Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (19 page)

“Next time we get vacation, I want to take you to Silantrio Prime. We never did get a proper honeymoon,” Raife said.

She had heard that name before. B’abot offered to show her the beaches via the VR room. Frowning, Tiva tried to hide her discomfort by taking a sip of her drink.

Everything okay, Tiva?
Aliri spoke in her mind.

I was just reminded of someone, I am fine.

Adam’s hand was on her shoulder, and when she looked up at him, he smiled sweetly and caressed her cheek. “Hello, m’lady.”

“Hello, Adam.” She squeezed his hand gently, a simple way to thank him. Since breaking the barrier, Adam was aware of her feelings on a higher level. It was part of their shared bond. She was thankful that he knew her well enough not to ask in front of the others.

“Why do you call her m-lady?” Hemko queried suddenly.

“M’lady,” Adam repeated smoothly. “Because she is my princess.”

Aliri and Maar laughed, Tiva blushed and glanced down at her drink as she felt Raife and Emerala’s curious stares. She had to intervene if she didn’t want him to elaborate, but luckily, someone else did.

“Many races use terms of endearment when addressing those they care about, Hemko,” Hino said then sipped from his glass. “My Lady was used in ancient Earth times by nobles when speaking with a woman of stature. Sir Cooper here is long lived and thus old habits die hard, apparently.”

“Right, Doctor, though I use the term…”

Adam, please do not say anymore.
Tiva interrupted. He glanced down at her and smiled.

“…for other reasons,” he finished. Hemko and the doctor exchanged a look and Adam sat down beside her.
I’m sorry, Tivava. I thought everyone knew.
He kissed the back of her hand.

I have only told a few whom I trust.

As the evening hours passed, Tiva found herself lowering her guard and relaxing more. Some of the guests began to leave. Before Vinni left, he told her to try his special fruit punch and she promised to do so. Eventually, only the command crew remained. Tiva was not sad to see the others go, she was anxious with Hino and Hemko around. They both had inquisitive natures. The friends continued their conversations, talking about plans for their time on base, messages from home, and people they wanted to see. Raife mentioned the fact that Hill would be at Base when the
Tolox
arrived.

Comfortable with the tight knit group, Tiva knew her feelings for them had changed. She was laughing with them, sharing her own stories, and enjoying their company completely. These people, her friends, genuinely cared for her and she felt the same.

She sat in the living area, next to Adam with her second punch and began to realize why it was special. Her vision was cloudy and senses heightened, her mind opened and absorbing the warmth flowing from the others.

“Are you okay, Tiva?” Emerala asked.

“I believe I am being affected by Vinni’s concoction.”

“He makes a mean drink,” Aliri said.

“I do not feel angry…”

“No, no it’s an expression, the drink is strong with alcohol,” Emerala giggled.

She glanced across the room, raised her glass, and took another sip. “The drink is wonderful and I am very happy to be here with you all. You are my dear friends.”

Maar laughed, Aliri’s mouth dropped, and Adam smirked at her as she rose from the chair. She met eyes with each of them then stopped and smiled at Adam. Taking another sip, she put the glass on the table, steadied herself and giggled.

“My father always told me that I needed to loosen up and enjoy life. But you, Adam, you have shown me true happiness.”

“I’m glad you’re happy, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He stood up and took her hand. “And you, princess, are drunk.”

“Okay, okay…” Raife interrupted. “Are you really a princess, Tiva? I mean, we don’t know much about you, really…”

Tiva turned to the voice and lost her balance. Adam chuckled and wrapped his arms around her then fell back to the chair taking her with him. She blinked finding herself on his lap and turned to Aliri.

Am I…drunk?

You’re pretty damn close.

Then I should have more so I achieve my goal.
Tiva nodded toward her friend and reached for her glass. “No, Raife, I am not a princess.”

“Oh, well that would’ve been really cool, actually.”

“You really should tell them, Chief, they’re your friends…” Maar said suddenly.

Tiva finished the last of Vinni’s punch and sloppily nodded. “As you wish, Captain.” She looked to Emerala and Raife. It wasn’t that she did not trust them. She disliked talking about her problems. Perhaps it started with Tespor and the fact he was jealous of her. Or maybe it was how Harai reacted to the truth of her upbringing and life. Still, after all that happened, she owed them the truth.

“I learned from a friend back home that I am the daughter to the late king of Abennelp. I was given to the Boon family after their child died, and as it stands now—since everyone else is dead—I am the heir to the throne of my world.” She felt the tears begin to well up in her eyes. “You know of the bounty on me, and I have never thanked you for supporting me…but the tide on my home world is slowly changing.”

