The Ta'e'sha Chronicles 2: Shards of the Mind Read online

  Thea stepped back.

  Both men came forward for their own, more generous, kisses.

  After they had settled closely together on the couch, Thea cuddled against her side, she slowly unfolded the veil.

  “Oh. Oh my,” she murmured softly, taking in the delicate threads and colors. “It’s so beautiful.” Her hands caressed it gently. Her mind reeled again. She was getting married!

  “I made it long enough for you to wear however you want,” Thea piped up anxiously. She pointed out different features of the cloth. “It’s very strong too. It’s hard to rip or tear good silk.”

  Sya’tia admired the design. The veil was the finest she had ever seen. Her sisters would be so jealous! She couldn’t wait to show them! The minute she got back to her cabin she was going to send her family a communication and let them know. She stood and carefully draped the veil around her hips and tied an artful knot that caused the remaining length to cascade down her hip and leg. It shone like a glistening gem against the black matte fabric of her jumpsuit.

  Thea reached out and carefully fanned and pleated the silk over Sya’tia’s hip. “There. It looks great!” She beamed.

  Sya’tia laughed happily. It did look good. Thea had measured the length almost perfectly. It fell a few inches below her knee. She stroked the silk, loving the feel of it against her fingers.

  She looked up hesitantly and asked, “When would you like me to move my things?”

  They all looked at Kyrin.

  He coughed. “Um, tomorrow? Daeshen and I can help after our shift ends. Thea can help you pack during the day. Tomorrow is your free day, isn’t it?”

  She nodded happily. “I have to go now; I want to com my family.” She kissed each of them again and scampered out.

  Kyrin blinked after her. “That wasn’t quite how I had expected the evening to end,” he said ruefully.

  Thea grinned and Daeshen laughed softly.

  “Well, we don’t always get what we want, my love,” Thea said fondly, pressing a kiss onto his chin.

  He growled softly and pulled her down into his lap and pressed sloppy kisses all over her neck while she laughed and tried to squirm free. “You’ll just have to make up for it, wife.”

  He winked at Daeshen, who was watching them with bright eyes.

  Daeshen leaned over and tickled Thea’s belly. “Can I help?” he asked with a wicked grin and hot eyes.

  Kyrin’s body warmed at the sensual promise in that look. “Oh, yes, be my guest,” he murmured.

  Chapter Seven

  Thea peered into Sya’tia’s cabin. The door had opened but her friend was nowhere in sight. She strolled into the living area. Hover lifts were scattered everywhere, most only half full.

  “Sya?” she called.

  “In here,” came the reply from the bedroom.

  She followed the sound of Sya’tia’s voice and found the other woman folding clothing and packing it into boxes. “Hey, good morning.” Sya’tia blew her a kiss without replying and continued pulling clothes out of the closet.

  She was dressed in her usual uniform of matte black. The veil was wrapped around her waist again, but the ends had been crisscrossed around her leg and secured at her knee to keep it out of the way. It was rather striking. Thea made a note to try something similar with longer strips of fabric.

  “Want some help?” she asked, coming to a stop beside the taller woman.

  Sya’tia’s black eyes gleamed with pleasure. “Sure, you can fold these. I’m almost done in here.” She handed Thea an armful of clothing.

  Thea laughed softly. “We need to get you some clothes with color, love,” she said looking at all the black jumpsuits. “Don’t you own anything besides jumpsuits?”

  Sya’tia smirked. “Yes, I own something besides jumpsuits.” She pulled out a few more sets of clothing. “I have my formal uniforms too.” She giggled when Thea started laughing.

  “Well, that’s okay then, isn’t it?” Thea giggled again. “Seriously, I can make you some.”

  They continued to pack the clothes in companionable silence. After they finished with the clothes they moved into the kitchen and went through the cabinets and drawers. Sya’tia wasn’t taking everything with her. A good portion would stay in the cabin for the next occupant. Most of the items she was leaving were ship’s property and it was easier to leave it than have the crew haul it out, only to have to haul it back in when the next person moved in.

  Several hours later Thea was wrapping cloth around the last of Sya’tia’s weapons when she felt arms slide around her waist. She jumped when soft lips feathered down the side of her neck. She turned and met Sya’tia’s eyes. “Uhhhh…”

  She felt Sya’tia go still.

