Catalyst

Mae can shape her own future, but will she have the patience to wait for the shapeshifting lover of her dreams?

Maeryn Lassiter is an Agent of the Enforcers. She has a special skill set that allows her to change her future, and if she is involved with others she can take them along for the ride as well. She meets Nothven Harring on an assignment, but he isn’t the man for her, not yet. She has seen him in detail in her dreams, but not as the man fighting to help free her. She needs him slightly older and battle scarred before she wraps her legs around him. Going their separate ways hurts them both, but nothing in her life is ever out of reach for the catalyst.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Catalyst Copyright © 2012 Viola Grace ISBN: 978-1-77111-386-1 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Catalyst A Terran Times Tale By Viola Grace

Chapter One

M

aeryn Lassiter stared at the stone wall across from her as she sat up on the cold, damp floor. “Damn it. I hate this part.” “What the hell is your skill, Agent Lassiter? It certainly isn’t avoiding this kind of situation.” The deep growl from behind her was distinct. She rolled up and knelt while staring at her superior officer. “No, sir. I know how to get us out of this situation if that is any consolation.” Mae watched Nothven Harring of Creyar sit up and rub his head. They made up two out of the three beings in the pit. Ambassador Obnalik was the third kidnap victim, and he was still lying under the influence of the sedating bomb that had gone off in their faces. Nothven winced and straightened against the wall of the pit. Mae quickly distracted herself by looking up at the forty feet of slick stone above them and the laser web halfway up. Light was visible at the top, so day had arrived while they were out. She quickly looked back at Nothven, but the 1

Catalyst black leather wasn’t any less attractive as it pulled over his thighs, abs and crotch. She winced and looked away again. “We will be here for a few more hours.” “How can you know that?” He groaned again. She blinked as he got to his feet and stretched. Suddenly, kneeling wasn’t the best idea for her peace of mind. She scrambled upright and leaned back against the wall, trying to be casual in her own black leathers. “That is my talent. I can’t see the whole future, just flickers of it and my place in it. On Earth, we call it déjà vu, the feeling of being somewhere before or seeing something before it happens and recognizing it when it does. As the event comes closer, I see more and more of it and what I need to make sure that it happens.” Nothven blinked, “You are serious.” Mae shrugged. “I am. I even know how we are going to get out of here, and I was working on our escape plan all night.” “You knew we would be captured and you didn’t say anything?” His outrage was palpable. This was the hard part. “I can see cause and effect of any of my actions. It flickers through my thoughts, and I know what happens next until my actions run their course, but only in the course of the events I am…oh never mind.” She sighed and turned her head skyward, two 2

Viola Grace more hours at least. Mae held her hand over her face as Obnalik pissed high against the north wall in the red light of the fading sunset. The acid in his urine burned through the soft rock with ease. Nothven was looking at her with astonishment in his gaze, but his hand over his mouth masked her triumph. Obnalik had been at it for five minutes, and he showed no signs of stopping. It was the most disgusting escape she had ever engaged in, but the moment that light showed through the wall in the ambassador’s path a grudging respect lit in Nothven’s eyes. As the ambassador cut them free and finally emptied his bladder, the fresh air did wonders for Mae’s stomach. Obnalik grinned, his yellow skin gleaming in the reddish light coming through the hole in the wall. “I can climb down. How will you manage?” Nothven shifted his shoulders eagerly. “I can fly.” Mae smiled and shooed them along. “I will manage. Off you go. Meet you on the beach.” The ambassador scrambled through the opening he had created, and he began to climb down. His skin issued acid that allowed him to dig hand and foot holes in the rock. 3

Catalyst She looked at Nothven. “Well, off you go.” He shook his head. “How are you getting down?” She crossed her arms. “None of your business.” “I beg to differ, you are my subordinate. I am responsible for you. Come on.” Without another word, he bent forward and two huge, blackfeathered wings burst from his back. He scooped her up and jumped off the cliff, gliding to a soft landing in the sand. She was blushing nineteen shades of pink when he landed. “Put me down please, Enforcer Harring.” He snickered. “So, this is what it takes to rattle you, interesting. You know, they say that you can’t be shaken up. I am happy to have proved them wrong.” Mae was completely still in his arms. “Obnalik is about to drop on your head.” Nothven lunged forward and Mae tumbled to the sand in the final landing that she had seen in her mind. The ambassador thudded to a halt in the spot they had recently occupied. Nothven pulled Mae to her feet and dusted the sand off her butt. She moved swiftly out of his grasp. “I can do that.” She shivered and the sand dropped away from her suit. 4

Viola Grace He frowned, and she knew she had insulted him. “I am sorry, but I am not used to being touched.” He cocked his head. “From what I have heard, your species is a little on the promiscuous side.” “You can’t judge me by my species. I am fairly sure I am one of a kind.” Mae laughed and started to hike her way up the beach. “Are you coming?” Nothven shuddered and his wings retracted into his suit. He helped the ambassador to his feet, and she heard them follow her as she made her way to the rocky ledge that hid their presence from the kidnappers. It was big business to kidnap an ambassador or law enforcement professional and ransom them back to the Alliance. Enforcers Harring and Mae had been sent to try to nip the coalition in the bud. So far, they had not been successful. Nothven crouched near her, and the ambassador watched the men gathered around a fire. Mae closed her eyes as an image showed her her own hands on the controls of the shuttle. Blood smeared her knuckles and it was not her colour. She gasped as she always did after she saw the flicker of her possible future. She watched Nothven as he gave her hand signals, and when she finally understood what he wanted her to do, 5

Catalyst her skin turned bright pink. He gave her the thumbs up and she winced. With a deep breath, she opened the fastening of her suit and unpinned her hair so that it tumbled around her shoulders in a chestnut wave. She bit her lips and tousled her hair. She inhaled, climbed over the stone barrier and broke into uncontrollable sobs. It was time to play damsel in distress.

6

Viola Grace

Chapter Two

“

Please, please help. I woke up on the beach, and I don’t know what happened.” She ran toward them at full tilt, her breasts coming within breaths of breaking free of her suit. The Cheevan kidnappers stopped and stared at her as she ran. Not one of them raised a weapon to her. An older gentleman stood and wiped his orange lips nervously. “Lady, who are you, and how did you get here?” “My name is Maureen Anderson. I am secretary to the Enforcer Commander. I don’t understand. Where am I?” She was near them, and she wrapped her arms around her waist, pushing her breasts up and out and nearly dislocating the jaws of the Cheevans who had a clear view of her. “A secretary? Why are you dressed in an Enforcer uniform?” The older man shook his head as if to clear it. 7

Catalyst She blushed and pressed a hand to her chest. “I am not strictly a secretary, if you know what I mean. The uniform is the only way he can keep me with him on assignment.” The Cheevans began to chitter quickly to themselves, and she shifted from foot to foot once again. One of them shifted close to her and slid his hand up her calf to her thigh. A roar got their attention, and Nothven ran toward them in a beast form so huge, it was taller than she was and it was on all fours. The Cheevans were scattering, so Mae did what she had seen in her flash, she blocked access to the shuttle and beat the hell out of any Cheevan who came toward her. Ambassador Obnalik made his way across the bank as the fight wound to a close. Mae saw her hands covered with blood and the orange-yellow tint was precisely what she had seen in her flash. Nothven shifted back to his Oefric form and joined them at the shuttle. “Can you fly this?” Mae nodded. “I hope so. Let’s go.” They sealed the hatch, and Mae slid behind the controls. She leaned on her flash for directions and with a few movements they were up and flying back toward the capitol. “Well done, Agent Lassiter.” Obnalik clapped her on the shoulder and the ship dipped. He quickly withdrew his hand. 8

Viola Grace Nothven looked at her. She could see the tilt of his head and the crystal grey of his eyes in the periphery of her vision. “Indeed, Agent Lassiter. Well done.” His gaze was on her too long, and she cursed when she realized that her suit was still gaping open, showing a lot of pale skin. “I will fix my suit when we land. This Cheevan system is taking all of my concentration.” The ship wobbled again to prove her point. She held tight and brought the shuttle to a skidding halt in the gardens next to the embassy. Mae shuddered and rested her head on the controls as she powered the ship down. “Well, that was fun.” They got out of their seats and opened the hatch, stepping out into the light of six Enforcer gunners, Dinray news reporters and the embassy staff. The cool air reminded Mae that her suit was open and she looked down to help her seal it, stumbling over the joint of the ship to the gangplank. Nothven caught her and held her tightly. “Be careful, Agent Lassiter. One might think you enjoy my embrace.” She stared up at him, eyes wide and lips parted. When a murmur came from the observers, he helped her straighten and blocked the view of the 9

Catalyst news crews while she closed her suit. “This is going to come back and bite me in the ass. I just know it.” She muttered it as she tried to straighten her hair before Nothven exposed her to the crowd. “I promise that it won’t as long as I am nearby. Now, come on, time to file our report and make sure that no one paid the ransoms.” He turned and preceded her down the plank, leaving her to walk on her own. Recorders were pointed at her as her image was taken for sending around Dinray and to all of their associate planets. Rescuing an ambassador from the Cheevan kidnappers was big news. Mae just wanted to get their blood off her hands and out from under her nails. The Enforcers fell in around them and escorted their trio into the embassy. The moment they were behind closed doors, the ribbing began. “Well, Agent Lassiter, who knew that you had a thing for Oefric. I have some shifter in me if you are interested in having some shifter in you.” Enforcer Kenfi started with that salvo, and Mae winced as he wrapped his arm around her waist. “What are you inferring, Kenfi?” Nothven’s voice came to them across the marble foyer. Kenfi jerked away from Mae as if scalded. “Nothing, Commander. I was just congratulating Agent Lassiter on your escape.” 10

