She came to her feet. “And everyone forgot about them again.”
He was thoughtful. “You could say that.”
She slapped her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I just did.”
At least he no longer thought about mating with her. No, now he was thinking about killing her and being done with his mission. Was it his fault they had been forgotten? He thought not.
She paced the room, then stopped and looked at him. “And you can change into any animal?” she asked.
“Some Symtarians can, not all. Once you connect with your true guide that is the form you take.”
“And my guide is Shintara.”
“Yes, it would seem so.”
“And she’s like another person sharing my body?”
“As you will share hers when you shift into your animal guide’s form.”
“Eww. I don’t think I like the idea of sharing my body with someone. And sometimes she’s a pain in the ass.”
“I understand perfectly,” Kristor said.
I do not find that humorous, Labrinon commented.
“If you concentrate, you’ll be able to connect fully with your guide.”
She hesitated before sitting back down. He noticed she chose the opposite end of the sofa.
“You mean if I concentrate on shifting into a hawk?”
“That is correct.”
She shook her head. “Not going to happen. I’ve had all the shifting I want.”
“You would deny your heritage?”
“Excuse me? And who was it that forgot about the ones sent to Earth?”
He chose to ignore her remark. “If you stay here, you’ll be in danger.”
“From the rogue aliens you were telling me about. The same ones who killed my father.”
“Yes.”
“And they want to kill me, too, because I’m of mixed blood.”
“An impure. Your father was also an impure.”
“I don’t think I like being an impure. It makes me sound like I have a disease or something.”
“To them, you do. They don’t want you to return to New Symtaria. They think diluting our blood with a mixed race will make it tainted.”
“Will it?”
“No, it will save our race. Our blood has become too pure. Our guides are becoming stronger than our human side. There has to be a blending of each without one becoming too strong.”
“Or what?”
“Then the weaker side will die.”
“But I’m stronger than my guide. So what will happen if I never shift into a hawk?”
He hesitated, then just came out with it. “Then your guide will cease to exist.”
Chapter 10
Whoa now! I am not planning to die, so don’t even think you can kill me off, Shintara quickly told Ria.
“The idea does have some merit,” Ria told Kristor, but immediately regretted her words.
Shintara was silent long enough for guilt to start seeping into Ria.
You would really…let me die?
I’m scared of flying, Ria told her.
There’s nothing to it.
How would you know? You’ve never done it, either.
Have you ever seen an unhappy bird?
Ria was so not ready for any of this. A throbbing started at her temples. She reached up and massaged them, but the ache was still there.
“No, I don’t want Shintara to die,” Ria finally said to him. “You just need to go back where you came from. Then my life will get back to normal.”
“You know I can’t do that,” Kristor said.
“I don’t really care what you can or cannot do. I just want you out of here.” She jumped to her feet and strode to the door, flinging it open.
He sauntered toward her, but didn’t walk out. His presence filled the room. The throbbing spread to the rest of her body, but changed and became a burning need that she found hard to suppress.
“We’re meant to be together. You enjoyed my kiss.” He brushed her hair behind her ear, caressing her cheek.
Her body leapt to awareness. Months had passed since she’d felt a need as strong as this one.
“I want to know you intimately,” he leaned in and whispered close to her ear.
“Why?” Her words trembled.
“Does there have to be a reason for two people to enjoy each other’s bodies?”
“But you’re an alien.”
“As are you.” He lightly massaged her shoulders.
“Only part.” She should tell him to stop, but when she opened her mouth, he covered her words with a gentle kiss. She tasted him as his tongue stroked across hers. He wasn’t demanding, not forcing her, but giving her the choice to push away or pull closer.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but quickly changed to a deep aching need when he slid his hands over her buttocks and pulled her against him. His need was evident.
What? Was she crazy? She didn’t know this man. Hell, she apparently didn’t know herself. But who could she talk to? Who, other than him, would believe her when she told them she’d shifted into a friggin’ frog? Kristor was her only connection to who she really was.
Maybe she just wanted to relieve the tension building inside her. And maybe that’s why she didn’t push him away.
She shoved on the door, closing it.
He ended the kiss and moved back, studying her face. Then he reached for the hem of her shirt. It was almost as if she were having an out-of-body experience as she raised her arms above her head. He tugged the top off, then let it fall to the floor.
A shiver ran the length of her body. He didn’t move, only looked. Then he kissed one shoulder, running his fingers under her bra, sliding each strap down her shoulder before reaching behind her and unfastening the clasps. At the last second, she clutched her bra to her breasts, not letting him bare them.
He raised an eyebrow.
What was it about that one look? It told her that she was denying them both. And that wasn’t what she wanted to do. She was tired of the lies she’d been telling herself. She wanted him, more than she’d ever wanted a man.
She let go. Her bra fell to the floor. She raised her chin, but knew her bravado wouldn’t last long. Why hadn’t she suggested wine first? Like a whole bottle. She’d never been this nervous before.
He pulled his T-shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor. The man really did have some serious muscles. She tentatively reached out and glided her hand across his chest. It was firm to her touch. Sinewy muscle, hard ridges. Battle scars. Not perfect, but she wasn’t seeking perfection. She leaned forward, her lips pressing against one jagged scar.
Kristor sucked in a breath, but didn’t say anything. It was as if he didn’t want to break the spell any more than she did.
How far would he let her go? She reached down and unfastened his jeans, then slid the zipper down. She met his gaze. His eyes were glazed with desire. She wondered how difficult it was for him as he held the warrior inside at bay.
She pushed his jeans over his hips, down his thighs. He kicked out of them. She hesitated, took a deep breath, and reached for the waistband of his briefs. The material molded to his erection. He was large. Her gaze fastened on the bulge. She licked her lips.
He stayed her hand before she could tug them down. Disappointment swept over her—until he ran his knuckles across her stomach, stopping when he was at the waistband of her jeans. He tugged the button through the hole, slid the zipper down. Her jeans followed. Slowly, deliberately, as if he would extend the mounting pressure growing inside them both, he knelt in front of her, and tugged them over her hips.
A flood of heat rushed to her face. He was kneeling right in front of her. He’d see her…all of her. She quickly brought her hands in front and covered herself. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
He came to his feet. “Not ready for what?” He caressed her breast, drawing on the nipple, then lightly pinching it between his thumb and finger.
She moaned, leaning toward him. “This is only sex,” she said. “Make sure you understand that this doesn’t mean I’ll be leaving with you. I like my life here. And—”