Dark 61973

Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2021 Thayer King

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0388-6

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Audrey Bobak

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any

resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book the all the fans who wouldn’t let the character Dark, well, just fade into the dark. You encouraged me to keep finish this book. Enjoy!

DARK

Thayer King

Copyright © 2021

Prologue

Colony 21 Prince Raven Dark woke from the nightmare, his cries of horror and anguish clogging his throat. He bolted upright in bed and shoved the tangled bedclothes from his legs. The darkness of the room seemed to close in on him, choking off his supply of oxygen. His chest rose and fell as he struggled to get air. With a wave of his hand, the wall sconces flared to life. He stumbled out of bed only to collapse to his knees. He tore at his hair as though he could tear the dream from his head. Sweat poured down his body, soaking his sleep pants. He closed his eyes, but the moment he did, the images flooded his mind again. Blood. So much blood. Screams of pain. My parents, my brother, my sister… All of them dead. Gagging, his eyes snapped open. “No,” he rasped, willing himself to believe it was only a dream. But he knew it wasn’t. He didn’t have normal dreams. How could anyone do this? Why would they do it? His parents were fair and kind rulers. They had raised his brother Prince Parker to be a worthy successor. They were beloved by the people. His sister Symphony was adored. So, why— The answer rocked him back on his heels. These assassins had been coming for him. Him. This was his fault. It was because of him that his family was gone. The people feared him, hated him. They had done so since his birth, and that damned fortune-teller had predicted he would lead them to the destruction of their world. The whispers and unrest had only grown as he’d aged until finally his father had sent him away. They’d annihilated his family. Treated him like a pariah his entire life. He’d

never done anything to deserve the vitriol directed his way. All because of a prediction that may or may not have ever come to . He shook with fury—all of it directed at the citizens of Dark Sphere. He felt as though his body was burning from the inside out from it, steam rising from his flesh. His family was always sacrificing for the people, putting their welfare first. His parents hadn’t wanted to send him away, but they’d done it to ease the minds of their residents. His mother and sister had been in tears on the day of his departure. As emotional displays weren’t the way of his people, the depth of their distress had been clear to anyone in residence. How dare they do this? His family was innocent of any crime. And Symphony… He choked on a sob. She was only a child. Five years his junior, she’d just turned ten. How could anyone purposefully hurt someone so young and pure of heart? In his dream, he’d felt her terror and her pain. He’d experienced each of their deaths as though he had been there. He wished that he had been. Even if he’d been unable to save his family, perhaps the killers would have been satisfied with his death. If not, then at least he could have died with them instead of living with this guilt and this anger. The damned people. He hated them. He’d never imagined the people would turn against his parents or his siblings. They’d been universally loved. Yet no one had stepped forward to save his family. Nor had they protested this vicious act. Were they really so afraid of him that they’d be willing to commit any atrocity? He was only fifteen, large for his age, but he’d never hurt anyone or anything. Never even had an altercation or spoken an unkind word. And the treatment he’d received in return? People turning their backs on him, refusing to speak to him or acknowledge his presence—if he was lucky. When he wasn’t so lucky, they called him names, warded themselves with signs of protection over their chests, or ran from him. He’d lived with this behavior since he was a small child. It had hurt him deeply, and he knew it’d pained his father as well when he had to explain to him why people treated him so differently. He’d suffered through it, buried the hurt. He’d learned to keep to himself, rarely leaving the castle to avoid the hatred and to avoid unrest amongst the citizens. Even so, he’d known he would have to leave Dark Sphere one day. However, he’d believed his family to be safe. They needed to pay for this. All of

them. It infuriated him that they would escape punishment. For, who would dole out justice? No one. They were all guilty in his eyes. They were selfish, smallminded murderers! And they should suffer for their crimes. His rage was a literal river of lava that flowed through his veins. That heat radiated from him like a wave. His skin burned hot with it. Tilting his head back upon his shoulders, he released an enraged roar. The sound filled his room and quaked the foundations of the stone beneath him. The room shook, and dust rained down from the ceiling. As he released the bellow, the fire went with it until his skin cooled to normal temperature. He fell forward, his body suddenly weak and trembling. The door burst open and Gaedrian rushed to his side. Placing Raven’s arm around his shoulders, he lifted him from the floor and guided him back to his bed. “You know,” he stated. “We just received word, but I am not surprised that you already know.” Raven collapsed onto the mattress, emotionally numb and physically exhausted. His eyes fluttered closed. Now that the heat had left him, he felt chilled. A heavy, frigid weight settled over his heart. “You have my condolences, my friend.” Though he wished to thank him, no words ed his lips. His throat tightened. Gaedrian was his only friend—the only person outside of his family who didn’t fear him. “If you need to—” “Gaedrian!” Chaldor’s frantic cry reached them before he skidded to a stop in the open doorway. Gaedrian straightened and crossed to the guard. “What is it?” With a glance in his direction, Chaldor bent his head to Gaedrian’s. He whispered in his ear. Then, as one, the men turned and stared at him. Gaedrian stepped forward. “Dark, there has been a new development,” Gaedrian began haltingly, addressing him by his last name as everyone here on Colony 21 did. On his home planet, the surname was shared by of his family. His

ancestors had ruled for so many generations that their planet had come to be known as Dark Sphere. Gaedrian took two steps toward him and stopped. He lifted a hand, his finger pointing at Dark’s chest. “What is that? Where did you get that necklace?” Dark dropped his gaze to the cold spot on his chest. A silver chain held a thick, flat oval pendant. Though it was monochrome, he could make out the shapes of landmasses and bodies of water. It was a perfect replica of his home planet. As he watched, clouds moved across the surface. Then he understood. This was no copy. This was his home planet. “It’s gone, isn’t it?” Chaldor swore. “Dark, what have you done?” Gaedrian asked, his tone stunned. Dark recalled the fortune-teller’s dark prophecy that he would be the cause of Dark Sphere’s destruction. He couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had she kept her prediction to herself. The people wouldn’t have feared him, hated him, murdered his family. In the end, it mattered not that he hadn’t done it intentionally. Slowly lifting his gaze from the necklace, Dark answered truthfully, “I’ve avenged the slaughter of my family.”

Chapter One

Killer. Monster. Abomination. Dark knew what they said about him. He could hear it even when they didn’t say it. The whispers, hell, even the thoughts tormented him. He had no peace. They were right. He was evil. He should have been the one to die. Not his family. Dark stood in the corner of his chamber, stiff and unmoving. The older he got, the worse it seemed to get. His shields were strong, but his powers continued to grow. It was an inferno burning him from the inside out. Sometimes, he felt like he was going to explode into flame and destroy the universe. He bumped his head against the unforgiving stone wall. And then again. He clenched his fists and ground his teeth as he wrangled with his inner demons, pushing them deep down inside. Flames of energy licked at his face as he tried to contain his magic. Tears ran down his cheeks. Everyone thought him cold and unyielding, but the truth was he was a boiling cauldron of emotions. Anger, hate, frustration, and fear tumbled end over end in a dangerous cyclone bent on destruction. If he didn’t maintain a tight-fisted rein over his emotions, he feared he’d lose control of them all. And he couldn’t let that happen. Not again. Today seemed to be worse than most but not as difficult as some others. Growling, he pushed harder until he was once more in control. With angry hands, he wiped his cheeks. He swore and closed his eyes until ice replaced the lava in his veins. When he released his next breath, he could see frost in front of his face. He caught sight of his reflection in the mirror opposite him. His eyes were icy gray, a vast void of cold wasteland. There was a knock at his door. He smoothed back his black hair before crossing the room. “Dark, you have guests,” Gaedrian announced. His expression was grim. Aside from Gaedrian and his queen Whimsy, known to Colony 21’s residents as Queen Gaedriana, he didn’t have friends. That Gaedrian came in person instead of summoning him or sending a messenger was unusual. Hell, anyone wanting to

see him was plain odd. He’d seen only twenty-two summers, but he was feared and known as a destroyer of worlds. Turn one planet into a medallion before you’re legally considered an adult, and that shit kind of stuck with you. “It would be best if you were to follow me.” Dark did as his king asked without question. Gaedrian led him through the castle halls to an informal sitting room. Whimsy sat with his guests, her hand resting naturally over her distended belly. Twins. A boy and a girl. They will be named — Dark cut off the thought. He worked hard to suppress visions of the future. His rein was tight on the ability, but sometimes knowledge slipped through the cracks. Of all his abilities, it was the one he detested the most. A man, pale and gray, stood at their entry. Lilia, his fiancée, a fair-skinned girl with silver hair and light-blue eyes, made her way to her feet. Gaedrian crossed to Whimsy and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Do not, Dessert,” he whispered to his wife so that no one but she and Dark could hear. She was well-rounded. The task of sitting and standing had become an ordeal for her in the last month. “Prince Raven, I am King Tor of Light.” Though Lilia, accompanied by a chaperone, had been sent to meet with Dark once a year since he’d reached the age of eighteen, this was the first time the king had accompanied her to Colony 21. Dark nodded his head in acknowledgment of King Tor’s greeting. And then he turned his gaze to his betrothed. He felt her gaze on him, traveling his body from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. Her blue eyes shone with iration of his physical attributes, but when their gazes met, she shivered and looked away. “Let us sit,” he said, for he could guess the purpose of this visit. He sat next to his queen, opposite the father and daughter. “Once again, I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of your … family.” King Tor cleared his throat. Dark said nothing. His family had perished long ago. Too long for Tor to bring it up now. It would be the same as if Dark consoled him on the loss of Lilia’s

mother who had died in childbirth. “As you know, your father and I were great friends, and we’d hoped to unite our two worlds in a pact that would give strength to both of our kingdoms.” He gave a brisk nod and Tor continued. “But that is no longer possible as you have no kingdom to speak of.” “You wish to break the marital agreement?” He saw no point in dancing around the purpose of this visit. This was perhaps his last chance at marriage. No other woman would marry him. Not with his reputation. “Surely, that’s not what he’s saying,” Whimsy said. She patted his hand. King Tor made a small distressed sound. “I’m afraid we must. The arrangement was dependent upon it being beneficial to both our planets. While I sympathize with your situation, Prince Raven, I cannot allow my daughter to enter a marriage with you.” Whimsy gave an outraged gasp. “Gaedrian, do something. They can’t do this.” “Perhaps something could be arranged. We think of Dark as family. An alliance with our planet could be forged.” Tor glanced at his daughter. She bit her full pink lips and shook her head, her hair floating about her beautiful face in a soft cloud. “There is a second reason as to why we cannot go forth with the marriage. My daughter has fallen in love with another. She would have this man as her husband.” Dark judged this to be true. Unspoken was the fact that they were terrified of him and did not want him on their planet. He could sense the fear and revulsion rolling off them in waves. Dark held up a hand before Gaedrian or Whimsy could speak again. There was nothing to be gained by dragging out their rejection of him. “I understand. Consider the betrothal severed.” He bid King Tor and his daughter goodbye. It didn’t surprise him to find Whimsy at the door to his rooms half an hour later. Pregnancy had really brought out the mothering side of her. That included smothering him despite the fact he was only four years her junior. She held her arms out wide and pulled him into an embrace. Well, as much of an embrace as

her belly would allow. He had to bend over due to the differences in their height. She rubbed his head. “I’m so sorry, Dark. The dishonor is theirs.” “Are you crying?” “It’s the hormones,” she wailed. In the end, he found himself providing her with awkward comfort. He assured her there had been no love between him and Lilia. He wasn’t hurt by her defection. Between her sobs, she told him he would find the woman for him one day, but he knew she didn’t believe it. When he could tolerate her tears no more, he lifted her and took her to her husband. Gaedrian was horrified by his wife’s tears, but Dark figured her husband was better equipped to handle her mood swings than he. **** Three years later… Veracity’s head bobbed. She blinked rapidly and hoped no one had noticed her faux pas. The heavy dinner combined with the large goblet of sweet wine had her ready for bed. Oh, and let’s not forget the never-ending drone of her intended’s voice as he discussed his favorite subject. Hydroponic plants. She considered herself a lover of people. And knowledge was fascinating. She loved learning about new things and hearing people talk about their ions. But Grovid had only one ion. Vegetation. Her parents and his listened politely as he practically bounced up and down in his seat over the size of the cabbage they were growing in the labs. Oh, she knew planting was important to the colony. As a satellite, they had limited soil and no natural resources. But really, didn’t the man have any other interests? As if it weren’t enough he had a high nasal voice that discouraged one from listening, he also had to be an utter and complete bore. She snuck a glance at her parents. While her father appeared fascinated, her mother’s green eyes had glossed over. Veracity resisted the urge to prop her chin on her fist. This was what C7 had come to. This man who was fascinated with strawberries and turnips would be their king in a year. When her father betrothed her to him, King Raul had no idea the farmer would become king. No one could have predicted that Prince True would die in an accident. Or that Princess Whimsical would up and defy her parents and marry a sexy barbarian from

another planet. Veracity could scarcely believe it herself. Whimsy had always been obedient and respectful to their parents. The colony had been in a tizzy for a year over her sudden marriage. Though they had attended Whimsy’s official wedding ceremony, King Raul had been on the verge of disowning her for marrying a man without his approval. That lasted until the announcement of the births of Whimsy’s twins, Prince True and Princess Honor. Whimsy and her family had been invited to visit C7 as soon as they were able. They had been received with nothing but kisses and hugs, Veracity recalled with a smile. She was glad the tension among her family had subsided. Unfortunately, Dark hadn’t ed Whimsy and Gaedrian for the journey. How she’d wanted to get another glimpse at that hunk of hotness. The twins’ third birthday was fast approaching, and a celebration was being held in their honor on C21. Veracity couldn’t wait to see Dark again. Many thought Dark was cold, but Veracity chose to judge him by his actions. And Dark had been nothing but fiercely protective and staunchly loyal. And hurricane-of-butterflies-in-her-belly hot. How he contrasted to her pallid husband-to-be! She glanced at Grovid. His skin was pale despite all his outdoor work with plants. Freckles spread across his cheeks and his long pointy nose. His best feature was his dark eyes, but he tended to hide them behind spectacles. And despite the fact he was only twenty-five, his hairline seemed to be in a race to see how fast it could run to the back of his pointy scalp. Of late, they had been having more of these social gatherings to give them opportunities to become acquainted. They were never left alone. Her parents were afraid that her impulsive nature would lead her to disgrace herself with him. Ha! She’d learned that if she didn’t tune him out, she was likely to fall asleep. And this man would be her husband. Veracity suppressed a shiver. She had been taking lessons on how to please her husband. The thought of performing any of those activities with Grovid nauseated her. “What do you say, Princess Veracity? Does that sound good to you?” Veracity blinked. “Excuse me? I’m sorry. Could you repeat that?” She’d learned the hard way to not agree to anything Grovid asked without asking him to repeat himself. Rude? Yes. But it beat attending another three-hour lecture on crossbreeding fruit. She had wasted a perfectly good morning on that simply because she hadn’t been paying attention when he’d invited her.

Grovid gave her a condescending smile while sighing impatiently. “We were discussing after-dinner games. I suggested chess, and I wanted you to be my competitor.” She slapped a smile in place. “That sounds lovely.” An hour later, Grovid was discussing peas as Veracity thrashed him at chess. “Checkmate,” she announced. His mouth dropped open in astonishment. He studied the board. “That’s not possible.” She hid a smile. “I’m afraid it is.” He glared at her behind his bifocals. “You cheated. You took advantage of my inattention.” “Perhaps it was your inattention that caused you to lose.” But she doubted it. She kicked ass when it came to chess. “I demand a rematch.” “It’s quite late.” She glanced at her parents. Her mother played his mother Effie, and her father played his father Zarron. The other games had paused as Grovid grew increasingly agitated. “Some other time?” “You don’t want to play me because you know that I will best you in a fair game,” he continued in a near whine. “Dear, it is late. We should be going.” Effie laid a hand on his shoulder. For a moment, it looked as though he would shrug her off. His face screwed up in a snarl. “You don’t want to be late for work in the morning.” That settled it. The thought of being surrounded by vegetation once more soothed him. “You’re right, Mother.” He stood. The parents hurried ahead to give Grovid and her privacy. She wished they’d stop doing that. They had nothing in common as he had no other interests. He

simmered in resentful silence at her side. Veracity didn’t care. It was better than his usual small talk about growing potatoes. At the door, he bid her a stiff farewell. Faith linked her arm with hers. “Would it have hurt you to let him win? Men don’t like to be bested by their mates.” “How could I have known he would throw a tantrum like a two-year-old? And if his ego can’t take me being better at chess than him, he’s in for a lifetime of misery. I’d vow I’m better than he at many endeavors as he has only one area of expertise!” Faith shook her head. “Sometimes, we women have to be peacemakers.” Veracity snorted. Her stomach boiled with anxiety. She was used to speaking her mind. Though rebellious and impulsive by nature, she didn’t know how to tell her parents that she wanted out of the betrothal arrangement. The more time she spent with Grovid, the more she grew to detest him. At her bedroom door, her mother gave her a hug. Her father kissed her cheek. “Good game tonight, daughter.” He smiled and winked. After all, he had taught her chess as a child. **** “Good morning,” Veracity called as she entered the breakfast room. It was a small room with many windows to allow in the morning light. It wasn’t actual sunlight as their colony was based on a manmade satellite. They had no sun, only artificial lighting programmed to simulate days and nights. Her parents were already seated at the opposite end of the table as she took her seat. Veracity hid a smirk as she noticed her mother not-so-surreptitiously check the slim silver band on her wrist. The ancient timepiece was a gift from King Raul on their wedding day. “No need to check. I’m on time.” As she had been for several years now, but her mother had difficulty letting go of the past. She seemed incapable of accepting that Veracity had matured. Faith’s brows rose over jade green eyes that were the same shade as Veracity’s. “I didn’t say anything.”

“I caught you looking,” Veracity sang as she placed her napkin over her lap, her gaze darting at the empty chairs between her and her parents. Three empty chairs to keep the number even. Only two had ever been used. Though she preferred the breakfast room to the much larger and more formal dining room, here, she missed her siblings the most. Mornings had been the occasion for family to get together. And only family. Dinners could be formal and important guests were often in attendance. She had to be on best behavior— which usually meant sitting quietly, listening to boring stories while pretending to be entertained. At breakfast, she’d been free to be herself. To laugh and take part in the lively discussion. Her eyes stung when she glanced at the spot to the right of their father that had once belonged to True. He’d been bold and brash and loud. Her parents couldn’t have come up with a more inappropriate name for him for he had also been the biggest liar Veracity had ever met. She didn’t think he’d lied so much for deception. He’d sought to be amusing. He’d been charming and reckless, despite all their parents had done to curb his adventurous nature. That he’d died in an illegal race hadn’t been a surprise to any of them. Veracity missed him terribly. She couldn’t help but smile with the thought of her sister Whimsical. Again, her parents had gotten the name wrong. Whimsy was the most practical among them. She was the perfect daughter. Sweet, quiet, and calm. Veracity still scarcely believe that her sister had married someone their parents disapproved of. It was the most rebellious act Whimsy had ever committed. As for her own name, she had no issues with telling the truth. She rarely felt compelled to lie. And there were many occasions during her childhood when she would have been better served by lying. She’d been an impetuous and curious child, and those traits often led her headfirst into trouble. But as she kept reminding her mother, she’d matured. As evidence of this, she hadn’t been late for breakfast or any other appointments in almost a year. A servant placed a plate practically overflowing with food in front of her. With a smile, Veracity dug into the pile of fluffy, buttery scrambled eggs. “Daughter, have you finished packing?” She nodded in reply to her father’s question. Then she took a sip of her water

before speaking. “I’ve been packed since last week.” She was beyond ready to see her sister and her niece and nephew again. They kept in with video calls, but it just wasn’t the same. She missed her sister. “It’s hard to believe the twins are about to turn three,” Faith commented. “I’m eager to snuggle my grandbabies.” Veracity smiled. Though her mother could be a stickler for decorum, she’d never doubted her love for her family. Raul added sugar to his tea and stirred slowly. “Well, I spoke with the pilot this morning, and all the preparations for the ship have been made. We should be able to take our leave right after breakfast tomorrow morning.” Her parents shared a glance, and then Faith said, “Veracity, your father and I talked, and we thought it would be remiss of us not to invite Grovid and his parents.” “Invite them where?” Veracity froze, a strawberry poised on the tines of her fork halfway to her mouth. “Why to True and Honor’s birthday party, of course.” Veracity tried to hide a grimace and failed. She’d been looking forward to some Grovid-free time on Colony 21. “Must we?” she whined. “This is a family function.” Faith’s lips pursed firmly in disapproval. “They will soon be family. I would think you would be happy at the prospect of spending more time with your intended.” Veracity just barely suppressed the urge to gag. “This is your opportunity to get to know him better.” Oh, she knew him quite well enough. And the more time she spent with him, the less she liked him. Grovid wasn’t a man of many facets. Gardening consumed his life. Veracity found him to be condescending, rude, impatient, and spoiled. His mother had taught him he was the most wonderful man in the world and that he could do no wrong. Thus, Grovid could never accept that he was ever

incorrect about anything despite the fact his only area of expertise was in the area of farming. And when situations such as her besting him at chess occurred, he grew sullen and ill-tempered. Her wedding with Grovid was scheduled for next year, one month after her twenty-first birthday. She hated to disappoint her parents. They’d arranged three betrothals, and thus far, none had been fulfilled. True had died and Whimsy had married someone else. Dutiful daughter that she was, Whimsy would have gone through with her marriage if she hadn’t been kidnapped. And seduced. As Whimsy was very happy with her king, that had turned out for the best. Veracity lowered her fork, her appetite waning. It was probably for the best. Her figure leaned heavily toward voluptuous. “I don’t think Grovid would be interested. He wouldn’t want to leave his plants.” At least, she hoped he wouldn’t. He was obsessed with charting the progress of his various plants. While she understood his work was important to their colony as they didn’t have adequate soil for food production, she did tire of hearing about it. “We shall see,” Faith said with a satisfied smile. “Even if you don’t appreciate this chance, I’m sure Grovid will.” Grumbling under her breath, Veracity stood. “Excuse me.” “Where are you going?” Raul asked. “To my room.” Where she intended to sulk.

Chapter Two

Much to Veracity’s disappointment, Grovid and his parents decided to them on their journey to Colony 21. By night two of their trip, Veracity was wishing they’d taken a smaller and faster ship. They’d chosen one of the luxury crafts so everyone could have spacious cabins and there were no limits on their luggage. However, Veracity would have given up her private bathroom for just one less day of listening to Grovid explain the merits and differences between aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics. By night five, she retreated to her room and didn’t emerge until the morning they were due to disembark three days later. She knew it was terribly rude, but if she didn’t get away from Grovid, she feared she’d give in to the impulse to strangle him with her dinner napkin. When their ship landed and it was safe to move about, Veracity made her way to the exit. She was surprised to find Grovid already there. He was practically bouncing on his toes, and she smiled at his enthusiasm. “Do you like children?” she asked with a smile. Maybe she’d misjudged him and he did possess some redeeming qualities other than intelligence and a green thumb. “What?” He startled as if he hadn’t noticed her approach. “Children? Oh!” He laughed. It was a high-pitched, condescending sound that grated on her nerves. “No. As delightful as I’m sure your niece and nephew may be, my excitement stems from an entirely different source. You see, I’ve never been on an actual planet. Can you imagine the flora?” He giggled. “Do you think King Gaedrian will allow me to take samples? I’d only want a bit a soil, some seeds, and some cuttings.” “I don’t know.” He opened his mouth to continue, but just then the doors began to open and the stairs descended smoothly to the earth below. Grovid offered her his arm, and manners forced her to accept. Thus, it was how she met her sister and brother-in-law with Grovid at her side. She extracted herself as quickly as possible and flung herself into Whimsy’s arms. As soon as she withdrew, their parents filled the space, drawing Whimsy

into their embrace. “Where are my grandchildren?” Raul asked. “Sleeping, thankfully,” Whimsy said with a laugh. “We finally managed to get them down for a nap.” “Gaedrian, it’s good to see you again.” Veracity gave him a quick hug. He was big and handsome with shoulder-length black hair and midnight-blue eyes. He smiled down at her. “And it is good to see you as well.” Her gaze darted beyond him. Chaldor and other guards flanked Gaedrian and Whimsy. But she didn’t see the dark-haired figure she sought. Biting her lower lip, she hid a moue of disappointment. She knew Dark wasn’t an official member of the royal guard, but Gaedrian often entrusted his safety and that of his family and the kingdom in Dark’s hands. King Raul and Queen Faith’s greeting of King Gaedrian was formal but less chilly than it was upon their last meeting. It was a definite improvement over when they had him thrown into a cell for defiling Whimsy. By comparison, Grovid’s parents were downright sycophantic. They bent at the waist and praised their castle. It would have been irritating, but Veracity could tell that their compliments were genuine. Like Grovid, they had never left Colony 7. “Our son was so excited to come,” Effie said and then looked around. She turned to Veracity. “Where is Grovid?” She shrugged. “He was with me when I disembarked…” “Oh, dear,” gasped Effie, sounding alarmed. Veracity barely resisted rolling her eyes. He was a grown man. Instead, she infused her voice with patience as she said, “He can’t have gone far. And we’re surrounded by guards. I’m sure he’s fine.” Effie shook her head. “But he’s in a strange place.” She gripped her husband’s hand. “Zarron, do something.” “Of course, dear. We should form a search party.” A throat was cleared. “Is that your son eating the dirt from beneath the hedges?”

one of the guards inquired. Veracity shook her head. Her betrothed was weird, but he wouldn’t be stupid enough to eat— Her nose wrinkled when she spotted Grovid kneeling by the shrubs with a clump of dirt in his hand. As they watched, he touched it to his tongue. “Perhaps someone should advise him that fertilizer is used to feed the plants,” Gaedrian murmured. Veracity felt her face heat with embarrassment. She glanced at her parents. They couldn’t seriously expect her to marry this man. Although they appeared uncomfortable, she knew they wouldn’t go back on their word and break the betrothal. Grovid’s mother raced over to her son with a napkin. His parents didn’t seem to find his behavior at all unusual. Whimsy’s face was full of sympathy. “They’re bringing off your bags. Why don’t we get you all settled in your rooms? You can clean up and then we can all meet for dinner.” She gestured, and of her staff came forward to escort them. **** Veracity studied her reflection in the floor-length mirror. She felt refreshed after her bath. Here on C21, all the bedrooms had full-sized tubs. She knew Whimsy’s bedroom had a bathing pool. On C7, most bathrooms only had showers due to limited space and water restrictions. To ensure no one used more than their fair share, the water, which was actually a mix of water and a mild antiseptic cleanser, cut off after ten minutes and could not be reactivated for forty minutes. She ran her hands over her hips. Veracity believed herself to be fairly attractive. Though no one would ever call her skinny, she’d lost a few pounds over the last couple of years. She had curvy hips that flared out from a small waist. Her breasts were large, but she didn’t consider that a detriment to her appearance. She’d even caught Grovid staring at them a time or two, and he was practically asexual. Her hair was long and thick, but she kept it braided and pinned up. She wanted to cut it, but her mother wouldn’t hear of it. Veracity considered that downright

hypocritical since Faith had cut her own hair very short. She resembled her mother more than her father since they shared the same green eyes, but their personalities were vastly different. Her mother was all about rules and order and decorum. Veracity didn’t really care about any of those things. She simply didn’t want to be a disappointment to her parents. A task she felt she was doomed to fail. Because she was about to do something they wouldn’t like. She let out a huff of air and turned from the mirror. “Dark,” she called softly, so softly she didn’t think it would work. “You called, Veracity.” She whirled around in time to see Dark materialize from shadows in a far corner of her bedroom. She grabbed her chest. “You couldn’t appear in front of me?” He arched one dark eyebrow. “You called me. Why are you surprised?” Her gaze flickered over him, and she bit back a lustful sigh. Dressed in all black, he was as tall as Gaedrian. He wasn’t as broad, but he’d filled out since she’d first seen him three years ago. His shoulders were wider. His arms and legs rippled with muscles as he moved closer and then leaned casually against a bedpost. She was as mesmerized by his beauty as she was the first time they met. When his second brow rose to meet the other, she realized she was staring and she hadn’t answered his question. “I’ve never … um … summoned you. I didn’t know if you’d come.” He always responded to Whimsy’s calls, but then, she was his queen. “Why wouldn’t I?” “You’re under no obligation to come when I call.” She took a step toward him on legs that trembled. She’d never been alone with him. She’d never been alone with any man other than her father. “I will come when you call,” he replied simply. She nodded. “Thank you. Um, why weren’t you there when we landed?”

