CarnalPromise Read Free

“Put this
on.”
    The darker woman eyed her. “Thank you.” As soon as she
covered herself, Jinn grasped her arm again and ran, praying that she and the
woman would get there in one piece.
     
    Damn her. Drakkar raced after his woman. He could
barely scent her now but still he followed. Damn, damn, damn. She could
not escape him. Not again. He needed her too much.
    The others caught up.
    “Where?” Khariton, his ship’s Number One, asked breathlessly.
    Drakkar closed his eyes and inhaled a deep draught of air.
“That way.” He pointed to the black passage.
    “Shit.” Hunter, Jinn’s nephew, shook his head. “I hope I can
do that someday. Smell someone’s trail.”
    Drakkar cringed. Having grown up on Earth with his Earther
mother, Hunter had only recently discovered his true identity as the son of his
one-time enemy-turned-future-brother-in-law and now Svendian Headmaster, Rurik.
    Khariton chuckled lowly. “A trail like this? Most likely
that attribute will be only for the woman you will mate with, my friend. It’s
the strongest. I’m sure it will come. Your ability is improving every day. You
can already sense a fertile woman who’s nearby. It’s a start.”
    Drakkar didn’t stop to listen. He had to find Jinn. Had to
bond with her soon. His needs were growing too painful. Besides, their bond
would finalize the treaty between the Svendians and Vulgarians, a peace he’d
tried with his life—and the lives of his friends, his people—to broker. He
would not let the efforts of those who died go to waste.
    He rushed ahead of the rest, hoping she wouldn’t disappear
again.
    * * * * *
    From the shadows, Cassius watched the Vulgarian run after
the Svendian royal. Relieved Hypatia, the Nyphosian priestess, had gotten away,
he was curious if the common Vulgarian warrior would ever capture his mate or
if he, Cassius, would have to destroy them both.
    He scoffed, knowing, even understanding, Jinn of Svendia’s
pursuit. More than she would ever realize. But he could not allow it. Could not
allow her to interfere.
    Too much at stake.
    He stepped from the shadows and hurried after the two women.
Armed with new data and old alliances, he needed to complete his mission. And
he needed Hypatia to do it.
    As he moved, the chill of the night crept into him. It was a
perilous game he played. One he would die for. Yet, what else was there in this
life for him except his justice?

Chapter Two
     
    Rain pattered on the ancient windowsill of the Nyphosian
abode, lulling Jinn into a half-conscious form of slumber. She’d been on the
run for some time and sleep had been a luxury she could ill afford. Now
tiredness finally overwhelmed her aching body, forcing her to rest.
    Her eyelids fluttered briefly as the murmur of voices
sounded outside the old-fashioned doorway. Fear threatened to grip her but
using a warrior breathing technique, she let it go. The warm room soothed her.
For once she felt reasonably safe. Calixte, the head priestess, had assured her
no one would find her here. Jinn trusted the woman and even though the building
was many millennia old, there were plenty of protection devices on it. Tonight
she would be safe from all who wanted her.
    At least until morning.
    Sighing, she snuggled her head into the silky Maloran
pillowcase, appreciating the opulence of the living quarters. For the last
several moon cycles, her living had been harsh, a necessity caused by her
wayward status with her own people. The Nyphosians had been grateful. Hypatia,
the woman she’d saved, especially so. Even though Jinn refused to give them her
name—an act considered quite rude by the Nyphosians—in compensation, they’d
taken her in. With the return of the headmistress’s younger charge, the
headmistress seemed to accept Jinn’s reticence to divulge her identity,
although the woman’s curiosity showed as she arched her brow.
    Jinn couldn’t afford to be found. Certain parties searched
for her and she didn’t know now much the