Oath of Challenge Conquering Kate (2 page)

Gage watched the change come over his sister. When she leaned back in her chair, eyes glinting like ice, smiling wickedly, he almost felt sorry for the Pactreps. When Kate had that look, there was always hell to pay.

She crossed one leg over the other and said gaily, “Hello, boys. It’s been weeks since I saw you last, hasn’t it?”

Gage could see the huge men flinch a little and had to stifle an urge to laugh. This was going to be good. When neither man responded, Gage realized it was going to be
really
good.

They seemed to be gathering their courage. Considering his sister was five feet six inches tall and less than half of either of their body weights, the sight of the two hesitant reps was hilarious.

Finally, they had shown up to take her to Sharon
, Kate thought gleefully. Her dealings with the Pact Officials this week had been unproductive. Basically, they had succeeded in convincing her that she would be contacted when Sharon was due to arrive. Any other information she requested was met with bureaucratic jargon and evasion.

Now, she had the same two Pacteps assigned to escort her as last time. When the reps remained silent, she gave them a mocking look. They remembered her well. Good. She arched one smooth eyebrow and said overly pleasantly, “Oh, dear. I’m speaking too fast for you again, aren’t I?”

 
Speaking slowly and carefully, as if to a small child, she said, “Now, what were your names? Oh yes, Everest and Rushmore. Couldn’t get me to come to you, so you had to come to me?”

One of the men spoke. “I’m Pactrepresentative Dik si’Dalon and this is Jr. Pactrep Joseph Swann.”

Kate nearly broke into laughter at the incongruity of the last name Swann. The rep was a huge hulking creature, and graceful he was not. Of course, he didn’t look like anybody’s junior anything either. Struggling to keep a straight face, she said, “Let’s not make molehills out of mountains, shall we?”

When their faces remained blank, she sighed. Suddenly changing tactics, she demanded in a hard voice, “What do you want? And you’d better not be telling me Sharon is being kept past today. I’ve read the paperwork and my client will
not
be forcibly detained.”

The two men glanced at each other and then Swann spoke in a cautious voice. “Sharon Glaston is returning today. We have the witness order to summon you there. The pledging ceremony is to be held at three o’clock.”

Kate sat up, uncrossed her legs, and placed her hands on her desk. In her coldest voice, she challenged, “The hell it will. I notice you’re just now notifying me and it’s already two-fifteen. Left it a little late there, didn’t you Junior?”

He winced, but held his ground. “We are here to notify you of the pledge ceremony and your required presence. In addition, we have more papers to serve.”

Taking a step toward Gage, Swann approached him and said, “We have been searching for you. You are her brother, correct?”

Gage watched the man through narrowed eyes. Something was going on here, and he had a sudden feeling it involved Kate and not Sharon. Straightening from the wall, he said coolly, “Yes, I’m Gage Carson. Why?”

The man handed Gage a piece of paper gingerly, as if he was feeding a wild animal. When Gage took the paper, Swann stepped back cautiously. Gage began reading.

Kate watched her brother’s brow wrinkle in confusion. As his head came up in surprise, he shot her a stunned look she couldn’t interpret. “What is it?” she asked in alarm.

Pactrep si’Dalon stepped in front of her. Suddenly realizing the two men were between her and her brother, she stepped forward until she was within a foot of si’Dalon and glared up at him.

The representative held up another sheet of paper and began to read. “Katherine Harmony Carson,” his voice nearly choked on her middle name, but he continued reading in a low steady voice. “You are hereby summoned to Oath by the world government of Shimeria and the...”

“What?!” Kate knew her voice was shrill, but she was shocked to the core. “Did you just say
I’ve
been summoned to Oath?!”

The representative continued reading as if his very mission in life was to finish the summons. “…and the United Government of…” Gage and Kate began talking at the same time.

“No way in hell,” Gage said in a dangerously furious voice. “She’s not going. You guys have picked the wrong two women. I’m telling you now--it’s not happening.”