His silver eyes bored into her. “People tend to be terrified of me.” He tilted his head. “But you’re not.” “My sister isn’t afraid of you.” “She was.” “But now you’re friends.” He nodded. “Still, it’s not exactly wise to invite me into your bedroom. Alone.” “You wouldn’t hurt me.” His gaze dropped to her chest where the bodice of her dress clung to her generous curves. She felt his gaze like a physical touch as it flowed down her waist, over her hips, and back up again. He’d never given her the impression he was interested in her in any way. His treatment of her had always been polite but distant. He probably hardly thought of her existence at all. Her feelings for him were far more complicated. From the beginning, she’d been struck by his beauty. She itted to having a girlish crush without knowing a single detail about him. But as the time ed and she did get to know him better, the crush didn’t fade. Instead, she feared it had bloomed into something more. She ired his kindness, his loyalty, and his strength of character. Veracity had been careful to hide her continued feelings for Dark. She’d been silly at seventeen, mooning over him. Many boring lectures from her mother later, she’d learned never to mention his name or to show any interest in him around her parents. “Veracity, your colony values chastity. I do not.” She lifted her chin. She knew he wasn’t a virgin. She didn’t like it, but she had no claim to him. “Are you trying to scare me off?” “Do I need to scare you off?” She bit her lip and took another step, this one placing her within touching distance. She would never think to approach him without some encouragement. Until a moment ago, there had been none. He’d always been friendly but …

distant. “You know that I … ire you, don’t you?” He had to know. Whimsy said that he could read minds. He nodded. He caught her hand in his when she reached out to him. His thumb caressed her palm, sending a flood of warmth to her belly and below. “We can’t. My best friend is married to your sister.” “Is that your way of telling me you’re not interested?” Holding her gaze, he lifted his shirt, the tails of which reached his mid-thigh. He pressed her hand to the hard length of his erection. Veracity gasped even as she closed her fingers around him and squeezed. Perhaps he expected her to be shocked or outraged. But she’d been taught what to expect in the marital bed, and she found the whole thing exciting. Her only issue was with the fact that she was supposed to share it with Grovid—the very idea of which inspired nausea. Dark’s eyelids lowered to half-mast and he groaned. He pulsed beneath her touch, growing firmer before he broke with a muttered curse. His eyes, usually a chilling, pale silver, filled with molten heat, his pupils almost swallowing the gray. It was the most emotion she had ever seen in him. He whirled, giving her his back. “This can’t happen. You deserve better.” “How could I do better? You’re one of the best men I know.” His shoulders tensed. “You really believe that.” When he turned around, he had his emotions under control. He raked his fingers through his hair. “I wish it were true.” And then he was gone. Veracity released her pent-up breath in a huff. That could have gone better, but she couldn’t contain a girlish squeal of delight. Dark wants me. She could work with that. His reluctance to pursue her, her engagement to Grovid, those were minor details. She was an optimist. **** Dark berated himself throughout dinner. What had he been thinking? Challenging her that way? Veracity might come off as bold and confident, but

she was an innocent. Though she was only a few years his junior, they were worlds apart when it came to experience. Since he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been fascinated. She was an interesting mixture of feisty and smart. His fascination/mild obsession with her had only grown when she’d defended him against a crazed would-be kidnapper. It was laughable that she’d believed he required her assistance. Still, that she would offer aid to him when people rarely came to his defense … touched him. She treated him like a normal human being, and it made him feel good. But he wasn’t normal. He was a monster, and one day, she would come to understand that. In the meanwhile, he would have to protect her from him. He resolved to avoid Veracity in the future. It would be cruel of him to encourage her interest in him when he knew they couldn’t be together. He never felt quite in control while in her presence. Lack of control … feeling emotions was dangerous where he was concerned. So, yes, he would avoid her when possible. He just had to get through this initial family gathering and the twins’ birthday celebration. At the dinner table, he let the conversation flow around him, blocking as much of it, and the internal thoughts of the guests, as he could. He would have gladly eaten alone, but Gaedrian and Whimsy had invited him because, of course, he should come. They viewed him as family. He was seated to Gaedrian’s left. Whimsy was at his right. Traditionally, the queen should be at the opposite end of the formal table, but Gaedrian didn’t give a damn about convention. He wanted his wife close. Veracity sat next to her sister, looking as lovely as she’d been when she’d summoned him to her bedchamber. King Raul and Queen Faith sat on the same side of the table as their daughters. Opposite them were their future in-laws, Effie and Zarron. Grovid, the pallid male to whom Veracity was betrothed, sat next to him, opposite the beautiful Veracity. Her usually sparkling green eyes glazed over with boredom as Grovid dominated the conversation. He’d been given a brief tour of the castle grounds and had arrived to dinner late, irritable at having his pastime interrupted, a smear of dirt marring his forehead and the front of his

shirt. Dark couldn’t believe that Veracity’s parents couldn’t see the ridiculousness of this pairing. He didn’t like the thought of Veracity in the arms of anyone, but this man… Grovid was spoiled and self-centered. He’d make a horrible companion for anyone and anything except a plant. He could never make a woman as vibrant as Veracity happy. Out of his peripheral vision, Dark noticed Effie nudge her son in his ribs. At this point, he’d been going on for the last fifteen minutes about minerals in the soil. Grovid shot his mother an irritated glance, but he quickly rallied. “Well, what I mean to say is, King Gaedrian, would you consider allowing me to take some samples for analysis?” “That would be acceptable. I will arrange for you to speak with our gardener.” Grovid clasped his hands together beneath his chin. “That would be sublime.” Dark’s lip twitched with amusement at the look of disgust on Veracity’s face. The expression was so fleeting Dark doubted anyone else caught it. “Your Majesty, you are a most generous host,” Effie practically cooed. Gaedrian waved his hand in a magnanimous gesture. “Think nothing of it.” Grovid turned to him. “You’re not the gardener, are you?” “No,” Dark replied succinctly. “Dark is like family to us,” Whimsy elaborated. “You weren’t here when we introduced him to your parents.” It was a mild rebuke for his tardiness and one that flew past Grovid’s notice. “Do you garden?” “No.” With that, Grovid seemed to mentally dismiss him. He shifted in his seat to face Veracity. “I can’t believe you’ve never mentioned the gardens here. You should come with me to meet the gardener. You could learn a great deal,” he said, his

tone unwittingly condescending. “Oh, I don’t know.” A small smile curved her lips. “I feel as though I’ve learned more than enough from you. Besides, I want to spend as much time as I can with … family.” Dark’s eyes narrowed as Veracity gazed at him beneath the thick fan of her lashes. He stilled. Perhaps avoiding Veracity would not be as easy as he’d assumed.

Chapter Three

“I seem to have been relegated to the position of builder’s assistant,” Veracity noted with a laugh as she handed another block to her nephew Prince True. She’d added a few blocks to the wooden edifice being erected by True and his sister Princess Honor, but the toddlers had been unhappy with her choice of placement and had quickly removed them. Whimsy giggled. She didn’t look very much like a queen sitting on the ground beneath a tree with her hair loose and flowing around her shoulders. Honor had filled the skirt of her dress with blossoms and Whimsy had yet to shake them free. “They are very precise. I’m just happy that they get along so well.” Veracity smiled. She marveled once again that this was the same sister she’d grown up with on Colony 7. Whimsy had always been so reserved and dutiful. Veracity didn’t think she’d ever seen her sister sit on the floor let alone on a patch of grass. Yet Whimsy had never seemed happier. “Kind of like us, huh?” Whimsy rolled her eyes. “In the later years. When you were a kid, you were horrible to me. You were always taking my things and destroying them.” “I was a bit of a brat, but you had such wonderful toys.” “As did you.” “But mine were broken.” Whimsy tilted her head. “And whose fault was that?” She sniffed as she placed a block in Honor’s outstretched hand. “I couldn’t help it if my dolls were more adventurous than yours.” Whimsy laughed. “Oh, yes, I recall. My dolls had tea parties while yours had parachuting parties.”

Veracity doubled over with laughter. “The look on Mother’s face when she saw me standing on the roof! Fortunately, she got there before I could take my turn jumping off.” “Especially since you were only wearing a backpack—not an actual parachute.” The night before that day, she’d seen an old movie from when people had inhabited Earth. In the movie, characters jumped from a plane wearing backpacks. As a child, she hadn’t gotten caught up in the finer details. “To a seven-year-old, they looked the same. I thought the umbrella was magic and it would pop out when I needed it.” “At least something good came out of it. Britta was fired. She was a horrible nanny.” Veracity gave a faux shiver. The first words out of Britta’s mouth to them had been that she didn’t like children. She expected them to be well behaved and to cause her as little inconvenience as possible while she took naps. It wasn’t until years later that Veracity realized Britta had a drinking problem. “I love our parents, but I don’t plan to raise Honor and True the same way. We have two nannies, but we try to spend as much time with the twins as possible. I put them to bed each night and feed them their meals. And if they’re sick, I take care of them. Also, here, they don’t arrange marriages.” Whimsy gave her a significant glance. “And, considering our experience, I think that’s for the best.” “You’ve forgotten that I’m still betrothed to Grovid.” “V, I know you. Even I would be hard-pressed to play the dutiful daughter if I were tasked with marrying Grovid. What’s your plan to get out of this?” She harrumphed. “What makes you think I plan to get out of it? He’s nice and intelligent and … and…” “Intelligent, we can agree on. Nice?” Whimsy scrunched up her nose. “Last night after you went to bed, he harassed Dark into playing chess with him. He thought Dark would be easy to defeat because Dark had never played before. When Dark won, Grovid threw a tantrum and accused him of being a liar. Dark took that well, but when Grovid said you’d cheated him a few weeks ago, Dark gave him one of his icy, chilling smiles that had Gaedrian rushing Grovid and his

family out of the room.” Veracity’s heart leaped, but she tried to hide her excitement from her sister. “Dark is a good friend.” She’d retired to her bed early because she hadn’t been able to take any more of Grovid’s company. Of late, he’d grown increasingly patronizing toward her. The man was fortunate the servers had removed her silverware when they did. While Grovid had spent the evening talking to her as if she were a particularly dim child, Dark had all but completely ignored her. It had been very dampening upon her spirits. She knew Dark wanted her. But what did that matter? If the rumors were true, he’d desired plenty of women. This news that he’d defended her sparked hope. “Do you still have feelings for him?” Veracity smoothed out her skirt. “That was a childish crush. And I seem to recall you discouraged it.” “Things change. Dark is no longer betrothed. Both of you have matured. And…” She bit her lip and glanced around. “Well, Dark is no longer … um, dating.” Veracity absorbed that tidbit with growing elation. She leaned toward her sister. “You’ll my decision? You’ll us?” She refused to acknowledge the possibility that Dark might not be interested in a committed relationship. Or that he might not be desirous of taking her as his wife. “Of course. Gaedrian will as well.” Now all she had to do was convince her parents. And possibly Dark. Piece of cake. **** Dark lingered in the shadows while the other guards practiced. He didn’t often attend these training sessions as only Gaedrian, Chaldor, or new recruits were willing to spar with him. Gaedrian and Chaldor, because they desired the challenge, and the new recruits because they didn’t know any better.

Some of the men standing by the wide double doors that led to the training room began glancing behind them. All too soon, he discovered the source of their distraction. Veracity stormed in and glanced around. Though he was sure that he was barely visible standing in the darkened corner wearing all black, her gaze found him immediately. She strode over to him, her steps full of purpose. “You’re avoiding me.” She reached up and poked him in the center of his chest to emphasize her rebuke. The guards standing nearest them quickly scattered as if they feared his reaction. As if they’d ever seen him hurt anyone outside of battle. As if they shouldn’t be guarding Veracity with their lives if they thought she was threatened. He growled and started after them. Veracity gripped his forearm, drawing him to a halt. “No, you don’t. I’ve been looking for you all afternoon.” He blinked. He couldn’t recall the last time someone had touched him. Hell, he wouldn’t have even believed it possible. In the last three months, his powers had strengthened yet again. No adult could touch him if he didn’t touch them first. And lately, he’d developed an aversion to touching people. Physical made it almost impossible for him to not hear their thoughts—which could be embarrassing and uncomfortable for others. But as Veracity’s fingers circled his arm, he felt nothing but peace. There was no sudden bombardment of ideas that weren’t his own forcing their way into his head. He slid his hand over hers. Still, there was nothing. Veracity smiled up at him. He realized she was mistaking the reason for his caress. He let his hand drop from hers. “We’ve discussed this before, Veracity.” “Whimsy said that she and Gaedrian would our decision to be together.” That didn’t entirely surprise him. Though Whimsy had once feared him, now she viewed him as a sibling. But their acceptance changed very little. Veracity was betrothed. Grovid was a self-absorbed jerk who might as well have a pea plant for a brain. He didn’t deserve a lively beauty such as Veracity. He could never make her happy. But Dark was biased in this matter. At least Grovid was safe. People didn’t fear Grovid or think him a freak.

“That’s the least of it. I am not a suitable mate.” She took his hand. He was so shocked by the gesture that he didn’t object as she dragged him from the room. “Take me for a walk,” she demanded. “Not a garden area or we risk running into Grovid.” Though he believed this to be an incredibly stupid move, Dark took the lead, taking a circuitous route to Gaedrian’s private library. They would be alone there. Yes, the height of stupidity. Twenty-four hours had yet to , and here he was breaking his vow to himself. Upon entering the library, he released Veracity’s hand and crossed to the windows to pull back the drapes, dispelling the lingering shadows in the room. Veracity spared a brief glance at the high ceiling and the tall shelves filled with books before she focused on him. She held his gaze in a way that few people did. She didn’t flinch at his silver eyes. He’d heard them described with such as icy and reptilian so often that he usually only made eye with Gaedrian and Whimsy. When he did it with others, his purpose was generally to intimidate. And yet, without fear, Veracity stood before him and stared up into his eyes. She reached up and cupped his cheek. His eyelids fluttered closed as he leaned into her touch. “I want you, Dark.” He made a strangled sound and stepped away. Plenty of women wanted him. They liked flirting with danger. It didn’t hurt that he was handsome. He knew Veracity didn’t mean it that way. Well, she did desire him, but she wanted more. “You deserve better.” “If I deserve better, then I deserve to be with who I choose. I choose you.” Dark couldn’t subject Veracity to a lifetime with him. Even here on Colony 21, he was feared. He was an ever-evolving monster. He was reminded of that fact every morning. But Veracity couldn’t see that. And if he told her, it would change nothing. She was a good person. The kind, loyal sort who would stand at his side until it was too late.

He tightened his jaw and prepared to lie. Telling falsehoods was something he did rarely, and he detested liars. But he would lie to save Veracity. He buried his feelings as he said, “What you feel for me is a girlish crush.” He held out his arms. “I make an enticing picture, but I’m not cut out to be someone’s husband. I can’t be faithful.” “Whimsy told me that you haven’t dated in years.” He scowled. “I’ve never dated anyone. I’ve fucked.” Her cheeks reddened, but she didn’t balk at his coarse language. “But you’re not … fucking. Not anymore.” No, he wasn’t. He hadn’t since the day he’d met Veracity. At first, he’d told himself that it hadn’t been worth the bother. Women came to his bed easily. What came after wasn’t pretty. Listening to their excuses as they practically ran from him, their legs shaky and weak from the orgasms he’d given them. And then he began turning down offers because he simply wasn’t interested. It’d been almost a year before he finally itted the truth to himself. He wanted Veracity, and no other woman would do. Lying didn’t come to him naturally, and his mind raced to come up with an explanation for his sudden lack of a sex life. “I was … betrothed. My nuptials were pending.” “But they’re not anymore.” She tilted her head. “Why are you lying to me?” “I don’t lie.” “You usually don’t. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you hesitate the way you just did. And you’re looking around all over the place. Look me in the eye and tell me that again.” “I don’t lie,” he said again, enunciating each word clearly. She shook her head, her thick curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Not that part. The bit about saving yourself for your betrothed even though you hadn’t done so before.”

“Enough of this.” He bared his teeth, making sure she could see his elongated incisors. He advanced on her until she stumbled backward. Her calves hit a sofa and she went down. He braced himself over her, one hand on the arm of the chair and the other on the back. “I’m a fucking monster, Veracity. Some say I’m barely human. And you want to be tied to me for the rest of your life?” “You’re not. You’re wonderful—” “I’m a killer.” “You’ve killed to protect others.” He ripped his shirt open, and his necklace dropped out to dangle in front of her face. “Really? What would the people of Dark Sphere say? Do you think they all deserved to die because I lost control?” Her gaze never left his face. “I’m sorry that happened to you, but you were a child. You can’t be blamed for that.” “And what happens when I accidentally kill someone—hell, an entire planet again?” “That won’t happen again. You’re older … and more capable.” He shook his head. Little did she know. “You have too much faith in me.” She cupped his cheeks. “I’d say just the right amount,” she whispered and lifted her face to his. She pressed her lips to his. He couldn’t stop himself from returning the pressure. Her lips were plush and delicious. He nipped the bottom one, and her lips parted. He knew she’d probably never been kissed before, but that didn’t stop his tongue from sweeping inside for a taste. This opportunity was unlikely to come around again, and he couldn’t resist her. He cupped the base of her skull and held her still as his mouth slanted over hers. When her tongue touched his and a tremor wracked her body, he came to his senses. He straightened abruptly and raked his fingers through his hair. “What am I doing?”

Veracity stared up at him with glazed eyes. She gasped for breath and writhed wantonly. She squeezed her thighs together and a moan escaped her swollen lips. He could smell her desire. “Fuck.” Even in this, he could not be normal. When he was very aroused, he emitted an aphrodisiac in his saliva, his sweat, and his seed. If the persistent throbbing in his tros was any indication, then he was terribly aroused. He’d never been undone by a kiss as he was by Veracity’s. Usually, he didn’t emit the aphrodisiac until his climax was almost upon him. Dark backed away from her. His first instinct to avoid her had been correct. “I feel…” She shifted as if to get up, but she quickly collapsed on a gasp. “Strange,” she finished. He had two choices. He could let her ride this out. She would be uncomfortable for a while, but she’d recover in an hour or two. He wet his lips. He hated the thought of her suffering even for a second because of him. That led him to his second choice. He could give her release. He wouldn’t take her because that would make her an outcast on her home colony. “Dark, I…” “Shh… Everything is going to be fine, baby.” He cupped her cheeks and tilted her face up to his. “I’m going to help you.” He peppered soft kisses over her brows and down her nose. “I’m going to make you feel so good.” He rained kisses over her jaw and settled at her throat. Then he fisted the material of her long skirt and drew it up her legs. When his fingers grazed skin, they both moaned. “Your skin is so soft.” He nibbled on her earlobe, then slid his hand between her thighs and worked his way up. Her nails dug into his biceps as his palm curled over her heat. He pushed aside the soaked silk of her panties. Her breath rushed out in a great whoosh as he teased the lips of her pussy. “Maybe … maybe…” He shushed her again. “Open your legs for me, baby. Show me I’m welcome to your sweet pussy.”

She trembled, but the gap between her thighs widened. He swiftly took advantage, delving into her slick folds. He explored her slowly, learning the type of touch she liked. He wanted to draw this out, but he knew he shouldn’t. It would only make it more difficult for him to let her go. He couldn’t risk her being discovered this way with him. Thinking to hasten her orgasm, he circled her clit with his thumb and slid the tip of his finger in her opening. He groaned at the feel of her tightness. Veracity arched into his touch, deepening his penetration. His cock pulsed and spurted cum in his pants. “Don’t,” he grunted. He nipped her neck as punishment. “Don’t tempt me.” “Dark, please. I want you.” “No.” Already, he was having to hold himself back. He wanted to be on his knees, lapping up her sweet nectar. But he knew if he did that, nothing would stop him from trying to get his cock in her. The feel of her heat was temptation enough. “But we—” He growled. Her jade eyes were cloudy with ion, her pupils almost swallowing the green. “You think my cock isn’t trying to burst its way out of pants to get to you? You’re so snug, it’d mold you to the perfect fit. And then I would fuck you until you ed out from the pleasure.” She shoved a hand inside his shirt. “Yes, please.” “We can’t. But I can give you this.” Her lips pushed out in a pout. “Dark, please—” “No.” He covered her mouth with his to cut off further protests. He was weak where she was concerned, and he could only withstand so much. Giving her clit firmer strokes, he plunged his finger deeper, careful to leave her barrier unbroken. He cupped her breast and tugged on her nipple. She cried out sweetly into his mouth. Her sheath closed over his finger and bathed it in her honey. Then she shook beneath him and then fell limp.

Dark felt a surge of triumph at giving her pleasure. The need to claim her nearly overwhelmed him. He released her with more haste than finesse. Desperately, he groped for the head of his cock, squeezing it to ease the pain. He needed to place distance between them. So, he backed away until the shadows at the corner of the room enveloped him. “Dark, wait!” Veracity righted her panties and stood, shaking out the skirt of her dress until it fell around her ankles. “Thank you … for helping me.” He shook his head. “Don’t thank me. I wouldn’t have had to if I hadn’t been doing something I oughtn’t to begin with.” “I kissed you.” “Then learn from this mistake and don’t repeat it. I almost f—deflowered you.” “Good.” “You don’t know what you’re saying.” She nodded. “Yes, I do. I’ve wanted you since the day we met. Everything I’ve learned about you since has only made me care for you more. I love you, Dark.” He froze. He’d planned to leave her and go to his bedroom where he could be alone to deal with the need coursing through his body. He felt equal parts despair and joy at her declaration. Her love was a gift—one he couldn’t accept. “I won’t do this with you, Veracity. I’m not going to drag you down with me.” He began to fade away. “Do you c-care for me at all?” “I do. And that’s why I’m letting you go.” He took another step back into the shadows and rematerialized into the gloom that was his bedroom. He’d done this so many times, it was as easy as breathing for him. When he’d first transported at the age of seven, his parents had been shocked. Up until that point, he’d shown no signs of having any special gifts at all. Despite the fact that Dark Sphere was a planet of psychics and other magical creatures, his parents had been relieved. They’d begun to hope they’d be able to

refute the fortune-teller’s prediction based on his lack of magic alone. His brother and sister had been born with the power of telekinesis. From their cribs, they’d been able to call toys to them. At five, his parents had had him tested, and he’d been found to be a null. He’d been completely devoid of any talents. Dark stripped off his clothes. He stood teetering on the edge of his bathing pool. The appropriate action would be for him to dive in and wash the scent of Veracity’s arousal off his skin. Yet… He raised his fingers to his nose and inhaled deeply. His shaft throbbed. Without any conscious planning on his part, his other hand curved around the turgid stalk of flesh. His eyes fluttered closed. A few pumps of his fist would be all that he’d need to have his seed come gushing forth. Gritting his teeth, he held himself in a punishing grip. He shouldn’t be doing this to thoughts of Veracity. He’d never allowed himself that luxury. Wanting her was dangerous. Fantasizing about her would only make him long for her more. He tried to push it away, but the memory resurfaced of how wet and tight she’d been around his finger. The sounds she’d made as he pleasured her had him groaning and pumping his fist faster. Unable to resist, he slid his fingers into his mouth, sampling any lingering traces of Veracity’s sweet honey. That was it. Her name tore from his throat as he erupted. He kept stroking even as he allowed himself to fall forward into the water. He sank halfway to the bottom before his natural buoyancy pulled him back to the surface. Then he rolled so he faced the ceiling. The weakness in his limbs brought on by his orgasm hadn’t faded before he clutched at his chest and began to recite the words of the binding ritual his mother had taught him when he’d reached only nine winters. The spell placed restrictions on his powers when he felt lacking in control. He’d had to rework the original wording to compensate for his growing strength. There were days when his gifts tore through the binding as if it were made of wet tissue paper. On those days, he performed the spell in the morning and again before going to bed.

When the last word ed his lips, the air sizzled with electricity. Dark gasped for air as the magic tightened around his chest and ribs. It rippled over his entire body, but the effect was most notable in his torso as it seemed to squeeze the breath from his lungs. It was over in seconds, but it was uncomfortable and felt unnatural. Sighing, he washed off and left the water. He’d have to work harder to avoid Veracity. She was better off without him.

Chapter Four

Veracity’s shoulders slumped with disappointment as she stared at Dark’s empty dinner seat. He’d managed to successfully avoid her for the last two days. Yes, the royal castle was vast with dozens of guestrooms, formal meeting rooms, private suites for the king and queen, quarters for staff and guards, and other spaces for which she’d been unable to discern a purpose, but finding him had never been an issue. Veracity felt like she’d explored every nook and cranny in an attempt to “accidentally” bump into Dark. She could summon him, but that didn’t sit right with her. It would be forcing him to be with her. Whimsy cast her a sympathetic glance. As Grovid praised the gardeners and landscapers he’d met that day, Whimsy leaned closer. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’ll have Gaedrian talk to him.” She nodded, but she didn’t feel hopeful. The twins’ party was to be held tomorrow night, and they would leave for home the day after. Veracity had decided no matter what transpired between her and Dark, she would not marry Grovid. She didn’t consider kissing Dark being unfaithful to Grovid as she didn’t have a real relationship with Grovid. Not by word or by deed had she ever committed herself to him romantically. Their betrothal had been formed before she had even understood the meaning of the word marriage. After dinner, they gathered in one of the castle’s many sitting rooms. Whimsy excused herself to check on the twins. Feeling down, Veracity was about to feign sleepiness when Grovid’s mother looped her arm through hers. “Come sit with me, dear. I was hoping this trip would be an opportunity for us to get to know each other better. You’re about to become our daughter, and we know virtually nothing about you.” That would be because their son wouldn’t shut his mouth long enough for anyone else to talk, but Veracity refrained from pointing out that obvious fact. She smiled politely and allowed herself to be led to a cream settee with a pink rose pattern. “So, what are your hobbies, dear? Do you enjoy gardening as much as our

Grovid?” Veracity straightened her skirts. “Actually, I’m horrible with plants. I’m always giving them too much attention or forgetting them altogether.” “Oh,” Effie drawled, clearly recalling the flowering plant thriving in a small bowl of water that Grovid had gifted her upon their first meeting. It had been lovely. Veracity had placed it beneath a light in her bedroom. She’d even replenished the water. Once. And then she’d had to move it for some reason. When next she saw it, she’d shrieked at the moldy, shriveled remains floating in slime before she’d ed what it was. “Well…” Effie’s smile wobbled. “Grovid can certainly teach you all you need to know.” She couldn’t help but feel that this was all pointless. She wasn’t going to marry Grovid. However, she understood it would be more respectful of Grovid and his parents if she waited until they returned home before she dissolved their engagement. “Yes, that is very true.” With that, Effie’s smile grew radiant. “We’ve always been so proud of Grovid and his accomplishments. We will be so proud to call you our daughter.” Veracity shifted uncomfortably. “Thank you.” “When we return home, we should begin planning the wedding. Your mother and I have discussed some ideas about dates and venues.” She clasped her hands together in anticipation. She quickly added, “Of course, you and Grovid will have the final say. This is your wedding. You must have a million ideas, and I’m sure they’re all grand. I can’t wait to hear them.” Effie wore such an eager expression that Veracity hated to disappoint her. She felt a bit like an ogre kicking a puppy as she shook her head. Veracity had never felt a need to plan her wedding. Perhaps if she’d been in love with Grovid, she’d have been dreaming of her wedding day. Instead, she’d only been thinking of ways to end this betrothal. “Actually, I—” “You don’t mind if I borrow V for a moment, do you?” Whimsy asked, grasping Veracity’s hand and drawing her to a standing position without awaiting Effie’s answer.

