Atlantean's Quest Volume 2 Read online

  Apparently, the slug had his men quite intimidated. The Professor had somehow convinced the men he would share the riches he planned to acquire, once he accomplished his objectives. Ariel snorted. They were greedy fools. The Professor would sooner kill every one of his men than share his find, and probably intended to do so. He was extremely dangerous. No doubt his men knew that. Then again, so was she. Humans, particularly men, assumed just because she was a woman they held the advantage over her. They could brutalize and bully her any way they saw fit. She chuckled.

  They would be surprised, just like the people of Greece had been when they made the mistake of trying to invade Atlantis. Humans had no idea she could melt their hearts inside of their chests with little effort. Even Atlantean warriors, with their superior strength, knew the female of a species was often the most deadly, when cornered. Right now, the red-devil wasn’t aware of exactly how dangerous she could be, but soon he’d learn…like all the others who had tried to hurt her people.

  Ariel grew tired of the men’s arguing. She’d finish her seduction some other time. She whispered thoughts in their minds, sending terrifying pictures of exactly what the Professor would do to them if they didn’t stop immediately. The men released her and rushed out of the hut, leaving her alone.

  She expelled the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding and walked to the bed of furs. Four stakes surrounded the sleep area, creating a crude frame. Taking care not to harm her bound hands, she lay down on the bed, closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. Her mind reached out, searching.

  Coridan, where are you? Silence answered back.

  Ariel refused to accept the silence. She scattered her consciousness far and wide seeking any sign, any flicker, any tenuous string of hope that Coridan still lived. Something flared inside her for a second then evaporated into mist before she could ascertain what it was. She groaned in frustration, deciding to conserve her energy for the time being. She’d try again in the evening.

  * * * * *

  Many miles away Coridan was so wrapped up in his misery that he almost missed the mental brush across his mind. It was as gentle as a lash as it flutters against a cheek, yet it was there. Or was it? Had he simply wanted a connection so badly that he’d wished it so? He wouldn’t allow the luxury of hope to fill him. He couldn’t. The reality was far too devastating. He was alone, ‘twas time he accepted his fate.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Two

  Several light years away, under a pale green sky, in the royal palace on the planet Zaron…

  “We won’t let you leave her there.” Jac’s and Rachel’s voices rose in chorus.

  Why is it you both insist on speaking aloud when the Atlantean way of communication is more civilized?

  “Because we aren’t Atlantean and we want to make sure you’re both listening.”

  “How could we not?” Eros groaned in frustration.

  “It doesn’t matter how we express ourselves. You both have to do something.” They stared at the stubborn men, otherwise known as their husbands, standing before them.

  ’Tis not safe to send anyone until the Seer arrives. It hasn’t been that long. Eros crossed his massive arms over his chest, his impatience showing in the set of his handsome jaw.

  “She’s been gone a month according to Zaron time. What if she doesn’t ever return?” Rachel’s voice quivered.

  “Yeah, then what happens?” Jac added with barely concealed anger. “I can’t believe that stupid transport only works in one direction.” She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Advanced civilization, my ass.”

  Ares shifted, his gaze zeroing in on his mate. My fierceness, we will retrieve your friend.

  “When?” Her hands fisted at her hips. “What are you waiting for, the moons over Zaron to align?”

  Ares shot Eros a quick glance, then cleared his throat. The King shrugged.

  “I don’t friggin’ believe this…you were waiting for the moons to align.” Jac’s voice rose unchecked.

  I’ll summon my half-brother Orion, my fierceness, and let him know he’ll be leaving on his mission ahead of schedule, instead of waiting another lunar cycle.

  Don’t bother. I heard you. A strong masculine voice called out from the other side of the terrace. In fact, I’m sure the entire palace has heard you. He gazed at Rachel and Jac unflinchingly, as if waiting for them to contradict him.

  Orion strode across the iridescent opaque plates that made up the floor, flanked by two fierce looking Phantom Warriors named Bacchus and Kegar. The warriors were dressed in red combat fatigues, as if they’d been pulled straight off patrol to escort him. Their expressions were hard, wary.

