Dark Empire Book Four: Revelations - Chapter Three, Scene Three

 

A clandestine meeting, a sexy challenge, and a big problem for Kalquor.

* * * *

Earth II

Selt stepped out of the shadows of the low-lit warehouseoffice when Blythe entered and the door shut behind her. His heart thumped hardas it always did when they were together.

He’d hoped to find an excuse for them to meet. Her messageshe had important information he needed as an on-planet security officer wasthe perfect opening.

He missed spying on her, missed being in her constantpresence though she was unaware of his activities. He’d been pulled off thedetail since Cal Mitchell’s arrest, since she was no longer judged to be indanger from the former General Assembly speaker. The clandestine files sheaccessed, which the spy division had been so eager to get hold of, were now inhis superior’s possession. Once they’d discovered the codes she’d been given byMitchell in his eagerness to discredit the governor, as well as those KenBryant had supplied once he’d proven himself to be in opposition to theEarthtique faction, Blythe’s value as a subject of investigation hadevaporated.

She rushed to Selt. “I’m so glad to see you.”

His delight to be in her presence was dampened by the worryetched on her lovely, elfin features. He set aside the urge to wrap her slightbody in his arms. “You said it was important. What’s wrong?”

Blythe told him of the footage of Browning Copeland she’dbeen sent and the verification software she’d run to authenticate it. “Itappears to be real. I can’t find a single hint the footage is faked.”

Dread overcame Selt. The spy division had better programs toconfirm whether vid recordings were valid, but Blythe’s tools, thanks to thenews bureau, were top of the line. “Did you bring the footage?”

“A copy.” Her gaze was steady on his face, letting him knowhowever much they cared about each other, she’d do her job as a reporter.

“You’ll release it to the public.”

“I have a responsibility.” Her tough-as-nails demeanorsoftened. “It could cause a major rift between Earth and Kalquor, though. Whileyou’re assigned to Earth and your space station, you, Deram, and Hadlez couldface…protests. There’s already been one bomb scare on Alpha.”

Selt’s heart took up its painful thumping again. “You’d givethe empire fair warning to help us stay safe?”

A smile twitched the corners of her lips. “I kind of likeyou, in case you haven’t noticed.”

It required every inch of Nobek strength to keep a handle onthe sudden surge of emotion washing over him. He firmly set aside thesentimentality to concentrate on the threat to the empire.

“I won’t ask you not to do your job. But can I plead for adelay? A day…a Kalquorian day, twenty-seven hours…before you go public withthis?”

To his relief, she nodded. She tapped her handheld, and aninstant later, his pinged. She’d sent him the file. “I can give you that. Willit be enough to secure the space station?”

“I think so.” The station’s safety was the furthest thingfrom Selt’s mind, however.

He’d been a member of Captain Kila’s spyship as its weaponssubcommander when the captain and Admiral Piras had led a mission to thwart theHoly Leader’s attack on Haven Colony. They’d snatched Browning Copeland fromhis battlecruiser seconds before they’d destroyed the Earther vessel. As far asthe universe was concerned, Copeland was dead, a casualty of war. Selt knewhe’d been taken to Kalquor, however, where he’d disappeared in the bowels ofFleet Command. What had happened to the man afterward, he had no idea. GivenCopeland’s crimes, he’d hoped the disgusting bastard had been executed.

If Blythe’s evidence held up, the Galactic Council ofPlanets would demand a full accounting of the lies they’d been fed concerningCopeland’s demise. Such a revelation might very well bring serious sanctions…upto expelling Kalquor from the membership. The dishonor would be devastating toits citizens, even discounting the economic hardship they’d endure.

She stepped close, and her blue eyes gazing at him bluntedsome of the alarm coursing through his system. “Are we okay…I mean, can I cometo the station tonight? I know we’d planned for me not to, but…”

Another wave of emotion swept through him. She was worrieddoing her job threatened what they had. She wanted to be with him and his clan,and it meant everything to him. A sense of warmth poured over him.

Fuck. I might be falling in love.

He didn’t dare tell her. Instead, he said, “We’d hoped planscould be changed. In fact, I brought something for you, in case you decided tojoin us.”

“What?”

“Just a little incentive.”