“Oh, of course, Your Majesty. Veracity, perhaps we could talk more later…?” “Of course.” She allowed Whimsy to drag her to the fireplace. “What was so urgent?” Whimsy grinned. “That desperate-to-escape look on your face. What were you two discussing?” “Wedding plans.” Whimsy grimaced. “What are you going to do?” “Dark or no Dark, I can’t go through with it,” she whispered. She glanced at Grovid and just barely repressed a shiver of revulsion. He’d cornered their father and his own and appeared to be speaking with some animation. Veracity couldn’t imagine what he had left to say. As usual, he’d dominated the conversation during dinner. “I’ll handle it when we return home.” Her sister’s brow furrowed. “I worry about Dark. I had so hoped…” Veracity took a deep breath. “Don’t give up yet. I haven’t,” she said with more confidence than she felt. Whimsy laughed. “I do miss having a dose of your optimism on the daily.” She returned her sister’s smile, and she tried to maintain a cheerful façade until she could excuse herself for bedtime. She listened with half an ear, laughing when the others did, paying just enough attention to comment occasionally. Inside, she was a roiling mass of doubt. She’d had a crush on Dark from the second she’d laid eyes on him. He’d never given her any indication that he returned her affection until this visit. He’d always been friendly—well, friendly for Dark. Which basically meant he hadn’t tried to kill her. And he’d kissed her. That kiss had been the highlight of her life. It’d been her first. Not that she’d never had the opportunity. Plenty of boys had tried to kiss her, but she’d been born with a radar for bullshit. She’d known when they genuinely liked her or if they just wanted the thrill of kissing a girl. Or if they sought bragging rights about kissing a princess. Unfortunately, it’d never been because they found her irresistible.

What had happened after that kiss had her feeling like she was floating on air. Until he’d disappeared. Nothing had changed between them. He’d only relieved her of her arousal because he’d felt in some way responsible. She didn’t want him out of obligation. Either he desired her or he didn’t. If he didn’t… Veracity halted that thought. She wouldn’t allow negativity to creep into her thoughts. That was the first step to giving up. Dark was important to her. Too important for her to quit. Her instincts were telling her that his stoicism hid a wealth of pain. They could be so happy together if only he would give them a chance. **** “I should kick your ass.” Dark folded his arms over the stone wall that bordered the castle roof. The view from here was nothing but rolling hills and trees, but he found the scenery more peaceful and natural than the ones created by the human hand. “Why is that?” he asked his king. Gaedrian stopped at his side. “One, for making me come up here to find you.” “You could have summoned me.” He didn’t mind being summoned, but most people became uneasy when he materialized behind them. He didn’t choose the location of his appearance to unsettle anyone. Creature that he was, he could only travel in the darkness. Most people stood with their backs to the shadows through which he transported. Gaedrian grunted. “Two, because instead of appreciating the charms of my wife, I am standing on a chilly roof.” He frowned. “Does that qualify as two or one and a half?” A low growl was his answer. “If you had a wife, you would know that it damn well qualifies as two. And, three, you have decided not to pursue Veracity despite her interest in you. Do not bother to pretend that you do not return her affection.” Deciding not to mince words, Dark cut to the heart of the matter. “She deserves better.” There were too many reasons why they could not be together.

“Is that not always the case? You do not see me turning aside my wife because she deserves better. Better could come along and I would kill it to keep her.” Dark nodded his head in acknowledgment of this truth. He would feel the same about Veracity. “It’s too dangerous for me even to entertain such notions.” He gripped the wall so hard that bits of it crumbled and rained down onto the ground below as pebbles. He sighed and then expressed his greatest fear. “What if she only wants me because I wished it?” Though he locked down his power each morning, wisps of it still managed to seep through the cracks. Wishes were his nightmares, for they were the most uncontrollable. He couldn’t help but long for things as any human would. Unlike regular humans, he had the ability to make his wishes come true. Worst of all, they came true without any conscious effort on his part. And he could never tell if it was because whatever he’d wished for was attainable or if it was because he’d wished it into being. “From what Gaedriana says, Veracity was smitten with you from the first.” Though most of her close acquaintances referred to the queen as Whimsy, Gaedrian most often called her Gaedriana, a renaming meant to indicate to the people that their pairing was one based on love. Privately, Gaedrian called her Dessert. Dark refused to dwell on why. He shook his head. “That’s the way all women feel when they see me before they find out who and what I am.” “Veracity knows who and what you are and she has yet to run in the opposite direction.” A sudden gust of wind whipped his hair in his face. He raked his fingers through it with an impatient hand. “I can’t ask her to spend her life tied to a monster.” “You—” Dark held up a hand and interrupted his king, a breach of etiquette that he would never commit in public. “I know what you’re going to say. I’m not a monster. I can’t let one mistake committed as a youth over a decade ago define my existence. It is my purposeful actions that matter.” Gaedrian grinned. “This is why I enjoy our conversations. They are so efficient.”

He nodded. He enjoyed their conversations as well. Gaedrian was like a brother to him. Gaedrian sighed and turned, leaning against the wall. His midnight-blue eyes appeared black in the low lighting. “This is my fault. I relied upon your skills too much.” “No. I was needed. I would have volunteered if you hadn’t asked.” When Gaedrian had been crowned king, there had been unrest and fighting. Dark had fought at his side. They had both been respected and feared for their skill. But whereas Gaedrian fought with weapons, Dark was a weapon. “Gaedriana worries about you.” “You may tell her that I am fine.” “We both worry about you.” “And you think that saddling Veracity with me will fix my issues?” “We believe that the two of you could make each other very happy, and that is our goal. Your time is limited. They plan to leave two days after the party. Do not fuck this up. If you worry that her affection is only due to a wish, then talk to Chaldor. Ask him how he feels about possibly being enthralled with his wife.” Dark didn’t need to ask. Chaldor genuinely loved his wife. His wife Kiana was feyron. Originally from his home planet, the feyron were a peaceful group that had decided to migrate due to the rising tensions following his birth. Being of Dark Sphere, they were blessed—or cursed depending upon opinion—with the ability to heal with song. They were also very attractive to unattached of the opposite sex. Naturally, Chaldor limited her exposure to males other than Gaedrian and Dark. Gaedrian was too in love with Whimsy to even look at another woman. Dark was immune. “If you can see the truth there,” Gaedrian pointed out, “then surely, you can see it with your own situation.” That was true, but he balked at the idea of reading Veracity’s mind. People didn’t like it when he read their thoughts. He couldn’t fault them. Many of their thoughts were petty, selfish, and cruel. It didn’t mean they would ever act on

those thoughts and thus, they should remain private. At his continued silence, Gaedrian sighed. “What will you do?” “What makes you think that I even want her for more than one night?” “You are begging for that ass-kicking. If that is all you desired, then you would not need to put such effort into avoiding her. Instead, out of respect for Gaedriana and myself, you would simply ignore her until she ended her pursuit of you. That you do not do this tells me that it is not so simple.” Gaedrian gripped his shoulder. “Do not let fear stop you. Nothing stands in your way but your own inaction.”

Chapter Five

Veracity looked over the grounds with delight and amazement. For the twins’ birthday, Gaedrian and Whimsy had arranged a festival in their backyard. Pink and blue tents dotted the lawn. There were games and activities for all age groups. As she trailed behind her parents, Veracity kept a note of which tents she’d like to revisit. After making their official appearance, they’d be allowed to do whatever they wished. Veracity planned to return to her room to change out of her formal dress before mingling among the regular citizens of Colony 21. Gaedrian had declared the twins’ birthday a holiday and had welcomed his entire kingdom to attend their celebration. All the food and games were free. The mood was festive. Children ran from tent to tent, their squeals and laughter ringing around the grounds. Veracity couldn’t blame them. She was eager to explore as well. She’d never had her face painted. Were those candy apples? And what was that delicious smell? Grovid sniffed haughtily. “How long must we stay?” Veracity gritted her teeth at the reminder of Grovid’s presence. And that of his mother. Effie’s hand tightened on her arm. Since Veracity had shaken her after dinner last night, the woman had been extra clingy. She’d been waiting for Veracity the moment she’d stepped out of her bedroom for breakfast. Veracity had only been able to escape her to change into her dress for the party. Once they’d gathered to make their formal entrance, Effie had glommed onto her again. She’d hoped to spend today with Dark. That wouldn’t be possible if Effie continued to stick closer than her shadow. She knew Dark would be here. Though he wasn’t fond of public gatherings, he loved the twins and he wouldn’t miss their birthday. Effie laughed, but the sound came out stiff and unnatural. “Grovid, sweetie, you’ll enjoy yourself. Besides, after the wedding, you’ll have to become

accustomed to making appearances. Isn’t that right, Veracity?” She was saved the effort of coming up with a sufficiently vague answer as they reached the stage that had been erected for the royal family. The steps were too narrow for them to climb together, and Effie was forced to release her. Gaedrian’s throne sat at the center with Whimsy seated to his right in a smaller feminine version of his grandiose chair. They each held a toddler on their lap. True and Honor appeared to be only mildly interested in the proceedings. True’s eyelids fluttered and his head bobbed. Honor slept peacefully, a stuffed bunny clutched in her tiny chubby arms, undisturbed by the commotion of the crowd. Chaldor and Dark stood guard behind the king and queen’s chairs. Veracity sat next to Whimsy and was unable to stop herself from glancing over her shoulder at Dark. He stared straight ahead, his legs braced apart, his hands clasped at his back. His icy silver gaze was vigilant. Veracity was sure no misdeed escaped his notice. When she turned back around, she was relieved to notice that Effie and her family had been ushered to seats on the other side of Gaedrian. A hush fell over the crowd as Gaedrian stood with True held in one arm and approached the podium. It was clear he had the love and respect of his people. “Queen Gaedriana and I consider ourselves truly blessed to have so many who wished to celebrate the birth of our children with us.” His voice was deep and booming. In the silence, he had no need for a microphone. “We hope you all enjoy today’s festivities.” He paused as two cakes, one pale blue and the other pastel pink, were rolled onto the stage behind him, one from each direction. “If you will all us in song…” The candles on the cakes were lit. Whimsy gently nudged Honor awake and moved to stand behind the pink cake. As one, everyone began to sing. When the song was over, Gaedrian and Whimsy helped their children to blow out the candles. Gaedrian returned to the podium. “Thank you. Now, may you all us in having cake.” As he finished speaking, more cakes, all in pink and blue and much larger than the ones on stage, were rolled out amongst their guests. Servers followed with disposable plates and cutlery. Sweets, especially cake, were a weakness of hers, and Veracity took a slice of each cake. The pink was decorated with strawberries. The blue had blueberries.

She was proud of herself for managing to finish both without getting icing on her dress. Once the twins finished their cake, Whimsy and Gaedrian took them to an area specifically set up for toddlers. Veracity handed her plate to one of the circulating servers. “Where are you going?” Before she could reply to her mother, Effie was at her side. “Oh, are you leaving?” “Just going to change so that I can explore.” “Grovid, you should go with her.” She practically shoved her son at Veracity. “What a wonderful idea,” Faith effused. Veracity’s heart sank. There went her chance to enjoy the day. And perhaps spend a few moments with Dark… Instead, she’d be with Grovid. What had she done to deserve this punishment? She didn’t know how long she could listen to Grovid without losing her patience. And one-on-one without anyone else to give her a break? She couldn’t do it. But one look at her mother’s excited expression had her closing her mouth. None of her objections were going to get her out of this one. She gave their parents a tight smile and led the way back to the castle. Grovid paused at the foyer. “Veracity?” “Yes?” “Would it … displease you terribly if instead of returning to the party, I went to visit with the botanist I met yesterday?” “Not at all!” She clasped her hands tightly together and bit her lip when what she wanted to do was laugh and do a little dance. Grovid nodded. “Much thanks. I appreciate your understanding. If … you would like, you could also—”

“No, no. I couldn’t possibly miss the party, but you go ahead. Enjoy yourself.” He smiled. “Thank you so much.” He nodded and dashed off. Veracity could not contain her grin any longer. She practically skipped all the way to her suite. **** As he watched Veracity walking away with Grovid, Dark clenched his fists so tightly that he could hear his knuckles pop. She was alone with him. No chaperone. What were their parents thinking? Dark stood frozen in position. What could he do? He couldn’t object. He had no claim to her and that was as it should be. Veracity had no idea about all the horrific acts he’d committed, the evil of which he was capable. Knowing she couldn’t be his didn’t stop the maelstrom of anger and jealousy swirling in his gut. His breathing escalated. His control was slipping. And with it, he lost his ability to buffer his powers. The thoughts of all these strangers filled his head, making it feel too full, like his brain was swelling and too large for his skull. Electric energy crackled at his fingertips, begging to be let loose. “You two,” Whimsy called, her voice snapping with authority. She pulled him back from the brink without even realizing it. He and Chaldor stood guard over her and the twins and their king. Without awaiting a response from them, she continued. “I won’t allow you to spend the entire day watching us. We’re surrounded by security. Go! Enjoy yourselves.” Dark glanced from Whimsy to Gaedrian. Gaedrian gave a subtle nod of his head. She shot her husband a glare. “I saw that.” “Yes, you did, my Dessert,” Gaedrian replied warmly. Whimsy bit her bottom lip and dropped her eyes, mollified by his tone and the use of the intimate nickname. Dark had seen it many times before and, unfortunately, caught enough snippets of their thoughts to know that Gaedrian often called her Dessert in the bedroom. Assured that Gaedrian would handle his family’s protection, Dark found himself

tracing Veracity’s path to the castle. “I am told that I need to talk to you. Or rather, that you need to talk with me.” Dark didn’t alter his stride, forcing Chaldor to follow him. “You were misinformed.” “Dark, I genuinely love my wife.” “I know. Where is Kiana?” Chaldor grimaced. “Do you think I would have her out in this crowd without me to stand over her? She is at home. You would think that her pregnancy would deter suitors, but it has had no effect at all. If we have a girl that is also feyron, I shall most likely yank out all of my hair due to stress.” Dark paused and stared at his friend, picturing him without his mane of blond hair. He debated for all of five seconds if he should tell Chaldor that the babe would be a girl and that the feyron gene was dominant. But he kept his lips shut. He couldn’t stop the future from revealing itself to him, but he could keep what he learned to himself. He shook his head and continued. “Where are you going? Are you looking for Veracity?” He didn’t have to look for her. Part of him always knew where she was. “No.” “I have never known you to be such a coward.” Dark halted in his steps. “Mother—” He bit off the end of the curse as a trio of little girls marched by, their faces sticky and pink with candy. There were few men who’d dare insult him. Only two on this planet. The rest of the guards avoided him like the plague unless they were in battle. Then they wanted to be at his side because he never let anyone who fought with them die. “You have given excuse after excuse as to why you cannot be with a woman you claim to care for. You do not believe you deserve her because of your past? You cannot change the past.” Chaldor paused, frowning. “You cannot, can you?” “No,” he gritted out.

“The only thing you can change is the future. Be the man you believe she deserves.” “Why? You don’t even like me.” Chaldor grunted. “Kiana.” The one word explained everything. “It is not that I do not like you. For years, I feared that we were housing a ticking timebomb, but you have proven your loyalty again and again.” “Thank you,” was all he could think to say, but Chaldor’s words meant more to Dark than he could express. If even Chaldor believed that he could find redemption… For the first time, Dark felt a spark of hope. Having Veracity was a real possibility. He’d already given up all other women for her. He could change. Be better. **** Veracity nervously wound the tip of her braid around one finger and swished the skirts of her dress with her other hand. It was a lightweight cotton sundress in yellow and white plaid with pink flowers. It was pretty and comfortable and more casual than anything she’d ever worn in public. She bounced on her toes as she glanced from one tent to the next, trying to decide where to go first. She couldn’t stop her gaze from straying toward Whimsy and Gaedrian. To where she’d last seen Dark. But he was gone. Her shoulders slumped. And then she nearly lost her balance as someone bumped into her from behind. “Oh, excuse me.” Veracity turned to face a beautiful woman with gleaming ebony hair piled high on her head. Her pale skin contrasted nicely with the vivid red gloss she currently was in the process of applying to rosy lips. She capped her gloss and put it away in a cute royal-blue clutch that matched her dress perfectly. “Of course.” The woman craned her neck this way and that, searching the crowd. “I was distracted. I am seeking an old acquaintance.”

“Who? Maybe I can help.” It was unlikely as she was only a visitor to Colony 21, but manners demanded that she make the offer. She looked Veracity over from head to toe. “It is doubtful. Do you work in the castle?” “No.” She could have volunteered more information, but the woman’s dismissive attitude caused her to lose all interest in assisting her. Veracity was about to walk off when the woman squealed and grabbed her forearm. “Oh! There he is!” With some dismay, Veracity realized she was referring to Dark. His gaze locked on Veracity as he strolled through the crowd. Though he wasn’t as broad as Gaedrian, he was tall. People moved aside to clear his path. Releasing Veracity’s arm, the woman rushed forward and practically threw herself at Dark… And was immediately thrown to the ground. Veracity gasped. She ran to her side and helped her to sit up. “Are you okay?” Blinking, she shook her head. “W-what happened?” “I’m not exactly sure.” The obvious answer was that Dark had knocked her down, but Veracity had been watching, and he’d never lifted his hands. People gathered around them. One of the guards stepped forward. “Everything fine here?” His gaze darted to Dark and then to the woman. Dark scowled. “Dara ran into my forcefield.” The guard nodded, his tense shoulders loosening. He bent and helped Dara to her feet. “You will explain?” he asked Dark. Dark gave him a brisk nod. Seeming satisfied, the guard walked off. Dark’s gaze slid to Veracity before fastening on Dara. His pale eyes looked silver in the sun and his black hair gleamed with blue highlights. He and Dara would make an attractive couple. The woman was the living embodiment of Snow White with her ebony tresses, milky skin, and very blue eyes. “Forcefield?” Dara straightened her skirts and brushed dirt off her bottom.

“To keep the explanation succinct: I can touch you, but you can’t touch me.” Veracity pondered his words. She’d touched him without being knocked on her ass. Dara tilted her head to the side. A slow sensual smile tipped up her red lips. “Hm. That could be interesting.” She circled a hand in front of his chest. There was a crackle when she got too close. Dark’s gaze flicked to her and then back to Dara. “No.” Following his gaze, Dara laughed. “I understand. I recall you like having more than one woman at once. I have no objections to her ing us.” “No, Dara. I—” She didn’t want to hear any more. Her vision blurring with tears, Veracity walked away.

Chapter Six

She’d heard enough to know that Dark had been intimate with that woman. And it hurt. She’d known he wasn’t innocent, but meeting one of the women he’d been slept with… It was too much, and she needed to get away for a moment. She wasn’t sure where she was going when someone gripped her wrist from behind. She was spun around. Dark studied her face, his full lips pressing together. “You know I have a past. I didn’t hide this from you. You can’t be angry with me.” A hysterical laugh burst from her. “Really? Watch me.” She swung away from him. Dark caught her easily and dragged her between two tents. The narrow alley created by the proximity of the temporary structures was empty save them. “I didn’t think this mattered to you.” She shook her head. “I don’t need your … paramours thrown in my face. I don’t need to hear about it! Ugh.” She pressed her hands to her ears and closed her eyes. He gripped her shoulders and gave her a small shake. “I can’t change my past. Dara … she’s the least of what I’ve done. If you can’t handle that, how can you say you want to be with me?” Veracity dried her tears and took a deep breath. He was right. She couldn’t give up at the first sign of adversity. And she wasn’t giving up. But… “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fun.” “Don’t apologize to me for having feelings.” She stared up at him. As usual, he concealed any emotions. “You … coming after me… Does this mean what I think it means?” His face gave away nothing, and she tried to tamp down on her hope. “I should say no. For your sake.” He shook his head. “But fuck it, I can’t keep

resisting what I want. I can’t resist you. If you still want me, I’m yours.” With a cry, she threw her arms around his neck. She slid her fingers in his hair. Pushing up on her tiptoes, she prepared to press her lips to his. Groaning, he turned his head. “Better not. I can’t satisfy you here.” The black locks of his hair slid through her fingers like silk. “Were you lying about the forcefield?” “I trust you. It’s inactive with you.” “So, this is new? You didn’t have it before … when you were with her?” If it were possible, his expression became even more closed off. “It’s new,” he confirmed. “Did you—” He laced his fingers with hers and tugged her from the alley. “What would you like to do first? Would you like a candy apple?” “Oh, yes. It’s like you’re reading my mind.” She frowned. “Are you?” He gave her a short glance over his shoulder. “No.” She got the feeling that she’d just insulted him. “Sorry.” He sighed. “It’s an invasion of privacy. I don’t do it as a rule, but there are occasions when people are yelling their thoughts at me and I can’t help but hear them.” He led her to a stall with candy apples, cotton candy, and funnel cakes. The attendant’s eyes widened at the sight of him. “H-h-how can I help you?” “Candy apple. Two,” Dark stated shortly. The guy hurriedly plucked up two apples and extended them toward Dark. Veracity stepped forward and took them. The man gave her a relieved smile. She handed Dark his apple and opened her own. “You could be … friendly. Then

people wouldn’t be so afraid of you.” He stopped and she was a few steps in front of him before she realized. “What is it?” She glanced around. “Is something wrong?” “I was friendly. I left before he could soil himself—which he was seconds from doing.” “You could smile.” He tilted his head to the side. “Think about that.” “I mean, I know your reputation. That you only smile when the situation is about to get bloody. And I’ve seen that smile.” She shivered at the memory. “But perhaps a different smile.” “And you suppose people will note the difference, or will they flee immediately?” She grunted. “You’re stubborn.” “You need to understand that people will always fear me. I’m different. No matter how nonthreatening my behavior, my gifts terrify people, and rightly so. To do otherwise would be foolish in the extreme.” His shoulders tensed. “You say you want me, but perhaps you’re not prepared for the reality of being with me. I tried to warn you of this. I should give you time to reconsider.” “No!” This was all going wrong. “No, just… I want to make life better for you.” His face softened. “You do that simply by choosing to be mine. You’re mine, aren’t you?” “Oh, yes. All yours.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Well, mostly yours. I need to get my parents’ permission to break off my engagement.” But that was a worry for later. She lifted her apple and held it still so that she could bite into the hard candy shell. She hummed appreciatively as the sugar hit her tongue. Dark’s gaze fastened on her mouth. “You have candy…” He leaned down and licked off the bits of sticky treat adhering to the corner of her lip.

A tingle raced down her spine. It was entirely inappropriate. Especially in public. Especially because she was betrothed to another. But she didn’t regret it. Instead, she wished they were alone so he could put his tongue to better use. Dark peeled back the plastic coating his apple and neatly bit into it. His sharp incisors intrigued her. His full lower lip glistened with juice, and she had to fight the temptation to do some licking of her own. Veracity was mesmerized by his perfection. When he ran his tongue slowly over his lip, she actually swayed. She caught herself before she could bump into anyone. The motion was enough to jolt her back into the current moment. She cleared her throat. “What were the other people of Dark Sphere like? Did they look like you?” He started walking and she followed. “No. It was like any other planet. We had our differences. I was told that I resemble one of my ancestors on my father’s side.” “And the…” She bared her teeth and wagged a finger in front of her face. “Is that your way of asking about my fangs?” She nodded, hoping that she didn’t offend him. “I’m not the quintessential representation of a Dark Sphere citizen. But there were some with fangs. We were a magical planet full of magical creatures.” “I think your fangs are sexy,” she offered. He arched an eyebrow. “And it’s best if not everyone looked like you. That much beauty would be too distracting.” “No,” he said slowly. “It would be boring.” “I—” She broke off with a squeal. “Face painting! I’ve always wanted to try it.” She grabbed his free hand and led him over to the booth. While he didn’t seem enthusiastic, he made no protest. When it was her turn, he watched her with rapt attention as the side of her face was decorated with colorful butterflies, dragonflies, and flowering vines. The design began at the bottom of her jaw and

flowed over her cheek and up across her temple. The artist, a beautiful brunette with a nametag proclaiming her to be Betha, had positioned Veracity in front of a mirror so she could observe the progress. It was a kind gesture that was wasted on Veracity as she had a difficult time tearing her gaze off Dark. He had an intense energy that drew notice even when he wasn’t saying a word. Betha put the finishing touches of light green highlight on a curling vine and stepped back. She gave a nod that spoke of satisfaction. “What do you think?” “Beautiful,” Dark replied before Veracity could. Veracity smiled, her heart warming at his simple response. It felt like he was speaking of more than just the face paint. “Thank you.” She giggled. “Your turn.” One of his arched black brows rose. “No.” Laughing, Veracity didn’t press him on the issue. Betha was an attractive female. Though she hadn’t said anything to Dark, Veracity had seen the artist cast several iring glances in his direction. Clasping his hand again, Veracity led him to the next tent and the next. His stoic facial expression gave nothing away, but the warm sparkle in his usually glacial eyes let her know he was enjoying himself. “You have quite the sweet tooth,” Dark pointed out half an hour later as she popped a piece of bright pink cotton candy in her mouth. She’d tucked the second bag of blue cotton candy under her arm in reserve for later. Her original candy apple was long gone, and she was thinking of picking up another of those as well. “I do,” she itted. “I don’t really cook.” They had kitchen staff for that, and the head chef didn’t like interruptions. “But I’ve studied baking programs, and —” “Veracity!” She halted and then spun toward the owner of that sharp tone.

Effie approached, a stiff, formal smile on her face as her eyes gaze flicked from Veracity to Dark. “Where’s my son? You two were supposed to spend the day together.” She cast a significant glance at Dark, examining him from head to toe. “Is Grovid … unwell?” “Grovid chose to spend the day with a botanist.” “Oh? And why didn’t you go with him?” Her tone was polite, but strained. Because I didn’t want to. Veracity bit back the sarcastic but truthful reder. “This is my niece and nephew’s birthday. It would be unseemly for me to miss this event.” “Unseemly?” Effie huffed out a breath and scowled, all pretense of patience dissolving. “You mean unseemly such as your galivanting about with this young man unchaperoned? I won’t allow you to embarrass my son.” She grasped Veracity’s elbow and began pulling her away. Veracity dropped her second bag of cotton candy. “Come with me. We will discuss your disgraceful behavior with your parents.” Veracity dug in her heels. “No. I’m not leaving. Dark and I weren’t doing anything wrong.” Effie tugged her arm. For an older woman, she was strong, and her grip tightened painfully. “Were we on our own colony instead of this hedonistic planet of barbarians, your shameful behavior would not be permitted.” “Release her,” Dark ordered. He didn’t raise his voice, but his tone was filled with authority. Effie tipped up her chin and peered down her nose at Dark. “You can’t order me around young man. My son is going to be the king of—” “I do not care. Whether that eventually comes to or not, you will not be available to see it if you do not release her arm right now.” His eyes flashed a brilliant metallic silver so that, for the briefest of moments, the pupil was no longer visible. But he wasn’t smiling, so that was something. Veracity figured Effie was safe from any immediate physical harm.