Viola Grace The other Enforcers backed a few steps away, and Mae felt that she was finally able to breathe again. She looked at Enforcer Harring, and he nodded. Mae left the interviews and the gathering to find her actual assignment. Representative Ranith was on the second floor with one of his daughters. She knocked and when a voice told her to enter, she did. “Hello again, Ambassador Ranith.” She bowed formally. He smiled, his feline eyes showing his amusement. “So, you survived. Excellent. Can you freshen up and then take Alsa for her walk? She has been very fidgety since you left.” “Of course, Ambassador.” She bowed again and headed for her quarters. A quick shower and a fixing of her hair into its customary braids later, and she was in a new enforcer-style uniform and walking in the garden with the small heir to the first Terran Champion. It was quite the honour. “Where did you go, Mae?” “Some bad men took me away, but I came back as fast as I could.” “Because I needed a walk?” Mae smiled down at the miniature Azon female. She was adorable and the ideal result of a Terran crossbreeding with an Alliance species. “Something like that.” 11

Catalyst “Did you have to fight the men?” “I did.” “My mommy is a fighter.” “I know that, Alsa. She is an excellent fighter.” “That’s why my daddy loves her. That and she makes pretty babies.” Mae had a hard time keeping her face straight. Tiergar vi Ranith would make pretty babies with a rock. His species held the most fascination for most Terran females. There was nothing like a man who could purr. Mae knew the man she was destined to end up with, but she didn’t know how. The flashes that she used were a warning sign for her talent. Eventually—or so the experts told her—her skill would develop to the point where she could not only see events before they happened, but she could become the catalyst that started them on their way. One day, she would find herself in her lovers arms and not have to distract him to make her getaway, but finding that moment was going to be difficult when Nothven and his cadre of Enforcers were on their way off Dinray back to their stronghold, and she was heading in the opposite direction. “Daddy says we are leaving tomorrow. Are you coming with us?” Alsa squeezed Mae’s hand. “No. I have to go to my next assignment, and 12

Viola Grace you will go home to your mommy and brothers.” “I will miss you. You are fun.” “I will miss you too, short stuff.” Mae reached out and ruffled her hair. “Will you carry me one last time?” The wistful quality in her tone was impossible to ignore. “Of course. Up you get.” Mae knelt and let Alsa climb on her back. The small arms around her neck were warm. She hitched Alsa’s knees over her elbows and walked their path around the garden. Alsa rested her chin on Mae’s shoulder. “You always smell good, Mae.” “Thank you, Alsa. I am not as keen with scent as the Azon are, but I would say that you smell good too.” Alsa giggled. “You don’t have to say that, but thank you.” They continued on their path, but when Mae turned back to the embassy, there was an obstruction, and though it was not unwelcome, it was unexpected. “This is why you wanted to leave so quickly?” Nothven raised his brows and smiled. “It was time for her walk.” “Ah, yes. I can see she is getting quite the workout.” Mae grinned. “She had her workout and now I am getting mine. Alsa, this is Enforcer 13

Catalyst Commander Harring. He helped me get away from the bad men today.” Alsa’s small hand reached over Mae’s shoulder with an imperious gesture. Bemused, Nothven took it and pressed a small kiss to her fingers. “Pleased to meet you, little lady.” “Thank you for your service to my agent, Commander Harring. She was sorely missed.” Alsa’s young voice took on a clipped, mature tone as she spoke. Mae was amazed. It seemed that the classes in deportment had not been lost on Alsa after all. Mae asked, “Are you done with your ride, Alsa?” “Yes, thank you. It was a lot of fun.” Mae let her slip to the ground and resumed her grip on the little girl’s hand. Nothven scowled, “You are her nanny?” “No, I am her bodyguard. Her nanny was unavailable, so I filled in where I could.” They walked together back to the embassy. “They return to Azon tomorrow, and I will be off to my next assignment.” He frowned. “You won’t return to the stronghold with us?” She shook her head. “I am an agent for the Enforcers when there is no other option. That is a position few and far between. Usually, I am simply an agent of the Alliance, I go where they 14

Viola Grace tell me.” Alsa piped up. “She is a good bodyguard and an excellent nanny. I learned a whole bunch of words that father said I would never have learned with anyone other than a Terran as my nanny.” Mae blushed. “I did apologise to him for that.” Alsa just grinned. Inside, Nothven took her hand. “Well, then, here we part ways, though I know it will not be for long.” Mae smiled. “I hope not. Good journey to you.” He looked as if he wanted to say or do something more, but the small child next to her seemed to dampen his ardour most effectively. With a soft sadness starting in her heart, she turned her back and walked Alsa up the stairs. It was time for dinner then a bath and then bed. Maeryn knew a good example when she saw one. Tomorrow, she would take off in one direction, the ambassador and his daughter would go off in another and Nothven would take a third. The odds of any two of them getting back together were astronomical, but Mae kept an image in her mind all night, every night. Nothven was her destiny but not the one she had met on Dinray. Somewhere in his future, he gained scars that he currently did not have. That Nothven was hers, and she was going to have to wait for him. 15

Catalyst

Chapter Three

T

wo years later.

Mae stood at the entrance to the cavern and watched the wave of insects as they climbed toward the archaeological team. “Agent Lassiter, do something!” The professor in charge of the Creyar dig twisted his clawed and scaled hands together nervously. At the moment when it was appropriate and not before, Maeryn lifted a quartz bead from the braids on her head and dropped it down the mountain. With the bead dispatched, she turned and walked into the cavern. Professor Thop looked back at the incoming horde and then back to her. “What are you doing? They are still coming.” In Mae’s mind, she saw the path the bead was taking, and as it tumbled small rocks loose, those rocks slipped and slid against each other until a landslide took the bugs to the bottom of the rise. 16

Viola Grace The loose rocks combined with crushed bugs and the quartz bead the combination caused a fire. Whistling gently, she returned to the temple within the mountain to help the students, Minski and Wellor, as they dealt with archiving the finds of an ancient Oefric colony. “How is it going, guys?” Minski looked up, and her owlish eyes blinked several times. “It would be easier if the Oefric would help us with identification. Why do they not have an interest in their past?” Wellor cleared his throat, his feathers ruffled gently as he cocked his head. “Their interest in their past is contained to their home world. These colony worlds that are now being repopulated are part of a failed experiment from eons ago. I do not believe that they enjoy failure.” The Tuulor were the natural creatures of Creyar. They allowed the Oefric to occupy the plains, as their ancestors were forest folk. The Tuulor welcomed the newcomers. Any new trade was always appreciated. Mae smiled when Thop came running back in. “They burst into flame. All of them.” He ran up to her and gave her a hug that lifted her off her feet. “Yes, I know. The yinka birds in this area will be skinny this year, but there are other mountains and other bugs.” Mae wrinkled her nose as the 17

Catalyst professor’s feathers tickled. “You are very good. First, you helped me find the door and now this. You will definitely be credited in the journals.” He put her down and patted her head. “Please no. You know that I do not wish to have my name appear in the journals.” She ran her hand through the braids that held her hair back. “I still don’t understand that.” Mae winked, “I had a misspent youth. It is not appropriate for me to seek any kind of recognition for my work.” Professor Thop shook his head. “It isn’t natural.” She chuckled. “So, do you want me on recording or retrieving?” Thop jerked his head in an affirmative. “Retrieving, you have such peculiar luck in finding things.” Grinning, Mae took a light and walked into the depths of the under mountain structure. It wasn’t a temple per se, it was more of an experimental habitat than something used for special occasions. As she looked over the areas they had already discovered, she closed her eyes to think about what she could possibly find in this room. Over the last two years, she had gotten a grip on her talent, and she was now able to not only wait for a situation, but she could bring it to pass with direct 18

Viola Grace influence instead of the old roundabout way. The Oefric had not been consulted when the Tuulor decided they wanted an Enforcer agent on the dig. Since the Oefric had put in a request for any and all available Terrans to be offered to them, Mae had made it clear to Thop that she did not want folks to know she was there. Her name was on the manifest but not her species. Being hauled into the new city for endless introductions to possible suitors scared the crap out of her. She knew that Nothven was the lover in her dreams, but she also knew that he had not been on Creyar when she landed. Whistling softly, she continued to explore the interior of the building within the stone. Being a security agent on an archaeology site was not a bad gig. It came with plenty of opportunities to hone her skills. **** Officer Skell turned to his superior. “Sir, we have sighted a flash fire at the base of the Nokki Mountain.” Commander Harring looked at the readout. “Who is up there?” “A Tuulor archaeology team.” “Is the fire getting close to them?” Harring stared at the image and frowned as his instincts 19

Catalyst began to jump up and down within him. “No. It seems to be burning out. Shall we send a patrol to speak to them?” Harring stared at the image on the screen and shook his head. “No. If it is burning out, it is not necessary. Keep an eye on the area in case of spreading fire and keep me posted.” “Yes, sir.” Officer Skell continued his viewing of Creyar via the satellites, and Harring walked to his office. He fiddled with a few documents before he sighed and brought up the team manifest for those working in the old city. There was one professor and two students of Tuulor persuasion and one bodyguard provided by the Alliance. Harring acknowledged that he was a glutton for punishment as he brought up the name of the agent provided by the Enforcers. The kick to his gut was followed by a surge of blood to his cock as his erection pressed fiercely at the mere thought of her name. Agent Maeryn Lassiter was on Creyar, and she would be his. **** Mae shivered. Somewhere nearby someone was thinking about her and their emotions were powerful. She suffered a light-headed wave of sensation and stumbled to one side, her hand 20

