Oath of Challenge Conquering Kate (3 page)

Sharon’s face turned bright red in response. Jadik threw back his head and laughed at her reaction. “Don’t look so embarrassed,
sherree
. I remember that night rather fondly.” His gaze fell to her mouth and then drifted upward as he gave her a lazy wink.

Sharon cleared her throat and sought desperately for a response. “Hi, Jadik. Umm… This is my best friend, Kate, and her brother Gage.”

Gage nodded shortly at Jadik and turned his attention back to Tair. In a light voice, completely at odds with his grim expression, he said suddenly, “Tair, I don’t believe we’ve shaken hands.” He thrust his hand out toward the other man.

The entire group regarded Gage in surprised confusion for a moment. Then Kate’s brow cleared as she realized what was happening and she said, “Yes, that’s right. Tair, you should shake hands with Gage.”

Tair studied the other man for a moment in silence and then took the offered hand. As their hands touched, Tair was shocked by the sudden flood of energy that erupted. Instinctively, he shielded his mind and sent an answering probe toward Gage’s mind to discover what he intended. To his astonishment, he met with a shield. It was not a Shimerian mind shield, but it was somewhat similar.

Gage gasped and held on as the world around him went gray. He rarely tried to force a vision because the drain was so great. He risked passing out whenever he tried. In this case, he needed to know and he needed to know right now. A great deal depended on his abilities at the moment. As a series of images passed through his mind, he felt a surge of relief. Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter.

Tair broke Gage’s grip and studied the man in stunned silence. No one spoke as Gage continued to laugh so hard that his shoulders shook.

When the storm of laughter subsided, Tair said, “You are psychic. Yet you are human. I do not understand.”

Sharon and Kate looked alarmed. Sharon said immediately, “Keep your voice down, Tair. It’s not a common natural ability here.”

Tair said in a low tone, “My apologies, Gage. I am usually discrete. I was merely surprised.”

Gage grinned widely, amusement still evident in his face. “Oh, that’s okay, pal. You’ll be
really
sorry soon enough.”

Tair knew when he was being taunted, but there was a genuine lessening of hostility from Gage. Even a note of camaraderie. It was mocking, but it was there.

With a puzzled frown, he decided humans were too confusing to understand fully. Turning to Kate, he said, “Kate, I must speak with you now. It is…” He stopped abruptly at Sharon’s exclamation.

Sharon voice rang loudly with disbelief. “Jadik! You have
got
to be kidding. Kate, I just thought of something. No, I know it can’t be right. Tair, tell me Jadik is not Kate’s...”

Before she could say the word, Liken placed his mouth over hers in an enthusiastic kiss. When he raised his head, he said firmly, “Sharon, I believe Tair and Kate have things to discuss.”

“But Jadik?!” she exclaimed. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Liken said to the group, “Please excuse us, we have pledge details to discuss.” He shot a hard look at Sharon, who returned it with an even harder one of her own.

Finally, nodding her head in agreement, she said, “Excuse us, we’ll just be a moment.” The couple strode over to the other side of the room and began speaking in low tones.

Kate gave Jadik a questioning glance, but he merely shrugged and looked angelically innocent. She wasn’t fooled for a second.

Turning to Tair, she said firmly, “I believe we’ll have that discussion now.” Walking out of the room and into the outside corridor, she was surprised when Tair turned into one of the doorways instead of following her further down the hall.

Rolling her eyes that he couldn’t even follow her to the lobby, she turned and followed him into an office of some kind. Except for the two of them, it was empty. The owner of the office must be gone for the day because everything looked too neat and tidy for ongoing work. There was a desk with a built-in computer monitor and a chair. Tair was sitting on the edge of the desk looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

Against her will, her gaze drifted downward toward his lap. As her eyes reached their destination, she saw a thick bulge against his crotch. She jerked her eyes upward and met his amused regard. With a defiant toss of her head, she demanded, “You wanted to talk. Fine. Talk. Explain this ridiculous summoning.”

Tair smiled. “Kate, there is no need for this battle. If you wish it, I am willing to take the Oath of Seduction. Seducing you would be pure pleasure.”

Kate felt her insides grow warm at his words. Moisture gathered between her thighs. His gaze drifted downward to fall on her breasts. Even though she was completely covered by her suit, she felt naked. Her nipples tightened in response.

His eyes drifted back to her face and he said in a husky voice, “Of course, you may seduce me if that is your desire.”

Kate struggled for control. It was infuriating that he could affect her so quickly and so strongly. With renewed resolve, she asked pointedly, “And if I choose one of the other options?”