Kate continued exclaiming, “There is no way that could be right. Do you know what the odds of Sharon and my both being summoned are? Only one in twenty thousand on the register is summoned. The odds of two best friends being called are astronomical. Somebody has screwed up here big time.”

Suddenly she heard a familiar name in the midst of the rep’s droning. “Wait a second. Did you say the name Tair da’Kamon? As in--a relative of Liken da’Kamon?”

Her mind filled again with the image of the Shimerian male, Liken’s brother whom she had met briefly at Sharon’s pact ceremony. She knew down to her bones he was the one. His drop-dead good looks were exceeded only by his arrogance.

Remembering his smugly grinning face, she had the sudden impulse to hit something,
hard
. He had known while they were talking that he would summon her to Oath. That knowing light in his eyes and smug attitude made sense now. She felt fury flood her at the mere thought.

The Pactrep’s voice stopped finally as he reached the end of the summons. Looking up, he said in a gloating voice, “It is done. You must accompany us to the Pactbuilding for the ceremony.” His entire body went tense as if he expected her to spring at him.

Kate’s eyelids came down to hide her eyes and her face lost all expression. With a narrow look, she said calmly, “I’ll meet you boys there.”

Gage made a sudden motion forward, but her pointed look stopped him in his tracks. Studying his sister, he knew she had developed a plan. Deciding to trust her for the moment, he said casually, “I’ll transport you.”

Both Pactreps shook their heads. Swann said, “You both must accompany us now. It is in the papers.”

Kate reached out and took the paper from si’Dalon. Reading it over carefully, she found the clause. He was right. Thinking hard for a minute, she said flatly, “I’ll accompany you. We’ll notify my partners of what’s happening and drop by my house first.”

Suddenly, she realized that Sharon would be getting back shortly. Her temper spiked as she realized the timing. She clamped down swiftly on her anger yet again and said coolly, “Or not. I guess you guys have timed it so that I have to leave with you to meet Sharon. Very clever, boys. I never would have suspected an active brain cell between the two of you. Well done.”

Swann ignored the insult. “All notifications will be made and procedures followed. The Pactmakers will take care of any necessary details while you are on Shimeria. Everything from plant and pet care to bills to family and work explanations will be handled diligently. You have nothing to fear.”

It was the wrong word choice. Kate’s back stiffened and she said coldly, “Oh, I’m not afraid. I’m looking forward to having a discussion with Tair. Let’s go.”

She picked up a stack of papers off her desk and removed her purse from a drawer. She put the papers in her purse with calm efficiency. Slinging it over her shoulder and flashing the two Pactreps a look of disdain, she walked out of the room without a backward glance.

Gage watched his sister walk around the Pactrep and out the door with regal grace and felt like cheering. He knew she had to be panicked at the thought of being summoned, but it didn’t show. She had decided to focus her energies on Tair. He knew that sharp brain of hers was busy plotting and planning. Well, he had a few plots of his own. First things first, however.

As Pactrep si’Dilon left in Kate’s wake, Gage turned to find Swann regarding him warily. Gage said, “Enjoy your moment of triumph. Kate will be stirring up hell soon enough.” Leaning forward until he was within inches of touching the representative, he said, “Of course, you’re probably not afraid. Kate has some scruples. She won’t blame you for this mess. She knows you’re just doing your job.”

Gage smiled and grabbed Swann’s shirt. He stared hard into the other man’s eyes, watching Swann’s face grow pale in response. He kept his voice low and even as he continued, “I, on the other hand, don’t give a damn about scruples.”

He released the man’s shirt and leaned back. He said matter-of-factly, “Fuck scruples. Whoever hurts them will pay no matter how small their part in this scheme. If Sharon or Kate suffers, there’s no planet in existence where you’ll ever be safe.” He stepped around the Pactrep and strolled out of the office.

Swann stood there a moment in the silence of the room. The icy threat he had seen in those eyes had been chilling. He knew Gage’s background. He felt like he had escaped death by an inch. With absolute certainty he knew Gage’s words were true. He sighed.

