themaidtoldmeaboutyourwife,”Leasaid.“DidshediebecauseofthesefailingWards?”

ThaneneverspokeaboutCerenaeither.Deonassumedhe’dshutoutLea’squestion,thathe’driseand
walkawayorsnapathertoleaveitalone.

ThanewentdownononekneebesideLeaandbrushedbackastrandofhervariegatedhair.“Shegrew
veryillanditwasthefirsttimeinmylifethatmyhealingpowersfailed.ItriedeverythingIcouldthink
of,butshewasbeyondmyskill.Othershavebeensickeninganddyingaswell.Felin’sclan,thefalcon-
swordclan,hasbeenthemostaffected,andhehatesmeforit.”

Hatewasanunderstatement.FelinhadthreatenedtooverthrowThaneandtooutrightmurderhim.Never
mindthatthebeautifulCerenahaddiedaftergoingtoFelin’sclantotrytohelphispeople.She’dcaught
thesamesicknessandwastedaway.

Lea’sfacesoftenedandsheputherhandonThane’sshoulder.“I’msosorry.”

“Thesicknesshasnotgoneawayandmyabilitytohealiswaning.”

“Youhealedmejustfine.”

“Injurieslikeyours—brokenbonesandsuchhurts—Iamstillabletohandle.Butthissickness…Ican’t
reachit.”

“Mypeoplehavemedicineagainstalmosteverything,”Leasaid.“Ifyouletmegetthroughtothem,they
canbringsomethingtohelp.”

Thane’sexpressionturnedweary.“TheWardingcan’tslipanymorethanitalreadyhasandthekingmust
healhispeople.Thatiswhyheisallowedtocontinuebeingking.”

Leagavehimathoughtfullook.“Legendsfromlong,longagoonancientEarthclaimedthatthetouchofa
kingcouldheal.ItwasmostlyBSandgoodpropaganda,butyoureallycanheal.Imean,youhealedme
justbytouchingme.Whatmoredoyourpeoplewant?”

“Nounexpecteddeathandnodisease.”

“Ohisthatall?”

Hegaveherawrysmile.“Thatisall.”

“Butthat’swaytoomuchtoexpectofanyone.Eventhebestdoctorscan’thealeveryone,evenwithkick-
assmedicaltechnology.”

“Yestheycanexpectit.IamkingofPamaar,headofthelion-starclan.IfIcannotkeepthelandandits
peoplewhole,Idonotdeservetobeking.”

Leafellsilent,butDeonprivatelyagreedwithher.Thelion-starclanexpectedThanetobegodlikeand

solvealltheirproblemsandthemomentThanecouldn’thelpthem,theyturnedagainsthim.ItpissedDeon
offbecauseThanetrulycared,andthefactthathecouldn’tbegodlikeforhispeoplekepthimawakeall
hoursofthenight.

CatchaFallingStar

ThanebrushedLea’shandwithhisagain,thetouchacaress.Deonnarrowedhiseyesashewatched.
Thanehadn’tshownmuchinterestinanywomanotherthanfornecessaryreleasesinceCerena’sdeath.

ButLeaseemedtostirsomethingtolifeinhim,somesparkthathadbeenabsentawhile.Deon
determinedthenandtherethathe’dnurturethatsparktobringThanebacktohisoldself.He’dlockLeain
thepalaceandkeepherthereforeverifthat’swhatittook.

*****

Thanewasquietontheirrideback,Deontight-lipped.Oncetheyreturnedtothepalace,thetwomenleft
Leainherroom,Thanesayingheneededtotakecareofthings—hewouldnotsaywhatthings.Therewas
nomorementionofresumingthesexualplaythey’dstartedbeforethejourney.

“Isupposedhehastorunthekingdomsometime,”shesaidtoherselfasshestrolleddownanarched
gallery,opentoanairyhallbelow.Sunlightdancedthroughstainedglassskylightsontheceiling,flooding
herwithcrimson,blueandgold.

TheservantshadletherleaveThane’sprivateroomswithoutfussandnoguardsfollowedher—atleast
notobviously.ButsheknewthatifshetriedtoleavethepalaceorretrievethethingsThanehadtaken
fromher,she’dbestopped.

She’dbeenabletosendthemessageatleast,butonlyone,andwhoknewifJustinwouldreceiveit?

Scoutswentoneverymissionknowingtherewasarealpossibilitythey’dnevercomeback.Usuallythey
hadlittleintheirlivesoutsidethecorps—Leahadlostherfamilyyearsago,beforeshe’denteredflight
school.Butthatdidn’tmeanshewantedtogiveupherentirelife,herhome,herfriends,hermission,to
stayhere.

Thanewasgorgeous,andwhenhedidsmileitwaslikesunshinewarmingacoldday.Hewasastrong
manwhocouldbecaringatthesametime—heputhimselfinpaintohealothers.Apersoncouldbaskin
thewarmthofthatcaring.

Ifonlyshe’dcometothisplaceforalittlefunandR&R,thenshe’dgladlystayandseewhatinteresting
thingsThanewantedtodo.NotthatthisplacewouldexistifitwereeasytofindforR&R.TheFour-One-
SixEmpiredidn’tbelieveinlettinganyonehavefun.

ShethoughtofThane’sbodystretchedoverhersonthebigbedandsmotheredagroan.WithThaneit
wouldbesomuchfun.

“CanIhelpyouatall,mylady?”OneofThane’spolitemanservantshadpaddedtowardheratthesound
ofhergroan.Hewasolderandwhite-haired,wrappedinatoga-likegarment,hispentacletattoos

standingoutdarklyonhispaleskin.

“AmIrightinthinkingyoudon’thavecomputers?”sheaskedhim,tryingtobanishthememoryofThane’s
oh-sothoroughkiss.Whenthemanlookedblank,shesighed.

AllysonJames

“No,ofcourseyoudon’t.Iwanttolooksomethingup,researchsomething.HowdoIdothat?”

“Inthelibrary,mylady.TheLordThanehasmorebooksthananyotherpersoninthekingdom.Itisthis
way.”

Books.Ofcourse.She’dneveractuallyseenabookoutsideofpictures.Hercuriositymounting,she
followedthemanaroundthegalleryandthroughasetofcarveddoubledoorsintothestrangestroom
she’deverseen.

Shelveslinedtheovalroomfromfloortoceiling,crammedfullofbooks.Leastaredinaweattherich
abundance.Backhome,abookwasararething,sovaluabletheywereinlockedcasesandguardedby
motionsensors.

Thane’sbookswereopenlydisplayed,unprotected.Sheletherfingerbrushthespineofoneandfoundit
smooth,wornwithageasthoughpeopleactuallyreadit.

“Theindextothecollectionisthere.”Theservantpointedtoalargetomethatstoodopenonalectern
nearamassivetable.“Thenumberslistedinitrefertowhichsectionandshelfyouwillfindthebookson
eachsubject.Thisissectionone.”Hepointedtothefloor-to-ceilingshelfnearthedoor.“Ifyourequire
assistance,Icansendforthecataloger.”

“No,Ijustwanttolook.Um,thanks.”

Theservantbowed—anotherthingLeawasn’tusedto.Hepointedoutthebelltosummonhimoranother
servant,thenhedepartedonsoftfeet.

Leamovedtotheindexwithuncertainty,butafterflippingthroughafewpagesofit,shecaughtontothe
system,whichwasbeautifullysimple.Shewasusedtolookingupanyrequiredinformationindatabases
—youputinyoursearchtermandtheenginerevealedeverypieceofinfofromeverydatabaseonthe
Rock,whetheritwasaprintedfile,anaudiofileorastreamofinformationthatcouldbedownloaded
directlyintoyourbrain.

Hereshehadtolookupwordsalphabetically,thenwalktotheshelflistedandlocatethebook,thenfind
theinformationwithinthebook.Onceshelostheramazementofactuallyopeningthebookandturningthe
paperpages,hertaskgreweasier.

WhatinformationshefoundontheWarding,however,wassketchy.Manylegendshadbeenwovenaround
it,butthedescriptions,whilepoetic,didn’tmuchtellherwhattheWardingwas.

BasicallyshelearnedthatinthebeginningwaschaosandmuchdeathbeyondtheWarding.Theancestors

ofthefourclans—lion-star,tiger-vessel,dragon-wandandfalcon-sword—thenarrivedonPamaar.

OneoftheleadersfoundtheWardingandboundhimselfwithit,andfromthenon,nochaosorwarfrom
beyondtouchedPamaar.Theancestorsdestroyedtheancientvesselsinwhichthey’darrivedandsettled
downtofarmtherichland.

CatchaFallingStar

Leatouchedthepageshereadthoughtfully.Ithadbeenillustratedwithcolorfulpicturesscrollingdown
themarginsofthefirstkingsurroundedbyaglow,andpeoplebentoverhoesandplowswithcheerful
expressionsontheirfaces.

PerhapsthechaosbeyondtheWardinghadbeenagalacticwarofsomekind,theancestorslandingon
Pamaarinescapepodsfromadestroyedship.Perhapstheclanshadbeennamedaftersymbolsoneach
pod—inlargeinterstellarshipsthesedays,passengersandcrewwereassignedtospecificescapepods
uponboarding.Thatway,iftheshiphadtobeevacuated,youknewyouwenttoescapepodblue-sixon
levelten,whicheliminatedalotofpanicandchaos.

PerhapsthoseancientPamaarans,iftheywereanywherenearasartisticastheirdescendents,hadlabeled
theirescapepodswithanimalsandcolorfulsymbolsoftheTarot.

Butthiswasfancifulspeculation.Thebookshehelddidn’ttellherforcertain.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Deon’sfistscametorestonthetablenexttoher,large,sinewyhandsscarredfromfighting.He’dchanged
intoacoatandleggingsofsofterleather,hisbluebeadsbrightagainsthisjet-blackhair.

Themancouldmovelikeaghost.She’dneverheardthedooropenorhimcrosstheroom,andshecalled
herselfascout.

“Research,”Leasaid,keepinghervoicesteady.

Hedrewoneoftheopenbookstohimandscannedthepage.“TheWarding.Whydoyouwanttoknowso
muchaboutit?”

“I’mcurious.”

Deonrestedonehiponthetableandscowledather.“Ifyouthinkyoucantakeitdownsoyoucanget
away,youarewrong.”

“IknowIcan’tgetaway.Yousawmyship—it’saburned-outwreck,fuckedupbeyondallrepair,aswe
scoutsliketosay.AndI’mwillingtobetyoudon’thaveanythingherethatevenfliesinthestratosphere,
evenyourdrakes.”

“Stratosphere?ThisisanotherofyourwordsIdon’tunderstand.”

“ThereareawholeslewofyourwordsIdon’tunderstand.WhatisthisWarding?

Thesebooksaren’tmuchhelp.”Sheshovedoneshe’dbeenperusingaway,impatientwithit.“Isitmagic?
BecauseIdon’tbelieveinmagic.”

“Whatdoyoubelievein?”Deon’sdarkeyesrestedonherasthoughheranswerwereveryimportant.

“Myeyes,myhands,myexperienceandthefactthateverymealinthepilot’smesswilltastelikesand
mixedwithbirdcrap.”

Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed,therichsoundringingtotheceiling.“Wehadthesamefoodat
trainingcamp.Iamasoldiertoo,Lea,andIdon’tbelieveinmagiceither.”

Leahadbeguntosmilewithhim,butshesobered.“ThenwhatishurtingThane?”

AllysonJames

“Idon’tknow.”Helookedtroubled.Heglanceddownamoment,butshesawtheflashofpaininhiseyes
beforehehidit.

“TellmeaboutthisWardingthing.”

Deonlookedup,hisfaceclouded,buthisgazefilledwithangeranddetermination.

“Iwilldobetter.Iwillshowittoyou.”

Shehidhersuddenexcitementbyflinching.“Doesthismeanwehavetoflyonthosedrakethings?”

Helaughedagain.“Youfellfromtheskyinaballofmetal.Whyareyouafraidofdrakes,whowillnever
letyoufall?”

“Theyhaveteeth.”

Deongrinnedandclappedherontheshoulder,thestrengthofhimnearlyshovingherover.“Whenthey
biteyou,bitethemback.They’lllearnrespect.”

Somehowthatdidn’tmakeLeafeelanybetter.

*****

TheWardinglayahundredmilesfromthecity,intheoppositedirectionfromthecrashsite.Thesunwas
settingwhentheyreachedit,therazor-sharpmountainsonthehorizonstreakedpurpleandgoldandblue.

Deonlandedtheminafieldofsparsevegetation.Thefloorofthisvalleywasdesertsand,withonlya
fewdrygrassesandthornybushesgrowinghere,althoughthosewerestuddedwithbrightyellowflowers.

DeonunsaddledthedrakeandgavetheanimalacurtinstructionLeadidn’tunderstand.Insome

trepidationshewatchedthelizard-likebeasthurtleitselfintotheairandflapaway.

“Youknowhe’souronlywayoutofhere,”shepointedout.“Ididn’tseeanytownsorsettlementsforoh,
aday’swalkI’dsay.”

“He’llbebackwhenhe’seaten.Youdon’twantahungrydrakearound—they’recrankyashell.”

Hedidn’tseemintheleastworried,soLeadecidednottoworryeither,oratleastnottothinkaboutit.
Deonhadbroughtwaterforthemandalittlefood,thoughnotasmuchasshe’dhavepackedforadesert
expedition.

“SowhereisthisWarding?”sheasked.

“You’restandingonit.”

Lealookeddowninamazementbutsawonlythedesertfloor.“IguessIexpectedsomethingalittlemore
dramatic.”

“It’sburiedintheearth,hasbecomepartofit.Therearecavesovertherethatleadfarunderground.Come
on.”

CatchaFallingStar

Hebeganhikingacrossthevalleytowardthebaseofthemountains,Leafollowingclosely.Theairwas
coolifdry,perfectlycomfortableandevenbeautiful.Itwasonlyafewminuteswalktoacreviceinthe
rockyhillthatledtoadarkcave.

Inside,Deonliftedcandlesfromashelf,blewthedustoffthemandlitthemwithaflintandstoneandbit
ofwicking.

Leatookthelitcandlehehandedher.“Youknow,ifyouandThanehadn’ttakenallmystuff,Iwouldhave
hadamuchbetterlightforus.”

“Wouldn’thaveworked.TheWardinglikesonlynaturalthingsandwhateveryoubroughtwithyou
definitelyisn’tnatural.”

“Twocandlesaren’tmuchagainstahugecave.”

“Theydon’tneedtolastlong.Youwillsee.”

Heledherdownaslopingtunnelthatwouldhavebeenwideandhighenoughforthedraketotraverse.
Leaknewshewastrustinghimwithherlife—hecouldkillherinthedarkorsimplyabandonher.But
she’dseenthatflashoftruecaringinhiseyeswhentheydiscussedThaneandknewhe’dkeepheraliveas
longashethoughtshecouldhelp.

Leawatchedhisbroadbackintheflickeringlightastheymovedalong,hismusclesplayingunderthe
leather—musclesshe’dseennakedandstrong.HeandThanewerebothbeautifulmenandanyotherscout

wouldblessherluckbeingsavedbytwogorgeousmaleswhohadsuchaneasygoingoutlookaboutsex.

ButthoughThanehadn’tputherinchains,shewasstillhisprisoner.Deonhadlikelysenthisdrakeoffso
shewouldn’ttrytouseittogetawayfromhim,notthatshethoughtshehadachanceofcatchingand
ridingthething.Fornowsheneededtobidehertimeandseewhathappened.

“Here.”

Deonstoppedandsteppedbackfromanarrowopeninginthetunnel.Lealookedpasthimandgasped.

Acavernopenedattheirfeet,filledwithshining,glowinglight.Goldenandmagentaandblueandred
lightshimmeredandglistenedonthewalls,thefloor,theceiling,radiantandbeautiful.Deonwasright—
thecandlesweresuperfluousbecausethecrystalsbeamedarainbowsobrightthathercandleflamewasa
paleflickeragainstit.

“Whatisit?”Therewasnosound,yetatthesametimeLeafeltavibrationinsideherasthoughthestones
weresinging—asongjustforher.

“TheWarding.”Deon’svoicewasrichandlow,themanasawedbythesightasshe.“Itistheheartof
Pamaar,whatguidesusandkeepsussafe.”

“It’sbeautiful.”

Hegaveheralookofapproval.“Itlikesyoutoo.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”

AllysonJames

“LegendhasitthattheWardingrejectsanywhotrytobindwithitbutthetrueking.That’swhynotjust
anyonecanissuetheChallengetotheking.”

“Well,I’mnottryingtobindwithit.”

Thelinesaroundhiseyessmoothedasthoughshe’dpassedsomekindoftest.“It’ssingingtoyou.”

Thevibrationsechoedthroughherbodyuntilherheartandbloodshimmeredwithit.Sheliftedherhand
asthoughshecouldtouchthelightandsworeshefeltthetingleofit.Sheheardaslightlyoffnoteaswell,
asthoughoneofthecrystalswasoutoftune,butwhenshelistened,shecouldn’tpinpointit.

“Isthatwhyyoubroughtmehere?”sheaskedDeon.“ToseeifI’dtrytobindwithit?TostealThane’s
power?”

“Partly.”

“AndifIhadtried?”

“TheWardingwouldn’tletyou.”Hisdarkeyesglistenedinthelightofthecrystals.

“Evenifithad,I’dhavekilledyou.”

“Youreallywould,wouldn’tyou?”sheaskedwithoutrancor.“Becauseyou’ddoanythingtokeepThane
safe.”

“Isthatsosurprising?Thaneismylife.”

“Areyouhis?”Leaaskedonsuddenimpulse.

Deon’seyesnarrowed,butshereaduncertaintyinthem.“Youmeandoeshelovemeback?Ofcoursehe
does—we’resacred-bonded.Buthe’sking;doyouknowwhatImean?Pamaarcomesfirst.Ithasto.”

“Ifhewasn’tking,itcouldbejusthimandyou,”shepointedout.“Ifhedoesn’tgetbetterandthepeople
don’twanthimanymore,youandhecouldgoofftogether.Bebyyourselves.”

“ThatshowsyouknownothingaboutPamaar.IfThanecannolongerbeking,itishisdutytodie.Ifnoone
Challengeshimtoafighttothedeath,heshouldvolunteertokillhimself.”

LeastaredatDeoninshock.“Killhimself?”

“Yes,”heansweredgrimly.“That’swhyIhavetofigureoutwhat’sgoingonandtrytosavehim.OrI’ll
losehimforever.”

“ThatisthemostbarbaricthingI’veeverheard.ThePamaaransexpectThanetohealthemandthenwhen
hecan’t,hehastodie?Why?”

“Sothenewkingcantakeoverandhealthelandagain.Thekingandthelandareone.”

“That’sridiculous.”

“Isit?”Deonaskedfiercely.“ThenwhyareThane’shealingpowersfadingandwhyarepeopledying?
Felin’sclanisthemostaffectedandthey’reoutforThane’sblood.

CatchaFallingStar

Theythinkit’slongpasttimeThanedidthedecentthingandletFelinChallengehim.

TolethimbeslainsoFelincantakeover.”

Lealookedpasthimatthesinging,glowingcrystalsoftheWarding.Thismustbethesourceoftheshield
thatprotectedtheplanet;itmustputoffonehellofapowerboost.WerethecrystalsthesourceofThane’s
powersaswell?

Iftheequipmentinhershiphadn’tfried,shecoulddoaquickstudyontheWarding,figureoutwhatitwas
radiating.Asitwas,shecouldonlywonderandspeculate.

“Neitherofusbelieveinmagic,”shesaidslowly.“IfthisWardingthingiswaning,thenitwon’tgive
FelinanymorepowerthanitgivesThane.Thefalcon-swordclanmighttakeover,butpeoplewill
continuetodie.”

Deon’sexpressionrelaxed.“That’swhatIthinktoo.”

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”

“We?”

Leafeltherselfblush.“IfI’mstuckhere,Imightaswellhelp.”Sherolledherlipwithherteeth.“Ifanyof
myequipmentwasinoncepiece,Imightbeabletofigureallthisout.”

“YoulikeThane.”Itwasn’taquestion.

“Youhavetoadmit,he’scompelling.”

Deon’sgrinreturned.“Compellingisonewordforit.”

“Thatdoesn’tmean…Imean,I’mnotheretocomebetweenyou.”

Deontookasteptowardherandshesuddenlyfoundherselfagainsthisformidablechest.Hisleather
leggingscouldn’tdisguisetheverylongcockthatnudgedherhip.

“ThaneandIarebondedtooneanother,pledgedinsacredceremony.”HebrushedLea’shairbackfrom
herforeheadwithbluntbutgentlefingers.“WhenThanefallsinlove,sodoI.Wealwaysshare.”

“LikewithThane’swife?”

Hiseyessoftened.“Cerena,yes.Shewasbeautiful.HerdeathdevastatedThane.

Andme.”

“I’msorry.”

AsweirdasLeathoughttwomenlovingandsharingthesamewomanwas,Thane’sgriefwas
unmistakableandshesensedsimilargrieffromDeon.Andanyway,whowasshetojudgethecustomsof
anotherpeople?Theyhadsorrowandloveandgladnessandfear,justaspeopleontheRockdid.

“I’mtrulysorry,”sherepeated,herheartachingforhim.

“Iknowyouare.”Deonpressedhislipstothelineofherhairandhisgruffvoicesoftened.“That’swhyI
didn’targuewhenThanedidn’twanttolockyouup.Hesensedwhenhehealedyouthatyou’d
understand.”Hepaused.“Well,Ididn’targuemuch.”

“Youdon’ttrustme.”

AllysonJames

“Idon’ttrustanyone.NotwhereThaneisconcerned.”

“Ican’tblameyou.”Shereachedupanddidwhatshewouldn’thavedaredwhenshefirstmethim,
touchedhishardfacewithherfingertips.“Youknownothingaboutme.Icouldhavebeensenttodestroy
yourWardingandkillyourking.ButIwasn’t.I’msorryaboutwhat’shappeninghereandI’lltrytohelpif
Ican.”

“Whatasweetheart.”

Hissmilewaswarm,thoughhiseyesstillheldwariness.MaybeitwastheWardinganditscompelling
song,maybeitwasDeon’sobviousandintenseloveforThane—

whatevercausedit,shefollowedherimpulseandraisedonhertiptoestokisshismouth.

Deoncaughtherwithhishandathernape,notlettingherkeepthekissbrief.Heopenedhismouthwith
hislips,thekisshardandstrong,whatshe’dexpectfromawarrior.Hekissedherwithathoroughnessof
anexperiencedlover,onewhoknewwhathewantedandexactlywhatshewanted.

Thane’skisshadarousedherandfilledherwithunbearableneed.Deon’skisspromisedadifferentkind
ofneed—fiery,intense,maybeevenbrutal.Butsatisfying.Sosatisfying.Sherememberedhowhelooked
inthebedroom,walkingacrosstheroomstarknaked,readytoobeyThane’scommands.

Hesnakedhishandunderhertunic,roughpalmonherbareback.“TheWardinghaspower,canyoufeel
it?”

Shenodded.Standingintheglowoflightmadethelastofhersorenessfadeandrevivedherenergy.

“IwantThane,”shewhispered.Shehadn’tmeanttosayitoutloud,buttheWardingseemedtodragtruth
outofher.Italsoheightenedhersensesandherdesire.

“SodoI,”Deonmurmured.Heskimmedhiscallusedhandtoherbreastandgentlypluckedathernipple.

Twodaysagohersoaringresponsewouldhavealarmedher.Nowshegladlyletherquimpoolandher
bloodwarm,andtheconstantsingingoftheWardingthrewherinhibitionstothewind.Deonwastalland
powerfulanddangerous,andshewantedtowrapherselfaroundhim.

HowisitthatIwouldn’tmindhavingbothofthem?Thescoutsexedclassesnevercoveredthis.

Deonnuzzledhercheek.“Takeyourpantsoff.”

“Gee,youreallyknowhowtosweet-talkagirl.”

Heputhislipsclosetoherear,breathhot.“TakethemofforI’llripthemoff.”

Sheunderstooditwasn’tanidlethreat.Withshakingfingerssheunclaspedthefly,thentoedoffherboots
andshovedherleggingsdown.Shepulledoffthetunicaswell,likinghowthecloseairofthecave
huggedherskin.

CatchaFallingStar

Helookedherupanddown,takinghistime,andshestoodbackandlethim.Sheshiftedherfeetapartand
didwhathewantedhertodobackinthebedroom,dippingherfingerstoherquim.

Deonlethisgazelingerthereuntilshethoughtshecouldfeelhisstarepressingherclit.Thenhegrinned
andturnedawaytostripoffun-self-consciously.Hewasafighterandanathlete,hisbodytautwith
muscle,hisbroadshouldersrippling.

Theliontattooonhisarmmovedwithhisbicep,thetattooonhispelvistightandfirm.Butforallhis
strength,whenheliftedheragainsthisbody,hewasgentle.

“Howdoyoulikeit?”heasked.

“Um—thenormalway.Iguess.”

Hislowlaughterwrappedherlikeablanket.“Iseeyouneedteaching,love.”

Shegraspedabeadedbraidthathungbesidehisface.“IlikeThane’sway.”

Deonnodded,hiseyesdarkeningasheloweredhisheadtonipherneck.“Ilikehiswaytoo.Holdon
tight.”

AllysonJames

ChapterSix

Knowledge

Deonknewhe’dneverbeabletotakehercalmly.TheWardingrangthroughhisbodyandshewasasweet
armful,thiswomanfrombeyondthebarrierwithherstrangegreeneyes.Beautifulanddangerous.

Shewrappedherbarelegsaroundhishipsasheliftedher,ahalf-smileplayingonhermouth.Daringhim,
testinghim,teasinghim.

Herbreastsweresoftlittleglobesagainsthischest,herassfirmandroundagainsthispalms.Shewasa
soldierlikehewas,butshewasallwoman.Hiscockthickenedandmovedunerringlytoheropening,
findingitslickandwetandreadyforhim.

Nothingelaborate,hedecided.Justhiminher,findingoutwhatshewasmadeof.

Hebackedheragainstthecavernwall,shieldingherwithhisarmssotherockwouldn’tscrapeherback.
Hereyeswereheavy,hertouchonhisfacesweet.

Sweet.Deonlikeditrough,whichiswhathe’dlikedaboutCerena.Shewanteditbothgentleandhard,
andsheandDeonandThanehadfuckedfarintothenightonmanyoccasions.

Inthisplace,itwouldbehotandrawandfierce.Helethiscockpartherpussylips,teasingthesensitive
foldsuntilhereyesclosedtojadeslits.Herhumofdelightmadehiscockthrob,butheheldback,wanting
hertocraveit.

Helovedhertousledhair,croppedshortlikeasoldier’sbutvaryingincolorsfrombutter-yellowto
golden-brown.Herskinwassmoothandsmelledmuskyandclean,beautifulevenwithouttattoos.

“Gods,you’refine,”hewhispered,hisvoicebreaking.

“You’reprettyfineyourself,king’sman.”

“Doyouwantmealltheway?”heasked,kissingherbeautifulhair.

“Yes.”

“Areyousure?”Hegrinned.“Youhavetobereallysure.”

“Damnit,Deon,fuckme.”

“Idon’tknow…”

Shesettleditbyclutchinghisasswithherlegsandshovingherselfdownontohiswaitingcock.

Shegroanedatthesametimehedid—ohfuckingdamn,shewastight.

“Deon,”shegasped.

“It’sallright,love.You’retakingmegood.”

CatchaFallingStar

Wassheever.Hersheathsqueezedhimlikeaglove,theslick,wetfemalenessofherclenchinghimhard.

Herbreathwaswarmonhisface,herskinflushed.ShemightbeawomanwhofelltoPamaarinaburning
star,butshewashuman,female,soft-skinnedandsoft-eyed.

Shewasthebestthinghecouldhave—awomanwouldcouldfightathissidebydayandfuckwithhimall
night.

Shetiltedherheadbackagainsttherockwall,theWardinghummingandsingingwithallitsmight.
“Goddess,you’retoobigforme,”shemoaned.

“No,wefitjustright,”hesaid.Heheldherfirmlyanddroveinanotherinch.“Likethat?”

Foranswershekissedhim,hertonguesnakingintohismouthinhot,wetjabs.

Thiswaspurefucking,ripeandneedy.TheywerebothwoundupbytheWarding,shewetandslippery,
hiscockrock-hard.Theywerecomplete—almost.

Thaneneededtobethere,thenitwouldbeperfect.He’dleanagainsttherockwallbesidethem,maybe
lacehisarmaroundDeon’sshouldersandkissLea.He’dslidehishandbetweenthemandtouchwhere
DeonandLeajoined,ormaybecirclebehindDeonandsliphiscockbetweenDeon’slegssothatDeon
couldfeelThane’sstaffbrushhisballs.

DeonimaginedthefeelofThane’scockrubbinghiswhereitwentintoLea,theheatedfrictionplusthe
warmthofThane’shardbodyagainsthisback.

“Perfect,”hewhispered.“Perfect.”

“What’sperfect?”

“IfThanewerehere,touchinguswhilewefucked.”

“Oh—yes.”Lea’spussybeganconvulsing,wickedlittlethrobsthatsqueezedhiscockwithoutmercy.He
gruntedasheshovedhimselfasfarintoherashecould,thrustinghard.Hisfocusnarrowedtonothingbut
thisfeelingandherfinegreeneyes.

WhenhisimaginaryThanebithisearandwhisperedIloveyou,herockedhisheadbackandreleasedhis
seeddeepinsideher,hisshoutmixingwiththemadsingingoftheWarding.

Leacontinuedtwistinghersweetpussyonhimwhilesweatcoatedhisskinandhisheartthuddedlikehe’d
justruntenmilesnonstop.Heheldherclose,hisshaftstillhardasshewounddownfromherown
ecstasy.TheWardingwounddownwithher,itsfranticmusiceasingtoashimmeringhum.

Afterawhile,Leaopenedhereyesandgavehimatiredsmile.“Wow.”

Deondidn’tunderstandtheword,buthecaughtitsmeaning.“Wow,”herepeated.

Leawrappedherarmsaroundhimandgavehimawarm,sensuouskiss.Shedidn’thavethepracticed
touchofacourtesan—shewassimplyawomankissingamanshe’djustmadelovewith.

Nottryingtobeguilehim—enjoyingwhatthey’dshared.

AllysonJames

Dangerous.Thiswomanwasso,sodangerous.

“Isthiswhyyoubroughtmeouthere?”shemurmured.

“Partly,”headmitted.“Itwaspartofthereason.Icouldn’tletThanetouchyouuntilIwassure.”

