Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
Z evon rose from the sofa, Arcon on his heels. Both males moved with the predatory grace of jungle animals.
Kendra shivered. All their strength and possessive intensity was focused on her and would be for the rest of their lives. She’d thought she was ready, that three weeks in their bed had prepared her for this moment. She was wrong. Hunger glowed in their eyes and her insides turned to mush. Her legs wobbled, her knees threatening to buckle.
Arcon reached her first. He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his lean waist. “I wanted you the moment we met, but I never dared to hope that this would actually happen.”
“Nadis said it’s called anulix ,” she told him. Both males chuckled. “You disagree?”
“I know better than arguing with Provost Nadis,” Arcon said with a playful grin. “That female is formidable.”
“I agree with her,” Zevon said firmly as he pressed against her back. “There is something mystical about our relationship. None of us knew about the other’s abilities when we felt drawn together. Yet here we are. Perfectly matched.”
“I don’t care what it’s called,” Arcon stressed. “We belong together. Period.” He paused for a kiss, his lips firm yet patient.
Kendra reveled in the tenderness, suspecting that it wouldn’t last long. They all enjoyed being swept away by aggressive intensity. This gentleness was precious because of its rarity. Arcon’s mouth lifted from hers and he carried her into the bedroom, setting her down at the foot of the bed.
Zevon wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. His lips moved hungrily against hers, his tongue venturing inside to claim her mouth. When she was breathless and restless, he lifted his head. “You need to apologize for being rude to our source. You raised your voice and became sarcastic while he attempted to answer your questions.”
Kendra fought back a smile. This was an excuse and they all knew it, but Zevon clearly needed to discipline her. Truth be told, it had been several days since he’d spanked her and over a week since he found a reason to retrieve one of his wicked implements.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” she said, eyes downcast. She knew damn well Zevon wouldn’t let her get away so easily.
“Not good enough,” Zevon growled out. “Undress and select an implement appropriate to your infraction. If I feel your choice is inadequate, you will be punished for that as well.”
“Yes, Master,” she whispered as she pulled her uniform top off over her head. Arcon had removed her boots after she’d cried herself to sleep, but thick socks still covered her feet. Zevon liked her completely naked during these sessions, so she bent and uncovered her feet. Her bra came off next, then her pants and panties.
Feeling their eyes on her bare body, Kendra crossed to the compartment inset in the wall across from the bed. She triggered the sliding door and surveyed the collection of implements. Two paddles, a synth-leather strap, a flogger, a cane, and the strange-looking oratel . The implement was unique to this star system and was basically standard equipment for controllers.
She started to reach for the flogger but stopped. This was her claiming. The intensity of their pleasure would determine the strength of their soul bond, and pain made her come harder than anything else. She took down the oratel and closed the compartment. Part riding crop, part flogger, and part stimulator, the implement could create a wide variety of sensations. That was probably why it was Zevon’s favorite.
She returned to him and placed the oratel across his open palms.
“Good choice.”
She turned toward the bed and started to bend over.
“Not yet, mate,” Zevon said. “We’ll expand the link by degrees. It’s less painful that way. Arcon, would you like to facilitate the first dilation?”
“My pleasure.” Arcon pulled her into his arms and sat down on the bed with her sideways across his lap. His mouth claimed hers and his hands moved boldly over her body. Unlike their first kiss, this one was deep and demanding.
Relaxing in his embrace, she returned the kiss with equal fervor. One of his arms supported her shoulders while his other hand roamed freely. He cupped her breasts and teased her nipples as energy flowed across the transfer link. She gasped when he entered her mind. Bright and vibrant, his being blazed like the midday sun. The intensity grew, his emotions overpowering hers. For just a moment she felt a flicker of fear, then Zevon’s energy wove its way through theirs and the connection stabilized.
Arcon’s lips released hers and then he turned her over, draping her body across his legs.
“What are you doing?” she gasped, confused by the position.
“I’m feeling particularly savage tonight. I’m going to warm you up for our controller.”
It was the only warning she got before his large palm smacked down against her bare bottom. She cried out, more in shock than pain. Arcon never spanked her. Discipline was Zevon’s area of expertise. But she could feel Arcon in her mind and his energy was nearly as intense and consuming as Zevon’s.
Arcon’s hand fell with a steady cadence, hard but measured. The sting quickly gave way to heat, increasing the ache he’d awakened with his kisses. She squirmed, pressing her thighs together as her clit began to throb.