  “You don’t want me?” Her arms dropped from Thea’s waist.

  Thea winced inwardly at the hurt in her betrothed’s voice. She pulled Sya’tia’s arms around her again. “It’s not that. I do want you.” She blushed hotly. “But I’ve never been with anyone other than Kyrin and Daeshen.”

  Sya’tia thought about that for a moment, watching Thea somberly. “Oh.” She relaxed again and slowly drew Thea toward her. “Do you want me to stop?”

  Thea stared owlishly up at her and slowly shook her head. “No.”

  Sya’tia slowly bent her head and licked Thea’s lower lip. She tilted her head and pressed closer to Thea’s soft form, enjoying the feel of the other woman’s breasts pressing against her.

  Thea’s mouth tentatively opened under hers. Sya’tia deepened the kiss. She could feel the smaller woman trembling slightly and responded by gently stroking her back. It was a humbling feeling to know Thea had never been with another woman and that she trusted her so much. She had confided to Sya’tia that she was having trouble being intimate with her husbands right after the attack, but that it was gradually getting better.

  She marveled at Thea’s bravery to be willing to take another person into her life, and into her bed and heart, after what had happened to her.

  She gently led Thea back into the bedroom, stealing soft kisses. Her hands went to the buttons on Thea’s slacks and she slowly pulled them free. Their gazes stayed locked together as Thea’s hands began to undo the fastenings on Sya’tia’s jumpsuit.

  She steadied the smaller woman as she stepped out of the pants now pooling around her ankles. Sliding her hands under Thea’s shirt, she carefully peeled it up and over her head before tossing it to the side. She had to smile at the lacey bits of nothing Thea wore under her clothes. Her creamy white skin played peek-a-boo with the light blue lace. It was a sensual feast for the eyes.

  Sya’tia ran her hands down Thea’s sides and hips. “You are beautiful,” she murmured, bending to kiss Thea again.

  Thea pressed herself closer, lifting her head to accept the kiss. It was so different from being kissed by her husbands. It was softer, but just as sweet. She pushed the jumpsuit off Sya’tia’s shoulders and it fell to her hips, catching at the last closure. The feel of Sya’tia’s skin against hers was like rolling naked on silk sheets. It flooded her mind and made her burn.

  Her hands settled nervously on Sya’tia’s hips, not really knowing where else she should put them. She stroked the smooth skin anxiously. Sya’tia’s fingers danced lightly up and down her ribs, making Thea shiver. Goose bumps rippled to the surface everywhere she touched Thea’s sensitive skin. “Oh, that feels nice,” she murmured against those soft lips.

  Sya’tia’s lips curved against hers for a moment before they opened. Her tongue made a gentle foray into Thea’s mouth, stroking slowly. Strong hands slipped around Thea’s back and flipped the catch to her bra. The lacey confection popped loose and hung on her shoulders, barely covering her breasts. Sya’tia’s hand slid down her shoulders, pushing the pretty scrap off.

  Thea let it drop to the floor, her mouth still caught by the other woman’s. Each kiss was like a drug clouding her senses. Her hands cupped the taller woman’s face. She stood on tiptoe and nipped Sya’tia’s lower
lip. She rubbed her nose against hers and smiled into Sya’tia’s black eyes.

  Arousal curled through her body, slow and languid. It was like standing before a fire on a cold winter day, gentle and steady. Her hands stroked down Sya’tia’s throat, over her collarbones, and brushed teasingly across the tops of her breasts. Her caresses were hesitant and exploratory. Her thumbs timidly stroked Sya’tia’s nipples. She paused uncertainly when Sya’tia drew in a sharp breath and arched into the touch. Becoming bolder, she brushed the hard nubs again.

  Sya’tia’s mouth traveled down her neck as she hummed her approval deep in her throat. Thea tilted her head back, enjoying the sensation. Her own nipples hardened into tight peaks. She relaxed, her hands now cupping the firm, smooth globes under her fingers. She began to knead them gently, exploring the soft silky flesh. It was so different from anything she had felt before. Her husbands were all rock hard muscle. Sya’tia was firm, yet soft, and her skin had the texture of velvet. Her hands slid down and pushed at the jumpsuit, where it rested at Sya’tia’s hips. She fumbled with the closure until it finally snapped loose, and she pushed the garment and the veil free. It fell to her feet and Sya’tia kicked it away.