“Sureaboutwhat?”

“Whetheryouweresafe.”

Shepulledbackalittle,lookingathiminpuzzlement.“Whatdoyoumeansafe?

Youtwotookmyonlyweaponanddestroyedmycommunicator.I’mprettydamnsafe.”

“Youmighthavebeenbooby-trapped.Hadapussyfullofpoisonorsomething.”

Shestared.“You’rekiddingme,right?”

“Weknownothingaboutyouorwhereyoucomefrom.You’reanirresistiblewomanandwhoknowsif
youweren’tsenttoseduceandkillhim?”

“Letmegetthisstraight—youwerewillingtohavesexwithmeeventhoughImighthavekilledyou,just
tosaveThane?”

“Yep.”

“Wow.”Thatwordagain.“That’snoble,inabizarresortofway.Butnotnecessary.

I’mnotcrazyenoughtobooby-trapmyselftokillsomeonewithsex.Ipreferastraightfight.”

Helethimselfsmile.“ButitwasfunfindingoutIwaswrong.”

Shegavehimalazykiss.“Ofcourseyou’dthinkthat.”

“Wasitfun?”

“Whatdoyouthink?”

Hewassparedhavingtoanswerbyathumpandablastofhothair.Suddenlythecavewasfullofdrake,
bendinghissinuousnecktoputhisheadatDeon’slevel.Cutie’sbrightblueeyesblinkedandhecocked
hishead.

“Welcomeback,drake-breath,”Deonsaid.“We’llbeoutinaminute.”

Cutiegavehimalookofwhatcouldonlybepuredisgust,butturnedandwaddledoutofthecave,his
wingspressedtighttohissides.

DeoncarefullyslidLeatoherfeetandreachedforhisclothes.“He’sreadytogohome,soweshouldbe
too.Bloodybeasts.”

“Deon.”

LeahadmovedtotheedgeoftheprecipiceoverlookingtheWarding.

“What?”

“Lookjustthere.”

Hecametoherandfollowedherpointingfingertothefarcornerofthecave,whichwasalmostlostin
shadow.

“Lookatwhat?”heasked.

CatchaFallingStar

“IthoughtIhearditwhenwefirstcamein.Likesomethingoutoftune.”Shestabbedherfingerofftothe
right.“Doyouseeit?”

Deonshadedhiseyesandpeeredintothelight.Atfirstallhesawwerethecrystalsglowingandsparkling
asusual.Thenhediscernedaslightdimnessinthefarcornerand,ashelooked,hecouldmakeoutablack
area,wherecrystalsshouldbedancinginlightandweren’t.

Asthoughhisattentiononthemmadeitworse,thelightoftheentireWardingdampenedslightly,allowing
himtoseeachunkofitdeadordying.

“Isureashelldon’tlikethat.”

“Isthatwhat’swrongwithit?”Leaasked.

DeonscannedtheWardingawhilelonger,forebodinginsidehim.ThaneknewtheWardinghadweakened,
buttoseeitstarkandblackwhereitneverhadbeenbeforemadehisbloodcold.

Leaputherhandonhisarm,hereyesanxious,hertouchattemptingcomfort.Hedrewheruptokissher
warmlips,thenlacedhisarmaroundherwaistandledherfromthecaves,bothofthemsilent.

*****

LeawashappytoseeThane’sfairy-talecastleloomupinfrontofthemandsolidgroundbeneathherfeet
oncemore.Shelovedtofly,butinaship,notperchedonthebackofawingedmonster.

Thedrakegaveherwhatcouldonlybeanevilgrinassheslippedoutofthesaddleandhobbledbackto
thecastle.Deon’sgrinwasdefinitelyevilandheslappedherontherumpasshepassed.

Shesoneededahotbath.Withbubbles.Justinhadalwaysteasedherabouthergirlyaffectionforbubble
bathsandscentedsoap.She’drepliedthatshemightbeascoutwithmilitarytraining,butshewasfemale
underneathherunisexsuitandlikedtobefeminineonceinawhile.

Deonhadjustprovedthatwithoutadoubt.

Herfaceheatedassheremembered…

Shewasgivenalong,leisurelymealwithexquisitefoodandsmooth,redwine.Sheatealone,attendedby
fiveservantswhohoveredanxiouslyandwatchedhereateverybite.

Thenthemotherlymaidwhohadtendedherbeforesettledherinasteamingtubanddepartedjustasthe
courtesansEmilieandBalincameintothebathchamber.Thepairworelittleclothing—Balininnothing
butaloinclothandEmilieinashort,body-huggingsilktunicthatleftherarmsandlegsbare.

AllysonJames

“WhereisThane?”Leaasked,uptotheneckinbubbles.Happily,thecastlehadaprofusionofbathsalts,
oilsandfoam,thoughithadbeendifficultnarrowingherchoicetoone.

Emiliesmiled.“IncouncilwithLordDeon.”

“Doesthatmean…?”

“No,”Balinansweredinhisdeepvoice.“Incouncilwithhiscouncilors.LordFelinhasbeenstirringup
troubleagain.”

Leasighed,thinkingofthechillingdarknessintheWarding.“IwishIcouldhelp.IwishIcoulddo
something.”Sheslappedatthewater,sendingbubblesoverBalin’sbarechestasheleanedoverher.

Balingaveherasympatheticsmileashebrushedthesudsaway.“Itisdifficulttowatchsomeoneyoucare
forintrouble.Heaskedthatwelookafteryou.Youcanhelphimbyenjoyingyourstayheresohedoes
notworryaboutyou.”

“Icanhelphimbylettingcourtesanshavetheirwaywithme?”

BalinchuckledandEmilie’sprofessionalsmilereturned.“Youdonothavetohavesexifyoudonotwish
it.Butwecanbatheyouandmassageyouandevensingtoyouifyoulike.”

“DoallThane’sguestsgettheroyaltreatment?”

“Notatall.”EmilietrailedherfingeracrossLea’sshoulder.“Whichmakesmethinkyouareveryspecial
toThane.”

Leawasn’tsurewhattomakeofthat.Balinslippedbehindthetubandbegankneadingthemusclesofher
neckand,withagroan,shelethim.IfThanewantedherpampered,whowasshetorefuse?

*****

“YoutookhertotheWarding?”Thane’sthroatwenttightwithangerashefacedDeonalone.Thecouncil
meetinghadlastedonlyanhour,butThanehadbeenimpatienttoreturntohisroomswithDeonand
interrogatehim.

Deonshrugged,tryingtolookinnocent.“Shewantedtoknowaboutit.IfiguredifIletherseethetruth,
shewouldn’ttrytosneakawayfromustoseeforherself.”

“Doyourealizehowdangerousthatwas?”Thanesnapped.“Ofcourseyoudid,andyouwentanyway.”

“Weneededtoknow,”Deonsaidstubbornly.

“Whetherornotshewasdeceivingus?IftheWardinghadstruckoutather,itcouldhavekilledyoutoo,
youbloodyidiot.”

“Itdidn’t.”

Thaneclenchedhislargefists.“Youcouldn’thaveknownthat.Ineedyou,andnotonlybecauseIlove
you.Ineedyoubesidemeeverystepofthewayandlosingyouwouldnothavehelpedmejustnow.Did
youthinkofthat?”

CatchaFallingStar

Deon’sfacewasamaskofobstinacy.“Iknewyou’dforbidit.Butweknowforsurenow,don’twe,that
shehasn’tbeensenttotrytodestroyyou.Wehadtofindout.”

“SoyoudecidedwalkingrightuptotheWardingwasthebestway?Haveyoulostyourmind?Just
becauseyouwererightdoesn’tmeanitwasn’tstupid.”

“Iknowitwasstupid.ButsoiskeepingheraroundyouwithoutknowingwhetherFelinsenthertotake
youdown,orifshereallyisadarkbeingfrombeyondtheWarding.”

“WhichiswhyIhaveherwatchedeverysecond.Iwanthertobeonourside,butI’mnotthegulliblefool
youthinkIam.”

“You’refallingforher,”Deonsaid.“Iseethewayyoulookather.You’repicturingyourselfpresenting
hertothekingdomasthenextqueen.You’remeasuringforanewbedandcradlesforyourchildren.”

“Ihaven’tgoneasfarasthat.Ifyoudon’tremember,I’mdying.”

“NotifIcanhelpit.”

Thanegrowled.“Gettingyourselfkilledwon’texactlyhelp,Deon.Idon’twantyouleavingthecastle
withoutme,evenifIhavetochainyouupinadungeon.”

“Youdon’thaveadungeon.”

“I’llbuildone.”

Deonclearedhisthroat.“Sorry,YourMajesty.”

Thaneletitgo.DeonrarelyapologizedandThaneknewhisfriendtrulydidrealizehowstupidhe’dbeen.
Lea’sarrivalhadmadethembothedgyandneitherwasthinkingstraight.

“Whereisshe?Stillinthebath?”

“Yes.”

“Well,atleastyou’rekeepingtrackofher.”Hepulledoffthesilkrobehe’dwornatthecouncilmeeting
andtosseditaside.“Comewithme.Butonlytostandguard.Youdeservealittlepunishment.”

Deonscowled,butnotasmuchasheshouldhave.Infact,helookedslightlysmug.

“Don’ttellme,”Thanesaid.

“YouknowIhadtomakesureshewassafebeforeIlethertouchyou.”

Thanepinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“YoumadelovetoherattheWarding.”

“It’smydutyasyourpersonalguardtomakesureanyonewhocomestoyourbedisn’tadanger.”

Thatwastrue,butthesmuglookwasgettingirritating.“Yes,I’msureitwasahugesacrificeonyour
part.”

Deongrinned.“Ilovemyjob.”

“Don’ttalkanymore,Deon,orIreallywillbuildadungeon.”Thaneputaheavyhandonhislover’s
leather-cladshoulder.“Justforyou.”

AllysonJames

*****

LeaopenedhereyestoseeThaneloweringhimselfintothebathwithher.Hesettledontheoppositeend
ofthehugetub,waterandbubbleslappinghisbarecollarbone.Hiswhite-blondhairfloatedinthewater,
theredbeadsinitbrightagainstthefoam.

“MayIbathewithyou,Lea?”

Hisvoicewaslow,formal,hiseyesdarkandshuttered.Shesensedthattheanswertothequestionwas
important.

“Ofcourse,”sheanswered.Amootpointanyway,sincehewasalreadyinthewaterwithher.

Deonsatbackwardonachairontheothersideoftheroom,hislegssplayedopen,hishugeframe
dwarfingthedelicatepieceoffurniture.Hekepthisclothesonandhisexpressiongrim.

BalincontinuedmassagingLea’sneckandEmiliestrummedthestringedinstrumentshe’dbroughtout,
hummingasoothingtune.

“Emilie,”Thanesaid,hiseyesflickingtoher.“Itisyourdaughter’sbirthday.”

“Indeed.”Shesmiledwarmly.“Sheistenyearsoldtoday.Sheismostgratefulforthegiftyousent.”

“Gohomeandspendthisspecialdaywithher.Givehermyregards.”

Emilielookedpleased.Shewrappedtheinstrumentinitsvelvetclothandquietlygatheringupherthings.
Thaneremainedsilentuntilshe’dpulledarobeoverhertunicandlefttheroom.

“ShallIstay?”Balinasked.HisfingershadeasedeveryknotfromLea’sneck.

“Ifyoulike.MassageDeon.He’stense.IwouldliketospeaktoLeaalone.”

Balinstoodup,dryinghisfingersonthemountainoftowelsnexttothebath,thenhebowedandmoved
acrossthecavernousroomtoDeon.ThanewaiteduntilBalinandDeonhadbegunalow-voiced
conversation,thenhebeckonedtoLea.

“Cometome.”

Leacamefromacultureinwhichamannevercommandedawomantodoanything,notunlesshewanted
apunchinthemouth.Butforsomereason,Leadidn’tmind—becauseshewantedtodowhathesaid,not
becauseheforcedher.

Shelefttheseatatherendofthetubandfloatedtohim.Hecaughtheraroundthewaistandeasedherto
hislapfacinghim.

“DeontookyoutotheWarding.”

“Hedid.”Shetiltedherheadtostudyhisdarkeyes.

“Itisforbiddenforanyonebutthekingandonesbondedtohimtolookuponit.”

“Really?Thenwhyisthecavewideopen?Nosignssayingkeepoutifyou’renotthekingorhisbest
friend?”

CatchaFallingStar

“Whyshouldweneedsigns?Everyoneknowsitisforbidden.Deonispermittedtogo,butheknewhe
shouldnothavetakenyou.”

Leaglancedacrosstheroom.“Isthatwhyhe’ssopissedoff?”

“Heshouldnothavedoneit,butinaway,itisgoodhedid.Itwasatestandyoupassed.”

“Heimpliedthatwhenwewerethere.Thathe’dkillmeifItriedtobindwiththeWarding.”

“There’smoretoitthanthat.NoteveryonecanstandbeingsoclosetotheWarding.

Itmighthavekilledyou.IfyouwereanenemyofPamaar,ademonfromthedarkness,itwouldmost
definitelyhavekilledyou.”

“Oh.”Ashiverwentthroughherthatthebathwatercouldn’twarm.“Terrific.Niceofhimtotellme.”

“HewaswrongtodoitandIhaveexplainedtohimwhy.”Thane’sdarkgazefixedintentlyonherashe
touchedhercheek.“Butinaway,Iamglad.BecausenowIknowyouarenotmyenemy.”

Leadidn’tunderstandhowheknew.Shestillcouldbeanagentfromtheempirescoutingforthebest
placetostartharvesting.Butshelikedhisfingersbrushingherfaceandthefeelofhisstrongbodyunder
hers,soshedecidednottobringitup.

Whenhekissedher,sheknewshewasintheworstdangerofherlife.Shewasstartingtocareabout
ThaneandDeonandtheirpeople,andshecouldn’tletherself.Shewasascoutwithamissiontoprotect
theRockatallcosts.Ifshewerestrandedorcaptured,itwasherfirstdutytogetawayandreportallshe
couldtoherphalanxleader.

Shecouldnotwanttobewiththesemen.ButThane,withsadnessburiedinsidehimandatouchlikefire,
wasstealingherheart.

Justinwouldlaughhimselfsick.

Justinisnothere,alittlevoiceinsideofherpointedout.

Thane’slipswerewarmandfirm,jawsandpaperroughunderhertouch.Hetastedlikespiceandwine,
smelledofthebathwaterandmale.Shemovedherhandtothecockthatjuttedbetweenthemandsqueezed
it.Hewashardandheavyandwhenherhandcontracted,hemoanedinhisthroat.

Notwithstandingtheincrediblesexshe’dhadinthecaveswithDeon,shewantedThanewithbreathtaking
intensity.Hiscockwasniceandthickunderherfingers,theflangesilkensoft.Shestrokedbackandforth
withherthumbuntilherestedhisforeheadagainsthers,breathwarmonherskin.

“Iamimaginingyouwithatattoohere,”hesaid,trailinghisfingersdownherneck.

“Abeautifullionwithamazingcolors.Itwouldbecomeyou.”

“Ican’tpossiblygetatattoo.”Shefoundithardtospeak.

“Youmust,ifyouaretobemine.Astarhere.”Hetouchedtheskinbelowherear.

“Andagainonyourback,justhere.”Hisfingersmovedtothehollowatthebaseofher59

AllysonJames

spine.“SothatwhenIenteryou,Icanlookdownandknowforcertainyoubelongtome.”

“Thane.”Leamadeherselfmeethissin-darkgaze.“You’removingtoofastforme.”

“Imustdoso.Youmustbemadeofthelion-starclanbeforeIpresentyoutoPamaar.Ifyouhavenoclan,
thenyouwillbeconsideredfrombeyondtheWarding,nomatterthattheWardingdidnotharmyou.”

Leawentstill,notlikingthegravelookinhiseyes.“Letmeguess.IfI’mnotofaclan,Igetkilled.”

Henodded.“Itisthelaw.ButIwouldneverletthathappen.”

Leafellsilent.Thanewastryingtoprotecther,shesawthat,butshesensedanetslowlyclosingaround
her.Ifshebecameoneofthem,ifshecaredtoomuch,she’dnotwanttoleave.Andshehadtogo.

“Thebestartistwillbebroughtforyou,”Thanewenton.“Yourtattooswillbethemostexquisiteinthe
clan.”

Leaheldupdrippinghands.“Juststop.You’vebroughtmethebestfood,thebestcourtesans,thebest
wineandyou’llbringmethebesttattooartist.Butyou’releavingouttheonethingIwantmost—togo
home.”

Hervoicewaveredovertheword.Home—theRock,withitswindstormsthatdroveeveryonetoseek
shelterunderground,thegaggingsmellofsulfurfieldsfartothesouth,thecamaraderieinthebarracks,
wakingtothesmellofthickcoffeeinthemornings.

Thane’sworldwasbeautifulandexoticandThanetreatedherlikeaprincess.Butthelongingtoseethe
starkharshnessofherhome,rememberingthesoundofherfather’slaughteroverthelowingofthe
stubbornlivestockonthesimplefarmwhereshe’dgrownupsuddenlyoverwhelmedher.TheRockwas
sofarawayandhereshewas,trappedinthislavishkingdom,alone.

Tearsspilledoutofhereyestodripintotheheatedwater,breakingthebubbles.Sheputherhandstoher
facetostopthem,buttheyseepedaroundherfingers.

ShefeltThane’sstrongarmsclosearoundherandpullherclose.Sheleanedagainsthisshoulder,giving
uptryingtostemthetears.

Deonmovedfromhisperchacrosstheroom,butThanehelduphishand,stillinghim.

“Youbelongtomenow,”hewhisperedtoher,lipsbrushingherhair.“Iwilltakecareofyou.”

Shewantedtoargue,butshewassodamntiredfromthelongflightwithDeontotheWardingandback,

nottomentiontheroughandfastsex.Plushermindwaswearywithallshehadtoabsorbandtryingto
staveofftheknowledgethatshecouldverywellbestuckhereforlife.

Pamaarwasabeautifulplace,butdangerous.SheknewfullwellthatwithoutThane’sprotection,she’dbe
screwed.

CatchaFallingStar

Itwaseasiernottothinkaboutit.MuchbettertolayhereandsoakupthewarmthofthebathandThane
andthesteamoftheroom.

ThanecouldhavelockedheruportorturedheroroutrightkilledherwhenDeonfirstbroughtherin.
Insteadheactedlikehecared,whichtwistedaknifeinherheart.

Evengruff-voicedDeonhadmadesureshewasn’thurtattheWardingandhadheldhersteadilyonthe
drake.

Iftheyweregoingtocaptureherandkeepher,whydidtheyhavetobesoniceaboutit?

AndwhydidThanehavetobesogorgeousandcompassionateandbrokenhearted?

“Youdidthisonpurpose,”shemumbled.

Thanebenttocatchherwords.“Didwhatonpurpose?”

“Madeyourselfirresistible.”

Hesentherhisheart-meltingsmile.“Doyoufindmeirresistible?I’mglad.Ifindyouhighlydesirable.”

“Somuchtalking,”Deonsaid,hulkingnexttothebath.“Areyougoingtofuckorwhat?”

*****

“Thankyou,youhavebeenhelpful.”

Felinloungedbackinhiscampchairandregardedhisinformer,whostoodoutlinedinflickeringfirelight
—someonesoclosetoThaneFelincouldn’thelpbutfeelglee.

“Sotheseersvowthatthequeenhasreturnedwiththefallingstar,butKingThaneisnobetterandpeople
arestilldying.Interesting.”

Hespokecalmly,butangerroiledthroughhim.Thanewasaliar,andheshouldhavelongsincefacedthe
Challengeorfallenonhisswordandsparedthemall.WhenFelinbecameking,he’dfindawaytosave
hispeople.Ifhehadtocapturethe“queen”

andmakeuseofher,sobeit.

Hesnappedhisfingers.Hissecondcametohimwithavelvetpouch,whichheopenedtorevealabrooch,
anintricatedragonflyencrustedwithdiamondsandotherpreciousstones.

“Agiftforyourdaughter,”hesaid.“Ibelieveitisherbirthdaytoday?”

“Itis,”Emiliesaid,acceptingthebrooch.“Itiskindofyoutoremember.”

Felinmerelysmiled.Emiliehadbeeneasytobribe,becauseherdaughterhadfallenillandThane’s
powerswereasnothingtosaveher.FelinhadpromisedthatifEmiliehelpedhim,herdaughterwouldbe
thefirstrestoredwhenFelinbecameking.Emiliehadn’thesitatedlong.

AllysonJames

Felindismissedhissecondandtheservantsandhistentrapidlyemptied,leavingEmilieandhimself
alone.HehookedhisfingerthroughEmilie’ssilkbeltandpulledherdowntohislap.

“Thankyou,”hesaidagain.“Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutyou.”

“Ofcourse.”Emiliesmiledathim,thebeautiful,practicedcourtesan’ssmile.

Sheranherhandsdownhistorsoandloosenedhisleggings,thenslidtoherkneesand,stillsmiling,
begantopleasurehiminherperfect,courtesanway.

CatchaFallingStar

ChapterSeven

Betrayal

Deonhadagoodpoint,Thanethought.ThanewashardandreadyandDeonwasbulgingoutofhis
leggingsagain.Leawasasweet,barearmful.Shemightbeasoldier,butshewasscaredandvulnerable
andThanefeltincrediblyprotectiveofher.

AsangryasThanewasatDeon,hewasgratefultohisfriendforfindingouttruths,thoughhedidn’tlike
Deon’smethods.Buthewasn’tgoingtoletDeonoffeasy.Thepunishmenthehadinmindmadehiscock
sway.

“ImightbekingofPamaar,”hemurmured,kissingLea’shair.“Butinthisroom,Iamyourslave.Myonly
pleasurewillbegivingyoupleasure.”

Hereyeswidened,thosebeautifuljade-coloredeyes,sostrangeyetalreadyprecioustohim.“Don’ttempt
melikethat,”shesaid.

“Whatgivesyoupleasure,Lea?WouldyoulikeBalintotakeyou?Heishighlytrained.”

Lea’sglancedartedtoBalinwhosatwithonearmoverhisknee,lookingassensuousasever.Thanefelt
herpulsequickenandknewshefoundtheideaexciting.

“No,”shestammered.“Imean,I’mnottryingtoberude,butIdon’tthinkI’mquitecomfortablewiththe
wholecourtesanthing.”

“Inthisroom,atthistime,yourdesiresareallthatmatters.Balinunderstands.”Heranlightfingersacross
herskinandenjoyedfeelinghershiver.“YouhavealreadysampledthedelightsofDeon.Wouldyoulike
thatagain?”

Sheturnedrubyred.“Hetoldyouaboutthat?Figures.”

“Hewasdoinghisjob,protectingme.”

Deonchuckled.“Iliveformywork.”

“Orwouldyoulikemetopleasureyouslowly?”Thaneasked,watchingherreactionscarefully.“Would
youlikemetopleaseyouwithmytongue?Ormyfingers?”

Heslidhishandunderthewaterandbrushedthebuttonofherclit.Shejumpedmostsatisfactorily.

“Youlikethat,”hesaid.

Sheclutchedhim.“Justtakemeandgetitoverwith.I’mabouttoexplode.”

Thanesmiled,hiscockmorerigidbythesecond.“Wewillgoslow.I’mverybig—

youneedtogetusedtome.”

“Youdon’tneedtolockmeinadungeonandtortureme.You’redoingitrightnow.”

AllysonJames

“Torture?”Thanesaidinmocksurprise.Heslidonefingerintoherquim,findinghotsleeknessthewater
couldn’twashaway.“Thisistorture?”

Shemovedagainsthishand.“Youknowitis.”

“Youwantme,”hesaid.“Good.”

“OfcourseIwantyou.”Shegaspedashissecondfingerslidinside.“I’vewantedyousinceyouputyour
handsonmeandhealedme.Thatfeltsodamngood.”

“Healingissupposedtofeelgood,”hesaidinsomesurprise.

“Orgasmicgood?”

“Whynot?”

Shegrowled.“Nowondereveryonewantsyoutohealthem.”

“Rightnow,Iwanttopleasureyou.Standup.”

Leagroundherselfagainsthisfingers.“Idon’twantto.Ithoughtyouweretheslavehere.”

“Itwillfeelevenbetter,love.Standforme.”

Sheslid—slowlyandreluctantly—awayfromhim,moaningagainwhenhisfingerscameoutofher.She
stoodupinthebath,waterandbubblescascadingfromherslimbody.

Shewastightlymuscledallover,butherbreastshunginroundglobes,thetipspointedanddark.Thehair
atherquimwasatwistofwirygoldensoftness.Deon’seyesbecamepoolsofblackashelookedher
over,thetiphiscockpartingthelacesofhisleggings.

Thanepressedherlegsopenwithhispalmsandleanedtoteaseherclitwithhistongue.

“Ohh,”shepurred.“Torture.”

“Forallofus,”Deonsaid.

Thaneraisedhishead.“Youknowwhyyou’renotinherewithme.”

“Punishment,yeah.IthinkI’velearnedmylesson.”

“Notevenclose.”

“Comeon,Thane,she’snottheonlyonewho’sgoingtoexplode.”

“Youhavenoself-control,myfriend.Verywell,joinus.”Hegrinned.“I’llpunishyoulater.”

“Thoughtyou’dneverask.”

DeonshuckedhisclothesandsurgedintothewaterbehindLea,hisentrancesloshingbubblesandwater
overthesides.Hesnakedhisarmsaroundher,brownhandsrestingonherpaleabdomen,hisbigthighs
pressingthebacksofhers.

Thanewentbacktolickingher.Sweethoney.Shewasbeautifulandtastedlikethefinestwine—better.
He’dneverhadanythingsoexquisiteinhismouth.

CatchaFallingStar

Thelonginginhervoicewhenshe’dsaidshewantedtogohomehadcaughtinhisheart.Hehadnoability
tosendherbackandthatangeredhim,asmuchashewantedhertostay.Whenhedied,Deonwould
protecther,butthatthoughtwouldn’tmakeleavinghereasier.

Iwillnotletthemwin.Iwillnotletitwin.Ihavesomethingtolivefor—thisbeautifulwoman.Ican’t
abandonherafterthegodsbroughtherhere.

Helaughedinsidehimself.AndIcan’tletDeonhaveallthefun.

Leawrithedunderhisministrations,thesoundscomingfromherthroatenchanting.Deonhadhishandson
Lea’sbreasts,hismouthonherneck.ThanereachedaroundLeaandpressedhisfingersintoDeon’staut
buttocks,andDeonshiftedinpleasure.

Thiswasheaven,hismouthoverLea’shot,tightclit,hishandsonDeon’sass.Hedippedhisfinger
betweenDeon’scheeks,lettingthetipfindtheanalstarandgentlypressin.Deonrespondedbygroaning
outloudandsuckingLea’sneck.

Itwaslikeadance—ThanerubbedhistonguealloverLea’sclitandplayedwithDeon’sanalstar,Deon
thrusthiscockbetweenLea’sthighsandrolledhernipplebetweenhisfingers,sheleanedagainstDeon
andarchedherpussyatThane.Thethreeofthemrockedsimultaneouslyinpleasure,threetimesasgood
assexwithonlytwo.

WhenLeacame,itwasbeautiful.HoneypouredintoThane’smouthandhelappeditup,runninghis
tongueinsideherpussytogeteverydrop.Shepushedherselfagainsthismouth,hercriesmuffledasDeon
caughtthemonhislips.

Primaljoyslashedthroughhim.HelovedDeonandithadbeenalongtimesincethey’dpleasureda
womantogether.Theyplayedwiththecourtesans,butithadbeenyearssincethey’dconcentratedtheir
effortstobringawomantoasmuchecstasyastheypossiblycould.

Helookedup.LearestedherheadonDeon’sshoulder,hereyesclosed,whileDeonnibbledherneck.His
thinblackbraidstouchedthewater,theendsofhishaircurling.

“Youliketodance,Lea,”Thanesaid.“Youpleaseme.”

“She’sbeautiful,”Deonmurmured,fingerssplayedacrossherbreasts.

Leaopenedhereyesandglancedacrosstheroom,butThaneknewbeforehelookedthatBalinhadgone.
Themalecourtesanwasdiscreetandhadanuncannyknackforknowingwhathisclientswanted—even
whenitwasforhimtobeelsewhere.BalinknewthatLeawasshywiththecourtesans,sohe’dbeata
retreat.Maybelater,Thanecouldshowherhownottobeshy.

“I’dliketopleasureyou,now,”shesaid.

Thaneshookhishead.“Thisisallaboutyou.I’mnotfinished.”

“Ithoughtyouweresupposedtobemyslave.Itpleasesmetoputmymouthonyou.”

Deonchuckled.“Youhavetolearn,Lea,mylove.Hesayshe’saslavebuthe’sstilltheking,sohemakes
therules.Hedoesn’treallyunderstandhowtoplaythisgame.”

AllysonJames

Thaneknewdamnwellwhathewasdoing,butheallowedDeonhisjoke.Herosetohisfeet,water
cascading,andliftedLeainhisarms.Herbodywaswetandslipperyandlush,ajoytoholdashe
climbedoutofthebathandtookherintoherbedroom.

Deonfollowedwithtowels.

OnceLealaynakedonanestoftowels,Thaneshowedhereverythingheknewaboutpleasure.Heused
histongueandhishandsalloverherbody,thenDeonjoinedhimandtheylickedhertoclimaxagain.
Thanebroughtouttoys,softandhard,andheandDeonplayedwithher.

Shescreamedclimaxagainandagain,untilshefellback,exhausted,hermulti-coloredhaircurlingonher
dampforehead.Shewhimpered.

“IfIdon’thaveyouinsideme,I’mgoingtodie.”

“ButifImakeyouwait,itwillbeallthesweeter,”Thanewhisperedinherear.Helethishardenedcock
brushherquimandshecursedinfrustration.Hedidn’ttellherthathewasdyingforhertoo,thatittook
everyounceofwillpowernottospreadherwideandfuckherhard,now.

“Ineedyou,”shemoaned.

Thanestretchedhimselffull-lengthbesideher,hislipsatherear.“You’vealreadyhadDeon.”

“Notthesame.”

“Ohthanks,”Deongrowled.

“Imean—itwasdifferent.”

“Thanks,again.Iguesswecan’tallbeking.”

“Ithasnothingtodowithhimbeingaking.”Leahalfsatupinfrustration.“Ijustwanthim.”

“Shh,”Thanesoothedher.“Gotosleepnow.”

Leafloppeddown,hercheeksflushedandeyesheavy.“I’llmakeyoupayforthis,justyouwait.”

