The Wizards of Venus Book One: Magic Touch Read online

  “Damn, if you don’t tempt me to throw responsibility into the wind. I wish I didn’t have to attend the Tribunal with Dad. I’d love to spend the next hour convincing you how good we’ll be together.”

  Touching her as he was, he could feel the anger building in her. “Any moment now, Ruzac, she’s going to try to rip off my head.”

  “You’ve got that right! What makes you think I can be swayed by passion? I’ve done an admirable job for the past ten years.”

  He smiled as she used their bond for the first time. “During that time I’ve kept my distance, Gracie. No longer. We’ll see how long you resist in the face of my desire to have you.”

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  “If you’re horny, find another, Your Highness, because I’m not going to sleep with you.”

  Brushing his thumb across her lip, he smiled slowly. “Who said anything about sleeping, Wildcat? Try this again when we’re married and I’ll have you bent over the table and be buried so deep and hard you’ll forget why you were fighting with me.”

  “You’ve a lot of nerve!” Poking his chest with her finger, she continued. “One, I’m not married to you, nor will I ever be.” When he stepped further back she followed. “Two, even if we did for some unforeseen reason end up married, you’re delusional to think I’d allow you to place something as intimate as making love on public display. It’s cheap and tawdry.”

  “But hotter than hell.” Yanking her against him, he bent to speak directly in her ear, mindful of Emma, who was still standing just inside the door, waiting on Gracie.

  “Can’t you imagine it, Wildcat?” Flicking his tongue over the rim of her ear, he continued to whisper to her. “You’re pissed at me for something, giving me hell until I decide to tame my wildcat the only way I know how. Tempers flare until I use all that excess energy to make you forget why you’re pissed at me.”

  Jerking free of his arms, she smacked him across his face. "You sexist pig! You can take a long trip to Earth and never come back as far as I’m concerned. As my momma would say, ‘it’ll be a cold day in hell’ before I ever let you have that kind of control over me.” She stormed out of the room, only to be followed by Emma, who gave him a haughty stare as she left.

  Rand couldn’t help but grin as he rubbed the handprint his Wildcat had left.

  “Well that was great, Genius. How the hell are you going to fix this?”

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  “Relax Ruzac. As long as she fighting me she isn’t running. Damn what a woman and she all mine.”

  “I thank the stars, my Zara isn’t like that.”

  “You know, it’d be a perfect irony if she picked up a bit of Gracie’s temper, Ruzac.

  You’ve become too complacent about the fact Zara is yours. It’d do you good to have to woo her.”

  He could feel Ruzac’s scoff of disbelief.

  “It’ll never happen. Zara knows her place.”

  Rand couldn’t help but laugh at his power’s assumption that Gracie’s power was going to submissive to his.

  * * * *

  After putting in a last minute desperate call to her sister, Grace met Patience at the small restaurant outside the palace. While they were waiting for their orders, she smoothed the napkin in her lap and toyed with her silverware. After she’d rearranged it for the third time, Pati placed a hand on top of hers. “Enough, Gracie. What’s bothering you? It isn’t like you to call me in the middle of the day for an unscheduled lunch.”

  “Stress. I’ve been cooped up with the Queen and her assistants for the past two hours after having not just one,” holding her fingers out to emphasis her point, “but two confrontations with His Royal Arrogance.”

  Pati nearly spewed the sip of water she just took out of her mouth.

  “And how did you fare? Is the wedding still on?”

  43

  “Much to my dismay. My best friend has been replaced by a playboy. All he ever talks about it how right we’d be together and how he wants to tame me. As if!”

  “Well some might take it as a compliment, Gracie.”

  “I don’t find anything complimentary about being thrown on top of the dining table and screwed!” She took a drink of her water. “I don’t know what makes me angrier about this courtship. The thought he picked me after careful consideration and consultation from Dad and King Mica; or the “oh, by the way,” I do find you very tempting, but I’ve got a Tribunal meeting to attend crap.”

  “I know why you’re angry about Dad, Gracie, but why are you angry about Rand finding you attractive?”

  The conversation halted when the waiter returned to take their order.

  “I don't know. He's turned my life upside down! I don’t have any control." Gracie straightened her shoulders.

  “I think that’s it. You’re scared because for once in your life, your control is being tested. You’re scared of letting go.”

  “I am not!” Even Gracie could hear the defensiveness in her voice.

  “Your sister isn’t stupid, sweetheart. Even she can see what you try to deny.”

  “Not now, Zara. And I’m not scared of Rand!”

  “I never said you were. It’s normal to be scared of your first brush with

  passion.”

  “What does being a virgin have to do with anything? I could’ve easily remedied it at any time”.

  “Then why didn’t you?”

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  “Earth to Gracie. Earth to Gracie. Tell Zara to leave you alone for a while. She’s got you all the time and you invited me to lunch, not her!”

  “Sorry, Pati. She seriously has no control and constantly butts her nose into everything.” Deciding a change of topic was in order, Gracie brought the conversation back around to her sister’s current dilemma. “How were your dreams last night? Did anyone try to visit them?”