Some men, he reflected, were like cobras. If you tangled with them, one of you most likely ended up dead. There were days when his job really sucked. With weary steps, he moved to follow the others. Government servants never got any respect.

Tair da’Kamon stood in the Pactbuilding laughing and talking with Liken and Sharon, but his eyes kept wandering to the doorway of the room. He knew he had to get his restless anticipation under control. Energy was radiating outward from him in waves.

The happy couple beside him was completely oblivious, but the half dozen Shimerian males in the room were regarding him warily. He glanced at the doorway again just as a blonde-haired human male walked through it. He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, wondering why he looked familiar.

Sharon turned in the direction of the man, obviously puzzled by what was holding Tair’s attention. Suddenly, she shrieked, “Gage!” She broke away from Liken’s embrace and rushed toward the newcomer. He caught her in a tight hug, grinning widely and looking relieved. When he pulled back from her, his face was a picture of tenderness and concern.

Tair felt his brother stiffen and take an angry step forward. Tair put a restraining hand on his arm as a precaution and said quietly, “Wait, brother, before doing something you will regret.”

Liken relaxed somewhat, but struggled with his control. As he felt the waves of Sharon’s warmth and caring for the man wash over him, he worked to suppress his jealousy and sort out all the emotion. Regaining control, he realized she regarded the man as a brother.

With a smile of satisfaction, Liken said, “I am fine, Tair. You persist in treating me as if our age difference was ten years instead of two.”

Tair laughed. “I will be older and wiser always. Besides, I am not blinded by love.”

Liken saw Tair freeze as a feminine figure walked through the doorway and immediately embraced Sharon. Tair’s impatient hunger was obvious in every line of his stance.

Liken snorted and said, “Yet. You are not blinded by love
yet
.” Realizing his brother did not even hear his words, he added, “Of course, I could be mistaken. You may love her already.”

Ignoring his brother’s nonsense, Tair studied Kate as she talked excitedly with Sharon and the blonde-haired man. When the man casually slung his arm across Kate’s shoulder in a reassuring gesture, Tair felt jealous anger mix with his already roiling emotions. He took one aggressive step forward just as Liken placed a restraining hand on his arm.

Liken didn’t bother hiding his amusement. “So quickly you lose all wisdom. You might consider taking your own advice, brother.”

Tair shot him a furious glare and turned to narrowly regard Kate. She looked incredible. Her long, pale blonde hair was swept up in a tight knot at the nape of her neck. Her blue eyes were wide as she talked animatedly with Sharon. She was wearing a red blouse, with black pants and high heels. She looked professional and composed, and beyond lovely. He went rock hard in an instant. Suddenly, she turned toward him as if sensing his hungry gaze. Their eyes met with an almost physical clash.

* * * * *

Kate paused outside of the Pactroom doorway in the hallway and felt a moment of total panic. She had ditched the annoying Pactreps after they walked her into the building. She was grateful to be alone for a moment. She had persuaded Gage to go ahead and check on Sharon. She wanted to enter the Pactroom by herself, fearless and independent--not looking like she needed a strong male beside her.

She felt her heart lodge in her throat as she thought about facing Tair. Thinking about him in the abstract, even dreaming about him was one thing, but live and in the flesh was something else altogether. His image flashed through her mind yet again.

He was so intensely male. He had curly black hair and those incredible blue eyes. He was so big. And that lean and muscular body--she hastily veered from the thought. Better to remember those piercing blue eyes.

She remembered his gaze roaming her body possessively at Sharon’s Oath ceremony. He had a way of looking at her as if they were one step from the bedroom. A little hum of aroused anticipation ran through her. Okay, forget his eyes, too.

She gave an exasperated groan. This would never do. She would be lost before it started if she didn’t find her backbone fast.
Kate Carson is a killer attorney
she reminded herself
. She’s powerful, and in control, and has never met a man who could best her in any arena. Bedroom or boardroom, she walks away smiling. Always.