  Sya’tia pushed her gently toward the bed. Her pale body glimmered gently in the light of the room as she followed Thea’s slow progress backward. Thea jumped a little when she felt the bed hit the back of her knees. She trembled when Sya’tia’s fingers slid down to her hips and began to press her panties off. Her gaze locked with Sya’tia’s, seeking reassurance.

  The other woman responded by kissing Thea’s nose. “It’s okay, love. Relax.” She finished removing the last bit of Thea’s clothing.

  Thea cuddled close when Sya’tia’s arms curved around her. She felt completely out of her depth. Being with Sya’tia carried the feeling of danger and the forbidden. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought she would be in this position. It felt foreign and yet just exactly where she was supposed to be.

  She pulled away and sat on the bed, looking up at Sya’tia. She watched as Sya’tia placed one knee on the bed and leaned over her. She shivered as the other woman’s hand pressed against her shoulder. Thea didn’t resist as Sya’tia pushed her back and then slid down beside her.

  Thea rolled onto her side and faced Sya’tia. Their hands gently stroked each other, learning each other’s bodies. Their gazes locked solemnly, taking their time. There would never be another first time. Thea was deeply aware of how careful Sya’tia was being. She knew the other woman was worried about scaring her.

  She leaned onto her shoulder and kissed Sya’tia’s throat. She pressed against Sya’tia’s shoulder and leaned over her. Her lips trailed over Sya’tia’s collarbone and came to a stop over the upper curve of her breast. Peeking up, she watched Sya’tia’s face as her tongue lapped tentatively across a taut nipple. When Sya’tia drew in a soft breath, her lips closed over it and she sucked it slowly into her mouth.

  Thea’s eyelids fluttered shut and she kneaded the soft flesh gently as she nursed the tender morsel in her mouth. She wiggled a bit closer, pressing their bodies tighter together. Her hips nudged Sya’tia’s. Moist heat pulsed in her core. She moaned around Sya’tia’s breast as hands stroked up and down her back and squeezed her butt gently.

  Sya’tia’s eyes fluttered open. She looked down at Thea. Her dark hair was spread over Sya’tia’s stomach like a silky blanket. She hummed softly with pleasure. Unbidden, she began to sing one of the ancient mating songs of her species. Her hands stroked Thea’s hair as the smaller woman stilled. Her suckling lips stopped and she looked up at Sya’tia with faintly glazed eyes.

  A faint flush of pink warmed her cheeks as she bent her head to take Sya’tia’s nipple back into the moist warmth of her mouth. Her hand trailed over Sya’tia’s hip, making her shiver at the tickle. The exploring hand pressed against the inside of her thigh. She obligingly parted her legs, still singing softly.

  A moment later the song came to a stuttering halt as Thea’s fingers traced the seam to Sya’tia’s hot core. She moaned as they parted the damp folds and teased the aching tip of her clit. Those fingers quickly became slick with Sya’tia’s arousal and began to explore the moist skin. She arched into the delicate touches. Her hands bunched in Thea’s hair and she gently tugged the other woman up for a kiss. Her tongue pressed aggressively into Thea’s mouth, plundering the sweet tasted of her betrothed.

  Their mouths moved feverishly against one another’s. Wet tongues twined and danced together anxiously. Sya’tia broke the kiss with a gasp as Thea pressed two fingers into her hot, wet depths. Her hips rolled easily as they began to thrust slowly in and out.

  She pushed Thea away, shivering as Thea’s fingers withdrew from her warm body. She slid her thigh between Thea’s, pressed it firmly against Thea’s wet sex, and began to rock her leg back and forth. She kissed her gently as soft moans began to fill the air. The wet scent of their bodies perfumed the chamber.

  Sya’tia pressed her mouth against Thea’s throat and drew strongly on her soft, fragrant skin as she rocked her love closer to orgasm. She reveled in the small sounds of enjoyment Thea made. Her own arousal grew as Thea’s moisture slicked her leg and the soft lips parted, allowing Thea’s clit to rub directly against her leg.

