Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Genetic Memory

Sevenday 32, Day 1

A driana opened her eyes to the sound of energetic lapping. Rolling toward the sound, she found Blue at the makeshift water dish. Last night, the little creature had ignored the make-shift pallet of absorbent pads, leaping onto the bed with Adriana. Although she knew it was unwise, Adriana allowed her to remain. It was better than missing Bran’s strong arms around her. She had almost invited him in when he escorted her to her door, but after the discussion about Clarence, she was feeling a bit raw as well as embarrassed. There was no question she was overtired, and her emotions were unstable. Her cabin has seemed like a refuge for about a half period. By the time her emotions settled, it was too late.

Stretching in the bed highlighted residual soreness from the crash, and probably various other strains brought on by their activities afterward. A much-needed shower before bed had revealed a range of bruises. A glance out her small window showed the bright glow of the system’s sun, muted by shading. While she had slept, the Nightingale ’s orbit moved it between the planet and its star.

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she started to reach for her slate to contact Bran. For what purpose? A good-morning greeting? She dragged her scattered thoughts to order. There would be time to explore her developing relationship with Bran. First, she needed to process those samples, beginning with that snake. Judging from the rate Blue emptied the water dish, the little thing was hungry. So was Adriana. The small, reconstituted vegetable roll she liberated from the galley was long gone.

As if hearing her thoughts, Blue bounced over, blue eyes glowing.

“Yes, I am planning to feed you.”

Blue rose on her haunches and placed her front paws in Adriana’s lap. Amused, she rubbed the terrier’s ears. “Good morning to you, too.”

With a gentle nudge, she set the dog on the floor and rose from the bed. “I will need a few minutes and then we are off to the lab to see about that snake.”

In less than a quarter period she was freshened, dressed, and ready for the day. Leaving the freshener, she found Blue had used the absorbent pads for her own morning activities. “Well done, Blue. Your spoor will reveal much about your diet and health.”

Before leaving the cabin, Adriana alerted Bran she was heading to the lab. It was appropriate communication, and if he wished to meet her there, he would. Shouldering her slate satchel and the sample case with Blue’s output, she gathered up the terrier. Unlike when they arrived, the corridors were not empty, and more than one crew member gave Blue a curious glance. Although most of the crew had little interaction with the zoology team, all had been fascinated by the creatures brought back for study. More than one had sorrowed over their untimely deaths.

***

Bran was waiting when she arrived at her office. His smile of welcome lifted her heart, and she felt her cheeks stretch with an answering smile.

He reached for the sample case. “What is this?”

“Blue’s spoor. She made the deposit on the pad.”

“That was fortunate.”

Securing the door, she set down Blue. “The deposit was dead center.”

His eyebrows rose. “Are you certain it was not luck? The pad happened to be where she squatted?”

“My cabin is not that small. She had to seek out the pad.” Leaving Blue to explore, Adriana opened her vault and pulled out the snake sample. “Join me in the lab?”

“Of course.” He held out his hand. “I will carry the samples so you can carry Blue.”

“She should follow me as she did on Deuce. I carried her from my quarters to protect her. As it was, three crew members asked to pet her.”

“Is that bad?”

“Probably not. The gloves we use to handle the creatures on Deuce are designed to protect us, not them, but they are all well. Even the ones set with trackers a month ago. But, until I know what killed the specimens we brought on board, the fewer who handle Blue, the better. I should not have let Nickolas pet her, but I was tired and not thinking clearly.”

Stepping aside, he let her lead the way into the lab area. “How long will you need with the snake?”

“Half a period. In addition to scans, I want a sample of its venom. Tissue and other samples can wait.”

“It is about time you arrived.” Lt. Clarence was at the central console with the Leonardo and Matahorn team members. “We have been waiting nearly a period for the new samples.”