She had to help Sharon and she had to face Tair. Tair was no different from any other man, she chided inwardly. He might affect her in strange ways, and he might be from another planet, but in the end, after all, he was just a man.

Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, she walked into the room like a soldier sure of winning the battle -- and went weak with relief as she saw Sharon wrapped in Gage’s arms. Sharon was really here and okay. Joy filled her. Sharon saw her and held out her arms.

With a happy smile Kate came forward and hugged Sharon hard. Fighting the wild surge of emotion, she worked on keeping her composure. Leaning back, Kate said shakily, “All this excessive emotion. And you know how I detest physical displays.”

Sharon laughed and hugged her a second time, even harder. Pulling away, she chided, “Don’t think for one second I believe you. I know better. It’s me. I know how mushy you can get.”

Kate grinned widely and struggled to give Sharon a look of mock reproof. “Not so loudly, please. I have a reputation to uphold.” Pulling back to look into her friend’s face more closely, she was startled to see the unmistakable glow of happiness on Sharon’s face.

No, more than happiness, Sharon looked radiant. Whatever had happened in Shimeria had actually been good for her friend. The cold feeling of dread that had lived inside her since Sharon left, drained away. She laughed with delighted relief. “You look wonderful. I gather interplanetary nookie agrees with you.”

Feeling her brother shift uncomfortably beside her, she turned a mocking look on him. “Gage, darling, you do realize she’s had sex before? I myself have even been known to indulge.”

Gage gave her a look that promised retribution. With a glare of disapproval at her, he said, “No, and I don’t want to realize it now. The two of you date but you do
not
have sex. Trust me when I tell you in this case, ignorance is bliss.”

Rolling her eyes and laughing at her brother, Kate said, “How very typically male. Too fragile to deal with the harsh realities of life.”

Sharon piped up at that moment, “Actually, Liken is fantastic.” When Gage winced and Kate arched an eyebrow she added hurriedly, “I didn’t mean sex. Well, yes, the sex is unbelievable...”

She broke off at the pained look on Gage’s face and gave a choked laugh. “I meant Liken is a wonderful man.”

Eying her friend skeptically, Kate said, “Honey, that’s sex talking. The stud of the universe must have come through for you in a big way.”

Sharon grew more solemn and said quietly, “Actually, Kate, that’s love talking. I’m in love with him and I’m going to pledge with him today.”

Kate felt like she’d been hit with a large object with no warning. She felt Gage put a reassuring arm across her shoulders even as they both tensed. This was an unexpected development. There was a pregnant pause, as Kate searched for a response.

“Sharon,” she began carefully, “I respect your feelings, but I’m wondering about his. Does he love you, too?” She couldn’t completely keep the doubt from her voice.

Sharon smiled and her voice was firm. There was confidence and something close to pride in her face. “Yes, he does. We’ve found something together, Kate--something very rare. I have so much to tell you, so much to explain.” Sharon frowned. “Actually, I think I need to tell you some of those things right now.”

Suddenly, Kate became aware of Tair standing across the room. She had no idea how she knew it, but she knew it. She turned toward him instinctively, and then realized what she was doing and turned back. She could feel him staring at her, but refused to look his way.

She was too aware of him, she thought with alarm. It was not a good sign. Finally, giving in to the impulse, she turned and looked at him. Their gazes locked and she felt her breath catch.

He was looking at her with focused intensity, as if the entire world had narrowed to the two of them. Holding his gaze, she refused to look away. They stared at each for a long moment. Then, she heard Sharon’s voice. Breaking the impasse, she turned and looked at her friend, trying to get back into the conversation.

Still, a thrill went through her as she realized they would start battling soon. It was almost time. She tried to suppress her rising excitement. Refocusing on Sharon, she asked, “I need to know what?” On the edge of her vision, she could still see Tair. He was crossing the room with powerful strides.

He reached their small group just as Sharon said, “You need to know about…”

“The ceremony will be beginning soon, Sharon,” Tair drawled in a deceptively lazy voice, but there was a note of warning, too. “Perhaps I should tell Kate the necessary details. I imagine Liken would like his presence remembered as well.”