“I can smell your arousal, mate.” Arcon squeezed one heated cheek and then the other. “Open for me. Let me see if you’re as wet as you smell.”
She parted her thighs and tilted her hips upward so he could see her pussy. She was well used to this when Zevon did it, but there was something intensely arousing about being spanked by Arcon.
“Lovely.” He traced her slit, teasing her entrance without sliding his fingers inside.
She moaned, needing more than his tantalizing caresses.
Slowly, oh so slowly, he pushed one of his fingers into her core. “Is this what you want, red?”
“Yes. God, yes,” she groaned, lifting her hips to take him deeper.
He withdrew the digit and slapped her ass hard, one side and then the other. “Lie still and take what I give you. Your arousal belongs to me.”
She forced her body to stop squirming and relaxed across his lap. His finger slid back into her pussy, teasing her with a hint of fullness. What she really needed was to be stretched, filled, overwhelmed by their huge cocks. He removed his finger and slapped her ass several times, then drove into her with two fingers. She bit her lip and clenched her fists, fighting the need to buck and wiggle.
He alternated swats and fingers until Kendra wanted to scream. This was more like Arcon. He loved to tease her, to arouse her to the point of madness before he let her come. Miraculously she held still, savoring the slide of his fingers while her bottom cheeks throbbed.
“Your ass turns such a pretty shade of pink.” He pulled out again and squeezed her warm cheeks. “I can see why Zevon enjoys this.”
“Her scent is driving me crazy. I need a taste,” Zevon said, his voice low and guttural. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” Arcon encouraged, sliding her legs even farther apart. “Just offer me the same courtesy before we fuck her.”
Zevon knelt behind her and pressed his face against her spank-warmed bottom. His tongue traced her slit, gradually sinking between her wet folds. Kendra moaned helplessly, her entire body demanding release.
“You do not have permission to come,” Arcon reminded, apparently sensing her desperation. “You’ve been rude and sarcastic. It might be hours before we let you come.”
Kendra whined and squirmed, unable to remain still as she fought off her orgasm.
Zevon’s mouth lifted from her pussy, and he roughly spread her bottom cheeks. The pressure intensified the throbbing and embarrassment washed over her at being exposed. They had both touched her, even fucked her bottom hole, but it still bothered her to be so vulnerable. Because of her unique upbringing, it was likely it always would.
“You were told to hold still,” Zevon reminded.
Fingers gathered slickness from her pussy and moved it up to her other opening. It had to be Arcon because Zevon was still holding her open.
“Apparently, you need a reminder,” Arcon joined in. He pushed two of his fingers into her bottom, driving them deep to anchor her in place. “Hold still while your master eats your sweet pussy. This is about his pleasure, not yours.”
Zevon’s mouth returned, even more demanding than it had been before. Arcon’s cruel fingers forced her to remain still. Zevon lapped up her juices and sucked on her folds, then his tongue fucked her needy hole. The only thing he didn’t do was touch her clit. She cried out in frustration. She was so damn close. All he’d have to do was stroke his tongue over her throbbing clit and she’d orgasm. Arousal swelled and receded, never quite cresting. She rode the waves of arousal, contenting herself with whatever enjoyment she could find. Until they chose to let her come, she was unable to do more.
“Stand her up,” Zevon directed once he’d had his fill.
Arcon removed his fingers and lifted Kendra off his lap. Her head spun and her legs trembled as he positioned her beneath the hidden compartment, then went to the bathroom to wash his hands. As unsteady as she felt right now, she would be glad for the restraints. She looked up as the compartment slid open and watched the wrist cuffs descend. Zevon loved to use this restraint system because it gave him access to her entire body. She lifted her arms without having to be told to and Zevon enclosed her wrists in the padded cuffs. His warm hands stroked her, reassuring and steadying her.
Moving in front of her, Zevon cupped her chin and raised her face until their gazes met. All pretense fell away and he allowed her to see into his soul. “This is very much a part of who I am. It’s not a preference or a game. I need this, crave it. Do you accept even my darkest desires? Do you willingly submit to your master?”
“I’m not afraid of your dark desires because I share them, crave them.” She smiled up at him, arching her back to thrust out her breasts. “My body belongs to my mates. I’m more than willing to submit. I need to submit just as badly as you need to control me.”