It was not yet half past the eighth bell. At worst she was a half period later than her norm. Annoyed at feeling defensive, she ignored the lieutenant and she moved to the scanner. “You will have a bit longer to wait. I have one sample for immediate processing, and I will tend to it. Meanwhile, have you started on mapping the trackers I placed during the mission?”

“I assigned that to Tricia. Hardly worth my time.”

The Leonardo scientist was their entomologist and could not be spared to handle Clarence’s tasks. “I assigned the work to you. Tricia has sufficient tasks of her own.”

“Do not forget that I am Serengeti. I have every right to review the samples and no time to waste on minor tasks.”

Bran’s voice cut in. “Lt. Clarence, you are insubordinate.”

Clarence whipped around to face the doorway where Bran stood. “Commander. I did not see you. How can I assist?”

“By following Lt. Commander Adriana’s orders.”

A low growl came from the area near Adriana’s ankles. The hair on Blue’s back was up and her gaze was focused on Clarence.

The zoologist whipped back around, his eyes widening. “Socraide’s sword.” He lifted his gaze to Adriana. “You brought a feral canine on board and have not caged it?”

“Blue is not feral. She simply does not like you.”

Bran snorted while Tricia made a suspicious-sounding cough. Govind, the Matahorn zoologist, bit his lip, his eyes dancing.

Clarence sputtered, his eyes narrowing. “This is not a jesting matter. Of course it is feral.”

“Do not contradict the lieutenant commander,” Bran said. “I have spent three days with the creature, and Blue is better behaved than you.”

“We do not have time for this.” Adriana pulled out the snake. “I need to process this sample and then the captain requires my presence.” Using the shocked silence at the sight of the snake, she continued, “A full briefing will be provided when the captain approves it. Until then, accept that the little canine is not feral and is not to be touched.”

Placing the sample by the scanner, she motioned to Govind. “You will assist me. Tricia, please return to the tasks I assigned. Clarence, you are responsible for mapping the trackers.”

Clarence prepared to protest, but a glance at Bran silenced him. With a curt nod, he moved to his station.

Flashing Adriana a smile, Bran claimed a chair at the console and pulled out his slate. “Have you had a morning meal? No? I will have something brought from the galley and wait until you and Blue are ready to join Raleigh.”

Flushing with pleasure at his care for her, Adriana turned to the console.

***

Adriana smiled at Nickolas as she put the container of chopped snake in front of Blue. “It was an excellent suggestion. From her spoor sample, it is consistent with her diet.”

Nickolas chuckled as Blue gulped her meal. “Pleased to assist.”

Raleigh cleared his throat. “Did you discover anything else of interest?”

“Genetically, it is a snake, although not an exact match to any known species. Its venom is a neurotoxin, but readily countered now that we have it analyzed. Although, multiple bites could be deadly.”

“What are the chances of multiple bites?”

“Low. It takes some time for the sac to refill.” She considered a moment. “If someone fell into a nest with multiple snakes, that could be a problem.”

Raleigh’s lips twitched. “Bran, make a note. Planet teams are to avoid snake nests.”

She started to take offense at his levity and then realized he was teasing her. With as much primness as she could muster, Adriana said, “Free-traders have an odd sense of humor.”

Raleigh burst out laughing and was soon joined by Bran and Nickolas. “And I should remember that scientists are known to be quick witted.”

The captain asked, “What of Blue? Bran tells us she used the pad in your cabin as if properly trained. Which we know is impossible.”

“About that.” Adriana glanced at Blue who was gulping the chopped snake. “I have a theory. It would explain her comfort with us and other behavior.”

Raleigh leaned in. “Which is?”

Scientifically, her answer was far-fetched, but it fit the facts. “Genetic memory.”

“Genetic memory?” Raleigh cocked his head. “Is that where birds instinctively know to migrate?”

“Perhaps,” she said. “The hypothesis that animals pass knowledge from one generation to another through genetically stored memory has been around for centuries. Avian migration is at the core of what research exists, but it does not quite meet the test of empirical evidence. For truth, there is not much commerce value in the proposition, so research is spotty.”