Sharon shot him a guilty look, laced with defiance. “Liken is perfectly fine. I think Kate and I need to have a little talk before either ceremony begins.”

Kate knew she looked surprised. “You know I’ve been summoned?” How long had Sharon known? For that matter, how long had Tair known?

Watching as Tair laid an arm across Sharon’s shoulders, she wondered at the look exchanged between the two. He hugged her, as if to indicate he was not truly angry. There was a casual intimacy, as well as affection between Sharon and Tair that was surprising. They acted like old friends.

Gage stepped forward and pulled Sharon away from Tair with gentle firmness. Staring hard at the Shimerian, he challenged coldly, “I’m Gage Carson. Who are you?”

Tair realized why Gage looked so familiar. Kate and Gage had the same blond good looks. Seeing the two of them so close together, it was unmistakable. The resemblance between the siblings was obvious now. He mentally rolled his eyes at his own foolishness.

His hostility toward the other man lessened considerably. Sensing the anger emanating from Gage, he reminded himself that Gage was Kate’s brother. Tair held his hard gaze but said in a neutral tone, “I am Tair da’Kamon.”

Liken joined the group at that moment. Sharon shot a worried glance at the two men staring so hard at each other, and then raised her eyes to Liken in an unconscious plea. Liken gave her a reassuring smile and reached out for her.

Drawing her close to his side, he said to Gage in a jovial voice, “I am Liken da’Kamon, Sharon’s pactmate. Sharon has great affection for you. I am most pleased you could come to our pledging.” Liken extended his hand toward Gage.

Gage turned his attention from Tair and focused on Liken. He gave him a lethal glare, until he glanced at Sharon. Seeing the plea in her eyes, he sighed uncomfortably.

Finally, thrusting his hand out, he took Liken’s hand in a brief shake. It wasn’t particularly friendly, but it was a gesture of temporary truce. Sharon gave him a grateful smile.

Kate stood silently watching the drama unfold. It looked like any physical altercation had been averted, at least for the moment. Deciding the timing was good, she took a step forward and said in a chilly voice, “Hello, Tair.”

Tair grinned widely at the tone and said in an amused drawl, “Hello, Kate.”

They stared at each other silently. The others in the group said nothing as the air became even more charged. The connection between Kate and Tair was nearly tangible. Even the Shimerian males waiting in line along the side of the room shifted restlessly, watching with interested eyes.

They were Shimerian males of various ages and backgrounds, but they had one thing in common. They were all in line to make Pact arrangements. Some had seen a Pact ceremony at one time or another, but most had not. They were curious about the two couples and the ceremony. Liken and his pactmate were pledging, but Tair was about to take Oath.

Tair was a highly respected Guardian with quite a reputation for power. They were curious about the woman who would become his mate. Then everyone froze as another Shimerian male entered the room. They turned toward each other and several murmured, “Jadik” in surprise to the others.

Kate watched as the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid eyes on walked toward them. He was big, with black hair falling down to his wide shoulders. His face was… the only word to describe it was beautiful. Like a painting of a dark angel, she’d seen once in a museum. As his gaze landed on her, she suppressed a shiver of alarm.

He might be gorgeous, but this man was deadly. Those brown eyes were calculating and hard as stone. He silently assessed her as he drew near. She felt like he was seeing all the way to her soul. Then, his look changed to one of appreciation. As his eyes drifted over her body, she felt unaccountably warm.

This reaction was not good. Was she turning into some kind of sex-crazed maniac all of the sudden? First Tair and now this man. She did not like what was happening one bit.

Tair made a welcoming gesture toward him and said, “Jadik, your sense of timing is impeccable as always.”

Kate watched in surprise as Jadik’s face relaxed and he smiled. It transformed his whole face, making him look deceptively harmless. “Hello, Tair. You know I would not miss the ceremony. Ahh… Liken it is good to see you again.”

His gaze turned gently mocking as it landed on Sharon. He said, “I see you have decided to keep the idiot after all.”