Cassandra's Challenge Read online

  “What’s it say?”

  “It doesn’t say anything sir. It’s just numbers.”

  “Give them to me NOW!” As the transmission is relayed William starts shouting orders.

  “BATTLE STATIONS! ALERT STATUS ONE! ALL FIGHTERS TO THEIR PLANES ! ALERT ALL BATTLE SHIPS OF INCOMING FIRE!” The coordinates are the fleet’s present location.

  “So how are you feeling?” Cassandra asks as she and Tori are heading back to their quarters.

  “Not too bad. So can I go all day tomorrow?”

  “I don’t see why not. After all…”

  “Battle Stations! Alert Status One! All Fighters to their planes! Incoming fire!”

  “Crap! Come on Tori! Run!” Reaching their quarters Cassandra secures the hatch.

  “Aunt Cassie?”

  “It’s okay Tori. The Admiral’s in charge. We just need to stay out of the way.” She hopes her voice is convincing. “What do you want to do while we wait for the all clear? Should we practice our Regulian?”

  “Okay.” As they talk in Regulian the battle rages.

  “Tell the Talon and Judgment to close in around the Sentinel they’re having trouble maneuvering.” The Admiral orders, bracing himself as the Retribution takes a small hit.

  “Damage.”

  “Minimal sir.”

  “Let’s keep it that way.” He orders.

  “Falco. I want the location of their closest ship relayed to the Conviction. I want them to concentrate their fire on it. Take it out.”

  “Yes sir!”

  As the battle rages William has to force himself to not think about Cassandra and Tori. He has to trust she will keep them safe. So would he.

  Over an hour later it’s over. William’s strategy of concentrating fire on one of the Regulian ship has paid off with its destruction, the remaining ships withdrawal.

  “I want status reports on the entire fleet. Quinn, I want communications to go back over the last twenty four hours of transmissions see what they missed. Find out who missed it. How the fuck did they get our location. They know where we’re going now! We stay on Alert Status One! DAMN!”

  Several hours later there is a knock on Cassandra’s hatch door. It’s Hutu with dinner.

  “Hutu, thank you, we could have gone to the mess.”

  “No mam. The Admiral wouldn’t have liked that.” As he checks the plates, he gives a smile to Victoria.

  “So you’re feeling better?”

  “Yes, hopefully tomorrow I can go to class for the whole day. If there is class.”

  “Oh there will be. There’s been very little damage and the Regulians have left. Don’t worry little one, the Admiral knows how to protect what’s his.” This makes Victoria smile as she sits down to eat. Cassandra walks with him to the door.

  “What’s the real status Hutu?” She asks in a quiet voice. Hutu looks at Victoria.

  “The Sentinel was badly hit and may have to be abandoned. The rest of the fleet is fine.”

  “The Admiral?” She has to ask.

  “Fine, going to have a long night.” Hutu pauses. “Might ease his mind if he heard the two of you were okay. He’s on the bridge.” Turning Hutu leaves and Cassandra secures the door.

  “So how’s it tonight?”

  “Good. Do you think Hutu knows how to make a grilled cheese?”

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to figure out how to explain it to him. Then we’ll see.”

  “Okay.”

  “Time for a shower.” Cassandra tells her after the meal.

  “But it’s early.”

  “I want you rested for tomorrow, otherwise half a day.”

  “Okay. Okay.” As Tori closes the bathroom door, Cassandra goes to the communications consul. Is Hutu right? Did William want to hear from her? If the situation was reversed…Damn right she would.

  Putting on the headset she pushes the button to the bridge.

  “Get me the damage report on the Bounty, Quinn.” William looks with irritation as his consul rings again until he realizes it’s his private line. Putting on his headset he pushes the connecting button.

  “Zafar.”

  “Hi it’s me, I know you’re busy. I just wanted to let you know we’re fine.” He closes his eyes for a moment. That little fear in the back of his mind relieved.

  “Thanks. I needed to know that.”

  “You’re okay?” She has to ask.

  “Not a scratch.”