“Then why do you think that genetic memory accounts for Blue’s behavior?”

“Because the alternative is that she is over a millennium old, which I have already eliminated.” She glanced at Blue who was licking the bowl. “Unless you think there is a hidden group of sentients on this planet that raised her, genetic memory is the only other option.”

Nickolas grinned. “When the impossible is eliminated, whatever is left, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

Both Bran and Raleigh chuckled at the quote from a popular free-trader entertainment. One that even Adriana had used to fill the bells on their long voyage. “Given that the ancients were able to craft a canine with chameleon attributes, not even that improbable. And quite practical if they wished to transport their companions through the stellar expanse. I would not relish attempting to train a new puppy while in stellar transit.”

The little canine chose that moment to launch herself into Adriana’s lap.

With a bemused expression, Bran ran his fingers through his hair, pushing the shaggy mane off his forehead. “Could they have gone further? For a dog you met two days ago, she appears to have bonded as if it were two months. Have you any notion of Blue’s age?”

“How far did the ancients go with their genetic tinkering?” Adriana gave Blue’s ears a gentle tug. “I will need to run more analyses. Assuming Blue’s lifespan is similar to other domestic canines her size, somewhere between two and three years.”

“Assuming?”

“The lizard genetic material could have shortened her life span,” She looked down into bright blue eyes hoping that was not the case. “But then, given all the other genetic manipulation, the ancients could have elongated it. It will take time to run the tests, and until my team has met the current mission parameters, determining Blue’s life expectancy is not a priority.” She tried to keep the hope out of her voice as she turned to the Raleigh, “Unless the captain has a different view?”

He shook his head. “I am as curious as any, but unless you can do it during the two days’ grace you have for studying her environment, completing the mapping and surveys must come first.”

***

Perched on a mechanic’s stool, Bran waited while Raleigh examined the damaged propulsion module. The maintenance bay had been sealed since Bran’s return. Neither he nor the captain were willing to risk the saboteur destroying evidence. Nor was it wise to have Bran as the only witness to the sabotage. As captain, Raleigh had ultimate authority and accountability. When they located the perpetrator, one or more powerful warriors were likely to challenge the indictment.

Straightening, Raleigh’s expression was grim. “Your zoologist knows that the propulsion unit was sabotaged, but not the rest?”

It was on the tip of Bran’s tongue to correct Raleigh that Adriana was not his . But that was what Bran wanted and he was not reluctant to stake a claim. “She is clever enough to have questioned more, but she was out setting her lures when I did most of the repairs. She knows that navigation was damaged, but I let her believe it happened during the crash.”

Raleigh turned his attention to the navigational unit. “It could be that they simply damaged critical systems in the hope one would fail.”

Bran waited. The captain knew the systems as well as he.

Raleigh traced through the damaged components. “They managed to leave everything operational for launch, but weakened to the point where the stress of planet entry would do the rest.” He closed the unit and perched on the console. “Best case for the saboteur, navigation would fail, and you would have been far off course before the crash. We might have spent sevendays searching.”

With a grim sigh, Bran nodded. “I suspect they made certain of the propulsion. Navigation was a bonus if it resulted in the Nightingale spending sevendays searching.”

“The bigger question is, what was their goal?”

Bran had long periods on the planet to consider the matter. “The three DOP-Cs retained by the Nightingale after our ospreys returned to the Eleventh System are essential to making up the time lost in the battle and its aftermath. Destroying one would hinder us, as would the loss of a pilot and a scientist. But could they be certain who would be the next to use that DOP-C?”

“If it is true that the destruction of the zoology samples was sabotage, then Adriana was the target. What did you make of Clarence?”

“She understated the matter. The man was blatantly insubordinate and in front of the rest of the team. It is possible he destroyed the samples out of spite, but sabotage?” Bran shrugged. “Too obvious. Adversarial agents do not call attention to themselves.”

