Pradorian Mate (16 page)

“
I see,” said Irina, seemingly amused.

“
This could prove to be a serious problem for Archail,” Dar continued, trying to convey some importance to Irina.

“
Why? Have they been marked?”

“
Two already have.” Dar watched her thoughtfully.

“
That is impressive. Two life mates within such a short period when it usually takes years,” she said with astonishment.

“
You understand my concern now?”

Irina gazed at Dar curiously, and her intrigue was so great that she had to ask, “What about you, Dar?”

He paused for a long moment before answering. “I have experienced the same effect, so I now keep her safely away.” His face clouded.

Irina laughed at his admittance, unable to suppress her reaction. When she saw his expression grow darker, though, she tried to control herself. “How is it possible you did not notice this effect with the first females?”

“If you recall, their health had already deteriorated when they arrived here. Their scent was weak and sickly,” he answered, trying to make his point. “We applied the immortality serum to try to save them, but it was too late.”

“
Do you believe this is also influencing Archail?”

“
Yes.” He looked her straight in the eye.

“
How can you be sure?”

“
I saw him almost mating with her seven days after she arrived.”

“
That doesn’t sound like Archail at all.”

“
No, it doesn’t,” Dar agreed coldly.

Irina nearly flinched as she averted her gaze before bringing it back with renewed confidence, or was it denial? “What you saw could have simply been some toying between two adults.”

“Irina, I know what I saw with my own eyes, and you know that if he cannot leave her when the time comes, there will be trouble with the council. Archail has agreed, and he cannot back out now.” Dar remained serious and thoughtful. “He has been acting like a lunatic around this female. He does not allow anyone to touch her, and he does not allow anyone to speak to her without his permission. He is acting as if she is his life mate, but he has not even mated with her yet, which he has no right to do. That was not part of his agreement.” Dar sounded almost desperate for answers.

Her mouth opened then closed while she considered her words before finally speaking. “Well, I would not worry too much if I were you. Archail always does what is right, even if it is not in his own best interest.”

Dar looked at her and lifted a brow.  “She ran away two days after her arrival, and Archail acted like a crazed beast when he found out.” He paused for a minute. “He had the chance to let her go and be done with her, but not only did he fight two shredders to bring her back, he also tended her night and day, feeding her and even cleaning her.” He again looked Irina. “When I suggested allowing one of the other women to take care of her, he almost bit my head off.” Dar looked sincerely troubled by his recollections. Finally, shaking his head as if in resignation, he said, “I have not reported anything of this, even though he was supposed to be just an observer in all this.”

“
Nor should you. He would never betray the council’s trust,” she said calmly.

Dar sighed before moving to leave. “The reason for my visit was to inform you of the importance of letting us know your results as soon as possible.”

“I will do my best to have them soon.”  She understood the need for urgency, but something troubled her about all this.

* * *

Sara awoke alone, feeling tired after tossing and turning all night. She rose from the bed and headed toward the bathroom to retrieve her clothes, but she was surprised that they were nowhere to be found. She was certain she had laid them on the bathroom floor the night before, yet now they were gone. She hesitated for a moment, thinking she couldn’t wear a towel all day, but then she remembered the dresses in the closet and headed toward it.

Inside, she found many different kinds of clothing. There was a soft pink dress where shades merged to form dark purple areas that effectively covered her breasts and lower body. The material fell free to her ankles, while the shoulders of the dress were open, leaving them exposed as the short sleeves hugged her arms tightly enough to hold the dress in place.

She wished she had a mirror, but then she shook her head, rejecting the idea of her own vanity. She left the bedroom and headed toward the dining room.

Sara had been mulling over the events of the night before. Her stomach clenched at the thought of facing Archail again that morning. When the door of the great hall opened behind her, a familiar voice called out.

“Sara!”

She turned to see Orora standing in the opening, looking at Sara with a broad smile as she moved to give her a big hug.

“Orora, what a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?” She was so stunned to see her friend’s face that she stared at her almost dumbfounded. Orora was wearing a dress similar to hers, but it was colored with shades of brown. She looked very healthy and cheerful, and there was nothing in her posture or expressions that reminded Sara of the frightened mouse she had led on their unsuccessful escape attempt through the vast forest a few days ago. It now seemed almost a lifetime ago to Sara.

“
Well, I asked Dar where you were, and he was very kind to escort me over, so here I am!” Orora didn’t even stop to take a breath.

“
I see.” Sara gazed at her friend, still unable to believe the change in this timid woman.

“
Oh Sara, I have so many things to talk about. Where can we go and sit?” She glanced around the corridor as she spoke.

“
Follow me.” Sara recovered from her shock and started walking.

She led Orora to the sitting room she had discovered just the day before, avoiding the dining room for fear of finding Archail there. She opened the door and entered the sitting room, waiting for Orora to follow. Her friend smiled as she walked in and grabbed Sara’s hand, gently leading her toward the large plushy cushions. As soon as she sat, Orora started rambling excitedly.

“So many things have happened since the last time I saw you. Oh you won’t believe the news I have for you!”

“
You look so happy.” Sara studied her carefully.

“
Of course, I’m happy, aren’t you?” Orora looked back at her with sincerity in her deep-green eyes.

“
Well, I’m speechless,” Sara admitted honestly, unable to hide her amazement.

