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way. Like so much in his life, he accepted it with grace and without question.
If Ava was the woman destined to be his mate, then so be it. He would claim
her as his as soon as they arrived on Karn al.
Chapter Seven
Killian was his name, and he was the Prime Ruler of Karn al. Ava faced her
father after so many years. She swallowed and lifted her chin. I can do this.
I m not scared. He was tall and silver-haired, his body still strong and
muscular beneath the flowing robes. Her heart ached as she looked at Kell
standing next to her. Father and son looked so much alike, there was no
mistaking Kell as the progeny of the Prime Ruler.
She held herself stiff as he hugged her.  My daughter, I have despaired of
ever seeing you again. Were those tears that glistened in his eyes?
Killian drew a deep breath.  Your mother? She passed peacefully?
Ava nodded with a jerk of her head.  She died in her sleep.
For a moment, stark sadness shone in his weathered, still-handsome face.
 Aleesia was my first and only love. No other woman would do for me. He
gave a small nod, composing himself once more.  I told her to take you
somewhere safe, and that I would come for all of you.
Ava s heart tightened.  But you never came.
 No, he agreed sadly.  I was lost for some time, presumed a casualty of war.
I was badly injured and hid out deep in the mountains. By the time I healed
and came back, I was informed your mother had taken you on the last ship to
escape. A ship that I was told was lost, no survivors reported.
She didn t want to, but Ava felt herself softening toward this man whose pain
was so apparent. He couldn t hide the grief he felt upon hearing of her
mother s death. Ava found herself wanting to ease some of his pain.  Mother
never loved another, if that brings you any comfort. She was devoted to your
memory. Although Kell and I never had the chance to know you, we knew she
loved you.
Killian swallowed, gripping her hand tightly.  Thank you, my child. My heart
aches just looking at you, for you are so like your mother.
Something in her eased, allowing her to breathe lighter. Her eyes fell on her
brother, so tall and handsome, looking strong and confident next to Killian. Oh
Mother, how I would give anything for you to be here right now.
 It will not be easy, she began, hope blooming in her chest.  But I want to get
to know you, F-father.
Killian didn t bother to hide the tears in his eyes.  My heart thanks you, Ava.
For some reason, the Gods have chosen to bestow upon me a second
chance to be with you and Kell. I have no wish to squander it.
He wrapped his arms around her. Ava leaned against him, closing her eyes,
feeling his love for her. All the anger and bitterness she had harbored while
growing up seemed to melt away with that touch. She realized she wanted to
get to know the father that had been denied her by cruel circumstance. This
was what her mother would have wanted.
 Everything will be well from here on out, Killian declared gruffly.  Now that I
have you and Kell with me, all is well.
* * * * *
Ava was shown to a small dwelling on the outskirts of the city. It was pretty
much like the rest of the Karn alian dwellings small, square structures
identifiable only by a number. It was furnished sparsely, the only furniture
being a large bed in the middle of the room. Her escort left her silently, the
door closing behind her.
 I was beginning to think you weren t coming.
Ava jumped, whirling around to find Tristan leaning against an open doorway
on the far side of the room.  Tristan.
He searched her face intently.  Everything went well?
She nodded.  Yes. I ve decided he s not such a bad man. We were all victims
of the chaos that war brings. She blinked in confusion.  Why am I staying
here instead of with my father?
Tristan strolled toward her, looking attractive in a tunic and loose trousers.
Out of uniform, he was as devastating as ever. She looked up at him when he
stopped a few feet from her.
 This is where I live, he informed her, looking deep into her eyes.  You were
brought here because I ve claimed you, Ava. In the eyes of all of Karn al,
you re my mate.
She cocked her head.  Don t I have a say in this?
A shadow crossed his face, too fast for her to discern what it meant.  You can
deny my claim. If you wish to do that, all you have to do is return to your
father and declare it so. He caressed her cheek with his hand.  By doing so,
you re declaring yourself free for another man to claim you, to lay his hands
on you. He lowered his head, brushing his lips against hers.  To fuck you.
Her breath hitched.  What does it mean when you claim me?
He licked the corners of her lips.  If you agree, we will be mated in a
traditional Karn alian ceremony. He kissed her deeply. By the time he
withdrew, her breath was coming in quick gasps.
She felt bereft when he moved away.  If you agree, there are some things
you need to know about mating. He took a moment before he spoke.
 Cyborgs are more than just comrades, we re blood brothers. When one of us
mates with a woman, we have to fulfill what is called the Ritual of
Acceptance.
She frowned, not understanding.  Ritual of Acceptance?
He held her gaze directly.  You have to join with me and one other in the
ritual.
Shock coursed through her system.  By joining, you mean ?
 Yes. For one time only, I and a comrade of my choosing, one who is closest
to me, will join us in our bed to mate with you as well.
Her knees weakened. Erotic images assailed her at his words. She
remembered when Logan and Jed watched her make love with Tristan. She
could feel the same thrill of excitement snaking through her system. She
really shouldn t be so excited at the thought.
But the possibility did excite her. The thought of another, maybe Logan or
Jed, pleasuring her along with Tristan was very tempting.
She swallowed, trying to hide what she was feeling. Would he think her
wanton for wanting to do that?  That s all right with you? she managed to ask
through dry lips.
 It s the Karn alian way. More so with the Cyborgs, Ava. If I die in combat, one
of my comrades will step in and take care of you, provide for you, protect
you. He looked so calm, so collected, that it was hard for her to see what he
was thinking.  It is required that we do it once. Only once. For a brief
moment, he allowed his true feelings to show.  Because I don t think I could
bear it if I had to share you every night.
She took a step toward him.
He warded her off with a shake of his head.  I need your answer.
Did she really have any other choice? Tristan gave her incredible pleasure.
He was gentle, he was considerate. The heat they generated was
unbelievable. Could she really allow another man to take his place? The
thought was repulsive to her. She didn t want any other man. She wanted him
and him alone.
 More than anything else in this world, she began softly, walking toward him,
 I want to be your mate. Her hands crept around his neck.  Only you, Tristan.
Nobody else. She touched her lips to his.  You make me feel things I ve
never felt before.
Something close to relief flickered in his face.  Then it s done. You re mine,
Ava.
Ava buried her face in his chest.  Same goes for you. You re all mine. She
burrowed closer to the warmth of his body.  This ritual, when does it
happen?
 Right now.
Moisture pooled in her lower belly, rendering her limbs useless. She leaned
into him, already aroused at the thought.  Have you decided who?
He groaned and tunneled his fingers through her hair.  I don t know what I
ever did to deserve you. But I swear on my life, that I will do everything in my
power to make you happy, Ava.
Happiness took root in her heart.  You already make me happy, Tristan. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]