He framed her face with his large, warm hands and kissed her tenderly. His lips pressed, caressed, and finally settled over hers creating a seal for their mingling breaths. They shared their taste as their tongues curled and slid around each other. Kendra’s simmering desire flared back to life, making her breasts feel heavy and her core ache.
“You will not regret this gift,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Is this a new form of discipline?” Arcon teased as he rejoined them. “I was looking forward to watching you work.”
Zevon chuckled and lowered his arms. “Just a quick intermission.” He walked to the bed and retrieved the oratel . “Our lovely mate still needs a lesson in respect.”
Kendra licked her lips, savoring Zevon’s taste as well as her own. The next few minutes would be difficult, but she would endure them gladly. The thought made her smile. That made her sound like a martyr, and this was anything but sacrificial. She surrendered control to Zevon because she enjoyed being dominated. It wasn’t any more complicated than that.
The end of the oratel had eight long strips of synth-leather. Each one had been folded over, forming a miniature strap. A semi-rigid shaft ran from the molded handle to the loops. The shaft was long enough to be smacked across the bottom like a cane. Zevon had never used it that way; a fact for which Kendra was intensely thankful. He preferred to swing it like a riding crop, peppering her body with a variety of sensations.
“Ready, pet? I don’t intend to go easy on you.”
“Yes, Master.” Her voice shook a little but she got the words out. “I’m ready.”
Zevon trailed the loops from her shoulder to her hip, pausing to circle her nipple. The motion created a tingling sensation that made her whimper and squirm. He repeated the motion on the other side, lingering over her nipple. Back and forth, he teased one beaded tip and then the other, not stopping until both nipples were pebble-hard and oversensitive.
Kendra clenched her fists and pressed her thighs together. Her clit was throbbing like crazy and her core ached painfully. Zevon had barely begun. She was in serious trouble.
He gave each thigh a warning snap. “Open those legs. You know better than hiding your pussy.”
With a groan of frustration she moved her feet farther apart. Cool air wafted across her folds, accenting how wet she was. Open, accessible, she was helpless against his wicked tool. Both his wicked tools, she thought with an inward smile. But she would much rather be punished with his cock than the oratel.
Zevon circled her, caressing her with the implement as he went. “Your skin is lovely, so smooth and sensitive.” He swatted her lightly on the bottom as if to prove his point.
Kendra gasped. The swat hadn’t been hard, but her skin was still sensitized from Arcon’s spanking.
“That hurt, Master,” she warned. “I’m still tender from before.”
“You can take it. Sink into the pain.” He swung again, slapping the other side, which was just as tender.
She rolled onto the balls of her feet, crying softly as a violent shiver coursed through her body. The swats came fast and hard after that, covering her entire bottom. The sting was sharp but receded quickly, leaving throbbing heat in its place. Her nipples tingled and her clit twitched, responding to the sensual abuse.
“Beautiful,” Zevon praised as he ran his fingers over her bottom. “Your skin is vivid red and hot.” He squeezed one side and then the other, dragging a moan from her throat. “You’re taking this very well.”
Kendra hoped he was finished, but suspected he was not. Her lips trembled and her legs shook. Her ass throbbed, echoing the frantic beating of her heart.
“I think you’ve earned an orgasm.”
She would have been thrilled with his words if it weren’t for the cruel gleam in his eyes.
“Would you like to come, sweet pet?”
Her entire body ached for release, yet she hesitated to accept his offer. “What are you going to do?”
“Yes or no? It’s a simple question.”
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. This was a trap. She could see it in his eyes.
“I don’t like your reluctance.” He leered at her, his gaze lingering on her breasts and then her pussy. “Now you have to beg for your pleasure.”
Her pleasure, if he intended to let her come at all, was a long way off. They had played this game before. She knew damn well if she gave in, he would only have another objection. “I don’t want it that badly. Make me come or don’t. I no longer care.”
His brows arched and his lips pressed into a disapproving line. “Is that so?” He tapped the oratel against the side of his boot. “Let’s see if I can change your mind.”
She watched his arm, waiting for the next swing. It came fast and without warning. The end of the oratel lashed the underside of her breast, the impact carefully controlled. She gasped then whined, twisting away from the pain. He lashed her other breast while she was still processing the first. The next set of swats connected with the sides of her breasts, and finally the tops. Her breast felt heavy and hot by the time he finished. Each breast was encircled in a web of discomfort. She panted and glanced down. Her skin was bright pink, her nipples tightly beaded.