Viola Grace slipped over a wall panel, and the next thing she knew, she was on her ass in total darkness. Damn it. Closing her eyes to bring on a flash of insight didn’t help. Everything was dark, so she couldn’t see her own actions. “I guess I have to do this the old fashioned way.” She touched the walls looking for a way out. “Why did I have to drop my light?” Mae sighed and set up a methodical examination of the walls and floor. Across from the spot where she tumbled in, she pressed another patch, and when that door opened, a dim light came on. She hummed quietly to keep herself calm and explored the room she was in. She could make out a terminal and a chair, so she immediately took advantage of the seat. A display came up when she caressed the monitor, and she groaned in surrender. Ancient Oefric was not a language that Alliance Common training could translate. She idly flipped through pages and looked at images of what she could identify as ancient Creyar landmarks. Once she was convinced that she couldn’t get anything out of the machine beyond pictures, she left the terminal and reached for the door panel. It was at rib height on the left so it was understandable that she had not found it the first 21

Catalyst time she looked. With a little effort, she pressed it and found herself inside the antechamber once again. Now, she just needed to find the release that would allow her back into the main hall. How hard could it be?

22

Viola Grace

Chapter Four

C

ommander Harring parked his private skimmer and surveyed the charred mess of the insect apocalypse. Harring’s lips quirked in a smile as he spotted a small, shining bead. He had no idea why he was drawn to the small object, but he suspected that Agent Lassiter had something to do with it. As he lifted the shining bead in his palm, the impression of Agent Lassiter was definitely with him. Without another thought, he began the climb to the cavern that allowed access to the ancient Oefric station. It was a weather station, but no one wanted to tell the Tuulor that. The Oefric home world was curious as to what another species could figure out on its own. The moment that he made it to the cavern opening, his body shivered in recognition. Maeryn Lassiter was here. He could feel her in the air. The professor and his two students were 23

Catalyst crouched over some artefacts. Harring cleared his throat as he approached them. “Lady. Gentlemen. Good afternoon. I am Commander Harring of the Oefric colony in Litsik city.” The professor stood up and blinked rapidly. His feathered scalp was fluffing in alarm. “Commander? Welcome to our site. To what do we owe the honour?” Harring smiled politely. “The little fire at the base of the mountain caught our attention. I decided to come out here and have a word with your security specialist. Where is she?” The professor frowned and looked around. “She said she was going on retrieval, but I believe that was a few hours ago. It isn’t like her to not report back on a regular basis.” Harring’s senses went on alert. “I will locate her.” The young female lifted a light. “Do you need illumination?” He shook his head. “No. I will track her by scent.” The professor frowned. “How?” He grinned, “I will simply track the scent of the only non-Tuulor in the site.” The gathered feathered beings nodded, and Harring moved past them, following the scent of Maeryn. 24

Viola Grace For the last two years, every night had been filled with memories of her in his arms. The rich scent of her skin was embedded in his mind, and his body would have followed that scent no matter what his mind thought. He wished that he was coming to her unblemished, but he had been through over a dozen battles since they parted, and he wore the scars of time on Brokhan. Harring walked through the open chamber of the research centre’s commissary and followed Mae’s scent to the wall. It took him a few minutes, but he managed to find the trigger, and as the door slid open, the woman of his dreams was crouched over in front of him with one hand lifted to block the brighter light. “Thop? Is that you?” Maeryn stepped forward and touched his chest. Her body stiffened, and funnily enough, so did his. “This isn’t Thop. It is good to see you again, Agent Lassiter. Welcome to Creyar.” Harring watched her face grow pale by dramatic increases until she wilted against him in a very un-Lassiter-like manoeuvre. **** Mae couldn’t believe that Nothven rescued her. The fact that he stood still and let her grope him was a disturbing turn of events. 25

Catalyst Her fainting fit was not characteristic, but when she touched him, her body flooded with a thousand memories and emotions that she hadn’t experienced yet. Her mind shut down at the overload, and when she came to, he was cradling her in his arms, stroking her hair back from her forehead. This was the man she had waited for, claw marks edged down the left side of his face and his neck. She swallowed hard before she spoke. “Hello, Commander Harring.” His pale eyes looked at her with concern. “Are you all right?” “Just a little overloaded. What are you doing here?” Her voice was low and husky, even to her own ears. He paused, and she could almost see him formulating a reasonable excuse. “Do you mean here on Creyar or here at the site?” Mae struggled to sit up, but he held her securely. “Either, both.” “I was shipped home after the battle of Brokhan. My family helped with my recovery, and the colony offered me a security post.” He continued to stroke her hair absently. “How is it that you are here but the colony council was not apprised of a Terran in their vicinity?” She shrugged. “I didn’t want to face endless rounds of flirting with men who can shift into 26

Viola Grace something and tear me in half. Some folks don’t like to take no for an answer.” He blinked and a smile crept across his features. “I suppose that would be right. We can be very determined when we finally find the female for us.” Mae squirmed against him. “Can you let me up now? This is not really appropriate.” He sighed and released her so she could get up. “I believe that I am the better judge of what is appropriate on Creyar.” She took a few steps away from him, and her knees wobbled as another wave of memories of things that had not yet happened washed through her. Mae leaned heavily against the wall. “What is wrong with you?” Commander Harring was next to her in an instant. “It’s exceedingly embarrassing. I am not sure that it is something you want me to share.” She ran a hand over her hair. “You always do that when you are thinking about sex.” He leaned against the wall next to her. Mae jolted as if he had shocked her. She didn’t realize that it was that obvious. He chuckled. “I was only with you for a few weeks, but I watched you carefully.” She licked her lips nervously. “Why?” He shifted, and she was pinned between him and the wall. He leaned down until his mouth was 27

Catalyst next to her jawline, and she heard him inhale sharply. After his inhalation, he groaned low and pressed his forehead to her shoulder. “You know, I thought I had imagined it.” He pressed a hand to her waist and tightened his grip. “I like the new suit.” She chuckled weakly. “Thank you. It is a living design provided by the Sector Guard. It is easier to move in than standard enforcer leathers.” “Are these branches?” She smiled as his hands ostensibly explored the exterior of her suit. “They are. Green installed them. They provide more resilience when I fall from heights.” His scowl could have peeled paint. “Why are you falling from heights?” She licked her lips again out of nervous habit. “I have gotten more of a grip on my talent. A properly started fire in a mountain range can save a city, a rock placed in the right spot on a road can trigger the cascade of progress that sends a civilization to the stars.” “You control the destiny of planets now?” He moved his face to the other side of hers and inhaled sharply. “Not unless I see that I need to. At every point in time, there are a minimum of two ways that the future can travel. My talent lets me see what would benefit the most people over the longest 28

Viola Grace period of time, and that is the action that I take.” It was hard to concentrate when the light touches on her neck were driving her to distraction. “That is impressive.” His lips grazed her neck just above her collar. “What are you doing?” She tried to keep her words light, as she really didn’t want him to stop. “Reminding myself how amazing your scent is. I had begun to think I imagined it.” He raised his head, and there was a distinct level of arousal visible in his face. Mae clenched her hands together and tried to smile brightly. “It must be my hanging around with the Tuulor, they do smell nice.” Nothven leaned in, and with his lips an inch from hers, he whispered, “No, this is all you. Every time you shake under the weight of your own mind, you give off pheromones that call me in and urge me to take you.” “I hadn’t realized that I was so chatty on the molecular plane.” She blushed, and her chin jerked up a half inch. Breath was the only thing between them, and as the heat from his mouth spurred her to rise up, her arousal jerked to a halt as footfalls came running toward them. “Oh, Commander Harring, you found her. Agent Lassiter are you all right?” Thop’s voice was urgent, and it was the excuse Mae needed to duck out from under Nothven’s body. Her 29

Catalyst hormones screamed a denial, but she pasted a pleasant expression on her face and showed Thop the hidden room. It gave her the distraction she desperately needed, because Commander Harring wasn’t showing any signs of leaving.