Gasping, Effie released her. “I cannot believe the way you are treating me. Who do you think you are? You’re merely a guest of the royal family. I soon will be family. Veracity, do something.” “I will.” She bent and retrieved her cotton candy. “Dark, let’s go.” “I’m going to talk to your mother about your moral character,” Effie warned. Veracity whipped around. “You’re causing a scene. You want to be in the royal family? Rule number one: we don’t squabble in public.” She stormed off with Dark following obediently in her wake. “Thanks for your help back there.” “You’re welcome. What do you plan to do?” “Tell my parents the truth—that I can’t and won’t marry Grovid. I’d hoped to wait until we returned to C7 to avoid an uncomfortable trip home.” She shrugged. “I guess Effie is going to blow that plan to smithereens.” She could expect a days-long tense journey home. The idea of locking herself in her cabin and refusing to come out was suddenly very appealing. She was a people person and didn’t like being alone. But when the alternative was being with people who were all angry with her, a lonely cabin seemed ideal. Sadness swamped her at the thought of going home, and her shoulders drooped. She’d be leaving Dark behind just when it seemed as if he might be returning her affections. “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered. Opportunities to visit C21 didn’t come often. As she didn’t expect her parents to approve of her decisions, it would be a while before she could convince them to let her return. When he didn’t return the sentiment, remaining silent and staring off into the distance, her spirits dipped even lower. They visited a few more of the tents before she decided to call it a day. Her heart wasn’t in it. “I’ll walk you back to your rooms,” Dark offered. “That’s not necessary.” “It’s necessary. Most of our guests have departed, but there are still a number of

strangers in residence. I would ease my mind to know that you arrived at your rooms safely.” Veracity had barely been paying attention to the crowds. They had indeed thinned as it approached dinner time. The events of the day and too much sugar had ruined her appetite. At her suite, she gave Dark a wan smile. “I enjoyed spending the day with you. I’ll see you at breakfast.” She was startled when he stopped her from closing her door. He stared at the ground before capturing her with his gaze. The molten heat in his silver eyes made her gasp. “Veracity, I… Being with me will never be easy. But if you truly want this, then stay. Don’t go home. Stay with me.” Joy made her heart almost beat out of her chest. “I’ve been saying I want this all along.” He nodded. “But you need to know… I’m not nice. People will always fear me, and I deserve that. They should fear me. I keep myself under tight control because my gifts can be unstable. Feeling too deeply is dangerous for me. And you, for me, you’re dangerous.” He spread his fingers wide on the door . “I’d kill anyone who hurt you. Hell, for even threatening you. Before you make the decision to stay, you should be aware…” He licked his lips and stepped closer, caging her in between his chest and the door. “I’m not some sweet, innocent boy from C7 who will be satisfied with delicate kisses to the back of your hand. I can’t promise that. I’ll try to wait until we can be married if that’s important to you, but I can’t promise that I won’t do something inappropriate. What happened the other day, if that shocked you, that’s nothing compared to what I want to do to you, Veracity.” Her mouth dropped open. She’d never heard him speak so much in such a short span. And the revelations were mind-blowing. “I loved what you did to me. I’d never ask you to stop. If you’re trying to make me change my—” “No. I want you fully informed before you accept me. Because there will be no turning back. No deciding you want to leave me. Once you’re mine, you’re mine forever.”

Those words might have frightened her coming from someone else. Coming from Dark? It was her dream come true. Grinning, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I may have put my foot in my mouth today with some of the things I said, but being with you… I’ve prayed for this for years.” He groaned and his arms dropped around her waist. He pulled her body flush with his. As he leaned toward her, her eyes fluttered closed in anticipation of his kiss. “Veracity Featherstone!” She jumped at her mother’s voice. And then she winced. She recognized that tone. She’d heard it often enough when she was growing up. One glance at her mother’s stony expression confirmed her suspicions. Queen Faith Featherstone of Colony 7 was royally pissed.

Chapter Seven

“You’re dismissed.” Faith made a shooing motion at Dark. Dark glanced at her for direction, and Veracity nodded. This confrontation was inevitable. She’d rather get it over with now instead of continuing to dread it. “I’ll see you at breakfast.” He caressed her cheek. “Dream of me.” She could have melted into a puddle at his touch. “I will.” “Yes, you will.” The certainty with which he said it and his deep voice sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. Veracity actually sighed and slumped against the door as she watched him walk away. Her mother cleared her throat, causing her to snap back to attention. Lips pursed in disapproval, Faith entered Veracity’s room. Sighing, Veracity followed and closed the door behind herself. Faith gave the room a cursory inspection. Veracity was a messy person at heart, but when she’d realized she was creating more work for the cleaning staff, she’d tried to do better. Evidently finding nothing so grievous as to warrant complaint, Faith turned to face her. “Really, Veracity. I’d thought you over your childish crush. Effie came to me in tears. She was practically hysterical. It took me close to an hour to get the story out of her. How she saw you holding hands with Dark. You. A betrothed female. With a single male from this planet of … libertines. Unchaperoned. I thought that she had to be mistaken. I’d hoped this was a situation to be swiftly remedied. I cannot express to you the depths of my disappointment.” That hurt, but Veracity straightened her spine. This was too important for her to allow herself to be guilted into an unwise decision. “I’m sorry that you’re disappointed. I would have discussed this with you. And with Father. Where is he?”

“I told him that I would handle this.” “I would prefer to have this discussion only once.” “Were you thinking of our preferences before you flaunted your affections for a man who was not your intended?” Veracity lifted her chin. “I won’t try to justify my actions to you. I know that I’ve fallen short of your moral standards. But this isn’t really about Dark.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve come to a decision. I can’t marry Grovid.” Her mother’s smooth brow furrowed. “Of course, you can marry him. Since you were five, you’ve been aware of what was expected of you in that regard.” “Be that as it may, I will not marry him.” Faith swayed. “Oh, dear.” She glanced around and then rushed over to the nearest chair, an ornate piece made of carved wood Veracity had placed in front of a window. She dropped into the seat with speed and none of her usual grace. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” “I am.” “Tell me, truthfully, have you let this man take … liberties?” Her cheeks grew hot as she thought of Dark’s kisses. She was definitely not going to allow the conversation to go there. “Mother, this has nothing to do with Dark!” “Then why would you wish to end your engagement to Grovid? He’s intelligent. You can be assured of his moral fiber. His family and ours have been friends for many generations. His father—” “Grovid is a pompous, self-centered ass who only cares about one topic. Each evening we shared dinner with his family, I debated if I should use my fork to stab him or if I should shove it in my ear and thus end my misery.” “Veracity!” “Don’t sound so appalled, Mother. I’ve seen you nodding off during one of his

monologues.” “He’s … ionate about gardening. He’s working for the future of our colony.” “I don’t love him. I don’t even like him.” “You will grow to love him.” Veracity huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Not if I’m in prison for goring him with my fork.” “And Dark is so much better?” Faith’s brows rose. “He’s dangerous. And what can he offer you? A room in your sister’s home? Is he even willing to marry you? I’ve seen his sort before. They’re interested in pleasure. And once he’s ruined you, he’ll move on to his next conquest.” Veracity had to it that hurt because it was a very real worry. What was to make her different from all the other women who had graced Dark’s bed? But he’d spoken to her of marriage. And Dark didn’t lie. “He wants to marry me,” she told her mother confidently. “Even so… Is he capable of fidelity? And that doesn’t answer my other questions. Have you thought of none of this? Don’t let his pretty face blind you to reality.” “I it that for a time, it was all about his looks.” She shrugged. “But I know what type of man he is. He’s loyal and honest and—” “He’s dangerous.” Faith stood, her spine straight. It was what Veracity had always thought of as her mother’s royal pose. She used it whenever she was attempting to intimidate someone. “He will not be welcome on C7, and if you choose to marry him, you will be disowned. You will see how much he loves you when you make it clear to him that he will never be our king.” Veracity bit her lip. She wished she could say that possibility hadn’t occurred to her. Her parents had disowned Whimsy because they hadn’t liked the way her marriage had come about. They’d also thought they were protecting their daughter. She wouldn’t expect them to do any less for her. She could only hope they would forgive her one day as well. “Don’t make me choose.”

“I’d believed that you’d matured in the last few years. I see now that I was mistaken.” Faith paused at the door and expelled a breath. “When he leaves you, know that you will always have a home with us.” Once she was alone, Veracity flung herself across her bed and sobbed. **** Though Dark was an expert at blocking people’s thoughts and emotions, he’d never been able to entirely block Veracity. From the first, her excitement and enthusiasm for life had wormed its way into the bleak landscape of his mind. Currently, he felt her pain and disappointment. Considering Veracity’s determined nature, he’d known the conversation with her mother would not go well. They were both strong-willed women. It was no surprise they should have disagreements. It made him realize he was an incredibly lucky man. Veracity wasn’t some spoiled, delicate princess who would abandon him after the slightest brush with adversity. She would and defend him as he would her. Ever since he’d left her at her room, he’d been wandering the halls. Now, he turned and retraced his steps. He’d like to have a few words with her parents, but he knew that would be pointless. And Veracity needed him. He chose not to materialize behind her as she was already in enough distress. He had to knock on her door twice before she took notice. When she opened the door, she wouldn’t meet his gaze. Instead, she wiped her cheeks and sniffed. Then she gave a weak laugh. “I guess you can tell the conversation with my mother didn’t go well.” He nudged his way into her bedroom and closed the door behind them. He pulled Veracity into his arms, and she melted against him. “Ugh, I must look horrible.” She hid her face in his chest. “In our life together, is your intention that I should never see you cry?” She nodded. “Yes.”

“That’s ridiculous.” He tilted her face up to his. Her big green eyes shone with tears. Her irises were more vibrant than ever. Her nose was a little red and she looked so forlorn that it tore at his heart. He kissed her forehead. “You’re beautiful—as always.” “You’re just being nice.” “You know that’s not true.” “You’re saying that if I looked awful, that you’d tell me the truth?” “I can’t imagine you ever looking awful because no matter what, I’d always be happy to be with you.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. “That’s so sweet. You’re going to make me cry again.” “I’d rather you didn’t.” He brushed a stray curl off her forehead. “Tell me what happened with your mother.” “You don’t already know?” “Privacy.” The one word explained it all, and Veracity nodded in understanding. “I wouldn’t have minded if you’d listened in as it concerned you as well.” She buried her face against his chest once more. He could sense her reluctance to tell him. He stroked his hands down her back, but then stopped as it pressed her curves into him. That proved to be too much of a distraction. He cleared his throat. “You can tell me. It won’t hurt my feelings. I’m aware that I’m not your parents’ favorite person.” He had threatened to destroy their colony in defense of his king. It didn’t make for the best of first impressions. “She said they would disown me. That we would never be welcome on Colony 7.” He didn’t give a damn about visiting Colony 7. It was a manmade colony and the dimensions of it weren’t made for a male of his height. He’d had to duck under doorframes when he’d visited. The air was recycled and stale. There was no dirt.

No real sunshine. Life on a piece of metal floating in space was fine for those raised in such an environment, but it wasn’t for him. But if they’d also banned their daughter? The thought made him shake with anger. “We? Or just me?” “If you’re not welcome, then neither am I.” “I would never ask you to—” She fervently shook her head. “When we marry, we will be a united front.” She huffed. “Besides, my parents will come around. They did with Whimsy. They love me and they mean well. I keep trying to remind myself of that last bit so I won’t be so furious.” She leaned back so their gazes could meet. “She said you were dangerous and that you’d never be our king.” “I am dangerous, and I don’t want to be your king.” “But someone has to be our king.” He shook his head. “Perhaps it’s time for your colony to try something new.” She appeared to mull that over. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. “It’s weird to think of Colony 7 not having a ruler.” “Other colonies have different forms of government. Unless you have a cousin willing to step forward, your parents may be out of options.” Her brows knit together before clearing. “It’s ultimately their decision.” Still, she didn’t look entirely happy. “Did you want to be queen?” “Until recently, I wasn’t expecting it. True was supposed to be king. Then Whimsy was next in line. I hadn’t really thought about whether I wanted to be queen or not. I guess I was just stepping into the position as a matter of duty. I didn’t want to disappoint my parents.” Her hands tightened in the back of his shirt. “Guess I burned that bridge.” Dark cupped her cheeks. “Veracity, I don’t doubt your feelings for me. Nor will I ever question your loyalty, but I must ask once more, are you sure? We’ve barely

begun, and you’re already having to make sacrifices.” This was exactly what he’d feared would happen. He didn’t want loving him to be a burden. “Dark, I—” “No. Don’t say anything just yet. Listen.” He swallowed as a sense of inadequacy swept over him. He’d physically been with many women, but he’d never been in a relationship. He’d never been truly afraid of anything, but the thought of losing Veracity terrified him. If he was going to let her go, it had to be now. Before he became too attached to the idea of her being his. “The only thing I know about love is how Gaedrian worships your sister. I’ll do my best, but I—” She stopped him with a finger to his lips. “There is nothing you can say to change my mind. You’re going to be my first everything. We’ll learn together.” Her faith in them amazed him. The strength of that faith erased the last of his hesitation. He licked the tip of her finger and then nibbled it. She gasped in surprise and then her eyelids drooped. “C-can you tell me more about all the stuff you want to do to me?” she asked, her voice husky. He could see that she was trying to be bold when she wasn’t confident in her sexuality. She was a virgin, after all. Though he appreciated the effort, it was unnecessary. She appealed to him on a deeper level than any woman ever had. He placed a kiss in her palm and then held her hand with both of his. “I would, but it’d be too much temptation.” He couldn’t talk with her about touching her, tasting her, without setting his words to action. Even thinking such thoughts in her presence was risky. His cock was already lengthening in his pants. “I can at least try to wait for marriage. For you.” Hopefully, they would marry quickly. Veracity’s answering grin lit up her face. “You really want to marry me?” “Yes.” He didn’t dare kiss her mouth again until he could have all of her. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her shoulder, her neck, and beneath her jaw. It was too much as her fragrance assailed him. And it wasn’t enough as he craved so much more. Veracity trembled. Groaning, Dark withdrew. “I should leave— while I can still say I was good.”

She gave a moue of disappointment. “I suppose.” He backed away from her. She really was stunning, her skin a warm and inviting caramel. Her intelligence and tenacity combined with a comionate personality only made her more beautiful. “Soon, Veracity,” he promised, fading away rather than using the door again. It was risky being seen anywhere near her bedroom considering her colony’s views on chastity. They’d risked enough for one day. He didn’t hope to win her parents’ approval. He’d seen how incredibly stubborn they could be. But he saw no reason to antagonize them either. He wouldn’t make this situation harder on Veracity. Pitch blackness enclosed him as he materialized in his bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling drapes concealed the windows and none of the sconces burned. He kept his room thusly so he could safely return whenever he needed to retreat. The darkness and the silence helped him to center himself after the chaos of being bombarded by people’s thoughts and feelings. He stripped off his clothes and fell onto his bed. His body had just begun to go lax when suddenly it jerked taut. He bolted upright. Something is wrong. His first thought was that it was a threat to the kingdom, to the king and queen. Breathing harshly, he closed his eyes and opened his mind. It was painful as the thoughts of every living being in the castle slammed into him. He gritted his teeth and resisted the urge to scream. Quickly, before he went insane, he filtered out the benign and the trivial in search of what evil had awakened him. Soon, he found himself zoning in on Effie. He should be surprised. Before today, he’d never seen her be anything but achingly sweet. Really, she was rather boring. She’d portrayed herself as a doting mother and welcoming mother-inlaw. Yes, he should be surprised, but he wasn’t. It was easy to be kind when everything was going your way. Effie sensed her prestigious future was in jeopardy and she was reacting accordingly with claws out. Apparently, all that sweetness and light was hiding an ambitious woman who was expecting her son to become king. It was a gift that had fallen into her lap, and she was unwilling to let it slip from her grasp. In Effie’s case, that meant shaking her son awake and plotting ways to secret him

into Veracity’s bed so the two would be found in a compromising position. Effie’s hope was that Veracity’s parents would force her to marry Grovid. Dark growled. He would not allow that to happen. He didn’t waste time getting dressed. This wouldn’t take long, and no one would see him. He chose his position carefully, lingering in a shadowy corner of Grovid’s room. Effie nudged a robed Grovid toward the door. Grovid peered down at his mother over his shoulder. “Really, Mommy, is this necessary? Suppose she doesn’t let me in?” “You’ll tell her that you’re having second thoughts about the wedding. All you have to do is keep her occupied for ten or fifteen minutes. I’ll send a servant for her parents. When they come, I’ll rap on the door five times. While she’s responding to the knock, you drop your robe and dive into her bed.” “But if she truly doesn’t want to marry me—” “Grovid! Don’t be ridiculous. You are going to be a king!” “But I—” “Enough!” Effie grabbed her son’s forearm and propelled him forward. As her hand closed around the doorknob, Dark made the door disappear with a flick of his fingers. Effie held the knob in her hand. Her mouth dropped open as she stared at it. “What…?” She dropped the hardware and pawed at the wall. “Where did it go?” She pounded the solid space with her fists. “Help me, Grovid.” He stood frozen in shock, his mouth hanging open. He blinked in response to his mother’s plea. “How? The door has gone.” “It has to be somewhere! It was just here! How will we get out?” Her voice rose with each word. Though Dark would have enjoyed watching her devolve into hysteria, he needed to return to his bedroom before they spotted him. He’d put the door back in the morning. Maybe after breakfast… It’d be nice to enjoy a meal without Grovid there discussing soil, manure, and earthworms.

Chapter Eight

Dark woke with a pounding headache. Groaning, he sat up and dropped his face into his palms. With a few muttered words, he erected a binding within himself to wall off a portion of his powers. The ache ebbed enough that he was able to roll out of bed. He crossed to his bathing pool and dove to the bottom. Most of the pools in the castle were heated. He kept his cool. The chill of the water ameliorated the last of tension in his head. He washed quickly. He was anticipating a pleasant breakfast this morning. Well, pleasant enough. Veracity’s parents would be there. While nothing they said or did could hurt him, he worried about Veracity. Squeezing water out of his hair, he climbed out of his pool. He dried off and dressed in all black as usual. It was hard to conceal himself in shadows if he was wearing bright colors. Opening his mind tentatively, he checked on Effie and Grovid and found they were both sleeping. No doubt exhausted from trying to escape his bedroom. A knock sounded at his door. Pulling his wet curls back into a ponytail, he went to answer it. It’s Gaedrian. King Tor is here. He is desperate for your help. Dark slammed a mental door on the voice. It was disconcerting to experience such a slip in his control so soon after the binding. Containing his powers took an iron fist. As he aged and his gifts expanded, the control he had to exert to restrain it grew exponentially. Perhaps he needed to strengthen the binding spell again… “Gaedrian,” he said in acknowledgment of his friend. “Where is he?” Gaedrian nodded at him. “Follow me.” Dark shook his head at this waste of time. Gaedrian could have summoned him, and he would have appeared in an instant. But Gaedrian thought to spare King Tor the spectacle. Dark could have told him not to bother. His popping into the

room out of thin air wouldn’t have made Tor any more afraid of him than he already was. He followed Gaedrian to the same informal sitting room where he had met King Tor and his daughter a little over three years ago. As before, Tor stood when he entered. With him were a young man and a middle-aged woman. Both had the pale white-blonde hair common among the nobility on their planet. They came to their feet to stand beside their king. The young man bounced a baby in his arms. “Prince Raven, thank you for taking an audience with us.” Dark didn’t bother to point out they had sought him out. If asked to come to them, he couldn’t say that he would have agreed to a meeting. “This is my wife, Celesta, and my son-in-law, Bolt,” Tor continued. “And, of course, this is baby Torr, Lilia and Bolt’s son.” The king ran a finger over the babe’s plump pink cheek. Dark nodded in acknowledgment. They all sat, and silence reigned. He supposed they expected him to exchange pleasantries. That wasn’t his way. They came to ask a favor, and he’d prefer they get on with it. Finally, Gaedrian took pity on them and said, “I trust your trip was uneventful.” “Why, yes.” Tor nodded. His gaze swung to Dark and then skittered away. Celesta glanced up at her husband. Her hand shook as she placed it on her husband’s arm and squeezed. Bolt kept his head down, but his clenched jaw showed his tension. Tor cleared his throat. “We’re here to plead for your help. My Lilia…” His voice broke. “She’s been taken,” Bolt said in a hard voice. “We need your help to get her back.” Dark arched an eyebrow. “Light Sphere has an army. Why do you need me?” “Her kidnappers specifically requested that you be the one to deliver the ransom.” A second eyebrow rose to the first. This was an interesting surprise. It was

obviously a trap. But what did the kidnappers hope to gain? He wasn’t a pauper, but he was by no means a valuable commodity. Only Gaedrian would pay for his return. However, crossing a king as powerful and ruthless as Gaedrian was foolhardy. And most wouldn’t suspect their close relationship. They would assume he was only a member of Gaedrian’s army. He didn’t even have a ranking because he had come to Colony 21 for training. He wasn’t supposed to stay. If he’d married Lilia as intended, he would have been Tor’s successor. “While you have my sympathies over your situation, you have to it that Dark owes you no favors,” Gaedrian pointed out. King Tor colored in embarrassment. “Taking our history into consideration, I realize you have no reason to help us. I beg you. I will give you whatever you want. She is my only child.” Trap or no, Tor’s distress was genuine. Dark could feel the pain wafting off him. Their families had once been allies. Dark thought of Veracity. She would want him to do this. There was no risk to him. He didn’t want to leave her, but she would be here when he returned. “I’ll do it.” Tor and Celesta made strangled sounds of joy. Bolt still appeared angry, no doubt irritated another man would be responsible for his wife’s freedom. Tor’s eyes filled with tears. “Like I said, you can have anything you want. This will be dangerous. I wouldn’t ask you to risk your life and not offer—” “There is no risk to my life. I said I’ll do it. You don’t have to pay me. But I can’t guarantee her safe return. Do you have any proof they haven’t already killed her?” “What do you mean?” Bolt gritted out. “You’re from Dark Sphere. Everyone knows the things you can do. We’ve heard tales of your battles. You facing outstanding odds and being the only one to come out alive. And now you tell us you can’t get one woman home safely?” “Bolt, please,” Tor hissed. “He is offering his assistance. He doesn’t have to do that.” “But—”

“Enough!” Tor roared, clearly pushed to his breaking point over the loss of his child. He drew a deep breath. “We must leave immediately. We have room for you on board if you would travel with us.” **** Veracity sat at the vanity in her en suite bathroom. Steam filled the room. Instead of a bathing pool in her bedroom, she had a tub. The pools were beautiful, but she preferred the tub. She worried that she would drop something in the pool. Or accidentally fall in. Whimsy’s bedroom featured the largest one in the castle. Veracity had asked her how the water stayed warm. Though her sister had explained, Veracity still wasn’t sure how it worked. Using the side of her hand, she swiped condensation off the mirror and peered at her reflection. Her thick hair was piled in a bun on top of her head. She studied her face and decided she looked decent. A bit puffy from her crying jag, but not too bad. She dreaded seeing her parents at the breakfast table. There would be a lecture. They would try to sway everyone to their side to pressure her to bend to their will. Unfortunately for her parents, she could be especially stubborn when she put her mind to it. A shiver skated up her spine and her scalp tingled. When she glanced into the mirror, she wasn’t surprised to see the reflection of a dark shadow behind her. The nebulous shape swiftly took form. A wide grin curled her lips, and she swirled around to greet him. She skipped over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek, his jaw, his chin. It was difficult to stop, but she withdrew after one last kiss. He smelled delicious. “Good morning.” “Morning, beautiful.” His silver gaze flickered over her face hungrily. Flexing his fingers at her waist, he said, “I’m going on a trip.” “Where?” “I’m needed. Lilia, the daughter of King Tor of Light Sphere has been kidnapped. The kidnappers requested that I be the one to bring the ransom.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why? Why you?” He shrugged. “Perhaps it’s someone who is unaware that she ended our betrothal.” She rested her forehead on his chest. “I don’t like it. It sounds dangerous. Suppose it’s a trap?” He kissed the top of her head. “They can’t hurt me. I’ll be fine.” “Something could always go wrong.” She didn’t trust this situation at all. She’d never met King Tor or Lilia, but she knew they had no honor. She’d been thrilled when Lilia had broken their engagement, but she’d also believed the woman to be a fool to do so. Dark was the most wonderful man in the world. What woman couldn’t see that? “How do you know she’s even been kidnapped? Did they offer you proof?” “The king came here to ask me himself. He wasn’t lying. He’s frightened.” “When do you leave?” “Today.” “How many men are you taking with you?” He was silent for so long that she leaned back so that she could see his face. “How many?” He sighed. “I don’t need anyone. I’m going on my own.” “Into enemy territory?” she all but shrieked. “They’re not my enemy, Veracity. For centuries, our two planets have intermarried. We’re distantly related.” She scoffed. There was no familial love between Dark and the ruling family of Light Sphere. If there had been, then why hadn’t Dark’s father sent him to King Tor instead of King Gaedrian? “I don’t like it,” she repeated. “I’m doing this for you.”

“How is this for me?” “You deserve me to be a better man. I don’t give a damn about Lilia. But I looked at her baby, and I knew you’d want me to help her.” “She has a baby?” Dark nodded. “A boy named Torr. He appeared to be about six months old.” Veracity nodded in understanding. Though he claimed to be doing this for her, and maybe he even believed that, he was really doing it for baby Torr. Dark had experienced the loss of both his parents. He was trying to spare Torr the same pain. She had to it the mention of a baby moved her as well. She cupped his jaw. “You never have to prove anything to me. You’re a good man. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you this before you’ll believe it. But I’ll do it every day if you need me to.” His broad palm wrapped around the nape of her neck and his gaze dropped to her lips. “I want to kiss you, but I won’t be able to stop myself from fucking you on this bathroom floor.” Her breath caught in her throat, and a clenching began low in her abdomen. “I wouldn’t object to that.” He shook his head. “No time.” He curled one arm around her waist until their bodies pressed together. She moaned and rubbed her belly against the heated bar of his erection. “When I take you, I’m going to taste you, touch you, everywhere. And when I’m between your thighs…” He groaned and his hips jerked. Heart pounding, Veracity gripped the sleeves of his shirt. “Please, Dark.” “No, but I can’t. I have to…” He brushed his lips over hers in the lightest of touches. She was aware of the warmth of his breath more than the pressure of his kiss. He trailed his teeth over her chin, down the column of her neck, across her collarbones. The distinct sharp points of his incisors made her breathless with excitement. From there, he moved to her nape where he nipped her flesh. She cried out and shivered. He soothed the bite with a quick of his tongue.

His palm curved over her bottom before he groaned and stepped back. “I should go while I can.” “Dark…” Her limbs were heavy and her brain wasn’t functioning at full speed. Her brain, heart, and body were in full agreement—they all wanted to know why she wasn’t still in his arms. The man was a tease! “Yes?” He was already fading away. She shook off the sensual fog. “Be safe.” “Always. Wait for me, Veracity.” “Always.” And then he was gone. She remained where he’d left her for a full minute, scowling at nothing in particular. The more she thought about this situation, the less she liked it. Dark was going alone. Who would help him if something went wrong? She didn’t trust King Tor or Lilia to keep him safe. She pursed her lips. She would have to do it. She couldn’t just sit here and twiddle her thumbs. She’d be a nervous wreck until he returned. She’d have to sneak onto a foreign ship and evade detection until they were far enough into space that they wouldn’t simply turn around and bring her back. She hadn’t done anything so … reckless or adventurous in years. While that should have given her pause, it actually sent a thrill of exhilaration through her body. If she was going to do this, she needed to get moving. She dressed in record time. Black turtleneck and black leggings. She felt like a spy. She didn’t have long to ire her svelte—well, as close to svelte as she was ever going to get— image. She needed to pack. She grabbed her smallest traveling case and emptied it onto the bed. It was full of hair supplies, body oils, and lotions. She tossed one lotion and a few essential hair items back inside. Then she began looting her other luggage for more outfits similar to the one she was currently wearing. She knew next to nothing about Light Sphere, so she wasn’t sure what type of weather to anticipate. Did she need a coat? Deciding it would take up too much space, she packed a couple of thick, long-sleeved shirts and other thin ones. She could layer them if she needed.

Some of her favorite toiletries rested on the bathroom vanity. She stretched out the hem of her shirt. Using one sweeping motion of her arm, she swept the contents of the countertop into her makeshift bag. Upon reentering the bedroom, she came to an abrupt halt. Her mother stood next to the bed, staring down into her case. “I’m glad that you’ve come to your senses,” Faith said. “Mother, what are you doing here?” Veracity dumped her burden onto the bed and sorted out the most important items, like her favorite hairbrush. “I came to talk to you before breakfast, but since you’re packing, it gives me hope. I’d feared we’d have difficulty getting you to return home.” Veracity didn’t bother to correct her mother’s misconception about why she was packing. Her mother would only interfere if she knew the truth. “It was my understanding that I wasn’t welcome on Colony 7,” she snipped. “Don’t sass me, Veracity,” her mother rebuked. “I’m sorry, but that’s basically the essence of what you told me last night.” “I never said you would be unwelcome.” Veracity propped her hands on her hips. “And if I told you that you were welcome in my home, but that you couldn’t bring your husband, would you visit?” “Veracity, be reasonable.” Frustration had her temper simmering. This conversation was pointless. They were both too stubborn to change their minds. Without her father to intercede, they were locked in a stalemate, and she didn’t have the time to waste. She wasn’t sure when the Light Sphere ship would leave. She wasn’t worried about sneaking aboard or hiding once she got there. In her somewhat misspent youth, she’d done plenty of skulking about where she wasn’t supposed to be. But if she missed that ship, she’d be sunk. “I absolutely refuse to marry Grovid. I will not even consider it. As I see it, we might as well save this conversation.”

