Forbidden

Chapter Five

Akahana sat straight up.

And hit her head on the healing tube lid before it had fully lifted.

“Where’s Taber?” She might have been deeply asleep in healing, but his thoughts and feelings bled over into her mind. She knew everything. And they needed to talk.

“Careful, dear.” Mara punched a few buttons on the control panel next to the tube before helping Akahana to her feet. Handing her a robe, she answered, “He’ll be here soon. I sent him away a few hours ago to get some sleep. I called him as soon as I realized you were waking up. How do you feel?”

“My throat hurts.” And her voice was gravelly, but she supposed that was a very small price to pay to be alive.

“It should pass in a day or two.”

“Mara, Taber thinks he can defeat Davin by taking us into the Chamber of Souls.”

“Mikkarn and Kiril said as much.”

“You don’t understand --”

Taber hurried into the room at that moment. “Akahana! Thank God!” He swept her up in a bear hug before setting her down and holding her at arm’s length, looking her over. He gently gripped her chin and tilted her head back and from side to side, examining her neck.

“I’m fine, Taber. Really.”

“Mikkarn and Mara weren’t sure you’d ever regain consciousness.”

“Obviously, I’m more resilient than they thought. Listen to me, Taber. You can’t put yourself in the position of having Davin challenge you as my mate.”

“What? How did you know?”

“You’ve thought of nothing else. It was impossible to shut out, especially when I had no control over my own mind because of the drugs from the tube.”

Taber looked at her a moment. “Will you excuse us, Mara?”

“Sure, Taber. I’ll go analyze the last set of test results and be back in a few minutes.”

He waited until Mara left the room and the door was closed firmly behind her. “Okay. Khan has explained why I have to do this. Tell me why I shouldn’t.”

She wasted no time. Give it to him hard, with no buffer, and maybe she could convince him. “If you give him any excuse to be near you, he’ll kill you. No matter the cost to himself.”

“I’ve thought of that. Khan says it would go against everything your people believe.”

“It does. But Gamin and Davin and the others don’t operate like other Gothe’marans. They do what they feel is justified given the circumstances. In this case, kill the human at any cost. Believe me, if they thought they could get at Mara or Anna, they would. That isn’t feasible. Make no mistake, even if it means his own death, Davin will kill you if he gets close enough.”

“It is a valid concern, one I’ve wondered about.” He pulled her to him again, this time enfolding her in his arms and holding her to his chest. “Khan and I have discussed this many times, and I have racked my brain to come up with something different. I have to admit, I’m stumped.”

“We can’t do it, Taber. We can’t . I’m not really sure I want to have you as my mate, but I know without a doubt I don’t want Davin to kill you.”

“And I don’t want him to kill you either, Akahana. He almost did, you know.”

“Yes. I know. I’ve felt the feeling many times.”

Taber winced and her heart gave a painful lurch. Damn. She hadn’t meant for that to sound as harsh as it came out.

“Look, Taber. I can take care of myself. I’ll leave Earth, and Davin will never find me.”

“You don’t think so?”

Akahana could tell by the stubborn set of his mind she probably had no hope of winning this conversation, but at least she’d have her say. “No, I don’t. In fact, I’ll bet that if you don’t publicly claim me as mate, Davin will leave us both alone.”

Taber looked down at her and narrowed his eyes. “You don’t really believe that.” Then he became perfectly still.

Oh, man. She was in serious danger of him latching on to her and never letting go. Funny, the prospect wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it was going to be. And all they’d done was share a few dreams together.

“You’re trying to get him to chase you, so he’ll leave me alone.” His expression was shocked disbelief for a second or two before a slow smile spread across his face. “You love me, don’t you?”

Akahana would have laughed if the situation had been different. “I didn’t say that!” She had to regain control of the situation. If she’d ever had it. “I just don’t want anyone hurt because of me.”

“Dearheart, his people will come after me, anyway. We’ve got to stop this before it gets out of hand.”

She pulled away from him and walked toward a nearby sink to splash some water on her face. “It’s already out of hand. It’s been out of hand for years. It’s just now getting the attention of people in high places.”