30

Viola Grace

Chapter Five

T

he Tuulor were delighted to have a Commander of the Oefric join them on the site. Thop’s feathers were fluffed to impress the other male. Commander Harring smiled as he explained the purpose of the majority of the devices that they saw. The data and images contained recordings of weather systems for the last two thousand years. It was valuable information. Wellor came up to Mae, “We were worried.” She stroked his head feathers lightly. “I was just in the dark for a while. If I ever miss dinner, then you can worry.” Wellor ducked his head down, and she stroked the soft surface of his forehead. Among the Tuulor, it was a gesture given by a parent to a child. It showed respect to his concern on her behalf and proved his trust in her at the same time. He chortled low in his throat. It was a noise that 31

Catalyst the Tuulor made when they were happy and relaxed. “Professor, do you mind if I head out and get myself some rations?” She smiled as the professor flapped his hand at her. Commander Harring gave her a narrow-eyed look as she turned to escape, but she ignored him. She made her way back to the camp and dug out a pack of rations for herself and one for the Oefric. It was hot enough to eat by the time he joined her around the fire in the entrance cavern. “Very slick, sneaking out like that.” “What is this about sneaking? I was hungry.” She snorted and stuck her eating prong in her ration pack. “Do you have enough for two?” Snickering, she handed him the second pack and a spare prong. “Did you foresee this as well?” She sighed and leaned back in her collapsible chair with a smile. “Ah, a tale as old as time. A woman walks alone down a hallway and the male who wants her chases her down, getting a meal and time alone in one heroic move.” He leaned forward and ate a bite of the pack. “Ah, that story. Yes, the Oefric have one similar to that. Of course, what we do when we catch her is not for a children’s tale.” The suggestive note in his voice was not lost on 32

Viola Grace her, but she hunkered forward and ate her meal in silence. He ate faster than she did, and he asked, “How long were you in the dark?” “Honestly? About three hours. I sort of enjoyed the silence after a while.” She finished her ration pack and flicked it into the fire. “Why couldn’t you get out?” He followed suit, and the wrapper curled up before flitting away in the heat. “I had difficulty finding the door trigger at first, and once I did find it, I found the darkness freeing.” “Why?” She slouched back in her chair. “Why do you want to know?” The fire warmed her feet. The peculiar structure of her suit let her wiggle her feet in the open-toed sandal foot. “I want to know everything about you.” “That is not covered in my attraction to darkness.” “I will take what I can get.” Nothven grinned. Mae laughed. “Fine. Every day, everything that I look at has a weird echo around it. All the possibilities that will come to pass the moment that I touch them are in each object, each wall, every switch. In the darkness, I was able to remain in the dark and not see anything. It was amazing.” 33

Catalyst He stared at her for a moment. “Will you come to dinner with me tomorrow?” The abrupt change of topic made her blink. “What?” “I have a formal dinner with the colony administration tomorrow night. I would like you to accompany me.” It was a cliché, but she looked down at her bodysuit. “I don’t have anything to wear.” Mae mentally smacked herself. “Sorry, barring that, I am on assignment to guard the team here. I can’t just go swanning off for dinner.” “I believe that I could arrange something with the professor. He seems to be rather keen to have an Oefric here, and that is something that I can arrange.” “So, there won’t be a problem at this formal gathering if I show up in my bodysuit?” She lifted her brows. “I can manage something on that front as well. So, if I cover all of your bases, will you join me?” The image in her mind was completely her imagination, and it started her heart pounding at the very idea of him covering her bases. She reached up to stroke her hair and jerked her hand back when she heard his chortle. Mae looked at him, really looked at him. She took in the white strands of his hair, the silvery eyes, the pointed ear tips, sinful mouth and the 34

Viola Grace sharp blade of the nose that combined into a face that held her captive. The strong cheekbones and jawline didn’t hurt either. “Agent Lassiter, why do you fight the attraction between us? I am simply curious, because your body will not let you hold out much longer.” She looked at him and met his crystal gaze with her own. “Do you want the truthful answer or something a little more evasive?” “The truth, please.” He sat leaning forward, his arms resting on his knees. “The moment that we first met, my senses went into overload. I knew in that moment that you and I would end up together, but I had no idea when that would happen.” “What did you see?” She skipped the reference to her limbs wrapped around him as she knelt on him and he held her hips in his hands. “I saw you but not as you were.” Mae got to her feet and walked over to him. “There was something missing.” She knelt in front of him and lifted her hand, tracing gently over his scars. “This was missing. I know how deep and how far those scars go, Nothven. Would you like me to continue?” He reached out and gripped her shoulders, kissing her with a savagery that she met with equal fervour. 35

Catalyst She wrapped his hair in her hands and kept him pressed to her while she let the heat in her blood boil over. He finally pushed her back. “Damn it, Maeryn. Not here.” Stunned, she blinked and sat back on her heels. Mae traced his lips with shaking fingers and smiled weakly. “I told you that the timing wasn’t right.” “We have no privacy, and you are still on duty. I will speak with the professor and a skimmer will pick you up tomorrow to bring you into the city.” He stroked her hair back from her forehead and gave her a quick kiss before he got to his feet. Mae got up and walked to the edge of the cliff face. The night wind caressed her skin and cooled it slightly. “Idiot. Why did you tease him like that?” Hands settled on her hips and a large, warm body was pressed against her. “Yes, why did you tease me like that?” She shivered. “I suppose that I was tired of being the only one with those images in my mind. I have quite a bit of self-control, but it is wearing a bit thin.” He stroked a hand down to the armoured plate over her belly and reversed the direction. “Tomorrow at noon, a skimmer will come for you. It will drop off one historian and two guards then 36

Viola Grace pick you up and take you into the city where you will be delivered to a seamstress who will locate everything you require.” She grimaced. “It sounds like you have it all planned.” Nothven pressed a kiss to her neck that sent her up on her toes. “Is that a problem?” She shivered. “Nope. Not at all. See you tomorrow night.” He hugged her and let out a sigh as he released her. “Tomorrow night.” She watched him descend the steep steps carved in the side of the cliff and tried to smother the grin on her lips. She turned and faced the three Tuulor archaeologists. “Oh, hello.” Professor Thop came to her side. “I can’t believe you are the mate-to-be of one of the Harrings.” Minski was almost flapping with excitement. “And you are going to the mayor’s annual gathering. It is too much.” Wellor looked vaguely upset. “How long have you known him?” Mae turned and watched the skimmer lights recede in the distance. She really wanted to be with him right now. “I don’t know about the gathering, but I have been assured I will be properly attired, and I have known Commander Harring for two and a half years.” 37

Catalyst Wellor nodded as if the information was acceptable. Minski snuggled up to her on her left side, Wellor her right and Professor Thop quizzed her for hours on how she knew Commander Harring and what her plans were for the future. By the time Maeryn was in her bedroll for the night, she had worked up an excellent case of anxiety about the following day, which was hilarious for a woman who could see her own future. Somehow, she just couldn’t get a firm grip on what happened next.

38

Viola Grace

Chapter Six

M

ae was up, washed, dressed and fed before any of the Tuulor were stirring. Her nerves were up in arms, and she paced at the opening to the site from dawn until noon. The sight of the skimmer caused a ball of lead in her stomach. She let out a piercing whistle to bring the Tuulor to the entrance. It was just like Commander Harring had said— one historian and two guards made the hike up the narrow stone steps and the guards saluted her as they relieved her of duty. The skimmer driver smiled and greeted her before aiming the vehicle for the city. “Do you know where you are dumping me?” Mae blurted it out before she could stop herself. “I am taking you to the address that Commander Harring instructed me to take you to. There is someone waiting to assist you in the rest of your preparations.” She grimaced. “So, you know about that too?” 39

Catalyst “It is fairly common knowledge that Commander Harring has not had interest in any of the females around here no matter how much they put themselves in his path. That you are obviously in Agent of the Enforcers uniform and he ordered me to take you to a dressmaker means that he intends for you to accompany him this evening to the formal dinner for the colony administrators. The other guess is that as you are also an Enforcer of sorts, and you and he have met before causing his withdrawal from the idea of mating to an Oefric, because he has had you in mind the entire time he has been on Creyar.” Mae was shocked and embarrassed. The driver chuckled and gave her a kind glance. “We are a new colony. Most folk here are a little obsessed with mating and growing our population.” “I see. I have met Commander Harring before, but it was during the course of our duties. I am sure that this is just a standard first date.” The pilot grinned. “If you say so.” Mae stroked her hands down the familiar contours of her suit. “I don’t know what the problem is with my suit.” “It isn’t quite appropriate for the type of event you are going to be attending. Trust me, when you see the other females there, you will be glad Commander Harring arranged this.” 40

Viola Grace They dropped altitude and joined the traffic moving through the streets. The pilot pulled in in front of a shop with a very discreet sign. “This is where we part company. They will be waiting for you inside. Good day to you and good luck.” She exited the skimmer and walked into the shop without looking back. The moment that she entered the shop, a plethora of possibilities ran through her mind. A young woman perked up and smiled as she took in the uniform. “Agent Lassiter?” “Please, call me Maeryn.” “I am Dotha Harring, Nothven’s cousin. He has ordered me to get you everything possible to make you feel at home and in place.” Mae’s lips quirked. “You take orders?” Dotha grinned, “When it involves a makeover and a day at the spa, yes I do.” “We have a spa day as well?” “Why not, it is on Nothven.” Dotha chuckled. The shopkeeper was waiting calmly without any indication of rush. “Good afternoon, ladies. How may I help you?” Dotha smiled. “This charming woman has a date for the social event of the season. She is attending the dinner tonight and the uniform she is wearing is all she currently has.” Mae blushed. “That is stating it rather baldly. I 41

Catalyst came to Creyar on business. This is my business attire.” The woman smiled. “It is a lovely uniform. Bio engineered for you?” Mae nodded, startled that the woman could recognize it. “Yes. It’s designed to take impact.” “Lovely composition too but not appropriate for the dinner. I think something in this range for the evening.” The proprietor steered them to the back of the store and her assistant took front of house. Six mannequins stood in a semi-circle, and they were all wearing very risqué outfits. “What do you think?” The proprietor smiled. “Let’s find out.” Mae walked to the first one and closed her eyes. The Mayor’s mate was angry, and it had to do with the fact that they were wearing the same gown of gold silk. Mae shook her head and said, “No. The mayor’s mate is wearing this one. She is highly competitive.” The proprietor frowned. “This is an exclusive design.” Dotha looked between them. “Rehani, I think you should take it as the truth and see if your assistant has been working on the side.” The woman frowned. “You can rest assured that I will look into that, now, what about the 42