  “Good. I’ll let you go then. See you tomorrow?”

  “Count on it!” Removing the headset William turns around to find Falco standing in his doorway.

  “What is it Falco?”

  “Sir the damage report on the Bounty.” He holds out his hand.

  “The report Falco!”

  “Sir? Oh sorry sir!” Handing him the report she leaves. That damn woman. Calling the Admiral like that, distracting him, and interfering with his command! She has to be stopped! Smiling Falco knows just what to do.

  Hutu was right. There are classes the next morning and Tori’s determined to go.

  “You’re sure?” Cassandra asks for the third time as they’re walking to class.

  “Yes! Aunt Cassandra. What else would we do? Sit in our quarters?”

  “Good point. Okay, see you after class.”

  As Cassandra wonders what she’s going to do with her day she finds herself in front of William’s hatch. Deciding she can read one of William’s books she opens the hatch. Securing it she heads into his private quarters. Going through the connecting door she realizes the shower is running. William’s here. After a moment of indecision she pulls off her boots then heads to the bathroom striping as she goes.

  Bracing his arms against the wall William plunges his head into the brutally hot spray trying to wash away a night without sleep. The fleet is secure, the Sentinel saved, but there was still the matter of how the Regulians discovered their location. As his tired muscles start to relax he feels the caress of small hands moving slowly down his slick back across his tensed flanks and around to gently cup his manhood.

  “Cassandra…” He groans. As her hands continue their exploration they move up his well-defined abdomen and massive chest, her mouth busily exploring his back. Turning in her arms her mouth continues its quest across his chest to capture a taunt flat nipple while her hands flow down exploring his haunches.

  Any fatigue William has vanishes, his life mate’s obvious desire erasing it. Running his hands through her hair he tips her head back stunned by the depth of desire he finds in her eyes. It arrows straight to his belly causing him to lift her for a kiss that she quickly controls.

  Cassandra is in flames. The feel of William beneath her hands, the knowledge that he is unharmed has released something within her, something basic and raw that she hadn’t thought herself capable of. Her tongue plunges, sparing with his before entwining around it imitating as her legs wrapping around his waist.

  William is quickly losing control as she assaults his senses from every angle he’s soaked in the passion she’s pouring over him. Using her hair he pulls her mouth away to attack her neck. With a deep groan she pulls him closer.

  Bracing her against the wall William angles her back further allowing him a clear path to lick her breasts. Taking one into his mouth he fiercely suckles, feeling her legs start to tremble around him.

  “William!” Cassandra cries out as he gives the same attention to her other breast, trying to pull his head away. “Please William! Please!” She begs as she feels him at her entrance. William raises his head to find her desperate blue eyes piercing into his. Watches them widen, flash, then lose focus as he slowly enters her, torturing them both.

  She can’t breathe as he slowly fills her. Here is what she’s needed her entire life. Him. The knowledge causes her lose any remaining control. Her body tightens around William’s as he sets a frantic pace.

  “Cassandra!” William exclaims slapping an arm against the wall while wrapping the other around her hips
to keep them upright, her need over taking them both. Her scream echo’s off the shower walls as a violent orgasm racks her body triggering William’s own release.

  Minutes pass with the only sounds being heavy breathing and running water. When Cassandra lowers her legs William pushes off the wall letting her wet body slide down his until her feet reach the floor. Cupping her head with his hands he watches her eyes start to focus again, knowing the second her mind reengages. It’s a powerful thing to know that he can make this woman unable to think.

  “That was much better timing.” He tells her huskily. Cassandra eyes widen for a moment before she grins at him.

  “I think I have to agree.”

  Shutting off the water he reaches for the towels, handing her one she starts to dry her hair. William in the meantime takes it upon himself to dry her body, starting with her shoulders working his way down. When her breathing begins to change William looks up at her a gleam in his eye.

  “William…” Is all she can manage placing a balancing hand on his shoulder. As he continues down her leg she feels his muscles tense under her hand.

  “Cassandra? What’s this?” His tone is rigid.