“Check him out anyway.” Raleigh pushed off the console. “And Bran, if we cannot lay this on Clarence, we will need to inform Trevelyan.”

Lucius Mercio’s spymaster was one of the few seigneurs Bran and Raleigh trusted not to be biased by the status and familial alliances among the crew. Communications between the Thirteenth System and Serengeti Headquarters were difficult. Short, coded messages could take half a day. Full reports two or three days. It was cumbersome, and they had hoped the saboteur would be discovered before they needed to notify Serengeti Headquarters. Now that the saboteur’s actions had escalated to life-threatening, Bran knew they had no choice.

Raleigh continued, “At the very least, Trevelyan’s operatives have the resources to evaluate the crew for those with skills to sabotage Adriana’s experiments and tamper with the DOP-C.”

“Other than the two of us and Lochan.”

“Lochan came to me with suspicions about a saboteur after your DOP-C crashed.”

Bran sat back. “It could be sincere, or a ploy to throw us off.”

“As you voiced. I ordered him to investigate and report his findings.” Raleigh rubbed his jaw. “I wish I could rule him out, but we dare not let ourselves be biased.”

***

Four bells later, Bran found Adriana where he expected, in the zoology lab, focused on an instrument console. Her expression intent, she was oblivious to his arrival. He knew Blue would be close, but it took him a moment to locate her. She was curled up by Adriana’s feet, perfectly blended into the beige polymer tile.

In the segmented lab chambers, Tricia and Govind were focused on their tasks. There was no sign of Clarence. His review confirmed all Adriana had said the night before. Had matters not been so dire after the battle, Lt. Clarence would have been discharged. The man was useless. To Bran’s regret, he lacked the skills to be the saboteur and had alibis for at least two incidents. It had been an unlikely chance. On the bright side, Bran could intimidate the scum-sucking rodent without endangering the Nightingale .

Skirting the console so he could approach through Adriana’s line of sight, he said her name.

Her head came up and she blinked. “Bran.” She blinked again and stretched. “What bell? How long—? Oh, it nears fifth bell. I beg your pardon. I lost track. I need a period to prepare for the planet.”

“We can leave now, but it will be dark when we land. If Blue is safe for another night, I would wait until tomorrow.”

Adriana’s gaze dropped to the now white canine who was looking up at her with bright interest. Lifting her gaze back to Bran, she started to speak and then stopped. Her eyes went to Tricia and Govind, neither of whom looked up.

Half covering her mouth, Adriana said, “Blue may be in danger. I do not believe the risk is with the Nightingale , but one of her crew. I need another two periods to finish this analysis and I will know more.”

“I will schedule our launch for tomorrow, ninth bell before midday.” He looked around the almost silent lab. Neither of the other zoologists seemed a threat, but years of fighting pirates taught him not to trust appearances. “I will bring an evening meal and wait with you.”

The relief in her eyes confirmed his instincts. Whatever she thought she had discovered, it was dangerous. Turning her head, she half covered her mouth again. “If they have planet-foraged meat, ask for some that is raw.”

He started to ask and noticed he had Tricia and Govind’s attention. “Whatever you need.”

***

It took Bran less than a period to return with their meals and what he assumed was Blue’s. Tricia had left but Govind was still bent over his instruments. At Adriana’s direction, Bran set the tray on a small table that seemed to exist for that purpose.

Her voice bright, Adriana exclaimed over the fare, “Deuce elk, how marvelous.”

The four-footed grazers were smaller than Twelve Systems elk, and closer in taste to venison. Bran knew that the zoologists had a scientific name for the beasts, but they used a colloquial term to make the food more familiar to the crew. When possible, the galley supplemented their preserved and hydroponic rations with local foraging. It was always popular and went fast.

As Bran was certain Adriana intended, Govind shut down his instruments and rose. “Adriana, do you need anything else?”

With a casual wave, she shook her head. “Enjoy your evening.”