Viola Grace others?” Mae touched them all, “This one has a loose seam that will blow if I bow. This one will cause a fight between Nothven and an unmated male. This one is fine, but it isn’t really my colour.” She skipped over the one that may be fine for Oefric but was too minimalist for her and settled on the silk wrap with the flowing skirt attached to a jewelled belt. It left three inches of her midriff exposed, and Nothven enjoyed seeing her in the Enforcer black and silver. “This is the one.” Rehani smiled, “Do I want to know what you just did there?” “Not really, it’s a hobby of mine.” She smiled brightly. “May I try it on?” The designer got busy, and in no time, Mae had been shucked of her Enforcer uniform and the dress was in place. Rehani admired her handiwork. “I hate to sound immodest, but it looks like it was made for you.” Dotha sighed. “Damn, I hoped it would take longer.” Mae tried to cheer her up. “I still need shoes?” Rehani lifted a set of black and silver heeled sandals. “Sorry.” Dotha shook her head. “You are trying to kill all my fun.” Mae smiled. “Maybe you can have another spa treatment?” 43

Catalyst Dotha brightened. “That’s true. I just have one question. What are those markings on your abdomen?” She looked down at the exposed skin. “Oh, that is my tattoo. It is a marking designed to indicate that I am Terran, and therefore, it is illegal to possess me or kill me.” “Oh, so your job is dangerous.” Dotha blinked. “More or less. Sometimes more, sometimes less.” Mae laughed. “So, me back in my shell and off to the next stop?” Dotha chuckled. “You read my mind.” As she was stripped and resumed her suit, Dotha rattled off a list of spa treatments that simply had to be done. With their day firmly set in Dotha’s mind, Mae’s didn’t have to do anything.

44

Viola Grace

Chapter Seven

H

er hair was in her standard braids along her skull, turning into loose waves down past her shoulders, but the beads on the ends had been changed to match her evening wear. Her nails also sported black and silver, as did her eye makeup. When she left the spa and salon, she was coordinated from head to toe with her bodysuit in Dotha’s care. “Oh, I forgot to give this to you. Nothven would have my head if you showed up without it.” An elegant silver skimmer was Dotha’s personal conveyance, and she fished around in a compartment, producing a box with a flourish. “Aha!” Curious, Mae opened the box and looked with confusion at the object inside until understanding rippled through her. Giggles broke out as she put in the hooks that allowed the goblets to swing gently against her neck, and she then slipped the 45

Catalyst necklace with the hanging goblets around her neck. “I don’t understand the significance, but if you find it funny, it is obviously a joke between you two.” Mae grinned. “It hearkens back to the first time I met him.” Dotha raised her hands. “I don’t want to know, we are going to be late if we don’t get going.” As Mae took her seat, Dotha triggered a bubble over the skimmer. “I don’t want to mess up your hair, though that is a really practical hairdo.” Mae chuckled as they left the boutique area of the new city and headed for a huge building on the outer rim of the habitation. Dotha sighed. “I hope one day I am invited to this party, but until that day, I will have to be satisfied living vicariously through you.” The light had turned to a pinkish purple as the sunlight began its daily march. The building Dotha stopped at looked far older than the colony was. Dotha pulled into the rotunda and a doorman assisted Mae out of the skimmer. “Agent Lassiter, Commander Harring is waiting inside.” She inclined her head and walked into the building, head high and shoulders bare. The moment she saw Nothven in his black silk shirt and tight trousers, she could feel the heat in his gaze. 46

Viola Grace His stride was purposeful as he approached her. “You look…” She fought a shiver as he pressed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. “Thank you. I feel good as well. Your cousin is quite the enthusiast for all things spa related.” Nothven smiled. “She really is. Did you have fun with her?” Mae nodded. “It was the first girl’s day out I have had in a very long time. Certainly the first time I have ever received a four-armed massage.” He turned and tucked her hand around his arm. “Well, let me introduce you around.” She fixed a smile on her face, and for the next hour and a half, she allowed herself to be introduced to every mated male of standing in the entire community. The mayor’s wife was indeed wearing the Rehani knock-off. She complimented the mayor’s wife on the gown, and the woman smiled, “It’s an original Rehani.” Apparently, Dotha had set her up with the best designer on Creyar. “As is this. She takes such pride in her work. She fitted it to me personally. I have rarely experienced such friendly service as I have on Creyar.” The mayor’s wife got a suspicious glint in her eye and nodded with a smile. “Yes, it is. I must remember to send her a thank you note.” 47

Catalyst Mae smiled brightly, putting her dumb and pretty face into action. It was a bit of a strain, but she managed it. When the mayor’s wife, Lianna, pointed at her necklace and raised a brow, Maeryn fought a smirk. “Oh, this? Nothven gave it to me to commemorate our first assignment together.” He was off to one side speaking with the mayor, and he looked up when she said his name. His smile was slow, and it made her wish that the evening were over. “That is so romantic. What does it symbolize?” She bit her lip at the memory. “Technically, it symbolizes a lot of wine.” Lianna edged close to her. “Really? Was it romantic?” Flashes of waiting for Obnalik to get completely wasted so that his bladder would eventually demand draining in order to get them out of that hole came back to her. “Oh, yes, very romantic.” The mayor kept looking at her with a peculiar recognition in his eyes, as if he couldn’t quite place her. Finally, he walked up to her. “Agent Lassiter, have you ever been on the Cheevan home world?” “No, your Honour. Why?” “You are the exact image of the newest Cheevan goddess. I have the statue in my study, if you and Nothven would care to have a look.” 48

Viola Grace “Do we have time?” He chuckled. “They will wait for us.” Nothven returned, and she took his arm. They followed the mayor through several halls until they reached his study. He walked to a pedestal near his desk and flicked on a light. “Oh, good grief.” It was obvious to Mae that the mayor was correct. “What is she the goddess of?” Nothven was trying not to laugh. His shoulders were shaking. Maeryn looked at the statuette, the hair was hers, the face was hers, the body was hers but the suit was her new custom bodysuit. The woman stood with her arms outstretched at her sides, her face toward the heavens. “What exactly is she the goddess of?” Mae really didn’t want to know. “Battle, strategy and cleavage. It is a strange combination to be sure, but the Cheevans are a strange people, crafting gods after those they challenge.” The mayor grinned, “So it is you?” “Yes. I don’t know how they got my new battle suit into the design, but that is definitely me. Where did you get it?” Nothven was examining it. “I want one.” The mayor barked a laugh. “That is what I said when I saw it. I bought it five seasons ago from a limping Cheevan ship. It was sold dearly. She is now standard issue for Cheevans entering deep 49

Catalyst space.” Mae shook her head. “Dare I ask what she is called?” “Argent Assinar. Apparently, their translation capabilities are limited.” Nothven lost it. He howled with laughter. Maeryn kicked his feet out from under him, and he landed with a thud. He paused for a moment and then cackled again. “Oh, grow up.” She crossed her arms and tapped her elegant shoe. Mayor Hinovin was chortling. “You have to admit it is amusing.” “I can admit it and still want him to stop snickering like a schoolgirl.” It took Nothven a moment and he got back to his feet, brushing dust off his trousers. “I have to admit that it isn’t every man who can claim to have a genuine goddess for a mate.” She scowled at him. “You are not making a very good impression on your would-be mate.” The mayor separated them. “Children, you can fight after dinner.” She flipped her skirt and headed for the exit. “I am sure I can find a dinner partner who does not laugh at me.” Nothven wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear. “I promise to worship you later, goddess. Please don’t be angry.” 50

Viola Grace She sighed and relaxed against him. “Fine, but your dinner conversation had better be inoffensive and entertaining.” He sighed. “You are severely limiting my options.” “That is what having a mate is all about.”

51

Catalyst

Chapter Eight

A

fter the third recounting of her strategy and Obnalik’s obliging bladder, Maeryn was getting tired of polite conversation. She sighed and reached for her wineglass, sipping carefully. When the first strains of music began, her heart skipped a beat for joy. Final courses were done and cleared away. Folks were lingering over their wine, and as the music built in strength, couples rose to their feet and began dancing. Nothven winked, “Would you do me the honour?” She sighed, “Do I have to hear that story again?” “Nope.” “Then, I am all yours.” She curled her hand around his arm and let him lead her to the dance floor. He whispered, “Tease.” And they were in the whirl of couples. 52

Viola Grace Nothven was a far better dancer than she was, but then, she only had bopping along to classic rock and the initial classes she had taken in basic training. He swooped, twirled and glided with her around the dance floor. He was strong, he was graceful and, at that moment, Maeryn realized he was out of her league. To hell with that, she was going to jump him anyway. “Your eyes are almost as pale as mine. I have heard that people find them upsetting.” She grinned and clutched at him as they slid between two couples before rotating slowly in place. “Unsettling is the word I encourage people to use. There are a few others that I know who have exceedingly pale eyes for one reason or another. Mine can be blamed on genetics.” They twisted left then right then left again. “Mine as well. I come from northern stock, and the paler eyes are part and parcel of that particular genetic strain.” She looked into his crystal grey eyes and broke the contact with a quick flick of her eyes. “Interesting. I had not realized that the Oefric had as many combinations as my people do.” “Ours have blended together more over the history of our development. Based on the information I have taken in over the last two years, your folk will get there eventually.” 53

