She reached up and gently laid her hand on his cheek as she saw the vulnerability in his eyes and the uncertainty in his voice. “It will be alright,” she whispered. “I’ve never felt this way before either.”
Chapter 5
Jazin reluctantly pulled his arms from around Star’s sleeping figure. He groaned silently as he lay looking at the ceiling in frustration. He had taken her over and over last night with a desperation that had shocked him. He would never get enough of her. Guilt poured through him. He glanced at her beautiful, relaxed face with regret. He planned to tell Star last night that he would be gone for a few weeks, maybe more. He needed to test the weapons defense system he had be collaborating on with a trusted friend on one of the remote, planets on the edge of the Kassis star system. His friend, Jarmen, preferred the isolation of the small uninhabited planet he had built his home on to living on Kassis. Jazin recognized the quiet darkness in his friend and respected his desire for privacy. He and Jar met several times a year, sharing stories, experiments, and drinks.
Over the last several months, Jar had put together the defense system Jazin had designed and was testing it on a series of scale model warships. They were ready for the final tests. If the tests were successful, the Kassis warships would be virtually impregnable. No one knew where Jar’s hidden base was but Jazin. He would be taking a specially modified fighter to the small planet alone.
Rolling out of the bed, Jazin’s eyes softened as Star reached out seeking him in her sleep. He pulled his still warm pillow closer to her and chuckle silently when she sighed and buried her face in it. His heart wrenched at the idea of leaving her now but he had no choice. The Intel on Tai Tek could prove devastating if he was successful at arming the Elpidios with information about the Kassis defenses. The protection of the power crystals they used and his people came before his own happiness. He could only hope that Star would understand. He also knew she would never let him go alone. That was another reason why he felt the guilt. He was sneaking away like a thief.
A curse froze on his lips as he forced himself away from her side. He quickly showered and packed. He stopped only long enough to brush a soft kiss across Star’s forehead and slip a video disk he quickly recorded onto the pillow next to her. With one last glance, he walked out of the room.
“You will protect her with your life,” Jazin told Armet as he strode down the long corridor and out onto the steps leading out of his House. He paused to look at his Captain of the Guard. “I have claimed her. She is Lady Star Ja Kel Coradon now. Do not let her leave the West House alone.”
Armet looked at the determination on his young Lord’s face. “I will protect her with my life. Good luck on your mission, my lord,” Armet said pressing his fist against his chest in respect.
Jazin glanced back at the house one last time before he nodded his head in acknowledgement. He quickly ran down the last of the steps and disappeared through the garden. He had a mission to complete so he could return to the warm arms of his mate.
If she would have him when he got back, he thought with a grimace knowing full well that Star was not going to be happy when she discovered he had left her behind.
*.*.*
“I’m going to roast his balls over an open fire,” Star growled as she paced back and forth. “I need that cage Madas told me about, the one that hangs over boiling water. I’ll put him in it and let him sweat his ass out wondering if I’ll come along to claim it,” she continued as she stomped back and forth in frustration.
It had been two long, long weeks since she had woken to find herself all alone. Two weeks of watching the video disk where Jazin begged her to forgive him for not telling her he had to leave on a mission. Two weeks of silence, wondering if he was safe. Tears of frustration filled her eyes and she brushed them away impatiently.
“Star, I’m sure he will be alright,” River said biting her lower lip as she watched her friend. “Torak hasn’t said anything. I’m sure he would have told me if something had happened.”
Star stopped and scowled at River. “Are you kidding me? The men here don’t tell us women anything! I’m lucky I can go to the bathroom without Armet or one of his guards being with me,” she growled out in frustration. “I’ve had it! If I had known that Jo was leaving yesterday for Earth, I would have been on that warship with her. I’m done with this! I just want to go home.”
River rose up to grip Star’s arm. She was beginning to show a little now and had a glow about her. She held Star’s arm tightly until Star looked at her.