Faith’s eyes narrowed. After a beat of silence, she sighed. “Very well. But we will also discuss it on the way home.” She nodded. “Fine.” She wouldn’t be returning home with her parents, but currently, lying was the least of her concerns. Faith watched her for another moment before finally heading for the door. “I’ll see you at the breakfast table. And, please, change into something suitable. You look as if you’re prepared for some sort of exercise.” “Yes, Mother,” Veracity replied meekly. The second she was alone, she resumed her frenzied packing.

Chapter Nine

Reluctantly, Dark agreed to travel with King Tor. Though he would have preferred to have his own transportation, Tor’s vessel was already stocked and fueled. Dark packed light. He didn’t anticipate staying on Light Sphere any longer than necessary. It was fortunate as the cabin they allocated for him barely accommodated his bed. The attached bathroom barely qualified as a closet. After settling into his quarters, he met the others in the cafeteria as they’d agreed. It was the only area on the ship large enough to hold all of them at once. Dark surmised that Tor had chosen this smaller ship for expediency. As he was still learning the floorplan, he was the last to arrive. He chose not to simply materialize in mixed company. If Tor’s guards reacted aggressively, it would lead to a mass of injuries. Theirs, not his. Tor and his family sat at an oval table on a dais slightly raised above the other tables in the room. There were a few guards eating at a smaller square table a few feet away. Dark ed the family. He was so accustomed to rooms growing quiet upon his entry that he barely noticed the silence that fell over the table once he took his seat. As soon as servers placed their meals before them, Bolt stood with his son in his arms. The toddler jolted at the sudden motion, but his eyelids soon drifted closed. “I must put Torr down for his nap. I’ll return momentarily.” He cast a glare at Dark as he stormed off. Tor cleared his throat. “You must forgive Bolt. He’s beside himself with worry.” Dark nodded, though that was a poor excuse for Bolt’s behavior. Shouldn’t he be grateful rather than resentful and angry? Tor and Celesta exchanged glances. She covered his hand and gave it a squeeze. Tor inhaled. “Perhaps we should discuss the plan.” “Yes,” Dark said only because Tor clearly seemed to need a verbal response

from him. His silence seemed to be making the leader uneasy. “We were able to negotiate for extra time to retrieve you.” “How did the kidnappers you?” “They sent me a message with a link to a video informing me of the kidnapping. The kidnapper was wearing a mask and, and holding a knife to Lilia’s throat. She s-said that they hadn’t hurt her, b-but…” Tor’s eyes grew watery. It had only been a few years since Dark had last seen the king, but he appeared to have aged a decade in that short span. Celesta clasped her husband’s hand to her bosom. “I saw the video as well. She appeared unharmed physically, but she was terrified and crying. They’re holding her in a dark room. The first link didn’t offer information or anything, and it disappeared after an hour. The message, everything. It’s as if it selfdestructed. The next day, we received the ransom demand. It was hand-delivered by a child to guard at the castle gates. He ran off before the guard even realized what the boy had given him.” Dark glanced up as Bolt resumed his seat. “You keep saying ‘they.’ How do you know it’s more than one person?” “Do you think Lilia would allow just one man to drag her away from her husband and her child?” Bolt asked bitterly. “If she were overpowered, yes.” Dark shrugged. “You said you negotiated for more time. Did they give you information?” Celesta shook her head. “No. The demand only asked for money. One of the kidnappers ed us in a live message an hour later. We weren’t prepared so we were unable to trace it and find their location.” Dark hummed. “How much did they ask for?” Tor, having regained his composure, answered. “A chest full of gold and jewels. He gave me dimensions for the chest. He was very brisk and refused to repeat himself, so we didn’t have time for anything. He became irate when we tried to ask questions. Then he snapped at us to write down his demands and threatened to keep Lilia if we were off by so much as an inch on the box. But he did

understand that we’d have to send for you.” This was definitely a trap of some sort for him. He couldn’t fathom the kidnapper’s or kidnappers’ purpose. He had nothing of value worth the risk involved in kidnapping a princess. There was a curious wriggling in his gut. He tried to keep his emotions as a blank slate or at least on an even keel. The binding spell that he used in the mornings not only bound his powers, but it also muted his feelings. He was a bottomless, empty void. Or at least, he used to be. If he didn’t know better, he’d think what he was experiencing was anticipation. “And were there further instructions about when and where the exchange is to take place?” “We were given a week to retrieve you. If it took us longer, then…” He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you for coming with us so quickly. We didn’t know if you—” “Can you do it?” Bolt interjected. “Can you bring my wife home to me?” He’d given up any pretense at eating. His hands were fisted on the table. “I will do my best.” Bolt made a sound of disgust. “Why were you chosen for this task?” “You would have to ask her abductors.” “I’m asking you.” This was more than just concern for his wife. He’s jealous, Dark realized. Bolt wanted to be the hero, to be the one to have the prestige of bringing his wife home. He was angry, resentful, and suspicious because Dark had been Lilia’s intended. “Bolt, there was never anything between me and your wife. Three years ago, she came to sever our betrothal agreement. For you.” “And are you going to tell me you didn’t want her? That it didn’t break your heart to have that angel torn from you?” It was true that Lilia was lovely, but Dark didn’t want her. He had no romantic

feelings for her and he never had. Lilia may resemble an angel, but Dark found he was more moved by caramel goddesses with glowing green eyes. He shrugged. Bolt shoved back from the table so hard that his chair toppled. “Damn you, show some fucking emotion. My wife is in danger, and I need to know you understand that.” He rounded the table until he stood over Dark. Before anyone could react, Bolt pulled his arm back and aimed a punch to Dark’s face. Dark’s reaction was automatic. His defense shield went up. Bolt bounced back and hit the floor. About the same time, King Tor shouted his son-in-law’s name. Security guards stepped forward, prepared to intervene. Though who they intended to aid was unclear perhaps even to them. Dark forced his shield to subside. He moved to help Bolt to his feet. “Trust me, you don’t want to see emotion from me.” Cradling the fist he’d attempted to hit Dark with, Bolt ignored Dark’s offer of assistance. Instead, he rolled to the side and used the table to hoist himself up. The guards shifted from foot to foot, unsure of what to do until Tor ordered them to go back to their original positions. “Your Majesty, I should go with him to make the exchange,” Bolt insisted. Dark had had just about enough of this nonsense. “Only if you have a death wish.” “My lord, you have to see that he doesn’t care about her. If I go, I will bring her back.” “Bolt, have you forgotten the warning?” Tor asked. “They want him and him alone. They will kill her if anyone else comes along. Is your ego so large that you would risk her life?” Finally, the other man acquiesced. “So, help me, freak, if you don’t bring my wife back, I’ll kill you.” Dark couldn’t stop his lips from curling. “You’re welcome to try.” “Oh, you think that’s amusing?”

“Not particularly.” Bolt shook his head. “To think that you could have been married to my sweet angel. You’re a monster. It must kill you to know that you lost her.” Dark shrugged. “As I stated, there was nothing between us.” “Then why are you doing this? Why did you agree to this—risking your life for a woman you claim not to love? You’re a fucking liar!” “I don’t lie. People lie when they don’t want to hurt your feelings or they’re afraid of the consequences of telling the truth. I don’t give a fuck about your feelings and I’m not afraid of you.” Bolt’s hands clenched at his side and he made a step forward. “You—” Dark could feel a full-fledged grin stretching his lips, displaying his fangs. The sight was enough to stop Bolt in his tracks. “Are you really going to try to hit me again?” “Bolt, please,” Celesta whispered, her voice shaking with fear. “You’re a monster,” Bolt spat. Dark closed the distance between them and stared down at the other male. “And you have a limited vocabulary. A wise man would stop fucking with me.” Their tense standoff was broken by a commotion in the hallway. Dark turned as two guards entered. One of them had a struggling woman dressed all in black flung over his shoulder. “We found a stowaway, Your Majesty,” said the other guard. The one holding the woman was too occupied with keeping her in place. Despite his struggles, he grinned. “Can I have her, Your Majesty? I found her. She needs to drop a few pounds, but if I starve her for a week or two—” “You jerk!” the woman gasped. Recognizing her voice was like a kick to the gut. “Veracity?” What was she

doing here? The guard jostled her so that she bounced on his shoulder and her breath whooshed out of her. Dark growled. “She’s mine. Put her the fuck down. Now!” “I saw her first.” Dark, already poised for violence after his confrontation with Bolt, held his hands out to the side of his body. With a flick of his fingers, power flowed into them. “And I’ll be the last thing you see.” The guard practically threw her onto the floor. Dark stepped forward and caught her before she made with the metal flooring. He glared at the guard for a second, but quickly turned his attention to Veracity. “Did they hurt you?” She wet her lips. “No, I’m—” “We’re on a Light Sphere ship,” Bolt said. “And according to our laws, it could be argued that Andor has first claim to her.” “Over his dead body,” Dark said with a growl. Andor stepped back. “I relinquish all claim.” “Bolt, stop stirring up trouble,” King Tor said. “I’ve had just about enough.” Bolt shrugged and held his hands up. “I’m just stating the truth. And it will come up again when we land.” His blue gaze flicked over Veracity. “Many will want to claim her as she’s so different from our women.” Veracity shifted behind him. Her fingers curled into his shirt as if she feared being torn from his side. Fury burned so brightly inside him that it was a wonder Bolt did not spontaneously combust. “Not if they want to continue living.” Bolt let out a sigh. “You can’t defeat an entire planet’s worth of men.” “Watch me. I’ve done it before.” “Oh, shit,” a guard behind him whispered. “Enough!” Tor thundered. “Bolt, leave us. Now.”

Muttering, Bolt left the room. The tension eased immediately with his absence. Tor let out a breath. “Now, care to explain how you came to be on our ship young lady?” Veracity moved out from behind Dark. Darting a glance up at him before she directed her attention toward Tor, she bit her lip. “I sort of snuck aboard.” “Whyever would you do such a thing?” “I needed to be here in case Dark needs me.” “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Dark mumbled. He couldn’t believe that she’d done this. But then again, he could. This was such a Veracity thing to do. No matter how often he told her that he didn’t require protection, she was determined to act as his protector. Tor gave her an indulgent smile. “You are very brave.” “Thank you.” “Unfortunately, your bravery has put you in a precarious situation. Though Bolt was being antagonistic, he was also truthful. Without a guardian or a spouse, you will be available for any man to claim.” “She’s a princess,” Dark informed him. “She’s heir to the throne of C7.” “That will only make her more popular,” Tor replied. “If men find out they could be ruler of their own colony by claiming her—” Veracity shook her head. “My father would disown me and they’d never become ruler.” Celesta cast her a sympathetic glance. “They’d still want the bragging rights of claiming a princess.” She looked up at her husband. “Can we turn back?” “No. We’re cutting it close as it is. There is another option…” His gaze darted between the two of them. “If you’re willing.” His hesitancy caused Dark to tense. “What is it?”

Tor grinned. “Why, I could marry the two of you, of course.”

Chapter Ten

I’m married to Dark! Married! Veracity resisted the urge to skip to his—no, their cabin. She managed to hold on to her composure. One thing kept her from expressing her joy. She still didn’t know how Dark felt about their impromptu wedding. He was back to being his usual stoic self. His display of anger earlier on her behalf had been surprising. And all kinds of hot. Sure, he’d threatened to exterminate half a planet for her, but that was just in the heat of the moment. Well, at least she believed that was all it was. Dark opened the door to their cabin and allowed her to enter first. She almost fell onto the bed as it was only a few steps into the space. “My bathroom is in Gaedrian’s castle is bigger than this. My closet, too,” she said, inching her way around the side of the bed. If she stood sideways, there was only enough room for one person. There was a small cabinet on each side of the bed and a door to the right that she guessed led to a bathroom. She touched the mattress and grimaced. It was thin and very firm. “I’m not sure if this is much of an improvement over the storage room where I was hiding.” She studied the four walls. “Veracity?” She smiled. “Of course, you’re here. So, that’s great.” “Veracity?” “I’m sorry. I know, I’m rambling. It’s…” She raised her hands and let them drop. “I don’t know what you’re thinking. Are you angry? You mentioned marriage, but that doesn’t mean you—” “Veracity, take off your clothes.” He reached behind him, tugged his shirt over his head, and dropped it onto the floor. All the air rushed out of her lungs. “Oh … my…” She’d never seen anything so perfect. Broad shoulders narrowed down to a lean waist. He wasn’t bulky, but he

was all hard muscle. His abs were perfection. She wanted to lick the thin trail of hair that disappeared beneath the waistband of his pants. Pants he was currently unbuttoning. Long fingers hovered over his zipper. “Veracity, if you don’t want this—” She whipped her top over her head so fast that it snagged on her bun and she had to fight her way out. Once she was free, she tossed it aside in frustration. She shoved her pants down and kicked them aside. Stripped down to her bra and panties, her confidence deserted her. She might be bold and impetuous, but this was foreign territory. Dark seemed to understand. He combed his fingers through his hair and jerked his head toward the bed. “Get on.” She did as he asked, climbing on and scooting toward the head of the bed until her back rested against the pillows. His silver eyes locked onto her face, Dark climbed on from the end. His fingers curled around her ankle seconds before he snatched her down so that she lay beneath him. She didn’t know what to do with her hands. They fluttered around her chest for a moment before she decided that she needed to touch him. She ran her hands up and down his back, enjoying the warmth and texture of his skin. “I never believed this would happen,” he murmured, watching her as though he still couldn’t believe she was here with him. “I’d hoped.” Even when it hadn’t been wise, she had. She’d tried talking herself out of her feelings for him because common sense told her she should. They’d both been betrothed to someone else. Hovering over her, his brow furrowed. “I’m worried.” “About what?” She threaded her fingers into his curls. “Rescuing Lilia? Since we know it’s probably a trap—” “No.” He touched a finger to the tip of her nose. “You’re so beautiful, and so brave, and damned impetuous.” “This is my last act of impetuosity. I promise,” she said quickly. Her mother used

to constantly onish her, telling her no man desired a hoydenish wife. “That’s not why I’m worried either. I will always protect you.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “The only thing I can’t protect you from is me. Not now. Now that you’re mine.” “You’re talking about … sex?” At his brief nod, she continued, “I’ve been educated about what happens. There will be some pain this once.” He gave her a quick kiss. “If I do something you don’t like, or if I’m moving too fast, stop me.” Staring at his mouth, she murmured, “I can’t imagine you doing anything to me that I wouldn’t like.” His lips were full and plump. She couldn’t look at him without wanting to lick and bite them. “Good.” He buried his face in her neck. He nipped her earlobe. “That’s very good,” he whispered, his warm breath wafting over her neck and sending a shiver down her spine. “Because I want to touch you, kiss you everywhere.” That sounded very good to her. He bit her, holding her flesh between his teeth as if she might try to escape. He unfastened the front closure of her bra and pushed aside the cups. “Fuck,” he muttered, squeezing her breast, his thumb flicking the firm nipple. Veracity cried out and arched into his hand. She’d never felt anything like that. Electricity zipped from her nipple to between her thighs. “So beautiful, Veracity.” He kissed her forehead then trailed those luscious lips down the bridge of her nose. “Kiss me,” she implored. He stared down at her. “Do you what happened before when we kissed?” She nodded eagerly. “Of course. It was wonderful.” “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He brushed his mouth over hers. He nipped at her bottom lip and pinched her nipple at the same time. “This will be different. I won’t stop. I’m going to test your sex education.” She frowned. “You’re going to quiz me?”

“No.” He painted the seam of her lips with the tip of his tongue. “I do wonder what they taught you, my sweet Veracity. Did they tell you that your kisses are like a drug I don’t want to quit? That one taste of your honeyed pussy will drive me insane with lust? That once I’m inside your tight, little cunt I’ll fuck you through the night?” She gasped. “Have I shocked you, Veracity?” “Y-yes.” His silver gaze burned into her. “Still want me?” “Yes.” She was mildly trepidatious, but she wasn’t saying no. Dark was her husband and she was certain she would love being with him. Even if what he’d described had sounded more carnal than her lessons had led her to believe. “That’s my brave Veracity.” His mouth crashed down on hers. When his tongue touched hers, she jolted from the strong pulse of lust that surged through her veins. She clung to his shoulders and strained to get closer. Dark deepened the kiss, giving her what she was begging for without words. The hand on her breast plucked at her nipple. She rubbed her thighs together to find some relief from the aching need in her core. Ever in tune with her, he slid his hand down between her legs and cupped her mound. But he only held her. It was just enough to take the edge off, but keep her longing for more. Her panties were soaked in seconds. His kisses seemed to last forever. When he pulled away, his lips were puffy and reddened. She found the look sexy and was already lifting for more kisses when he buried his face in her neck. He trailed his mouth down to her collarbone, his fangs raking her sensitive skin. He licked the indention in the center before shifting lower. He kissed the inner curves of her breasts before he latched on to one of her nipples. Veracity cried out in surprise at the heat and the overwhelming pleasure. His hands had nothing on the hot pull of his mouth. He moved from breast to breast, always keeping the other satisfied with his fingers. “Dark, please…” She didn’t know what she wanted him to do, but she needed more.

He sat up abruptly. Gripping the sides of her panties, he yanked them down and off. Then he shoved her legs apart and moved between them. He ran his hands up the insides of her thighs. “I couldn’t risk doing this before,” he said, wetting his lips. “I knew if I had the taste of you on my lips, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from fucking you.” Before she could question what “this” was, he was cupping her bottom and tilting her hips up. He turned his head and bit her just below her knee. He kissed and licked his way to her center. He parted her pussy with his fingers, licked her from bottom to top, groaning like he’d just sampled the finest dessert. “Oh!” She gasped. Her lessons didn’t mention this! She hadn’t been shocked when he brought her to pleasure with his fingers. She might be a virgin, but she’d touched herself before. But this? It was as surprising as it was pleasurable. Dark wiggled his tongue around, finding her most sensitive spots. She filled her hands with his raven curls, at times tugging him closer. Then attempting to push him away when the pleasure became too overwhelming. Not that he allowed it. “Mine,” he growled, as he held her tighter and redoubled his efforts. When she submitted to his mastery of her pussy, he loosened his hold on her hips. His hands cruised back up her torso. He palmed her breasts, gently molding them, and learning their shape. All the while, he laved her clit with long swipes of his tongue. Suddenly, he pinched her nipples. At the same instant, he latched on to her clit and gave it a firm suck. Veracity screamed as her pussy convulsed. The sensation went on and on as Dark continued to work her with his mouth and fingers. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she tugged on his curls. “Please…” Her limbs felt like limp noodles. After sliding his tongue into her opening and swirling it around a few times, he finally sat up. As she watched, he ran his tongue around his wet lips, seeming to savor the last of her flavor. Dark rolled off the bed, and momentarily, she worried he was done. That he’d changed his mind about consummating the marriage. But then she realized he was still wearing his pants. He seemed cautious, as if he thought she might balk and run away. She opened her mouth to tell him she’d seen photos and sketches of an aroused penis. Her tutors had believed it best that she be knowledgeable

about its appearance so she wouldn’t be frightened or appalled and thus say something stupid. Or run away. And then Dark pushed his tros and his underwear onto the floor. He straightened to his full height. He didn’t move, giving her ample opportunity to examine him. She was, quite frankly, speechless. Any thoughts she had scattered as if they’d never existed. She mumbled a few incoherent words, and her thighs began to close out of self-preservation. Dark wrapped his fingers around his shaft and bit his lower lip. “I won’t hurt you, Veracity.” She pointed at him. “I excel at measurements, and that is well above the average length I was told to expect.” He glanced down at himself and then back to her. “I don’t even know what to say to that.” He crawled back onto the bed and situated himself between her legs. “I promise you to be careful. We’ll take this as slowly as you need.” He reached down between them and guided his cock to her wet folds. As he rubbed the thick crown up and down, she gasped and wiggled beneath him. She ired the play of muscles in his shoulders and arms as he held himself up with one hand. She wanted to explore his body more, but she realized that wouldn’t happen this time. Dark was already positioning himself at her opening and pushing forward. Her mouth dropped open as he stretched her. Dark’s eyes locked with hers as he thrust forward, withdrew, and then pushed forward again. He slid deeper with each movement. “Wider,” he grunted after some minutes had ed. He grabbed one of her thighs and pushed it out to the side. “Fuck, you’re tight.” He ground his teeth together. “Tell me to slow down,” he ordered. Veracity was too overwhelmed for words. She shook her head. She didn’t want him to slow down. He was moving slowly enough as it was. She tilted her hips to better receive him and then moaned as he slid deeper. “Am I hurting you?”

When she didn’t answer, he began to withdraw. “No!” She dug her nails into his biceps and wrapped her legs around his waist. “It hurts a bit,” she itted. There was no point in lying to him. He could read her mind if he needed to do so. “But I need it. Don’t stop.” Groaning, Dark slammed home. Veracity bit her lip to hold in a scream. Dark’s eyes rolled to the back of his head. He ground their hips together before suddenly freezing. “You make me forget myself.” He buried his face in her neck. “Tell me when I can move.” He began kissing and nibbling, finding an especially sensitive spot that had her pussy clenching around his cock. Dark growled. “I’m trying so hard to be gentle with you.” “I’m fine,” she assured him. There had been an initial twinge, but fortunately, no real pain. She appreciated his concern for her, but she was dying to know what would happen next. In an attempt to find out, she arched her hips to his. He slid deeper, eliciting moans from both of them. He propped himself up on his elbows and kissed her. Slanting his face to the side, his tongue touched hers just as he began to thrust. He rolled his hips in a slow rhythm that made her desperate. It kept her on edge, on the verge of pleading. She whimpered and sucked his tongue. That seemed to tip him over the edge, snapping whatever control he had over himself. Growling, Dark deepened the kiss and thrust harder. He slid an arm beneath her and cupped her buttocks. She gasped into his mouth as the head of his cock dragged over an area that made her legs jerk. She tore her lips from his and sucked in a lungful of air. “Dark!” His eyes practically glowed as he watched her. “Feels good?” She nodded. “Y-yes.” “Fuck, yes, it does.” He caught her bottom lip with his teeth, giving it a tug before releasing it. “Are you going to come on my cock?” He’d never spoken to her this way. Shocking though she may have found it, it was also exciting. And she could deny him nothing. “Yes.” She wrapped her

arms around his shoulders and arched up into his next thrust. With jerky movements, he reached down and propped her knees over his forearms so that she was virtually folded in half. She cried out as he began to ride her hard. His movements propelled them up the mattress. He buried his face in her neck. His rough pants and guttural grunts of pleasure heightened her arousal. She couldn’t really participate in their current position. She could only accept his thrusts. A ball of ecstasy pulsed and grew low in her belly. And then it exploded, racing like electricity through her limbs and over her skin. Her face flushed, her nipples tightened, and her scalp tingled. Hell, even her fingers tingled. Her mouth dropped open, but no sound emerged as her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She trembled uncontrollably in the throes of her orgasm. Dark groaned and ground his hips into hers. “You feel so good coming on me so hard. Wanted it to last longer, but your tight pussy is going to suck the cum out of me, isn’t it?” He lost his steady rhythm, his hips jerking as his cock grew harder and thicker. “You want my cum, don’t you, wife?” She couldn’t find the breath to answer. She hadn’t come down from the last orgasm, and he was pushing her toward another. And then he was coming. He groaned and shook. His hips pounded into hers as if he had no control over them. His hot seed filled her. It was so much that it flowed down between them. The feel of him swelling and throbbing inside of her pushed her over the edge again. She convulsed beneath him as he rode her like a wild man. Finally, he grew taut. He held himself deep inside of her. Then he rolled onto his back, his chest heaving up and down with his labored breathing. He squeezed his eyes closed and scrubbed his hands over his face. Long moments of silence ed, and she was beginning to feel self-conscious about her nudity. She couldn’t pull up the covers because they were lying on them. “I’m so sorry, Veracity,” Dark said quietly. Her gut seized. Was he regretting their marriage already? “Why?” He dropped his hands and turned his head to face her. His silver eyes were filled with remorse. “I was too rough with you. You’re a virgin, and I fu—” He cleared his throat. “I was too rough with you,” he repeated. “I let my mouth run away

with me. You should have slapped me for the way that I spoke to you. I’m so sorry. If you’ll forgive me, I promise it will never happen again.” “That would be a shame. Because I loved it. I loved the way you talked to me, the way you touched me. It made me feel like a desirable woman.” “You are a desirable woman.” She smiled. “And I really liked it when you called me your wife.” He studied her as if he were trying to assure himself he really hadn’t injured her in any way. He nodded and pulled her onto his chest. She couldn’t help but ask, “And … I was … good? You’ve been with many women, and I—” In an instant, he flipped them so she was staring up at him. “Don’t compare yourself to them. I’ve never shared with anyone what I just shared with you. That was merely physical. It was a distraction, a release to force me to relax and keep me sane. It stopped all the voices when I didn’t have the ability to control it well.” He cupped her cheeks. “With you … there’s a connection that goes far beyond the physical. I haven’t been with another woman since the first time I laid eyes on you.” She gasped. “B-b-but … you always ignored me.” “You were seventeen. And even if you thought you wanted me, I wasn’t sure it would last. Especially not when you found out the truth about me, heard all the stories people tell about me.” She draped her arms around his shoulders, feeling all warm and fuzzy to know he’d been faithful to her even when they weren’t together. “Well, as you know, I like to form my own opinions about people.” “Indeed.” He kissed her softly. “We didn’t discuss birth control. And I didn’t pull out.” He sounded very satisfied about that fact. She wiggled around, feeling very wet between her thighs. “I have a birth control implant. My parents deemed it necessary when Grovid began to officially court me though we were left alone

together for long.” It was laughable really. Grovid had never behaved as if he were attracted to her, and she definitely was not drawn to him. She yawned. It’d been a long day. Arguing with her mother and sneaking onto a ship had been emotionally stressful. “I’m sleepy, but I’d like to shower first.” Dark rolled off her. Veracity rose. Her legs buckled. She braced herself on the bed. “What’s wrong?” He rushed to her side and helped her stand. She smiled at his concern. “Just my muscles complaining about exercise.” He scooped her up with ease and she yelped. He placed her back on the bed. “Rest. I’ll clean you up.” She settled down. He went into the ading bathroom. She heard water running and had almost fallen asleep before he returned. He cleaned her gently. If she weren’t so sleepy, she would have been embarrassed. She was vaguely aware of him tugging down the covers and then tucking her in. The best part was when he ed her in bed and pulled her into his arms.

Chapter Eleven

Dark ran a fingertip down the bridge of Veracity’s nose. Her midnight lashes and brows stood out against the creamy caramel of her skin as if they’d been painted on by a skillful swipe of an artist’s paintbrush. She seemed to grow more beautiful with each day. It stunned him, the lengths she was willing to go to in order to protect him. And now she was his. Forever. He’d kill anyone who tried to take her from him. Though they’d vowed to be together and he’d hoped they would marry at some point, he’d hardly dared to believe it would actually happen. In the past, anticipation had only led to disappointment. He had half suspected her parents would take her away and never let her return. The lighting in the cabin gradually brightened, signaling daylight hours. It was always dark in space, but the ship was set to simulate day and night on Light Sphere. If everything went according to schedule, they should reach the planet late tonight or early tomorrow. Veracity inhaled deeply and then a happy smile curved her lips. Her eyelashes fluttered before she opened her eyes. “Good morning.” She stretched and then winced. He kissed her forehead. “I wish I could take your pain away, but healing isn’t one of my abilities.” He was only capable of destruction. He shoved the negative thought aside. “Would you like me to request a painkiller for you?” “I’m fine. It’s not that bad.” She clutched the covers to her chest and sat up. Her eyes lingered on his abs, and he smiled. Veracity gasped. “You’re smiling. You never smile.” “Two reasons. It scares the fuck out of people—” “Not this smile. It’s all soft and sweet.” He chose to ignore that. Only Veracity would describe him as soft and sweet.