“How many women do these bastards have? We need to help as many of them as we can before we do anything else.”

Akahana blinked several times. “I -- I don’t know. I never saw other women. Not since I was mated to Gamin, anyway. I got the impression they were not mated because they frequently…” She trailed off, unable to finish because she was ashamed to admit what had happened.

“Did he let them touch you to punish you or because they wanted to?”

She blinked away tears that tried to leak from her eyes and turned her back to him. “A little of both, I think. Sometimes I never could figure out what I’d done to warrant punishment. He always said it was punishment, though.”

“I’m beginning to see our cultures are alike in ways I wish they weren’t,” Taber muttered. “I’ll leave it up to you, then. If you don’t want to enter this Chamber thing, I won’t ask you again. It’s only for your safety I’d even ask in the first place.”

“What about your safety? If I don’t go into the Chamber, Davin and his people will hunt you down and kill you.” She shivered at the thought of that. She didn’t want to care. Shouldn’t care. Taber was nothing to her, only in her life a short time and then gone. Could she live with that?

Her chest was tight and her breathing rapid. Her pulse pounded in her ears, and tears finally overflowed and spilled onto her cheeks.

“Relax, Dearheart. Breathe slowly and deeply.” Taber enfolded her in his strong arms and rested his chin on her head. “I’m with you,” he whispered. “I’ll always be with you.”

“I don’t want this, Taber.” She sobbed quietly, not even bothering to wipe her tears. “I just want to live my life my way. I don’t want to have to answer to anyone.”

“No one said you had to, Akahana.” He turned her to face him. “I don’t want to control you. I just want to love you, and for you to love me in return. The rest is up to you. Do what you want with your life. I’ll never stand in your way.” He closed his eyes and took a breath. “I just want you to allow me to be a part of it.”

“I’m so confused, Taber.” She lifted a tentative hand to touch his face, to trace the line of his jaw and cheekbones. “Gamin’s death freed me from his prison, and now I live in one of my own making. I’m afraid of losing my freedom, and I can feel the only happiness that will ever matter to me slipping away. If that happens, the whole point of freedom is lost. I don’t know what to do.”

“Listen to your heart, Akahana. This is an instance where your heart will not lead you wrong.”

“It did with Gamin.”

Taber sighed. “Did you feel this pull toward him that I know you feel toward me?”

“No. He frightened me from the moment I met him. I didn’t have a sexual attraction toward him. I never had a sexual attraction toward him.”

“What about his mind? Could you enter it at will like you seem to be able to do with me?”

“Not at first and never very easily.” She closed her eyes and inhaled. By the Universe! He smelled good! “I never wanted to. I was too busy trying to keep him out of my mind to try to get into his. He was usually the one who initiated contact.”

“Is there any possibility Gamin could have been telepathic? Could he have communicated with people other than you?”

Akahana started to answer in the negative. Who had ever heard of such a thing? Then she stopped.

“What is it?” Taber gently tilted her face to look at him. “What are you remembering?”

She shook her head, the thread of thought gone. “Nothing. That question triggered a memory, but it’s gone now. I think it must have been one of the times I was nearly unconscious. I can’t remember any more.” She couldn’t think when he stroked her back so tenderly. And why did he have to smell so good? It was a blend of clean, male sweat and soap. She looked up at him, losing herself in him against her better judgment.

“Don’t try right now.” Taber kissed her forehead. “You still need rest, and I don’t want to be the cause of your rest being disturbed.”

“Taber.” She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “I never felt like this with Gamin. All I can think about right now is seeing if you taste as good as you smell.”

Taber inhaled sharply, and his hold on her tightened slightly. She could feel the lust stirring inside him combined with something else. Hope. Love. Need . All combined to create an intoxicating elixir her mind could become addicted to. This was something she’d never felt from Gamin. His lust had surely swamped her many times, but he’d never loved her. He’d never needed her.

It had all been about control. This was nothing like her experience with Gamin. This, she could grow to like. “I want to kiss you, Taber.”

He croaked a short laugh. “Like I’m going to object.”