As the door recessed behind the man, Bran started to ask the questions teeming at the tip of his tongue. Adriana held up a hand and then slowly folded her fingers, one at a time. When she had a fist, she rose and went to the entrance. Her fingers danced on the control panel and amber lights signaled they were sealed in.

Her expression determined, she said, “I have sealed the monitors to my authority.”

Bran, Raleigh, and Lochan could override that seal, but no others. “What have you discovered?”

“At the moment, it is a well-founded suspicion. Another half period and I will have certainty.” She reached the table where Blue was eagerly sniffing. “Not long now, Blue.”

She lifted dish covers until she found the raw portion. Cutting a small piece, she placed it in a sample dish and then the analysis unit.

The technology had many uses, and one was common in the medical enclaves. “Do you seek drugs or poison?”

“They are often the same thing,” she replied. “This is a bit more complicated. I am using a bit of the snake for comparison.”

“What do you expect to find?”

“Nothing in the Deuce elk that should not be there.”

“Why are you being so evasive?”

Her eyes widened, and chagrin spread across her features. “I beg your pardon. In science, we are not specific until there is certainty. More than one zoologist has had a career collapse for speaking too soon. Someone is always seeking to make a reputation by bringing down another.”

“I did not realize scientists were so ruthless.”

“You have no idea.” She sat next to him, her eyes on the analysis unit. “After our meeting with the captain, I was thinking about snake venom and the different types. If one did not know it was caused by a snake bite, some hemotoxins can appear as a blood-borne disease. Certain plants are also hemotoxins. The symptoms displayed by our dead samples fit a hemotoxin.”

“You did not check for poison on samples that died?”

“Of course we did. And found nothing. That is why we postulated that something benign to us was toxic to the samples. But if it were an unknown toxin, like that snake’s was until today”—she shrugged—“It would not be difficult for a zoologist or botanist to smuggle an unknown toxin on board.”

The unit chimed and Adriana checked the results, a relieved smile forming. “Good news, Blue, Deuce elk for dinner.”

Not bothering to cut the meat, she set the plate on the floor. Snatching her meal, Blue carried it off to a corner where she gripped it between two paws. Sharp teeth tore off a good-sized chunk. Bran whistled. “For such a sweet-looking creature, that is an impressive set of teeth.”

“Powerful jaw, too.” Adriana wiped her hands on a cleaning cloth. “She killed that snake by severing its brain stem.”

Bran lifted the covers, pushing a plate closer to Adriana. “Why not feed Blue more snake?”

“It has been poisoned.”

“What say you?”

“When I butchered the snake for Blue’s breakfast, I used a section we did not need for analysis. There was enough for a second meal.” She looked over at Blue. The dog had reduced its meal by two thirds. “If I had not been thinking about poisoning, I might not have noticed that the meat had been handled. Whoever did it, poisoned the sample as well.”

“How do you know it is poisoned?”

“There were chemicals present that had not been there before.”

“Could they have been overlooked?”

“A good, skeptical, scientific question. But I had the results of the analysis I ran while classifying the venom. It did not show a trace of the chemical. Since then, I isolated the chemical for analysis. In another”—she glanced at the time—“ten minutes, we will know what it does, and if I am right.”

Bran’s stomach growled, reminding him he bypassed the midday meal. “Watching the time will not make it pass. And the elk is getting cold.”

Adriana may have skipped her midday meal as well, because after a tentative first bite, she made quick work of the meat. She had speared a vegetable when the unit chimed. Abandoning her plate, she rushed to the console. There was tension in every line of her back as she accessed the results.

When she turned, her expression was a fierce blend of grim determination and triumph. “Plant-based hemotoxin of unknown origin.”

A shiver ran down his spine. The words popped out before the thought was formed. “You and Blue should stay with me tonight.”

Adriana’s eyes widened, and her expression turned quizzical.

“For your protection,” he blurted out and watched her eyebrows rise. “And my peace of mind.”