Squeezing her eyes shut, Kendra tried to ignore the throbbing ache deep inside her. Each spike of pain emphasized the persistent throb in her pussy.
“Look at these tight little nipples.” Zevon caught one between his thumb and forefinger. “They look neglected.”
“No,” she cried, eyes flying open. But it was too late. He brought the oratel up and then down, catching her pebbled nipple with both swats. Fiery pain stabbed through Kendra’s breast and she screamed. “Stop! Please, stop.”
He lashed the other side then brought the oratel up between her legs. She tried to twist away, but he didn’t hit her with the loops. He brushed the synth-leather against her wet folds, sending intense tingles all through her pussy.
“Oh, oh!” She twisted and swayed, desperately trying to elude the stimulation. The prickly sensations verged on pain yet were inescapably arousing. “Please, Master, may I come? Please. Please!” She screamed the last word as her orgasm exploded with or without his permission. Harsh waves of pleasure/pain gripped her core and radiated all through her lower body.
“Such a needy pet.” Zevon settled the oratel over her clit as he pinched her nipples with his other hand. “Come again, naughty mate. Keep on coming.”
Over and over her inner muscles convulsed. She cried out, shaking, as tears ran from the corners of her eyes. How in the name of creation could pleasure be so damn painful?
Zevon finally tossed the oratel aside and shoved three fingers into her rippling core. His mouth claimed hers, his tongue surging into her mouth. His fingers pumped in and out, a foreshadowing of what was to come.
The transfer link expanded again, flooding her mind with raw energy. She screamed, body bowing, as wave after scalding wave crashed down upon her. When the violent orgasm finally ebbed, Kendra sensed her mates more clearly than ever before. She felt Arcon’s desire and his concern that they were overwhelming her. She felt the steely control Zevon employed to ensure that he hurt yet did not harm her.
His kiss gentled and he eased his fingers out. “Now you’re ready to be claimed,” he said against her parted lips.
“I want her taste in my mouth when we join with her,” Arcon reminded.
Zevon nodded once then moved behind her.
Arcon, naked now and massively erect, knelt in front of her and raised one of her legs to his shoulder. Kendra panted and swayed as his mouth covered her pussy. She was so wet the inside of her thighs were slick, but he didn’t seem to mind. In fact, the copious wetness seemed to excite him. He licked her inner thighs and then traced her slit before focusing his attention on her clit.
Her head dropped back, eyes closing, as passion built again. How was her body doing this? She was always responsive with them, but Zevon had just forced about ten orgasms out of her reluctant body. Her abused clit should have gone numb.
Zevon wrapped his arm around her waist. Then he lifted her other leg and draped it over Arcon’s shoulder. Her back rested against Zevon’s chest as she straddled Arcon’s face. The position obliterated the tiny fragment of control she had left. They supported her, positioned and controlled her. She was theirs to use, theirs to enjoy.
Arcon sucked her juices into his mouth then pushed his tongue deep into her core. They moaned in unison.
“If you’re enjoying his tongue,” Zevon said above her ear, “imagine how much better his cock will feel.”
“Yes, please,” she cried. “I want that badly.”
So beg me , Arcon pushed the thought into her mind as his mouth continued to devour her pussy. Beg for my cock .
Thrilled by the intimacy of their mind-speak, she followed suit. Please, Sir, fuck me with your long, hard cock.
Growling low in his throat, Arcon stood up and shifted her legs to the bend of his elbows. “Now and forever, I am your mate, and you are mine.” He punctuated the vow with a brutal thrust of his cock, filling her pussy completely.
Kendra gasped, arching her back as a spontaneous orgasm burst through her. Her inner muscles rippled around Arcon’s cock, dragging a guttural moan from his throat.
“Say it, mate,” Arcon ordered. “Repeat the vow.”
“Now and forever, I am your mate, and you are mine,” she obliged, tears of happiness blurring her vision.
Zevon carefully parted her tender bottom cheeks and smeared lubricant over and into her rippled opening.
Kendra waited for fear to cool her desire, but the uncertainty never came. This was what she wanted, what they all wanted. Why should she be afraid? Zevon’s fingers slid in and out of her bottom for a moment then his cock pressed against her and his hands moved beneath her, supporting her. He drove inward with slow yet persistent pressure. Her body opened for him, stretching wide for his thick tip. Kendra rested her forehead on Arcon’s broad shoulder and surrendered control.