“The second reason being that I usually bind my powers in the morning. They can be overwhelming. It deadens my sense and my emotions.” She tilted her head to the side. “How are you feeling?” “Good. But we’re on a small ship with fewer people. If I was at home, I’d have a headache from all the thoughts and emotions of everyone crowding in on me. As I age, it has become more difficult. My abilities…” “They’re getting stronger?” He nodded. “I need a more powerful binding spell. It’s wearing off faster and faster.” She combed her fingers through his hair. “Should you bind yourself at all before a mission? Wouldn’t it be best if you’re at your full strength?” “I’ll be fine.” Her brilliant green eyes narrowed. “Cocky much?” He shrugged. He should tell her more about his gifts, but he didn’t want to scare her off. She still didn’t seem to understand. Even now, he could hear some of the guards discussing him, calling him an abomination. Others were worried about what he would do once he was on their planet. His threats of the previous evening had circulated the ship, creating fear. Good. They would know to stay clear of Veracity. “Tell me about Light Sphere. Is it very different from your planet?” “It’s pretty enough. There are four suns, but three are so far away that they don’t provide much in the way of heat or light. As you know, they have some archaic ideas about the treatment of women. You either need a guardian or a husband to prevent someone from claiming you. The people of Light Sphere have no natural abilities unlike those that inhabited Dark Sphere. A couple of centuries ago, an arrangement was reached between our two planets that our royal families would intermarry every ten generations or so. Generally, it was second sons or daughters, never the heir to the crown that was sent off to fulfill this agreement. The offspring from this union often had the power to heal. Occasionally, they

were blessed with a few other minor abilities, but the strength of them depended on the son or daughter of Dark Sphere. Since they have no innate gifts on Light Sphere, after a few generations their heirs are born a null—meaning they have no abilities. Lilia is a null. If Tor has gifts, they are very weak as I sense no power in him.” Veracity frowned. “So, they use your people?” “The arrangement always benefited both parties. It guaranteed peace between our planets. Usually, money or other valuables were also exchanged.” She nibbled on her lip. “Did you want to marry Lilia? Whimsy said you became very withdrawn after the betrothal was broken.” He grunted. “I didn’t care about Lilia. But I didn’t think anyone else would ever wish to marry me. I’d hoped that if we had a child, it would have the ability to heal.” He picked up the cold, heavy metal disk that hung around his neck. “One powerful enough to help me fix this.” As he watched, clouds shifted on the monochromatic silver surface. “Oh, Dark…” He closed his eyes against her sympathy. “Don’t. I don’t deserve your kindness or your love.” She cupped his jaw and tilted his face up to hers. “I’m just the bratty, disobedient third child of a king and queen. I’ve never saved a life or done anything remarkable. Maybe I don’t deserve your love, but I’ll be damned if I’ll not accept it as the gift it is and cherish it every day.” “You amaze me.” He drew her down for a kiss. He wanted to roll her beneath him and claim her again, but it was too soon for her. He’d been as gentle as he knew how with her last night and still, he’d been too rough. When her tongue touched his, he broke the kiss. “Breakfast?” She smiled. “I’m starving.” **** “I understand congratulations are in order,” said Bolt when she and Dark ed

the others at the table. He seemed like a different man from the angry one who had taunted Dark last night. He fed a chubby baby with some orange-yellow mush. Dark ignored him, and considering Bolt’s rude treatment of Dark, Veracity chose to do the same. King Tor and Queen Celesta welcomed them. Dark gave them a cool nod. Before they’d left their cabin, he’d performed the binding spell on himself. She’d been sad to watch as all the warmth leached out of his silver eyes. To compensate for Dark’s aloof greeting, she attempted to be more effusive with her own. The food was simple, fruit and some pastries. Bolt studied them in between spooning food into his son’s mouth. Veracity wondered why they’d brought the baby along. Though space travel was safer today than ever, accidents still happened. Discussion soon turned their plans to rescue Lilia. Veracity’s anxiety grew as she listened. Despite all their talk of precautions, there didn’t seem to be much of a plan. They hadn’t thought this through much beyond fetching Dark to solve their problems. Her face grew hot as her fury mounted. She opened her mouth to scold them. Dark placed a hand on her knee and shook his head. “But they—” “It’s fine.” “I don’t like people being so blasé about your safety.” “I’ll be fine.” “But it’s obviously a trap.” “And I’ll be fine,” he said confidently. It was sexy as hell, but also concerning. She feared his over-confidence would cause him to happily march off to his death. “I know that you are highly skilled and—” “You genuinely care for him?” Bolt interrupted. He’d been studying them throughout the meal but had remained silent beyond his initial greeting.

She blinked at the stupid question. “Of course.” He turned to Dark. “And you care about her?” Dark didn’t spare him a glance. “I’m finished here.” He stood. “Veracity, would you like to take a—” “Is that a no?” His silver gaze flicked to Bolt with such chilling intensity that Veracity sucked in a breath. “We’re not friends. I’m doing you a favor, and you’ve treated me as if I were somehow responsible for your wife’s kidnapping. I accept that you were upset and angry. I’m used to people being wary of me. But then you were unkind to Veracity.” He inhaled and his hands curled into fists. “That I will not accept. I will complete this mission as I’ve given my word. But that doesn’t mean that I have to tolerate you.” He reached down for her hand, and she readily allowed him to pull her out of her seat. As they were leaving, she could hear King Tor quietly onishing Bolt and then Bolt muttering, “He destroyed his own planet and threatened ours. How did I become the bad guy?” Dark had to tug her to keep her feet moving toward the corridor. “I appreciate you coming to my defense. It rarely happens, but I’m used to people making those types of comments.” He paused, then added, “And thinking much worse.” “I know.” She’d heard some of the mean things people said about him. “But I don’t like it. And if I have to listen to them abuse you, then they have to listen to me putting them in their place.” He backed her into the wall, his mouth swooping down to capture hers in a heated kiss. She gave a muffled squeak of surprise before melting in his arms. She opened to him, and his tongue stroked the side of hers. His hair slid over her cheeks and created the illusion of a curtain of privacy. All the anger she’d felt toward King Tor, Bolt, and Light Sphere in general, turned into molten hunger for her husband. She moaned as he rubbed his erection against her belly. She broke their kiss with a gasp. “Let’s go back to our room.” He insinuated his palm between her thighs, caressing her pussy lightly. “Can you

take me again?” “Yes,” she lied. She was still feeling the effects of last night, but she wanted him again and she didn’t care about a little pain. He nipped her bottom lip. “No, you can’t. It’s been a long time for me, and I don’t know that I can be as gentle as you’d need me to be. Maybe when we get to Light Sphere…” She pouted as he took her hand and they continued down the corridor. “Where are we going?” “We’re taking a tour. Even a ship as small as this probably has an observation deck where we can stare out at the stars.” As they walked, they ed a few of King Tor’s soldiers. Surprisingly, she drew as much attention as Dark. “They’re staring at us,” she whispered after they’d ed a group of three men going in the opposite direction. A peek over her shoulder revealed that the soldiers had stopped in their tracks and were still watching them until she and Dark rounded a curve in the age. “You don’t look like their women.” She bristled as she recalled the other guard’s comment about her weight. Queen Celesta was a willowy blonde. “Do all the women look like Queen Celesta?” “More or less.” “Oh.” She glanced down at her full breasts and hips. She’d stand out like a fat cow. “Don’t worry.” Dark drew her close with an arm about her waist. “The men will all want to claim you, but I will let it be known that I’m willing to kill to keep what is mine.” “What? You can’t be serious? They’ll think me a bloated oddity!” He stopped walking. “You are perfection, and they will look at you with lust and at me with envy. And I shall be driven to castrate many a man during our brief visit.”

She didn’t believe her looks would cause even one man to pause. It never had, but she liked that he seemed to think that it would. She rose on tiptoe to kiss his chin. It was smooth. He’d shaved before his shower. She’d liked the way he’d looked, all sexy and rumpled when they’d first awakened. He groaned. “Keep distracting me, and we will never see the stars.” “I don’t care. I’ve seen them before. They’re pretty much the same everywhere.” He gave her a quick kiss before quickening his pace. The observation deck turned out to be nothing more than an oblong window set in a curve in the hallway with a long white leather couch positioned before it. Though attractive, it didn’t appear comfortable. The back was too low to be ive. When she sat, it only reached the base of her spine. Dark settled beside her and drew her into his arms so she could rest against him. Veracity absentmindedly watched the stars as they zipped by. Mostly, she studied their reflection in the glass. Dark’s chin rested on her head. His eyes were closed, and his unbelievably handsome face was more relaxed than she’d ever seen it. This gorgeous man was her husband. Each time she thought of it, she got a little thrill of excitement. It wasn’t just his looks—though her obsession with him had certainly begun that way. He was so amazing and loyal and kind. Here they were, heading into what was sure to be a trap, all so he could save a woman who’d dumped him. “What happens when we get to Light Sphere?” “There will be a public announcement of Tor’s return. Once the kidnapper or kidnappers find out, they will send a message to set a time and place for the exchange. Once Lilia is safe, Tor will have some of his men take us home.” She shook her head. “But they have no plans for anyone to assist you. This is stupid. If the kidnappers get what they want, what’s to stop others from committing the same crime?” “Tor hasn’t said, but if it hasn’t already occurred to him, then I’m certain that it will once he’s no longer worried about Lilia.” He squeezed her. “As for my safety, no one can get through my shield. If it would ease your mind, I could

look into the future.” She was surprised and touched that he would offer. She knew how his entire life had been adversely affected by the words of a fortune-teller. “No. That’s not necessary. I trust you and I trust in your abilities.” He kissed her temple. “I will keep both of us safe. Perhaps you should be worried about what we will tell your parents?” Her eyes widened. She hadn’t spared a thought for how her parents might react to her impromptu marriage. But then, did it matter? Her mother had already warned her what would happen. “I’m prepared for the consequences,” she said quietly. “As am I.” **** Veracity shuffled around the edge of the bed. Even so, she tripped over her bag as she neared her side of the mattress. Dark easily caught her and drew her to his side. He pulled the sheet up over both of them. She inhaled his masculine scent as she snuggled him. They had spent the day wandering the ship. They’d managed to time their lunch so that they had the cafeteria to themselves. But it would be rude not to eat dinner with their hosts. Once again, the meal had been a tense affair. Even knowing she would be facing her parents’ censure, Veracity couldn’t wait to return to C21. “I have a question.” “Yes?” “This morning when you kissed me in bed and then again in the hallway. I enjoyed it, but it was … different.” He kissed her forehead. “The kiss in bed was brief and you’d been flooded with my pheromones the night before. Over time, the effect on you will weaken as you grow immune. As for the hallway, it was after I’d performed the binding. I don’t intentionally release pheromones or an aphrodisiac, but it happens when

I’m aroused. In the morning, the binding spell is usually strong enough to block any of my abilities from unintentionally leaking.” She stroked his chest in what she hoped was a soothing manner. Though he didn’t emote much at all, she detected the tension in his voice. When her fingers reached his abs for the third time, his hand flattened hers. “Keep that up, and I won’t be able to stop myself from fucking you.” Her breath caught. She was surprised and excited such a simple touch would arouse him. “I wouldn’t object.” “I don’t—” She bolted upright. “If you say you don’t want to hurt me once more, I swear I will scream! I may be a princess, but I’m not made of glass. If you hug me too hard, you won’t break me.” “You say that because I’ve tried to be careful with you.” “Then stop trying. We can’t spend the entirety of our married lives with you holding back. I want to be with you one hundred percent.” She held her arms out to the side and then gestured at her curves. “I’m a big girl. I can take it.” His lips curled upward. “I love that you’re so ionate.” He tugged her. When she resisted, he sat up and wrapped his arms around her waist before falling back onto the bed. “I don’t plan to spend the entirety of our marriage holding back. Only one night. You were a virgin. I’m allowing you to heal even though I’d like nothing more than to have you under me.” “Oh.” Her lady bits were tender. She needed a soak in a bathtub, but they only had the shower. “Yeah, ‘oh.’” He kissed her forehead and pulled the sheet over them once more. “Rest up tonight. Tomorrow night, I’m going to fuck your hot, tight, sweet little pussy until you plead for mercy.” Veracity shivered. She couldn’t wait.

Chapter Twelve

They landed on Light Sphere the next morning shortly after breakfast. They were given an escort by royal guards to the castle. Their uniforms comprised of white jackets with gold buttons and matching tros with buttons down the sides. It was the most ostentatious display Veracity had ever seen. She couldn’t take her eyes off them. And apparently, the feeling was mutual as she caught a few of them staring at her as well. She stepped closer to Dark. He didn’t look her way, but he reached out and caught her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. It was a small gesture, but it made her feel safe amidst so many strangers. King Tor had a servant show them to a room so they could recuperate from the trip. As his return was sure to be announced on all their public outlets, they hoped to have news from the kidnappers soon. The suite they were given was luxurious. The floor was covered in carpeting so thick she sank an inch when she stepped onto it. The bed was covered in a gauzy white canopy. Glass doors overlooked a private garden full of roses. “I’m sensing a theme here,” she murmured. Everything was white. It was almost blinding in its intensity. She pressed down on the mattress to find it the right blend of soft and ive. Dark inspected the doors. His all-black outfit caused her to question, “Don’t tell me that Dark Sphere was the opposite. That everything was black.” He glanced at her over his shoulder. “No.” She hummed as she ired his tall broad-shouldered silhouette against the bright light. His shoulder-length raven curls gleamed, glossy and perfect, not a hair out of place. He didn’t talk much most of the time, but he sure was pretty to look at. Turning to face her, he tilted his head to the side. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”

“I’m sure you can read my thoughts.” His silver eyes darkened with ion. “Later.” One word. It sounded like a promise. Her belly clenched and she grew wet. It’d only been a day, but it felt like it’d been forever since they’d made love. “Dark—” There was a sharp knock at the door before the slid open. “We’ve received word,” Bolt said briskly. “Follow me.” **** “Your technicians were unable to trace this message?” Dark asked once they’d watched the kidnapper’s recorded message a third time. They were gathered around a table in the king’s private library. It wasn’t public knowledge that the princess had been kidnapped. Only the king, Bolt, Celesta, and a few of the higher-ranking guards were aware. Thus, their meeting was small. Only the guard who’d received the message, Tor, Bolt, and Dark. And Veracity. She’d insisted on ing him. The footage displayed a closeup of Lilia bound to a chair wearing a blindfold in a dark room. Nothing below her shoulders or beyond her was discernible. Though restrained, she appeared unharmed. Her skin was unmarred by either dirt or injuries. A disembodied male voice relayed instructions of how the exchange would be accomplished. Tomorrow morning at six, they would receive another message giving directions to the location. Dark was to come alone with the ransom. “No,” Tor said in answer to his question. Bolt clenched his jaw. “I should go with him.” Tor didn’t even glance at his son-in-law. “We’ve been over this.” “But—” “No.” “Someone should go with him.” Veracity stood at his side, her lips pressed

together in displeasure. Tor’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “I understand your concern for your husband, but we were told that if he didn’t come alone, they would kill Lilia.” “Aren’t you concerned about the precedent you’re setting? This will only encourage others to kidnap of your family. If this kidnapper isn’t captured and punished, what’s to stop him from doing this again?” Tor shifted his focus to Dark. “Frankly, we feel that this has more to do with Dark than any jewels they’ve demanded of us. Though it is a fortune.” “All the more reason that he shouldn’t go alone.” Dark took her hand and squeezed it. “Will an effort be made to capture the kidnapper?” “Yes,” Tor said, but he didn’t appear confident their efforts would be successful. Frankly, Dark didn’t think they would be either. He didn’t know who was in charge of Tor’s security, but that person needed to be replaced. However, he kept his thoughts to himself. “Very well.” As far as he was concerned, this meeting was over. He led Veracity to the door then paused. Without turning, he said, “You know this is a one-time deal, right? I help you with Lilia, but if this happens again, I won’t be back.” This wasn’t his home. They shouldn’t become dependent on his help. “Understood,” Tor said. “As if we’d invite that monster here again,” Bolt muttered, low but still audible. Dark gave Veracity’s hand a tug when she would have turned around to go after Bolt. “Where are we going?” “I’d like to take a tour of the gardens.” Bolt and Tor had no clue how Lilia had been taken. Their idea of security really was shit. Dark had suspicions that her rooms could be accessed from the garden.

She smiled. “That sounds lovely.” He didn’t bother to disabuse her of the notion that this was to be a romantic stroll. She gave a moue of disappointment as they ed through the tall hedges at the entrance. “They need a new decorator. And landscaper.” Dark gave their surroundings a cursory glance and then returned his gaze to the castle windows. “I suspect the color scheme is the family’s doing,” he murmured absently. All the royal bedrooms faced the garden. “Lack of color you mean. Everything is white. It gets to be downright boring.” And those glass doors were an invitation. He doubted Tor or any of the Light Sphere rulers in the past had viewed them as such. Their only thought would have been how much light they would provide. He heard a baby’s cry and realized baby Torr’s bedroom windows were open. He even spotted a few open doors. With the trellises and climbing vines, scaling the walls would be child’s play. He led Veracity toward the back wall. Tall hedges bordered the garden. Dark reached a hand through the leaves and branches until his fingers breached the other side. He swore softly. Veracity’s eyes widened. “What is it?” “There’s nothing. Not a damn thing to stop someone from forcing their way onto the grounds.” He glanced around. “And not a single guard on this side.” “Isn’t it the same way on C21?” “It was at one point. There’s a wall now, but we’ve always had guards circulating the perimeter on an irregular schedule to keep it unpredictable. There are also cameras with someone keeping a watch on the feed.” He pulled his arm out of the hedge. They were fortunate the kidnappers had not chosen to take the baby. “So, this wasn’t intended to be a romantic walk through the gardens.” His attention snapped to his wife. Her big green eyes were sad, filled with disappointment and hurt. His heart sank. Shit. He was fucking this up. “Veracity,

I…” She shook her head. “No. No, it’s fine. I understand. We’re not here on a honeymoon. You’re working, and I just barged my way into this situation. And you were forced to marry me—” “Veracity, I wanted to marry you. Nobody makes me do anything I don’t want to do.” “I forced you into this by being here. You married me to save me. And clearly, you weren’t ready. You can’t even stand to touch me.” He blinked. “What are you talking about?” “I woke up in bed alone this morning. We only did it once and evidently, I did something wrong because you don’t want to do it again. Yes, I was a little tender, but I’m fine. You don’t have to keep lying to protect my feelings. If you don’t want me—” “Not want you?” He had truly fucked this up if Veracity was having doubts about his desire for her of all things. “Not want you?” He didn’t have words to explain how much he wanted her. And he suspected words wouldn’t suffice anyway. She’d had enough of them. What she needed was evidence. He’d been holding back for fear of scaring her off. But no more. He grabbed her hand and led her out of the garden. “Where are we going?” “Bedroom.” She tugged at his hold. “I don’t want your pity.” “Pity?” Oh, his wife was definitely begging to be fucked. **** She would’ve been amused at the way he kept repeating her words if she wasn’t so upset. And irritated. At first, she’d believed him when he said he wanted to wait for her. He was being considerate, putting her needs before his. Then she woke up in bed alone this morning. For a guy with a reputedly high sex drive, he was managing to resist her pretty well. Now this. It was too much. She

understood he was here to do a job. He could have told her that. She’d have been willing to scope the gardens first and stroll around hand-in-hand second. As much as she loved him, she needed some breathing room. “You’re becoming an echo,” she said, continuing her attempt to free herself from his grip. He wasn’t hurting her, but his hold was unbreakable. Dark backed her up into a wall so suddenly that she gasped. She glanced around. They were alone in the hallway. She thought their bedroom was around the corner, but she wasn’t sure. Everything here was white, so the halls all resembled one another. Even the alcoves featured similar art, busts of of the royal family or scenic paintings. He crowded her until she had no choice but to look up into his handsome face. His usually pale and emotionless gaze was dark and turbulent. “Other than having you finally come to the realization that I’m a monster, my biggest fear in having you for my own was that I would chain you to my bed and fuck you over and over.” He caught her bottom lip with his teeth, his fangs digging into the plump flesh. “But you don’t appreciate my consideration.” He gave her a quick kiss. He was dragging her toward their bedroom again before she’d fully absorbed his words. The second the door closed behind them, Dark began stripping off his clothes. She couldn’t help but ire his lean beauty. “Take off your clothes and get on the bed.” Her gaze dropped to his cock. He was already aroused. As she watched, he wrapped his hand around the thick rod and gave it a stroke. “Oh,” she practically moaned. But she followed instructions. She removed her clothing with more haste than grace. Then she whipped the bedspread back and climbed up onto the bed. Dark trailed her, his pace leisurely, almost as if he were stalking her. He kneed her thighs apart. Bracing himself on extended arms, he leaned down and captured her mouth. The first couple of kisses were soft. Then he nipped her lip and plunged his tongue into her mouth. Veracity moaned. She rifled her fingers through his curls and kissed him back.

He tilted his head to the side, his mouth voracious. He broke the kiss abruptly. “Not want you? I’ve wanted between your legs since the moment I saw you.” He fit their hips together and ground into her. She gasped and spread her thighs wider, moving with him. His cock slid deliciously against her wet folds. Dark dropped his head into the crook of her neck. He touched the tip of his tongue to her earlobe. His labored breathing filled her ears. “Being around you, wanting you … was a struggle.” He cupped a breast in his hand. “I can’t tell you how often I envisioned you like this, naked, open, wet, beneath me. In my mind, I’ve fucked these sweet tits of yours.” He thumbed her nipple. “I’ve had you on your knees with my cock in your mouth. I’ve buried my dick balls deep in your pussy with you on your back, on your belly, against the wall, draped over every couch, chair, and table in the castle.” She shivered at his deep, hungry voice and the images his words evoked. She turned toward him, seeking his lips, but he pulled back. “So, don’t tell me that I don’t want you. If I had my way, you’d already be having my baby.” He slammed his hips into hers, grinding hard. And then captured her nipple with his mouth, his tongue flicking. She cried out and arched into him. “Dark, please.” “Raven,” he mumbled against her breast. “W-what?” His silver gaze met hers. “Everyone calls me Dark. You call me Raven.” She nodded. “Raven.” And then she moaned as he returned to kissing, licking, and sucking her nipples. She was on the verge of climax when he sat up. He sat back on his haunches and gripped her waist. “Roll over,” he commanded, flipping her himself before she had the chance to obey. He drew her up until she was on her knees. His large hands coursed down her body, stroking her ribs, squeezing her breasts and then back again, settling at her hips. He slid his hands inward, cupping her mound. His fingers parted her slick folds, his touch light

and teasing. Veracity held her breath at the pleasure. It rushed out on a moan as he circled her clit. He used her moisture to ease his way. She cried out and her hips bucked as he plunged a thick finger into her pussy. She was so ready for his penetration that she couldn’t stop herself from riding his hand. Dark allowed her to continue for only a moment before withdrawing. “I need to fuck you.” She braced herself on her elbows. “Yes, please.” He used his hair-roughened thighs to spread hers wider. She felt the smooth, broad head of his cock slipping back and forth through her lips. He notched himself at her cunt and began pushing forward. Veracity’s mouth dropped open as he slowly stretched her. He filled her completely and then some. He was just what her aching core needed. Dark growled. “So fucking tight.” He withdrew and pressed forward, driving deeper. He repeated the process until he was so deep inside of her she was sure he couldn’t get any deeper. “Ready?” His voice was guttural and gritty. Her pussy clenched around him. She could only whimper and nod. “Good.” His next thrust was hard and deeper. She gave a shocked cry. He grunted, but he didn’t stop. Holding her hips, he rode her hard and fast. She dropped to her elbows and still, he continued, not missing a stroke. Keeping her full. The wet smacks of him tunneling into her pussy filled the room. He placed a hand between her shoulders and pressed her lower. Her breasts bobbed with each of his thrusts and her nipples teased over the bedding. He changed angles, hitting that sensitive spot within her. She gripped the sheets and backed into him, meeting him thrust for thrust. The pleasure built until it was almost unbearable … and then burst. Her pussy clamped down on him. Her legs shook and she collapsed. Dark followed her down, grinding into her and intensifying her climax. He groaned hoarsely, jerking as her cunt drew on his shaft in strong milking pulls. “Fuck, your pussy is so good at sucking the cum out of me.” He bit into her

shoulder. “Do you think I’m done, wife? Hmm?” He reached under her, his fingers unerringly finding her clit. “No,” she moaned. “That’s right. Your pussy’s too damn good.” He kept her pinned with his weight. He buried his face in her neck. His grunts ramped her back up again almost as much as the hand between her thighs and his cock stretching her wide with each pump of his hips. She felt like she’d barely come down from her first orgasm before her body was tightening up for a second one. “Raven,” she cried. “I love you, Raven.” His arms tightened around her. “Veracity,” he groaned. His cock swelled within her before flooding her with his seed in heated pulses. She moaned and clamped her internal muscles around him. He froze above her, holding deep inside her. Finally, after a long breathless moment, he collapsed and rolled to his side, keeping her glued to his front. They were both covered in a sheen of sweat and breathing hard. Of course, Dark recovered first. “Forgive me,” he said. She tensed. “Why?” If he apologized for making love to her… “I’m not experienced with relationships. I left you alone this morning because even after performing the binding spell, I was afraid that this would happen.” “I enjoyed this.” He made a sound that was part grunt, part scoff, and a bit of a laugh. She’d never heard him laugh before. “I’m not saying this would have never happened, but I’d have liked to slowly initiate you before fucking you on your knees.” “Again, I enjoyed it.” He sighed. “Be patient with me. I will learn to make you happy.” She smiled and turned to face him. “You just did.” That he wanted to make her happy meant everything. “In the future, it will make me very happy if you’d listen to me instead of making decisions for me.”

He grumbled. “I will try, but when it comes to your safety, I will make no promises.”