  Their red eyes flashed in the moonlight, giving them the appearance of hungry wolves. Ebony hair, the color of night, hung past their broad shoulders, covering much of the tattoos that zigzagged across their necks. The sight was unusual and a bit awe-inspiring, considering the Atlantean people rarely saw Phantom Warriors in the flesh. The warriors kept to themselves, preferring their own kind to the company of outsiders. Originally, from Kantar—a distant planet— they’d settled on Zaron thousands of years ago.

  As Orion stepped forward, the men stepped back, fading into the palace wall like ghosts or the perfect chameleon, making them invisible to the naked eye. One of the many strange abilities their kind exhibited.

  I’ll be fueled and ready to go on the morrow. The group stared at the wall a moment longer. Orion glanced over his shoulder, his gaze tracking the warriors’ movements for a second, before turning once more to face Jac and Queen Rachel. He dropped to his knees and gave each woman, now ripe with babes in their bellies, a traditional Atlantean greeting before standing once more.

  Jac and Rachel glanced at each other with raised eyebrows. It took everything ounce of willpower they had to prevent a burst of giggles from erupting.

  With Orion standing this close, it was difficult to tear their gaze away from him. His unusual ebony and blonde striped hair hung unrestrained to the middle of his back. His uniform, black with jade colored accents, appeared as if it had been painted on like a second skin, lovingly gripping every ripple of muscle beneath. With a face that could only rival perfection, he’d built quite a reputation for sexual prowess amongst the women on Zaron.

  In addition to the already devastating picture he presented was an artfully applied tribal tattoo, covering his cheek. The permanent paint gave him an air of the forbidden, like Eve’s apple, but far more tempting. One eye was aqua like the majority of Atlantean people, while the other flashed jade, signaling his family bloodline. As arrogant as Ares, yet with the spiritual continence of a Seer, he was as irresistible as the finest chocolate.

  Jac and Rachel had both heard the tales of his exploits. Some of the stories included vague details about what he was able to do with his silver-ringed cock. Rumor had it the silver could make a woman’s body sing.

  Curiosity alone made it difficult to keep their gazes on his face. Yet neither one had worked up the nerve to ask him about his gift, especially not under their husbands’ watchful eyes.

  Remember us? We’re your true-mates. Ares and Eros burst into laughter. After a moment’s embarrassment, Rachel and Jac joined in.

  “You know I’d never forget you.” Jac leapt into Ares’ arms and kissed him.

  You had better not.

  “Thank you, honey.” Jac gave Ares a devastating smile. “You won’t regret your decision of moving up the timetable.”

  He arched a brow and looked down upon her face. I might not, but will Orion? Ares set Jac upon her feet, then turned to face his half-sibling. You are to seek out the Queen’s and Jac’s friend in the state known as New York. You’ll find her at something called a Sci-fi Convention. She apparently attends many of these events. We’ll send word if the Seer arrives with Coridan. Make haste and may the goddess be with you on your journey.

  Thank you, my brother. Orion turned to leave, but stopped short. Cassandra has requested permission to join me on m
y task.

  Why would she do so, when we’ve only just returned to our home? Confusion marred Ares’ voice.

  Orion coughed, then glanced down before once again meeting his brother’s gaze. I believe she said something about finding her true-mate.

  What about the warriors on Zaron? The King asked in disbelief.

  Orion shifted uncomfortably. Apparently, she has found none to her liking.

  Eros snorted. Surely she hasn’t met them all.

  Color rose in Orion’s cheeks. I believe she’s been quite busy since your return, my King.

  She’ll find no warriors back on that primitive planet. What is she thinking?

  I know not, my King.

  Jac and Rachel cracked up. The Atlantean women were as outrageous as their men. The friends found it refreshing that Atlantean women were comfortable in their sexuality. And to say Cassandra was comfortable was the understatement of the century. She’d gone through the men on Zaron faster than Rachel could get through a bag of M & M’s and considering she was pregnant, that was saying a lot.