“Why do they want you dead?” Raife asked, cautiously.

“Their cause is still unknown, they—like the Syndicate—wish to rid themselves of all opposition. Pethor’s tactics were successful, his leader knows I am the last guardian alive, and he knows as long as one guardian survived, the ideals of our king remain.” She paused and wiped her cheek before any tears could fall. “However, I believe my birthright is still a secret. It is a blessing, for if they knew…I fear what may happen to those loyal to the throne. I have difficult choices to make. I am torn between staying here—for you have kept me safe these past years—and going home, becoming a leader and saving my people…” She sniffled, unable to hide her feelings any longer, and stood up. “I do not know what good, if any, I can do. But something must be done, and I cannot leave them to face their fate alone. I do not want them to suffer any longer, but I have been gone for so long. I am…I am…I am sorry, I must go.”

“Tiva wait!” Adam called to her, but she staggered out and down the corridor heading for her room. A gust of wind rushed past her as she entered the door code. She had one foot in the room when Adam caught her and kept her balanced. “Tiva?”

Turning to face him, she stared into his eyes then kissed him. She pulled him into the room and forced him back on the couch. His wings wrapped around her, his arms unyielding. Tiva continued kissing him and reached for his shirt attempting to pull it off.

“Wait…wait.” Adam grabbed her wrists and held her arms up. The wings loosened around her and he effortlessly pulled her to her feet. “You’re not yourself right now.”

“I do not want to think about war. I am tired of being torn between worlds.” She bit her lip and pressed her body against his, desperation in her voice. “I just want to be happy and free, Adam. I need you. Do not deny me what I want.”

“Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to, but this isn’t right. You’re intoxicated, Tiva.” Yellow eyes locked onto hers, and despite feeling his agitation, she knew his desires. Her markings turned white in response. She felt hot and her mind began to whirl.

“I know what you want. I crave it too…”

“But not like this.”

“Why?”

“When I make love to you, I want it to be perfect, special. You deserve that much.”

“Adam,” she whispered, her knees going weak. “I…think I am ill.”

He smiled, tenderly wrapped his arms around her waist, and ushered her back to the bedroom. “No, you’re just having a reaction to the alcohol. Vinni doesn’t know about your tolerance level. I’ll have a word with him.”

“He said it was punch, I assumed he meant juice…” Tiva moaned and held her stomach.

“Don’t worry; soon as you clean out your system you’ll feel better.”

“I did not mean to tempt you, Adam. I am feeling all these desires…”

“Shh, it’s okay. Liquor has a tendency to make most people less inhibited.” He moved to the bed and sat her down. “Let me get you some water.”

“Adam, will you stay with me tonight? I do not want you to go…”

“I’ll stay.”

Tiva smiled and then felt her stomach rumble. She jumped up from the bed, ran into the lavatory and just as Adam predicted, felt much better once her system was clean.

“A
re you sure you’re okay?” Aliri asked through the wrist-comm.

“Yes, I feel much better now. I…uh, rid myself of the punch.”

“You threw up?” She snickered. “Ah well, there’s a first time for everything. Raife feels really bad, he didn’t mean to dredge up old wounds.”

“I was overly emotional due to the alcohol, though it is good that everyone knows the truth.”

“Yeah, you have a point. Listen, just drink lots of water, and get some sleep. If you need anything let me know.”

“Adam is staying with me tonight, but thank you for the offer.”

“Ah, well behave.” The comm went dead and Tiva turned to Adam. He rolled his eyes and motioned toward the lavatory. She nodded and waited for him to vanish behind the door before stripping out of her clothing. She had no idea what it would be like to share a bed with someone, but she was comfortable enough with the thought of waking up in Adam’s arms.

Quickly, she dressed in a simple pink sleep shirt, and untied her hair. She noticed a small scar on her shoulder and wondered if his reaction would be the same as Aliri’s.

Stifling a yawn, she pulled back the covers from her bed and sat down. Adam walked out and Tiva’s heart stopped. His hair was messy, the shirt gone, and he wore bright blue sleep pants. The wings on his back retracted as he walked through the door frame. He was beautiful.

“Nifty pajamas.”

“Pardon?”

“Your…sleep clothing…”

“Thank you,” she replied, blushing slightly as she slipped into the bed beside him. Being near him helped her relax, and before she knew it, she fell into a dreamless sleep wrapped in his arms.

