Lord of Capra by Jaylee Davis

he
started to object, she shook her head slightly. “I must go now. I’m pilot. It’s
something I must do alone.”
    Drake didn’t want
her to leave—ever. It was crazy, but he couldn’t help feeling possessive. She
was his, and he was certain he belonged to her, body and soul.
    “I suppose a
goodbye kiss is out of the question?” He had to try.
    “Not a wise thing
to do right now, my love. Rest here for a while. Your time in the pool and the
wine should help you sleep. And later, down the path is a dwelling stocked with
many things you might require. Ask Nemesis if you should need anything more. I
believe she’s anxious to visit with you when you’re ready.”
    Evana rose, walked
along the path they’d entered from and exited through the same opening that
appeared as before. In silence, Drake watched her the whole way.
    Once the opening
closed behind her, he shook his head and muttered, “Naked.”
    He considered his
own lack of clothing and chuckled as he sprawled on the lounge. Uniform of
the day around here .
    Settling
comfortably into the cushion, he stretched and realized he actually felt
sleepy. Behind him, he heard a fountain gurgling somewhere in the darkness as
he gazed lazily at the dancing flame. It changed colors at whim. Listening
closer, he realized the little stream had even slowed its tempo to a soothing
melody. He yawned, closed his eyes, and feeling as if the breeze had covered
him with its own blanket, he fell asleep.
     
    * * * *
     
    Evana pushed ahead
with the power surging through her until she felt resistance from Nemesis’
energy barrier, indicating she’d gone too far. The ghost ship gradually reduced
the amount that channeled through them as she worked in unison with Evana to
maintain a more moderate speed.
    Pilot, is there a
reason for your urgency to reach our destination? Does the beauty of the black
void not interest you anymore?
    Sorry, Nem, Evana thought
back. It’s easier to focus on speed than think of other things right now.
    We are in no great
hurry to reach Taneth. Besides, I am scanning for gravitational anomalies to
determine if a wraith is pursuing us. At the speed you were approaching, we
will surely out distance them.
    I understand.
    You are worried
about your mate.
    Evana sighed
mentally. And the mating, she admitted.
    All will be as it
should be. Follow your instincts.
    And if my instincts
force me to kill him? What then?
    You will not.
    But I might.
    No. You will not.
    Exasperated, Evana
fumed in silence. I’ve never fed on anyone’s blood before. I had no desire
to until now. How can you be so certain?
    That part of you
which is human has already taken him as your mate, has it not?
    Yes.
    And now the part
that I gave you wishes to claim him also. Does it not feel natural to have this
desire?
    Evana thought hard
before answering. While joined with Nemesis in the pilot bed, she was always
more in touch with her power, at least the part of it she thought of as being
non-destructive. She felt its yearning for completeness, its desire to join
with her mate. It was part of her, no different than her human nature.
    Yes, she told Nemesis .
I feel it’s natural.
    You know I am not a
killer, Evana. You will not kill him. Trust your instincts.
    I’ll try , Evana thought,
even though she still wasn’t completely convinced.
    That will do. After a few moments
of silence, Nemesis spoke again. “I am pleased you are no longer bored, pilot.
    Evana gritted her
teeth in annoyance.

Chapter Thirteen
     
    Drake awoke to the
sound of the stream playing a merry tune he didn’t recognize. He opened his
eyes to daylight, of sorts, since there wasn’t an actual sun he could see. Now
that it was no longer night, he saw far into the distance. A vast countryside
spread out in all but one direction before him. Last night the thought to use
his night vision had never occurred to him. No matter. It was better seeing Evana’s
personal space this way.
    Many trees of
various shapes and