  “No, damn it. He didn’t take the hint. Maybe if I write him a letter to spell the details out for him, he’ll take me up on it, even though I’m not entirely sure what I would do with him if he did show up.”

  Gracie knew the fact her sister was still a virgin was weighing heavily on her. As the younger twin, Pati was the quieter of the two and usually hid behind Gracie.

  “When he shows up, Pati, grab him with both hands and refuse to let him go. It’s time you do something about this crush you’ve got on him.”

  Pati paled. “But I couldn’t.”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, she leveled with her sister. “And why not?”

  * * * *

  After his meeting with his father, Rand went in search of his intended and realized she wasn’t anywhere to be found. Now, where did the little wildcat run off to? “Probably getting into trouble.”

  “That I wouldn’t doubt, Ruzac. She seems to have a knack for it.”

  He spotted Emma coming from his mother’s parlor.

  “Emma, do you have any idea where my bride took off to?”

  45

  Turning to face him, she shrugged. “The last I knew she’d mentioned something about her sister and lunch.”

  “That explains it. Thank you, Emma.” Turning, he walked back down to his study, where he found his father still sitting by the fireplace.

  “Dad, I figured you’d have more pressing matters to attend to.” Sitting down in the chair across from him, Rand leaned his head against the back of it.

  “I’ve other matters to attend to, but I think you may need me more than your mother’s decorating committee.” Mica closed the book he had been browsing through.

  “Ah, trying to escape that horror, are you?”

  “Can’t say it hurts my feelings in the least. When we were at the Tribunal earlier you seemed distracted and on edge. Talk to me, son, perhaps I can help. After all, I was once in your shoes with a new bride.”

  “Where do I start, Dad? She’s angry about being told she’s going to be my wife and the future queen. As long as I can remember she’s wanted to follow in her dad’s footsteps. I knew better. I’ve known for a long time
she was going to be my wife. How could I tell her it was never going to happen? She needed time to grow up and I kept my desire hidden. Now with your declaration of her new status, she’s under the impression I’m only doing this out of duty and obviously doesn’t think I desire her. She’s running, Dad. Running scared.”

  “That is a dilemma. Have you told her?”

  “That I want her? That she’s my chosen? Yes to both counts and I’m sure that’s why she’s scared. She fights even the simplest of kisses.”

  “How strong is your bond with her?”

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  “Fairly strong. If we touch I can hear her thoughts. She merged with me last night without being asleep.”

  “Then why not use that bond? Instead of telling her, show her she hasn’t any reason to fear your eventual coming together.”

  “Honestly, Dad, I don’t think it’s the idea of our marriage she’s worried about. I think it’s giving herself to me she fears.”

  “I know the royal law that requires both of you to come to the marriage bed untouched is a difficult tradition to follow. With the training you’ve had, it doesn’t have to be a insurmountable burden.”

  “I won't make love to her until we’re married. I may not believe in all of our traditions but I won’t break this one. She’ll come to our bed in the same state as I or there’ll be holy hell to pay. I want to see her claim we weren’t meant to be after our joining.”

  “If I were you, Rand, I’d use every opportunity I could to soothe her fears. Talk to her, find out what scares her. Use your connection on the dream plane if you have to and don’t forget to assure her she’s not alone in her fear.”

  “I can do that. It’ll take an act of God to keep my hands off her. Just being close to her makes me crazy to touch her.”

  “That’s expected. Use it to your advantage. Keep her on the edge of desire but don't satisfy her. Show her not to be scared of the chemistry between you; show her she can trust you and your training. By the time your nuptials are complete, she’ll be the aggressor.” Leaning over, he placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder.

  "I still feel like I'm robbing her of her dream, Dad. How can I expect to replace her dream with the duties of being my wife?”

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  “I can’t answer that. But remember, there is more to being queen than just the physical intimacies between you. If she wants to be active in making law and governing Venus, involve her. Let her decide what role she wants to play as the future queen.”

  Staring at his father, he studied him for a moment. “Would you’ve let Mom do that?”

  Mica nodded. “If she’d been interested in helping make law and treaties, I sure would’ve. But her interests lay elsewhere. All she wanted was to have our babies and raise them.”

  “She is a wonderful mother. I can only hope Gracie will be just as wonderful.”

  * * * *

  Gracie came into the dining hall with the memories of the morning lingering in her mind. She hoped her calm facade would last while she was seated next to Rand. Anger hadn’t worked nor had ignoring him. “So try being yourself, sweetheart.”

  “And even if being myself results in me kicking my betrothed’s ass?”

  “Remember, Gracie, under all the seething testosterone, your friend still

  remains.”

  “Good evening, Rand." She accepted the goblet of wine he offered her with a smile and a nod of her head. “How did the Tribunal go?”

  “Very well.” He seemed puzzled by her new mood.

  "You didn’t end up in a big fight over the new off worlder bill?”

  “No. I do think Dad and I’ve convinced the council that prohibiting inter marriages between our people and off worlders is asinine. For heaven’s sake, your mother is an 48

  off worlder. If the advisor to the king can marry a woman from Earth why can’t anyone else?”