Thanelaughedsoftly.“I’mlookingforwardtoit.”Hetouchedherbrow,sendinghishealingmagictoher
—whatlittlehecoulddothesedays.“Sleepnow.”

Sheclosedhereyes,limbsslack,andtookalongbreath.“Thankyou,”shewhispered.

Thanekissedherlipsuntilherbreathinggrewslowandsteady,thenhereluctantlyliftedhimselfaway.

*****

Leadidn’tcompletelygotosleep.Shedrowsedforatime,eyesclosed,andlistenedtothetwomenwho
hadjustshownhermoreecstasythanshe’dknownexisted.

CatchaFallingStar

“Sure,workusupandthenputhertosleep,”Deonsaid,hisvoicelow.“Wherearecourtesanswhenyou
needthem?”

“I’mstillhere,”Thanesaid.

Therewasalongsilence.

“Don’tstartthisagain,”Deonrumbled.

“Idon’tknowhowmuchlongerIcanhangon,”Thanereplied.Hesoundedweary.

“AndI’veneverhadyou.”

“Wefollowtherules.Itsucks,butifanyonehasahintthatthekingdoesn’tobeyhisownlaws,eventhis
one,they’llbeonyouevenfaster.They’lluseanyexcusetokillyou.”

“AlawthatsaysIcan’ttreatthemanIlove,whoismoreloyaltomethananyother,asanequalisabad
law.”

“Hey,you’retheking—I’masoldier.Dealwithit.Anddon’tthinkIhaven’thadfantasiesaboutme
fuckingyouuntilyoucan’twalkforthreedays.Ihavethatfantasyeveryday.”

LeafeltthebedmoveasThanemovedbehindDeon.“Inthisfantasy,areyouunabletowalkforthree
days?”

“Yes.ButIfindthingstodowithmytime.Likefuckingyousomemore.”

“Goodfantasy.”

Deonlaughedsoftly.“Ithinkso.”

Thane’shumordied.“Ineedyou.”

“Abouttimeyouadmittedthat.”

Thebedmovedsomemore.Leaforcedhereyesopentoslits,toointerestedtosuccumbtosleep.Shesaw
Deonpositionhislargebodyonallfours,weightrestingonhisforearms.Thaneloomedbehindhim,his
cockhugeandswollen,hisfingerscoveredwithlubefromthebedsidetable.

Thane’shandmovedonDeon’sassandthenhebracedhimselfonDeon’shipsandslidinsidehim.

Deon’seyessqueezedshut.“Ohholy…”

“Shh.Don’twakeLea.”

Deonbithisbottomlip,buthecouldn’thelpgruntingandgroaninginhisthroat.

Behindhim,Thanebegantorockhiships,onlyalittle,fingersonDeon’sflesh,eyesnarrowedin
concentration.

Theymadeloveinnearsilence,twobeautifulmensoclosetoLeainthebed,lockedtogether,swayinga
bitasThanepumpedintoDeon.Deoncurledhisfingersaroundthepillow,hisfacetwistedashetriedto
containhispleasure.

“Doyoulikemefuckingyou?”Thaneasked,hisvoicesoftbutalmostsavage.

“YouknowIdo.Damnyou.”

“Don’twakeLea,”herepeated.

AllysonJames

Deonlookedoverhisshoulder.“You’reabastard.”

Thanegrinned.“Youloveit.”

“Sure,right…Ohfuckingdamn,I’mgoingtocome…”

“No.”ThanegrippedDeon’shipsharder.“NotuntilI’mready.”

Deonletoutastringofwhisperedexpletivesbutheldhimselfin,thechordsonhisneckstandingout.

“Almostthere,”Thanewhispered.“Notyet.”

“Fuckyou.”

“No,I’mfuckingyou.Thisiswhathappenswhenyoudisobeyme.”

Moreexpletives.Deon’sfacewasred,hisfingerstearingrentsinthesheets.

“Now!”Thanethrewhisheadback,hishipsmovingfasterandfaster,alookofblissonhisface.“Ohyes,
gods,now.You’refuckingsweet.”

Deonmuffledhisroarinthepillowsandcamealloverthetowelsstillspreadonthebed.Thanerodehim
alittlelonger,bothofthemtakingawhiletofinish.

FinallyThanewithdrewandDeoncrashedontohissidenexttoLea.Thanestoodbesidethebed,looking
downathislover,hiscockstillslickandhard,thenheleanedoverandpressedakisstoDeon’sback.

“Thankyou,”hemurmuredandLeafinallyslidintoadeep,erotic,dream-filledsleep.

Whensheawoke,itwasdaylight.Deonsnorednexttoherunderthesheets,thetowelsgone,hisarm
curledunderhishead.OfThane,therewasnosign.

Leastirredandyawned.Shefeltbetter,themostrestedshe’dbeensinceherarrival.

ShewonderedifThanehadsentsomeofhishealingpowerintoheragain,maskingitwithpleasuringher,
healingherinstages.Maybehe’dnotenteredherbecauseheknewshestillneededtoheal,thathertrek
withDeonhadtiredhermorethanshecaredtoadmit.

SheaddedanotherqualitytothelistthatdescribedThane—notonlywashestrongandgentle,buthewas
shrewd.

Deonsnortedonce,scrubbedhisface,thenopenedhisdarkeyesandfocusedthemonher.“Hey.”

“Heyyourself.”Aquickglancearoundtheroomtoldhertheywerealone,noservantsinsight.Sunlight
pouredthroughhigharchedwindows,bathingtheroominliquidlight.

“Thane’soffdoingkingthings,”Deonsaid.“Hetoldmetolookafteryou.”

“Youcandothatwhilesnoring?”

Deongrinned.“I’mamanofmanytalents.”

“Youlovehim.”

Deon’sgrindesertedhim,hisdarkeyesquiet.“Ineverdeniedthat.Ithoughtitwasobvious.”

CatchaFallingStar

“ImeantwhatIsaidinthecaves—Ihavenointentionofcomingbetweenyou.Iwon’ttakehimawayfrom
you.”

Helookedpuzzled.“Takehimawaywhere?”Hisbrowclearedandhebellowedalaughthatshookthe
bed.“DoyoumeanamIworriedhe’llleavemeforyou?”Herolledontohisbackandlaughedsome
more,untilLeaflushedinconfusion.

“Itoldyou,we’resacred-bonded.Ifhebondswithyou,Idotoo.Wecomeasaset,love.Allsacred-
bondedmendo.”

Leaproppedherselfonherelbow.“Letmeunderstand.Areallmensacred-bondedtoeachother?What
aboutwomen?”

“Noteverymanissacred-bondedtoanotherman.Orawomantoawoman.Butwhentheydosacred-
bond,they’reapairforever.Theycantakeotherlovers,buttheytakeloversonlytogether.It’ssimple.”

“Butdoesn’tthepaireverbreakup?Forinstance,ifonefallsinlovewithathird,buttheotherdoesn’t,
andthenewtwowanttobealone?”

Heshookhishead,bluebeadsclinking.“Youstilldon’tunderstand.Weshareasacred-bond.Weswear
infrontofpriestsandtheworldthatwe’llbeloyaltoeachotheruntildeath.Youdon’tenterasacred-
bondifyouplantoditchyourpartnerassoonasyoumeetsomeoneyouwantalltoyourself.Youagreeto
shareeverything—andImeaneverything.”

“Oh.”Shepaused,tryingtotakeitin.“Whatifyoustoplovingeachother?”

“Whatkindofahell-placedoyoucomefrom?IseveryonelikeyoubeyondtheWarding?”

“No.”Leasatup,wrappedherarmsaroundherknees.“I’mjusttryingtounderstand.I’veseencouples
staytogetherfordecades,butI’vealsoseenthemsplitup.

Wecallitdivorce.”

Deonheavedasigh,asthoughhavingtoretainpatiencewithaparticularlydensechild.

“Couplessplitupheretoo,butnotoneswhosacred-bond.Youdon’tenterasacred-bondunlessyoulove
theotherpersondeeplyandarewillingtogivehimyourlife.Youhavetobeacoupleforatleastseven
yearsandproveyourloyaltyandyourloveinallkindsofways.Youdon’tdoitunlessyou’redamned
sure.”

Soitwaslikeastepbeyondmarriage—adeepercommitmentforthosewhoalreadybelievedtheir
marriagesound.“Andnosacred-bondedpairhaseverbrokenup?Ever?”

“No!”Hesaiditadamantly,hisvoiceringingtotheceiling.Heputhishandoverhisface,shakinghis
head.

Shegavehimaquietlook.“Imustsoundarrogantandnaïvetoyou.Goahead,laughatme.”

Deonloweredhishand,hissmilebroad.“Youaresodamnedcute.NowonderThanelikesyou.”

AllysonJames

“ItscaresmehowfarfromhomeIam,”shesaidsoftly.“Andreally,it’snotthatfar.

AfewlightyearsisallI’dflownbeforetheempire’sfinestblewmeoutofthesky.”

Deon’ssmilevanished.“AndI’dliketogetmyhandsonwhoevertriedtohurtyou.”

“Wouldyou?”Shefeltsuddenmirth.“I’dlovetoseethat.”

Theslender,over-teched,soft-skinnedimperialofficerswhogrewuponnutritioncubesandneverhadto
doanythingphysicalwouldfalloveratthesightofDeon,averyphysicalmale.Hecouldcrushthemin
hispalmwithoutbreakingasweat.

Theproblemwas,theFour-One-SixEmpiredidn’tneedtofightwiththeirhands.

Theyhadthebesttechnologyintheknowngalaxyandaplanetlikethiswassomuchmeat.

Whoeverhadshotherdownhadseenhernotasayoungwomaninascoutshipdesperatelydefendingher
home,butasabliponaholo-screen,acoloreddot.Onetechiehadputouthispinkieanderasedher.

Andhereshewas.InbedwithDeon,themostpowerfulmaleshe’devermet,exceptforThane.

Deonsatupandthrewbackthecovers.“Bathtime.”Hiseyestwinkled.“Joinme?”

“Ifit’sgoingtobeanythinglikelastnight’sbath,Imightnothavethestrength.”

Hesprangoutofbed,freshandrested,hishardbodyadelighttowatch.Hiscockwasathalf-mast,his
handsonnarrowhips,everymusclesculptedtomaleperfection.

Eventhefightingscarsonhisbodyonlyenhancedhim,asdidtheliontattoosthatstreameddownhisarm
andacrosshisabdomen.

“I’llgoeasyonyou.I’llsoapyoudown,yousoapmedown—we’llseewhathappens.”

Herheartbeatfaster.“WhataboutThane?Aren’tyousupposedtobeathissidetwenty-four/seven?”

Deonfrownedashetriedtopuzzleoutheridiom.“Ihavetosleepsometimes.Andbatheandeat.Ihave
backup.Besides,Thanesaysyou’remoreimportantandIbelievehim.”Hesnatchedthecoversfromher
body,hisgrinreturning.“Comeon.Thaneexpectsusforthemiddaymealandthenyou’regettingyour
tattoos.”

Shegulpedalittleatthereminder.“I’llberightthere.”

Deonshruggedandheadedforthebathroom,givingheraniceviewofhisfirmassashewent.Theman
wasawalkingsexgod.

Leagotoutofbedandstretched,unkinkingmuscles.Shefeltgood,almostbacktohernormalstrength.
Themirroracrosstheroomshowedherhairacompleteblonde-and-brownmessandherfacecreasedby

thesheets.Terrific.NowonderDeonlaughedather.

Shepulledonasilkrobethathadbeenleftforherbythebedandwenttothedresserinsearchofa
hairbrush.

Ahugesplashcamefromthebathroom.“Water’sgreat.Comeonin.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Coming.”

Shesawamovementinthemirrorandturnedwithagasp,butitwasonlyEmiliesteppingoutfrombehind
acurtain.Hadshebeentherethewholetime?MaybeDeon’sideaofajoke?

No,therewasadoorbehindthecurtain.Thecourtesanhadjustcomein,smilinghercharmingsmile.“I
apologizeforstartlingyou,”shesaidinalowvoice.

“Noproblem.Howwasyourdaughter’sbirthday?”

Emilie’seyeswarmed.“Quitelovely.ShewasenchantedbyLordThane’sgift.”

“Whatwasit?Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking.”

Emiliebrightenedatherinterest.“Idon’tmindatall.I’llshowyou.”Shereachedintoherrobe,revealing
herslenderarmscoveredwiththeprettytattoos.Leasteppednexttoher,expectingpicturesofsomekind,
butEmiliepulledoutasmallsilkpillow,likeasachet.

“What’sthat?”

“Aprettythingmydaughtergaveme.”SheliftedittoLea’snoseandasLeabentdown,Emilieshovedthe
pillowintoherface.

Leacaughtanodorsimilartothatofanherbherownpeopleusedasananesthetic.

BlackspotsswaminfrontofhereyesandsheheldherbreathandpushedEmilieaway.

Emilie’spleasantsmilevanished.ShecameatLeaagainwiththepillow,butLeaelbowedtheother
womanhard.EmiliegurgledandstumbledbutwasupbeforeLeacoulddraginacleansingbreath.

Courtesansmusthavefightingtraining,shethoughtasEmiliedartedin,wiryandstrong.Ormaybe
gymnasticslessons.

ShetriedtocallforDeon,whowassplashingnoisilyinthenextroom,butallthatcamefromherwasa
croak.

Emiliewasutterlysilent.LeasweptherfootaroundanddraggedEmilie’slegsoutfromunderher.
Emilie’seyesblazedasshegrabbedLea,pullingherdownwithher.

Leafought.Thepillowskitteredacrosstheroom.LeascrambledoutfromunderEmilieandshoutedas
loudasshecouldforDeon.

Thebigmanmovedfast,outofthewaterandthroughthedoorbeforetheechoesofhercrydiedaway.He
plungedtowardthem,readytodefendher,notevensparingtimeforamazement.

EmiliewrappedherarmsaroundLea.SheheldadeviceLearecognized,thetransportbuttonfromher
ownship.Itonlyworkedifthedeviceinsidehershipworked—thebuttonhomedherbacktothedevice.

HowdoesEmilieknowaboutatransportbuttonandhowitworks?washerthoughtasbuzzingfilledher
ears.

SheheardDeon’sroar,whichdissolvedintothegentletinklingoflivestockbells,andshelanded
somewheredarkonaharddirtfloor.

AllysonJames

ChapterEight

Answers

“Whatthehellhappened?”

Thanetriedtokeephisvoicesteadyashefacedaleatherarmor-cladDeonintheantechamberofthe
councilroom.AmessengerhadslippedintowhispertoThanethatDeonneededtospeaktohimmost
urgently.

UrgentmeantsomethingtodowitheitherLeaorFelin.Thanehadcurtlytoldhiscouncilors,whoranged
inagefromayoungmanoftwentytoawomanofavenerableninety-two,thathe’dreturnandfollowed
themessengerout.

Deonknewbetterthantoannouncedirenewsatthetopofhislungsinthecrowdedcouncilhall,hencethe
messenger.Deon’seyesbetrayedhisrageandworryasherelatedinalowvoicethatLeaandEmiliehad
disappeared.

Thanestrodegrimlyfromtheantechamberdownhallstoamoreprivateroom,Deonmovingswiftlyand
silentlybesidehim.

“Disappearedhow?Howcouldtheygetpastthetwentyguardsoneverydoor?

Howdidtheygetpastyou?”

NoonegotpastDeon.Themancouldrisefromasoundsleepandhavehisdaggertothethroatofan
intruderintheblinkofaneye.ThanehadnotworriedintheslightestleavingLeainDeon’scare.

“Imeanshedisappeared.SheandEmilie.Onesecondthere,thenextgone.Theyjust—dissolved.”

“Emiliewastakentoo?”

“Emilietookher.Ithink.Leawasfightingherandthenpoof,theyweregone.”

“Howisthatpossible?”Thanedemanded.“Nomagiccandothat.”

“HowthehellshouldIknow?IonlyknowwhatIsaw.”

Thanethrewofftheornatevelvetcloakhe’ddonnedforthecouncilmeeting,findingthefoldssuddenly
stifling.“Thepalaceisbeingsearched?”

“Evenaswespeak.Andthegroundsandthestreetsbeyondandthewholedamncity.Noonehasreported
anythingpositiveandnoonesawthem.”

“GodsdamnFelin.”Hishearthammeredfastandhard.“Ifhehurtsher…”

“You’resureitwasFelin?”

“Whoelse?AndwhywasEmiliefightingher?HowdidEmiliegetintoseeher?”

“She’snotbarredfromyourchamber.Theguardletherpass,likehealwaysdoes.Iwouldhavelether
pass.”

“Where’sBalin?”Thaneaskedsharply.

CatchaFallingStar

Thefactthatthecourtesanscouldbetrayhimtwistedlikeaknife.They’dprovedtheirloyaltyagainand
again,butthepenaltyforbetrayaloftheking—oftheclan—wasdeath.Itcomestothis—tosavemy
kingdom,Ihavetokillmyfriends.

“BalinIfound.Myguardssayhewaswanderingthehallsandtheyarrestedhim.

He’sinthelibrary.Ithoughtyou’dliketotalktohimbeforewehaulhimoff.”

Thaneshothimahardlook,spunonhisheelandlefttheroom.

Hisheartpoundedwithfearandangerashemadeforthelibraryinthelowerhall.

Hisbeautifulpalacesuddenlyseemedmenacing,allthoseroomsandcorridorsandarchedgalleriesthat
couldhideLeafromhim.HisenemieshadskulkedamongthemandabductedLeathefirstchancetheygot.

Disappeared,dissolved.Itmadenosense.Nomagiccoulddothat—butmaybetechnologycould.He
thoughtbacktothestrangedeviceshe’dtakenfromLeaandhership,noneofwhichheunderstood.Her
weaponcouldslicearockintwoaccordingtoDeon.HadanotherweaponturnedLea,andEmilie,to
dust?

No.Gods,no.

HeneededLea,andnotjustbecauseshemightbehissalvation.Heneededher,withthosebeautifuljade-
greeneyes,hermulti-huedhair,herlopsidedsmile,herhardheadedpracticalitywarringwithher
amazementattheordinarythingsofPamaar.

Awomanwho’dfallenfromtheskyinastrangedeviceandsurvived,whosehomewasnowunreachable,
whospokewithcommonsenseandhealthyskepticism,whowasafraidofdrakesandastonishedthatboth
heandDeonwantedher.

Hisangerhadreachedaboilingpointbythetimeheslammedintothelibrary.

Thepeaceoftheplace,thecalmofrowsofbooksreachingtotheceiling,wastaintedbythepresenceof
theguardsinleather,menwhoseviolenceboiledjustbelowthesurface.TheyencircledBalin,whostood
white-facedwithfear.

ThelineofguardsbrokeasThanestrodeintotheroom,followedbyDeon.Deonunsheathedhisknife,
steppedtoBalinandpressedthebladetoBalin’sthroat.

“WhereisEmilieandwhereisLea?”heasked.

Balinwentwhiterstill.“Ihavenoidea.Leaismissing?AndEmilie?Noonewillexplainwhathas
happened.”

HeswallowedasDeonpressedtheknifealittletightertohisskin.“TellmeaboutEmilie.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Tellyouwhat?”

ThanecouldseethefearinBalin’sauraasblackthreadsaroundhisbody.Asahealer,Thane’sinstinct
wastosoothehim,butifBalinhadbetrayedthem…

Balin’spositionwasoneofthemosttrustedinthekingdom,theonemanwhocouldgetclosertotheking
thaneventhemanwithwhomhe’dsacred-bonded.

Whoeverhadmadethelawhadbeenshortsighted.ThelawsaidThanecouldn’tbewiththemanheloved
inthewayhewanted,butallowedhimtohaveasubstitute—a73

AllysonJames

substituteThanewouldn’tbecomeemotionallyattachedtoandwhocouldbedisposedofifthingswent
wrong.

Lawsknewnothingaboutlove,nothingaboutfriendshiportrust.LawskeptThanefromthemanwho
woulddieforhimandputhiminthehandsofoneswhowouldsellhimout.

“Backoffalittle,Deon,”Thanesaidinaquietvoice.“Letmetalktohim.”

Ifanything,Balinlookedmorefearful.DeonglancedatThane,thenmadeashowofshruggingandmoving
away,asiftosaytoBalinYouthinkI’mscary…

ThanegesturedforBalintosit.Thecourtesantookachairatthetable,theguardsstillflankinghim.Balin
wasdressedashehadbeenthenightbefore,inasleevelesssilktunicthathuggedhisbodyandshowed
offhishardbicepsandinterlacedtattoos.

Thanestoodoverhim,keepinghisposeunthreateningbutstern.“TellmeEmilie’splans.”

Balin’seyeswerewide.“Idon’tknowherplans.She’sbeenworriedandtiredlately,butshehasn’tsaid
anythingtome.Herdaughterisill.”

“Iknow.”Thanefeltgrim.Emilie’sdaughterhadthesamekindofsicknessthathadkilledCerena.Emilie
hadbroughtthelittlegirltoThaneforcuringandThanehadn’tbeenabletohelpmuch.

“Isweartoyou,IknownothingaboutLea,”Balinsaid.“Emiliehasn’ttalkedtome—Ineverseeher
outsidethepalace.Igohometomypartnerandwifeandchildrenwhenyoudon’tneedme.Iswearthis.”

“Wecanverifythat,youknow,”Deonrumbled.“AnyonewhotouchesThaneiswatchedtwenty-
four/seven,asLeasays.”

Thanehelduphishand.“Wait.Ithinkhe’stellingthetruth.”

Balinlookedhopeful.Thane’shealingsensecouldseepasttheblackthreadsoffeartothewhiteand
goldenthreadsoftheman’sheart,whichwereuntaintedbyguilt.

“TellmeeverythingyouknowaboutEmilie,”hesaid.

“Iknowverylittleabouther.Weworktogether,butasIsaid,Ineverseeherwhenweleave.Wegoour
separateways.Shegoeshometoherdaughter—atleastIassumeshedoes.”

“Andyou’veneverseenherwithsomeonefromthefalcon-swordclan?”

“No,never.She’sloyaltoyou.Shemustbe.She’slion-star.”

“Butthelion-starkingweakens,”Thanesaid,histoneironic.“Hadn’tyouheard?”

AfewguardsshifteduncomfortablyandearnedaquellingglarefromDeon.

Balinshookhishead.“Thatdoesn’tmattertome,mylord.I’mlion-star.Iwillfightbesideyouuntilthe
end.”

Deonstillwasn’tsatisfied.“Thenwhatwereyoudoingskulkingaroundthehalls?”

Balinlookedstartled.“Skulking?Iwaswaitingtoseeifyou’dsendformeagain.Ihadn’tbeen
dismissed.”

CatchaFallingStar

“That’strue,”Thanesaid.“Ineversenthimhome.”

Deonthrewhimalook.“Youbelievehim?”

“Onethingyoulearnwhenyouarekingiswhentobelievesomeoneandwhentodoubt.”Helaidhishand
onBalin’sshoulder.“Heistellingthetruth.”

Deonstillscowled,buthewouldn’tquestionThane’sjudgmentinfrontoftheguards.

“Thenthatmeanshedoesn’tknowwhathappenedtoLea,”Deonpointedout.

“No,butIcanguess.”Thanestraightenedup.“Ifshe’salive,Felinhasher—andIamgoingtogether
back.”

*****

Lealayfacedownonhard-packedearth,herarmspinnedbehindherandtied.

They’dgaggedheraswellbuthadn’tblindfoldedher,notseemingtomindifshelookedaround.

Shewasinalargetentmadeofsturdycanvasheldupbyfinelycarvedwoodenpoles.Herheartskippeda
beatassherecognizedthecarvings,thesameasonthestickoneofFelin’smenhadpokedherwithafter
hercrashlanding.

Thefalconsymbolsstoodout,thefiercebirdwithitsseverebeak,beautifulinitswildness.Theartistry
wasamazing,everyfeathercarvedtoperfection,anditwasonlyatentpole.

Thecanvasflapspartedandthefalcon-swordclanleader,Felin,entered.Helookedthesameaswhen
he’dpriedherfromhership—studdedleathervestthatbaredhischest,falcontattoosonhischeeks,his
armscoveredwithswordtattoos.Darkeyes,brownhair,silverearringandherownbloodstone,her
good-luckcharm,hangingaroundhisneck.

Shescowledathimandstartedswearingthroughtheclothinhermouth.

TwoguardsenteredbehindhimandflankedLea.Emilieemergedlast,lookingbothsadandashamed.

“Sorry,Ican’tsummonanysympathyforyou,”LeagrowledatEmiliethroughthegag.

Felindroppedtoonekneeandslidtheclothfromhermouth.“Doyouunderstandme?”

“Youareadung-faced,pox-rotted,mother-loving,scrag-breathed—”

“Iwilltakethattomeanyes.”

“Youtookmytransportbutton,youbastard.”

“Aninterestingdevice,”Felinsaid.“Westudiedandtestedthethingswetookfromyourship,andfound
thislittlebuttonmostuseful.”

“Onlyuntilthepowerrunsout.Andanyway,Ithoughttechnologywasillegalonthisrock.Verboten.”

AllysonJames

“Usingthedevicewasnecessary—Thanehasyoutoowell-guarded.EvenwhenyouflewoutwithDeon
andlethimscrewyouintheWardingcaves,wecouldn’tgetnearyou.”

Leamaskedhersurprise.Shehadn’tseenDeon’sguardsanymorethanshe’dseenFelin’sfalcon-sword
warriors,butsheshouldhaveguessedthatDeonwouldn’tleavethecitywithoutseriousbackup.

“Sowhatisyourdastardlyplan?”Leaasked.“You’resupposedtorubyourhandsandsayIhaveyou
now,mypretty.”

Hecockedhisbrow.“AmI?Intruth,Ihadnoplan.IonlywishedtogetyouawayfromThaneand
determinewhyyouarehereandwhatyoumeanforPamaar.”

“Whyareanyofushere?”Leacountered.“It’slife.StuffhappensNotalwaysforapurpose.”

“Youdon’tthinkso?Theking’spowerfailsandsuddenlyafireballdropsfromtheskycontainingayoung
womanwithdeviceswe’veneverseenbefore.Acoincidence?”

“Yes.”Learolledherselftoasittingposition,everylimbaching.“TheWardingissomekindofshield,
isn’tit,keepingpeopleoffthisplanetandhidingitfromallreadouts?It’sthebestbafflershieldI’veever
seenandIhavenoideahowitworks—buthey,itworks.”

Felinshookhishead.“Itisnotwhatyoucalltechnology.”

“NotechnologyI’veeverseen,Iagree.It’seitherhighlyadvancedorsomethingnatural,partoftheplanet.
Anyway,theshieldisstartingtofailforsomereasonandIfellthroughachinkinit.Peoplepassthis
planetbyallthetime—Ijusthappenedtogetshottohellaboveit.Coincidence.”

“Andyoujusthappenedtofindthechink.Mostwouldinterpretthatasagiftfromthegods.Orasacred
questledbyyourbloodstone.”Hetouchedthependantaroundhisneck,unapologeticforstealingit.

“I’mtheleastofyourworries,”Leasaid.“Ifthatshieldgoesdown,you’reallsittingducks,nomatter
whatclanyoubelongto.TheempirewillfindPamaarintwosecondsflat.”

“TheevildarknessfrombeyondtheWarding?”Felin’slipsquirked.

“Youcallitevildarkness,IcallittheFour-One-SixQuadEmpire—samething.It’stryingtoharvestmy
planetandifitfindsyours,you’realltoast.”

Felinwatchedhernarrowly.“Thatiswhythekingmustdie.Hefails,andtheWardingfails.Theyare
linked.Hewillbringchaosuponus.”

“Maybeit’stheotherwayaround.He’sfailingbecausetheWardingis.Haveyoueverthoughtitmightnot
behisfault?”

Felinsmiledslightly,thenhereacheddownandbrushedafingeracrosshercheek.

“Hehasthoroughlycharmedyou,hasn’the?Thanecanbequitecharming,Emilietellsme.”

CatchaFallingStar

LeasparedaglanceforEmilie,whoflushed.“Soyou’rereadytochuckThaneaside?Whynothelphim
repairtheWardinginstead?”

“TheWardingwillberepairedwhenIamking,”Felinsaidinahardvoice.“Iwillbindwithitandmy
strengthwillrestoreit.”

“You’reoptimistic.Nottomentionegotistical.”

“Mypeoplearedying.Thanecandonothing.Thereisnootherchoice.”

Hiseyesglitteredwithangerandhishandsclenched.Hewasamanfrustrated,wantingtoact.

Leacouldalmostfeelsympathy—exceptthathe’dkidnappedherandtiedherupandwasdeterminedto
killThane.

“WhatIthinkisthattheruleshavechanged,”shesaid.“Youhavesomanyrules,whichyouusually
followwithoutquestion.”ShethoughtofDeon’ssurprisewhenheexplainedthatnoonewoulddreamof
goingtotheforbiddenWardingcaves,eventhoughtheywereleftunguarded.“Andnowthereare
questions.”

Felin’sfrowntoldhershe’dhitamark.“Andyouarethebiggestquestion.Whatareyou?”

Sheshrugged.“I’mjustascoutfromtheRock.”

“NowyouwillbeLeaoftheFalcon-SwordClan.”

“Idon’tthinkso…”

Felinturnedawayandsnappedhisfingers.Thetentflapspartedagainandayoungmanenteredcarryinga
woodenboxandarollofcloth.HekneltbesideFelinandspreadoutthescarletcloth,thenopenedthe
box.Insidelayaneatrowofneedlesofdifferentsizesandpotsofmanyandvariedcolorsofink.

“No.Ohno,no,no.”

Leatriedtoscrambleaway,butaguardstoppedherwithhisboot.Felin’ssmilereturned.Hecrouched
nexttoherandyankedopenherrobe,clinicallylookingovereveryinchofherbarefleshwhileshelay
boundandimmobile.

Hetouchedthecurveofherhip.“Thefirstonehere.Afalcon.Andthenaswordallthewaydownher
neck.”HetracedfromherchintothehollowofherthroatandLeasquirmedinearnest.

Thetattooartistnotedherfearinsurprise.“Iwillnothurtyou,mylady.”

“That’snotthepoint.”

“Puthertosleep,”Felinsnapped.“You’llneverbeabletoworkwithhermovingaroundsomuch.”

Thetattooartistlookedstartledagainbutreachedforoneofthelargerneedles.Hedippeditintoa
ceramicvialandLeakickedout,herscout’straininglettingherlandablowonthetattooartist’sarm.

AllysonJames

Felinsnatchedtheneedleasitfelloutoftheman’shandandquicklyandpreciselyplungeditintoLea’s
side.Shedrewtwobreaths,staredaccusinglyatEmilie,whohadwatchedtheentireprocessinanguish,
thensuccumbedtodarkness.