Her lips curved in a soft smile. “I am torn between surprise at what I thought was a rather graceless proposition, and being flattered that you would worry about us to such a degree.”

“Us? Right. I think you could protect Blue. I am less certain she could do aught against a fireburst pistol. Or a well-handled danger.”

Adriana’s expression sobered. “For truth, I suspect I would not slumber with ease knowing that someone is intent on Blue’s death. We accept your invitation.”

***

Cradling Blue, Adriana followed Bran through his quarters. She was not surprised that the first officer’s quarters were twice the size of hers. In addition to a bedchamber with a sizable bed, there was a small sitting area. The private freshener was standard with no more than a step between fixtures. She had not expected the small personal touches, assuming Bran’s quarters austere as the man. The silky throw was a random pattern of blues and greens. A small oil painting of a cottage by a lake could have been from Socraide Prime if it were not for the hint of violet in the water and the deep blue sky.

Looking up from the painting, she asked, “Your home? The Eleventh System?”

“Twelfth.” Sorrow touched his eyes. “It was my wife’s childhood home. I have not been there in a while, but the painting brings serenity.”

His pirate-murdered wife. “I am sorry for your loss.”

He took her satchel and set it on the bed. “It was a long time ago.”

It was clear that he did not wish to discuss his deceased spouse. Suddenly feeling awkward and uncertain, she suggested, “I can sleep on the little sofa.”

“Do not be ridiculous.” He straightened with a jerk. “The bed is big enough for us both. And it is not as if it will be the first time.”

She could feel heat suffusing her cheeks at the memory of being curled against his chest. “Yes. Well. That is . . . we are intruding.”

His eyes darkened with confusion. “What troubles you?”

Before she could control her reaction, her eyes went to the painting. She snapped them back to meet his gaze, but it was too late. His jaw hardened, his lips a stern line.

“I am sorry.” Embarrassed, she backed up. “It is not a topic . . . I did not mean to intrude. It was an innocent question.” She slammed her lips together to halt her babbling. It was Evander all over again. Apologizing without knowing how she had erred.

Tears pricked, and her throat burned. Turning, she fled through the door into the smaller chamber. Part of her wanted to keep running and return to her quarters, but her tactlessness was not a valid reason to endanger Blue. Unless Bran asked her to leave, she would stay.

Setting Blue down, she rifled through her satchel for the pads and water dish. The sofa proved comfortable and would be fine for a night. Ignoring the pads, Blue bounced onto the sofa to curl against Adriana. Adoring blue eyes assured her that, at least in Blue’s opinion, Adriana was wonderful. Fondling the dog’s ears, she shook her head. “After Evander, you would think I would know better than to weave fantasies of romance from a few kisses.”

“It offends me to be compared to that conniving wastrel”—Bran spoke from the doorway—“but I fear I have earned it with my taciturn behavior.”

His remorseful expression matching his tone, he moved into the chamber. “Please forgive me.”

“I was not prying.”

“I know.” He gestured to the sofa. “May I?”

He was asking permission to sit on his sofa. It was somehow both ludicrous and reassuring. At Adriana's nod, he settled next to her.

He clasped his hands between his knees, his gaze on the floor. “I do not often speak of Odette. But perhaps not for the reasons you might expect. When I think of her, it is with remembered joy. Too often, speaking of her unlocks an unabating rage that Matahorn left us at the mercy of the pirates while exacting a usurious tribute. Anger that the rest of the Twelve Systems left us to fight the pirates alone for more than a year.”

She wished she could deny his charges, but she could not. No wonder he became so taciturn “I had no notion. It was all so distant and seemed unrelated to my life.” Her heart aching, she reached for his hand. “I beg your pardon. I had no notion.”

He squeezed her fingers. “Peace. Other than Lucius Mercio, few in the primary three systems understood. Or cared. I have not the whole of it, but we know Mercio used ruthless means to gain the governing council’s support to take a fleet against Sadico.”