Suddenly, her wrists were free and her arms fell heavily to her sides. She gasped then wrapped them around Arcon’s neck as she lifted her head and looked into his eyes.
“This is your final chance to change your mind,” Arcon told her. “If we anchor the soul bond, there is no going back.”
“I want this.” She brought her mouth to his and kissed him. “I want you.” Then she turned her head sharply and told Zevon, “I want you both.”
Zevon kissed her briefly but then they started moving. The fullness had been intense, but it was nothing compared to the friction of having both their cocks sliding in and out of her body.
The transfer link expanded one last time. Energy flooded her mind, blurring her surroundings. A sharp sting made her gasp and then the reality she’d known morphed into something different, something more. Not only could she sense their emotions, she could now sense them . Their thoughts, their perceptions, their hopes and dreams. Everything they knew, she knew.
Her friends had tried to explain this feeling, but their words were grossly inadequate for this utter oneness, this total intimacy. She shared herself without reservation, holding nothing back. Their movements sped, their cocks reaching deeper. Kendra wrapped her legs around Arcon’s waist and reached back to stroke Zevon’s face. Fullness and motion, energy and emotion combined into a sensual storm.
Kendra closed her eyes and opened her mind, experiencing their joining on a level never available to her before. She felt their cocks sliding in and out of her tight holes, but she also felt her body gripping them, clinging as if to keep them inside her as long as possible.
“She feels so damn good,” Zevon warned. “I’m not going to last long.”
“Understood.” Arcon slipped his hand between their bodies and gently rubbed Kendra’s clit.
She was so aroused by all of the new sensations, the gesture wasn’t necessary, but it was sweet. “Am I allowed to come?”
“Yes,” Zevon growled out. “Come hard. Come now.”
She threw back her head and arched her back, aligning their bodies perfectly for the frantic thrusting that followed. They drove into her fast and hard as her final orgasm blasted through her. She cried out sharply, shaking violently in their hold as wave after wave of ecstasy inundated their bodies and minds. Zevon thrust deep, pumping his seed into her as he shuddered against her back. Arcon thrust one last time and released deep inside her pussy. Pleasure flowed freely across the soul bond, making it impossible to tell where the sensations originated.
For a long moment they clung to each other, panting harshly, too stunned to speak. Then Zevon carefully withdrew and staggered back a step. Arcon moved to the bed and lay Kendra down. Then he crawled onto the bed beside her and collapsed.
“I’ll be right back,” Zevon muttered and disappeared into the bathroom.
Kendra heard water running and when Zevon returned, he held a warm washcloth. It was an unusual courtesy. Generally, he made her shower in the morning because he liked to fall asleep with his scent marking her body.
“I want to make sure we didn’t hurt you,” he explained as he thoroughly washed her front and back.
“You didn’t hurt me,” she assured him, surprised by his concern. “Nothing you did crossed the line. If you don’t believe me, search my emotions. I was into it. I’m always into it.”
He paused, gaze narrowing. His energy intensified for a moment, then receded. Satisfied that she was telling the truth, he tossed the cloth into the recycler and joined them on the bed. She faced Arcon, so Zevon molded himself against her back.
“I’ve always felt possessive of you. This level of protectiveness is new.”
“You’re probably sensing Arcon,” Kendra told him. “He’s always clucking like a mother hen.”
“A ‘mother hen’?” Arcon tugged playfully on her hair. “I suspect I would be insulted if I knew what that was.”
Kendra smiled at him, feeling content and sleepy. Being able to sense them continually made her feel wonderfully secure. Her eyelids drifted shut and her mind grew unfocused, sort of fuzzy.
She thought she was falling asleep until her senses were inundated with unfamiliar sensations. Hunger gnawed at her belly, echoing the empty ache in her core. Hopelessness warred with anger as Kendra tossed and turned on a bed.
No, Kendra wasn’t thrashing. She was sensing one of the conduits, but this vision was different than her last. Her perspective was coming from inside the female.
The woman opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Her breath shuddered with faint sobs. The bed in which she lay was soft, luxurious, but that only seemed to mock her misery. Her arms were raised above her head, wrists bound loosely. She could move her arms but not lower them.
The door opened and two males entered. They were naked to the waist, their gazes gleaming with determination. One was tall and burly, the other lean and surprisingly young.