  “Believe me, you don’t have to argue with me. I think they should have every right to marry.”

  “Does that mean you’re going to cease fighting our marriage? You brought up your mixed heritage yesterday. Once the law is passed, you can no longer use it as an excuse not to marry me.”

  “Until I decide there’s a good reason for us to get married, I’m not marrying you. But can you honestly say you aren’t tired of fighting? Can we declare a truce for tonight?"

  He smiled and took her hand. Raising it to his mouth, he placed a small kiss on the palm of her hand. Recognizing an olive branch when he saw it, he grasped it.

  “I don’t want to fight with you but I’ve no doubt of the outcome of our marriage.

  We’re going to be married, Wildcat, although I’m more than happy to accept a truce for tonight.”

  * * * *

  Patience paced in front of the communications console in her apartment. She’d left several messages for Jonathan. He still hadn’t returned any of them. It was times like this she wished she had magic. She could wish herself to his side and see him. Where the hell is he? I need to talk to him before I go and hunt down his cousin and get my ass thrown in jail for assaulting the prince.

  * * * *

  49

  Entering his apartment, Jonathan noticed the communications console was blinking.

  Sighing, he wondered if he had the patience to listen to his former mistress bitch at him yet again for ending their arrangement.

  While he didn’t have Rand’s inner vision, he’d thought for many years Patience might be the one for him but didn’t know how to approach his best friend’s younger sister. Until recently, she hadn't shown any interest, so he had tried to put his attraction for her on the back burner. He knew he should feel bad about slating his desire for her in another’s arms. When she’d agreed to help him, he’d decided to pursue his attraction.

  In light of their last dinner together, he’d realized it was time for him to take the next step in furthering their relationship.

  Just as he decided to ignore the unanswered voice mails, the communications console buzzed. Swearing under his breath, he pressed the blinking button.

  “What?”

  “That’s a fine way to talk to me, Jonathan. I’ve been trying to reach you since after lunch." Pati’s voice washed over him.

  “Pati, sorry about my abrupt greeting. I wasn’t expecting it to be you on the other end. Is there a change in plans for our date?” Inwardly he cursed himself. I really am going to kick my own ass if I’ve screwed this up.

  “No. I was calling to let you know the latest development between Rand and Gracie.

  It seems he really pissed her off this time.”

  Jonathan sighed as he squeezed the bridge of his nose.

  “What did he do this time? Sometimes my cousin can be a true idiot when it comes to her.”

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  “She said something about him putting his responsibilities as prince before her. I guess he told her he found her very attractive but had a Tribunal meeting to go to.”

  “Damn him! Pati, have you ever heard about the Royal Marriage Law?”

  “No, I can’t say I have.”

  “Not many have. It’s a law that’s been around forever but all of the royalty must follow it … at least all those who want to be considered for the throne. The law states any royal who wishes to marry must stay pure until after the marriage ceremony, so even if Rand hadn’t had a meeting with his dad, he wouldn’t have let it progress any further than some light petting and kissing.”

  “So you’re trying to tell me Rand has never had a woman?” Patience’s laughter spilled through the console. “Please tell me you’re joking. I’ve a hard time believing that.

  Rand has had so many different women even I’ve lost count.”

  “I know it may seem like that but I swear to you it’s the truth. Rand has been taught what to expect when he takes Gracie to bed but he hasn’t had any practical experience.

  I’ve helped him find dates who’d understand. While he’s escorted women to different functio
ns, he’s never so much as kissed another woman. The only witch he’s ever wanted is your sister."

  A thought must have occurred to her because her next question floored him.

  “What about Gracie? Does she have to be pure also?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, that sheds a bit of light on the subject. Has anyone bothered to mention this to her?”

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  “I doubt it. I know Rand has made sure every wizard who’s even glanced at her was made aware of his claim. As much as your sister keeps her nose in the books, I doubt she even noticed the lack of male attention.”

  “Let’s hope she never finds out, Jonathan. These secrets he’s keeping from her are liable to land him in more hot water than Prince Randall can handle. Although, I’d be surprised if she hasn’t run across it already.”

  “I’ve tried to talk to him, but he’s stubborn and I don’t doubt for a moment she may have read about it. She might assume it’s no longer practiced.” Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck and sighed deeply.

  “Rand better tell her about it before she finds out.”

  “Well I’m not going to tell her. Rand’s on his own there."

  Suddenly he heard the growl of her stomach.

  “Was that your stomach I just heard?”

  “Yeah. I skipped dinner.”

  “You haven’t eaten yet?” An idea formed in his mind.

  “No, not yet. I’ll probably just order some earth pizza.”

  “Care if I join you? I haven't eaten yet either.”

  “Sure, come on over. Bring some beer if you want.”

  * * * *

  Rand and Grace walked through the gardens after they finished eating. Even though they’d disagreed on their upcoming nuptials, it felt good to enjoy the evening air. Rand was holding her hand in the crook of his arm while they walked down the winding darkened path. They had walked in this fashion many times. She intended to enjoy this 52