He burrowed in one of the many pouches he wore on his belt.He brought out a contraption made mostly of elastic straps attached to aflesh-colored pad. He was delighted at how her pupils dilated at the sight. Asa former sex worker, she recognized the device.

“Um, I need to get back to the office soon.” Her gazeremained locked on the device. Her breath had quickened.

“Not a problem, if you do as you’re told. Pull down yourpants and panties.”

Her eyes flickered to his face, uncertainty written overhers. It was difficult for her to hand over complete control to him and hisclanmates, as much as she enjoyed it. He waited patiently.

She swallowed and parted the resealable fly of her slacks.They, then her tiny silken underwear, slithered down her legs.

He knelt and looked at her pussy. His cocks plumped at thesight of the hairless mound, its slit already showing signs of wetness. Hisfinger traced it, finding her wet indeed. He detected her slight trembling.

A vision of bending her over the nearby desk and taking herflickered through his senses. His cocks hardened further, and he reluctantlywithdrew his finger. He sucked her sweetness from the digit, then strapped thestimulator on her, ensuring the pad covered her clit.

“I’ll turn this on randomly throughout the day. It’ll serveas a little preview of what you can expect tonight. Keep a count of yourorgasms for me.” He pulled her underwear and trousers up and made sure she wasproperly dressed.

“I have interviews today.” Her protest was delivered in awhisper.

“I wish you luck.” He smiled and pointed to the door,indicating she should go.

She scowled at him and turned away. He let her get halfwayto the door before pressing the button on the remote control he’d drawn fromhis pouch, activating the vibrator.

Blythe gasped. She halted, her thighs pressing together. Sheshot a startled look over her shoulder at Selt. He waved the controls at her.

“I forgot to mention the code keyed into the remote. Until Irelease them, the straps won’t disengage. If you try to pull it off, they’lltighten. If you com me to tell me they’ve gotten too tight because you haven’tleft the stimulator in place, you can count on punishment tonight. Are weclear?”

He was amused to watch as she struggled with irritation atthe predicament he’d placed her in and excitement to be under his control. Shewas trembling all over, her face flushed as the vibrator aroused her. Hewondered if she’d demand he remove the vibrator.

She huffed, either in frustration or from the device’sstimulation. “We’re clear. I swear though, if I’m in the middle of asking thegovernor an important question, and it goes off—” a groan interrupted thethreat. Her lashes fluttered. Selt readied to catch her as her knees weakened.

She maintained her balance, her hand flinging out to warnhim off. Shooting him a final poisonous glare, she staggered to the door, whichopened obligingly.

“That’s one. Don’t forget to count,” Selt called after her.He shut the remote off, chuckling.

He’d recorded her schedule for the day. He wouldn’t set offthe vibrator during the two interviews she was due to have, but she’d be onedge while trying to question the governor and the acting speaker of theGeneral Assembly.

“Tonight will be quite the scene.” He snickered.

His humor didn’t last long as he remembered the vid ofCopeland. The few minutes he’d used to tease his lover wouldn’t make muchdifference, but time was precious. He phased and rushed from the room, grabbinghis com as he went.

“Agent Selt to Security Chief Kuran. We may have a majorsituation.”

* * **

Blythe Nelson is certain Clan Deram is keepingsomething from her. The clan of spies finds it difficult to stay a step aheadof the wily reporter who’s winning their hearts. What they don’t know is Blythehas a secret of her own. New love can’t survive without trust, and neither sideis ready when the truth comes out.

Dramok Ospar, determined to return to the politicalstage, strikes up a deal with Royal Councilman Oiteil. Unaware he’s dealingwith a Dark entity controlling Oiteil, he finds himself fighting for his honor,his relationship with his clan…and his life.

The Kalquorian Empire, already struggling against theDarks infiltrating its highest offices, suffers a new blow when it’s revealedit’s keeping a prisoner from the war against the first Earth: Holy LeaderBrowning Copeland. The schism between Kalquor and its allies grows deeper,setting the empire against the rest of the galaxy.

As chaos descends on rioting Earther colonies, theGalactic Council of Planets, and Kalquor, a desperate group of humans andKalquorians race to stop the force behind the turmoil: the Darks. Can theyloosen the grip on their worlds the enemy seeks to tighten, or is all lost?

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