Chapter Thirteen

Light Sphere was a beautiful planet. It reminded him of his adopted home on C21. He was in a field full of green grass and wildflowers of every hue. It was beautiful, this spot that the kidnapper had chosen to make the exchange. However, the landscape offered little in the way of cover. There were few trees and no buildings. Nowhere for the king’s men to hide or observe in secret. He’d parked the hover vehicle at the side of the road almost a mile back. Instead, he wore a small hidden camera and a microphone. Both of which were Veracity’s ideas. Her concern for his safety, though unnecessary, continued to comfort and astound him. As he crested a hill, a broad tree with trailing foliage that practically touched the ground came into view. It grew by the side of a glistening pond. Beneath its limbs sat Lilia, rope binding her wrists and ankles, but she looked no worse for wear. Clean and not a hair out of place. She was more beautiful than when he’d last seen her. She carried a little baby weight from her pregnancy, but she wore it well. Her face was fuller and more mature. Her pale skin was milky and blemish-free. Thick, white-blonde hair trailed over one shoulder and pooled in her lap. Her large blue eyes were wide and filled with apprehension. Behind her stood a man with a long blade pressed to her neck. He wore a dark cloak with the hood up to obscure his face. Fuck, if that wasn’t stupid. Why did they think he was called Dark? He thrived in shadows. He could see the kidnapper’s face as well as if the sun were shining upon it. “Stop there!” the man called when he was about five feet away. “Drop the ransom and open the lid.” Dark did as he was asked. He placed the chest on the ground in front of him and undid the latch to open the lid. A rainbow of stones sparkled in the sunlight. The predominant color was the white of diamonds, but yellow and pink diamonds,

rubies, emeralds, and sapphires were also present. It was a small fortune. “Now back up.” He paced a safe distance away and crossed his arms over his chest. He resisted the urge to sigh. This was a truly foolish plan. There was nothing stopping him from killing Lilia’s abductor and returning her and the jewels to her husband. The man untied Lilia’s ankles and then helped her to stand. “Inspect the jewels,” he ordered. She dropped to her knees by the chest and pawed through them with her bound hands. “They are … exquisite.” “Good.” He pulled her to her feet again, the knife at her throat once more. “Now for the second half of the ransom.” “There was no mention of a second half.” Laughter sounded from beneath the man’s hood. “Yes, because we knew you would not come if told of it. Did you not wonder why I requested you instead of her father or her oaf of a husband?” “I did find it peculiar,” he replied, his boredom with this task apparent in his tone. “You have something else far more valuable.” “And what’s that?” “Power. You have a power nothing can challenge, but you waste it being a servant to another king instead of ruling your own universe. If I had such power, everyone would bow down to me.” Sharing power or transferring power was not unheard of, but it usually only occurred amongst family . It was the best way to be certain the person receiving the gifts was capable of housing them. Dark smiled. He knew the smile did not reach his eyes nor did he care. The kidnapper shivered and took a step backward, dragging Lilia with him. “You

want to know what it’s like to have your name be synonymous with death? To have people fear you? Whisper and gossip behind your back, yet you’re privy to it all as though it were spoken to your face. To be considered a weapon? To have people avoid you or treat you as though you were an unstable explosive.” “Yes,” he breathed. The fool seemed excited at the prospect. “You wouldn’t understand. You’ve always had power. People respect power. I’ve been overlooked, ignored my whole life until—” He stopped and his gaze darted to Lilia. “Until I captured Princess Lilia. Now everyone is taking their orders from me.” “What is your name?” “Do you not recognize one of your own, Prince Raven?” He dropped his hood to reveal a head of black curls and slate-gray eyes. “Did you think that you were the only one who had parents who shipped them off to other worlds?” Dark studied the other man. He didn’t recognize him nor did he sense any magic in him. “Who are you?” “I am Char, son of Kylua.” Dark stilled and Char laughed. The sound was at once triumphant and bitter. “Ah, I see you her.” “I recall her name. I never met her,” he said stiffly. Anger threatened to bubble up, but he firmly pushed it down. He’d performed the binding twice this morning. He had absolute control. “Because your father ruined her,” Char spat. “He tried to discredit her, but now we know who was in the right.” He fervently bobbed his head. “Now that it’s too late.” Dark arched an eyebrow. “Has it ever occurred to you that what happened was a direct result of your mother’s prediction? My father merely asked that she not share her prediction.” “The people deserved to know!” Spittle flew from his mouth and hit Lilia in the side of the head. She flinched away from him. “And it caused civil unrest.” Dark didn’t bother to mention the effect it had had on his life. He’d lost his parents, his siblings. He’d been treated like as a pariah.

Having people fear him wasn’t the same as having their respect. Considering Char’s state of mind, Dark decided to skip the debate. This conversation agitated Char and made his actions unpredictable. Nothing Dark couldn’t handle, but Char was still holding a knife on Lilia. He might not mean her harm, but he was handling her with considerably less care than he had been before. “Release Lilia, and I will give you my power. To tell you the truth, it will be a relief.” Char used the knife to saw through the rope at Lilia’s wrists and nudged her toward Dark. Rubbing her wrists, she glanced back at him before crossing to Dark’s side. “Now,” Char demanded, “Honor your word.” Dark smiled. “I always do.” Char nodded. “And I give you my word that I will make your death swift. I will allow you to one day’s reprieve, but we both know that once I possess your gifts, there is nowhere in the universe where you will be able to hide from me.” Ignoring the over-confident threat, Dark extended his hands. He called upon his gifts and allowed the power to pool in his fingertips. His hands began to vibrate and glow. They felt full and warm, but it wasn’t painful. A wise man would avoid the blazing balls of white fire that filled his palms. But not Char. He stood still, a gleeful mix of greed and anticipation on his face. Dark lobbed the balls of pure energy into Char. He was immediately engulfed in a near blinding blue-white light. He dropped to his knees with a scream as he was enveloped. Lilia shielded her eyes with her hands. For several seconds, his Char’s form was impossible to see. Slowly, the light receded as Char absorbed Dark’s power. Char lay on the ground panting. His clothing was singed. Wisps of smoke rose around him. Lilia stood at Dark’s side, her hand covering her mouth. Dark inhaled. His head was clear, and for the first time in his life, it contained no one’s thoughts but his own. The guilt and anger over the loss of his family and his home world still weighed him down, but the feelings were no longer complicated by his ability to create havoc and destruction. Char struggled to a standing position. Dark took Lilia’s arm. “We should go.” He

led her away. “Your husband is beside himself with worry about you.” She shot him a look from the corner of her eye. “Choosing to break our betrothal, choosing him over you, was a mistake. It didn’t take me long to realize that. I’m sorry. I should have married you.” Conversely, he was relieved to not have married her. He didn’t bother to mention the camera and microphone that he wore. Bolt had likely heard her disloyal comments. They walked for a few minutes in silence. There was a crackling and sizzling sound like an electrical circuit gone haywire. But they were in the middle of a meadow and the sky was clear. Lilia’s pale brow wrinkled. “What’s that sound?” “That’s the sound of my power burning its way through your lover,” he replied calmly. Her perfect pink lips dropped open to form a surprised O. She turned to make a few steps back the way they had come. “I wouldn’t go that way if I were you.” She bit her lip but made no further attempts to return to Char. “You knew?” “I suspected.” “Then why did you come?” “Because sometimes getting what you want and getting what you deserve can be the same thing.” A ball of burning light the size of a small building came rolling over the hill at them, leaving a path of scorched earth in its wake. It snapped and hissed as though angry with the universe. Lilia turned and ran, screaming and practically stumbling in her haste. Dark followed her at a leisurely pace, knowing there was no escape for him. It hit him full-on in the back, causing his step to falter and his arms to fling out wide, but he did not fall. He gritted his teeth as he felt his power surge within his cells and then settle around him like a well-tailored coat. He threw a protective shield over Lilia to keep any residual energy from killing her.

**** Veracity slapped a hand over her mouth to hold in a scream as the screen went dark. She couldn’t believe what she’d just seen. What the hell had just happened? Was her husband murdered? There’d been an unnatural, angry sizzling that could have been a storm, but the camera Dark wore showed only clear skies in front of him. The sound had grown like a roar and then… The view frizzled and went black. She struggled to understand. Why would Dark give up his power? She didn’t even know such a thing was possible. But he’d just handed over his gifts without a fight to a man who told him outright that he planned to kill him. Her knees wobbled, and she would have hit the floor, but Bolt was there at her side. He ed her and guided her to a chair. She folded in half, dropping her head between her knees until the world came back into focus. Her head ached with suppressed emotion, but she refused to give in to tears. Dark wasn’t dead. He couldn’t be. He’d gone into this situation confident he’d survive. He’d promised her only this morning that he would come back to her. The room around her was in an uproar. King Tor was arguing with his head of security about their next course of action. He wanted to march out there to judge the situation for himself, but his security argued caution. Celesta attempted to calm her husband enough to make him see reason. This Char fellow could be lying in wait for them. Only Bolt seemed to keep his head. He’d gone deadly quiet after Lilia had expressed her regret at marrying him. Veracity sympathized with him. It was an awful way to discover that your spouse was cheating. She listened to them argue for a minute. When she felt like she could stand without falling, she rose to her feet. “I’m going to get my husband,” she announced. Everyone froze. “We’ll all go,” King Tor said at last. The guard, Winters, opened his mouth, no doubt to protest, when Bolt objected.

“I need to see to the baby.” Tor scowled. “Surely, the nanny—” Celesta placed a hand on his arm and shook her head. They’d all been in the conference room and heard the exchange between Dark and Lilia. “Your Majesty, allow me to put together a search party,” his guard said. “We’ll find the princess and bring her home.” What he didn’t say, but was obvious from his grim tone, was that he expected to retrieve her body. He didn’t mention Dark. Dark wasn’t a priority for these people. “I’m going,” Veracity said firmly. If they refused to take her with them, she would go on her own. She didn’t know their countryside, but that wouldn’t stop her. She could read a map and she ed the directions for the meeting place. Celesta glided forward. “Perhaps you should wait with us. You might not want to see…” “He’s not dead,” Veracity insisted. “I’d feel it if he were.” As she said the words, she realized they were true. A soft frown marred Celesta’s features and Veracity knew she was contemplating how to gently prepare her for a harsh reality. But there was no need. Dark was alive. “Time is wasting,” the guard said shortly. “We need to—” “Sir!” A young guard skidded into the room. His gaze darted from the head guard to his king. “Your Majesty!” He bowed so deeply and so quickly Veracity thought it was a wonder he didn’t get whiplash. And then he just stood there, eyes wide, mouth slightly ajar, evidently awed to be in the presence of royalty. “Son,” barked Winters, “you came in here for a reason?” He straightened. “Oh, yes! The hovercar is returning.” “What?” Tor asked, a grin lighting up his features. Everyone rushed toward the castle entrance. Guards near the entry flung the doors open at the king’s approach. Sunlight streamed in to flood the foyer. It was

almost blinding in its brightness. The silhouette of an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, stepped into the morning sun. Her breath caught in her throat. Dark continued forward, Lilia in his arms. At first, Veracity thought Lilia was unconscious. As they drew closer, it became apparent that she was clinging to him. Dark strode up to Bolt and unceremoniously handed her over. When his hands were free, Veracity threw herself into his arms. He hugged her back and rocked her from side to side. She buried her face into his neck and absorbed the scent and feel of him. “I knew you weren’t dead,” she whispered. “What happened?” Tor asked. “The screen went dark. We feared that both of you had been murdered.” Dark moved her to his side but didn’t release her. “He’s dead. He believed that he could keep my power. It’s only meant to be borrowed. And even then, only by someone with a matching level of ability. Otherwise, the results are lethal.” Veracity sighed. “I wish I’d known that. I was terrified.” Dark kissed her temple. “Now we know why he requested me.” “Yes,” Bolt replied quietly. He eased Lilia to the ground, but held on to her shoulders to keep her steady. “Thank you for your assistance.” For once, Veracity could detect nothing but sincerity in his tone. To Lilia, he said, “We should have you checked out by the doctor.” “I’m fine,” she protested, but Bolt was insistent. He urged her along with a hand to her spine. “You have my everlasting gratitude,” Tor said. “I know you refused before, but I’d be willing to compensate you for your trouble. The ransom—” “It’s in the hovercar.” “It’s yours.” “If you insist.” He looked down at her and gave her a squeeze. “I need some time alone with my wife, and then we will be taking our leave.” He hurried them

along to their bedroom. “I have so many questions. Like, how did you guess that Lilia was having an affair with Char?” “Even with the lax security here, it made no sense that he managed to take her without anyone noticing. But if she assisted with her kidnapping, it all makes sense. Not only was she unharmed, but she was clean and well-groomed.” He ushered her into their room. No sooner had the door closed behind them than his mouth covered hers. The kiss was hungry, almost bordering on desperate. She could feel his aphrodisiac electrifying her nerve endings. Heat pooled between her thighs. “Mm.” She pulled back. “What’s going on?” “I need you,” he rasped, his hands tunneling under her shirt and lifting it up over her head. “The power transfer burned through the binding spell.” He buried his face in her neck, tantalizing her with his lips, tongue, and fangs. Her knees went weak, and he scooped her up and carried her to the bed. He gripped the band of her leggings, pulled them and her panties down her legs, and tossed them over his shoulder. Her eyes widened as he crawled over her and fused their lips together once more. She moaned into his kiss as his tongue licked into her mouth. His hands were everywhere. She wanted to touch him in return. But while she wore only a bra, he was fully clothed. She maneuvered her arms between them in an attempt to unbutton his shirt. It was difficult to do as Dark fought her over every inch of separation, his lips clinging to hers. She managed to undo only three buttons before he gripped the edges of his shirt and whipped it open. Veracity shoved her hands into the breach, feeling the hot silk of his skin. There was a smattering of hair over his pecs that narrowed to a thin line bisecting his sculpted abs. She broke their kiss so she could see what she was touching. “You’re beautiful,” she breathed. She pushed the shirt off his shoulders. An impatient grunt escaping his lips, he rolled off the bed and discarded his clothing in a flash. “Bra,” he said, reaching around her, undoing the clasps, and tugging the black lace down her arms.

She rubbed her face on his belly, breathing in the scent of him. She gripped his muscled thighs. His cock was right in front of her. This was the best view she’d had of it. As if of their own accord, her hands rose and wrapped around his thick length. She stroked him once and angled him toward her mouth. Dark groaned. “No. Not now. I’m too…” He pushed her back on the bed and crawled over her. “You call me beautiful. You’re beautiful. You’re all I could think about, finishing this and being with you. Looking into your green eyes.” He bit his lip, his fangs making dents at the corners. “Sliding into your tight pussy and watching your eyes go wide.” He slid between her thighs and rolled them so she sat on his abdomen. “I’m not bound. I’m afraid I’ll break the bed fucking you. It’s better that you’re on top.” She wiggled until his cock rode between her wet pussy lips. Their matching moans filled the air. She slid back and forth for only a few seconds before he stopped her. “Put me inside,” he ordered, lifting her by her waist. She reached down and positioned him at her opening. If she thought she was in charge because she was on top, Dark quickly disabused her of that notion. He controlled her descent, his hips bucking up to make her take more when she braced her hands on his chest. “Oh, my….” She cried out as he filled her all the way. She wiggled a bit to get used to the sensation. “All good?” Dark asked. At her nod, he stroked up and down her spine. “Good.” His hands settled at her hips. “Fuck me.” She felt awkward at first as she’d never done this before. She would have felt self-conscious as well, but Dark gazed up at her with so much desire and iration she couldn’t help but feel beautiful. She lifted off him slowly and was even slower to drop. His thick shaft was stretching her so much! “Faster,” Dark murmured, his voice deep and commanding with a seductive quality that had her eager to please him. She dropped her hands to the bed and circled her hips. She was thrilled to see his eyelids flutter as a groan spilled from his lips. She repeated the move, lifting and dropping as she did so, slowly increasing her speed. Dark’s head fell back. “Aw, fuck, yes.”

“Good?” she asked. “So good,” he groaned. He was content to let her control the pace for few minutes. Then he tightened his grip on her hips, guiding her movements and changing the angle of penetration so her clit rubbed against the base of his cock. Veracity moaned. She fisted the bedding and held on as he fucked her from below. She could have come from watching his abs roll alone. Pleasure coiled in her belly and her limbs began to tremble. When her pussy clamped down on him, Dark grunted. “Fuck it.” He rolled them and tossed one of her legs over his shoulder, driving deep and hard, fucking her through her orgasm. Veracity tilted her head back and screamed as he sent ecstasy pulsing through her from her head to her toes. “That’s it, baby. Take it.” He was as rough as he’d seemed to anticipate, driving her up the mattress until she braced her hands over her head to keep from slamming into the headboard. Her orgasm receded, but he kept going, ramping up her level of excitement once more. His cock swelled and hardened, and his grunts grew in intensity. His gaze fell to her breasts, which bounced with each of his hard thrusts. Moving her leg so it rested high around his waist, he bent and took a nipple in his mouth, licking and sucking the sensitive tip. He groaned against her skin as he started to come. Veracity cried out as his cock throbbed, and the heat of his seed sent her over the edge once more. He continued to pump and grind into her for long moments. She expected him to shift to the side once it was over. Instead, he braced himself on his elbows and stared down at her. His dick was still hard. He lifted an eyebrow. “We good?” She knew he was asking if he’d been too rough, if he’d hurt or scared her. Someday, he’d stop asking because he’d know she loved all sides of him. Until then, she would reassure him as much as he needed. “We’re good,” she replied with a smile. Slowly, his lips curled in an answering smile. “If I didn’t want off this planet right now…” He circled his hips.

“What’s the hurry? Bolt stopped being a jerk. And now that Lilia is back—” “There’s a storm brewing there.” He sighed and rolled off the bed. He started dressing so she rose and did the same. “He thought I was the one screwing his wife. I don’t know why he’d think it was me since I haven’t been here since they married. But he knew she was cheating and I guess he couldn’t think of who it could be. Then this thing happened and it was weird that Char asked for me.” Veracity shook her head. “Why would she do this?” He shrugged. “Boredom. Maybe Char seduced her. He wanted money and power and this was her way of helping him.” “What will happen to her?” “Probably nothing. She’s the only child of a king. Tor loves her too much to dish out a real punishment. Which is another reason for us to leave.” “Good thing I never unpacked.” She went to grab her bag, but he caught her arm and drew her to him. He gave her a quick kiss. His eyes on her mouth, he thumbed her bottom lip. “I’m fucking this mouth tonight.” A shiver of excitement raced down her spine. “Why are you so good to me?” His answering fang-bearing smile was positively wicked. And absolutely pantymelting sexy.

Chapter Fourteen

Pandemonium would be a mild word for the reaction when they landed on Colony 21. After all that had occurred on Light Sphere, Veracity had sort of forgotten she’d left without permission. And it had apparently slipped Dark’s memory that he had locked Grovid and Effie in his bedroom by magically obliterating the exit. They’d been trapped for most of a day until Faith mentioned their absence. Strangely enough, Zarron had not mentioned his missing wife and son. Gaedrian and Whimsy ushered the family into a sitting room as everyone seemed to be shouting at once and they were drawing an audience. Her usually unflappable parents were highly emotional, accusing Dark of kidnapping her. Dark merely rolled his eyes. “I want him arrested,” Faith declared. Gaedrian crossed his arms over his chest. “Let us be reasonable and hear what they have to say.” “Yes, let’s,” Whimsy said. She stood at her husband’s side. “As a family, we have endured similar trials, and I would like you to that being stubborn only made our situation more untenable.” Faith started to speak again, but Raul put a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s hear them out.” Veracity sent her father a grateful smile although she was sure he wasn’t going to be happy about what she had to say. She took a deep breath to begin and was a bit surprised when Dark clasped her hand, braiding their fingers together. She smiled up at him and he returned it. Everyone in the room gasped. It was Veracity’s turn to roll her eyes. “Calm down.” Since burning through Char, Dark’s powers weren’t reacting to the binding the same way. “He’s … well, this isn’t his murderous smile.”

Gaedrian frowned. “No. This smile is different.” “Well, I’m not smiling anymore,” Dark muttered. Veracity scowled. She wanted him to be free to smile. “Now see what you all have done?” Whimsy sighed. “Will you please tell us what happened? Did you go with Dark?” “Yes. I sort of stowed away on King Tor’s ship. No one knew I was there.” “Of all the reckless, absurd—” Faith burst out. Veracity held up a hand to stall her mother’s lecture. “I know it was wrong. It was childish and impetuous. And I promise that in future I will think before acting.” She let out a huff of breath. “So, I wasn’t kidnapped, and you can’t have him arrested.” Faith’s eyes, the same shade of green as her own, widened. “He entombed Effie and Grovid in his room! It took hours to create an opening to free them.” Gaedrian coughed and turned to the side, but not before Veracity spotted his grin. “They were fine, Mother,” Whimsy reasoned. “They had access to water and a bathroom.” Dark shrugged. He didn’t look particularly remorseful. “I’d intended to release them, but I forgot after our meeting with Tor.” Veracity looked up at him. “Why did you do it in the first place?” “Effie was worried that you wouldn’t go through with the marriage. She wanted Grovid to compromise you to force you into marrying him.” “Effie?” Faith said. “Impossible. She’s such a sweet woman.” Veracity had no problem believing it. Effie had not been happy when last Veracity saw her. “She suspected that I had feelings for Dark, and she wanted her

son to be king.” “Still…” Raul nodded. “I wish you had come to us to handle this situation, young man, but I do appreciate you protecting our daughter’s honor.” He sighed. “As it turns out, she will not be marrying Grovid.” Veracity bit her lip. “I know.” Raul’s gaze sharpened. “What do you mean you know?” Just as curious, she asked, “What do you mean I won’t be marrying Grovid?” “He’s run off with the botanist,” Whimsy blurted. Veracity couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing. “Well, good for him.” Faith shook her head. “Effie is positively heartbroken.” “Never mind that,” Raul interjected. “Veracity, explain what you meant.” Dark wrapped an arm around her shoulder and drew her close. “We got married.” This announcement was met with glee from Gaedrian and Whimsy and a combination of shock and dismay from her parents. “Veracity, I warned you of what would happen if you married this young man. How could you do this?” “We didn’t have a choice. Things are different on Light Sphere. Raven married me to save me from being claimed.” She straightened. “But that doesn’t matter. I would have married him anyway. I love him.” Faith stared up at her husband, seemingly at a loss for words. Whimsy stepped forward and hugged Dark. “Congratulations. I’d welcome you to the family, but as far as I’m concerned, you were family long before this.” “Thank you,” her husband said simply, but Veracity could detect a thickening of his voice suggestive of how much her words meant to him.

Whimsy grinned at her and hugged her. “Congratulations, V.” “Thank you.” Gaedrian followed his wife, hugging them and patting Dark on the back so hard that Veracity winced. Dark didn’t flinch. He merely returned his king’s hug. Raul sighed. “Well, at least let us throw you a wedding ceremony.” Tears filled her eyes as she stepped into her father’s arms. “Yes, Daddy. Thank you.” He squeezed her and held her at arm’s length. “You know I never liked Grovid anyway. You were too smart for him. He’d have made a horrible ruler.” He grinned. “I don’t know if you noticed but he had a mild obsession with plants.” They all laughed. Veracity even caught her mother giggling. “All right,” Gaedrian said abruptly. He gave Dark’s shoulder a friendly shove. “What the hell is going on with you? Smiling and laughing? Just … what the hell?” Dark glanced down. “I’ve been using a binding spell to help control some of my powers, but it also mutes my emotions.” He shrugged. “Which is probably for the best.” Gaedrian frowned. “Hell, no.” Whimsy nodded. “I have to agree. You’re not as scary this way.” Dark grunted. “I’m still using the spell, but all the layers have burned away.” He held up a hand. “Long story. Don’t ask.” Faith huffed. “Raul, do you realize none of our arrangements for our children have worked out?” “Well, it was a pretty outdated idea. We tried our best, dear.” “I want to plan this wedding,” Faith said. “After all, I didn’t get to plan Whimsy’s.” She hooked her arm through Veracity’s and tugged her over to the

couch. “I think we can have it done in … say under six months at the earliest.” “Six months…” It sounded like a hellishly long time to plan a wedding when she was already married. She wasn’t the fussy sort. A decent dress and Dark were all she required for her dream wedding. Veracity glanced over her shoulder at her sister, hoping that Whimsy would catch the look of panic on her face. Instead, Whimsy clapped her hands together with glee. “Oh, fun.” She maneuvered her way between the men and ed them on the sofa. “Mother, I’m glad you’ve come around to accept my marriage to Dark, but—” “I’ve done no such thing,” Faith snapped. “But…” She sighed. “You’re my daughter and I want you to be happy. Which means I won’t fight this. But if he hurts you, I’ll pull out those freakishly sharp teeth of his.” “I like those teeth,” she couldn’t help but mutter. “What do you mean you don’t want to be king?” Raul roared. Faith eyed her sharply. Veracity smiled weakly and shrugged. “Guess you’ll get your wish.” **** Dark watched his wife’s eyes roll to the back of her head. Her mouth opened in a mute O. Her legs trembled at his waist. It was the third orgasm he’d wrung from her tonight. He hadn’t gone easy on her. His beautiful wife could handle him— even at his insatiable worst. Seconds ago, she’d been crying out his name and begging him for release. Fortunately, the bedrooms to the left and right were empty or the occupants would have heard him riding his wife. He’d been on her from the moment they walked into her bedroom. Her beaded nipples raked his chest with each thrust. He glanced down between them to watch the full mounds bounce. Lower, he could see the thick stalk of his flesh, wet with her cum, stretching her tight pussy. The visual was too much. Biting Veracity’s neck, he groaned at the intensity of his climax. His cock jerked as his seed filled her cunt.

Breathing hard, he rolled to his back and clutched Veracity to his chest. She tugged her long braid from between them and arranged it on the pillow behind her head. “How long does your birth control last?” “Why do you ask?” “The wedding.” She stacked her hands beneath her chin and stared down at him. “Do you mind? Having a wedding?” “If it makes you happy, I’m happy.” “It’ll make my parents happy and will bring a certain amount of peace. It’s the least we could do once you explained you wouldn’t be accepting the crown.” Her father hadn’t been thrilled, but Dark couldn’t imagine sitting on the throne of any place other than Dark Sphere. If Veracity had asked him to, he would have done it. “How do you feel about that?” “I go where you go.” She grinned. “And I have a bit of a reputation there for being reckless. Having elected officials will be a change, but I believe the people will come to accept it.” She sobered. “Are you fine with waiting to have a baby?” He had to it the idea of giving Veracity his baby aroused him, but he wanted her all to himself. “When you’re ready, I’ll be ready.” She shook her head. “Are you sure?” He grinned at her. “I’m sure. In the meanwhile, we can practice making a baby.” “Mm. Sounds good.” She stood and held out a hand to him. “I want a bath.” “We won’t fit in that tub,” he said, but followed her to the ading bathroom anyway. They were sleeping in her guest bedroom. She didn’t want to use his room because she claimed it had seen too much action. Though he was most comfortable in his room, he understood her reasoning. They would only stay here until he could have a house built for them. The idea

of having their own home really appealed to him. He would no longer have to buffer the thoughts of the castle’s residents, staff, and visitors twenty-four hours a day. He should have done it sooner, but he hadn’t wanted to leave Gaedrian. Gaedrian had been his only connection to humanity. “We’ll fit.” She turned on the taps and added bubbles to the water. She encouraged him to climb in first. He fit. His legs were bent, but he fit. And then she slid in with him, aligning her luscious curves against him, and he sighed in contentment. She leaned back and kissed him on the jaw. “I love you, Veracity.” “I love you, too, Raven.”

Epilogue One

Seven months later… Veracity hid behind a curtain and peeked out the window at the garden below. Dark stood beneath an archway made of pale-pink and white roses, dressed in all black, his hands clasped behind him, and his legs braced apart. She bit her lip to contain a squeal of excitement. Still, she bounced on her toes. “He’s so handsome.” As if he could hear her, he tilted his face up toward the window, a small smile curling his full lips. Whimsy peered down as well. “He sure is,” she sighed, her gaze trained on Gaedrian who was acting as Dark’s best man. She waved at him. Grinning, Gaedrian returned her wave. “He wants to have another baby. I convinced him to wait until you and Dark are ready for your first so the children could be playmates.” “That’s sweet, but that will be at least a year.” She shrugged. “That’s fine. The twins are a handful.” “They are so cute in their little outfits.” True wore a three-piece suit in all white with a pastel-pink tie as the ringbearer. Honor, the flower girl, wore a pale-pink dress with tons of ruffles. She loved it. She liked spinning to watch the many layers float out around her. They’d had to stop her because her balance wasn’t great as a toddler and she’d become dizzy. A nanny would accompany each child down the aisle. Faith hurried down the hallway toward them. “Ladies, are we ready?” “Yes.” Glancing down, she fluffed out her skirt, and Whimsy straightened her train. “You look beautiful,” Whimsy said with a smile. “You, too.” Whimsy was her maid-of-honor. She wore a pale-pink dress similar

to the one her daughter wore, but without all the ruffles. “You both look beautiful,” their mother assured them. “Now come on. Your father’s waiting.” They hurried downstairs. Raul smiled when he saw them coming. “Wow.” He kissed Faith on the cheek. “You’re all so lovely.” He took Veracity’s hand and placed it on his elbow. “Thank you.” Faith headed out first to take her seat. Whimsy went next. Kiana was supposed to be a bridesmaid as well, but she’d gone into labor last week. Chaldor had been hovering over Kiana and baby Charm ever since. He was going to be a groomsman, as he and Dark were getting along better than ever, but once Kiana was out of commission, it meant Chaldor dropping out to keep the balance. Instead, he would be performing the ceremony. As they were already married, it didn’t matter who officiated. As Veracity stepped outdoors on her father’s arm, a trio of violinists began playing the wedding march. Her eyes met Dark’s silvery gaze. Months ago, she’d said she was doing this only to make her parents happy, but as her father handed her over into Dark’s care, she was very happy she’d agreed to have this experience with him and to share this moment with her family. He smiled down at her, and they turned to face Chaldor as one. **** Chaldor sipped his punch. “You knew the baby would be a girl, did you not?” Dark glanced at him before returning his attention to his wife where she and her sister fawned his newborn. “I did,” he confirmed. Chaldor groaned. “Hell. What about the next one?” Dark grinned. The grin wasn’t wholly pleasant, but it wasn’t his killer smile. “Are you asking me to predict the future for you?” “Damn it, I cannot grow accustomed to this new habit you have of smiling.”

