Sought(143)

Kat had a moment of concern—she hadn’t known it was possible for them to get lost from each other during a joining. How could we possibly—she began and then everything became a blur.

During their previous joinings, Deep had taken his time, allowing her to see her solar system first hand—or as first hand as they could get on the astral plane, anyway. This time, apparently they had no time to linger. Stars, planets, entire constellations rushed by in the blink of an eye. Suns so massive they blotted out the blackness of space with their fiery brilliance rose up and vanished so fast they seemed like wild illusions.

We have to hurry, Lock explained in her mind as they flew. We have to use the power of your orgasm quickly, my lady, before it dissipates.

Not to mention that the longer we wait, the more likely it is they’ll fold space and be gone beyond our reach, Deep growled. Have you got the net ready, Lock? Moving at this rate we’ll be there before we know it. I just hope I can hold us in place long enough to find them and see what they’re up to.

I’ve got the net. Don’t worry, Lock responded.

Good. Are you picturing Lauren in your mind? Deep asked Kat. I hope you know her well enough to find her.

I didn’t have much time to get to know her, but she made a big impression on me, Kat said, watching as the stars and planets whizzed by them. She’s so beautiful and so brave—I really felt for her. Yes, I’m certain I’ll be able to locate her if we can catch them in the net.

Let’s hope they’re not far from the Scourge home world, then, Deep said grimly. If they’ve gone too far we’ll never find them.

I have a net big enough to cover three sectors. Lock sounded confident. Unless they’ve folded space, we’ll find them. Never fear.

Are we almost there yet? Kat asked, feeling like a little kid. As fast as they were traveling, she had the strange sensation that they already had been on the astral plane longer than on any of their two previous joinings.

It’s just ahead. Look, Lock murmured.

Their incredible speed slowed until the white and black blurs rushing past them became planets and stars again. It reminded Kat of how space looked when the Millennium Falcon was coming out of light speed in the Star Wars movies. Just ahead she saw the dirty, gray-brown ball of smog and pollution that she recognized as the Scourge home planet. It was only about the size of a billiard ball in the sky but it was getting closer by the minute.

I don’t see their ship, she sent, feeling disappointed.

Don’t worry, Lock told her. I’m casting the net wide and far.

Kat felt a moment of intense concentration from him, as though he was preparing to do some hard physical labor. Then the Scourge home world and all the space around it in every direction was blanketed in a silvery, shimmering net so beautiful and vast it took her breath away.

Oh Lock, she whispered, totally awed. This is your finest work yet. It’s gorgeous.

Let’s just hope it does its job, Deep said. Open your mind and feel for the tugging, Kat. Is Lauren anywhere near here?

Kat deepened her concentration. Well, she’s not on the planet, she sent with relief. Despite being ninety-nine percent certain that Lauren and Xairn had left in the small silver ship they’d seen blast off, she’d had a nagging fear that Sophie and Liv’s cousin had somehow been left behind. But apparently that wasn’t so—she didn’t feel Lauren anywhere on the surface of the deadworld. She made one more sweep to be sure…and her mind touched something new—something so shocking and harsh she drew in a ragged gasp.

What? What is it? Deep demanded, sounding concerned.

Something on the planet. Something dark. Burned me…shocked me, Kat choked. Her astral form was tingling all over. It was as though she’d grabbed a live electrical wire with her bare hands.

The AllFather, Lock sounded grim. He must still be there.

Did he feel you, Kat? Deep asked urgently. Does he know we’re here?

I…don’t think so. Kat shook herself mentally, trying to regain control. He’s angry though. So much rage…hatred…betrayal.

No doubt because Xairn flew off with the only female who could fulfill their twisted prophesy, Lock sent. This changes things, we have to hurry. If he feels us out here…He let the sentence dangle ominously and Kat had an idea she didn’t want to know what might happen if the leader of the Scourge found their vulnerable spirits wandering so far from their physical bodies.

We have to hurry anyway. Deep sounded strained. Taking us this far and holding us here is almost beyond my power. Quickly, Kat, avoid the planet and feel for the tug of Lauren’s mind in the space around it.

Got it, Kat sent. Just give me a little time.