  “What?” Concerned at his tone she looks down to where he is drying her right leg. “Oh that’s just my birthmark.” She says unconcerned. Still holding her leg he looks up at her.

  “You’re what?”

  “Birthmark.” When he doesn’t reply she tries to explain further. “It was there when I was born.”

  “I know what a birthmark is Cassandra!” William rising testily, she’s somewhat taken aback by his sudden change of mood. Taking the towel from his hands she wraps it around her body, suddenly feeling the need to cover herself.

  “I don’t understand why you’re so upset about it.”

  “Why haven’t I seen it before now!” He demands turning to get his own towel.

  “I don’t know!” His attitude is starting to irritate her it’s just a mark for God’s sake. “Maybe you haven’t looked?” Turning she leaves the bathroom, William follows close behind.

  “Why didn’t you tell me!”

  “Why would I? Did you tell me about yours?” She picks up the trail of clothes she’d left on her way to the shower.

  “Mine?” William’s frowns puzzled.

  “The one on your right forearm, that looks like an arrow.” William looks at his right arm, at the imperial mark he’s always carried.

  “I’ve never hidden mine.” He shoots back.

  “Neither have I! It’s hardly my fault you’ve never bothered to look!” Cassandra has had enough she’ll be damned if she is going to have an argument in only a towel. Dropping it she pulls on her shirt.

  “It’s important Cassandra.” Going to his closet William pulls on a pair of pants. “When did you first discover the birthmark?” By this time Cassandra has her pants on and is working on her socks.

  “There is no ‘when did you first discover the birthmark’ William.” She retorts giving him an exasperating look. “I was “born” with it. All Qwes woman are born with it. It’s just a fact of life!” With her boots on she stands.

  “Tori doesn’t have one.” William yanks on a shirt. He’d seen her legs in medical when she’d been poisoned, a poison that had been meant for Cassandra.

  “Of course she doesn’t! She’s not Qwes.” Cassandra replies like he was a slow pupil.

  “What do you mean she’s not Qwes, she’s your niece!”

  “She’s my brother’s daughter.” Cassandra responds as if it were perfectly clear. William’s becoming worried it is, but he needs to hear her say it.

  “So?”

  She takes a deep breath. “Qwes is the maternal side of the family, the woman’s side. I don’t know what you call it on Carina. I have the mark, my mother had the mark, her mother had the mark, and so on and so on. It only directly passes from mother to daughter. A son’s daughter is not in the direct line.”

  “Your grandmother had this birthmark.” William persisted.

  “Yes!” Cassandra suddenly realizes William is in full Admiral mode as he approaches her, and for once is a little intimidated.

  “Sit down Cassandra, we need to talk.” He leads her to the couch sitting her down.

  “What is the big deal? It’s just a birthmark!” She asks in exasperation.

  “On Carina, birthmarks are a very ‘big deal’. They denote lineage, which House you descend from, if you are in line to rule one day.” William watches Cassandra closely to see if any of this is familiar to her.

  “The birthmark on my arm denotes that I am from the House of Protection, the Arrow is our symbol. There is another ‘marker’ for descendants of the royal families, eye color. The House of Protection’s is Violet.” Cassandra is avidly listening trying to understand what William is telling her.

  “So you and Lucas descend from the royal family of the House of Protection. That seems fitting for who you are.”

  “That’s not what I’m trying to tell you. There are four other Houses, each with their own symbols. One is the House of Knowledge.” He pauses watching her closely. “Their birthmark is a tower on the inside of the right calf, they have a vast capacity to learn.” Cassandra’s eyes widen slightly, “The eye color of the royal family is Sapphire Blue.” William can see Cassandra’s mind racing.

  “So you think that because of some birthmark and eye color that I’m a descendant from some royal family on Carina. That’s ridicules William.” Agitated she surges off the couch to pace the room.

  “The House of Protection is also called the Arm of Carina.” Cassandra looks at him, waiting. “The House of Knowledge is called the Light of Carina.” Immediately William sees the stricken look come into her eyes.

