Avenge by Viola Grace

Chapter One
    Tarral Nich was an ancient world and it had the feeling of being what it was, a living museum. Aura Athena Arkan was bored out of her mind.
    Assigned as an intermediary for a water-born race called the Irati, Aura had watched her client return to their ship an hour ago. The tank that the ambassador had travelled in was not conducive to a good evening with dinner and dancing. She returned to her own world with her compliments to Aura’s trainer.
    Aura had thanked her politely and when she was gone, had entered the museum to join the party. As the music swelled, folks took to the dance floor in the old ballroom.
    “May I have this dance?”
    Aura jumped as the voice whispered in her ear. She turned to see a tall, elegant man wearing a hooded cowl standing right next to her. All that was visible was his jaw line, a sensual mouth and very pale skin.
    “Oh. I am not sure that I know this one.”
    The shadowed face smiled. “I am sure that I can lead you if you will trust me.”
    It was a strange request. “I will trust you to lead me in the dance. After that, my trust is reserved for those who have earned it.”
    “Fair enough. Shall we?” He extended a strong, long-fingered hand and she placed hers in it. He led her to the dance floor and swung her into his arms.
    Aura was amazed that his arms didn’t roam but stiffened to keep her in step as they twirled around the floor with the other dancers. She was literally steered in the patterns of the dance and after a while, she relaxed enough to let herself enjoy it.
    “You are doing much better, my lady. How is it that you have come to Tarral Nich?”
    She looked up into the dark recesses of his hood. There were still no obvious features beyond that hypnotizing mouth.
    “I am here on assignment. I was being used as a kah-dore. ”
    “A what?”
    “It is an Irati name meaning air mouth. I open my mind to my employer and they use my body to speak through. It is an odd talent, but it is mine.”
    He smiled down at her. “It is my luck that you were here today then. May I have your name?”
    She grinned as he twirled her in a slow pass. “You may not have it, it’s mine. Do you wish to know it?”
    “I do.”
    “You first.”
    “Randr.”
    She blinked. “Well, pleased to meet you, Randr. I am Aura.”
    If he was sticking to first names and no designations, she was going to be right behind him.
    He had one hand on her lower back and the heat that was radiating from his palm worked on her nervous system in strange and fascinating ways.
    “Why are you here, Randr?”
    “That is a very philosophical question, Aura.”
    “Yes, it is, but in this case, I am sure that you are aware that what I meant was why have you come to this reception on Tarral Nich?”
    He spun her around, his hand pulling her more firmly against him. It was at this point that she realized he was either carrying steel in his trousers or he was aroused.
    “I was called here by the knowledge of my woman being in this place, at this time. She is the reason that I am here.”
    Aura was confused by his use of the word time. The way his voice expressed it, he had chosen to move through time and space to join the reception at the museum.
    “I don’t understand.” Her whisper was for his ears alone.
    The music stopped and they parted. He grinned at her, his mouth twisting in a smile that showed pointed teeth. “You will.”
    He bent and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, a light bite followed that drew a bead of blood, but before she could protest, he was gone.
    * * * *
    “Did you get the sample?” the voice in his earpiece was intensely curious.
    Randr disappeared into the shadows of the gardens behind the museum. “I have it. Analysis is running, but I believe that she is the one.”
    “You must be sure. There is no room for error.”
    “Then let me have the hour to confirm the match.”
    “Be in contact in one hour. The gate will only open for three minutes, so we have to make it