She woke up in the middle of the night, shivering. The covers were gone, twisted between Adam’s legs. His arms were tight around her stomach, but the heat from his body only kept her back warm. She didn’t want to wake him, so she delicately pulled his wing close, using it as a makeshift blanket before drifting back to sleep.

~*~

A change to the ship’s movement forced her to wake up. They were slowing, which meant they had entered Xatlo space. Adam’s wing still covered her, his arms keeping a loose grip. She wanted to turn and face him, but knew that would only wake him up. He shifted slightly and moaned softly in her ear as his arms tightened around her, pulling her back against him.

His hands moved over her body, resting on her hips. “Tivava…” he whispered. She turned and he opened his eyes. “Good morning, m’lady.”

Cold air rush over her flesh when his wing flew back. The sleep shirt caught the gust and lifted slightly exposing her stomach. His fingers moved down to the scar, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I saw this once before, when we were sparring…how did it happen?”

“The ship was attacked and I jumped in the way of an alien trying to save Hill and Maar, a console exploded next to me...”

“Well, I guess you saved them.”

“I did, but not everyone survived. B’abot was lost that day.”
He brushed a lock of her hair from her face. “I’m sorry.”

Tiva noticed the scar on his chest, and rolled over to get a better look. After all, he was a warrior like her, it was only natural he’d have marks as well. She touched the small white mark just above his heart and asked him the same question.

“Remember I told you about the barbarians who came to my son Bobby’s village and killed my granddaughter Dee?” he asked and she nodded. “Well, we followed the trail of destruction to find them. Bobby’s training, it seemed, had done him well. The two of us were able to take down most of the barbarians with relative ease. Bobby continued to slaughter them left and right. I found their leader and began to fight him. Eventually, we disarmed each other. Cala and his blade were both on the ground, some distance away. We engaged in unarmed combat, amazingly equal in skill. When he landed a strong punch at my chest I felt a sharp pain...” She touched the scar once more. “Yes, exactly. Three years later, I awoke in an unfamiliar forest. Neither Cala nor my medallion was at hand.”

“You were alone?”

“Yup, I wandered the forest for a while, and then found a city. There I saw two familiar faces. An old friend and brother Knight, Kay, had my blade sheathed to his waist and Bobby followed shortly after, this medallion safely around his neck.” Adam touched the pendant at the end of his chain. “They looked in shock. They thought I was dead. All he had found was my sword, medallion, and a single white rose that I kept for luck, in a pool of blood.”

“By the spirits…So you still do not remember what happened during that time?”

“There is no recollection of my being at that time.” He shook his head, though she could sense his frustration with the situation. “Nothing at all. All I have are half-memories and a scar over my heart...”

“You are still here. It is quite an impressive story. I have always felt that scars are a gift of survival.”

“Back on Earth, scars only have meaning if they help get girls. Mine seems to be doing its job.”

She chuckled slightly and gently kissed the scar above his heart. Adam drew her close and kissed her cheek and neck. “Thank you for staying with me, and for being a gentleman.”

“I’m a Knight, that’s what we do…”

“I enjoyed sleeping with you.”

He laughed. “Be careful with your choice of words, Tiva. That expression might be taken the wrong way by a lot of people.”

“But all we did was sleep.”

“Yeah, but it’s also slang for sex.”

“Oh.” Her markings pinked and she buried her head in his chest, laughing softly. “I will watch my words.”

“I know we’re going to be on Base soon, and then we have to meet that new crew commander, but while I have you here all to myself…I have to tell you something.”

She looked up to his serious features, worried. Adam was not often serious. She touched his cheek softly, “What is it?”

“I love you.” Cala unshielded him, and his emotions hit her hard. Her heart swelled with delight.

It did not shock her. They both knew they were falling in love; it was one thing they couldn’t deny. However, the confession solidifying their feelings came sooner then she imagined. She was ecstatic. Nothing mattered for a moment. The troubles of her past, present and that of her near future floated away. All she could see and feel was Adam. Knowing her markings were pure white now, she smiled as his thumb wiped a tear from her cheek. “And I love you,” she answered.

“Then it’s settled.”

“What is settled?”

“When you go back home, I’m coming with you. If you decide to stay, I’ll stay too.”

“Is that what you want, Adam?”

“I’m not bound by time, Tiva…You’re the one with a limit, so I ask what you wish to do. I’m just saying, no matter where you want to go, I’ll follow. After all, with my life the way it is, I’m pulled toward the ship, but you’re really the only thing I’m bound to.”