He straightened from the desk and stalked toward her. Her excitement rose with each step. When he was inches away from touching her, he spoke softly, his voice a combination of temptation and subtle dare. “If you choose Challenge, you have my oath that I will not harm you, but I
will
challenge you sexually.”

Reaching out, he ran his hand gently along the curve of her neck. It was a causally intimate gesture. His voice held the same tone, as his hand stroked. “Think of it, Kate. What games we can play! You can explore your every desire with me. There is nothing that I would not do to you, nothing that you could not have from me.”

Reaching the neckline of her blouse, he dipped a finger lazily between the curves of her breasts. “I will fulfill you in ways you have experienced only in your deepest fantasies. Imagine what we could do to each other.”

Kate tried to keep from trembling at his words, but she felt a tremor run through her. Her body was heating, the blood singing in her veins. The man was a master. Clenching her hands, she said coolly, “You presume a lot. I hope you have the equipment and skill to match that huge ego.”

He chuckled and began placing kisses along the side of her throat. His fingers began tracing circles over her breast. Her body tensed in anticipation, but he avoided her aching nipple. He said huskily, “You are welcome to verify it at any time.”

He bit gently at the spot where her neck met her shoulder, then sucked. His hand covered her breast and squeezed. Through the fabric of her blouse, the contact of his warm palm with her hard nipple was exquisite.

It was too much temptation. Kate groaned and grabbed for his head with both hands. Pulling his face up, she placed a hungry kiss on his mouth. His lips hardened instantly and began moving in response. She felt him his big arms wrap around her, and then he pulled her fully against the hard length of his body.

They both groaned as the contact sent fire arching through them. Their tongues met eagerly in a passionate duel as the kiss grew hotter. Kate felt Tair’s cock thrusting aggressively against her stomach and arched upward, trying to align her sex with that hard pressure.

Immediately, Tair’s hands slid to her butt and lifted her. As he thrust against her sex for the first time, she moaned loudly and felt her whole body shudder. She wrapped her legs around him and heard him moan. She was burning. They were both on fire.

Then, suddenly, she felt a pressure inside her head. It was a pressing sensation, like something was pushing against her mind. She was jolted out of the moment, and immediately pulled back from Tair.

Tair’s eyes were black with desire. His mouth was swollen and he looked ready to eat her alive. Kate knew she looked the same way. Pushing against his shoulders, she unwrapped her legs from around his body.

He looked dazed at her sudden withdrawal, but he allowed her body to slide down until she stood on her own. He murmured, “I want you, Kate.”

In desperation, she turned her back on him and walked on shaky legs a few steps away. Breathing harshly, she tried to engage her brain. She needed to think, and she needed to do it fast. He had barely touched her and she’d gone off like a rocket. It was scary and incredible and the most fantastic sexual thrill of her life.

He spoke roughly from behind her, sounding impatient. “What happened?”

She spun and flashed him an angry look, “Why don’t you tell me? You’re the one with the superhero powers, remember?”

A look of resignation passed over his face. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, he shrugged. “My apologies for losing control. It is quite common the first time one kisses his pactmate.”

Kate felt a surge of irritation at the thought of what had almost happened. She decided it was time to go on the offensive. She needed to settle down and take control. Immediately. She reached for icy composure.

Keeping her face bland and her voice cool, she walked until they were nearly touching again. Reaching out and touching his big chest, she could literally feel his heart pounding, even through his shirt. Trailing a finger down his chest, she watched the hunger in his face grow. She lingered at the top of his pants and then moved her palm further down over his crotch.

“Well,” she drawled softly, “you can make it up to me.” She stroked a gentle hand over his cock and then cupped him in her hand. Inwardly, she groaned at the feel of him, so huge and so ready. A cock like that was enough to make any woman beg.

Outwardly, she flashed him a teasing smile. “We’ll enjoy each other for two lovely weeks.” She stroked him slowly, trying to distance herself from the pleasure of that hard length in her hand. “Then I’ll come back home. Imagine how incredible it could be, Tair.”

She licked her lips, and watched with satisfaction as his eyes tracked her movements. She trailed her hand down all the way to his inner thigh and then went upward until she cupped his testicles gently. In a firmer voice, she said, “But no intercourse and no mind stuff, darling.”

Tair was in agony. Kate was fighting back with a vengeance. His entire body was aching with the desire to take her. His cock throbbed in her hand and he grasped for control. He shook his head in the negative.

The hand cupping him tightened slowly in response. She stopped squeezing just short of pain. Tair sucked in a breath and went absolutely still.

