|
|
In this exciting series conclusion, Ferda, Drake and Rand search Zadde’s stolen business records, looking for any clue as to the origins of their mysterious stowaway’s cryo-unit. All are desperately aware that time is running out. Eventually, news of their felony may well leak out, despite Ferda’s contacts. While Rand, presumed dead, may be able to evade both bounty hunters and the law with his borrowed identity, and his new lover, and his new lover, Kalid, is finally settling in, Drake knows Ferda finds herself torn between the pull of open space and her growing family on Praeden. Even the ancient vampire is finally beginning to feel his age. Besides, dealing with Julius Roma once every half century is more than enough. Together, they have one last chance to set the records straight...
“Any luck?” Kalid asked. Rand looked up from the consol. “Not much,” he replied, closing down the screen. He knew it irked Kalid royally that he wasn’t in on this, but Rand went along with Ferda’s insistence that only he and Drake go through the files she’d stolen. She had a point. Breaking Galactic law was something you only did with trusted friends. Did that mean he didn’t trust Kalid? He should. Damn it, Kalid had killed for him. But this was Ferda’s felony and she wanted it kept between the three of them. “What is it you’re doing for Ferda?” “A bit of research.” The hurt puppy look would have been laughable if it wasn’t so pathetic. “Come off it, Kalid. It’s work, all right?” “But why the big secret?” “Because this knowledge could put you on a penal planet! Ferda insisted. She said she didn’t want you put in danger.” That worked. Kalid paled visibly. “It’s illegal?” Rand nodded. “Then what about you three?” “Can you see vamps staying on a penal planet?” “What about Ferda?” The lad never gave up. A good trait in other circumstances. “With her contacts? It would turn out the judge was an old lover and she’d given birth to half the jury.” At least that got a chuckle. “She would, wouldn’t she? Amazing really. How old is she?” “Why don’t you ask her?” He shouldn’t tease the lad, but the look on his face was priceless. “She’d chew me up and spit me out for asking.” Quite possibly. “Maybe give you a scathing smile and make some smart arse comment about being older than her eyes and a little older than her teeth.” Kalid gaped. “You asked her?” Awed wasn’t the word for it. “Before I knew any better. It was just after we signed her on. I wasn’t at all sure about her. Drake was. He knew. He was right too.” Kalid didn’t look convinced. He fiddled with the console a few minutes, then asked, “You ever fucked her?” He did cut to the chase. “Ferda?” That got him a wide-eyed stare. “Yes.” “My God!” Kalid paled. Rand reached out to grab his hand. “Hold on. Why the look?” “She’s a… I mean… a woman!” “I’d noticed.” Rand shook his head. “She might be old and most definitely female but her blood is rich and sweet.” Drake was damn well right there. “Sweet as mine?” Bless the lad. He was fishing for something or other. Reassurance? Compliments? Rand smiled. “Well, lad, since it’s been several hours since I tasted yours, I better refresh my taste buds and let you know.” The satisfied smirk was almost cute. No, cute was the wrong word. Enticing. “Better come close.” He snagged the front of Kalid’s zipsuit with one finger. “Now, what were we saying about a taste?” “I didn’t say anything.” “No, but I did. I’m the big, bad vampire and I’ve got you.” With both arms wrapped around him into the bargain. “I think it’s time,” Rand went on, running his tongue along Kalid’s chin, “that you let me try your neck.“ He took the pull of the zip and lowered it to mid-chest, pushing aside the fabric to give handy access to a most enticing expanse of mortal chest. “Hey! Hang on.” Kalid pulled back -- or would have if Rand wasn’t holding him. “Wait!” Rand let his shoulders go, but held his hips, pressing against Rand’s erection. The lad had better not say he wasn’t interested. “What’s the matter?” “We’re up here on the bridge. What if someone walked in?” “I believe they’d be tactful enough to pass on by and wait until we’re finished.” The little catch of breath was quite… mortal. But Rand wasn’t so long a vampire to forget what mortal panic was. “Does that worry you, Kalid, lover?” Kalid’s Adam’s apple bounced under the soft skin. “Yes!” “You’re going to have to get over this youthful coyness, and now, I believe is the perfect moment.” “You’re serious!” “Indeed I am. I need you and your blood and I want them now. We made a pact. Remember?” “I don’t remember signing on for public sex.” Rand had to laugh but made sure it was just a kindly chuckle. “Sex in the middle of a bar on the Hallidan Hub is public sex. Sex on the bridge of my own ship is not public.” “What is it then?” He wasn’t actually objecting anymore. Good. “It’s fun. Trust me and you’ll learn that before I’ve finished.”
news | books | novellas | short stories | articles | goodies | contest | good reads | links | site | home This site designed and maintained by Glass Slipper WebDesign. All contents, including graphics, © 2004-2009 madeleineoh.com No part of this site may be used in any way without express consent of owner or artists. All rights reserved. |