Tiva wrapped her arms around him and frowned. She did not want to think of him outliving her for so long, true as it may be. “You have become very important to me, Adam.” Resting against him, she sighed softly. “I cannot envision my life without you.”

“You don’t have to, because I plan on sticking around.”

“I am glad,” she replied and glanced up. “Waking up with you in my bed was wonderful...”

“Uh-huh.”

“I will confess though, if we continue sleeping like this, I may not be able to control my desires.”

“Likewise…” He kissed and nibbled her neck, his hand caressing the scar on her stomach. She laughed slightly when his fingers began tickling her. Tiva pushed him back and returned the gesture as Adam trapped her with his four limbs. Tight within his grip, she stopped struggling, having no means of escape. Adam rolled on his back.

“Do your wings not hurt when you lay like this?”

“If I stay like this for a while they might. But I’m fine for now and enjoying the view,” he answered as his hands traveled down her back. “We don’t have much time before we have to get back to work, any ideas?”

Smiling wickedly at him she said, “I have a few ideas of what we can do…” Her eyes went wide as Adam’s hands moved over her backside. He raised a brow and grinned. She leaned in and kissed him passionately.

Ugh, get a room,
Cala grunted.

Tiva chuckled.
We are in my room, Cala.

Go to sleep, I’m busy,
Adam chided.

“Boon, I need to see you in my office,” Captain Maar’s voice permeated the room.

She sighed and reached for the wrist-comm on her nightstand. Adam didn’t let go, but lowered his wings. “I will be there shortly, sir. I just woke from my sleep.”

“You have an hour.”

“Understood.” She tossed the device down, turned to Adam, and finished kissing him.

Doctor Hino, Captain Maar, and another man she didn’t recognize, stood in the middle of the office chatting softly when Tiva arrived. He was well built and towered over Hino by about a foot, making him slightly shorter than Maar. Perhaps intimidating to some, Tiva thought he might make a good addition to her security team. She noticed his light blue skin and dark hair, but was unprepared when he turned. His eyes, a very light gray, seemed translucent, almost as if penetrating the depths of her spirit, yet his young features were welcoming and cheerful. Maar greeted her then motioned to the stranger.

“Chief, this is our new crew commander, Camway Aries.”

Aries extended his hand, Tiva shook it, and the doctor vanished from sight. She glanced over curiously at her captain, but turned back to the commander. “Tiva Boon, I am in charge of security. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Boon, Tiva Boon. Y-yes, I’ve read your file. You have quite a background for such a young lady.” He bowed slightly and released her hands.

She didn’t lower her guard, though his demeanor was friendly and vibrant like his appearance. “Thank you, sir.”

“Nonsense, none of this sir stuff. I d-don’t like protocol, so you’ll just have to use my name.”

“Very well, Mr. Aries.”

“It’s a start.” He chuckled and slapped Maar on the shoulder.

She exchanged a glance with her captain who seemed more amused than she was. Perhaps an outgoing, bubbling personality was exactly what the crew needed. “May I inquire how it is you have come to the
Tolox
already? I was under the impression we were to meet you on Ovvella Base.”

“You were r-right, Trevo, she’s spot on. Nothing seems to pass by this little lady.”

Tiva arched her eyebrow and looked to her captain. He circled his desk and rifled though one of the drawers before pulling out a datarecorder and handing it to his new commander. She watched Aries read the information, exchange a look with Maar once or twice, but remained silent and waited as patiently as she could.

“The report is key here. We should go through with the p-plan. I think she is the best candidate as well.” Aries placed the recorder on the desk and sat down. “Please sit, Ms. Boon.”

She lowered her mental shield to gather a sense of the commander as she took a seat across from him. The captain sat behind his desk and activated his computer. Aries’ mind was clear of clutter. The only thing she sensed was focus on his current thoughts. He was not a threat, nor was he being deceptive, but he was harder to read then many of the others she’d met.

Aries smiled at her and took her hand.“Have I passed thus far?”

“Pardon?” Tiva withdrew her hand and stared at him.

“I know you were trying to use your empathic abilities on me. I’m very sensitive to the psionics. You have m-many of them on this ship. We will benefit from each other over time, but if you truly want to know what lies within, Tiva Boon, you will have to drop every guard you possess and y-you are not ready for that.”

She blinked, looked to the captain; he shrugged and leaned back in his chair as if enjoying the banter. Somewhat aggravated, she shut her shield and stopped probing Aries’ mind and emotions. “Why have you called me here?”