*****

Leastruggledagaintowakefulnesstofindherselfonacampbedfilledwithsoftcushionsandpillows.

Shestillworeherrobe,butherbondshadbeenremoved.Shelaystillforamoment,thoughtsfuzzyand
uncertain,thenshegaspedandsatup,headspinning.

Someonestirredintheshadowsontheothersideofthetent.LearecognizedEmilieassherosesinuously
fromacouchandmovedtoLea.

Leabracedherselftofight,butherlimbsweresaggyandweak,probablyfromwhateverdrughad
knockedherout.Nowondertheyhadn’tbotheredtokeephertied.

EmiliesatdownattheedgeofthebedandreachedforLeaasthoughshewouldhugher.

“Don’teventouchme,”Leasaidsternly.

Emilieletherarmsfall,herexpressionsad.“Iamsorry.Itwastheonlyway.”

Shedidlooksorry.Grief-stricken,even.

“SonowI’mbrandedasafalcon-sword,”Leagrowled.“Ithoughtthechoicewasmine.Somuchforthe
rules.”Shetouchedherthroat,tryingtofeelthetattoo.

Emilieshookherhead.“Theyonlydidone,onyourhip.Thefalcon.”

Leashovedbackcoverstoseeherhipcoveredwithanintricatelyfeatheredbird,afalconwithwings
outstretched.Onewingcameforwardoverherhipbone,theotherfannedouttoherbuttock.Anyother
time,shemightthinkitprettyandmarvelattheworkmanship.

“Damnhim.”

EmiliereachedforLeaagain,thistimestoppingwhenshelightlybrushedLea’shand.“I’msorry.I
wantedthingstobedifferent.”

LearealizedthattheotherwomangazedatLea’sbodyinsadlongingandLeasighedanddraggedher
robeclosed.“Thingscouldn’thavebeendifferent.Iprefermen.”

Emilie’stouchturnedcaressing.“Icouldshowyou.”

“Notafteryoutriedtodrugmeandthenbroughtmeherebyforce.Ithoughtalllion-starswerefanatically
loyaltotheirclan.ToThane.”

TearsbeadedonEmilie’sdarklashes.“Itwastheonlyway.IfFelinhasyouandyouarefalcon-sword,he
canmorequicklypersuadeotherstolethimtakeoverasking.

HepromisedmethatLordThanedoesnothavetodie,butcanliveinexile—aslongasheisable.”

“Andyoubelievedhim?”’

CatchaFallingStar

“Hepromisedme.Hegavemehisword,swornonabloodstone.”

“Mybloodstone.Hestoleitwhenhefoundme.”

“Thefactthatyouworeitmeansyouwereonasacredquest,”Emiliesaid.

“EveryonewillbelieveyoursacredquestistorestorePamaarandgivethepeopletheirrightfulking.”

“Yes.Thane.Anyway,canyouseeDeonandThanebowingtheirheadsandsaying,You’reright,Felin,
here’sthekingdom,we’releaving?”

Sheshookherhead.“No.”

“Whatareyougettingoutofallthis?Money?”

Emiliestoodup,indignant.“No.Iwouldneverbetraymyclanforpayment.”

“Whatthen?”

Emiliedeflated.Shewasanattractivewoman,butnotoverwhelminglybeautiful.Itwashersmilesand
herwarmththatmadeherseembeautiful,awomaneveryman’sgazewouldfollow.“Itwouldbesimpler
ifIshowedyou.”

SheglidedawayandoutofthetentbeforeLeacouldsayanythingmore.Lea’slimpmuscleswouldn’tlet
hermoveandshelayunhappilyuntilEmiliereturned.

Emilieledachildbythehand,agirlofaboutsevenoreightyears.Thegirlwasmuffledinacloak
althoughtheweatherwaswarm.

“Reana,”Emiliesaidsoftly.“ThisisLea,theladywhofelltoPamaarlikeastar.”

Reana’seyeswerehugeinhersmallface.ShelookedupatLeainwonder,showingtinyliontattooson
hercheekbones.Shewasadorable.

“Hello,Reana,”Leasaid.“Wouldyouliketositwithme?”

ReananoddedwithoutspeakingandscrambledintoLea’slap.Leaclosedherarmsaroundthegirl,who
smelledlikesoap,asthoughshe’djustbathed.Shewasverytrusting,whichtoldLeathatReanahadno
ideawhatintrigueEmiliehaddraggedherinto.

GivingLeaasadlook,EmiliegentlybrushedbackReana’scloak.

Leagasped.Thelittlegirl’sskinwasmottledasthoughithadbeenburnedandwasanunhealthygrayish
pink.Hernailswerebrittleandsomegone,herhaircracklinganddry.Mostofall,Leareadmiseryinthe
girl’seyes,awiltingofherzestforlife,achildsensingshewasdying.

LealookedupatEmilieinshockandsympathy.“Howdidthishappen?”

EmilieshookherheadasshearrangedthefoldsofReana’ssilkcloaktocoverherheadandface.“Idon’t

know.Shebegantakingillmonthsandmonthsago.LordThanecouldnotcureherandshehasgrown
steadilyworse.”

“Hecan’tcureher,”Leasaid.“Notofthis.”

ShesetReanaonthebedandgottoherfeet.HerlegswobbleduncontrollablyandshehadtograbEmilie
forsupport.“Damn,whatwasinthatMickey?”

“Mickey?”Emilieasked,startled.

AllysonJames

“Nevermind.Emilie,Thanemightnotbeabletocureyourdaughter,butIcan.ButIhavetogetbackto
Thane’spalacetodoit.”

Emilie’seyesnarrowedinsuspicion.“Howcanyou?Youhavenohealingpower,noaffinitywiththe
Warding.”

“No,butIhaveafewtricksofmyown.Ican’treallyexplain,butIsweartoyou,ifyougetmeoutofhere
andbacktothepalace,I’llhelpReana.”Shedrewalongbreath,piecesofthepuzzlefallingintoplace.
Nowtoseeifshecouldgetoutofheresafelyandfindoutifshewasrightbeforeitwastoolate.

CatchaFallingStar

ChapterNine

Challenge

Thaneledthephalanx,eventhoughhecouldfeelDeongloweringfromwhereherodebehindThaneinthe
saddle.ButThanecouldn’tsitinthepalacetwiddlinghisthumbswhileDeonandhismenrushedtoLea’s
rescue.

Felinwouldnotkillhimoutrightwhilethelawswerestillinplace,norwouldanyofhismen.Thane
wouldhavetobeformallyChallengedandthetimeandplacesetforthecombat,orthePamaaranswould
tearFelinapart.EvenFelin’sownclanwouldn’tbeabletohelphimifheviolatedthemostsacredof
laws.

IthadtakenfivehourstoflyfromthecitytothevalleywhereFelinwaited.Felinhadtakentocampingon
theveryedgeofThane’sterritory,readytomarchtothecityatamoment’snotice.

Acircleoftentscameintoview,colorfulcanvasesandbannersflappinginthewind,thefalconsymbol
prominent.Deongaveasignalandthecontingentofdrakesdoveinformationtolandjustinsidelion-star
territory.

Felinwastheretomeetthem,ofcourse.Hecarriedaflagwithagoldcrossonaredbackground,theflag
oftruce.

“Truce,”DeongrowledinThane’sear.“BecauseheknowsI’lltearhisheadoffifIgetnearhim.”

Thanewasreadytodosomeheadtearingaswell.HeleaptfromhisdrakeandstrodetomeetFelin.

Guardsfrombothclansencircledthetwoofthem,glaringsuspiciouslyatoneanother.Falcon-sword
bannerssnappedinthewind,asdidthelion-star’sbehindThane.

“ThaneofLion-Star,”Felinbeganinaclippedvoice.“IChallengeyoutodefendthethroneofPamaar,by
—”

“Thehellyoudo,”Deonbrokein.“YouabductedawomanunderThane’sprotectionandbrokethelaw.”

FelinturnedahardgazeonDeon.“I’mnottalkingtoyou,guarddog.AndThaneistheonewho’sbroken
thelaw.Thewomanwasmine,undermyprotection,untilyoustoleherfromme.”

“Sheseemshappywithus.Funny,shenevertriedtorunbacktoyou—youhadtostealher.She’slion-star
now.”

Felinraisedonebrow.“TheonlytattooIsawonLeaisthatofafalcon.”

Deonclenchedhisfists.“It’sacrimeagainstallPamaartoforcesomeoneintoaclan.”

AllysonJames

Felinsmiled.“Shedidn’tresist.”

Deonstartedforward.Thaneputonehandonhischesttoholdhimback.Deonfumedbutremainedin
place.

“IacceptyourChallenge,”ThanesaidtoFelin.“OntheconditionthatyoureturnLeatome.”

Felin’ssmilewidened.“Whatifshedoesn’twanttogo?”

“Shecanmakethechoice.ButonlyafterIhaveseenthatsheisnothurtandthatsheistrulyallowedto
makeherowndecision.”

“You’dlethergo?”Felingavehimanincredulouslook.

“Ifshewished.”Thane’sheartburned,buthe’dneverhadanyintentionofkeepingherwithhimagainst
herwill.“Bringhertomeandwe’lldiscusstheChallenge.”

Felin’seyesshoneintriumph.Hesnappedhisfingersandgaveanordertoamanwithswirledblue
tattoosonhisface.Themannoddedandtrottedawaythroughthefalcon-swordranks.

ThanewonderedifFelinwouldtrulyletLeago,orwhatschemethemanhadinmind.TheChallengewas
sacredandonceFelinofferedit,hecouldnotbeharmed,butThanehadnoqualmsagainstsnatchingLea
backfromhimifnecessary.

“Youchoosethetimeandplace,”FelinwassayingtoThane.“SinceyouaretheChallenged.Withintwo
seven-nights,ofcourse.”

“Iwilldebatewithmycouncilaboutthemostauspicioustime.AndIchoosetheplainbeforetheWarding
caves.Thatwaywhoeveremergesaskingwillnothavefartotravelforthebinding.”

“Done.”

Blue-tattoomancamerunningback.“Sir,”hesaidbreathlessly,hiseyesroundindistress.“She’sgone.”

Felingavehimanimpatientlook.“What?”

“Thewoman,sir.She’sgone.She’sescaped,andsohasthecourtesanandherchild.”

*****

Lea’sstomachrolledasthedrakeplummetedagain,hiserraticflyingmakinghernauseous.Buttheyhadto
staybehindthelineofhillsandwithinthetreetopstoavoiddetection,whichmeantsometrickyflying.

Emilierodethedrakecompetently.Theslendercourtesanhadbeentheonetoharnessandsaddlethe
drakeundercoverofdarknessandthentohelpLeaandReanamount.

Leastillfeltweakandineffectual,whateverdrugFelinhadplungedintoherstillinhersystem.Shewore
ashortcloakEmiliehadfoundforheroverthesilkrobeshe’dshruggedoninThane’sbedroom,butit
wasalittleprotectionagainstthenightwind.

CatchaFallingStar

ReanarodeinfrontofLea,confidentlysnugglingintoher.LeahadtotrustthatEmiliewouldtakethem
backtoThane’spalace.Shehadagoodsenseofdirection,butwithoutchartsandwithlittlelight,shehad
noideawheretheywereandherlingeringgrogginessdidn’thelp.

LeahadwantedEmilietofetchthetransportbuttonplusthemaindevicethathadbeentornoutofhership,
butEmiliehadnegatedthatplan.

“Felinhaseverythinghestolefromyouinhistent,whichiswell-guarded.”She’dlookeddoubtful.“IfI
couldgetit,wouldithelpus?WouldittakeustoThane’spalace?”

Leashookherheadwithregret.“Thebuttononlytakesyoutowherethedeviceis.

It’snotatwo-waytransport.Itwasforemergencies—incaseIgotlostorcapturedwhileoutofmyship,I
couldtransportbacktoitandgetmybuttoutofthere.”

Emilie’slooksaidshedidn’treallyunderstand,butitdidn’tmatter,becauseshehadnowayofgetting
pasttheguardsandintoFelin’stent.Sheexplainedthatacourtesanhadtowaittobesummonedandifshe
simplyshowedupclaimingtowanttopleasureFelin,hewassuretobesuspicious.

Reluctantly,Leaagreedtoleaveitbehind.Emiliegotthemtothedrakepens,thenguidedthedraketight
andlowbehindthehills,outofsightofanysearchparties.

OrsoLeathought.Astheyflewoveraridgetoseethenearinglightsofthecity,theairwassuddenlyfull
ofdrakes.Theycamefromeverywhichway,quicklysurroundingEmilie’sdrake,screechingtheir
triumph.

Onebeastdoveforthemlikeanarrow,wingsfolded,neckoutstretched.Leabitbackascreamas
Emilie’sdrakeswervedsharplytoavoidit.Theotherdrakeflewinatightcirclearoundthem,driving
them,butLeacouldn’tseewhowasonitsbackthroughtheflurryofwingsanddust.

Emilielandedinaflatmeadowjustoutsidethecitygatesandtheydismounted,drakessettlingdown
aroundthem.ThedrakethathadchasedthemthumpedtothegroundandLearecognizedCutieevenbefore
Deonslidoffhisbackandstormedover.

Deonhadhisswordout,agleaminglengthofbronze.EmiliepaledandReanawhimperedandclungtoher
mother’srobes.

LeasteppedbetweenEmilieandDeon.“Wait.Justwait.”

“Areyouallright?”hedemanded.“Getoutoftheway—Ineedtoarresther.”

“Notyet.Canyouwaitaminute?Where’sThane?”

“Righthere.”Thane’sstronghandsspunheraroundandsuddenlyshefoundherselfinhisarms.Heheld
her,tight,tight,thenhecuppedherfaceinhishands.

“IthoughtI’dlostyou,”hebreathed,thensaidfiercely.“Didhehurtyou?Ifhetouchedyou,I’lltearhim
apart,tohellwiththeChallenge.”

Challenge?WhatChallenge?Leawantedtoask,butthereweretoomanyotherthingstotakecareof.

AllysonJames

“Nothingthatwillscarmeforlife,”shesaidquickly.Well,exceptthetattoo.“Ineedthethingsyoutook
fromme—myrationbarsandidentcardandeverything.Pleasesayyoustillhavethem.”

Thanelookedmystified.“AsItoldyou,theyareunderguard.”

“Ineedthem.”Shelockedherfingersaroundhisarms.“Please.”

HeglancedatEmilieandthecourtesanflinchedandwouldn’tmeethiseyes.

“Shedidwhatshedidforagoodreason,”Leasaid.“Herdaughterissick.”

Thane’smouthflattened.Deonlookedreadytoexplode,hisscowldark.

“Thisisnottheplacetodiscussit,”Thanesaid.

“Fine.”Leagatheredherrobetightlyoverherbarebody.“Canwegoinsideanddiscussit,then?With
Emilie?”

ThaneglancedfromhertoDeontoEmilieandbackagain,andfinallygaveanod.

DeonseizedEmiliebytheshoulder.“Youridewithme.We’llgetsomeonetolookafteryourdaughter.”

Reanamadeanoiseofdistressandclungtohermother.Leawenttoher,touchedher.“It’sallright,
sweetie.We’regoingtothepalaceandI’llbethere.”ShestraightenedupandlookedatDeon.“Reanacan
ridewithEmilie,can’tshe,Deon?”

Deon’slipcurledandshesawagleamofexasperationinhiseyes.“Yes,allright.”

ThaneheldLeainfrontofhimonthedrake,hisarmaroundherprotectively.Thedrakejerkedintotheair
andwithinminutessettleddownintothepalacegrounds.

Thanewalkedclosetoherastheymadetheirwaytohisprivatequarters,hishandonhershoulderas
thoughhedidn’twanttobreakcontactwithher.HetookhertotheopulentroominwhichLeahadfirst
awakened,thenbeyondtoasmallerstudy,whereaguardstoodnexttoalockedcabinet.

DeonmadeEmiliesitinthemainroomwhilehehoverednearbywithhissword.

Reanasatonhermother’slap,herfaceburiedinEmilie’sbosom.Thaneclosedthedooronthemand
wenttothecabinet.

Heopeneditwithakeyfromaroundhisneck.Lea’sequipmentlayonvelvet–linedshelvesasthoughthey
weremuseumpieces.WhenLeareachedforaslimcylindricaltube,Thanestoppedherwithhishandon
herwrist.

“Whydoyouwantit?”

“IcanhelpReanawiththis,”Leasaid,liftingthetubefromthevelvet.Shetouchedthebaseandlookedat
thereadout—stillafulldose.

“IcanhelpReanatoo.”Thane’seyesflickeredwithanguishandbitterness.“Icanrelievesomeofthe
pain,butIcan’tcureher.I’vetried.Brokenbonesandhurtslikeyouhad,yes,butnotthekindofsickness
Reanahas.”

“ButIcancureher,”Leasaid.

“How?Youarenotahealer.I’veseenyouraura—youhavenoneofthepowersoftheWarding.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Iknowthat.Ialsoknowwhat’swrongwithher.”Sheheldupherhandsashestartedtospeakagain.“I’ll
explaineverythinglater.ButIknowwhat’swrongwithyou,whyyoucan’tcurethisdisease,whythe
Wardingletmethroughandwhyyourwifediedandyoucouldn’thelpher.”

*****

ThanetriedtokeephisemotionsincheckasheandLeareturnedtothereceivingroomwhereEmilieand
ReanaandDeonwaited.

Somuchtumbledinhisbrain—reliefthatLeawassafe,angeratEmilie,pityforherdaughter,angeragain
atFelinforusingEmilie,sadnessthathe’dhavetopunishherandimpatientcuriosityatLea’sclaims.
HowcouldshecuretheincurableandhowcouldsheunderstandwhatwaswrongwiththeWardingwhen
shewasnotevenofPamaar?

LeahadwhisperedthatshethoughtthetwoofthemshouldhealReanatogether,Leawithhermysterious
silvercylinderandThanetosoothewithhishealingtouch.HeagreeditwouldbebestforReana,butLea
didn’tunderstandwhenhetriedtoexplaintheimplicationstoher.

IfheandLeahealedReanatogether—notthathebelievedtheycould—peoplewouldbelievehe’dgiven
Leasomeofhishealingpowers.Leasawnothingwrongwiththis,butThanewouldhaveasgoodas
proclaimedherhisqueen.AndwithFelinhavingissuedtheChallenge,thingscouldgetsticky.

“Idon’tunderstandyourpolitics,”Leahadtoldhim,hergreeneyesinnocentandadamant.“ButI
understandalittlegirlissuffering—needlessly.Letmedothis.”

Hercompassionflaredwarmththroughhisheartandhekissedherwithfeeling.

“Reanawon’thavetopayforthestupidityoftherestofus,”hewhisperedagainstherhair.“Don’t

worry.”

“Butyou’llpay,”Leasaid.

“Iamking.”Hekissedheragainandsentherasmile.“It’swhatIdo.”

Hetookherhandandtheywalkedintotheouterroomtogether.

Emilie’sfacewasnearlygrayasshewatchedThaneapproach,fearandguiltstarkinhereyes.Shewell
knewthepenaltyforbetrayingherclanandthefactthatshe’dhadtoriskdeathtohelpherdaughternearly
killedhim.

Lea,ontheotherhand,flushedwithexcitement.ShesatdownonthesofaandpattedherlapforReanato
comeover.

Emiliereleasedherdaughterreluctantly,butReanacametoLeawithperfecttrust.

ThanehadasuddenvisionofLeaholdingachild—hischildbutwithLea’sgreeneyes.

Hewantedthatwithallthestrengthhepossessed.

LeapushedbackReana’scloaktobareonesmallarm.“Thismightstingalittle.”

AllysonJames

“Itwon’t.”ThanesatonReana’soppositesideandtookherotherhand.“You’llfeelnothing.”

ReanabelievedhimandreadilystuckherarmouttoLea.

LeatouchedtheendofthegleamingcylindertoReana’sskin.Thaneabsorbedthebriefpainasitentered
her,astingingflashasthoughhe’dtouchedathornplant,thenitwasgone.

HekepthishandonReanaandsoothedher,hishealingsightobservingthegrayandblacktangleof
threadsthatwasherstrangedisease,atanglehe’dneverbeenabletounravel.

Ashewatched,astreamoflightemanatedfromwhereLea’scylinderhadtouchedReana.Thelight
flowedtothethreadsandthensuddenlybegantosurroundanduntanglethem.

Hishealingsightlethimseethethreadssolidifyandbecomewholeagain,thestickyblacknesschanging
tovibrantyellowandwhite.Health,notsickness.HeliftedhisgazetoLea,whosimplysmiledathim.

Leapulledthecylinderaway.Reanastudiedherarmwherethecylinderhadtouchedit,butithadleftno
mark.ButThanesawthatthelesionsonherskinsuddenlylookedlessraw.

Reanasatbackasthoughnothingmuchhadhappened,achildexpectingmoreexcitementthanshe’d
received.Shelookedoverathermotherwithclearbrowneyes.

“Mama,willyouaskLordThaneifIcangoplaywiththedrakes?”

Hervoicewasstrong,thehoarseweaknessshe’dhadforsolonggone.Emilieburstintotears.Deondid
notstopherasshehurriedtothesofaandsanktoherkneesbeforeit,gatheringReanainherarms.She
continuedtocryincoherently,buryingherfaceinReana’slap.

Reanalookeddownathermotherinsurprise.“It’sallright,Mama,Ifeelbettertoday.”

“Whatthehelldidyoudo?”Deondemanded.Theguardssurroundinghimlookedjustasstunnedand
impressed.

“Theentiredamagecan’tbereversed,ofcourse,”Leasaidinamatter-of-factvoice.

“She’sbeenexposedfortoolong,butitcanbestoppedandmuchofitrepaired.I’msureifshehasmore
healingsessionswithThane,she’llbefine.”

Theguardsbegantosmile,startattoosmovingontheirfaces.Theyweretoowell-trainedtospeak,but
Thaneknewwhattheythought—thekinghasregainedhispowers.

Lion-starsarestillontop.

Onlyhehadn’t.Hestoodup,tookLeabythearmandpushedherinfrontofhimoutoftheroom.He
closedthedooronEmilie’ssobsandDeon’sastonishedexpressionandtookLeathroughtheantechamber
andtohisprivatesleepingrooms.

Thebath,whichhe’dorderedpreparedforLeaontheirarrival,steamedinreadiness.

CatchaFallingStar

Thanereleasedherandslunghiscloakaway.“Takeoffyourclothesandgetin.”

Leabeamedasmile.“Ifthisisyourwayofsayingthanks,Ilikeit.”Shestartedtoremovetherobe,then
hersmilevanishedandshehesitated.“Um,maybeIshoulddothisalone.”

“Why?”

Shesighed.“Iguessyou’regoingtofindoutsoonerorlater.”

Shelaidthecylinderonatable,thenturnedherbacktohimandslidofftherobe.

Herbodycameintoviewalittleatatime,slimshoulderblades,curveofback,tightbackside…

Withthewingofafalcononit.Sheturnedtothesidetoshowhimthebirddrawnintricatelyacrossher
hipbone,wingsfeatheringtoeitherside.Hisangerclenchedhim,hotandsparking.

“Hetoldme,”hesaidinahardvoice.“Didyouchoose?”

“No,hehadtheartistgivemesomethingtoknockmeout.”Sheself-consciouslytouchedherhip.“Ifeel
violated.Andconfused.”

Thanerelaxedafraction,butnomore.“Felinhasbrokenthelaws,notyou.Getintothebath.”

Leadroppedtherobetothefloorandslidintothewater,nothidingherreliefwhentheheattouchedher.
Shelookedoverhershoulderathiminapprehension.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”sheasked.

“Washyou,”heanswered.

AllysonJames

ChapterTen

Offers

Hereallymeantit.

Thane,naked,splasheddownbesideherandscoopedahandfulofsweet-smellingsoapfromthejaron
theedgeofthebath.Thenheproceededtoscrubherallover,firstwithacloth,thenasponge,thenhis
barehands.

Hewashedherfromnecktobreasts,stomach,arms,hips,backandlegs,rubbingvigorouslyasthough
tryingtoremovealltracesofFelin’scampfromher.Heevenrestedherfeetinhislapandscrubbedthose
thoroughlytoo.

“Thane,”Leasaid.

Hedidn’tanswer.Hemovedhishandstoherhips,stillscrubbing.

“Thane,”Learepeated.“Itwon’tcomeoff.It’satattoo.”

Hisdarkglanceflickedtoherbriefly.“Iknow.”

“That’swhyIdon’tliketattoos.Whatifyouhateitonceyouhaveit?Orworse,themanyou’refallingfor
hatesit?”

Thescrubbingslowed.“Whatmanareyoufallingfor?”

“Ithoughtthatwasobvious.Idon’texpectanythinginreturn,don’tworryaboutthat.WhenItoldDeonI
didn’tmeantocomebetweenyoutwo,hethoughtIwashystericallyfunny—asifIevercould.Second,I
don’tbelonghere.I’maresourcefulscout—I’llfigureoutawaytogetrescuedandmakeitbackhome.”

Thanestilled.“Youcannotleave.”

“I’llbecarefulnottorevealthisparadisewhenIdogo.Andyoucantrustmetokeepmymouthshut—ifI
canevenfindtheplaceagainonceyourepairtheWarding.Icouldn’tstandtoseeitdestroyed.”

“ImeanyoucannotleavebecauseIwantyoutostay.”

Leastopped,herheartbeatingfaster.“Why?”Shelaughedalittle.“Youcan’tmeanyouneedmoresex.
YouhaveDeon,nottomentioncourtesansatyourbeckandcall.

I’vealwaysbeenaplainvanillagirl—allthisménageandsame-sexandplaytimeisnewtome.”

Hemovedbesideherinarushofwater,cuppinghishandsaroundherface.“WhenIknewyouweregone,
thatFelinhadyou,Iwouldhavekilledanyoneinmypathtogettoyou.”

“Really?”sheasked,voicefaint.“Howhe-manofyou.”

“IneverunderstandwhatyousayandIcannevermakeyouunderstandwhatIwant.”

CatchaFallingStar

Leatouchedhisface,likingtheroughofhiswhiskersabradingherfingertips.He’ddroppedeverythingto
cometoherrescuewhenhehadfarmanymorethingstoworryaboutthanonelostwoman.

“Maybeweshouldstopusingwordsthen,”shewhispered.“Exceptformetosaythankyouforcoming
afterme.”

Heansweredwithakissthatmeltedher.Shefeltasthoughherbodydissolvedintothehotwater,sliding
andhappytodrown.Hismouthpossessedher,brutalandtaking,bruisingher.

Heslidhishandbetweenherlegs,hislargepalmliftingherandcradlingheragainsthim.Shefelthis
stronggriponherwrist,guidinghertothehardnessthatjuttedouttoher.

“Takeme,”hewhispered.“Strokeme.”

Leaneedednopersuasion.Sheranherfingersalonghisshaft,findingthesilkensmoothtip,circlingher
fingertipsaroundhisflange.Hemadeanoiseinhisthroatandpulledhercloser.“Faster,”heurged.

Sheunderstoodwhathewanted.Plainvanillaornot,sheknewwhattodo.

Heleanedhisheadbackagainstthelipofthetub,hisblondhairdarkwithwater,thedustwashedclean
fromhim.Shekissedhimassheworkedhim,theirtonguestanglinginroughstrokes.

Thisamazingmanwasteachinghersomuch,notjustwhatwaspossibleinbedbutwhatwaspossibleina
relationship.Atonetimeshe’dthoughtthatmenwholovedothermenwerebizarre,butwhatheandDeon
sharedwentdeeperthanwhatshe’dseeninmanyman-womancouples.

Andhiscaringwentfurtherthanhispersonalsexlife.Thanelivedclosetothebone,understandingthe
pulseofhispeople,willingtosacrificeeverythingtosavethem.SheunderstoodwhyDeonlovedhim.

“Makelovetome,”shewhispered.“Please.”

“Notyet.”

Hewasmaddening.Shewasgoingtoscreamwithneedandhewasn’teventouchingher.

Thanestoodup,watertricklingfromhiswetskin.Lealostherholdonhiscock,butitdidn’tmatter
becausehemovedthebeautifulthingtohangrightinfrontofherface.

“Takemeinyourmouth,”hesaid.

She’dwantedtodothatthefirsttimeshesawhimnaked.Shelickedhisnaveltoteasehim,tastingthe
saltinessofhimplusthetinnyflavorofthebathwater.

Hiscockwaslarge,skinstretchedtightoverhisdarklength.Shesaw,upclose,whatshe’dnotseen
before—atinytattooofalionrightacrosshistip.

“Didn’tthathurt?”shegasped.

“Notabit.

AllysonJames

“That’sright—yougivetheartiststheabilitytoinkyoupain-free.”

“Doyoulikeit?”Hisvoicesoftened.“Itwouldbeworththepainthen.”

Leatracedthedelicateoutlineofthecrouchinglion.“Idolikeit.”

Sherubbedhertongueoverthelion,thenopenedherlipsandtookhiminside.Shecouldmakethislion
feelgoodwithherlipsandhertongue,makinghimdanceforThane.

Hishandsfoundherhair,shakingfromholdinghimselfback.Hepartedhisfeettoletherexploreallof
him—histightballsliftingunderherpalm,hiswiryhair,thewarmthofhim.Hetastedgoodandasshe
suckledhim,herockedhishipsalittletoenterhermouth.

Shelookedforwardtotastinghisseed,butjustasshefelthimbuildingtoburstingpoint,hemoved
quicklyawayandliftedheroutofthetub.

Beforeshecouldexpressdisappointment,helaidheronthepileoftowelswaitingatthesideofthebath
andstretchedoutontopofher,hisdarkeyesfilledwithhungerandneed.

“I’llgoslow,”hepromised.

“Slowisgood.Soisfast.”

“I’mlargeandyouaretight.Deontoldmehowtightyouwere.”

Shegavealittlelaugh.“Doeshealwayskissandtell?”

Thane’sbrowsdrewtogether.“Hetellsme.Weshareeverydetailofthewomanwelove—”

Sheheldupherhand.“Iwasjoking.Don’tsaylove,itscaresme.”

“Why?”Hisvoicewaslow,evenfierce.“Iwanttoloveyou,togiveyoueverythingyoudesire.”

“EvenifIdesiretheimpossible?”

“Eventhen.”

Shelightlytouchedhisface.“It’skillingmenottohaveyouinsideme.”

Histipnudgedheropening,ablunthardnessthatmadeherache.“Areyoucertainyou’rereadyforme?”

“I’llriskit.”