  “The Glitter Man told Tori she wouldn’t take his light.” She whispers. William decides he needs to tell her about the transmissions.

  “Right after the destruction of Earth we intercepted a Regulian transmission. It said ‘Imperial light still shining. Believed being protected. Will continue search, if unable to obtain will destroy. Agreement will then be honored.’ It was sent somewhere deep within Carinian space. We haven’t been able to pin point the location.”

  Cassandra’s mind is racing, working through everything. There had been a thread implanted in Victoria, something they could track. Why hadn’t they just taken her when they had her? Tori said the Glitter Man checked her hands and feet. Looking for something, a birthmark, Tori didn’t have one. They were trying to find the one with the birthmark. Her.

  William watched as she assimilates all the information, running theories, drawing conclusions. He knew by her very stillness the minute she realized what it meant.

  “They were looking for me.” She says emotionlessly. “With Victoria, with the attack on Earth.”

  “That’s what I believe.”

  “When they finally found me, you were there. So since they couldn’t obtain, they destroyed.” She continues, not moving from where she stood.

  “Yes.” He presses wanting her to understand. “They want you Cassandra. They are willing to sacrifice anyone and anything that gets in their way.”

  “The way they did Earth.”

  “Yes the way they did Earth.” Standing he moves to take her in his arms. As he does she moves out of reach walking towards the connecting door. With a deep sigh he follows expecting to find her in his ready room. Entering all he finds is an open hatch.

  “Fuck!” Returning to his quarters he pulls on his boots realizing he’s made a major miscalculation. In his need to make her understand that she is in danger he hadn’t considered how she would take knowing an entire planet had been destroyed to get to her! Nearly her entire family! Fuck! He knew her capacity for caring, for believing she should be able to solve every problem. If he’d stopped thinking like an Admiral for one fucking minute and thought like a life mate he’d have known she’d react this way

  Leaving his quarters William goes after her. The look on his face has eve
ryone moving to the side. When the Admiral is on the war path no one wanted to be in his way.

  Chapter 6

  Catching up with her as she approaches her hatch William finds she’s already deactivated the lock and is starting to push the hatch open. He’s not sure once she’s in her quarters she’ll talk to him.

  “Cassandra!” He barks out, harsher then intended, causing the crewmen walking towards her to freeze.

  With her hand on the hatch she sees the crewmen freeze. She just wants to get inside and shut everything out so she can be alone with her thoughts. But she can’t bring herself to ignore William in front of his crew. Taking a deep breath she steps away from the now partially open hatch.

  “Admiral,” It’s as far as she gets before the world explodes throwing her into the dark.

  William watches in horror as the corridor explodes sending shrapnel everywhere. Cassandra is thrown down the corridor and into the bulkhead where she falls unconscious to the floor, the crewmen blown back down the corridor. Alarms sound as he rushes to her side.

  The seconds it takes William to get to her feel like a lifetime. Kneeling down he presses unsteady fingers to her neck, closing his eyes in relief as he feels a pulse. The relief is short lived as he sees blood seeping from under her head.

  “Admiral! Are you hurt!” Bliant rushes to his side.

  “It’s Cassandra Bliant.”

  Bliant hears the fear in the Admiral’s voice. He’s watched the relationship develop between them over the past few weeks. He knows there is a strong bond.

  “Admiral, you have to stand aside so I can check her.” When he doesn’t immediately move Bliant tries again. “Admiral! I can’t help her unless you move!” Standing William quickly moving to the side watching as Bliant runs his skilled hands across Cassandra’s body checking for injuries.

  Over his shoulder Bliant shouts to the approaching medical team. “I need a stretcher over here stat!” He looks up at the Admiral. “She’s got numerous lacerations from shrapnel, some deeply imbedded. Mostly on her left side, surprisingly no broken bones. The head injury seems superficial but I won’t know for sure until I get her back to medical. She’s stable.” Bliant turns back to his patient. William steps further back as the medical move in with the stretcher.