Catalyst She focussed her gaze on the slow pulse in his neck. “Yes, and I am sure that many more of my people will make their way to the stars. It was funny that only two thousand were allowed out here out of billions available.” The music shifted and the formality of the previous dance was forgotten. Nothven held her snugly against him as they swayed in a slow pattern. “Billions? Really?” It was always a laugh when population was discussed with species who needed extra space for running. “Yes, we were planning to pile up on each other and eventually reach the stars by stacking alone.” He chuckled. “I understand you were beginning a space program.” “Not me personally, but in the last five or six decades, we have managed to park a few things in orbit as well as send out a few probes.” The distraction of having her body rub against his caused her to speak quickly. “How did you come to join the Alliance?” Her lips curled at the memory. “It is a long story. Are you sure you want to hear it?” His hand caressed her back slowly and to time with the music. “I am very sure, though if it is a private matter, I can wait until we have some time alone.” 54

Viola Grace “It isn’t private. My friends applied on my behalf, and after six of them declared me, the Volunteer co-ordinator showed up at my home. I fixed him some tea, and we had a conversation about one being’s ability to affect probability. He asked me to try and alter his future, but I said I couldn’t. When he asked what I could do, he watched as I went to the door, spoke to the third guard he had brought with him and obtained the Volunteer contract. He asked me how I knew about the contract, so I smiled at him and told him that my own future was always within my control.” “Is it?” Mae grinned, “No, but it sounds better than I know I have to force feed an alien ambassador alcohol to save his life and mine five years from now.” He chuckled. “When did you first see me?” “You or us?” He made a noise deep in his chest—it was part purr part growl. “Us. I want to know when you first saw us together.” He swung her in a circle that threw her off balance and she clutched at him. “The first time I saw you was just after I had been told of the assignment to Ambassador Ranith as his daughter’s nanny and bodyguard. The moment I acknowledged the assignment, I started to see a flicker of pale eyes when I closed mine. I did not 55

Catalyst see us until you disembarked from the drop shuttle with the rest of your escort. I was out in the gardens with Alsa, and the moment that I saw you, images flooded through my mind. I had to sit down, and Alsa asked me if I was all right. I don’t think I ever answered her.” The music changed to something faster, but she resisted. “I think I would like to sit or take a walk, if that isn’t too much trouble.” Nothven smiled, “The residence has lovely gardens.” She took his arm as he led her through the crowd and out into the open air. She inhaled deeply. “I miss this.” She looked up at the sky and watched the moons in their slow dance to the music of the heavens. The stars in their foreign configurations always made her mind reel with the excitement of being somewhere new. “What do you miss?” “The moment of doing nothing, simply living in the time as it passes without looking into the future. I know it sounds stupid, but there it is.” The gardens were well tended and carefully arranged to provide a nice, slow walking path through waist-high hedges. Nothven started them on a path. “It isn’t stupid. I can understand the living in the moment, though the future has been much on my mind lately.” 56

Viola Grace She chuckled. His arm shifted until it was wrapped around her waist, his thumb on the lower edge of her breast. She breathed carefully but balanced herself with an arm around his waist as well. As they walked, Mae rested her head on his shoulder. It was one of the perfect moments in her life. Her mind and body were in complete harmony and twisting the future was the least desirable option. “So, how long do we have to remain at this dinner until you take me home?” She shattered the silence with her question. Nothven stopped in place, turned them both around and walked back the way they had come with a deliberate stride. “Nothven, if you are trying to force march me to your bed, you could just ask. I have no objection to spending the night with you.” Her lips quirked as her skirt fluttered. “I won’t change my mind.” He slowed his step, and he gave her a sheepish grin, “Was it that obvious?” “Sort of. I have never run away from a lover in my life, it was all that I could to keep myself from running to you.” They re-joined the party and moved toward the mayor and his wife. They said their goodbyes and were dismissed with knowing looks. “I have never left a party where everyone I passed knew I was going to be rolling around 57

Catalyst naked in less than an hour.” Nothven turned and lifted her for a passionate kiss in the entryway of the residence. When he broke the kiss, he chuckled. “You haven’t been to many Oefric parties then.” As they stepped into his skimmer and he began to take her to his home, she had to admit he was right. She hadn’t been to many Oefric parties, but if they managed to come together this time, once would be enough.

58

Viola Grace

Chapter Nine

“

This is the house that was waiting for me when I returned from Brokhan. My family was delighted to have me back.” Nothven’s hands were steady on the controls as they approached the Oefric equivalent of a Terran ranch house. “It’s nice. How many people are in your family?” He grimaced good-naturedly. “Too many at times.” She chuckled and shivered lightly in the evening air. Mae rubbed her arms to warm herself as he settled the skimmer. “Are you cold?” “A little. This dress was not designed for its insulation properties.” She smiled at him. “It is lovely. You chose well. I have rarely seen one of Rehani’s gowns so suit the wearer.” His eyes were appreciative as he helped her out of the skimmer. Mae was suddenly shy. It was one thing to flirt 59

Catalyst with him when there were others around, but this was the first time that no one would interrupt what flared between them. “Rehani liked it on me as well.” “She has excellent taste. What did you think of Dotha?” He took her hand as they walked up the path toward his home. Lights were triggered by their approach, and the greenery around his home took on a subtle glow from the ground up. “Dotha is lovely. How old is she?” “Twenty-five. She will be seeking her own mate in a few years and was delighted to be helping me with mine. I am sure she ran straight to my parents’ home the moment you left.” “So, not much younger than me. Good to know. I am never sure with other species what constitutes an adult.” “What is it for your species?” His tone was curious, but his hand on her waist was warm. “Legally, it is between eighteen and twenty-one in most places, but customs differ from region to region. Where I grew up, you could wed as early as sixteen.” She bit her lip to stifle nervousness. He shuddered. “But when were you completely mature?” “Around twenty-five. That is when my body finished filling out and settled into the curves I have today.” 60

Viola Grace “So, before we met for the first time.” She nodded. He opened the door and waved his arm for her to enter. “Good. I was enchanted by your form at the time and really hoping that I wasn’t lusting after someone immature.” “No, I am as adult as I am going to get.” She quirked her lips and looked around. Subtle lighting activated as she moved through the entryway and into his home. “Good. You are a little smaller than the average Oefric female, but I think that we can work around it.” His footfalls were completely silent, but his voice was right behind her and the husky tone shook her to her core. She licked her lips and kept exploring, the heat of his body behind her the whole way. “I am fairly sure that we will. There are too many images for this to be a failed try.” His voice was close to a purr. “How many images?” She shrugged as she walked through his kitchen, looking at the tea set that seemed standard no matter where she went. The teas changed but the tea sets were ubiquitous. “I don’t know. Close to a thousand. Some are from the same evening, but there are different places, lighting and clothing. Unless you like to change wardrobe between positions, it seems to indicate a 61

Catalyst fairly extensive relationship.” “I am glad to hear it. I have spent time imagining a future with you, but having you this close makes this moment the most important thing in my life.” Taking a breath for self-control, she turned and let him catch her. “Well, I am done with the slow chase. You have caught me, now what?” He wrapped his hands around her waist. His warm, calloused palms heated her exposed skin. “I think it’s time to bring the future into our present day.” He leaned down to kiss her, and she went up even further on her toes than the heeled shoes allowed. The kiss was sweet, deep and sent her senses spinning. When she backed away and opened her eyes, he was holding her at eye level and her arms were around his neck. She blushed. “This can’t be comfortable.” He grinned and nipped at her lower lip. “I can manage.” Her fingers were toying with the hair at the nape of his neck. Mae leaned forward and pressed her lips to the pounding pulse of his throat. She licked it, and he made that groan-purr noise again. She quivered slightly, and as she raised her head, she noted that he was moving and taking her with him. 62

Viola Grace Mae began to unfasten his shirt, exposing the remaining trail of the three claw marks. “What did you do to get a Brokhan General classification?” He grinned. “You know what it is?” She was surprised. “Of course. It is a great honour, and an accidental clawing would never have been so straight.” He set her on her butt on the edge of the bed. With smooth movements, he removed her shoes. She groaned and wiggled her feet. “I know they give off mating indicators, but high-heeled shoes should be outlawed.” Nothven chuckled and wrapped each foot in a hand, massaging gently. “They do make your ass look more amazing than it already is.” She groaned as his thumbs rubbed the undersides of her toes. “Nice save.” His features took on a look of concentration as he rubbed the arch of her toes again, and she moaned in response. High-heeled shoes had never been her favourite thing, but if she could get a foot rub after wearing them, she might learn to enjoy them. She sighed, moaned and squirmed as the small touches between her toes had a peculiar effect between her thighs. Reflexology had never been something she indulged in back home, and now, she was thinking that it was a terrible shame—his soft touch was having the same effect as if he was 63

Catalyst stroking his hands up her inner thighs. Her skin was flushed, and she didn’t meet his gaze as he looked at her. He flipped back the edge of her skirt and stroked her calves to her knees. Flustered, she asked. “So, how did you become a Brokhan General?” “I saved the wife and daughter of the High Magistrate from an incoming shuttle crash. He tried to give me his daughter, but I politely refused, citing that I had a mate waiting for me.” “Very wise. Those Brokhan women bite.” “I wouldn’t mind a bite or two.” His massage moved up her thighs, and she held her breath as her wet heat became apparent. Nothven’s crystal grey eyes grew hot, he unlatched the jewelled belt that held up her skirt and pulled it away, dropping it on the floor. Mae’s cheeks were scarlet as she sat there with only her bodice and the jewellery on her body. When he reached behind her and unfastened the bodice with one hand, her face should have been hot enough to melt metal. With a voice gone weak and breathy, she said, “Be careful with that dress, it is all I have to wear until I get my suit back from Dotha.” “It is out of danger but only just. I love that you get wet from a simple touch.” He nuzzled at her neck and breathed in deeply. She pushed at his shirt, and he removed it 64

Viola Grace while sniffing her scent from her neck to her belly until he was breathing it in between her thighs. His breath on her sex encouraged her to spread her legs, and when he nuzzled at her folds, she whimpered out loud. The moment that the heat of his tongue parted her to dip inside, she felt a tremor that started in her core and spread outward. As he nipped at the bud of her clit, the tremor turned to sharp spasms and her hips jerked in response. Her voice broke as she whined and moaned her way through the first shocks of pleasure. Nothven backed away and stripped off his boots and trousers before re-joining her on the bed. She touched the scars that were as familiar to her as the passionate curve of his lips. It was time to enjoy the present, just a little.