“Inthatcase…”

Hesmiled,hiseyeswarming,asheslidallthewayinside.

*****

Love.Beautiful.Mine.

Thane’sthoughtsdissolvedasthebeautyofherflowedaroundhim.Deonhadn’tbeenexaggeratingwhen
he’dsaidshewastight.

CatchaFallingStar

Tight,ohgods,Ithoughtshe’dsqueezemeinhalf,Deonhadsaidlastnightwhenthey’dheldeachother
nexttothesleepingLea.ShehadmecominglikeIhadn’thaditinyears.

DeonhadsqueezedThane’sbarecockindemonstration,butitwasnothingtowhatThanefeltinsidethis
woman.

Sheliftedherhipstotakeallofhim,herfacesofteningintopleasureanddesire.Herbeautifulgreeneyes
regardedhimwithsuchwarmthhewantedtomelt.Butnotyet.

Firsthewantedtoremainhardandenjoyeveryinchofher.

He’dpromisedslow,butfeelingher,seeingherface,surroundinghimselfwithherscent,hecouldn’thelp
butpushfaster.Histhoughtsbecameincoherent—therewasnothought,justtherawjoyofjoiningwith
her.

HefeltmuchthesamewayinsideDeon,feelingtheonehelovedhardaroundhim.

Leawasdifferentofcourse,allsoftfemalenesswhileDeonwasbrutalmuscle.

HedimlysensedDeonentertheroomashemovedhiships.Leaarchedtohim,fingersclosingonhistight
arms,sensingnothingbuttheirlovemaking.

Deonwasstilldust-coatedfromtheirlongridetoandfromFelin’sterritory,theodorofsweatandleather
clingingtohim.Leawascleanandwarmfromthebath,herskinscentedwithdelicatesoaps.

Hewantedbothofthem.Hewantedbothofthemnow.

Deon,stilldressed,kneltnexttothem.“Hey,beautiful.”HegentlystrokedLea’shair.“Youlooklike
you’rehavingfun.”

Sheturnedherheadintohistouch,kissinghishand,atthesametimeliftingherhipstomeetThane’s
thrusts,herfacetwistedwithneed.HerpussypulsedaroundhimandDeonstrokedherhairagain,his
gazeintentonher.

“She’sgoingtocome,”Deonsaid.“That’showshediditwhenIfuckedher.”

“Goddess,”shemoaned.HernipplespinchedintotightbudsthatscrapedThane’shand.Thesoftsounds
shemadedrovehimcrazy,herbodyreachingforhisanddragginghimintoher.

Shelockedherlegsaroundhis,hersoleswarmonhisbarelegs.Herincrediblepussykeptonthrobbing
inshortlittlebursts,tight,tighter,tighter.

“Isshesqueezingyou?”Deonsaidhoarsely.“Doesn’titfeelfuckinggood?”

Thanewasontopofherfully,histongueinhermouth,theirskinslidingagainsteachother’swith
bathwaterandsweat.Hercomesmelledsogood,thegoldenthreadsofheraurabrightwithit.

Shelockedherarmsaroundhisneckandbegansuckinghistongue,herhipspoundingagainsthis,her
sheathstillstranglinghiscock.

Hefelthiscomingalongwayoff,buthecouldn’tstopit.Deonstrokedhisbacktohisassandwhispered,
“Yes.”

Thane’sseedshotoutofhiminabrightburstandheroaredwithit.Shesquealedbeneathhim,herbody
pressedsohardagainsthisthattheiraurastangled.

AllysonJames

Gods,yes,she’smine,mine,mine.Felinwilldiefortouchingher.I’lltakehisfuckingChallengeand
splithiminhalffortakingherawayfromme.

Hewasshoutingit,butthewordswereincoherent.HefeltDeonbehindhim,thebigman’sleather-rough
handsonhisbareback,butDeon’stouchwassoothing,quieting.Beneathhim,Lealookedathimwith
tiredgreeneyes,herfingertipsfeather-lightonhisface.

Theworldstartedspinningmoreslowly,hisheartbeatwindingdown,thethreadsoftheiraurasuntangling
andwithdrawing.Thanekissedher,hisfrenzygentling,andshesmiledsleepilyathim.

“Thankyou,”shemurmured.“Thatwasterrific.”

“Hell,yes.”

DeongottohisfeetbesidethemagainandThanelookedupathim.“Don’tgoaway.”

“I’mnotgoinganywhere.”

Thane’scockwascompletelyspentbynow,buthefelthimselfhardenagainasDeonbeganunlacinghis

leathertunic.They’dknowneachotherforsolongthateachknewexactlywhattheotherwantedwithout
words.Somanyyears,butitnevergrewstale.WithDeon,itwasalwaysnew.

Leapushedherhairfromhereyeswithalanguidhand.“WhathappenedtoEmilie?”

“Iarrestedher,”Deonsaid.Hepulledthetunicoffoverhishead,baringhishardchestdustedwithwiry
blackhair.

“But—”Leabegan.

“Beforeyoustartscreechingatme,she’sinanicechamberwithherdaughterwithservantstobringthem
whatevertheyneed.Ifwedidn’tarresther,Thanewouldlooklikehecondonedclanbetrayal.Hecan’t
affordtodothat.”

Thanegaveherareassuringkiss.“She’llhaveatrial.”Hisvoicerasped,histhroatraw.“AndIwillmake
sureeveryoneknowssheriskedmywrathandclanlawtryingtosaveherdaughter.Shecan’tgo
unpunished,butshemightescapetheharshestpenalties.”

“Istillwanttoknowhowyoudidthat,”DeonsaidtoLea.Hestoodandstrippedoffhisleggingsthen
watchedthemwithhandsonhips,hiscockdarkandthick.“CuredReana,Imean.”

“Withtechnology,”Thanetoldhim.

“Oh.Notgood.”

Leatriedtofrown,thoughhergazewasrivetedtoDeon’sbody.“Itwasananti-radiationdose,meantto
combatexposuretotheworstradiationoutthere.It’sdone.Ican’ttakeitback.”

“Idon’twantyouto.”Thanekissedheragain,herlipswarmandswollen.“Whatyoudidtookcourage.”

CatchaFallingStar

“Andballs,”Deonagreed.“Exceptyouobviouslydon’thaveany.Ilikewhatyoudohavethough.”

“Youhavetheworstpickuplines,Deon,”Leatoldhim.

Deongaveheradarksmile.“Idon’tknowwhatpickuplinesare,butI’mgladIcanmakeyoulaugh.”He
shotThanealook.“Thinkshe’sreadyforbothofus?”

“Notyet,”Thaneanswered.Regretfully,buthedidn’twanthertobehurt.

Lea’seyeswidened.“Youmeanatthesametime?I’mstillblownawaybyyoutwojustbeinginthesame
roomwithme.”

“Shelikesus,”Deonsaid.

“Ihopeso,”Thaneanswered.

LeasmiledupatThane.“Ido.Ilikeyoualot.”

Hersmilemadehisin-no-way-satedcockhardasgranite.Hemovedintoheragain,closinghiseyesatthe
finesensation.

“Hey,”Deongrowled.“Whataboutme?”

“Comedownhere,”Thanesaid.

Lea’seyeswidenedthengrewinterestedasDeonkneltbesidethemonthetowels,hislongcockin
delectablereach.ThesameunyieldingrulesthatkeptThanefromenjoyingDeoninsidehimpreventedhim
fromtakingDeoninhismouth,butLeacouldhavehim.

AsThaneslidhimselffartherintoher,hehadthesatisfactionofwatchingherlipsclosearoundhisbest
friend’scock.

*****

Thanestretchedherincredibly,andevenmoreincrediblewasDeon’shugecocknudginginsideher
mouth.Hetasteddarkandhot,andthebeadofmoistureonhistipmadeherthirstformore.

Thanerodehermoreslowlythistime,butthatjustletherfeeleveryinchofhim.

ShetriedtofeeleveryinchofDeonwithhertongue,buthewassodamnbig.Shewishedshecouldhave
themstandfacetofaceandtouchtheircockstogetherwhileshemeasuredthemfromballstoballs.
Wouldn’tshehavefunwiththat?

Thefantasytriggeredherorgasm.Ajoltofpleasurewashedoverher,butdidThanestop?

Heraisedherlegandpushedherbentkneetoherchest,slidinginevendeeper.

Deonlaughedandmadehiscockdanceoverherlips,teasinghertocatchit.

Shedidcatchit,suckingharduntilhiseyeswidenedandropesofthickcomeflowedintohermouth,more
thanshecouldmanage.Itdidn’tmatter,becauseThanekissedherlikeathirstyman,tastinghisloveron
hertongue.

AllysonJames

Leasensedachangeinthemboth,excitementmountingtorawlevels.Sheshiveredinsuddencoldwhen
Thaneleftherexposed,buthegentlypulledatoweloverherbody,thenturnedtoDeon.

HislovemakingwithDeonwasn’ttender—itwasroughandwildandneitherbotheredtobequietabout
it.DeonlaughedandscreamedandtalkedsodirtythatLea,evenusedtolivingwithsoldiers,popped
openhereyestostareathim.

Thanerodehim,hisassbunchingandreleasingashispenisdisappearedintoDeon’sanus.Lea’spussy

overflowedatthesightofDeon’scheekswrappedaroundthebaseofThane’scock,evidenceofThane
deepinsidehim.

ThetwistofThane’sfaceandDeon’sflowofwordswasmoreevidence.Leaputherhandtoherquim,
cuppingithardasDeoncameandthenThanedidtoo.Thaneleaneddownandlickedtheliontattoo
acrossDeon’sback.

Bothmenthumpedtothefloor,pantinghard,andDeonlaughed,voiceraw.“Ithinkweshockedher.”

“No,”Thanesaid,smilinghisbeautifulsmileatLea.“Ithinkshelikedit.”

I’mgoingtodierightnow,shethought.I’vehadsexwithbothofthemandwatchedthemfuckeach
otherandlovedeveryminuteofit.

Thanespoonedupbesideherandkissedherforehead.“Sleep,Lea.Youneedit.”

Ashe’ddonebefore,Thanetouchedhisfingerstoherfaceandhealingsleepinesscreptoverherlimbs.

“Notfair,”shemumbledandsheheardDeonlaughbeforeshefellintodeepsleep.

Shewokealoneinabed,findingasilkdressinggownlaidoutforher.Sheputitonquicklyandrose,not
likingthewayherlegsshook.AllthatsexontopofajourneyononeofthosedrakesplusthedrugFelin
hadgivenherwasn’tdoingheranyfavors.

Butshecouldfeelherboneswholeandstrong,theskinaroundthetattoohealed,hermusclesrelaxed.
Thanewasbetterthananysleepingdoseeverinvented.

SheemergedfromthebedroomandfoundherselfinThane’sprivatesittingroom.

Hesatatatable,herbasicsurvivalkitarrayedbeforehim,hishandsrestingflatonthetableashelooked
atit.

He’ddressedinasleevelesstunicandleggings,thesilkoutlininghishardmuscles.

Herheartgaveapainfulbeat.

Thaneglancedupassheentered,hislookpensive.Hetooksuchintensejoyinlovemaking,butitcouldn’t
distracthimverylongfromtheproblemsathand.

“Ican’tstopthinkingaboutReana,”hesaidassheslidintoachairnexttohis.“Icouldneverreachor
changethedisease,nomatterhowhardItried.”Heliftedthestylus-thinmetalcylinder.“Yetyoucured
herwithinsecondswithyourtechnology.”

“Notseconds,”Leacorrectedhim.“Istoppedthepoisonfrombreakingdownhersystem.Itwilltakea
whileforhertohealcompletely,butshe’llfeelbetterrightaway.”

CatchaFallingStar

Herolledthecylinderbetweenhisfingers.“Willthiscureeveryonewiththedisease?Ifso,Ishoulduse
it.”

“Ithoughttechnologywasforbidden.”

Hisgazewasremote.“Thoselawsareancient,frombeforethetimeoftheWarding,whensuchobjects
nearlywipedoutourpeople,orsothelegendsgo.ButhowcanIdenyhealingtomypeople?Tellthem
yes,thereisacure,butyoucan’thaveitbecauseofsomethingourancestorsdecided?Whatkindofa
kingwouldthatmakeme?”

TheanguishinhiseyespulledatLea’sheart.“Itdoesn’tmatter,anyway.Therewasonlyonefulldosein
thecylinder,enoughformealone—theideaisthatyoudoseyourselfthentakeyourbutthomeandtothe
medics.IgavehalftoReanabecauseshe’ssosmall.Thiscouldcureanothersmallchild,butnomore.”

ThecylindermadeasoftclickasThanesetitonthetable.“Thenitisnosolution.”

“No,butit’spartofthesolution.”Shewrappedherhandsaroundhisandrestedthemagainstherchest.“I
wouldn’thaveknownitwouldcureReanaifIdidn’tknowwhat’swrongwithher.It’sradiation
poisoning.”

Shesaidthewordsintriumph,buttheyobviouslymeantnothingtoThane.

“Icanhealpoisons,”hesaid.“ButIhaveneverseenthis.”

“Ofcourseyouhaven’t,becauseyouhaveyourbigtechnologyban.ButsomethingisoutthereinPamaar
creatingaradiationcloud.”Shegesturedatthewindow,asthoughitwouldrevealtheproblem.“You
can’tseeitorhearitorsmellitorfeelit,butthatdoesn’tmeanitisn’tdeadly.Wejusthavetopinpointits
sourceandgetridofit.”

“Isthatall?”Thaneasked,hissmilefaint.

“SinceFelin’speoplearemostaffected,Iwouldguessthewhatever-it-isisinhisterritory.Didn’tyour
wifeCerenagotothefalcon-swordclantotrytohealthem?Findoutexactlywhereshewent—I’m
bettingshegotmassivedoseifshegotsicksofast.”

“Youaretellingmethatthistechnologyiskillingmypeople?”

“Itmightbenatural—aradioactivemetalsuddenlybeingexposedorsomething.

YourpowershaveweakenedandIsawpartsoftheWardingblackanddead.TheWardinglookslikea
naturaloccurrence,somethinguniquetoPamaar.Whentheradiationstartedinterferingwithit,your
powersweakened.”Shethoughtamoment.

“WhatistheWarding,exactly?Itriedtolookitup,butyourlibrarydidn’thaveanythinguseful.”

Thaneshrugged.“Itis—theWarding.Whenaclanleaderbecomesking,hegoestotheWardingcaves
aloneandtheWardingbindswithhimandbecomesonewithhim.”

“Andthenwhenhecomesout,hecanhealeveryone?”

“Yes.Ithappenssometimesthatthebindingisweakandthekingdiesquickly,butusuallytheylivetoa
ripeoldageanddiesurroundedbytheirgrandchildren.Butwhenthebindingisweak,theleaderofthe
upcomingclancanChallengeandtrythebindinghimself.Inthiscase,thefalcon-swordclanisnextinthe
rulingcycleandFelinhasissuedtheChallenge.”

AllysonJames

“Youhavetolethimkillyou?”

“Notnecessarily.IfIprovetobethestrongerphysically,Icangotothecavesandtrythebindingagain.
ButifFelinwins,thenhegoestothecavesandbecomesking.”

Leamadeanoiseofexasperation.“Itwon’tmatterwhowinsifit’stheWardingthat’sweak.Felinwon’t
beabletobindeither.It’spsychic,isn’tit?”

“Psychic?”Herepeatedthewordasthoughhe’dneverhearditbefore.

“Somekindofenergywithinyourplanetfillsyouwithpowerthatyoucancontrolwithyourthoughts—in
thiscase,healingpower.”Shestoppedandgrinnedathim.

“That’sjustcool.”

“Cool?”

“AnexpressionfromtheRock.Sorry.”

Thaneturnedtotheaccoutrementsspreadoutonthetable.“Idon’tunderstandyou,oranyofthis.Butyou
curedReana.”

“Youdidtoo.Takingananti-radiationdosecanhurtlikehell,butyoutookawaythepain.Iimaginethat
you’llbeabletohealhertherestofthewaynowthattheradiationsicknessisn’teatingherupinside.”

“Andotherswhohavefallenillwillfarebetteroncethisthingisfoundanddestroyed?”

“ItwilllikelystoptheWardingfromdegeneratingtoo,althoughwhetheritcanrestoreitself,Idon’t
know.”

“IftheWardingisrestored,nomoreshipscanfallfromthesky.”Thanefixedhisdarkgazeonher.“And
youcannotleave.”

“Iknow.”

Shethoughtofthetight-beamsignalshe’dmanagedtosendofftoJustinbeforeThanehadsmashedthe
device.IfJustinreceivedit,he’dbeonhiswaytofindher.IftheWardingfailedcompletely,hecould
pinpointherandtakeherhome,butthentheFourOne-SixEmpirewouldfindPamaar.

ButiftheWardingwasrestoredbeforeJustinfoundher,Leawouldbestuckhere.

Herownshipwasfarbeyondrepairandshehadnofuelpoweritinanycase.

Shesaidslowly,“Everyscoutknowswhentheyleaveforamissionthattheymightnotcomeback.We
don’thavefamiliesoranyonewhowillmissus.Ourfellowscoutswillholdamemorialceremonyforus
andthengetonwiththings.Weaskoneotherscouttohandleourlegalaffairsifwe’relostandthat’sit.”

Thanebrushedhercheekwiththebacksofhisfingers.“Icannotbelieveyouaren’tprecioustosomeone.”

“MymotherandfatheraredeadandInevermarried.IjoinedthescoutunitwhenIwasfreshoutofflight
school.Welivetoprotectourhome.”

CatchaFallingStar

Lonelinesswelledupinsideherasshespokethewords.She’dalwaysbeenproudtothinkshe’dsacrifice
allforherpeople,butsherealizedshehadn’tmuchtosacrifice.

Oratleast,notmuchtolose.

“Youhavemenow,”Thanesaid,asthoughreadingherthoughts.

Hiseyesheldsomuchdarkness.Hetracedherlipswithhisthumb,powerfulhandsgentledforher.

“You’restuckwithme,youmean.”Leatriedtosummonasmile.“Ifyoudon’twanttheotherclansto
claimme,yougetthecareandfeedingofme.”

Hekissedthecornerofhermouth,hisbreathhot.“Marryme,Lea.”

Leajumped.“Excuseme?”

“Bindwithme.Becomemywife.”Hetouchedherlipsagain.“Doyounothavethiskindofthingwhere
youcomefrom?”

“Wedo,but…”Confusion,happinessandsorrowburnedinherchest,oneemotionfollowingswiftlyafter
theother.“Whydoyouwanttomarryme?”

“Because,foolishly,I’mfallinginlove.”Hislipsgrazedhercheek.“Didyounotnotice?”

Justinalwayssaidtherewasn’tasituationinwhichLeacouldn’tfindwordstoexpressanopinion.Too
badJustinwasn’theretoseeherrenderedspeechlessforthefirsttime.

AnironicglintenteredThane’seyes.“IdonotknowifIcanmakeyoulovemeback.IdonotknowifI
canmakelivinghere,awayfromallyouknow,bearable.”

Deargoddess.Thane,leaderofthelion-starclan,kingofPamaar,wasworriedthathecouldn’tmakeher
happy.ThenumberofmeninLea’slifewhohadwantedtomakeherhappywasexactlyzero.

Andhedidmakeherhappy—deliriously,dangerouslyhappy.Ifsheletherself,she’dbeperfectlyfine

withabandoningheroldlife,settlingdownonbeautifulPamaar,lettingJustinandeveryoneelseonthe
Rockgetalongwithouther.Sorelytempting,especiallysinceshemightnotbeabletoeverleavethis
placeanyway.

“Isn’tyourlifecomplicatedenoughalready?”sheaskedhim.

Hissmilewasgrim.“Idonotconsideryouacomplication.ButIwillleavethequestiontoyouwhilewe
willsolvetheproblemsofFelinandtheWarding.Then,perhaps,IwillbeabletopresentPamaarwitha
newqueen.”

AllysonJames

ChapterEleven

Search

“Hemeansit,”Deonsaid.

HewatchedLeaflushasshestoodnexttohiminherleathertunic,readyforflying,andrememberedhow
sweetshelookedallsexedandsleepythenightbefore.

“He’slosthismind,”Leasaid.“FelinhasChallengedhimtoadueltothedeathandradiationiskilling
hispeople,sohedecidestoplanawedding.”

“Itwillbeweddingnevertobeforgotten.”Deongrinnedather.“Troubadourswillmakesongsofit,how
thehallsflowedwithwineandthepalacewasdrownedinflowers.Thebridebeautifulinvioletandgold
leadingthekingtohisbedchamber,withthefaithfulDeonintow.We’llmakealovelythreesome.”

“Youwantmetoaccept,”shesaid,lookingamazed.

Theystoodnearthedrakepens,DeonhavingsentaservanttofetchCutie.Cutiesnarledandpulledathis
harnessashewasledtothem,showingoffasusual,andLeatookastepback.

ItalwaysamusedDeonhowfrightenedLeawasofthedrakes.Shewho’dcomefrombeyondtheWarding,
who’dfallenfromtheskyanddamnneardiedofit,who’dstooduptoFelinandtoldhimtokissherass
wasafraidofCutie.

Hehelpedhermount,suppressingagrinathernervousness,andswungupbehindher.

“OfcourseIwantyoutoaccept,”hesaidastheylaunchedskyward.“Thane’sbeenunhappyforalong
time—hetriestohideit,butIknow.Allofthesuddenhe’ssmilingagain,readytofaceFelinandwin.
He’sstoppedaskingmeifI’llrunhimthroughifnecessary—allsinceyougothere.Soyes,Iwanthimto
marryyou.Besides.”Heleanedaroundherandkissedhercheek.“Ilikeyoutoo.”

Sheblushedagain.

Whatawoman,Deonthought.

Hechuckledashepushedthedrakehigher,thebeastfanninghisleatherywingstosoaronthethermals.
Cutielovedtofly—hejustlikedmakingabigfussaboutit.

Deon’stasktodaywastotakeLeaoverthelandscapenearFelin’sterritorytoseeifshecouldspot
whatevershethoughtwascausingthesickness.Theyflewintightformationwithfiveotherdrakes,Lea
andDeoninthemiddleformaximumprotection.

Hedidn’tunderstandhalfofwhatshe’dexplainedaboutthesickness,buthedidn’tneedtounderstand.If
Leacouldhelp,he’dtakeheranywhereshewanted.PlusheplannedtoconvincehertomarryThane.She
wasjumpy,likeCutie,worriedaboutlittlethingsandfacingbigthingswithoutflinching.

CatchaFallingStar

Shewantedtogohome,sure,butwhycouldn’therhomebehere?TherewasnothingwrongwithPamaar.
Evenasoldierlikehimselfcouldrevelinthebeautyoftheplace.Besides,Thanewashereandwho’d
wanttobewithouthim?

“Wheredoesthefalcon-swordclanterritorystart?”sheaskedhimoverthewind.

Deonpointedtoalowridgeofhillsaboutamileaway.“Justbeyondthose.They’llbeoutpatrollingtheir
boundaries,you’dbetterbelieve.”

“WhydidThaneacceptFelin’sChallenge?”

“Hehadto,love.Buthe’llwin.Ifyoucurehim,he’llwin.”

Shelookedglum.“Youhavealotoffaithinme.”

“Ididn’tbelievetheseeratfirst.Butyoucamehereforareason—agoodreason—

andI’mmakingsureyoustayhereuntilThaneisbetter.”

Leadidn’tanswer,butthatdidn’tbotherDeon.He’dseetoitthatThanewonintheend,becausethe
alternativedidn’tbearthinkingabout.

“WehavetosearchinsideFelin’sterritory,”Leasaid.“That’sthemostlikelyplace.

Thanetoldmehiswifehadgonetoavillageabouttwentymilesnorthofthecityofthefalcon-swordclan,
andthat’swhereshegotsick.Soitmustbesomewherearoundthere.”

“WaytoodeepinFelin’sterritory.Toodangerous.”

“Idon’tthinkwehaveachoice.Ifwegoalonewehavelesschanceofbeingspotted.Howaboutifthe
restofthephalanxnosesaroundalittlesouthofherewhileweskimwestbelowtheridgeline?Wecan
circlethecityandcomeuponitfromthesidefarthestfromthelion-starterritory.”

Deonrumbledalaugh.“You’vedonethisbefore.”

“Iwasascout.Itwasmyjob.IadmitI’veneverdoneitonascalylizardthatflies,buttheconceptisthe
same.IhavethefeelingyoucansteerCutieastightasIevercouldmyone-mancraft.”

“Yougotthatright.”

Deonswirledhisarmintheairandsignaledfortheformationtoland.Hegaveorders,thentheywere
airborneagain.Undercoverofathick,tree-linedhill,theotherfivedrakesformedupandflewsouth
whileDeonwaited,lettingCutierest.

TheydiditasLeadescribed,skulkingalongtheridgelinethenplungingintoFelin’sterritoryindeep
shadow.Learemainedsilentastheyflewonlyafewfeetabovetheground,highenoughforCutie’s
wingspantofunctionbutnohigher.Thedrakestoppedbeinggrumpyandenjoyedhimself—heliked

covertoperations.

Theterritoryofthefalcon-swordclancoveredrockymilesthatsoftenedtomeadow-coveredhillswith
snow-cappedmountainsinthedistance.Alovelyplace,ifyouweren’tluckyenoughtobelion-star.

Cutieflewlow,farwestandnorthofthecity,whichloomedasasparklingwhitesmudgeonthedistance.
Felinwasfaraway,campingoutatthefalcon-sword/lion-starborder,readytomarchonThaneata
moment’snotice.Deonimaginedthatthecitywas99

AllysonJames

busypreparingfortheanticipatedchangeinkingship,whenthefalcon-swordterritorywouldcontrolthe
governmentandFelinwouldtakeoverPamaar.

NotifIcanhelpit,Deonpromisedsilently.

Theycircledandsearched,Lealookingforthegodsknewwhat.DeonletCutieflyaslowasheliked
whileLeahungfromthesaddle,nolongerafraid,andsearchedtheground.

Shadowslengthenedasthesunset—they’dhavetofindaplacetospendthenightsoon.

Thesunglintedoffsomethinginthedistance,thesparkofitslicingintohiseyes,butwhenheturnedto
look,ithadvanished.Deonwheeledthedraketoinvestigate,buttheyfoundnothingbeforethesun
disappearedbehindthehillsandtwilightfilledthesky.

“Damn,I’dgiveanythingformymicro-binocs,”Leasaid.“Theinfra-redones.Wecouldsearchall
night.”

“I’mnotevengoingtoaskwhatthoseare.ButCutiecan’tsearchallnight.Heneedshisbeautysleep.”

Leanodded.“Evenscoutshipsneedtodockforrefueling.”

Deonlandedinadensepatchofforestwithaclearinglargeenoughforthedrake.

Drakestookoffalmostvertically,sotheydidn’tneedmuchroomforthat,onlyenoughforCutietobeable
tocurlupandsnore.

Heriskedbuildingatinyfiresotheywouldn’tgettoocold.He’dbroughtblanketsthatfoldedinto
compactbundlesbutwhichwerefinelywovenandwarm.HeandLeanibbledsoldier’srations,which
weretastelessbutwouldkeepthemgoing.

Leagrinnedathimashesatdownnexttoher.“You’regoodatthis.”

“It’smyjob,”Deonrepeatedherwords.Heslidhisarmaroundher,pulledherclose.“Let’sseeifwecan
figureouthowtokeepwarm.”

Hekissedherforawhile,likingthetasteofher,remindinghimselfwhatithadfeltliketohavehermouth
onhim.HersuckinghimwhileThanepumpedher.Mmm,yes.

Ifhe’dbeenlessworriedaboutdiscoverybyFelin’spatrollers,he’denjoyhimselffuckingtonight.Asit
was,heonlyallowedhimselfthepleasureofunlacingherleathertopandlickingthewarmplacebetween
herbreasts.

Shehummedinenjoyment.“Idon’tthinkI’llevergetusedtotwomenatthesametime.”

“Darling,youhaven’thadtwomenatthesametime.Iguaranteewe’llmakeyoudancewithpleasure.”

“You’resureaboutthat,areyou?”

Helovedtheteasingtwinkleinhergreeneyes.Whoknewthatafallingstarwouldcontainsucha
wonderfulwoman?

“You’llloveeverysecondofit,Ipromise.”

100

CatchaFallingStar

“I’llholdyoutothat.”

Helovedherbreasts,thefirmroundnessthatfitintohishands,herskincreamysoftagainsthiswork-
roughfingers.Hesuckedonetautnippleintohismouthwhileshecontinuedtomakenoisesofpleasure.

Heenjoyedlickingherforawhile,thenregretfullymadehimselfsitupandsimplyholdher.Theywere
toofarintoFelin’sterritorytorisknotstayingalert.

Atleasthecouldwraphisarmsaroundherandletherblonde-and-brownhairticklehisnose.Pleasure
didn’tallhavetobefucking—althoughnothingbeatfucking.

Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder,content.“SohowdidyouandThanemeet?”

Ah,memories.ButmaybetellingthestorywoulddistractDeonfromhowhornyhewas.

“Myfatherwasweapons-makerfortheclanleader,whowasThane’sfatheratthetime.Welivedabove
theforgeontheedgeofthepalacegrounds,nottoonear,youunderstand,sothesmokysmelldidn’tget
intothepristinepalace.Thetiger-vesselclanruledatthetimeandThane’sfatherwasnextinlinefor
kingship.”

“AndyouandThanebecamefriends?”

Deonchuckled,remembering.“Notrightaway.Ithoughthewasasnottyrichkid,toosofttogethishands
dirtydoingrealwork.Iusedtotaunthimsomethingawful—

softly,somyfatherwouldn’thearandwaleonme.Thaneheard,though.Ikeptexpectinghimtohavehis
guardscomedownandteachmealesson,buttheyneverdid.

SoonedayIsneeredthathewasacowardandheturnedaroundandstartedpummelingme.”

Lea’seyeswidened.“Howoldwereyou?”

“Sevenoreight,Ithink.Ihadtoadmitthattherichkidcouldpackapunch.Wefoughtprettyhardandby
thetimemyfatherandhisguardspulledusapart,hewasasmuddyanddirtyandbeatupasme.

“Myfathergavemethehe’sgoingtobeclan-leadersomeday,maybeevenkinglecture,butIdidn’tcare.
Istartedtolayinwaitforhimandhe’dditchhisguardsandwe’dfightalmosteveryday.Hetoldmelater
thathewasanxioustoprovehewasjustastoughasasmithy’sson.”

“Didheeverwin?”