Kate smiled in satisfaction. She remembered to keep her voice cool and mocking. “Well, that really is too bad. I’m warning you, Romeo, no more mind tricks or you’ll pay. Challenge me and you’ll lose.” Abruptly, she released him and stepped quickly out of his reach.

Tair regarded her silently for a moment. He let out a deep breath as he struggled with his temper. Then, with a casual shrug, he turned and leaned against the desk. He wanted her more fiercely than his next breath, and he was determined not to give her the satisfaction of knowing it.

Finally, he said equally coolly, “I will not accommodate you.”

Kate watched in silence as his shoulders relaxed, but his face turned resolute. He appeared calm and in control, but there was a dangerous look in his eyes. His voice was hard. “I intend to merge with you as soon as possible.”

“As for intercourse,” he lifted one brow in obvious amusement and continued matter-of-factly, “We will have sex, Kate, you may depend upon it. I will have you wet and wanting, and aching for my cock. Then, I will fuck you mindless. You will pledge with me,
sheka
. You have my oath.”

Kate was rocked by what he said. His blunt words excited and angered her at the same time. Seething with frustration, arousal, and anger, she said with frigid precision, “You have my oath you’ll regret the day you ever met me. I have to change my clothes. I have two ceremonies to attend.” Giving him a look of dismissal, she turned and stalked out of the room.

Tair leaned on the corner of the desk for another moment. As his arousal dimmed and his mind cleared, he threw back his head and laughed at the two of them. They were both tough players. They were both used to winning. And they were very well-matched indeed. Gradually, his laughter subsided into a smugly satisfied grin. She would choose Challenge. He was sure of it. Kate was ready to play.

Kate stood in the small changing room gazing at herself in the mirror with disgust. She was dressed in a thin white blouse, and a floor length skirt of matching material. Tiny flat strappy sandals and skimpy panties that tied at the hips completed the outfit. She looked like some kind of virginal sacrifice. She felt utterly ridiculous. She could imagine the reactions of her co-workers if they glimpsed this getup.

She remembered seeing the same type of outfit on Sharon weeks ago, but on Sharon it had looked beautiful and appropriate somehow. Very “innocence on the verge of blossoming” or something. Looking at her thrusting nipples outlined by the cloth, Kate felt like a hooker dressed as a nun.

She was no innocent in body or in mind. Glancing at her red and black power suit hanging on the hook on the wall, she gave it an approving look. That suit was Kate Carson. This virginal bride thing was a bad joke.

Coming to a decision, she reached up and loosened her hair. Brushing her hands through it, she watched it fall in loose waves past her shoulders. Spotting her purse in the corner, she gave a small grimace. Actually, she had left it in the Pactrep’s transport. No doubt one of the mountains had retrieved it for her and put it in here.

Reaching for it, she drew out a tube of lipstick. The color was ‘Killer Red.” She used it on her lips and stood back to assess the effect. With her hair down and her kiss-swollen lips painted deep crimson, she looked rather wanton. The flush from her encounter with Tair earlier only added to the image. Her eyes were shining with heated emotion.

She didn’t look like anybody’s innocent sacrifice now. She looked like a woman completely comfortable with her own sexuality. Powerful and challenging. Perfect. She hoped Tair would be in major agony. It served him right.

Picking up her red purse, she smiled to herself. It was going to be a very pleasurable two weeks. If he thought she’d just roll over for him, he was badly mistaken. She’d take her fun where she found it, and walk away smiling – alone -- at the end.

Somehow the thought didn’t please her as much as it should. It was that damn intergalactic jerk. He was unlike anyone she had ever encountered. A part of her knew she would miss the intensity of their effect on each other once the knowing period was done.

Then again, maybe they would grow bored with each other. Anything that blazed this hot was bound to burn out fast. With a mental shrug at her mixed emotions, she took one last look in the mirror.

She was Kate Carson, powerful and in control. Hell-on-wheels and a woman to be reckoned with. It was time to introduce Tair to the concept of humility.

Walking out into the Pactroom, there was a sudden hush. Feeling everyone’s gaze on her, she met their eyes boldly and searched for Sharon. Tair was missing. Trust the damn man to miss her big entrance.

Feeling somewhat deflated, she spotted Sharon gesturing to her. Kate smiled and went to her friend. For the first time, she really became aware of what Sharon was wearing. The halter top and short skirt looked wonderful on her.

Studying Sharon, Kate realized her friend looked sexy and confident. There was a new contentment about her, a kind of inner satisfaction. If Liken had this effect, Kate could forgive him a lot.