She was of the First System and as guilty of indifference as any other. “I was thirty-two and wooed by a Margovian Warrior. I accepted the media assertions that the piracy was free-trader thugs fighting for territory. Even then, I knew something was amiss. My parents educated me on the corruption in the media feeds, but I was self-absorbed. I convinced myself that if aught were seriously awry the governing council would act.”

“The governing council is no more honorable than any other set of warriors. And Matahorn controls the council.”

Adriana’s heart ached at Bran’s words. There was truth to his claim and justification for his hostility toward Matahorn. But a great deal had changed in the last decade. She feared if she could not break through his distrust for all things Matahorn, they had no future. She turned her head to meet his gaze. “Our preeminence is not as bad as you believe. I have reason to know that Monsignor Horatio joined the armada to rescue the Thirteenth System out of shame, not bravado.”

Bran stiffened, his expression turning dark.

She would not shrink from this. “Before my consort alliance dissolved, my youngest sister formed a friendship with Mistress Lorelie.”

“Horatio’s youngest?”

Monsignor Horatio claimed six offspring: his heir, William, from a consort alliance, and five more from his warrior spouse. “Seigneur William’s favorite sibling.”

“Explain.”

“My knowledge is secondhand, but my sister is no dupe. Monsignor Horatio regretted resisting Monsignor Lucius’ petition for aid against the pirates all those years ago. At the time, he thought it was a Serengeti plot to claim the free-trader systems. It was not until that final season of the pirate actions that Monsignor Horatio understood his error.”

Instead of softening, Bran’s expression hardened. “Another media recast of despicable truth.”

She reached with her free hand to cup his jaw. “Mayhap. But according to Lorelie, Horatio orchestrated the Governing Council support of Monsignor Lucius’ armada to redeem his honor. The same reason he joined the armada in the battle for the Thirteenth System.”

Bran’s gaze turned inward. “He and William fought well during the maze melee when we confronted Sadico. They did not flee when they could have.”

Turning his face, he pressed his lips into her palm.

Encouraged, she continued, “If Monsignor Horatio had not supported the Raven Codicil in the Thirteenth System’s Charter, it would not have been included.”

She could almost see his mind sifting her words. The controversial provision allied the Thirteenth System with the Eleventh and Twelfth in prohibiting indenture. When added to the elimination of Matahorn control of the supply depots, it created the opportunity for the Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth systems to form a significant commerce and political bloc. An alliance that would benefit the free-traders and be detrimental to Matahorn’s power in the region.

His frown faded, and his eyes warmed. Capturing her hand, he pressed his lips to her knuckles. “The Matahorn legacy in the free-trader systems is a dark one, but I will allow that the cartel is not materially worse than any other and its preeminence is not a villain.”

Her heart lifted. “A fair and reasonable response.”

“You could not be more different from my wife, but you share one trait.” His eyes darkened as a tender smile emerged. His thumbs stroked her wrists. “She too could turn me away from dwelling on darkness and into the light.”

Her heart thrilled at his words, and the last wound from her failed consort alliance closed. “You could not be more different from Evander. I far prefer your occasional taciturn behavior to his glib charm. “

His smile broadened. “It is well since it is likely to occur again.” His fingers trailed from her wrists to her shoulders, “What must I do to convince you to leave Blue on the sofa and join me in the bedchamber?”

Tilting her head, she leaned in. “You could start with a kiss.”

***

Bran feathered his lips over Adriana’s, testing her response. Her lips parted, inviting him in. Relief blended with desire at her response. He was becoming addicted to her taste, the vibrant pliancy of her form as she pressed against him, her fingers clasping the back of his neck. Needing more intimate contact, he pressed her into the cushions, the pillowy softness of her breasts against his chest hardening his shaft.

Her arms tightened, and her hips shifted, encouraging further onslaught. He lifted her hip, settling her more firmly.

With an annoyed yelp, Blue abandoned the sofa.