“I won’t give in,” the conduit vowed.
Her voice was hoarse but familiar. Was this Bristol or Jill?
“I’ll never give in to you, never,” she said with more conviction.
This had to be Jill. Bristol was a timid little thing. She’d be begging for mercy.
Energy surrounded Kendra, insolating her from the sensations. She was still aware of what was happening, but she felt more like an observer than a participant. She exhaled slowly. It made her feel selfish to admit it, but she was glad to be distanced from the suffering.
Can you tell which one this is? Zevon asked.
Kendra knew what he was asking, but how the hell did he know what she was seeing? Are we… sharing this vision?
Triads share everything, Arcon reminded. See what else you can learn.
He was right. They couldn’t waste this opportunity.
It’s Jill, she told them as she sank deeper into the vision.
Jill forced herself to lie still as one of the males drew the bedding downward, exposing her naked body.
“This is not a fight you can win,” one of the males predicted. “Your own body will ensure that we win.”
“You can fuck me until your balls fall off,” she shot back, dark eyes flashing. “I will never allow you to claim me, and I know damn well I have to allow you to anchor the soul bond. Forcing such a link could kill all three of us.”
“Dr. Ganjes has been controlling the level of your arousal,” the burly one told her. “Without his assistance, you would be insane by now. You have two more days with a clear head and then Verbet has decreed that you and Loren are to feel the full effects of your activation. He’s tired of waiting. One way or another, you will be claimed by week’s end.”
Jill pushed up onto her elbows so she could see him better. “Why just me and Loren? What about Kora and Heather? Why didn’t you list them?”
His smile was cruel, obviously meant to provoke her. “Kora submitted to her mates a few hours ago and Heather ended her own life.”
Jill’s shock and grief was echoed by Kendra’s, but it was Jill who asked, “When? How?”
“She grabbed a pulse pistol off one of her guards,” the young one explained. “He has been severely punished.”
“You and Loren are the only hold-outs,” the burly one concluded. “And we’re about to stop being nice.”
The vision released suddenly and Kendra sat up. Her heart thudded wildly and her chest ached.
Poor Heather. She had to have been so frightened, so overwhelmed, to choose death over continuing to fight.
“We have to hurry,” she insisted. “If we leave in the morning, we might be able to save them.” They failed Heather. They simply must rescue Jill and Loren.
The males exchanged doubtful looks and Arcon stroked his hand down her back, trying to soothe her agitation.
“I don’t think an attack can be arranged that quickly,” Zevon admitted, compassion warming his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
Channeling her grief into determination, Kendra refused to give in. “I’m not talking about a full-scale attack. I mean a rescue mission. We’re too late to help the others, but we cannot allow Jill and Loren to be claimed by force.”
Zevon sat up and pivoted to face her. “You’re proposing a raid inside Mercelon Palace. That’s one of the most secure locations in this entire star system.”
“We have power triads and Wraiths on our side. Until Verbet’s captives learn to control their powers, the Torretians have neither.”
“A surgical strike is what the alliance leaders agreed on,” Arcon reminded. “And if we’re going to breach the defenses of Mercelon Palace, there is no reason not to take out Verbet while we’re there.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Zevon grumbled as he pulled Kendra into his arms. “We don’t even have dependable intel. The palace has been chaotic ever since Verbet took command. He makes changes for no reason and can’t depend on the obedience of his guards. Jevara was an evil bastard, but he didn’t tolerate conflict of any kind.”
“Chaos could work to our advantage,” Arcon argued. “Kendra’s right. We need to act now.”
Zevon brushed the hair back from her face, his features tense and contemplative. “I’ll comm the ally leaders in the morning, but no promises.”
The finality in his tone and his stern expression made it obvious that the conversation was over.
Kendra nodded and lay back down. Her interaction with Jill had been more disconcerting than her vision of Jessie. Jessie had chosen to work with Verbet. She hadn’t agreed to have her powers activated, but she’d voluntarily started down that path. Jill and Loren had remained loyal. Even now they were fighting against what Verbet wanted from them.
And poor Heather. Another wave of compassion washed over Kendra. She’d never been close with Heather, but no one deserved that sort of pain.
“Go to sleep, pet,” Zevon ordered softly, his warm breath stirring her hair. “I know how much this means to you. I’ll do everything I can to convince Movu and Soro to act now.”
“Thank you.”