“But all I want to do is kiss you. Nothing else.”

“At this point, Dearheart, I’ll take whatever you want to give me.”

“Then kiss me, too.”

“Oh, God.” Taber groaned the expletive as his lips descended to hers. She wanted to utter her own, but all she could do was whimper. His lips touched hers tentatively, then more firmly but still with exquisite gentleness. At first only their lips slid against each other, but Akahana instinctively darted her tongue out and into Taber’s mouth.

The need and lust coming from Taber fueled her own desires, and in that instant she knew Gamin could not have been her mate. At least, not as she had always been taught to believe. She had never felt this building and feeding of her own emotions off the thoughts and feelings of another.

It felt like lightning sparked between them. She felt like she’d been punched in the chest, but at the same time, she couldn’t get enough. Her insides heated, yet chills raised the fine hair on her body and puckered her nipples to stabbing peaks. She ached to have Taber take one of those nipples between the lips that were so expertly playing across her own.

She clung to him, tangled her fingers in his shirt before trailing one hand up his neck to the back of his head. The skin there was slick and slightly damp with sweat, and she found she rather liked the feel of it on her fingertips.

He held her closely, yet never doing anything more than kissing her, just as she’d requested. His body was hard next to hers, and she felt his cock harden and press tightly against her abdomen.

Everything combined to leave her breathless and wanting. Her breasts felt heavy and tender, her pussy tingly and damp. For the first time she could ever remember, she not only wanted sex, she needed it. Craved it. There was no fear or doubt. There was only this overwhelming sense of belonging.

Akahana wrapped both arms around Taber’s neck and shifted her body as close to him as she could get, even hooking a leg around his hip to better align him to her.

Taber’s hands dropped to her hips, and he gripped her flesh there, but still did no more than kiss her. But somehow it was exactly what she needed.

She was just about to suggest they explore each other a little more when the door opened behind them and someone cleared her throat. Mara had returned.

Embarrassed, Akahana set her leg down and tried to pull away, but Taber held her hip with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her back. He chuckled as he kissed the top of her head. “It’s okay. Relax, Dearheart.”

“I’m glad to see you finally accepting Taber, Akahana,” Mara said. When Akahana peeked over Taber’s shoulder, the other woman smiled warmly at her. “I think his connection to you saved your life. Your brain waves were decidedly more active, and you seemed to have a stronger will to live than before.”

“We were just…” She trailed off, not knowing how to explain her current situation to Mara, but the other woman waved her off.

“I know exactly what you were ‘just’ and as your doctor, I strongly approve. I think you should ‘just’ more often.”

For the first time in many, many years, Akahana giggled. Joy bubbled up inside her, and she buried her face in Taber’s shoulder and laughed until tears streamed down her face. Life was suddenly worth living, and she’d be damned if she’d give into Gamin’s will even after his death. Not anymore.

This was her life.

And she was taking it back.

* * *

Taber couldn’t believe this was happening. Akahana insisted he stay with her that night, and now he lay naked in her bed waiting for her to join him. He wasn’t sure he’d been this nervous when he was a virgin. He wanted tonight to be perfect, special. God! He wanted her so fucking badly ! How could it be possible to need someone so badly?

And it wasn’t just her body he wanted. Oh, he wanted to bury his cock in her cunt or ass or mouth -- wherever he could get to first -- but it was more than that. He wanted her heart as well. Not to control her, but because he’d earned her love and trust. He had to know she would always be with him.

When she emerged from the bathroom, she was wrapped in a bathrobe. The abundance of terrycloth should have been anything but sexy, but Taber couldn’t stop wondering what was underneath.

It wasn’t long before he found out.

She smiled shyly at him as she untied the belt and let the heavy robe slide from her arms and pool at her feet. She was the most exquisite woman Taber had ever seen. Her skin, a creamy caramel, made her white hair stand out erotically. Her eyebrows arched delicately over green, almond shaped eyes, and her pubic hair -- neatly trimmed -- framed her sex in the most tantalizing way. Her breasts were perfectly proportioned to her body, rounded and high, with dark pink nipples puckered tightly in her desire.

