Zylott Wars 2: Ransom
Aubrey Ross
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2005 Aubrey Ross
An Authorized Excerpt
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“She’s staring at you again.”
Tye Kinson glanced beyond his companion and encountered the desire-darkened gaze of Rahna Delmont. “She’s adorable, but I’d prefer to live beyond this solar cycle.” He sat with Elita Mere at a small table in one corner of the cafeteria. The lustful trainee giggled and said something behind her hand to the girl seated beside her. More giggles ensued. Tye shook his head. “Her father is the Death Master. Does she really think I’m that stupid?”
“Adorable?” Amusement sparkled in Elita’s crystal blue eyes. She’d drawn her silver-blonde hair into a smooth roll at the back of her head. Reserved, professional, Elita discouraged familiarity with her ultra-conservative clothes and stern expressions. “Rahna would be so disappointed. She tries hard to be sassy and sexy. There’s no way she’d find adorable flattering.”
Tye’s attraction to Elita had increased steadily over the past few months. He was posing as a Shadow Keeper trainee while he gathered information for his brother. According to Tye’s fictitious dossier, his family spent the majority of their time in other dimensions, so his official Keeper training was just beginning despite his age of thirty-five.
Trainees were taught basic Keeper skills at the Academy before being dispersed to their individual orders for specialized training. One instructor from each Keeper order supervised the initial phase of training. Elita Mere represented the Order of Light.
“I’m not interested in Rahna.” He met Elita’s gaze and smiled. “And I’m not allowed to pursue my interests until I complete my initial training.”
The playful gleam vanished from Elita’s eyes. “If that means what I think it means, there’s something you should know.”
“I know you have no bonded mate. I asked your cousin the first day I saw you.” He let his gaze move over her face, absorbing the subtle beauty of each feature. “Are you involved with someone?”
She raised her glass and took a sip before responding. “I applied to the Sacred Order of the Veil.”
Stiffly inclining his head, Tye manufactured a smile. “Congratulations.” His tone sounded remarkably sincere despite the disappointment knotting his gut. It really was for the best. Casual affairs had never interested him and his line of work made long-term relationships challenging. “You’ll make a fabulous Veil Keeper.”
“They haven’t accepted my application yet.” As she met his gaze, a splash of color accented her high cheekbones, perfectly matching the deep rose of her full lips.
“They will.” Stars, he wanted to touch her, kiss and caress her until she cried out his name. “You’re intelligent, disciplined, proficient --”
Her laughter interrupted his list. “I evaluate my students based strictly on their performance. Flattery won’t help.”
“I’d welcome the opportunity for you to judge my performance, but it sounds like we’re destined for separate paths.”
She smiled and Tye fought back a groan. Desire rushed through his body, speeding his heart and hardening his cock. Talk about perfect timing. He developed a galactic class hard-on just in time to walk across the cafeteria and past Rahna Delmont!
Elita pushed back her chair and stood. “I need to stop by my office. I’ll see you in training room C.”
Graceful, elegant -- and cold -- Elita’s untouchable demeanor didn’t fool Tye for a second. She used her stoic persona as a barricade against the world. His inquiries had yet to reveal the source of her mistrust, but something or someone had hurt Elita Mere.
Too bad she wasn’t his assignment. She fascinated him, intrigued him, attracted --
“Do you know what they’re saying about you?” Rahna slipped into the chair Elita had just vacated.
He looked at the trainee objectively. She was a beautiful young woman, bursting with vitality and sexual curiosity. Her thick, blue/black hair framed a heart-shaped face, dominated by smoldering dark eyes. The wide, square neckline of her formfitting top showcased her high, round breasts. Her flesh-colored leggings made her appear naked from the waist down.
She obviously had an itch she needed scratched. But Tye had no intention of doing the scratching. How could he discourage her without upsetting her?
“They can say whatever they like. My only concern is getting through this phase of training.”
Her silky brows arched as challenge ignited within her gaze. “Your conversation with Mistress Ice appeared anything but professional. Is her skin as cold as her stare?”
His eyes narrowed. Intimate interaction with the trainees was strictly forbidden. If others believed he and Elita were lovers, her professional reputation would be ruined, she might lose her position.
“Not the type to kiss and tell?” Rahna lowered her tone to a purring whisper.
“I’m not the type to kiss at all. I haven’t touched Mistress Elita.”
“I told them they were wrong.” She licked her lips, overt invitation smoldering in her eyes. “Why don’t we get out of here and --”
“I’m old enough to be your father. Pick on someone your own size.” He hoped to soften the rejection with his playful jibe.
She laughed and leaned forward, drawing his attention to her impressive cleavage. “You are not old enough to be my father and I suspect you’re exactly my size.”
“It’s not going to happen.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m always up for a challenge.” She stood and leaned her hip against the table, displaying her figure to perfection. “And I bet I can have you up for the challenge in a matter of minutes. Give me half a chance.”
Anger sliced through his frustration. She was a stubborn little fool. Better to piss off Rahna than her father. “I’m already up, sweetheart.” He stood as well. Her gaze gravitated to the distinct ridge in the front of his pants and an approving smile curved her lips. “Your appeal is not the problem. I’m not taking on the Death Master for a delectable piece of ass.” He walked out of the cafeteria before she could respond.
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