Kendra spent the following day in one of the private lounges with Provost Nadis, trying not to obsess about the meeting that was going on upstairs in Zevon’s office. The meeting would have concluded by now if Soro and Movu had been easily convinced to speed up their timeline. But the attack had no chance of success without the rebels and the Wraiths, so Kendra had no choice but to be patient and let Zevon do his job.
“You traveled in your vision last night,” Nadis was saying. “Have you tried to travel while you’re awake?”
The unfamiliar terminology drew Kendra’s attention back to the present. “I thought the vision was just presented from a different perspective. I didn’t realize it was a completely different skill.”
“Casting your being into someone else is called traveling. Those who have mastered the skill can travel without the other person realizing they’ve been invaded. It will take practice, lots and lots of practice, before you can operate on that level. But being able to communicate with Jill or Loren could provide valuable information.”
Kendra brightened, encouraged by the idea. “I hadn’t thought of that. How do I make it happen on its own? I had no control over what happened last night.”
“That’s not true. You needed information and your power went searching for it. Now, all you need to do is intentionally recreate the reaction.”
Kendra chuckled. Nadis made it sound so simple. “I’m not even sure what that means much less how to accomplish it.”
Nadis inclined her head, acknowledging the statement. “Let’s start with something familiar. Do you communicate telepathically with your mates?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Then reach out to one of them, only expand the connection until you can see through their eyes.”
The suggestion sounded absurd. She barely had enough control to send her thoughts into their minds. Still, she would never learn new skills unless she tried. Not wanting to distract Zevon, she reached across the soul bond and found Arcon.
“Which mate are you targeting?” Nadis wanted to know.
“Arcon.”
“Where is he?”
Without thinking about what she was doing, Kendra sank deeper into his mind to ascertain his location. “He’s in one of the small training rooms waiting for his next class.”
“And how did you know that?”
She opened her eyes and looked at her mentor. “I read it in his thoughts.”
“So go a bit deeper and see if you can access any of his senses.”
Feeling like a stalker, Kendra slipped farther into Arcon’s mind.
You’re in the right place, but I can feel you , he warned. Try and use a lighter touch.
We don’t have time for subtlety , Nadis told him. It’s more important that she learn to connect.
Understood. I’ll let you guide her.
Kendra advanced slowly. It felt strange to wander around in someone else’s mind. When she sent thoughts to her mates, she barely touched their minds. This was very different. She tried pathway after pathway, attempting to locate the one she needed. She found Arcon’s sense of smell, but sight eluded her.
After a long pause, Nadis instructed, Arcon, show her where she needs to go. We don’t have time to let her find it on her own.
There was no impatience in the provost’s tone, just a statement of fact. Kendra possessed a rare and powerful gift, but she needed months, perhaps years to develop it properly. Unfortunately, the skill was needed as soon as possible.
With Arcon’s help, Kendra accessed his vision and was soon seeing everything he saw. She pulled out of the meld, then reentered, easily locating the path on her own the second time.
It was time for his next class, so Kendra withdrew from his mind.
Nadis asked if she needed a break, but Kendra assured the provost that she was fine.
“Then reach out to Jill,” Nadis instructed. “Contact her slowly in case she is not alone.”
As they both feared, Jill immediately reacted to Kendra’s presence in her mind.
“Who’s there?” she cried. “What do you want with me?”
It’s Kendra. Respond with your mind. I don’t want the Torretians to know that we found you.
Are you here on Torret? Please, tell me you’re nearby.
The desperation in Jill’s mind broke Kendra’s heart. If we charge in without help, we’ll fail. Zevon is trying to convince the others. We’ll be there soon.
It better be really damn soon. A fresh wave of hopelessness accompanied the thought. I only have one more day and then they’ll let my activation ravage my mind.
Carefully controlling her own emotions, Kendra asked, Do you know your exact location? Were you conscious when you arrived?
I’m on the top floor of the palace. One of the guards said Verbet and his mistress are just down the hall.
Encouraged by the information, Kendra went on. Have you seen any of the others? Were you all taken to the palace?
We all started out here, but the ones who have been claimed left with their mates. A sob shuddered across the connection. Loren and I are all that’s left.
This is helpful. Can you think of anything else?
Heather’s dead. Jill sobbed, momentarily overcome with raw emotion. She chose death over degradation and I don’t blame her. I’d do the same if I could.
Don’t give up. We’ll be there soon, really soon. I promise.