Laughing softly, Adriana ended the kiss. “I forgot she was there.”

Her eyes smoldered with desire; her lips delightfully swollen. The loosened collar of her tunic offered a tantalizing glimpse of her throat. Her fingernails scraped the nape of his neck, sending an erotic pulse straight to his groin. Her eyes widened as she felt the evidence of his desire. “You have convinced me.”

“Convinced you?”

She tilted her head toward the bedchamber.

***

Bran was even more appealing unclothed, his rangy build elegant with defined muscle, his tan fading to milk and honey at his chest. Even marred by bruises, the sight stirred her. His amber eyes darkened to cognac with passion. When his hands dropped to his trouser fasteners, her desire pulsed, taking her breath and making her clumsy.

His half smile held amusement and promise as she fumbled to remove her bra. When he stepped free of his trousers, his shaft thick and rising, she gave up and pulled the offending garment over her head.

With a warm chuckle, he grasped her waist, his hands hard but gentle as he urged her onto the bed. “You are more lovely than I imagined.”

“I-imagined?”

With an affirming sound, he lowered her against the pillows. “Fantasized might be a better word.”

His lips grazed hers, making her senses tingle. He deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing hers, the sensuous contact turning her languid. His fingers trailed along her ribs to her waist and then hips, leaving arousal in their wake. Capturing her briefs, he tugged. His lips traced a heated path between her breasts and along her hip as he pulled the scrap of cotton free of her legs.

His shoulders pushed between her thighs that fell open without resistance, revealing her slick cleft. “Far better than my fantasies.”

He pressed his lips against her, and bliss rocketed through her. Instead of continuing, he kissed his way back up to lips. Bracing his forearms, he pressed the hard length of his erection against her. The warm smooth satin of his buttocks was solid beneath her palms. She flexed her fingers and he groaned. His mouth left hers to wander until it captured the tight tip of one breast.

“Bran!” She tunneled her fingers through his hair. The shaggy mass had tempted her for months.

Warm lips and hot breath wove a seductive path down her belly. Dragging her hands along his back, she explored the contours, heat, and strength. Her fingers clinging to his shoulders when he reached his goal, his shoulders between her open thighs.

With teeth, lips, and tongue he tormented her most sensitive flesh. Her hands fisted in the sheets to contain the exquisite pleasure until it became impossible and ecstasy exploded through her. The delight ebbed, breath returning with the sensation of Bran’s lips teasing the delicate spot where her neck joined her shoulder—a magical zone that brought her to awareness and reignited fading desire.

His head lifted, revealing eyes hot with desire, a face tight with passion. “You make the most beautiful sounds during release.”

Sounds? Me? “For truth?”

His smile was all pleased male. “Let us see if you will do it again.”

She doubted that was possible but tilted her pelvis in invitation.

His expression becoming intent, he slid an arm under her thigh, lifting her knee toward her shoulder. The tip of his shaft teased her entrance, the glancing contact rousing her senses. His hard length slid in, caressing delicate internal muscles. Tightening her pelvis, she relished the slow thrust filling her. With the same deliberate slowness, he withdrew and plunged within—each drag and thrust building her passion anew.

His eyes locked with hers, filled with emotion beyond description. “Infinite.”

“Infinite?”

“When I move in you, we breathe as one. The wonder of it touches infinity. Eternity.”

Her breath caught, and wonder filled her at words more exquisite than this pleasure. She rolled her hips, lips parting. “You are wondrous.”

His mouth claimed hers, locking them from lips to pelvis and she could feel her senses expanding.

He released her lips and pressed deeper. Withdrew. Thrust again. Until the tender penetration was not enough. Wrapping her free leg around his waist, she bucked against him. “More. Harder.”

Releasing her leg, he shifted position, grasping her hips to tilt her for his pleasure. With increasing speed and force he powered into her until her vision clouded, and another wave of bliss crashed over her. With a guttural cry, he spasmed within her.