She took a step forward. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about this, Taber.”

“I know you’re nervous.” He smiled and reached a hand to her. “But I also know you’re just as excited as I am, and that you’ve let go of your doubts about me.” She reached for him, and he gently guided her onto the bed, her hair framing her face as it fanned out on the pillow. “I promise --” he propped himself up on one elbow to look down at her, “-- not to make you regret that decision.”

“You won’t, Taber.” Akahana reached for him as she spoke and directed his lips to hers. “It’s simply not in you.”

Her lips were silky and moist as they met his. He groaned and covered her upper body with his own, kissing and licking at her lips. Her tongue played over his, and her sighs and whimpers with every stroke into her mouth were glorious music.

He skimmed the side of her breast with one hand, tracing her generous curves and savoring every inch of her sweet body. Her hand slid up his arm and around his neck, and she pulled him closer. Arching her back, she purred her enjoyment.

Taber cupped one breast in his hand, testing its weight and brushing a nipple with his thumb. He watched, fascinated, as the sensitive flesh puckered even tighter with his touch.

Unable to resist a moment longer, he dipped his head to her chest and sucked the nipple into his mouth. Her little squeal, along with the need pouring from her mind, encouraged him as nothing else could. She was definitely enjoying herself.

* * *

There was no pain. There was no fear.

Only pleasure existed in her world, a pleasure he was a part of.

Akahana wasn’t sure exactly what she expected at this moment, but the extraordinary amount of pleasure and satisfaction she was experiencing never entered her mind. It was just shy of obsessive, her need. Sure, she could deny herself -- walk away and never look back -- but why do that when everything he wanted centered around her pleasure? She could find no reason not to enjoy herself.

Besides, touching his skin was a pleasure unto itself. His arms were heavily muscled, and they alternately flexed and relaxed as they wrapped lovingly around her. Never in her life had she felt so important, so cherished.

She pulled at his hip, encouraging him to cover her more fully. When he moved over her, she slid her legs around him, settling him between her thighs. His already full erection brushed enticingly against her clit, rubbing, stimulating.

He rocked back and forth, simulating the act of sex, rubbing her clit with every stroke. She hooked her heels around the backs of his legs, resting her feet on his calves. She arched her back and tilted her pelvis, seeking his cock. As wonderful as she felt, she knew there was more.

She wanted more.

Their sighs and groans were the only sounds they made -- no speech was necessary. Their bodies spoke for them, and their minds twined, mixing their wants and needs until it was impossible to separate her thoughts from his.

With one thrust of his hips, and one tilt of her pelvis, Taber slid inside Akahana and both their worlds ignited. Akahana saw stars on the edge of her vision as her first orgasm overtook her and knew that Taber felt much the same, but he held himself back. She got light-headed for a few moments as waves of glorious pleasure coursed through her, until only a gentle tingling in her pussy remained.

“By the Universe.” Nothing she’d ever experienced even came close to this. Taber’s body was tense above her with the need for release, and the lust reflected in his eyes took her breath. “What is this?”

Taber’s laugh was tense. “You tell me. I don’t know anything about this soul’s mate thing.”

“Apparently neither do I.”

“Later.” Sweat shone on Taber’s face and head. “I want more.”

Akahana laughed as she slid her arms around Taber’s hips and grabbed his buttocks, pulling him to her. “Me, too. Love me, Taber. Show me how much you want my body.”

“Not just your body, Dearheart.” He bent his head to kiss the tip of her nose. “I want all of you. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met, and I want to know that woman better.”

“I’m not that strong.” She wrapped her legs firmly around his waist, resting her heels on his ass. “You’re that gentle. You’re a very special man, Taber. Even if you weren’t my mate, I’d be glad to have known you.” She thrust her pelvis at him, causing him to groan. “Now, fuck me before I decide I don’t want you for my mate.”

Her teasing smile turned into a gasp as he thrust into her. “Well, I can’t have that, now can I?”