Deonshookhishead.“Itwasusuallyadraw.Ihadstrengthfromworkingtheforge,buthewastrainedin
armsbythebestsoldiers.HekneweleganttricksandIjustknewhowtofightdirty.Westartedteaching
eachother.”

“Malebonding,”shemurmured.

“Webecamebestfriends,ifthat’swhatyoumean.Ifyoumeanlovers,wedidn’tuntilwewereabout
twentyandIwasreadytogoofftolearntobeasoldierforreal.Iwantedtobeinthepalaceguard,
becausebythattimeThane’sda’haddiedandnowThanewasclanleader.

101

AllysonJames

“IwantedtolearntoprotectThane,soIleftfortraining.Thenighthecametoseemeoff,weboth
realizedwewouldn’tmeetupagainforayear.That’swhenweknew.

We’dplayedwithcourtesanstogetherafterourcomingofageateighteen,butneverwitheachother.It
wasquiteanight.”

“I’llbet,”Leasaid.

“Andthen,whileIwastraining,thetiger-vesselleaderdiedofoldageandThanewaskingofPamaar.
WhenIcameback,ThanerequestedmetobehispersonalbodyguardandhisloverandIaccepted.We
sacred-bondedsevenyearsafterthat.”

Lealookedthoughtful.“FromwhatThaneexplained,ifyouweren’thispersonalbodyguard,youcouldbe
hislovermore—um—deeply.”

“Icouldfuckhim,youmean?”Hetastedfaintregret,asusual.“That’strue,butthen,Imightnotbethere
whenheneededme.Likethis,Icantakecareofhim,protecthim.Noonegoesnearhimwithoutmysay-
so.I’llsacrificethebeautyofhavingmycockinsidehimtokeephimwholeandalive.Ilovehimenough
tokeepmyfrustrationsundercontrol.”

“That’ssweet,”Leasaid.

“Sweet?”Deonsnorted.“It’snecessary.Don’tthinkit’seasyforme.Orhim.Themush-heartedgitrefuses
tohaveanyotherloverinhimbecauselawsayshecan’thaveme.It’shisway.”

“ButIthoughtBalin…”

“Balinhasbeenclearedtoscrewtheking,ifThanewantsit,buthe’sneveraskedforit.Hesaysit’smeor
noone.”Henarrowedhiseyes.“Areyougoingtosaythat’ssweettoo?”

“Yes.”

“Yuck.ThaneandIshouldjustrelieveourselveswithcourtesansandgetoverit.

Thisnoblesacrificestuffiscloying.”

Lea’ssmilewasknowing.“Sowhydon’tyou?”

Hesobered,everyemotionhefeltforThaneswimmingtothesurface.“Itwouldn’tbethesame.”

“Thereshouldbeaballadaboutyoutwo.”

Hegrowled.“Don’teventhinkaboutit.Now,whatdoIhavetodotowipethatsmileoffyourface?
Hmm,letmethink.”

Shekeptsmiling,though,andlaughingashekissedherandslidhishandsintotheleggingsheloosened
withquickfingers.

“Don’tmaketoomuchnoise,love,”hemurmuredintoherear.“Wehavetobesilentouthere.”

“You’reevil,”shewhispered.

“Youkeptcallingmesweet.Paybackisabitch.”

102

CatchaFallingStar

Shemuffledherlaughandthenhergroanofdelightashefoundtheplacethatmadehersquirm.Hiscock
wasrock-hardfromtheirconversationandherdelightfulbody,andhewasgoingtomakeherpay.

Inthedarkness,Cutiemoved,histhere’s-something-out-therefidget.Deonsuppressedagrowlof
frustrationashelookedupandreachedforhissword.Couldn’tFelin’speoplehavewaitedalittle
longer?

Leahadheardthefaintsoundsaswell,hersoldier’shearingalmostasgoodashis.

Shenoddedwhenhesilentlysignaledforhertostayput.

Headjustedhisleggingsoverhisrapidlydeflatingcock,wrappedhishandsecurelyaroundtheswordand
meltedintothedarkness.

Lea,blessherheart,stayedwhereshewas,utterlysilent.Cutiedidhisbesttolooklikeastatue—
althoughwhythere’dbeastatueofadrakewayouthere,Deoncouldn’tsay.Butthedrakewouldcometo

hisaidifnecessary.

Deoncreptthroughthedarkwoods,movingslowlyenoughtonotblunderintoanythingbutfastenoughto
coverground.Hesawanuprightshadowthatwasn’tatreejustasCutieturnedhisheadandgrowled.

Deonheardtheintrudershoutinsurpriseandfear,thenanexplosionranginhisearsandhotsmokefilled
hislungs.He’dsmelledthatacridodoronlyoncebefore,whenLea’sstrangeweaponhadsplitaboulder
intwo.

Heplungedforward.Leawasonherfeetintheclearing,facingatallmanwhoheldaweaponthatlooked
justlikehers.Cutiesnarledandsnappedandspitirritablestreamsoffire.

Deonsprangontothemanfrombehind,wrappedonearmaroundhimandpressedhistrustybladetothe
intruder’sthroat.

“Surprise,”Deonsaidinacoldvoice.“ButnotassurprisedasFelinwillbewhenIsendyoubackin
pieces.”

“No!”Leahadherhandsup,hereyeswide.“Deon,wait.Don’thurthim.Iknowhim.It’sJustin,my
friendfromtheRock.”

*****

“Whatthehellisgoingon?”JustindemandedofLea.“Whoisthisguy?”

Hesatcross-leggedontheblanketsinhisflightsuit,Leanexttohim.Deonstoodoverthem,ahulking
wallofmuscle,insistingonkeepinghisswordtrainedonJustin.

“He’sLordDeon,personalbodyguardtothekingofPamaar.”

“Kingofwhere?”Justinblinked.“There’snosuchplace.Thisplanetdoesn’tevenshowuponanyofthe
charts.”

“YesIknow.Theyhaveashield—it’salongstory.”

JustinglancedupatDeon.“Ihavethefeelinghedoesn’thavethepatienceforlongstories.Doyou,big
fella?”

103

AllysonJames

“Hecan’tunderstandyou.Butheunderstandsme,sowatchit.”

“Howcanthatbe?You’respeakingourlanguage,nothis.”

Leawavedawayexplanations.“It’sapsychicthing,whichtheking…Nevermind.

Wereallydon’thavetimeforthis,ortoevenaskhowyoufoundme.Doyouhaveyourship?Didyousee

anythingwhenyoucamedown,likeawreckorsomethingelsegivingoffatonofradiation?”

“Iwashominginonyou.”Justintappedherskullbehindherear,whereLea’simplantwas.

Deondidn’tlikehimtouchingher.HeslidtheswordinfrontofJustin’sfaceandgavehimawarning
smile.

Justin’shazeleyeswidened.“Goddess,aretheyallbigbadbarbarianslikehim?”

“No,they’reallstrong,butsomeofthemhavequitegoodmanners.”SheshotDeonaglare.

Deongruntedlikeanancientcaveman.“Ionlyunderstandhalfyourconversation,butIgetit.Tellhimthat
underdifferentcircumstances,I’dthinkhewascute.”

“What?”Justindemanded.“Iseeyourface,Lea.Whatdidhesay?”

“Hesaidhethinksyou’recute.”

Justingulped.Leahadalwaysthoughtherfriendhandsome,withhislightbrownhair,hazeleyesanda
tall,leanbodythathisskin-tightflightsuitoutlinedwell.Deon,grinning,obviouslydidtoo.

“Holygoddess,”Justinbreathed.

DeonloweredhisswordsothatthetipgrazedJustin’snose.“OrIcouldsplithimintwo.”

Justineyedtheswordpoint.“Idon’tthinkIneedthattranslated.”

“Deon,stopit,”Leasaid.“Justincanhelpus,sostopbeingabully-boy.”

“ButIamabully-boy.”

“Heisn’tgoingtohurtme.”

DeonmovedthetipfromJustin’sfacebutdidn’tsheaththeweapon.“Wedon’tknowifFelingottohim
first.”

“True.”Shebitherlip.

“What?”Justinaskedinalarm.“Idon’tlikethewayyou’relookingatme.”

“I’mwonderinghowlongyou’vebeenhere,whereyoulanded,whoyoumetandhowyoufoundme.”

Justinlookedpuzzled.“Twostandardhours,abouteightkilometersfromhere,Ididn’tmeetanyoneuntilI
sawthatdragon-thingandItrackedyou.”JustinwavedatthedevicerestingontheblanketbesideLea,
designedtohomeinonafallenscout’simplant.

LearepeatedthistoDeon,whoshrugged.“Hecouldbetellingthetruth,orhemightnotbe,”Deonsaid.“I
cantorturehimalittle,ifyouwant.”

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LeahadstillnotentirelycaughtontowhenDeonteasedandwhenhewasserious.

“Leavehimalone.Wecanusehisshiptohelpus.”

“Orwecanusemyshiptogetoutofhere,”Justinlookedherupanddown,fromhermussedanddusty
hairtothePamaaranleathertunicandleggingsshe’ddonnedfortheride.“Youandme,kid.Youknow
there’sroomformetotakeascoutintroubleandI’dsayyouwereascoutintrouble.”

“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat.”

“Why?Haveyoubeenbrainwashedbythelocals?”Justinforcedhisexpressiontoremainneutralunder
Deon’swatchfulstare.“Youhavemygun.Youcanstunhimandprobablyeventhatbigbeastandthenwe
blastoffthisballbeforehewakesup.”

LeaglancedatDeon.SherememberedtryingtostunFelinwhenhe’dfirstfoundherandhowthebigman
hadbarelystaggeredwhenthebeamhithim.She’dhavetoheavilystunDeonbeforehewentdown,a
settingwhichmightevenkillhim.ShehadthefeelingCutiewouldn’tbefelledeasily,either.Thepeople
ofPamaarweretough.

Justinunderstood.HeandLeakneweachotherwellenoughthattheycouldexecuteaplanwithout
speaking.OnlythistimeLeacouldn’tsimplycutandrun.

“I’mhelpingthemfindasourceofradiation,somethingunshielded,that’skillingthem.Theysavedmeand
healedmewhenIcrashedandIoweittothem.”

Justinmadeaconcedinggesture.“Allright.Icanseethat.Willtheyletyougowhenyou’redone?”

LeathoughtofThane,hiswarmsmileandtheheatinhiseyeswhenhe’daskedhertomarryhim.She
shrugged,nottrustingherselftospeak.

“Igetit,”Justinsaid.“We’lltalkaboutitlater.Ifthisislegit,sure,usemyship.Butwouldyoutellthis
guytobackoff?Ican’ttellwhetherhewantstokillmeorscrewme.”

“Don’tworry,”Leasaid,climbingtoherfeet.“He’sinlovewithsomeoneelse.”ShepattedDeon’sbroad
bicep,rightoverthesnarlinglion.

“Hey,”Deongrowled,swattingheronthebutt.“Don’truinmyfun.”

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ChapterTwelve

Revelations

Justin’sshipwasexactlyeightkilometersaway,ashe’dsaid,andalittleeastoftheircamp.Lea
rememberedhowDeonhadseenabriefglintofmetalinthesettingsunanddecideditmusthavebeen
Justinlanding.

Leatookoverthescoutship,tellingJustintoflydrake-backwithDeon.ShegaveJustinhishelmet,which
he’dleftlockedbehindthepilot’sseat—shecouldbroadcasttoitusingtheship’scontrolswhileherode
withDeon.

Justinwasn’thappyshewantedhimtostaywithDeon,butshetoldhimtolumpit.

“Hewon’tletyoualonewithmeandhe’stoobigtofitintheshipwithus.IknowwhatI’mlookingfor
andwithyourscannersIcanfinditfast,eveninthedark.Deonwon’thurtyou.”Shehesitated.“Willyou,
Deon?”

Deoncurledhislipandlookedthreatening.Hewasafearsomesight,withhistattoosandsword,hisblue-
beadedbraidsandhisthickleather.

“Stopthat,”Leasaidgrumpily.Shehoppedintothecockpitoftheship,likingthefamiliarfeelingofher
buttsinkingintothepilot’sseat,thesteeringshaftnestlingbetweenherlegs.

“I’llwaituntilCutieisaway,”shesaid,clickingthepreliminaryswitches.“Idon’twanttoscarehim.”

“Goodthinking.”Deonleaneddown,seizedherfacebetweenhishandsandgaveherarough,hotkiss.

Leathoughtshelovedhimatthatmoment.Hewastrustinghertouseforbiddentechnologyhedidn’t
understandtohelphispeople,andtrustinghernottosimplyflyawayfromPamaarinJustin’sship.He
waswillingtotakeheratherwordandthatwarmedherbecausesheknewDeondidn’ttrustlightly.He
wouldbeinasmuchtroubleasshewasiftheshipwasdiscovered,andhewaswillingtotaketherisk.

“TakecareofJustin,”shesaid.“He’sagoodfriend.”

“Right.”Deonwinked,thenshotouthishandandgrabbedJustin’sass.

Justinjumped,flushing.“You’dbetterknowwhatyou’redoing,”hemutteredatLea.Buthejammedonhis
helmetandfollowedDeontothewaitingCutie.

Assoonasthedrakelaunchedintothesky,Leafinishedherenginechecksandfireditup.Shedidn’t
worryaboutnoisebecausescoutshipsweremeanttooperatewithaminimumofsound.Howcoulda
personsneakaroundandscoutifhershipsoundedlikethelatestracingmodel?

Itfeltsogoodtoflyagain.Lea’sheartswelleduntilithurt,knowingshewasbornforthislifeand
realizinghowmuchshemissedit.

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IfsheacceptedThane’soffer,shecouldneverflyagain.ButifsheleftwithJustin,she’dneverseeThane
againandthatwouldbethat.

Shewipedanannoyingtearfromhercheekandlettheshipglideintotheair.

Choiceswouldhavetobemadelater,thefeelingsinherheartsavedforanothertime.

That’swhatscoutsdid,putthejobbeforetheirpersonallife.

She’dalwaysthoughtthatsucked.

Leafeltfunnyflyingwithouthelmetandflightsuit,herleathergarbmadefordrake-flight,notthe
precisionfitofthecockpit.Shehadtowigglearoundbeforeshecouldgetcomfortable,thensheflicked
ontheconsolemicandtappedit.

“Canyouhearme,Justin?”

“Yes,”Justin’svoicecrackled.“Hey,thisdrakethingisfun.”

“Figuresyou’dlikeit.Anyway,keeptrackingme.I’mgoingforapassnearthecity.”

“Becareful,”Justinsaid,heartfelt.

“Alwaysam.”

Leaguidedtheshipovertherollingterrain,thenight-sightsontheconsolepickingupeverycurve.Inthe
distancethecityofthefalcon-swordclanshowedupasagreenblur.

Everynervetingledassheflew,theshipdodgingandskimmingtoherslightesttouch.Thefeelingofbeing
onewiththecraftwasexhilaratingandsherealizedshe’dmisseditmorethanshe’dthought.

Withallthestealthequipmentandmulti-layeredtrackingdevicespackedintoJustin’sship,itdidn’ttake
herlongtofindwhatshewaslookingfor.Shesawitinthegroundfirst,thefaintyellowishtintonthe
instrumentsthatwarnedofradiation.

Sheskimmedoverahillandthereitwas,half-buriedatthebottomofabowl-likevalley,abrightyellow
blotchonherreadouts,thoughinreality,itwasonlyadarksmudgeindeepshadow.

Thereadoutsmeant,Radiationatdangerouslevels.

Leatookthenoseupsoshewouldn’tpasstooclosetothesourceofradiation,thoughtheplatingofthe
hullprotectedher.Shetookaseriesofimagesassheflewoveronce,twice,threetimes.

“Justin,I’mfeedingyouwhatI’vefound.Canyouseethat?”

“Yep.”Justinsoundedgrim.“Whatisit?”

“I’mnotsure.I’llhavetolookmorecloselyattheimageswhenIland.It’saboutonehundredkilometers
northandwestofthefalcon-clan’scity.I’mcomingback.”

StaticcrackledandDeon’svoicecametoher.“HowcanIhearyouwhenyou’resofaraway?”

“Magic,Deon.”

“Bullshit.Justgetbackhereinonepiece.Idon’ttrustallthistechnology.”

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LealaughedathimandangledthecrafttofollowthewarmgreenblipthatwasCutieandhispassengers.

*****

Lealandedthecraftwellinsidelion-starterritoryandsheandJustinandDeonhiditwithbranchesand
rockandmud.ShemountedthedrakeinfrontofJustin,andDeonheadedthembacktoThane’scity.

JustinpattedCutie’sshoulderastheyflew.“Iwonderhowfastoneofthesecango.

Ibetyoucangetsomegoodacrobaticflyingonthem.”

“They’recalleddrakes,”Leasaid.“Andthey’realive,withsharpteeth.”

Justingaveherapuzzledlook.“Iftheywerethatdangerousnoonewouldbeabletoridethem.Thisguy’s
likemydad’shorsesbackhome—theyhadlotsofattitude,buttheylikedwhenIrodethemflatout.Iwon
racesandeverything.”

“I’msureyouandDeoncanhaveanicechataboutthem.”

“I’mlookingforwardtoit,”Deonrumbled,givingJustinaleer.

Justinflinched.“Makehimstopthat.”

Leacouldn’thelplaughingandDeonjoinedin.

Theylandedinthecourtyardofthepalace,guardsflowingouttomeetthem,headedbyThane.While
Justinexpressedaweattheintricatearchitectureofthepalace,LeaslidfromthedrakeintoThane’sarms.

Heheldherclose,hiswooltunicandcloakassoftandwarmashiskiss.“Welcomehome,”hesaid.

Leareturnedthekiss,lettingThane’swarmthandscentflowoverherlikesummerair.

ShepartedfromhimtofindJustinathershoulder,hismouthopeninshock.“ButIthoughtyouand
Deon…”HeglancedbackatDeon,whowasdeliveringCutietohishandler.

LeatookThane’shand,resistingtheurgetokissit.“Thane,thisisJustin.Istheresomewherewecan
talk?”

Thaneunderstoodthatshecouldn’trevealallshefound,includingJustin,infrontofthefullcourtyard.Not
onlywereguardsthere,buteveryservanthadseemedtofindanexcusetobepassingthrough—
washerwomen,smiths,drake-handlers,harnessmakers,maidsandeventheattendantwho’dshownLea
thelibrary.

ThaneledherandJustinthroughthecrowdtothepalace,stillholdingLea’shand.

Awomanhadcometojointhethrong,herdarkhairfallinglikesablesatintoherknees.

Justingapedwhenhelookedatherandthewomangavehimasultrysmile.

“Whoisthat?”Justinbreathed,headswivelingtokeepherinsight.

Leahadseentheinterlacedtattoosontheundersideofherarms.“She’sacourtesan.

They’reveryupper-classhere,consideredartistsinthewaysofpleasure.”

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“Goodattitude.”HekeptlookingatheruntilLeathoughthisneckwouldsnap.

Deonlaughedandrumbledsomethingbehindhim.

“Deonsayshe’llintroduceyouifyouwant.”

Justinbrightened.“Canhe?IthinkI’mbeginningtolikehim.”

DeonandJustin,bothsoldiers,bothfascinatedbyflyingthingsandbothlikingbeautifulwomen.They’d
getalongallright.

Thaneorderedeveryoneoutofhisprivatesittingroom,Deonhavingtoassurethereluctantguardsthat
he’dkeepasharpeyeonJustin.LeahadalreadyheardthecommentsthatJustinhadnotattoosonhisface
andworestrangegarb,coupledwithspeculativeglancesatLea,alsotattoolessasfarastheyknew.

Assoonasthedoorclosed,ThanereachedforLea.“Comehere.”

Heheldherclose,thenkissedheragain,hisarmstightaroundher.Deonsteppednexttothem,hisfingers
skimmingherspineandThane’s.

“Lea,”Justinsaidwithlaughterinhisvoice.“Youslut,you.”

Thanetookhistimefinishingthekissandwhenheeasedaway,Deonbrushedthesideofhermouthwith
hislips.

ButasThanestraightenedupandmovedhisattentiontoJustin,hewaseveryinchtheking.Hishardgaze
waspiercing,amansizingupanintruderwhomightsignaldisasterforhiskingdom.

JustinwincedwhenThanetouchedhishead,butLeasaid,“It’sallright.Lethim.”

ThaneclosedhiseyesandbynowLeaknewhewaslearningJustin,seeingthepatternsthatmadeuphis
aura.

Thaneopenedhiseyesandloweredhishand.“Doyouunderstandme?”

Justinlookedstartled.“Yes.Howdidhedothat?Lea,wherethefuckamI?”

ThaneturnedtoLea.“HecamefrombeyondtheWarding,inresponsetothesignalyousentwhenwewent
outtoyourship?”

“I’mafraidso.”

Thane’seyeswerebleak.“Hefoundyouandcamehere,despitetheWarding.

Whichcanonlymeanithasweakenedtothepointthatweareopentoothersfrombeyondit.”

“Unlesswecanfixit,”Leasaidquickly.“LetmeshowyouwhatIfound.”

She’dbroughttheholo-projectorfromJustin’sship,atinydevicewhichshenowsetonthepolished
woodentable.Shetoucheditandaseriesofthree-dimensionalimagesbeganslowlyrotatingthroughthe
air.

Deonleanedforward,fascinated,thoughThanewatchedwithmorecaution.

Justinsquintedatthepictures.“Lookslikepiecesofaprobe.”

“Onethatblewupbeforeithitatmosphere,”Leasaid,assessingtheimageswithascout’spracticedeye.

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Theremainslookedlikelumpsofmetalorpolishedrockhalfburiedinharddirtandcoveredwith
vegetation.Anyonecouldwalkbythemwithoutnoticing—theyglowedyellowthroughthescoutship’s
instrumentsandintheholo-photosbutwouldlooklikeordinaryrockindaylight.

“LikelyFour-One-SixEmpire,”sheconcluded.

Deontentativelyputafingertotheholo-image,histattooedforeheadmovingwithamazementashis
fingertipwentrightthroughit.

Justintouchedtheprojectortozoomandsharpenacornerofonepicture,whichshowedafewmuch-
batteredsymbols.“It’sfromtheempireallright.Butanoldmodel.

Nothingtheyusenow.Musthavecrashedyearsago,maybedecades.”

“Whatdoesthismean?”Thanebrokein.“Thatsomethingfromthisempireyouspeakofcamethroughthe

Wardinglongago?How?”

JustinlookedatLea.“Theoryisyourarea,babe.Ijustflylowandgetthedirt.”

Leanodded,feelingelatedanddepressedatthesametime.Elatedbecauseshethoughtsheknewthe
answeranddepressedbecauseitwasn’tagoodanswer.

“WhatIthinkhappened,”shebegan,“isthataprobeexplodedabovePamaaralongtimeago,maybe
becauseitwasfaultyormaybetheWardinginterferedwithit—whoknows?Achunkoftheprobewasso
irradiatedthatitweakenedtheWardingenoughtoslipthroughandfalltotheplanet.Itwasinsucha
remoteareathatnoonenoticed,oriftheysawit,theythoughtitwasapieceofasteroid—afallingstar.”

“Andit’slainthereeversince?”Thaneasked.

“Lookslikeit.Noone’sdisturbedthesite,noone’snoticedit.”

“Butit’sglowing.”Deonpointedattheimage.“Howcouldwenotnoticethat?”

Leatouchedtheprojector,removingtheoverlayofinstrumentreadings.Theglowfadedandtheprobe
againresembledlumpsofrockinthedark.“Becausethat’swhatitreallylookslike.”

Deonstaredawhilelonger.“Huh.”

“AndthisiswhytheWardingisweakandmypeoplearedying?”Thaneaskedskeptically.

“I’mprettysure.Oncetheprobe’sshieldsbrokedownalltheway,theradiationgotintoyourplanetand
weakenedpartoftheWarding—whichisconnectedtoPamaarinabizarrewaythat’snotjustphysical.
ThedamagedWardingweakenedyourbindingtoit,whichmadeyounotabletohealthepeoplewhohad
fallenillfromradiationsickness.Kindofaviciouscircle.”

Thanewentsilent,staringattheinnocent-lookinglumpsofmetalthatweredestroyinghisplanet.

Deonrestedhislargefistsonthetable.“AndtheweakWardingletJustinfindyou.

WhichmeansmorepeoplefrombeyondtheWardingcancomeafterhim.”

Leanodded.“IncludingtheFour-One-SixEmpire.”

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DeonturnedafuriousstareonJustin.

“Hey,noonetrackedmyship,”Justinsaidswiftly.“Iknowhowtogoafterafallenscoutwithoutthe
empireknowingaboutit.AndnowaywasIgoingtoignoreadistresscallfromLea.”

“Itrustyoutocoveryourtracks,”Leasaid,moreforThane’sandDeon’sbenefit.

“ButtheWardingisabafflershield.Ifitcontinuestodeteriorate,thisplanetwillstartshowingupon
scannersandtheempirewillfindit.”

“Andharvestus,”Deonsaid.“That’sthewordyouused.”

“Yes.”

Justinstudiedthedelicatearchwaysoftheroom,thegildedandcarvedwoodenfurniture,theviewofthe
soaringhillsandskyoutsidethefloor-to-ceilingwindows.

“Thatwouldsuck.”

“Whichiswhywe’regoingtofixit.”Leaturnedahardlookonherbestfriendandcomradeinarms.
“Youandme,Justin.”

Justinthoughtamoment,thenshrugged.“Whynot?I’mallforscrewingtheempire.”

“Notjusttheempire.Everyone.NoonemustknowofPamaar—nottheRock,notanyoftheother
independents,noone.”

“Igetit.”

Leafellsilent,wonderingifhereallydidgetit.

ThanewatchedJustinthoughtfullythenturnedanevenmorespeculativegazeonLea.“Howdoyou
suggestwerepairtheWarding?Idon’tevenknowifthat’spossible.”

Hisdarkgazeflickedbacktotheimages.“Wecandestroythis.”

“Thatmightnotdoanygood,”Leacountered.“Wecanshieldit,usingpiecesofthehullofmyship,which
isbuilttowithstandatonofradiation,orwecanbreakitintosmallerpiecesandcarryit,shielded,to
variouspartsofPamaar—soeachareahasatinyamount,notaconcentrateddose.Theradiationwillfade
eventually,butbyeventually,Imeandecades,maybecenturies.”

“ThisissomethingIcanarrange,”Deonsaid.“Theonlytroubleis,thisprobeasyoucallitisdeepinside
Felin’sterritory.”

“I’llhavetotellhim.”Thanekepthiseyesontheimage,hisvoicesomber.“It’shispeopletheprobeis
killingfirst.Hedeservestoknow.”

“He’llthinkit’satrick,”Deonwarned.

“Wewillhavetoconvincehim,then.”HeglancedonceatDeonandhisjawhardened.“IwantJustinand
thisdevicewell-guarded,Leaalso.AndIneedameetingwithFelin—alone.Noguards,noentourage.
Felincanbringatrustedbodyguard,butIwillhaveonlyyouandLea.”

Deonscowled.“Idon’tlikethatidea.”

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“Iknowyoudon’t,butitmustbedone.Felinisn’tstupid—hewillunderstandtheimplications.”

Leastoodup,heartspeedingwithhope.“Doyouthink,ifheknowswhat’sgoingonandthatyoucanfixit,
thathe’llwithdrawTheChallenge?”

Thaneshookhishead.“TheChallengecannotbewithdrawn.Onceissued,itmustbeseenthroughtothe
end.”

“Don’ttellme—it’sthelaw.”Leasighed.“Iwishyoudidn’thavesomanylaws.”

Thane’slipsquirked.“Itallowsustolivewell.Butdon’tworry,Lea.Iintendtowin.”

*****

FelinreadthemessagefromThanewhilethetwolion-and-pentacletattooedmenwaiteduneasilyjust
insidehistent.

I’vediscoveredwhatiskillingourpeople,Thanehadwritten.ItisadevicefrombeyondtheWarding
andifweshieldit,theWardingwillberestoredandmenandwomenwillstopdying.Letusmeetas
clanleadersandinvitetheleadersofourfellowclans,dragon-wandandtiger-vessel,anddiscusshow
wewillstopthis.IdonotseektosidesteptheChallenge,whichwillbemet,butweshouldputitoff
untiltheWardingcanberestored.Thehealthofourpeopleismoreimportantthanourpersonalbattle.

Oh,wellspoken,Felinthoughtgrimly.AsthoughtheChallengeisformypersonalgainandnottostop
falcon-swordpeoplefromdying.Arrogantbastard.

Hedismissedthemessengersandmostofhisownstaff,thenlefthistentandwalkedoutinthegathering
darkness.Duskyhillsrolledtothehorizon,beautifulandgreen,hisbelovedPamaar.

NeverinPamaar’srecordedhistoryhadtheWardingbeensoweak.ThebindingbetweenWardingand
kingsometimesdidn’tworkwell,buttheWardingitselfhadalwaysbeenstrong.

Hetouchedthebloodstonearoundhisneckandcouldn’thelpsmiling.Hewonderedwhatthereactionof
Thaneandhisfuck-partnerDeonhadbeenwhentheysawthefalcontattoospreadinallitsgloryacross
Lea’ship.Felinknewdamnwellhe’dbrokentheruleshavinghertattooedwhileshewasunconscious,
butitwasworthit.

HerememberedLea’stightlittleassupendedsothetattooartistcouldwork.Shewasalovely,lush
femalethathewouldn’tmindhavinginhisbed.He’dstickaswordthroughThaneandtakeLeaashis
queen,thusfulfillingtheridiculousprophecyandwinningthefaithofPamaaranseverywhere.

Ifshelethimintoherbed,wellandgood,orshecouldhavecourtesans,assheliked.Hewantedtosave
hisworld,notgoforasexualconquest.

FelinhadnodoubthecouldwintheChallenge.ThanehadweakenedconsiderablyandFelinpossessed
thebloodstoneofthequeenfromthesky.Hiscausewassacredandheknewit.

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“Mylord.”Rasheed,histrustedguardwiththeblue-whorltattoosonhisfaceapproached.“LordThane’s
messengersgrowimpatientforyourreply.”

“Lion-starsaretoosoft.Whattheymeanistheydon’twanttospendthenightinacamp,butwanttoget
hometotheirwarm,cushybeds.Bringmepenandpaper;I’llwritemyreply.”

Rasheedbowed.“Mylord.”

ThatwasonethingaboutRasheedFelinliked—themandidn’ttalktoomuch.

AsRasheedbeataretreat,Felinliftedthebloodstonefromaroundhisneck.Themovementpushedopen
hislooseleathervestandhelookedregretfullydownatthelesionsthathadbeguntoformonhisbroad
chestoflate—thesamekindLadyCerenaandEmilie’sdaughterhadshowed.