  Jac turned to her and arched a brow. “Who’s this Cassandra chick?”

  “You didn’t get a chance to meet her.” Rachel mouthed ‘oh my God’. “After my mating ceremony, she and Ariel were on the ground, going at it like bunnies.” She added in a whisper, “It was enough to make a sailor blush.”

  Orion cleared his throat. Do I have permission to take her along?

  Ares looked to Eros once more. The King drew in a deep breath. Permission granted.

  Orion turned to Ares. If that is all, my brother.

  He nodded. Our women are finished torturing you. Ares winked at his younger brother.

  Orion stepped forward, acknowledging Ares’ and Eros’ rank and position with a slight bow, then pivoted and left, taking the two now visible Phantom Warriors with him.

  Eros drew his very pregnant Queen into a loving embrace. Their child was due in a month. All of Zaron was aflutter. He rested his hand protectively on her protruding abdomen. All was almost as it should be, now he just had to ensure the safe return of their remaining people.

  * * * * *

  The next morning, Orion’s ship launched on time. The thrust from the engines hurled him and Cassandra out of Zaron’s atmosphere in a burst of howling orange flame. They stared out the observation windows as the green planet quickly disappeared into a sea of black. The engine droned on, peppered by short gusts of air from the life support system. Earth’s coordinates had been programmed into the ship earlier, the flight pattern predetermined.

  Orion glanced at the gauges one last time to check electromagnetic levels. Everything checked out as expected…everything but the weight of the aircraft itself. His gaze narrowed as he tapped the screen. The gauges held at two hundred and fifty cords over proper launch weight. His brows furrowed.

  He turned to Cassandra who was staring excitedly out into deep space. Did you bring anything I should know about onboard?

  Cassandra tore her gaze away from the view panel to look at him. I brought only the bare essentials. You have seen my belongings. Why?

  Orion shook his head, tapping the gauge one last time. According to the gauge, we’re overweight by two hundred and fifty cords.

  I didn’t lie about my weight. Cassandra glared at him, daring him to challenge her statement.

  Orion was an expert when it came to Atlantean women. He knew better than to touch that statement. Besides even if she had fabricated her weight, it still wouldn’t account for the discrepancy the gauges were showing. Luckily, the ship would make it either way.

  He glanced over his shoulder, mentally going through their supply checklist. Everything was as it should be. He turned back to the systems panel in front of him and rolled his suddenly tense shoulders. He’d been a warrior for too many years to simply ignore his instincts. Whatever caused the override was in for the long haul, because he wasn’t about to turn the ship around now.

  In his peripheral, Orion caught a gray shadowy movement near the bulkhead. Did you see that? His head whipped around to get a better look at the same time warning bells went off in the control panel. Quarg! Was it time to switch tanks already?

  See what? Cassandra looked around the room.

  Orion turned back to the panel, flipping switches and reading gauges quickly, before glancing over his shoulder at the storage crates. I thought I saw something move by the bulkhead.

  I don’t see anything. She shrugged and looked out the window once more.

  Whatever he’d seen had vanished…like a ghost.

  * * * * *

  Ariel’s body writhed as the vision came upon her. He was there on the bed with her, his blond head buried between her thighs, lapping at her engorged clit. His long serpent-like tongue probed her, drawing out her juices, milking her essence. Her back bowed, muscles tensing as he sent an energy burst into her core, setting off shock waves inside of her channel.

  She moaned, coming hard from his enthusiastic ministrations.

  Coridan looked up and smiled, flashing white teeth, his aqua eyes sparkling with intensity. Ariel’s bound fingers grasped the soft fur and her eyes flew open as shock ricocheted through her. The warrior in her vision was Coridan. She could no longer deny the truth.

  Quivering, her body lay covered in a fine sheen of sweat, her nipples stabbing skyward. The lips of her sex were plump, swollen, and flushed a deep red. The fire inside her burned on, only slightly dampened by her release and the knowledge of who had given her such a gift.