“
Yeah, well maybe you don’t know as much as I do, after all.” Orora scowled.  “Don’t you talk with Archail?”

A soft shadow passed over Sara. The sound of his name brought a small pain in the depths of her heart. “We haven’t had much time to talk.”

“Well!” Orora exclaimed, a soft reprimanding tone in her voice. “Now that I’m here, I’ll tell you everything I know.” She gave Sara a reassuring smile.

“
I’ll begin with that horrid day when we ran away into the forest, remember?”

“
Yes, please go on,” Sara answered almost mechanically, trying to shake away the memory of what Archail almost did to her on the lakeside that day.

“
When we returned to Dar’s cave, he sat me down almost immediately and began explaining how things really were. Naturally, when he explained how there was a solution, by attending the blood exchange ceremony, I agreed immediately.” Orora appeared almost giddy.

“
We left the next morning and traveled to the city. Dar was very considerate.  He led me to his house and allowed me to pick my own room, and he gave me fresh clothes to change into.”  She excitedly detailed all the small things that Dar had done for her.

“
What about after the ceremony? Doesn’t that worry you at all?” Sara asked with genuine concern.

“
Oh Sara, of course not.” Orora sounded amused. “Dar explained to me that nothing will happen that I don’t agree to, and he is willing to wait for me for as long as I need to decide. I have the same rights as anyone else.” Orora seemed very confident of herself.

“
Did he now?” Sara considered how different Dar sounded from Archail.

“
Oh yes!” Orora continued with a giggle, “Why only yesterday, after Archail’s visit, Dar informed me that even though the ceremony will proceed as planned, I won’t have to worry about him making any demands of me. I am free to do what I please for as long as I like, and he assured me I would even be able to choose from one of the three houses that have been prepared for us!”

“
That’s great news, Orora.” Sara tried to hide her envy at her friend’s good fortune, but a question then arose in her mind. “Wait…did you say Archail visited Dar yesterday?”

“
Yes, of course.”

“
Do you know what for?” Sara asked, hoping her friend would know.

“
Well, to be honest, I didn’t hear much because they were talking in very low voices, but I picked up a few words here and there.” She frowned, obviously trying to recall what she could of the Pradorians’ conversation. “I think they were talking about a solution of some kind that they were close to finding. They also said something about postponing the mating or such like.” She shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t really remember exactly.”

“
Did you actually hear them say ‘postpone the mating’?” Hope rose within her at the prospect of not having to deny him. That choice had already proven impossible for her the night before.

“
Actually, I believe it was Dar who suggested it,” Orora replied thoughtfully.

“
Did you hear Archail’s answer?” Sara’s heart seemed ready to burst.

“
No, I’m sorry.” Orora paused, but then her eyes lit up as she remembered something. “But it seems that whatever they decided made Dar troubled and thoughtful after Archail left,” she said with certainty.

Sara withdrew, not realizing how obvious her reactions were to her friend. Orora leaned closer to her and placed a hand on her knee. “Sara, are you alright?” Orora was looking at her carefully now.

“Hmm? Yes, yes.” Sara tried to sound reassuring, because she didn’t want to trouble her friend with her confused situation. Orora was so happy, and she wanted to keep it that way.

“
Alright, well, I haven’t told you the best news yet.” Orora smiled and leaned back again.

“
What’s that?” Sara asked, trying to sound happy while burying her true feelings deep down.

“
Dar told me that not only will we be able to live here if we choose, but we will also have the same rights as Pradorian females. We can accept our own mates or refuse them as we please.” She laughed cheerfully as she went on.

“
Except, of course, for those who have already been marked by a male Pradorian, and something about choosing it or something.” She said the last words quickly and dismissively. “I didn’t really understand the last one because he was trying to explain it to me so fast. I couldn’t really concentrate after hearing all that good news.”

“
Well, that is great news, Orora. I’m truly happy for you.” She thought she sounded sincere as she smiled at her friend.

“
Don’t you mean for us?” Orora corrected her, looking concerned again.

“
Yes, of course. I meant to say for us. It was a slip of the tongue.”

Orora rose from where she sat and gave Sara a regretful look. “I’m really sorry, but I have to go now. Dar made me promise I wouldn’t stay too long.” She smiled down at Sara. “But I promise to come back again if you want me to.”

“Yes, of course I do! I would be more than happy to see you.” Sara stood to escort her out.

As Sara waved goodbye, she mulled over their conversation, and her mind went wild. She tried to absorb everything Orora had told her. Archail must not have come home for lunch that day because he went to visit Dar. They were talking about a solution to something, but what could it be? They also talked about postponing the mating, but Dar didn’t seem happy with the outcome. Had Archail said no?

One thought struck her: she would have the right to choose. An idea formed in her head as she walked away from the sitting room. She could deny him because she had the right to choose. Strength flowed through her as she walked toward the dining room, yet at the same time, a question formed in her mind. Did she really want to deny him? If she was honest with herself, she had begun to have feelings for this strange, distant Pradorian, feelings that could be described with words like powerful attraction, wanting, and craving. What was she hoping for, though? What did she want from him?

Would he be willing to give her what she wanted? She raised her hands as if willing the thoughts in her mind to subside. She wasn’t ready to deal with all these questions yet, and she had time to figure it all out. For the time being, deciding whether or not to refuse him was a priority.