Gaedrian slapped Dark on the back as he ed them in front of the drink table. Dark was never sure if Gaedrian didn’t know his strength or if he was attempting to dislodge his lungs. Either way, his personal shielding never reacted to Gaedrian. “Chaldor, watch your language. There are children in the vicinity. And are you really objecting to a man smiling on his wedding day?” Chaldor grumbled. Then he stiffened as a man approached his wife, offering his finger to the baby. “Fuck. I shall—” Before he could finish his sentence, Veracity shooed the man off. Chaldor relaxed with a sigh. Gaedrian arched an eyebrow. “Must I remind you again of the children?” “I know. I am sorry. I should take my wife and go home. This has been a stressful day.” Dark nodded. “Thank you for your help.” He didn’t just mean performing the ceremony. In the last couple of months, Dark had received multiple messages from Lilia. Bolt had divorced her. Since, Lilia had been reaching out to him to see if he would be interested in reinstating their betrothal. Dark told Chaldor about this, and as head of security, Chaldor assured him they would not have any surprise visits from Lilia. “No problem.” “At least dance with your wife before you leave,” Gaedrian advised. Chaldor nodded. He crossed the room to his wife. They watched as Kiana handed the baby off to Veracity. Gaedrian shook his head. “That man is paranoid.” “To a certain extent. Kiana loves him and would never leave him for another. But that doesn’t mean other men won’t try to lure her away.” Chaldor twirled Kiana around on the floor. Laughing, she slipped her fingers into his blond hair and pulled him down for a kiss. “We are lucky. No one would dare approach our wives.” “For me, this is certain. The people know me. They know I am fair, but once crossed, I am ruthless and deadly. You … people do not know what to think of this softer, friendlier Dark.”

Dark glared at his friend. To please Veracity, he’d been experimenting with his binding spell. Some days, he’d foregone it all together. To his surprise, he found he had greater control of his emotions and his powers. Being with Veracity grounded him. That didn’t mean he was no longer a man to be feared. “You’re fucking with me.” Gaedrian chuckled. “I am. People are as terrified of you as ever.” He gave a satisfied nod. “Peace disagrees with you,” he reflected. “You have too much time on your hands to harass your friends.” He grabbed a cup of punch and emptied it. “You are not just my friend. You are my brother.” Dark stilled. His throat constricted. He nodded and managed to push out a thick, “Yes.” Gaedrian patted him on the back again. “While I have the chance, I will ask my wife to dance.” Clearing his throat, Dark followed. As he neared, Veracity tilted the baby so he could see her face. Charm had a creamy tan complexion, wispy black hair, and dark gray eyes indicative of her feyron nature. “Isn’t she adorable?” He shrugged. All babies looked the same to him. Balding and weird. “Give it back so that we can dance.” Veracity sighed. “It? And you want to have a baby.” “Did you call my baby an ‘it’?” Kiana asked, popping up at his elbow to reclaim Charm. Again, he shrugged. “Honor and True like me.” “I will give you that.” Veracity handed Charm over to her mother. “Did you come to dance with me again?” “Yes.”

“Gladly.” She gave him her hand and he led her onto the dance floor. They’d already shared their first dance. She’d danced with her father, and he’d danced with her mother. That had been awkward, but Faith was warming to him. He was never going to be a social butterfly, but he liked to think that he’d improved upon his social skills since marrying Veracity. “Are you happy?” he asked. Her face practically glowed as she smiled up at him. “So happy.”

Epilogue Two

Five years later… Veracity wrapped her arms around Raven’s neck as he pressed her into the kitchen counter. “We have to go back outside,” she protested weakly as he kissed her neck. His hands curved over her bottom, molding their hips together. Or attempting to do so anyway. At six months, her pregnancy was finally beginning to show. “Our friends are waiting for us.” She moaned as he discovered a sensitive spot and trailed his fangs over it. Her fingers shook as she buried them in his hair and pulled his face up for a kiss. Growling, he took over, licking deep into her mouth. Her knees wobbled. “We could take a quick trip up to our bedroom,” he enticed. “We wouldn’t be missed.” “Oh, for the love of… You have guests in your backyard. You can’t just promise us refreshments and then disappear!” Veracity turned in Raven’s embrace to see her sister standing in the archway with her hands on her well-rounded hips. Whimsy waddled closer. She was nine months pregnant, and Veracity was surprised Gaedrian had let her out of his sight for even a minute. “Some of us pregnant women are ravenous.” Veracity giggled. “Oh, like you were last week when Kiana and I came over for tea? You were half an hour late. You arrived with mussed hair, swollen lips, and a blouse curiously missing three buttons.” Whimsy had the grace to look embarrassed. “Well…” Laughing, Veracity pulled out of Raven’s arms. Her sister was so sweet and ruleabiding that she still had a hard time believing Whimsy had ever defied their parents. “Raven, please bring the snacks.” She linked arms with her sister to lead her outside. Whimsy reached behind her and grabbed a cookie off a plate before allowing herself to be pulled along.

Veracity smiled as they stepped out onto the back porch. Raven had built her the house of her dreams. It was a mix of old-world charm with modern conveniences. The security and communications systems were state-of-the-art, but the furnishings and art belonged to a long bygone era. The backyard was surrounded by a decorative brick wall with lights atop posts at regular intervals. Cameras and alarms were embedded in the brick. Flower beds lined the porch. A brick pathway led to a gazebo where her family and friends currently awaited their return. “Mommy! Mommy!” Her son ran up to her and tugged on her skirt. “Look!” He held out his small, chubby hand. A bright pink and yellow moth fluttered its wings as it perched on his tiny pointer finger. Rave’s silver eyes were alight with excitement. “That’s so pretty,” Veracity said, shifting so it didn’t touch her. She didn’t care how beautiful it was. She didn’t touch insects. But she didn’t want to discourage Rave’s interest. Thus far, at almost four, Rave hadn’t shown any sign of having his father’s gifts. Rave did have a special affinity for animals. They’d discussed getting him a puppy for his next birthday. If Raven was disappointed that Rave wasn’t the magical child to help restore Dark Sphere, he didn’t let on. He was an attentive and involved father. Rave displayed the moth to his father and then ran off to his cousins and friends. Gaedrian released a roar befitting a beast as he chased the older children. They screamed and giggled as they ran from him on much shorter legs. He could have easily caught them, but he pretended to trip and fall. True and Honor were first to pile onto their father. Rave gently set aside his moth before running to his cousin’s assistance. Charm, who had been playing with her baby brother Kian beneath the gazebo, was soon drawn into the fray. Chaldor shook his head. “You would never know he was a king.” He extended an arm and wrapped it around Kiana’s shoulders. Whimsy grinned. “It’s what I love about him,” she said as mounted the steps of the gazebo. Raven placed a tray holding sandwiches, cookies, and a pitcher of punch on the

table. Veracity sat down and watched the children playing. Raven sat beside her. He pulled her close and kissed her temple. She smiled up at him. His eyes, while a pale silver, were rarely icy and devoid of emotion anymore. He was no longer Dark to his family and friends. They all called him Raven. To their enemies, he was still known as a bringer of death and a destroyer of worlds. Game over, Gaedrian dropped down beside Whimsy where she nibbled on a sandwich. Raven frowned. “Are you limping?” Gaedrian nodded. “Twisted my knee going down.” “I can help with that,” Kiana said. “Just give me a moment. I think Kian needs to be changed.” Kian babbled as his mother scooped him up. He had thick black curls and dark gray eyes like his mother and sister. “No problem.” Gaedrian waved a hand. “I am fine.” He grinned down at Rave as he came over, his moth perched on his shoulder. Gaedrian leaned over. “Hey, Rave. What do you have there?” Rave held out his new friend. “You want me to hold him?” Gaedrian took the moth carefully. Rave studied his uncle. Slowly, he reached out and placed his small hand on Gaedrian’s knee. A blue-white light surrounded his fingers. Everyone froze. The light faded. It was all over in a matter of seconds. Rave’s grin displayed his small baby teeth. “Better,” he said and retrieved his moth. Veracity blinked and snapped her mouth shut. “Did he … did he just…? Gaedrian?” Gaedrian straightened and bent his knee a couple of times. “Damn.” His gaze shot to Raven. Rave leaned against Raven’s leg and giggled. “I can do magic like Daddy.” Raven picked him up and put him on his thigh. “That was amazing, Rave,” he

said, his voice thick. “Simply amazing.” He hugged their son. When his eyes met Veracity’s, the silver was swimming with tears, but he wore a look of such hope that she knew how much he’d longed for this. “Does this mean … he can help?” Raven’s eyes closed and tears rolled down his cheeks. He nodded. “Help with what?” Chaldor asked. “He can help bring back Dark Sphere,” Veracity answered as Raven continued to come to with this discovery about their son. She rubbed her belly, wondering if their unborn child would also have abilities. Raven linked his fingers with hers and pulled her close for a kiss. “I love you so much, Veracity. You’ve given me everything by giving me your love. By loving me, even when I didn’t know how to be anything but the monster people labeled me.” She swallowed, suddenly overcome with emotion herself. She dried his face. “You were never a monster.” His grin showed off his fangs, and his silver eyes flashed. “Little bit.”

Epilogue Three

Ten years later… “Tell us the story again, Daddy,” Star pled, no doubt encouraged by her twin and older sister. He loved all his children, but Star was special. With her green eyes, she most closely resembled her mother. Raven glanced suspiciously at Jet, who had his own bed but, at five, often slept with his twin sister. The two were inseparable. Jet grinned and hugged his teddy bear. Raven shot a look over his shoulder at ten-year-old Honesty across the room. For this trip, Honesty was fine with sharing a room with her siblings, but she had made it known that she expected to have a bedroom of her own when they arrived at the castle in Dark Sphere. Honesty slammed her eyelids closed, but it was too late. He’d seen the sheen of silver in the dim bedroom lighting. Only one bedside lamp by the twins’ bed lit the room. “You’re supposed to be sleeping,” he said at last. “Please,” Star begged. Jet soon ed her. And then Honesty, giving up her pretense of sleeping, added to the chorus of pleas. Chuckling, he sat down on the bed. The twins shifted to give him room. “Once more and then you have to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.” “Yes, Daddy.” Star grinned. “Honesty, you might as well get over here.” She bounded over and settled in next to Jet, her expression eager. Raven shook his head at her enthusiasm. Taking a breath, he began his tale. It wasn’t really a bedtime story, but it was their history and they deserved to know. “Throughout recorded history, the ruling family of Dark Sphere has been the Dark family. Many of the inhabitants of this planet are known to have special talents. Such as reading minds, healing the sick, and foreseeing the future. At the

birth of each child into the royal family, a fortune-teller is brought in to read their aura and foretell their future. The last family, before the planet … disappeared, had two sons and a daughter. The oldest boy was named Parker, the middle son was Raven, and the youngest, the girl, was Symphony. The night Raven was born, there was a horrible storm and the fortune-teller, the famed Kylua, almost died in her attempt to make it to the castle for the birth. “But make it she did. Her prediction, when it came, was not the usual benign fluff about riches, and progeny, and love. She said that Prince Raven would one day bring about the ruin of Dark Sphere. Well, of course, the king and queen did not care for her prediction and had her thrown out of the castle. This offended the fortune-teller and she spread her tale far and wide. “Those who would have sought to take the place of the royal family pounced upon this chance to overtake the crown. The king thought to protect his son and sent him away to another planet where he could be raised as a warrior. He thought this would end the matter. “He was wrong. The people were terrified that one day the prediction would come true. Usurpers invaded the castle and did away with the king, the queen, Prince Parker, and even little Princess Symphony. “Only Prince Raven was spared as he was unreachable. They sent an envoy to capture the boy, but he was protected by the warriors. As you can imagine, Prince Raven’s pain and anger were immeasurable. In his rage, the young prince cursed his home world. And overnight, it disappeared.” Raven made a poof noise. His children stared at him with rapt attention. He grinned. “Many thought it was gone forever. Many years ed, and Prince Raven despaired of ever repairing the mistake, committed in a moment of heightened grief and anger. So many more than just he and his family had suffered. “Then one day, the prince met a princess with pretty jade-green eyes and skin the color of the creamiest toffee. She was a bold princess. Unfortunately, she belonged to another. But their love would not be denied, and soon they were married. They had four children, Prince Rave, Princess Honesty, Prince Jet, and Princess Star.

“When Prince Rave was old enough and strong enough, he and his father, with a bit of help from the other little royals, restored Dark Sphere.” Raven reached into his pocket and pulled out a length of chain. There was no clasp to hold it together. The links at each end were open. “This once held a pendant which was all there was left of Dark Sphere.” He looked at each of his children. “Tomorrow, for the first time in over two decades, the Dark family will once more reside on Dark Sphere.” Their return wasn’t as simple as he made it seem to the children. He, Gaedrian, and Chaldor had visited Dark Sphere a month ago with a small envoy. He’d found his childhood home in disrepair. Those who had sought to take his father’s throne had been overthrown and executed by the people. They’d been incensed by the murder of their beloved king and his family. Even when the prophecy came true, they had understood. His people had been awaiting his return all those years. He’d been welcomed as a returning ruler. Raven could scarcely believe it. Plans had been put in place to repair the castle. Though he didn’t anticipate them to be complete, it was time for him to return home. “Now, you all need to get your sleep. We will arrive in the morning.” He stood and kissed them each on the forehead. Honesty returned to her bed. He tucked in Jet and Star and turned out the lamplight. At the door, he paused. “Goodnight.” They called out their goodnights, Jet yawning in the middle. Raven grinned and stepped outside. The door slid closed. He entered his cabin. Veracity sat on the side of the bed brushing her hair. She smiled at him and set aside the brush. Her nimble fingers began braiding her hair. “They asked for the story again, didn’t they?” “You were right. I never should have told them.” He sat beside her and lowered the shoulder of her robe. He kissed her neck. She cupped his face and pressed her lips to his. “No. They enjoy it.” He hummed and pulled her into his lap. Veracity wrapped her arms around him and straddled his hips. He tilted her head back and claimed her mouth. “It seems it is your destiny to be a queen.”

She licked his bottom lip and wiggled, grinding herself against his burgeoning erection. “Well, that’s fortuitous, as I love this throne.” “And this throne loves you,” he said, rolling them so she was beneath him. He kissed her, hooking his fingers in her nightgown and robe, and began pulling them up over her hips. **** As a family, they stood in front of the view screen as their ship approached Dark Sphere. “It’s beautiful,” Veracity whispered. “It’s not at all what I expected.” They flew over colorful fields of flowers, sparkling streams, and majestic mountains. If one looked close enough, one could even spot fairies. Raven wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her temple. “The name comes from my family, not from any physical characteristics of the planet itself. And if it kept people from discovering our little piece of heaven…” He shrugged. Gaedrian and Whimsy already had plans to vacation on Dark Sphere and bring their children. Kiana and Chaldor’s family would visit as well. Kiana had never been to Dark Sphere, but she was eager to learn more about her feyron heritage. She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m not one to foretell the future, but I think we’ll be very happy here.” And they lived happily ever after.

The End

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BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER

ACTING WITCHY

Witch Hunters, 1

Thayer King

Copyright © 2012

Sample Chapter

“Let’s put the rumors to rest. Is there an ongoing feud between you and fellow actor Sean Savage?” Mystique twisted her hands in her lap, hoping no one would notice, even as she gave the reporter a completely false smile. Her cheeks were stiff as she forced the edges of her generous mouth to curl upward. “Of course not. We’ve never even met.” “Yet you’ve turned down roles in movies with him time and time again. Rumor has it that the moment you hear his name on the cast list, you immediately reject a script.” “That’s not true.” “In the blockbuster Thyme Bomb, you dropped out after finding out he was playing the lead.” Mystique wet her lips. “There was a scheduling conflict. I was already contractually obligated to do another film. That project has been delayed due to monetary issues, but I expect it will be completed someday.” The reporter’s smile was all teeth. He didn’t believe her for one second. Mystique couldn’t blame him. She’d been acting since college, but she still didn’t have a knack for lying. The fact that she was twisting her fingers so severely that she was in danger of breaking them wasn’t helping. She forced herself to relax with an effort. She took a breath. “I look forward to working with him in the future.” The reporter did his little end of interview spiel. She released a sigh as the camera and lights were turned off. An assistant quickly moved in to remove the small microphone clipped to her blouse. Mystique stood to shake the reporter’s hand and thank him for the interview. His hand tightened over hers when she would have pulled back. “So, what is the real reason you won’t do a movie with him? Is it the playboy persona?”

Mystique frowned. “Truly, there is no feud. I’ve never met him” And she never wanted to. “You’ve got a bit of a rep yourself as a religious...well, conservative. You mean to tell me you’re not purposely avoiding him?” “This interview is over,” Marielle Chase, her agent and manager, cut in smoothly, severing the handshake. Marielle was all gray-haired Southern charm, but it was a mistake to underestimate her. Under her pastel suits and floral perfume, beat the heart of a shrewd businesswoman. “Mystique, you’ve got to get going.” Mystique almost wilted in relief as she led her away. “Thanks,” she whispered. Marielle’s lips pursed. “He’s a jerk, but he’s not stupid. I told you this would happen.” Mystique nodded. She’d never thought anyone would notice that she’d never done a movie with Sean Savage. With so many stars available, no one should have noticed. But in recent years, she’d become more popular even though she mainly took smaller ing roles. She was selective about which films she agreed to and that had led to great success. It was only natural that people would expect her to take larger roles and expect her to have more famous co-stars. The Sean Savage rumor never would have emerged if it hadn’t been for the partyloving, philandering Mr. Savage himself. Savage was multi-talented. Not only did he act, he’d also written and produced a growing number of wildly successful films. He’d publicly declared that he wanted to work with her and had several ideas in the offing that he hoped she might like. He’d been very complimentary of her talents in the interview. Bastard! She’d rejected each and every idea that had come to her with his name attached. Mystique let Marielle lead her out to the limousine they’d rented for the day. “What next?” “An early lunch with me. We need to have a serious talk before this whole Savage situation gets out of hand.” Mystique closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window. The cool pane

of glass was refreshing. “Mystique, this cannot go on. The situation is only going to get worse. He’s not the type to let something like this, a virtual snub, drop. And he’s simply too influential and powerful a star for you to snub him at this point in your career. We simply cannot afford it.” Mystique had heard all of this before. She bit her lip in frustration. How could she explain her aversion to the gorgeous actor without being committed to an insane asylum? The truth was not an option. It was true that she’d never met Sean Savage. However, poHHut quite simply, she was terrified of him. She had her reasons. Reasons she could never reveal. Lying about it would never work. Hand her a script and she could become whatever character she was asked to play. She immersed herself in the role and the words. But as herself, she had never been able to lie with conviction. Whenever she tried, she couldn’t make eye , she started sweating, and she began to ring her hands. Over lunch Marielle outlined several possible methods they could employ to get the rumors to die. She didn’t agree to Mystique’s idea of just letting time handle it. Mystique was sure people would grow bored of hearing about the “feud” without any fuel for the fire. Marielle was just as certain that Sean Savage would create enough fuel on his own. “Why not take a small part in a movie with him? That should kill the rumors. Maybe something that would only take a day or two to shoot? Let’s go back over the films you’ve rejected.” “No,” Mystique whispered, almost in tears. “Please, I can’t.” Marielle sighed. “Mystique, please, tell me what’s going on so that I can help. You’ve never met him. Why this aversion?” She shook her head, mutely. The thought of even being in the same room with him sent shivers of fear up her spine. She doubted he’d let an opportunity such as her working in the same movie with him go by without introducing himself. And that would be intolerable. Tears threatened to ruin her makeup and she excused herself. Fortunately, the restaurant was not overly crowded at this early hour so there weren’t many people around to notice her distress. Amanda, the makeup girl at the morning interview show, had raved over

Mystique’s complexion and skin tone. Thankfully, Amanda had gone light on the cosmetics, otherwise, after her crying jag, she would have looked like a wet cat. She dried her eyes but didn’t bother reapplying the eyeliner. Mascara was enough. She’d just taken her lipstick out of her purse when she heard a moan issuing from one of the stalls. Mystique frowned. She’d thought she was alone. She hoped no one was sick. She leaned over to peer under the stalls just as another louder moan sounded. Spotting two pairs of feet in the stall, her lips tightened in disapproval. One set of high-heeled crimson pumps faced forward while a pair of expensive men’s leather shoes faced the rear of the stall. She washed her hands hurriedly with no care for the noise she was making. She wasn’t the one committing a misdemeanor in a public restroom! There was a giggle and soon the couple was exiting the stall. Mystique dried her hands and pushed open the door, hoping to avoid the oncoming embarrassing confrontation. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the elusive Mystique Gray,” said the man, amused and delighted. She stiffened but forced herself turn toward the deep voice that she knew so well. She shivered. Sean Savage was just as handsome in person as he was on screen and even more overwhelming. He was well over six feet tall with thick black curls and large electric blue eyes framed by lush raven lashes. His features were the epitome of masculine beauty, all strong angles and a sensual full mouth that was hard to ignore. In his teen years, he’d been a model. He was currently the spokesperson for several colognes and a popular line of men’s clothing. The well-tailored midnight blue suit he currently wore draped his large frame lovingly. He radiated power and sexuality. And to her, and a few select others, his aura cracked and declared that he was other. He advanced on her, hand outstretched while his cohort straightened her dress and fluffed her blonde hair. Mystique stared at his hand and made no move to take it. She stood her ground but she would not touch him. Besides, she didn’t know where that hand had been and she didn’t want to find out. She nodded to him. “Mr. Savage.”

He dropped his hand with a grin. His lips were reddened from the woman’s lipstick. “So at last we meet. But who would have guessed it would be in a lady’s room?” “Indeed.” He tilted his head to the side at her cool manner. His companion wrapped her arm around his waist, burrowing her hands into his jacket. He absently kissed the top of her head. “So have you given any thought to any of the proposals I sent your way?” “I’m really busy right now, and I’m not looking at any new projects.” He arched a brow. His bright eyes and dark hair were a devastating combination. “Really? Seems a funny way to run a career. You might want to have a talk with your agent.” “My agent is here with me today.” She took a deep breath. She was clutching her purse to her chest. She couldn’t seem to make herself let go, so she said in a rush, “I assure you I make the final decisions. I just don’t have the time...for your projects.” His eyes narrowed. “Angel, could you leave us for a moment?” Angel glared at her but left immediately. Suddenly alone with him, Mystique retreated a step. “I really must—” He came closer. “Did I do something to offend you?” He examined her briefly, his gaze sweeping her from head to toe. “We’ve never met before. I wouldn’t forget you. Did I date one of your friends and not call her back?” “No.” “But I’ve offended you in some way? The whole partying, sex thing, that offends you, right? I’m not the only one. Why take it out on me?” “That’s not it.” He frowned, obviously trying to decide whether or not to accept her answer. “I really do think you’re talented.” Finally, he smiled. It was a simple curl of his

perfect lips yet it had charmed millions. But not her. “And you know what? You’re going to do a movie with me.” “You can’t make someone do something they don’t want to do.” “Yeah? Watch me. I always get what I want. Always.” He winked and pushed out of the ladies’ room. Another patron gaped at him as she entered. Mystique couldn’t tell if it was because of the surprise of running into a man in the women’s bathroom or because of who that man was. She was trembling from the aftershock of their confrontation. She locked her knees and held on to the countertop. This was her worse nightmare. Dear God, she’d really hoped to put all of this behind her when she’d left the mountains of North Carolina. She’d tried to avoid him for this very reason. Now, the question was, what was she going to do about it? Looking into his electric eyes, she knew he was exactly what she’d suspected. Sean Savage was a witch. **** Mystique’s own cries awakened her. Wicked spasms gripped her stomach and pussy. Her nipples were as hard as rocks. Her body was satisfied, but the clawing hunger for more made her feel on edge and out of control. She desperately needed to be filled. She struggled to a sitting position in bed and turned on the bedside light. She’d ruined her panties. They were completely soaked. With a whimper she slid out of bed. The only thing that would help now was a cool bath. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take. She splashed water on her heated face while the tub filled. Her cheeks were flushed and her full pink lips trembled. Dark chocolate eyes stared back at her from an otherwise pale face. She had inherited her skin tone from her Irish father and near obsidian eyes and high cheek bones from her African American mother. Somewhere in her mother’s not too distant past was a Native American relative. She’d bound her long jet curls in a braid that trailed between her shoulder blades.

“Damn you, Sean Savage,” she whispered to her distraught reflection. It never occurred to her for a moment that he wasn’t behind this. He might not be aware of what he was doing, but he was doing it just the same. The nightmares had plagued her for the last six months. They weren’t all the same, but in each dream she was roughly fucked by none other than Sean Savage. What was worse, she couldn’t wake herself until the ravishment was complete. She’d never had dreams like that before. She’d always been able to wake herself. It was almost as though she were drugged. The nocturnal visions were so vivid that initially she really thought she was being fucked. In those first days of the dreams, she’d had a boyfriend. When Derek had been wakened by her moans, he’d tried unsuccessfully to wake her from the nightmare. She’d been too embarrassed and too ashamed to tell him that she’d been having erotic dreams about another man. It felt too much like cheating, though she couldn’t control the visions. The nightmares had eventually driven a wedge between them. She’d stopped spending nights with Derek, not wanting to have to explain the sleep orgasms that were stronger than any he was capable of giving her. Within a few weeks, she’d seen Derek out on a romantic date with another woman. She’d been having a business dinner with Marielle and her husband and spied her boyfriend having a candlelit dinner in the corner with an up and coming blues singer. When their eyes met across the room, he’d appeared stunned. He half rose from his seat before sitting again. She liked to think that she handled the situation better than Derek. She’d sent him and his date a bottle of wine. She hadn’t heard from him since. But she supposed no explanation was really needed. She slipped into the tub of cool water with a hiss. She’d been on a few meaningless dates since the breakup, but she had only agreed to the outings so that people didn’t think she was pining away for Derek. Marielle had arranged most of them. The dates had gone nowhere but they had proved to be good publicity. Tonight’s dream was brought on by the confrontation this afternoon in the restaurant. In her nightmare, they had been in a club. Sean was dancing with Angel. And then he spotted her sitting alone at a table nursing a glass of wine. He crossed to her, leaving a pouting girlfriend behind. He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. The song was slow. Her dress was a slinky silver

number that clung to her body and clearly displayed her beaded nipples. She wasn’t wearing undergarments of any kind. Sean pulled her to him and pressed his thigh between hers so that she practically rode him. His hands cupped her bottom, encouraging her to rub herself against his thick erection. This wasn’t dancing. It was foreplay. The tension built swiftly between them. The song hadn’t ended before he maneuvered her to the hallway leading to the bathrooms. The restroom was empty but the door didn’t have a lock. He led her to one of the stalls and spun her around. The sound of his zipper being lowered echoed off the cinder block walls. He entered her in one powerful thrust. Mystique covered her face with her shaking hands. She pressed chilled fingers to her flushed cheeks, willing the steamy images to subside. What was she going to do? She couldn’t go on like this much longer. She was losing sleep. Confronting him would only make it worse. If he was unaware of what he was doing, it was so much better than if he actually knew of the power he wielded over her. She could ask her mother or her grandmother for advice, but she was reluctant to do so. Their solutions were always final and not in the least bit subtle.

End of sample chapter

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