The big alien was looking at Sharon in absolute adoration. Obviously feeling Liken’s gaze on her, Sharon turned and returned the look for a moment. They both smiled.

Kate, watching the two, felt a moment of envy. They were deeply in love. She might doubt her own capacity for the emotion, but there was no mistaking the feeling between Sharon and Liken. It was there in the tenderness between them. They seemed to have a special…knowledge of each other, a bond. Even someone who had never felt that kind of love could identify it easily.

Dread surfaced at the thought of being so far from her friend. With a bittersweet smile, she realized things were changing. Sharon would be leaving to live so far away. She felt a huge sadness take hold.

Intense loneliness swamped her at the thought. She shook herself inwardly. The bottom line was Sharon was happy, and she wanted that happiness for her friend. If it meant Liken and another planet, Kate would wish them well.

Pasting a smile on her face, she said in her best disapproving tone, “Please, this lovey-dovey stuff is wreaking hell on my nerves. You two need to have a fight or something so I’ll feel more comfortable. Exchange a few insults or glares. I need something more suited to my personality. It is my Oath ceremony, too, you know.”

Liken gave her a confident smile, surprising her, and said, “Kate, I have been inside Sharon’s head. As much as it will pain you, I know you through her eyes. You cannot hope to fool me with such talk.”

Sharon laughed. Kate gave him a hard glare for a moment. With cool accents she said, “I see Sharon loves you in spite of your delusional thinking. It’s so sad when love makes fools out of intelligent men.”

Liken reached out and enveloped her in a hug. She stiffened in shock for a moment and then relaxed. His arms around her felt comforting and for a minute, she leaned into the embrace. Then, regretting the temporary weakness, she moved back.

He was looking at her warmly. He leaned down and placed a gentle buss on her mouth, as if she were a child. Eyes shining with amusement, he said, “Kate, love makes fools of us all.”

Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “You will never lose her. I swear it on my life. She will know happiness with me, but you will always be a part of her life as well.” He chucked her under the chin, and moved back to Sharon’s side.

Kate stood in shock, marveling over the big alien’s words and actions. He had somehow guessed what she was feeling and had made the effort to comfort her. It meant more to her than she would ever let him know.

She cleared her throat. “Sharon, you are allowed to keep this pathetic creature. Obviously he will do anything for you, even attempt to befriend me.”

Flashing him a look, she said, “You’ll do. Just don’t expect that hugging thing to occur very often.” She gave a delicate shudder of mock revulsion.

Liken and Sharon both burst into laughter. Kate smiled widely in response. She heard an excited murmur around the room and felt an intense stare directed her way. Tair was back.

Turning, she saw Tair, Gage, and Jadik walking toward her. Arching an eyebrow, she waited until the three of them arrived. Then she said overly sweetly, “Hello, boys. All done discussing the womenfolk?”

The three men grinned at her and nodded yes. She felt her blood start to boil. She opened her mouth to make a scathing response.

The voice of the Pactmaker suddenly rang loudly in the room. “Will Liken da’Kamon and Sharon Glaston please step forward to pledge?”

Liken caught Sharon by the hand and led her forward. Tair reached a hand toward Kate, but she merely stared at it like an unwelcome reptile. With a laugh, he moved his hand forward in a gesture for her to proceed first. Turning her back on him, she walked toward the Pactmaker. She missed the three amused male smiles that she left in her wake.

Eventually, everyone gathered into the appropriate places for the ceremony. Sharon and Liken faced each other, with Kate and Tair standing on each side. Jadik and Gage stood further away, watching silently. Gage regarded Sharon with the wistful eyes of a brother sending off his little sister. The couple gave their Oaths in clear, solemn voices. Their happiness and joy were evident.

Kate tried to concentrate on the pledge ceremony. The beauty of it didn’t escape her, but her mind was a jumble of thoughts. Her emotions were cascading from happiness for Sharon and Liken, to apprehension about Tair and the ceremony to follow.

Unused to such a mix of strong emotions, she worked hard to keep her composure. If her eyes became a little misty when Liken placed a gentle kiss on Sharon’s mouth as the beauty of it truly touched her, she made sure no one noticed by looking quickly away. At last it was done.

Feeling Tair’s gaze, she turned and gave him a look of warning. He held her look for a moment, but she could have sworn there was tenderness in those eyes. Then, everyone was hugging everyone, and the moment was lost.

Amidst the confusion of laughter and well wishes, the Pactmaker spoke again. “Will Tair da’Kamon and Katherine Carson step forward to take the Oath please?”

