Page 53 of Forbidden

“So, by forcing me to keep my distance, the problem is only getting bigger.”

“Yes. Not just the need to touch mentally, but physically, as well.”

“Are you sure she realizes that?” If their earlier conversation was any indication, he wasn’t so sure.

“She does. At least, she’ll remember. If you’re right about the abuse you suspect she’s suffered, she could have become adept at blocking Gamin, but your brain works differently. Don’t give her a reason to really want to block you, and she’ll never learn.”

“Sound advice. Thanks, Anna.”

“I’m just returning the favor.” She smiled. “Though, as I remember it, you tried to do me a favor by keeping me out of the fighting.”

He snorted. “That was sound advice, also. Had things been as bad as we thought they had been, you’d be dead now.”

“That’s beside the point. I got what I wanted anyway.” She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “So, are you ready to hear about the Chamber now?”

“No.” He needed to think. “Soon, but not now.”

Anna stood, and Taber followed. “I imagine you have a lot on your mind. Let me know when you’re ready.”

“I will.” He reached for her hand, and her grip was warm and firm. She had changed, but steel still ran in her veins. “Thank you, Anna. Please thank your husband for me as well. Having him on my side will give me the time I need to find out what actually happened to Akahana.”

“Hum.” She narrowed her eyes. “Finding the truth may be more difficult than you think. Personally, I suspect Gamin was part of a rogue cell hidden within Military Command. It’s a theory Khan has been working on for some time, and this is the first information he’s had to confirm his suspicions.”

“Then my best bet is to get the information from Akahana.”

“Yes. But you’ll still need a witness.” Anna sighed. “Even if Davin doesn’t challenge your claim as mate to Akahana, you might still need the Chamber of Souls. When you’re as focused on your mate as you must be when within the Chamber, there is nothing you can hide from the Souls of the Ancients.”

Taber rolled his eyes and took Anna’s arm, guiding her to the door. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I really can’t process this right now.”

Anna laughed and rose onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Just respect her and you’ll be fine. It’s all about respect.”

“Oh. I almost forgot. How’s the little girl doing? And I heard your son wasn’t killed at the Pilot after all -- how’s he?”

Her soft smile turned absolutely brilliant. “They’re wonderful. It’s hard to believe Alex is ten, and little Doriena has recovered wonderfully. Alex will hardly let her out of his sight.”

“It really is good to see you so happy, Anna. I thought about you often since I sent you off to war.”

“Thank you, Sergeant. Goodnight,” she said, and shut the door as she left.

Taber stretched and scratched his chest as only a man can do. It was time for sleep. If he met Akahana in a dream, so be it. He was dead tired.

?* * *

Akahana knew Taber slept. She knew he dreamed of her. He reached out for her subconsciously, caressed her body sweetly, gently. She sighed and lay back on her bed. Did she dare to meet him in his dream? Did she dare submit to his touch?

Tucking her legs beneath the covers and pulling the plush blanket to her chin, she closed her eyes and snuggled into the warmth of her bed.

Yes. She’d take that dare.

?* * *

“If you don’t want me invading your dreams, you really should do me the same courtesy.”Taber wasn’t the least bit upset. Amused would be a better word to describe how he felt. Akahana couldn’t help but grin.

He stood naked in front of a massive window overlooking an Earth city from high above the ground. Light from a full moon and thousands of lights from nearby buildings softly illuminated his nude form. He was an impressive male specimen. In every way.

The man was huge. Massive musculature set off rugged features, giving him a fearsome appearance. But for all that, for all the violence tightly leashed within him, he was probably the gentlest man she’d ever met. She knew this not because of any vast amount of time she’d spent with him, but because she could get inside his head and know him as well -- or better than -- he knew himself.

“I believe there is a saying on Earth. Something about becoming a part of what you cannot successfully defeat.”

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