Read Online Stardust by Mandi Baker - Free Book Online Page A

” She stood, every muscle in her lithe body protesting.
    He chuckled at her slight grimace.
    “ You make light of my weariness? ” She could feel her an ger rise. Yet, the thought he would do so formed a pool of hurt within her heart.
    “ No, little one, ” Darton placed a gentle finger under her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. “ I would never harm you – physically or emotionally. You are my woman. Anyone who dares harm you will meet my wrath. If I did not want to damage that lovely skin of yours with these cinder rocks, I would take you now on this very ledge. ” Pulling her between his legs, he pressed the hard ridge of his desire against her belly. “ I would strip you of this seka and plunge myself inside your depths, again and again until you had no doubt of me. ”
    Aurora shivered at his words as well as the look in his eyes. Never would she have thought it possible, but his words, the possessive note in his voice delighted her inner being. It was a curious feeling, this closeness with another.
    “ Come, we must make shelter before the two suns fall into the night. ” Sealing the opening, he slung the water pouch over his shoulder and set out. Aurora followed close behind. “ We will take it more slowly. The air here seems to be thinner than on Palermos. It will only get worse as we travel higher. ”
    Darton ’ s predictions were proven correct. As they traveled further and further toward the mountain, the ground gradually sloped upward. They walked far but still had not started the treacherous r ocky climb that would lead them to a cavern of rest. Aurora ’ s breath felt like fire as she drew in long gulps of air.
    “ Darton, ” she finally gasped. “ I can go no further. ” She sank to her knees in the loose red soil, her hands clenched to her sides. Here she was, a Bawna warrior, daughter of Dante, greatest warrior to fight by King Jalon ’ s side, and she could not make the dreaded climb. She cursed silently as tears formed in her eyes.
    “ Hush, sweetheart. ” Darton knelt beside her, pulling her into the haven of his arms. His finger caught the crystal droplets as they fell from her eyes. “ We cannot waste our precious water, ” he stated as he licked the moisture from his fingertips.
    She felt a long, sensuous pull in the pit of her stomach. He looked wild and handsome, his golden mane flowing in the hot desert wind. Her hand reached up to brush the locks from his face. “ I still wear your headdress. ”
    “ I know. It looks better on you than me. ”
    “ Where does this weaving come from? ” She fingered the intricate pattern.
    Darton pulled her close, settling her against him. “ From Ea rth. My family mother made it for me when I was a child. I was called the Silent One. Since I was not from Earth, the spirit of the land could not call my name. Her people believed the Ea rth has a spirit and all forms of life must walk together as they live side by side. If the harmony is disrupted, then evil spirits are allowed to come forth, destroying all. I learned much from her. ”
    Aurora shivered at his words. “ Earth sounds like a very scary place. ”
    “ No, ” he assured her with a smile. “ It is very peaceful. They have learned from their many days of war to live in peace. ” Both fell silent as they reflected on their last harsh days on Palermos.
    Aurora straightened and quickly removed the headdress. “ I cannot wear this, then. It was given in love. ”
    Darton ’ s eyes grew dark as he tied the colorful band around her dark tresses once again. “ I give it in love as well. ”
    “ Oh, Darton, ” Aurora whispered, meeting his eyes. “ What shall we do? ”
    Each was unwilling to voice the dangers that existed. If, by the grace of time, they did manage to escape the Sybortron, there still remained the flight into space. Each had their own reasons for reaching to the stars for their sanctuary. Each realized they might have found their destiny here in each other