  Thea’s leg curled over Sya’tia’s hip as she rocked her body in time to Sya’tia’s movements. She twisted and ground as the heat in her loins built. Her mind felt fuzzy with desire. When Sya’tia had begun to sing, her inhibitions had melted away, leaving only the fierce need to be with this woman. The doubts and nervousness had left her. Every fantasy she had ever had about Sya’tia came roaring to the surface of her thoughts.

  A faint sting jerked her mind back to the woman making love with her. She watched with glazed eyes as Sya’tia’s fangs scraped across the sensitive skin on her breast. She had no fear that she would be bitten, and the sensation of pain heightened her pleasure. She gasped as Sya’tia’s hair curled around her breasts and squeezed gently, the tips lazily stroking her nipples.

  Sya’tia’s motions picked up speed as she ground herself against Thea’s leg, where it had slipped between her thighs and was now stroking her as she stroked Thea. They both moaned with mutual enjoyment. Small bursts of pleasure began to radiate from her damp center. Thea twisted and arched against her. Sya’tia screamed as Thea’s fingers clenched on her hips, and they both bucked as their orgasms cascaded through their bodies.

  Moments passed as they continued to strain, their bodies racked with shivers. At last, they stilled.

  Sya’tia rested her forehead against Thea’s and panted softly. The smaller woman trembled and purred softly with satisfaction. Sya’tia sighed with relief as Thea’s fingers relaxed their death grip on her hips. Her hair slowly unwound from Thea’s breasts and curled lazily around both of them, cocooning them in its gently massaging grasp.

  She cuddled Thea closer, pressing small kisses along her jaw as their eyes drifted closed and they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter Eight

  Somewhere else…

  Gaia lounged upside down in her husband’s easy chair. Her feet rested over the edge of the backrest and her head hung off the end of the seat. She gnawed on the strawberry held daintily in her fingers. It was perfectly ripe and sweet. She loved them. Truly, they were one of the Great One’s greatest creations. She took another bite, sucking up the juice that oozed as her teeth sank into the succulent morsel.

  She was watching Logan’s Run. The dialogue blared from nonexistent speakers. Skye was off doing God-type stuff. She was taking a break. Even a Goddess had to pause and admire a young Michael York running around in strategically ripped, skintight clothing.

  A figure shimmered between her and the movie as Logan began screaming, “You don’t have to die!” enthusiastically.

  She glowered at the interruption. It wasn’t often she hid away for a bit and watched TV.

  Samonan, Ta’e’shian Goddess of Spirit and Soul Renewal, g
lared down at her. Her red fishlike tail flicked irritably. Her whole form was shades of red ‑‑ blood red hair and sparkling ruby scales. Her skin was a pale, almost pink, shade.

  Gaia took another long sucking bite of her strawberry. “Got a problem?” she mumbled around the fruit.

  Samonan practically vibrated with outrage. “Those demon-spawned birds of yours shit all over my statuary!” she bellowed. Her hair writhed angrily around her like strands of blood. Her garnet eyes shot sparks.

  Unimpressed, Gaia finished her snack and licked the juice from her fingers. “Uh huh.” She rolled around to sit upright and took a sip of the drink she had sitting on the table next to her. The movie faded out. “Pretty creative way to stir up your bratty kids, wasn’t it?”

  The other Goddess growled. “You sanctioned it?”

  “Nope, but, then, I don’t control their every move,” was the blasé reply.

  Samonan glowered at her sister-Goddess and loomed over her. “Just what did you tell them, then?”

  Gaia shrugged. “We told them to drive your children nuts. They have become very arrogant and We didn’t see you and yours doing anything about it.” She stood up and poked Samonan in the chest. “What, you thought We were going to wring Our hands while Our daughters had nervous breakdowns? That your children can do anything they want and damn the consequences? It doesn’t work like that and you know it!”

  The chair disappeared as Gaia paced in front of Samonan. “You’re just lucky it was Us who decided to cause mischief and not some of the others. So far they haven’t paid much attention to what’s going on, but what happens if they do? You had better hope Kali doesn’t decide to take an interest! You and your children have been left blissfully alone for a very long time.”

  Samonan opened her mouth then closed it, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. Her hair slowed. She tilted her head to the side as if listening to a voice only she could hear.