HewouldkillThane,healthelandandthenhealhispeople,himselflast.Heclosedhishandaroundthe
bloodstoneandbegantowalkbacktohistent.

*****

DeonreadthemessageThaneshowedhimindisgust.

WhentheChallengeismet,Felinhadwritten,Iwillspeaktoyou.

“Idiot,”Deonsaid,rageboilingthroughhim.HeandThanehadbeenalonewhenthesecondmessage
came,Leaasleepaftertheirtiringflight,Justineatingandrestinginaguardedroom.“Hecouldsavehis
clan,beahero.”

“Hedoesn’ttrustus,”Thaneanswered.“WereIinhisplace,Imightdothesame.

SendbackamessagethatIwillmeethisChallenge,tomorrow,intheplainbytheWardingcaves.”

“Tomorrow?”Deonrepeatedincredulously.

“Thesoonerwegetthisfinishedthesoonerwecanstartshieldingthatthing,asLeasuggests,andIcan
startthehealing.Iwillpreparetonightandfighttomorrow.”

Deonregardedhimforalongtime,hisfaceclouded.“You’retheking,”hefinallyconceded.

“Iam.AtleastuntilwegototheplaceoftheChallenge.”

“Thane.”

ThaneputhishandonDeon’sshouldersandkissedhimlightlyonthelips.“LookafterLeaforme,
whateverhappens.Sheknowswhattodo,soyoumustkeephersafeandmakesureshecandoit.”

“You’regoingtowin,”Deonsaidstubbornly.“Iwon’tletyoulose.”

“Eitherway,youhavetopromisemeyou’llprotectLea.Evenifitmeanslettingmedie.”

“Damnyou.”

“Promiseme.IneedtoknowIcancountonyou.”

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“Soyoucandiewithoutworry?”Deondemanded.“Youreallyareabastard,youknowthat?”

ThanecuppedDeon’sfaceinhisstronghands.“Justpromiseme.”

Deon’seyesmoistened,tohisirritation.“YouknowI’llkillanyonewhogetsnearher.”

“Goodman.Stripformenow.Wedon’thavemuchtime,butIcanstillgetinonegoodfuckbeforewe
go.”

“Huh.Youcanneverresistaquickie.”

“Thankyou,”Thanesaidsoftly.

Deonstartedunlacinghisleathertunic,turningawaysoThanewouldn’tseethetearsrunningdownhis
face.

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ChapterThirteen

Preparations

PreparingfortheChallengemeantspendingthenightatthechosenplace.Inpracticalterms,Leamused
thateveningasthedrakeslandednearthetentsservantshadtraveledaheadtoerect,theritualmadesense.
Thetwofightershadachancetorestfromtheirjourneyandcouldemergerefreshedontotheplaceof
battleinthemorning.

Thane’stentwas,asLeaexpected,hugeandopulent.Thicktapestriesandsilkhangingsdivideditinto
separateroomsforsleeping,bathing,eatingandreceivingguests.Thebedroomwaslittlemorethana
largeexpanseofcushionstakinguptheentirecurtainedoffspace.

LeaexpectedThanetopreparebypracticingswordthrustswithDeonorsomesuchthing,butinsteadhe
spenttherestoftheeveningreadingbooksandscrolls,signingpapersandspeakingwithhiscouncilors.

“Puttingthingsright,”Deonwhisperedtoherthroughacrackinthesilkhangings.

SheandJustinwaitedinthebedroom,outofsight,whileDeonwatchedoverThaneandcommunicated
surreptitiouslythroughthedrapes.“Incase.”

Leadidn’twanttothinkabout“incase”.

Whenthecouncilorsretreatedtheservantsservedalavishmeal,whichThanedidnoteat.Challengers
weresupposedtofast,Thanesaid—Felinwouldbedoingthesame.

Leatriedtoeatbutcouldn’tforcemuchdown.

ThaneturnedtoJustinaftertheservantsclearedthetable,seemingtonothavenoticedeveryone’slackof
appetite.“Justin,youhavebeenofhelptomeandagoodfriendtoLea.Iwishtorewardyou.”

JustinlookedsurprisedandThanesnappedhisfingers.Oncue,thecurtainstothesittingroompartedand
thebrown-hairedcourtesanJustinhadadmiredentered.ShebowedtoThane,thenturnedastunningsmile
onJustin.

“Ishekidding?”JustinturnedanamazedlooktoLea.He’dbeenalittlecrabbysinceThanehadlocked
awayhispistolandotherscoutimplements,thoughhe’dkepthisproteststohimself.“You’rekiddingme,
right?”heaskedThane.

“PanecewasmostinterestedwhenIsentwordaskingifshewouldbewillingtocometoyou.Shesaw
youyesterdayandlikedthelookofyou.”

Justinflushed.“Iguessyou’renotkidding.”

Thaneregardedhimwiththesameeasehe’dhadwhenhe’dfirstofferedLeatheuseofthebestcourtesans
inthekingdom.“Atenthasbeenpreparedforyouifyoupreferprivacy.Thoughyouarewelcometostay
hereandjoin—”

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AllysonJames

Justinleapttohisfeet.“No.Nojoining.I’lljust…Um.I’lljusttalktoPaneceintheothertent…”

“I’dgobeforeyoudoanymorestuttering,”Leasaid.

“Right.”Justinglancedateachofthem,thenshruggedandsighed.“WheninRome…”

HegothimselfoutofthetentbutwasgentlemanlyenoughtoholdthetentflapopenforPanece,whowas
tryingnottolaugh.Leanotedtheguardsthatsilentlydetachedthemselvestofollowatadiscreetdistance.

“What’sRome?”Deongrowled.

Leagrinnedathim.“It’sanancientsayingfromanancientcivilizationonanancientworld.”

Deondroppedit.“You’retrustinghim,”hetoldThane.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Thaneroseandunlacedthegrayoutertunichewore.Beneathwasasleevelesstunic
ofdarkbluesilk.“Hewon’tbetraymeontheeveoftheChallenge.Ifhethinksto,theguardswillexplain
thepenalty.”

“Penalty?”Leaasked.

“ThepenaltyforbetrayingorhurtingeithercompetitorintheChallengeisinstantdeath,”Deonsaid.

Shepaled.“Harsh.”

“Noonewould.”Thanecametoherandtookherhands,raisinghertoherfeet.

“Thelawmustbeharsh,becausetonight,ineffect,Pamaarhasnoking.”Hesmiled.

“Besides,Panecewillkeephimoccupied.”

“Youplannedthat.”

ThanekissedthecornerofLea’smouth.“Idid.IwantedhimoutofthewayandbusysoIcouldusethe
timetosaygoodbye.”

DeonlockedhishandaroundThane’sbicep.“Whatyoumeantosayis,ThistimetomorrowI’llbeking
again,don’tworry.”

“Youalwaysworry,Deon.”

“Someonehasto,”Deongrowled.

*****

ThanesaidgoodbyebyhavingLearidehim.Hestretchedhimselfacrossthecushionedbed,hislarge

bodyspreadforherdelight.Hewasdeepinsideher,feelinghertightnesssqueezinghim,lovingtheway
Lealetherselfenjoyeverysecond.

Shekepthersilkrobecrumpledaroundherhips,hidingthefalcontattoofromhim.

Hewantedtotellherhedidn’tmind—shecouldhaveitremovedandabrilliant-coloredlioninitsplace.
Hewouldwatchtheentiretaskandevenlendahand—clanleadersalwayslearnedtattooart.

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DeonkneltbehindLea,hislegsoneithersideofhers,broadhandsonherbreasts.

“Sweet,”hebreathed,nibblingonLea’sneckasherorgasmtookher.“Toosweet.”

“She’sadorable,”Thaneagreed.Helayback,flushedandwarmfromhisownrelease.

Leawasbeautiful,hervariegatedblondehairmussed,shortcurlsstickingupeverywhichway.Hewas
perfectlyhappyshe’ddroppedintohislife,nomatterhowstrangethecircumstances—thegodsgivinghim
atasteofjoyamonghistroubles.

NowshesmiledasDeonnuzzledhercheek,hishandsonthecurveofherwaist.

“I’mlovingallthisattention,”shesaid.

“Doyouwantmore?”Thaneoffered.“IcansendforBalinifyoulike.”

“No.”SheleanedagainstDeon’sshoulder.“Iwantittobejustus.”

“Noargumentfromme,”Deonsaid.

LealookedthoughtfulasshestrokedhernailsacrossThane’schest,backandforth,backandforth,barely
scratching.

“Youknow,”shesaid,“tonight,youarenottheking.”

Thaneranhisfingertipsacrosshermovinghands.“No.IammerelyamancalledThane.Canyouforgive
me?”

Shesmiled,asthoughamusedbysomething.Hesuddenlycaughtontowhatshewasthinkingandhisgaze
flickedtoDeon.

Deon’seyeswentslateblack.“Don’ttemptme.”

Thanewasrock-hard,nevermindthathe’djusthadoneofhisbestreleasesever.“IfIamnotking
tonight…”

“Youwillbeagain.”

“NotifFelinkillsme,”Thanepointedout.

“Iwon’tlethim.”

“YoucannotinterferewiththeChallenge,”Thanesaid.

Theylookedateachother,eyessparking,whileLeasatbetweenthem,asmugsmileonherface.

“WehaveasayingontheRock,”Leabegan.

“WheninRome?”Deonasked.

“No.Goforit.Youmightnotbealivetomorrow.”

Deonshookhishead.“Youcomefromamysteriousclan.”

ThanegrinnedandstrokedLea’sarm.“Ilikeit.VerysmartwomenintheRockclan.Sexytoo.”

“So,arewegoingtotalkallnight?”Deongrowled.“Orareyougoingtoletmefuckyou?”

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AllysonJames

LealaydownatThane’sside.Shewasexcited,hernipplesdarkwithtension,herlightjadeeyesstarry.
Helovedher—he’ddoanythingforher—andhelovedDeon.

Thismightbethebestnightofhislife.

Andhislast.

“Iwanttowatchthis,”Leasaid,herchestrisingwithexcitedbreaths.

“No,”Thanesaid.“Iwanttobeinyou.”

“Evenbetter,”Deonagreed.“Youready?”

“I’vebeenreadyfortenyears.”

Deonlaughedasherosefromthecushionslikeagodofold.“YoutwogetsettledwhileIfindoutwhat
kindoflubeisinthiswell-stockedtent.”

ThaneshookwithexcitementasherolledoverontoLeaandshesmiledathim,warmandwelcoming.

Thisgenerouswomanhadbeenwillingtorisksomuchtohelphispeople,eventhoughshehadlittleto
gainbyit.Shewasfarfromhomeinastrangelandandstillshegave.ShealsosensedwhatThaneneeded
tobehappyandsheoffereditwithoutanythoughtofrecompense.

Inreturn,hedeterminedtogiveherasmuchpleasurefromitashepossiblycould.

Helookeddownatherlovelyfaceandbrushedakisstoherlips.“Openforme,”hewhispered.

Shewasalreadywetandswollenfromtheirlovemakingandheeasilyslippedinside.Hekepthisgaze
firmlyonLea,resistingthetemptationtolookoverhisshouldertoseewhatDeondid.

Deonhummedinhisthroatashebangedaroundinthechestsandcupboardsthathadbeenbroughtsohis
everyneedwouldbeserved.

“Thisisn’tatent,”herumbled.“It’safriggingpalace.Poorlittlerichking.”

ThaneclosedhiseyesandenjoyedbeinginsideLea,ignoringDeon.

“WhenIlearnedsoldiering,weslepttwentymentoatinycanvastent,”Deonwenton.“Nocushionsand
silverwashbasinsandgoldplatesforus.”

Leamoaned,clutchingThane’sshoulders.ThanefeltDeonkneelbehindhimandheslowedhisthrusts.

Coollubetouchedbetweenhischeeksandthen—ohgods—thepressureofDeon’sfinger.Hisentire
bodycontractedinpleasure.

“Don’tsqueezesohard,”Deongrowled.

“Ican’thelpit.”

“Youneedtobelooseandlightforme.I’vegotahugecock—ow.”

Thane,excited,hadsqueezedhardagain.“Stoptalking,then.”

“Don’tpayattentiontome.”Deonsoundedamused.“FocusonLea.”

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Notahardthingtodo.ThaneopenedhiseyestoseeLeawatchingwithherjade-greengaze,hereyesso
beautifulhecoulddrowninthem.Hefeltherclosingaroundhimandswitchedhisattentiontothatpointof
pleasure.

“Thereyougo.”Deonplayedwithhimalittlemore,ringinghimwithfingersandthumb,slidingfingertips
inside.

ThaneconcentratedonLeaandmadehisbodyrelaxtoDeon’sministrations.Helostalltrackoftime
betweentheeroticfeelingofDeonplayingwithhimandthewildexcitementofLeaunderhim.Heheard
Deonsaying,Almostthere,thenalotoflubeandthentheheatofDeon’sbodyonhisback.

Thaneliftedhiships,stayinginsideLea,wholiftedherselftohim.Thepillowshelpedandforsome
reasontheirgoldtasselsandpurplesilkpatternscaughtandheldhisgaze.

AndthenDeonwasslidinginsidehim,ahuge,hardlength,slickwithlube.Hisfriend,hispartner,his

loverforsolongfinallyinhim.

Deon’scockpressedallthewayinside,slowly,slowly,wideninghim,openinghim.

ThefeelingofDeon’sballstightagainsthisbacksidemadehimwritheandhelovedtheticklingofDeon’s
wiryhaironhisskin.

“Iloveyou,”Deontoldhim.“Ifuckingloveyou.”HetracedtheoutlinesoftheliononThane’sback.
“Youandyourbadasstattoos.”

UnderThane,Leawentovertheedge.Shecriedout,hipsmovingagainsthis.Hisexcitementexplodedbut
hedidn’twanttorelease,notyet.Deonwaspumpingnow,groaning,hisstronghandsfirmonThane’s
back.

“Ican’tstandit,”Thanewhispered.

“Yesyoucan.Youcantakeme.You’redamnstrong,youalwayshavebeen,evenwhenyouwerebeating
meupwhenwewereeight.”

“Thesmithy’ssonwiththegorgeouseyes.IwantedtofightandfightsoI’dstopwantingtokissyou.”

“Didn’twork.I’mirresistible.”

“Youfuckgood.Iloveyoufuckingme.”

“Youbetcha.”Deongroaned.“Gods,no,I’mnotreadyyet.”

HisscaldingseedfloodedinsideThane,asensationThanehadwantedforever.

DeonlandedonThane’sback,breathinghard.Theylayinanexhaustedpile,allthreeofthembreathing
hard,sweatcoatingtheirskin.UnderThane,Leagaveatiredlaugh.

“Thisisfun.”

Thanekissedher.“Youaren’twrongaboutthat.”

Deonrumbledandgrowled,atlastslidingoffThane’sbacktolandfull-lengthonthecushionsnextto
them.Hewipedthesweatfromhisface.

“Didyoulikethat?”

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AllysonJames

Thaneleanedoverandkissedhimfullonthemouth.“YouknowdamnwellIdid.”

Deon’seyessparkled.“Inthatcase.”Herubbedhishandsandhisgrinwidened.

“Youain’tseennothingyet.”

*****

TheChallengebeganassoonasitwaslight.

Thaneworeleathergreavesonhisshinsandarmsplusaleathervestthatcoveredhimtohisthroat.His
bronzehelmetwasintricatelydecoratedwithlionmotifsandhadcheekpiecesthatmetathischin.

Hecarriedtwoswords,onelongandoneshort,bothofbronze.Thebladeswereetchedwithamazing
artistry,thehiltscarved.Pamaaransdidnothingwithoutdecoration.

Thechillofthemorningandtheworryoverwhatwasabouttohappencouldn’tquitedampentheheatLea
feltoftherememberednight.DeonhadtakenThaneseveralmoretimesuntilThanehadwrestledDeonto
thefloorandenteredhim.

ThenbothmenhadmadelovetoLea,oneaftertheother,Thanegentle,Deonrough,tradingoffuntilshe’d
fallenintodarkslumber.Shehadn’twakeneduntilDeonshookher,andshe’dopenedhereyestoseethe
skygraywithdawn.

She’dneverinherlifewantedtogetoutofbedlessthanshehadthatmorning.

FelinfacedThaneacrossacircledrawninthedirtonethesecondshadmeasuredandredrawnabouta
dozentimes.FelinalsocarriedtwoswordsandworeleatherarmorsimilartoThane’s,histooledwith
falconsymbols.Herbloodstonehungaroundhisneck.

LeahalfexpectedFelintotauntThaneorshowoffhisswordmoves,buthewaitedinsilence,likeaman
readytogetonwiththings.

LeaandDeonandJustinstoodsomewhatbackfromthering,notallowedtogotoonear,incasetheytried
tohelpThane.Alineofguards,falcon-swordandlion-star,stoodbetweenthemandthecombatants.

Deoncouldn’tbeasecond,he’dexplained,hisarmsfoldedandhisjawtight,becausehewastoocloseto
theking.ThesecondsfortheChallengehadtobeneutral,chosenfromthetwoclanswhowerenot
fightingformastery.

Thesecondsfromthetiger-vesselanddragon-wandclanswereasformidableasThaneandDeon.The
tiger-vesselguardhadtigertattoosdownarmsandlegswhilethedragon-wandguardhadadragontattoo
acrosshisupperback.Tiger-vesselsecondedFelin,whiledragon-wandsecondedThane.

Peoplefromalltheclanshadstreamedinthenightbefore,campingaroundtheperimeteroftheplain,as
closeastheywereallowedtocome.Nowtheysettledin,quietingtowatchthefighttoseewhoruledtheir
planet.

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IttookforevertostarttheactualChallenge.Seershadtoblesstheplaceandthenthetwofightersandthe
secondshadtoconferagaintomakesureeverythinghadbeenlaidoutanddoneaccordingtotherules.

“Iwishthey’dgetonwithit,”Leamuttered.“Getitoverwithandputusoutofourmisery.”

Deon,hishandfidgetingnearhissword,noddedgrimly.“Theytaketheirbloodytime.Thaneisnaturally
patientandcalm,soit’sallrightforhim,butI’dhavekilledsomeonebynow.”

“I’mthinkingIwouldhavetoo.IwishFelinwouldatleasttalktohim.”

“Toolate.”

Leaturnedherattentionbacktothefightersandsawthatatlonglast,theywerestarting.

FelinsteppedintotheringatthesametimeThanesquaredhisshouldersandwalkedouttomeethim.The
fondloverofthenightbeforehadvanishedandafightingmanhadtakenhisplace—amanfightingforhis
people.

Thesecondscalledthestart.

ThaneandFelincircledeachother,eachstudyingthewaytheothermovedandbalanced.Ifthishadbeen
atestmatchbetweenscoutsontheRock,thespectatorswouldhavebegunjeering,butThaneandFelin
weren’theretoentertain.Thiswasreal.

FromwhatDeonhadexplained,they’dfightforfifteenPamaaranminutes,thenbreakforarest.They’ddo
thistwentytimesoruntiloneofthemwaskilled.Iftheywerebothaliveattheend,thentheseconds
woulddeclarethewinner.Theloserwouldeitherhavetoacceptthewinner’spenalty(traditionally,
death),orhecouldkillhimselftoavoidhumiliation.

Someconsolation.

“Ican’tstandtowatch,”Leawhispered.“ButIcan’tstandtolookaway,either.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean,”Justinmurmuredbesideher.

Thespectatorsweresilent.Thiswasnoordinaryfight—thiswoulddeterminethefateoftheworldand
anyshoutornoisecouldgiveadvantagetotheotherside.Themorningwarmed,thebreezecool,theair
dryandblueskyarchedoverhead.Aperfectday,exceptThanemightdieinit.

ThefirstfifteenminuteswentbywithoutThaneorFelingettinginablow.Theywerestillassessing,still
evaluatingoneanotherwhenthesecondscalledtime.

Thanemovedtoashadedawningwherehecoulddrinkwaterandreadjusthisarmor,andwhereahealer
wouldbindwoundswhenthecombatheatedup.LeaandDeonwerenotallowedtogotohimthere,
either.

“Thisismaddening.”LeawatchedThanethebestshecouldaroundthewallofguards.Heseemedfine,
wipinghisfacewithaclothanddowningacupofwateraservanthandedhim.

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Inthesecondfifteenminutes,Felinstruckthefirstblow.Thaneeasilyparriedit,buttheclangofswordon
swordwasheartwrenching.

Theythrustandparriedateachotherafterthat,bothofthemholdingback,savingstaminaforthelongday
ahead.Thanedrewfirstbloodinthethirdgo-round,nickingFelin’sshoulder.Felintwistedandmanaged
ascratchacrossThane’sforearmbeforeThaneturnedthebladeaside.Thesecondscalledtime.

DeonwatchedThanenarrowlyasThanedrankwaterwhiletheservantwashedthecut.

“He’snotgoingtomakeit,”hesaidinasoftvoice.“He’salreadytired.”

Leapeeredworriedlyatthefalcon-decoratedawning.“Felindoesn’tseemanybetter.”

“Maybenot,butdoyouwanttostandherewhiletheychopeachotherintolittlebits?”

“Whatelsecanwedo?”JustinaskedfromLea’sotherside.

DeonglancedaroundasThaneandFelinenteredtheringagain.HemotionedLeaandJustintofollowhim
andledthewaybacktowardThane’scircleoftents.

Lealookedback.Thaneobviouslysawthemleaving,butsincehewasn’tallowedtocommunicatewith
them,hecouldsaynothing.Shesawhislipscompressinagrimlineasheswunghisswordtomeet
Felin’s.

“Well?”JustinaskedwhenDeonstopped,outofearshotoftheguards.

“Wecangoshieldthatthing,”Deonsaid.“IfitworkslikeLeasaid,itmightrestoretheWardingand
restoreThane.ThenhewillkickFelin’sassintheChallengeandwecanallgetbacktonormal.”

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ChapterFourteen

Choices

“I’mnotsurewhatwillhappen,”Leawhisperedtohim.“Oncetheshieldsareinplace,theradiationwill
stop,butwhoknowsifthedamagecanberepaired?”

“Wecantry,”Deonsaidimpatiently.“It’sbetterthanstandingheredoingnothing.”

“He’sgotapoint,”Justinputin.Leacouldonlynodglumly.

Asthoughithadbeensettled,Deonbeganstridingforthedrakepens.Cutieflappedtomeethim,showing
histeethinwhatLeahadcometolearnwasagreeting.

Thedrakegroomsdidn’tsayawordwhenDeonsaddledCutiehimselfandboostedLeaandJustin
aboard.TheyprobablythoughtDeoncouldn’tstandtostayandwatchhisloverbekilled—thelooksthey
gaveDeonweresympathetic.

Leabarelyjumpedwhenthedrakelaunchedhimselfintohisnear-verticaltakeoff,thoughshedidhangon
tightlytoDeon.TheyflewtothepalacefirstsoDeoncouldcollectwhatLeaneeded,thenwingedtothe
valleywhereLea’sburned-outshipwaited.

ThethreeguardswhohadbeenplacedwithdrakestowatchthewreckagegreetedDeonwithoutquestion.
Theysmiledandwavedtohim,happysomeonehadcometorelievetheirboredom.

DeonletJustinandLeastunthemwiththetwoweaponsDeonhadretrievedfromthepalace.Leahad
explainedtoJustinthattheyhadtoturnupthestunsettingstohaveeffectonthestrongPamaarans.They
didn’tgodowneasy,butatlasttheydid.

“I’llmakethisuptoyou,”Deontoldthelastoneashecollapsed.

JustinsurveyedthecrumpledhullofLea’sshipinaweasLeacheckedthestunnedmentomakesure
they’dbeallright.“Shit,Lea,yousurvivedabadone.”

“Tellmeaboutit.Iwouldn’thavelivedatallifnotforDeonandThane.”

Justinlookedatherwithnewrespect.ThenhetookouthislaserwelderDeonhadretrievedandbegan
slicingupthehullthatwasstillintact.

“Youknowwhatcloseexposuretothatmuchradiationwilldo,don’tyou?”heaskedasheworked.

“Ihaveagoodidea,yes,”Leasaid.

“Itwillkillus,youmean?”Deonasked.

“Itmight,”Leaanswered.“Itwillbebad,anyway.”

“Ithoughtasmuch.ButifitrestoresThane,it’sworthit.”

“Youcanleave,youknow,Justin,”Leasaid.“Thisisn’tyourplanet,notyourfight.

Youcanblastyourwayoutofhere—aslongasyouleavemeyourlaser-welder.Mineistoastfromthe
crash.”

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AllysonJames

“Whataboutyou?”Justinasked.“WecanteachDeonhowtobuildtheshield,thenyouandIcanblastout
together.”

Leashookherhead.“He’llneedhelp.”

Justinpunctuatedhiswordsbyjabbingthewelderatthemetalplates.“Butyou’dbestuckhere.Ifkilling
theradiationsealsuptheplanet’sshield,Iwon’tbeabletocomebackforyou.”

“Iknow,”sheansweredquietly.“ButitwilltaketoolongifDeonworksalone.Hewon’tbeabletostand
thatmuchradiationforthatamountoftime.Ifweworkinshifts,weminimizeourexposure.”

“I’llleavehimmyanti-radiationdose.Youdon’tneedtostay.”

“Buthemightrunoutoftime.TheChallengewillonlytakeanotherfourorsohoursandThaneisalready
wearingout.Plusthere’sthedangerthatsomeofFelin’speoplemightspotDeonbeforehecanfinish.Not
everyoneisattheChallenge.”

Deonlistened,browslowering.“Ifhewantstotakeyoutosafety,Lea,Iwantyoutogo.”

Leafacedhim.“I’mnotleavingyoutodothisyourself.”

“AndIdon’twanttowatchyoudie.”Hisvoiceturnedsavage.“It’salreadybadenoughformelosing
Thane.I’dwanttoknowthatyouwerehomeandhappy.Sowouldhe.”

Leaputherhandsonhisforearms,lovingthefeelofhisworkman’sskinandthehardmusclebeneath.
“ButifIgo,I’llneverseeyouagain.”

“Iknow.”

Herethenwasherchoice.LeavePamaarandthetwomenshe’dfalleninlovewithorstayhere,trapped
foreverbytheWarding.

IfsheleftwithJustin,she’dnotevenbeabletofindoutwhathappenedtoThaneandDeon—whether
ThanelivedandtriumphedoverFelinorlosttohimanddied.

Herheartburned,theanguishofthechoicechurninginsideher.Ifshestayed,shemightdietryingto
restoretheshieldandevenifshelivedthroughthat,therestoredshieldwouldpreventherfromever
seeingherhomeandplanetagain.

PlustherewasnowayshecouldswoopinandrescueThanefromtheChallenge,takinghimandDeon

withhertotheRock,mostlybecausethefourofthemwouldneverfitinJustin’sship.Communicating
withtheRocktosendabiggershipriskedalertingtheempiretoPamaar’sexistence.

Also,shehadthefeelingThanewouldneverleavegiventhechance.Hewastiedtothisplace,apartof
it,whetherhelivedordied.He’dbemiserableanywhereelse,notabletobethemanheneededtobe.
Wouldshebeselfishenoughtodraghimawaytostaywithherjustsoshe’dnotmisshim?

IfThanestayed,Deonstayed.Shesawhownaïveandsillywasherearlierworrythatshemightdrivea
wedgebetweenthem.Animperialharvestingshipcouldn’tdriveawedgebetweenthem.

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CatchaFallingStar

ShemetDeon’seyesandsawtheturmoilofindecisionwarringthereaswell.Hedidn’twanttolether
go,buthealsodidn’twanttoriskherlife.

“Letmestay,”shesaid.“IfIlivethroughthis,Iwon’twanttobewithoutyou.”

“Iwantyousafe,”Deonbegan.

“Screwthat.IneedtobewithThane.”Sheslantedhimasmile.“Youunderstandwhy.”

“Damnyou,”hegrowled.“Youknow,ifwemakeitback,he’llkillmeforriskingyourlife.”

“Iknow.”

Justinsnorted,hislasercuttersingingagainstthemetal.“Noneofuswillmakeitifwedon’tgetamove
on.”

“Youcango,”Leasaidquickly.

“I’mstaying,”Justindeclared.“NowayamIgoingbacktotheRockandtellingthemIleftyoualoneto
faceahighlyirradiatedprobeandapissedoffclanleaderwithaheavy-dutysword.I’dneverliveit
down.”

Shetriedtoargue.“Butwedon’tknowhowmuchofawindowtherewillbetogetyourshipoutoncethe
probeisshielded.”

“Iknow.”Hestoodup,wipinghisfaceandlookingaroundattherollinghills,thesoftairofthevalley.
“Thisplaceisn’tsobad.Theempireisn’thereandPaneceseemsnice.”

Lealaughedathimandpattedhisshoulder.“You’rethebest,Justin.I’msurePanecewillfindsomeway
tothankyouforhelping.”

“Sure,ifIdon’tglowinthedark.”Heleaneddownandpulledthelastoftheplatesfromthehull.“Let’s
getthisstuffloadedandgone.”

*****

Cutiecarriedtheextraweightofthehullplatingwithoutnoticingit.HeflewreadilyintoFelin’sterritory
underDeon’sguidanceandLea’sdirectionsandlandedinsidethebowl-shapedvalleywhereLeahad
foundtheprobe.

TheyunloadedtheplatesthenLeatoldDeontosendCutieaway.Noneedtoriskhimaswell.

Thedrakedidn’twanttoleaveDeon,butDeonyelledathimtogofindsomethingtoeat.FinallyCutie
roseintothesky,butheonlydriftedasfarasthewoodedhilltop.

Justinheftedaplate.“Ican’tbelieveI’mwalkingintoahighradiationsituationwithoutthreelayersof
protectivegear.”

“Atleastyoustillhaveyourflightsuit.”

Justinhadn’trelinquishedit,thoughhe’dconcededtowearcolorful,embroideredPamaaranrobestohide
itattheChallenge.He’dstrippedofftherobeswhentheylandedtoremovetheplatesfromLea’sship’s
hullandshefoundthattheskin-fitting125

AllysonJames

blacksuitlookedoddtoher.She’dgottenusedtotheflowingandcolorfulfabricsofthepeopleof
Pamaar.

“Itwillhelpsome,”Justinanswered.“Weshouldtaketurnswearingitifwe’retakingturnswelding.For
asmuchprotectionaswecanget.”

Deoneyedhisslimbuild.“I’llneverfitintothat.”

“Yesyouwill,”Leasaid.“Theclothhasnano-technologyinitandwillexpandorcontracttofityour
body.Trulyone-size-fits-all.”