  Coridan, where are you?

  Before she could make sense of her vision, the flap to the hut was thrown back and her two guards stepped inside. Their gazes darted from side to side ensuring that she was still alone before dropping the flap to once again cover the entry door. Her legs were still spread wide in welcome, as if the Atlantean warrior had actually been there. But she knew he hadn’t.

  This was the second such vision she’d had of the exiled man, but until seconds ago, she had not realized his true identity. Oh she’d suspected. Perhaps even denied it. But now…she began to wonder if there wasn’t more to her visions than met the eye. Could he be? Surely not. Her people needed her. She wasn’t meant to be with a warrior or any man for that matter. Was she? And what of her magic? What would become of her powers if she joined with another? Experienced the energy bind? Would she still have visions?

  For the first time in her existence, Ariel was unsure of the answers. One thing was for certain, she couldn’t take the chance no matter how much her body ached. Her people needed protection from the Professor whether they realized it or not.

  Ariel’s attention returned to the two men eyeing her hungrily. Her body needed release again. She knew neither of these men would actually penetrate her with their cocks. They’d face death at the hands of the Professor if they did. So perhaps they could be of use.

  One man stepped forward until he stood at the foot of the fur bed. He glanced over his shoulder, giving the other man a quick nod. The second native followed suit. With speed that astonished her, they moved, untying her hands and then re-tying them to the stakes that formed the bedframe.

  After they’d finished, one man grabbed one of her legs, while the other slipped a vine over her ankle, securing the other half to the stake at the foot of the bed. Soon she was spread-eagle and at their mercy.

  She laughed to herself. Actually, they were at her mercy. Ariel sent a mental command to the first man. Drop to your knees. He did so, instantly, surprise lighting up his face. He was now level with her aching sex and so enthralled he hadn’t noticed she’d sent the command telepathically.

  “What is your name?” She purred out the question.

  “I am Santo.”

  “Well Santo…” She bucked her hips suggestively, urging him on. With each gentle rock, the fur beneath her bottom licked across her cleft, causing her skin to rise in gooseflesh. “I want you to feast upon me.” That suggestion didn’t require any compulsion. The man bent at
the waist and buried his face in her sex, his small tongue greedily seeking her clit.

  Ariel moaned as sensation shot through her. His technique wasn’t near on a par with her vision of Coridan, but it would do, since she had no intention of acting upon her visions with the real warrior.

  Next she focused on the man standing closer to her hands. “What is your name?”

  The native swallowed hard, his cock pressed against the zipper of his pants, straining for release. “M…my name is Raoul.”

  Raoul, I want you to play with my breasts and suck my nipples—now. He took a couple of steps, then dropped to his knees and latched onto her nipple. His free hand sought her other breast and began to knead. Ariel groaned, as her body once again raced toward completion. Her clit felt as engorged as her nipples.

  Harder, she demanded from the man between her legs. He grasped her thighs, spread them even further, then pressed deep, tonguing her. She was close, so close.

  Raoul bit down gently on her tight bud of a nipple. The pleasure/pain sent Ariel’s body into spasms. She cried out as her orgasm burst forth. Her fingers dug into the fur and she tilted her pelvis, willing Santo to keep going, her sexual need voracious.

  Goddess help her, the vision of Coridan had left her with a raging case of Atlantean heat. Impossible!

  All women from Atlantis experienced Atlantean heat at one time and one time only in their life--when they discovered their true-mate. That is, all women but Seers. The physical reaction triggered by a true-mate’s pheromones was one hundred times more powerful than the natural aphrodisiac found in the bama bama plant. Of course, the true-mate was normally in close proximity, not gone and quite possibly dead.

  No! This cannot be. Her body flamed.

  Until this moment, Ariel had believed seers immune to Atlantean heat, but there could be no other explanation. She burned from within like an eternal flame, flickering in wait for the spark that would once again cause an explosion. Why him? Why now?