65

Catalyst

Chapter Ten

N

othven sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Mae into his lap. She smiled at the memory of something that was about to happen. She eagerly went into his arms, straddling him so that they were face to face as his erection slid into her in one long, slow thrust. They both groaned as the pleasure rippled through them. Mae kissed Nothven’s neck as he gripped her hips and controlled their pace. She clung to his shoulders and held on as their joining went from seconds to minutes to an endless round of satisfaction. She lost count of how many times her body tried to milk his, but he slowed and gritted his teeth each time until his breathing eased and he started again. She was coated in sweat and exhausted as he started to coax her body into one more response. Mae sensed his tension, and when he lifted her off him, flipped her to her belly, cupping her ass before spreading her thighs and plunging deep 66

Viola Grace with a grunt, she knew his release was near. She pushed back against him, and he rocked inside her, his cock scraping her inner walls until her fingers dug into the bedding to brace herself as her body bucked against his. Nothven howled, and his teeth dug into her shoulder as his cock pumped within her, the hot jetting inside her eased the soreness caused by friction and kept her channel caressing his erection until he shuddered and collapsed against her. Mashed into the bedding, she fought to stay awake, and though she wanted desperately to keep alert, she failed. Mae woke tucked into pristine sheets with Nothven wrapped around her, spooning her. She whispered, “Something seems different.” He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her ear. “You were dead to the world, so I tidied up around you.” “Was there a particular reason that you were trying to kill me with sex, or is it just a hobby?” He stroked his hand down her ribs and settled it on the curve of her waist. “Later this morning, my family will be here to take charge of you until the formal ceremony. I wanted to make an impression on you and make sure that no other men in my clan get any ideas in regard to you.” Mae’s muscles stiffened. “I have to go to your 67

Catalyst family? I thought I would head back to the site.” “Not yet. For now, they will have two guards at all times, as well as the on-call historian.” “So, why do I have to go to your family?” “Because you have no family here, and it is traditional for a bride to remain with her family in the days leading up to the wedding, so my aunt and uncle will act as your family and stand up for you at the ceremony.” She turned and stared up at him, “So, last night was unauthorized sex?” He grinned. “I would say yes, but you might kick me. So, I will say it was a method used to keep me from going insane in the time it will take to get everything arranged.” Mae scowled. “How long will it take?” “Three or four days, but I will say that the moment I read your name on the archaeological manifest, my blood has pounded and my cock has ached. I would never have made it that many days without touching you.” She sighed and trailed her fingers up his arm to the scar that marked his bicep. “Me neither. If you think I am good at manipulating things for a purpose, you should see what I can do if I want to get laid.” His kiss distracted her efficiently, but when he turned her, her body shrieked in protest. “Sorry, too sore. It has been a while.” 68

Viola Grace He sighed. “I should apologise. I won’t, but I probably should.” Nothven sat up and took her hand. “Come on, a hot shower will help.” She wobbled after him, and when she was under the hot spray, she had to admit he was right. When he stepped into the shower with her and started to rub her tense muscles, she gave him full access by propping herself on the slick stone and standing with her feet apart. It was an invitation to far more than just a massage, but a solid rubdown was all he delivered. He shut the water off and sighed, “You are a horrible tease.” She grinned. “I know. I am looking forward to a game of naked tag in the backyard on the night of the wedding.” He narrowed his eyes as he wrapped her in a linen sheet. “What do you mean?” “I will run, and you can chase me.” She licked her lips. “And hopefully, you can catch me.” His urgent and weeping erection told her exactly how much he liked that idea. She stroked her thumb over the head of his cock, collecting the drops before bringing her thumb to her mouth. “Definitely a tease. You had better prepare to run on our wedding night, when I catch you then, tonight will look like a dress rehearsal.” He wrapped a towel awkwardly around his waist and led the way into the bedroom once again. 69

Catalyst He handed her one of his shirts to wear, and seeing as how it hung almost to her knees, she felt secure enough to leave his bedroom and explore the house in daylight. The kitchen had windows that extended the entire length of the wall, giving an excellent view of fields and a small stand of trees. Barefoot, she walked outside and looked around. The house was outside the city limits by several kilometers, leaving plenty of privacy and room for outdoor activities. Nothven joined her wearing only his trousers. He had two cups in his hands, and he offered her one. “Juice.” She smiled and sipped carefully. “Thank you. This is a nice house. Do all the Oefric have homes outside the city?” He shook his head. “After I returned, it was obvious that being surrounded all day, every day was going to be too much for me. My clan commissioned this as a retreat for me, it is a place for me to rest, recover and renew.” She looked around her. “It’s a good place for that.” He grinned, “You can also run all you want and there is nowhere I can’t see you. I foresee a very festive wedding night.” She was going to reply, but a throat was being cleared in the door to the kitchen. “Nothven, I am 70

Viola Grace here to collect your lady.” Dotha was smiling, and she had Mae’s bodysuit over her arm. “Good morning, Dotha.” Mae smiled. “Good morning, Maeryn. You look wellrested.” “Appearances are deceiving then. I think I will get dressed and we will be on our way to wherever I will be under house arrest.” Mae turned to Nothven and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Dotha frowned. “You won’t be under house arrest. You are now one of the family. We have to get you a gown for the ceremony and a trousseau. No one wedding a Harring does so without proper ceremony or so my father says. My mother just rolls her eyes.” Nothven sighed and took Mae by the hand. It was as if he was going to keep contact with her as long as he could. “Commander, I think you have a day job to get to. I will be fine. You do what you have to do, and I will spend some of my six years of accumulated pay.” “Now I am commander?” He raised a brow. “You always will be commander in part of my brain, Nothven in another part and simply mine in the majority. Get used to it.” She smiled. “If such is my burden to bear, I will. Now, get dressed before I lock my cousin out and find out 71

Catalyst how fast you can run.” The sensual threat made her blush, but the seriousness in his tone sent her scurrying to Dotha to get her bodysuit. She slipped it on in the living room and sighed at the secure feeling that being covered in armour gave her. Dotha was amused. “You slipped that on and I didn’t see a thing.” “I had to share a room growing up. It’s a learned skill.” She checked her hair in a mirror over the mantle and turned to Dotha. “Where do we start?” Dotha rubbed her hands together. “Back to Rehani’s. She is eager to do a ceremony gown.” With a wave to Nothven, Mae got in Dotha’s skimmer and allowed herself to be whisked away. It was only for a few days, and she had been in far more dangerous circumstances with far shadier characters. So why was she more edgy than a bag full of cats?

72

Viola Grace

Chapter Eleven

F

our days of fittings, measuring and digging through her family genealogy later, Maeryn Lassiter was facing Nothven Harring in front of his community, her Tuulor guests and all visiting dignitaries. Their vows had been simple. They would keep and comfort each other all their days, protect and cherish one another and never let the other face danger alone. That last vow was because they were both still technically in the Enforcers. They would now be dispatched as a couple if they were dispatched at all. With the vows done, they stepped together and Mae held her hand up to stop him in his tracks. A laughing Dotha ran forward with a step stool, and Mae dropped the hand as she stepped onto the booster that would let Nothven kiss her without lifting her until she was even with him. The crowd roared with laughter, and Nothven folded her in his arms, kissing her fervently at the 73

Catalyst gesture that indicated she was willing to meet him halfway. She laughed against his lips as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He dipped her back, and she shrieked before he stole her ability to make a sound. The crowd continued to applaud, when Nothven finally set her back on her feet, her cheeks were flushed and her lips were swollen. He held her tight to him. “Nice move with the stool.” She grinned. “It solved my problem and started a trend. In the next six years, we will be to ten ceremonies that involve the chair.” He snickered. “Shall we proceed to our reception?” She nodded and hopped down, walking beside him to the pavilion erected in the gardens of the mayoral residence. “I love the gown.” “It was a compromise in styles.” Mae held his arm, and the wide sleeve reached the centre of her thigh. The end style was a crystalline kimono that was translucent, stiff silk with a heavy corset that wrapped Mae to just below her crotch. It was difficult to sit in but a lovely piece of artwork. Rehani was going to get quite a few orders for it in the coming weeks. 74