Taber shifted his position, coming up onto his knees. Prying her ankles apart, he placed her feet on his shoulders. She immediately hooked her feet around his neck and used the leverage to thrust herself at him again. Taber wrapped his hands around her thighs to find his own leverage, and it wasn’t long before they had their rhythm perfect.

Taber slammed into her, but no harder than she slammed herself into him. Akahana was as much the aggressor as he was, and she had trouble believing this was actually her acting this way. And it felt so damned good ! Nothing in her experience could have prepared her for this. She felt so out of control, and knew that Taber had no more control over his feelings than she did. Somehow, knowing that made all the difference.

“Christ!” Taber ground out between clenched teeth. “I can’t hold out much longer, Akahana. Come with me! Now!”

All she could do was hold on. His grip on her legs should have been bruising, but it fit the moment. As if he sensed her near discomfort, his grip eased and she felt him trying to hold back. Sweat slid down his skin because of his efforts, both at holding himself in check, and from the physical exertion. She could see his jaw working as he ground his teeth together.

“Don’t hold back, my love. As your mate, my body is yours to take.”

“No!” She could feel him try to hold off his impending orgasm, but he couldn’t. “I will not use your body for my pleasure only.”

“My pleasure is ensured, Taber. Come inside me. That would give me more pleasure than you can possibly imagine.” And she meant it with all her heart.

For the briefest of moments, she wasn’t sure Taber would take her at her word. But a brief moment was all it was. Once he was sure she meant what she said, he didn’t try to rein in his passion. Adjusting his grip on her thighs, Taber threw his head back as he pounded into her pussy and roared his release. Arching his back in an effort to get inside her just a little deeper, he emptied himself into her grasping, pulsing cunt. Akahana’s own release followed seconds after Taber’s, and she gasped his name breathlessly as her body seized from her orgasm.

When it was done, when they both lay in each other’s arms sated and very satisfied, Akahana turned to Taber and laid a gentle hand on his cheek. “I want to enter the Chamber with you, Taber. If our love can stop this nightmare I’ve been living, and your friends can keep you safe from Davin during this, I’d be a fool not to take that opportunity.”

“You’re still looking out for me.”

“Always. I know you can handle yourself.” She pushed him over and lay with her upper body covering his. “But I can’t imagine losing you.” She smiled at him as she drew lazy circles on his chest with a finger. “It’s funny. I always promised myself if I was ever able to get away from Gamin, I’d never again let a man have any influence over me.” She dipped her head to kiss the line of his jaw. “Now, I only feel fortunate to have finally found my true mate.”

If he thought anything about the comment, he didn’t say anything. Which was probably a good thing. Akahana wasn’t sure she could explain. But she had no doubt in her mind that Gamin was not her true soul’s mate. How he had managed to be able to get inside her head and project his thoughts to her, she couldn’t even begin to imagine, but somehow he had. What she could communicate with Taber went deeper than simple thought. It was feelings, understanding of those feelings, and a blessed union that her soul rejoiced in.

She crawled over Taber’s body, straddling his hips. His jaw clenched as he stared at her breasts. His hands rested lightly on her hips.

“You are such a giving lover, Taber. You can’t imagine how big a difference that makes to me.” She reached between her legs to guide his semi-erect cock inside her pussy. “I never imagined pleasure such as this existed.”

“You’re worth anything I’ve given you and more, Dearheart. And any man who would say otherwise is either a damned fool, or the biggest liar in the universe.”

She moved slowly, rotating her hips in little circles, enjoying the slowness and deliberateness of her play. Taber didn’t hurry her, or encourage her to move faster. He simply rubbed her legs in feather light touches from hip to knee. Akahana used her link with him to gauge his reactions, and when she sensed he was close to coming, she sped up her motions slightly.

It wasn’t long before her own orgasm started building. As Taber neared his release, Akahana pushed hers back so she could come with him, take the fall together. She opened herself up to him completely. He could feel her pleasure and her growing love for him.

When he gripped her hips harder and thrust against her firmly twice, her body tensed with her own release. She shouted once and collapsed onto Taber’s chest, wrapping her arms around him as best she could. It was only a moment before she fell asleep.

Sated, satisfied…

And happy.