“MorewordsIdon’tunderstand.”

“You’llbelieveitwhenyouseeit.”

Justininsistedongoingfirst,withDeonfollowingtolearnhowtolaserweldtheplatestogetheroverthe
probe.Theyhadtodigthepiecesoutofthegroundsotheycouldshieldallsidesandtheyalsohadto
makesuretheplateshadnoseams.

Leawatched,timingthemwiththechronometerfromJustin’sship.Whenfifteenminuteshadpassed,she
calledthemback.“Myturn.”

DeonwatchedwithinterestasshestrippedoffherclothestodonJustin’ssuit.“Youhavethecutestass,
youknowthat?”

Justinstretchedoutontheground,claiminghewassavinghisstrength,butsheknewtheradiationwas
alreadygettingtohim.

LeaworkeduntilJustincalledherback,toosoon.Theywouldn’thaveenoughtimetofinish,sheworried.

SherelinquishedthesuittoDeon,whomarveledasitexpandedtofithisbulk.

Helookedlusciousandsexyintheskintightshiningblackashemarchedbacktotheprobewhilesheand
Justinwaitedintheirlooserobes.

OnoneofLea’sstints,shenoticedsomething.

“Therewon’tbeenoughplates,”shepantedwhenshereturnedtotheothers.Shethrewdownthelaser
welder,strippedoffthesuitandcollapsedtotheground.Shewasweakandsickandknewtheycouldn’t
dothismuchlonger.

“Damn,”Justinsaid.

Deonturnedasharplookonhim.“Iknowwherewecangetmore.”

Leasatupinalarm.“No,Deon.Hewouldn’tbeabletoleave—ever.”

“Hesaidonlyacouplehoursagohewantedtostay.”HefixedhisgazeonJustinagain.“Didhemeanit?”

Justinclimbedtohisfeet.“YesImeantit.”Hesighed.“Summonyourdragonandlet’sgoharvestmy
ship.”

Leawinced.“Don’tsayharvest.”

“Sorry.”

“He’snotadragon,”DeonsaidafterhewhistledforCutie.“Thisclimateistoohotfordragons—they
liveinthefarnorth.Drakesaretheirsmaller,dumbercousins.”

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CutielandednexttoDeonandtriedtobitehim.DeonsnarledandCutiescreechedback.

Eveninhergrowingexhaustion,Leahadtochuckle.

*****

Thaneenteredthefifteenthphasewearyandbloody.HeandFelinbothhadscoredmanyhits,each
parryingtheothertoturnkillingblowsintorecoverablewounds.

Thane’sthighburnedwhereFelin’sswordhadpierceditandFelinwaslimpingfromathrustThanehad
landedintheman’sback.

Thane’sbreathingbecamelaboredquicklyinthisroundandsodidFelin’s.Thecrowdwassilent,
knowingtheendwasnear.ThaneheardonlytheshuffleofhisfeetandFelin’songravel,theirgruntsas
swordsswung,theclangofmetalhittingmetal,theoccasionalthumpofabladeonleather.

Dimlyhebecameawareofastirringintheguards.He’dseenadrakelandbutdidn’tdareturnhisheadto
seewhichdrake.

WhatDeonhadbeenplayingat,grabbingLeaandflyingoffinthemiddleoftheChallenge,hedidn’t
know.DidheflyhertoJustin’sshipandtelltheyoungmantotakeherthehelloutofhere?

Hehopedso,thoughhisheartwrenchedatthethoughtoflosingher.ButifFelinprevailed,whoknew
whathe’ddotoLea?Bettertogethertosafetywhiletherewasopportunity.

ThesecondscalledtimeandThaneandFelinretreated.AsThanelimpedtohispavilion,hesawthem—
Deon,Lea,Justin—staggeringbacktotheirplacesbehindtheguards.

SoDeonhadn’tgottenLeaoutofthere.Thane’sangersurged,thenhestopped.Thethreeofthem,all
grinninglikeidiots,madeittotheedgeofthetentsandthencollapsedanddidn’tmove.

“Damnit.”Thanethrewdownhisswordswithaclatterandrushedfromthepavilion.Thestartledservant
calledtohim,butThaneshovedhiswaythroughguardswhotriedtostophim.Hisownguards.

Thedragon-wandsecondpantednexttohim.“YoucannotinterferewiththeChallenge.”

“I’mnotinterfering,”Thanesnapped.“I’mwithinmytenminutes.”

“You’renotallowedtotalktothem.”

ThanereachedLeaanddroppedtoonekneebesideher,liftingherheadintohislap.“Ican’ttalktothem
whenthey’reunconscious,canI?”

Lea’sfacewasbrightred,asthoughsunburned,andherskinwasdrytothetouch.

SowereDeon’sandJustin’s,theirburnwoundsverylikeCerena’sandReana’s.

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“No.”ThaneliftedLeaandheldherclose.“Deon,damnyou,whatthefuckdidyoudo?”

Lea’seyelidsfluttered.Shestaredupathim,herbeautifulgreeneyesblurredandswimmingwithblood.
“Wedidit.Theprobeisshielded.”

Hefeltatouchonhisleg—Deon’sthickhand,hisfriendandloversmilingupathim.“It’sdone.Restore
theWarding.Beking.”

“Whydidyoutakeheroutthere?”Thanedemanded,hottearsonhischeeks.“Whydidn’tyouwait?”

“Youaredying,”Deonrasped.“Thiswasthebestway.Justindoseduswithhiselixir,buttherewasn’t
enough.Wehadtoshareit.”

“Youshouldn’thavegoneatall.”

AshadowcoveredDeonandThanelookeduptoseeFelinstandingoverthem,hisswordsheldready.

“Whatthehellisthis?”Felinaskedquietly,darkeyesfurious.

Thane’shealingsightsawinhimthesamefatiguehefeltandsomethingmore—atraceofthesicknessthat
waskillinghispeople.

“TheysavedPamaar,”Thanesaidinahardvoice.“They’redyingbecauseyouwouldn’tlistentome.”

“IissuedtheChallenge.Thatwasenough.”

“Therewasdeathinyourterritory,somethingpoisoningtheWarding,poisoningPamaar.Theyriskedtheir
livestostopitwhileyouwerebusyswingingyoursword.”

Felinsneeredathim.“Poisonyouplantedthere?”

“PoisonfrombeyondtheWarding.That’swhyyourclanistheonemostsickenedbyit,whyCerenatook
sicktryingtohelpyou.Leaknewandunderstood.”

“It’sliketheseersaid,”thedragon-wandsecondsaid,aweinhisvoice.“Whenastarfalls,thequeenwill
comeandtheworldwillbereborn.”

“Andyoubelievethatbullshit?”FelinaskedThane.

Deonopenedhiseyes.“Ididn’t.ButIdonow.ShecuredReana.”

“NoonecouldcureReana.NotevenPamaar’sgreatking.”Felin’svoicedrippedwithscorn.

Thanesignaledaguard.“SendforEmilieandReana.”

Felinlookedsurprised.“Youdidn’tputEmilietodeathforbetrayingherclan?”

“Shehadgoodreasontodowhatshedid.”

“Yap,yap,yap,”Deongrowledfromtheground.HetriedtomeetThane’sgaze,butitwasobvioushe
couldn’tsee.“AllIhearistalk.GetyourasstotheWardingandrestoreit,ohmyking.”

“Hehasn’twontheChallenge,”Felinsaid.

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CatchaFallingStar

“So?You’reawalkingdeadmanifyoudon’tlethimfixtheWardingandhealyou.

You’llendupjustlikeme.”

Felinopenedhismouthtosaymore,butcloseditandstaredatthechildrunningtowardhim,followedby
awatchfulEmilieandtwoguards.Reanahurriedinallinnocencetowardthelittlegroup,trustingher
mothertofollow.

“LordThane,”shecalledhappily.ShestoppedinaswirlofsilkasshecaughtsightofLeainhisarms.
“WhathappenedtoLadyLea?Issheallright?”

ReanakneltandtouchedLea’scheekwhileFelinlookedoverthelittlegirlinastonishment.“Youhealed
her?”

“Almost.ForfeittheChallenge,Felin,orneitherofuswillbestandingintheend.

Letmere-bindwiththeWarding.IfIfail,I’lldieandyoucantry.IfIlive,Ihealyourpeople.”

“Forfeit?”Felinsnapped.“WhenI’mwinning?IamtheonlyonewhocanrestoretheWardingnow.”

Leaopenedhereyes.Theywerefilledwithred,thegreenfaded,andlikeDeon,shecouldnolongersee.
“Don’tbestupiderthanyoureallyare,Felin,”shewhispered.

“Yourclanneedsyou.Don’tletwhatwedidbewasted.”

ThanewatchedFelin’sangrywordsdieonhislips.Felindidn’ttrustThaneandhewantedtowin,that
wasclear.ButFelinwasalsoaclanleaderfirstandforemost.Thewelfareofthefalcon-swordclanwas
hisresponsibility,onehetookveryseriously.

Thetattoosonhisfacesmoothedandheloweredhisswords.

“Dothebinding,”hesaidinaresignedvoice.“Butifyourpowersaren’trestored,Ikillyou.”

“Done,”Thanesaid.

“Aboutbloodytime,”Deongrated,thenhiseyesclosedandhisbodywentlimp.

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AllysonJames

ChapterFifteen

Rebirth

Thaneglowed.LeapriedopenhereyestoseeThanestandingontheedgeoftheprecipiceoverthe
Wardingcave,hisarmsoutstretched.TheWardingbelowrespondedtohim,sendingbrightredandblue
andmagentalightoverThaneandtheentirecave.

Thane’snakedbodyglowedinresponse.Heseemedtostretchtowardthecrystalceiling,growingtaller
andstronger,infusedwithpower.

Hewasabeautifulman,thelightoutliningeverymuscleandsinew.Hewaserect,hiscockalong,
gleaminglength,asthoughtheWarding’stouchfilledhimwithsexualexcitement.

Hewalkedinastrong,measuredstride,nottoLealyingontherockygroundofthecavebetweenDeon
andJustin,buttoFelinwhowaitedwithhisguards,theclanleaderstillinhisleatherarmor.Thane
stretchedouthisglowinghandsandplacedthemonFelin’shead.

BecauseDeon,LeaandJustinweresoclosetodeath,theleadersofthefourclanshadagreedthatThane
couldhavethembroughtwithhimwhenherenewedthebindinginsteadofapproachingtheWarding
alone.FelinhadagreedonlyifThaneprovedhimselfbycuringFelinfirst.Figures,Leathought.

Felin’sbodyjerked.Aguardathissidemoved,butFelinstoppedhim.“No.It’sglorious.Ohgods.”

Hethrewhisheadback,hisbrown-and-goldenhairfallingaroundhim,hiseyesclosedinecstasy.He
reachedforThaneasthoughhewouldembracehimthendroppedhisarms,justintimerememberingthey
wererivals,notlovers.

Felinshudderedagain,thenhesteppedbackfromThane,breakingthetouch.

“Bythegods,”hesaidhoarsely.

“I’mgladyoufeelbetter,”Thanesaidinhistoneofquiethumor.“I’lltakecareofmylovedonesnow.”

Lovedones.Lealikedthesoundofthat.ThenextthingsheknewThanecradledheragainsthisstrong,
barechest,hisskinstillglowing.

“HealDeonfirst,”shegasped.“Hewasexposedlonger…hekeptgoingwhenwecouldn’t.”

“Screwyou,”Deonsaid,hiseyesclosedandhisvoicesoweakitwasbarelyaudible.“Healherquick,
Thane,soshe’llshutup.”

ThanesmiledashecuddledLeaclose.Shesuddenlyfeltaburningthroughherbody,followedbya
sensationofincrediblejoyandincredibledesire.ShewoundherarmsaroundThane’sneckandmethis
lipsinalong,needingkiss.

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CatchaFallingStar

“Thankyou,”Deonbreathed.“Thankallthegods.Nowhurryup,lover.MeandJustin,wedon’thaveall
dayandyou’regoingtolovewhatIhaveinmindtoshowmygratitude.”

*****

Thenextdayswereeventful.FelindeclaredThanethewinneroftheChallenge,hispreviousanimosity
subdued.ThanebyrightcouldhavehadFelinkilledandFelin’sheirdeclaredclanleader,buthe’d
decidedonamnesty.

HeknewFelinhadbeenhostileonlybecausehe’dbeenadesperatemantryingtosavehispeople,as
desperateasEmiliehadbeen.ThanedeclaredFelinpardonedandFelinacceptedwithoutrancor.

Beforehedepartedforhisownterritory,FelinaskedtoseeLea.OutsideThane’stent,Felinliftedthe
bloodstonefromaroundhisneckandhelditouttoherwhileDeonstood,tense,behindher.

“Ithinkthisisyours,”Felinsaid.“QueenofPamaar.”

Thanewaited,notdaringtobreathe,toseewhatLeawoulddo.Felinwasacknowledgingherandthe
prophecyand,believeitornot,apologizing.

Leatookthebloodstoneinherhandsandgazedatitforafewmoments,thenshedroppeditbackinto
Felin’spalmandclosedhishandaroundit.“Youkeepit.It’smygift.”

Felinstaredather,mystified.“You’regivingmeagift?Ithoughtyou’dwanttoshoveitupmyass.”

Leasmiled.“Thinkofitasapledgebetweenmyclanandyours,asymboloffriendshipandtrust.
Besides,it’saperfectlygoodbloodstone.Whywasteitonyourass?”

“Touché,myqueen.”

“Thefalcontattoo—thatI’dlovetoshoveupyourass.”

FelinonlysmiledandshotThaneaself-satisfiedlook.Thanesmiledrightback,becauseThane’sideafor
thetattoosLeawouldreceivehadbeeninspiredbythefalcon.

FelinfinallydepartedandThanetookhispeoplehome.

Hespentmuchofhistimeafterthathealingthesickandre-infusingotherhealerswithhispower,sending
themintofalcon-swordterritoryfirst.TheWardingwaswholeandstrong,nodeadplacesanywhere,and
ThanefeltthepowerofPamaarrestoredwithit.

Hewasn’tsurehowithadhappened—Lea’sbabbledexplanationthattheWardingwaspartorganicand
hadpsychicallyrepaireditselfoncetheradiationstoppedbleedingintoitmadenosensetohim.

SheandJustinhadshowedhimnumbersandcolorsontheirinstruments,talkingexcitedlytogether,and
Thanehadonlysmiledandletthemrunon.He’dfeltthe131

AllysonJames

Wardingembracehimagain,heanditspowerkeepingtheplanetsafe,andhewassatisfiedwiththat.

TheWardingrepairedmeantthatJustincouldnottakeoffinhisship.Heseemedsomewhatglumabout
beingstuckonPamaar,butnottoomuchso.LeaexplainedthatJustin,likeherself,hadnofamilyonthe
Rockandfriendsonlyinthescoutcorps.

JustinhadbrightenedwhenDeonaskedhimtoformasmallscoutingcorpsinhisguardsandtotrainthem
tokeepaneyeoutforanythingelsethatmightcomefrombeyondtheWarding.Ifthey’dhadregular
patrolsyearsago,Deongrowled,theymighthavediscoveredthepresenceoftheprobeatonceand
destroyedit.

Emilie,likewise,wasreleasedafterhertrial,muchtoLea’sdelight.Thetrial’sverdictwasthatshe’d
donewrongandwouldfaceconsequences,butthatshe’dactedoutoftheunderstandableinstincttosave
herdaughter.Shehadtoforfeittheprivilegeofbeingaroyalcourtesan,butsheseemedhappytohave
moretimetodevotetoReana.

AndDeon—wasDeon.

Deon’sinitialhealinghadbeenloud,withDeonshoutinghisclimaxthroughthecavesuntilguardshad
comerunningtoseewhatwasthematter.

They’dfoundDeonlyingonhisback,naked,withasmileonhisface,saying,“Thatwasthebest—ever.”

He’dwantedanotherhealinginprivateinthetent,withLeanearby.AssoonasThanehadlaidhishands
onDeonandsenthealingpowerthroughhim,DeonhadgrabbedThaneandrolledhimdowntothe
cushions.They’dhadratherferocioussexafterthat,DeoninLea,ThaneinDeon,thenLeapleasuring
thembothatthesametime.

Inthedarknessafterallthatecstasy,Thanelayexhausted.Andyetenergyburnedthroughhistiredness,
strengthrestoredbytheWarding.AgiftfromLeaandhislover,Deon.

“Theonlybadthing,”Deonmumbledsleepily,hisheadonThane’sshoulder,“isthatyou’rekingagain.
Nomoremebeautifullyfuckingyou.”

ThanelethishanddriftthroughDeon’slonghair.“I’mgoingtoworktogetthatlawchanged.”

“Goodidea,butitwilltakeforever.Youknowthecouncil.”Hiseyestwinkled.“Iwasgreat,though,
wasn’tI?”

“Thebest.”

Learolledtoherkneesbesidethem,awakeagain.“Ohplease.I’llbethejudgeofwhoisbest.”

Deonsatup,hisgrinwidening,themanathisfullstrength.“Willyou?Thiscouldbeinteresting.”

Itwas.Theymadelovetoherallnight,firstThane,thenDeon,untilLeaslidintosleep.Deongavehera
mock-outragedstarewhenshetiredlydeclaredthecontestadraw.

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CatchaFallingStar

AfterthefirstheadydaysofrejoicingcametheannouncementthatthekingwouldmarryLea,thelady
who’dcomefromafallingstar.Morecelebrations,thehardworkingPamaaransofallclansdropping
dailytaskstojoininthefestivities.

Aroyalweddingtookmuchplanning,enoughtodriveThanemad,buthewentalongwithit,knowinghis
peoplewouldlovethepageantry.Deonescapedwithhisdrakesandhisnewscoutcorps,butLea
remained,patientlylearningPamaaranetiquette.

“Youtwoplanthewedding,”Deonwouldgrowl.“I’llplantheweddingnight.”

ButoneceremonyDeonremainedforwasLea’stattoos.

SoftlightsglowedinThane’sbedchamber,twosilk-cladmusicianspluckedinstrumentsinthecornerand
thetattooartistkneltonthecushionedbed,readytowork.

LeablushedwhenThanehelpedherdisrobe,buttheartistonlysortedhisneedlesandinks,obliviousto
herbeautifulfemaleflesh.Tohimshewasacanvasforhisart,nothingmore.

Thanestretchedoutnexttoher,hisbodyuncoveredexceptforhisloincloth.He’dpulledhishairback,
braids,beadsandalltorevealhistattoos,thelionacrosshisback,thepentaclesonhisarmsandchest,
theinterlockedliondesignsonhisthighs.

Deon,alsoinonlyaloincloth,loungedatthefootofthebed.Theartistranapleasedgazeoverthelions
onDeon’sarmsandpelvis,hisownwork.

Hehelduphisinstruments,readytoremovethefalcontattoo,butThanestoppedhim.

“Iwanthertokeepit,”hesaid.

LeahadbeenbitingherlipbutnowlookedatThaneinsurprise.“Youdo?Why?”

“Iwantittobeknownthatmyqueenwilllookoutforallclans,notjustthelion-star.Shewillbeagreat
healerandwalkamongthemallwhentheyneedher.”HelookedintoLea’sstunnedgreeneyesand
smiled.“Iwanthertohaveadragonandatigeraswellaslions.”

Theartiststared,openmouthed.“Suchathinghasneverbeendonebefore,mylord.”

“Aqueenhasneverhealedtheentireplanetbefore,”Thanesaid.“ButLeahasalreadydoneso.Shewill
beofeveryclan.Wewillstartanewtradition.”

Deonlaughedfromtheendofthebed.“You’recrazy.I’vealwayssaidso.”

Lea’seyessoftened.“No,heisn’t.”

Thane’sbloodwarmed,eventhoughDeonstillshookhishead.Theartistshruggedasthoughtosay,

You’retheking,thenhewenttowork.

*****

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AllysonJames

“Ilikethisonebest.”Twodayslater,DeonranhisfingersdownLea’sbackwherealionreacheddown
herspine,itsclawedfootrestingonthesmallofherback.

Shetingledwithpleasureathistouch.Thaneandtheartisthadindeedmadethetattooingpainlessand
Thanehadhealedherskinquickly.He’dstillmadeherrestbeforedoinganythingstrenuous—most
Pamaaransdidn’tgetsomanytattoosinonesitting,hesaid,butacquiredthemoveralifetime.

TonightThaneandDeonhadbroughtherintoThane’sbedroomtoadmireher.Shelaynakedonher
stomachwhiletheytouchedherbodyandtracedtheartist’sstrokes.

Adragoncoiledonthebackofherrightlegandatigercrouchedonthebackofherleft.Thefalconstill
spreadacrossherhipandthetattooartisthadinterlacedthedesignssotheymadeapleasingwhole.

Thanegentlyrolledherover.Achainofpentacleslacedacrosshercollarbone,twotinylionsdanced
abovehernipplesandanotherliontwinedaroundhernaval.She’dnotletthemtattooherface,butshe’d
allowedaliondownherthroatthatblendedintothepentaclesacrossherchest.

Allhadbeendoneinanastonishingarrayofcolors.Mosttattoosshe’dseenbeforethis—andshe’dnot
seenmany—hadbeenblackordarkblue.

Herswerearainbowofgold(forthelions),scarlet,blue,green,silver,violet,blackandbrown.The
dragonwasbrilliantgreenandred,thetigerorangeandblackandthepentaclesmanyandvariedhues.

Deonlickedtheliononherbellyandendedupwithhistongueinhernavel.Shelaughedandsquirmed.

“Youknow,”hesaidtoThane,warmingherskinwithhislips.“Ithoughtwe’dwaitfortheweddingnight,
butthismightbeabettertime.Tocelebrateherbecomingatruelion-star.”

Thane’sdarkeyessparkedwithinterest.“Ah,thatplan.Impatient,areyou?”

“DamnrightIam.”

LeaglancedatThaneinsuspicion.“Whatplan?Ihaven’theardofanyplan.”

Deongrinned.“Thetwoofus—inyou.Showingthatwethreearefinallyone.”

Lea’sheartbegantopound.“Istilldon’tknowifI’mreadyforthat.”

“Youdidn’tthinkyouwerereadyfortattoos,”Deonpointedout.

“True.”

“Itisuptoyou,love.”Thanebrushedhisfingertipsacrossherchainofpentacles.

“Willyoubindwithus?”

Shestudiedthemboth,Thanewithhiswhite-blondhairsuchacontrasttohisdarkeyes,eyesthatheld
wisdomandpowerandgentleness.Deonwithhisswarthyskinandwarrior’ssinewyarms,blackhairand
wickedeyes.Thanetoloveheringreattenderness—Deontomakeitwild.

“IhaveafeelingI’llregretthisinthemorning,”shesaidshakily.“Butallright.”

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CatchaFallingStar

Deonkissedherbellybutton.“We’llwakeyouupniceandsweettomorrow.Youwon’tregretathing.”

“We’dneverhurtyou,”Thanesaid,hisvoicewarm.“Wewantyourpleasure,love.”

“Andtoenjoyeveryminuteofpleasingyou,”Deonputin.

LeatouchedThane’sface,andDeon’s.“I’msoinlovewithyou.Bothofyou.”

Thane’sthroatmoved,asthoughheheldbackemotion.Deon’seyesflaredandhissmilebroadened.
“Good.Thiswillbeevenbetter.”

*****

TheydiditbyhavingThaneenterherfirst.Hespreadhimselfbeneathherandsheslidontohim,closing
hereyesasshefelthisthickhardnessreachinginsideher.Hewassobigandfeltsoincredible.

ShelaydownonhimasDeoninstructedandfeltthecoolbiteoflubeonheranalstar.ThenDeon’sweight
onher,thenhisslickstemeasingitswayintoher.

Leastifledagroan.Deonhadmadelovetoherplentybynowandshewasusedtohiswidecockinside
her,butnothingpreparedherforthis.

“Shh.”Thane’shandsrovedherbody,hishealingspreadingthroughher.Theelectricfeelofitexcitedher
andrelaxedheratthesametime,allowinghertoopentoDeon.

Hewentslowly,slowly,whileThanesoothedherandthenhewasallthewayin.

Thetwomensheloved,theircocksinheratthesametime.Shecouldfeelbothofthemstretchingher,
pullingher,couldfeelthemtouchingeachotherthroughherwalls.

Shestartedtoscream.Shecouldn’tstanditandyetshewantedittogoonandon.

“Ican’t,”shecried.

ThanetouchedDeon’sarm.“Easeback.”

“No!”LealookedbackatDeon.Hiseyeswereheavy,hisfaceflushed.“No,pleasestayinme.Makeme
takeit.”

Deonsmiled.“Allright.”Heslidinevenfarther.“Gods,Iloveyou.”

ThanelacedhishandthroughDeon’shairandpulledhimdownforakiss.Leaturnedherheadsoshe
couldjoininandthethreeofthemletlipsandtonguestanglethebesttheycould.

“Iloveyou,Lea,”Deonwhispered,nippingherear.“Loveyousomuch.”

Thaneremainedsilent,buthetracedLea’slipswiththetipofhistongue.Shefeltherclimaxbuildand
overflow—toosoon,butgoddess,itwasgood.

Shewrithedbetweenthem,allthoughtsfleeing.Shefeltonlytinglingdarknessandtheirtwococksinside
her,heardonlyherownscreamsofjoy.ThenThane’sseedscaldedher,followedbyDeon’s,fillingher.

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AllysonJames

Ablackwaveofsleeprushedatherandwhensheswamoutofit,shewaslyingonhersidefacingThane.
Deonsnoredbehindher,butThanewatchedherwithhismidnight-darkeyes.

“Areyouallright?”heaskedinalowvoice.

Leastartedtoanswerwithaneutralyes,thenrememberedtheincrediblesensationofthembothinsideher
andshivered.

“Goddess,thatwas…”Shedrewinalongbreath.“Themostincredible…”Shebrushedherhandover
herface,wordsfailingher.

Thane’slowlaughshookthebed.“Iwilltakethatasgood.”

“Very,verygood.”

Helosthissmile.“Iknowthatyouaretrulystrandedherenow.I’vemadeyoulion-star,andofPamaar,
butIcan’thelpfeelingthatmaybethisisnotwhatyouwish.”

Hisgazeflickedawayfromher,asthoughhedidn’twanttowatchherreactiontohiswords.

Leacuppedhisfaceinherhandsandbroughthisfocusbacktoher.“Imademychoice.Outinthevalley
whenwewenttoshieldtheprobe,IknewJustinandIcouldflyoutofthereandleaveyouandDeonto
whateverfatewaitedforyou.That’swhenIchose.”

“Whydidn’tyougo?”

“BecauseIneededtostay.BackontheRock,theyneedscouts,buttherearedozensgraduatingfromflight
schooleverymonth.They’llfillmyplacewithanother,maybesomeonewithbetterskillsthanme—Justin
too.Butthere’sonlyoneofyou.”Shestrokedthepadsofherthumbsacrosshischeekbones.“Iwasn’t

abouttoletyoudiewhenIcouldpossiblysaveyou.”

“Youcouldn’thaveknownyou’dbesuccessful.”

“Iwaswillingtotakethechance.SowasDeon.Wehadabetterchanceifweworkedtogether,even
Justinsawthat.”

“Ifithadn’tworked,Iwouldhavewatchedyoudie,”hesaid,voicehard.

“Itwasworthit.IfDeonhadworkedalone,hedefinitelywouldhavedied.Iwasn’tlettingthathappen.”

Thanesuddenlyscoopedhertohimandheldherinasavagegrip.“Don’tyoueverdothatagain,”hesaid
againstherhair.“Neversacrificeyourselfforme.Doyouunderstandme?”

Lealoosenedhisholdandsawtearsstandinginhiseyes.“Ican’tpromisethat.Iloveyou,I’mgoingto
marryyouandbeyourqueen.Heck,Ievenletyouhavemetattooedandthatwastrulyscary.”

“Ican’tloseyou.Ican’t.Ineedyou.”Hebrushedherhairbackfromherface.“Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo.”Shekissedthetipofhisnose.“That’sthewholepoint.”

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CatchaFallingStar

Hekissedherthen,longandloving,whileherheartachedwithjoy.

Whentheyeasedapart,shelaughedalittle.“Asweirdasitis,IloveDeontoo.Iwantyoutoloveeach
otherandIwantyoutoloveme.It’slikelovedoubled.”

Thanelaughed,atruelaugh,ringingtotheceiling.“WithDeon’senthusiasm,morelikelovetripled.”

HislaughterwokeDeon,whogrunted,hissnoringceasing.Hescrubbedhishandoverhisface,then
loomedoverLealikeCutierisingoverthedrakepens.

“Somuchtalking,”hegrowled.“Ifyou’renotsleeping,whyaren’twefucking?”

LealaughedasshereadilyrolledoveronthebedforDeon.AsDeonstartedkissingher,herhand
remainedtwinedinThane’s,andshesmiledintohiswarmeyes.

137

AbouttheAuthor

AllysonJamesisyetonemorenameforawomanwhohasrackedupfourpseudonymsinthefirsttwo
yearsofhercareer.Sheoftencannotrememberwhatherrealnameisandhastobetappedontheshoulder
whenspokento.

Allysonbeganwritingatageeight(afive-pagestorythatactuallycontainedgoal,motivation,and

conflict).Shelearnedthetrickofstandinghermathbookuponherdesksoshecouldwritestoriesbehind
it.Shewrotelovestoriesbeforesheknewwhatromanceswere,dreamingofthedaywhenherbooks
wouldappearatlibrariesandbookstores.Atagethirty,shedecidedtostopdreaminganddoitforreal.
Shepublishedthefirstshortstorysheeversubmittedinanationalprintmagazine,whichgaveherthe
falseillusionthatgettingpublishedwaseasy.

Afteralongstruggleandinevitablerejections,sheatlastsoldaromancenovel,thentohersurprise
severalmysterynovels,moreromances,anderoticromancestoEllora’sCave,andbecameabestselling
author.Shewritesunderseveralpseudonyms,hasbeennominatedforandwonRomanticTimes
Reviewer’sChoiceawards,andhashadstarredreviewsinBooklistandTopPickreviewsinRomantic
Times.

Allysonmethersoulmateinfencingclass(thekindwithswords,notposts-and-rails).Shelookeddown
thelengthofhislong,throbbingrapierandfellmadlyinlove.

Allysonwelcomescommentsfromreaders.Youcanfindherwebsiteandemailaddressonherauthorbio
pageatwww.ellorascave.com.

TellUsWhatYouThink

Weappreciatehearingreaderopinionsaboutourbooks.Youcanemailusat
Comments@EllorasCave.com.

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