Viola Grace Professor Thop came up to her and clutched both of her hands while he pressed his beaked nose to her knuckles. “Agent Lassiter. Thank you so much for having the historian join us. The Oefric are delighted with the new discovery.” “New discovery?” Even Nothven looked confused. “The details on the ancient Oefric library of T’han. It has been lost to history, but now, we may have discovered some traces that will lead us to that repository of Oefric knowledge.” Maeryn smiled, “I am very glad it is working out for you. You deserve success in your endeavour. Are the others here?” Minski and Wellor must have been waiting for the signal, because they rushed in and gave her effusive congratulations while Nothven stood by, amused. The other Tuulor representatives fluffed their feathers out with pride at the bride’s involvement with their species. Despite the fact that they were the indigenous species, they just were not aggressive enough to compete directly with the Oefric. After a charming meal, some dancing that was made more formal than she would have liked by the addition of laces and boning, Mae and Nothven waved farewell to their guests, and they left the reception. Mae sat as close to Nothven as she could 75

Catalyst manage with the restrictions of her gown. “So, that was a nice ceremony.” He looked at her as if she had grown another head. “If my family would have let me get away with it, I would have held you in my home until no one could have denied our union.” She chuckled. “Another Oefric tradition?” “If the female has no family, there is no one on her side to confirm the match. If the male does not take steps to secure her, their union can be challenged by his family.” “So, I am guessing that the steps involve pregnancy.” He shrugged. “It is the way things have always been.” “On Earth as well. In some areas, it was the way to get a wife. If she was pregnant, she was yours. Even in modern families, pregnancy is often the spur for a wedding.” “Interesting. I think I would enjoy studying your society.” “There isn’t just one or wasn’t when I left. Billions of people pulling against each other for superiority. Some cultures are ancient, some are just finding their way and all existing at the same time.” “I definitely want to learn more about your people, but first, I believe that you have a promise to keep.” There was darkness to his tone, an 76

Viola Grace eagerness that she hadn’t heard before. “Oh, the chasing? You still want to do that?” She tried to play calm, but her heart was pounding in her chest. She ran her hand over her hair and he grinned. “Oh yes. Even Oefric women are usually afraid to play with our old traditions. This is one I am very glad you are interested in resurrecting.” “You will have to help me out of this corset before I start.” He grinned, “Done, but keep the gown on as long as you can.” “It is more of a robe under the corset, but yes, that is currently my plan. Did the rest of my trousseau arrive today?” He chuckled. “It did. I have already hung up your gowns and folded your undergarments next to mine.” “I haven’t noticed you wearing undergarments.” “I know. You get the whole drawer.” She was still giggling when they arrived at his home. He lifted her out of the skimmer and carried her over the threshold. When they were seated at the kitchen table, Mae began to loosen the laces of her corset. Nothven brought her a glass of wine, and they sat across from each other while she slowly worked the corset loose enough for her to pop the busk 77

Catalyst open. Under the corset, the transparent fabric was doubled by the wrapping effect, but the dampness from being compressed against her made it a gauzy tease to his gaze. In her mind, she knew the thrill of the chase and the larger thrill of the catching from her point of view. Nothven would look feral, but when he took her in his arms, he was her mate and there was nothing to be afraid of. She hoped that was the way it worked out, because sometimes, the wrong stimulus at the wrong time causes a little hiccup in her mental design. They sat in silence while she sipped at her cup. He did the same with his until he said, “The clock is ticking. You get five minutes head start. I will restrict myself to this form and come after you.” “When does the clock start?” “Fifteen seconds ago.” Adrenaline hit her system and she got to her feet, lifting the edge of the robe and running for the back door. She was wearing soft leather slippers, and they made it easier for her to sprint across the manicured grass and into the wild grass beyond the cultivated yard. She headed for the tree line. It wasn’t a lot of trees, but it might slow him down if he was tracking her by scent. Out of all the strange things to tease him with, sex hide and seek was definitely a bizarre choice. 78

Viola Grace Sadly, it suited her to a tea. She ran through the edge of the forest before working deeper and climbing as high as she could. When she had made it into the small canopy of the forest, she watched the house. Sure enough, the lithe, tanned body was naked, and he was walking with his head in the air and a determined stride. He was scenting for her. She watched him come closer with her limbs trembling and her loins aching. Just seeing his aroused body was enough to spin her mind into mating mode. He rushed for the woods, and he followed the trail she had laid so carefully, giving her enough time to descend from the tree and make a beeline back to his home. She was fifty meters from the trees when she heard his howl, and she knew she had been spotted. Mae lifted the edge of the skirt higher and poured on the speed. She heard him behind her, his long limbs loping easily through the tall grasses, and the moment she stopped to check his location, she froze with all the grace of a deer in headlights. Snapping into motion, she turned and took three steps before he caught her and bore her to the ground. She fought him off, her hands struck his throat, forcing him back, and she quickly turned to get up from her knees, and he gripped her hips with 79

Catalyst determined force. She was afraid, she was aroused and she was in the mood for a fight. As he lifted her skirt and thrust into her, she howled with outrage but her movements only drew him in deeper. He set up his rhythm, thrusting and retreating, rocking into her and withdrawing in turn. She was so aroused by the chemical conflict that her body bucked in release and she groaned as she pushed back to take him as deep as she could. He groaned and lifted her, caressing her breasts as he thrust hard and bit down in conjunction with his climax. The shuddering groan went through her body and his release brought hers back in sharp echoes. They were both panting as they tried to recover their breath, and he stood, taking her into his arms after he slipped out of her. “I believe that as wonderful as that was, your tradition includes a bed at some point.” She closed her eyes and saw the claw marks she had just made on his chest in sharp relief in her mind. “I believe it does. Something tells me that this will be one of the more culturally fulfilling matings on Creyar. We will have to document it for future generations. You always have to plan on embarrassing your children. It is the perk to bringing another generation into the world.” He carried her into the bedroom and slipped 80

Viola Grace the gown from her shoulders. “Will we have children?” She smiled, “One day, you will ask how much I can see and I will have to lie, but for now, yes, we will have children, so enjoy the privacy with me now. It will not last forever.” His kiss was sweet as he laid her back and caressed her skin. “Then, I will enjoy our privacy now and enjoy being a parent later.” Maeryn chuckled and caressed his face, the scars and followed them down the length of his chest. “I do love a practical man.” “And I love a woman who can see things that will happen. It is a good thing that we are accepting or this whole thing wouldn’t work out.” He nibbled at her navel. Mae smiled and stroked the soft white of his hair. She would make sure things worked out. It was her job, her talent and her destiny. No one was going to take that away from her. She had a future to design after all.

81

Catalyst

Epilogue

H

awikar, navigator of the Cheevan cruiser Argent’s Triumph, sat huddled in the bar on Creyar. The note had been very specific. If he did not bring the ship’s icon to the bar at the spaceport, they would expose his true nature to the captain. Hawikar was a pacifist but he was navigator on a commercial cruiser named after the goddess of battle. Two shadowed figures, cloaked and silent, walked into the bar and straight toward him. One spoke in a low tone, “Do you have it?” He nodded and lifted the box. “Here. You will keep my secret?” The speaker inclined his head and handed him a box that matched the one he was handing over. “We will. Good afternoon.” Hawikar looked into the box, and it held a statuette similar to the one he had just handed over. It was confusing, why did they want the 82

Viola Grace statue if they were replacing it with last year’s model? **** Once outside the bar, Mae and Noth walked quickly to the skimmer. He piloted it back home, and once inside, Mae opened the box. “Aha! They are watching me. This is so weird.” She lifted out the statuette that was in the same pose but wearing the gown she had worn to the mayor’s dinner. At its side was something new. Noth peered at it, “What is that?” “It’s you. Well, you as the battle beast. How cute. Look at your little fangs.” She placed the statues side by side on the mantle. His shifted statuette was to scale, his back was even with the shoulder of the goddess. “Aw, you are so sweet.” He growled and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. “I am not cute, I am not sweet.” She laughed. “You are both. You are also very good with your hands. They are all admirable traits. Don’t you like being the beast at the side of the goddess?” His hands travelled upward, cupping her breasts while he nibbled at her neck. “I enjoy being at your side, but I enjoy being inside you more.” 83

Catalyst A full-body shiver ran through her. “That is an excellent idea. When is your family coming over?” “Ah, I postponed them until tomorrow.” He stroked down her belly and gently rubbed her sex through her clothing. “And here, I thought I was supposed to be the all-knowing one.” She leaned back and gave him free rein on her body. “You currently don’t have anything to plot for your own purposes, so enjoy the moment.” “Oh, I will.” She laughed and turned in his arms, looping her hands behind his neck and bringing him down for her kiss. “And so will you.” He was leaning into her kiss when she pulled back and ran for it. She heard the growl behind her, but she was already on her way out the back door and on her way to the woods. The beast leapt over her and barred her path, sending her running back toward the house again. Joy filled her, but there was a tinge of panic as she played tag with her mate. The thrill of adrenaline rushed through her, preceded only slightly by arousal. Nothven jumped over her, but this time, he stalked her, growling slightly. As she backed away from him, she removed one piece of the clothing after the next until she was naked. Nothven shifted from beast to man in an 84

Viola Grace instant, and she was borne to the ground in a flurry of limbs. She laughed when he slid home, arched into him as he began to thrust. Her mind could still see an endless parade of unions but that was for later. Now, she was rolling around in the grass with the man she loved and the present held far more allure than the future.

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Author’s Note The library of T’han will be found in another book, another time. Catalyst was just a simple love story about a woman who could see and change her own future. Is Maeryn a seed of the Orb of Time? I am not telling. Well, perhaps on another day, another book, another happily ever after. Viola Grace [email protected] http://www.violagrace.com

About the Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.