Kate felt a moment of pure panic as her heart leapt into her throat. Tair stepped in front of her and leaned down to whisper, “You are not thinking of running,
sheka
? Scared so soon? I thought you wanted to play?”

Kate felt her temper leap. Her composure returned. With a lazy hand she smoothed her blouse. With careful calculation, she watched as his eyes were drawn to her tight nipples. When his hungry gaze returned to her face, she said with a smug smile, “Excuse me, clueless. You’re in my way.”

He smiled appreciatively. “My apologies once again. Let us proceed.”

He turned and she followed until the two of them faced each other in front of the Pactmaker. She was surprised to see Jadik step forward behind Tair, as Liken moved back. Sharon came to stand behind her. Gage and Liken waited side by side. The Shimerian males in line along the wall watched with fascination. She gave Tair a puzzled glance. He merely shrugged and said, “It is customary.”

Feeling more confused than enlightened by his statement, she wondered what the hell was going on. There was some significance to Jadik’s position, but she wasn’t going to get any answers from Tair. The Pactmaker began speaking then and she tried to focus on his words.

With a feeling of total unreality, she realized she was in effect getting engaged to an alien. The whole idea was preposterous, but it was actually happening. As the Pactmaker droned on, she ignored him as she realized she had heard it just three weeks before, when Sharon took the Oath.

She concentrated on keeping her expression closed and her panic hidden. Her heart was pounding in her chest but she was not going to let anyone see her fear. When the Pactmaker asked for her choice, she shot a defiant look at Tair and said clearly, “I choose Challenge.”

Tair grinned broadly and promptly kneeled at her feet. She was utterly shocked at his action. He lifted his head and explained, “My kneeling is a symbol, Kate. When I stand again, it means I have accepted your challenge.”

As the Pactmaker continued talking, Kate studied Tair. He didn’t look humbled by his position at all. If anything, he seemed amused.

She leaned down a little and taunted in a low voice, “You look good on your knees.”

He laughed and whispered back, “Best to remember the sight fondly when I have
you
on yours.”

With a glare, she snorted and realized the Pactmaker was no longer talking. Suddenly, Tair stood with easy grace and gazed down at her from his superior height. His gaze swept her body boldly, with absolute possession. With satisfied eyes and a cocky grin, he spoke his own Oath.

Kate didn’t even hear the words. Tair’s look had pretty much stunned her. Her breath caught when he stood, and she couldn’t seem to get it back. He was actually going to give her whatever she wanted sexually. She knew it down to her bones.

The possibilities of the next few weeks flashed through her mind. Growing more aroused by the second, she couldn’t seem to focus on what he was saying. With a deep breath, she looked away, closing her eyes. Then, Tair caught her chin in his hands, and planted a brief hard kiss on her mouth. The ceremony was done.

She opened her eyes slowly and peered into his face. His expression looked tender, but changed instantly to hungry desire. With a muttered oath, he leaned down and gave her a second, more thorough kiss. When they drew apart, they were breathing hard.

Jadik’s voice penetrated their involvement with each other. “Tair, my apologies, but I must go. I have obligations that cannot wait. My congratulations to you both.”

Tair reached out and placed one hand on Jadik’s shoulder as Jadik mirrored him with the opposite hand. Kate presumed it was the Shimerian form of a handshake. Jadik made a movement toward her next. She looked at him and said sternly, “No. There’s something about you that’s not right. You don’t fool me. And do
not
congratulate me for getting engaged to this smug idiot, please.”

Jadik laughed loudly. “Beauty and spirit in one small body, along with the solid instincts of a good player. Tair has quite a challenge to enjoy.
Sherree
, it will be my pleasure to see more of you on Shimeria soon.”

He had emphasized the word “pleasure.” She eyed him suspiciously. He gave her a dazzling smile of pure innocence that nearly melted her in her shoes. She glared in response. He winked at her, nodded at Tair, and then walked away.

Gage moved forward and swept Kate into his arms for a long hug. His arms tightened about her as if he wanted to keep her there forever, and then he pulled back. Kate was shocked at the strained emotion on his face. He looked so sad, almost resigned. It hurt her to see it.

With great tenderness, he brushed the hair off of her face and said solemnly, “Kate, I love you, you know that don’t you? And I wouldn’t let you go with him if I didn’t know he was a good man. No matter what happens on Shimeria, I want you to remember how proud I am to have you as my sister. And there’s no one I love more than you in this world or any other. Be happy.”

Kate started to tremble. With blurry eyes and a trembling lip, she said, “Oh, that is so unfair. You know I love you, too, Gage. Promise me you’ll take care until I’m back to hound you about it myself.”