The Unveiling (D'Shar Men)

Chapter Two



Bastien watched as the Star Priestess disappeared in her car. He'd seen her numerous times over the years, but he'd never had this reaction. His heart pounded in his chest, his cock came to life, and his palms grew clammy. A frown curved his lips down. No! After all this time she couldn't be his mate. A sense of dread settled over him as he recalled the words off his Sensei when he first received The Purge.

"This is only a temporary fix, like putting a patch on a waterfall. It'll slow it down to a trickle, but it's indefinite. At any time the feelings can come flooding back full force to knock you on your ass."

"I'll risk it," Bastien said, confident he could handle whatever came.

"This won't just block The Wanting if you run into your mate, Bastien. It'll inhibit your ability to feel. There's a reason it's looked down on and thought of as being taboo. You can turn into a cold, uncaring bastard, if you're not careful."

"I'm here to win wars and mold men into warriors, not make friends, or run for a political position."

Sensei sighed. "You're young. I urge you to give this more thought. Once it's done, it can’t be changed. Your only option will be to let The Purge run its course."

"This is my destiny, Sensei."

"You can be a good soldier without it. I've seen too many of my warriors do this and go down a dark path. There is no worse fate than killing the one you've spent so many years training and accepted as a part of you."

"That won't happen with me. This path was foretold by the Star Priestess herself at my birth. I must do everything in my power to ensure I'm ready when the time of war comes. If that means sacrificing The Wanting, it's a price I must pay."

"This is a heavy burden to carry. You've come to me younger than most of my pupils and have grown at an exponential rate. I've been amazed, and proud, of the decisions you've made, and the strength you possess. This thing you wish to do now I don't support." Sensei shook his head. "The spirits cry out against this. One day it will cause you great strife. A man conflicted is a man tortured."

Bastien had witnessed the deep connection Sensei had with the spirits. The things he said always came to pass eventually. Still, failure was not an option. A war would come, and he had to be able to lead his people to victory. As it stood now, he wasn't ready. He'd reached his plateau. He needed an edge to get him beyond it. Attachments and emotions slowed you down, made you soft. That split second of hesitation could lead to your demise. It wasn’t a mistake he could afford to make. He'd been preparing to fight an epic battle against an unknown source since he was eleven, and this was the final step.

"Then so be it, Sensei. This is my final decision."

The man nodded. His cloud of dark greenish-blue hair swayed round his pale green face. "Lay on the slab, and I will begin."

The second the bare skin of his back touched the black, stone surface a chill seeped through his skin and down into his bones. He shook, teeth chattering as his limbs began to tingle and go numb. "W-what's happening?"


"The Purge has begun."

He'd never felt so cold in his life. He exhaled. A fine mist expelled.

"In a way it's freezing you from the inside out. Rushing through your blood, seeking out the chemicals that react in The Wanting."

His heart grew sluggish, and sharp slices of pain began. He opened his mouth to scream and found his vocal chords were frozen just like the rest of him.

He jerked his thoughts away from the painful memory. Had The Purge begun to fade? There was no time frame, or rules. He sifted through the past memories. His disinterest in relationships and sexual gratification were the same. He scratched the itch when it became too persistent to ignore. However, what occurred with Rivka couldn’t be ignored. Desire had slammed into him like a freight train. Maybe she was a wakeup call to the changes happening in his body. There was only one way to find out and as much as he hated to do it, he had to ask for help. He made it inside at a fast clip, grateful when he didn't see Phelan or Zasha. He wasn't in the mood for small talk right now. In the sanctity of his room he pulled out his phone and dialed. It rang three times.

"Hey Bro, what's going on?"

"Hey Mars, I need a favor."

"Sure."

"I need a date."

Pfft! Whatever Mars had been drinking was sprayed over a surface right now.

"I-I'm sorry, what did you just say?" Mars asked.

Bastien scowled. Of course he wouldn’t make this easy. "Are you really going to make me repeat myself?"

"Umm—let me think about that a minute—Yes! It might be the only time I ever get to hear you say this."

Bastien grunted.

"Do you want me to hang up?" he asked. His face grew hot as blood rushed to his cheeks and the tip of his curved ears. This was bad. Emotions crashed over him like an avalanche. It wasn't a new development he liked.

"Okay, okay. You can't blame me for poking a little fun. I've never seen you on a date before!" Mars said.

"Can you help me?"

"Of course I can. What are you looking for?"

"A Shar woman."

"Oooh. Old-fashioned. It doesn't surprise me. How about we set things up tonight? I don't want to give you time to change your mind."

"How are you going to do this on such short notice? It's five o'clock now."

"A master never reveals his secrets. You already getting cold feet?"

"No." Yes.

"Good, we'll head over to Shar Bar. Good thing about going to a place run and frequented by Shars, if you flounder people will have sense enough to keep it to themselves!"

"Hey!"

"I'm just saying, emotions aren't your forte. You might want to hit the Internet for some dating tips, because you're going to need them!" Mars chuckled at his own joke as Bastien scoffed.

"Worried I'll have more game than you?"

"Not a chance," Mars said.

"We'll see," Bastien countered.

"Why don't we add to this comedy of errors by inviting Kade. The kid needs to get out."

"Says the youngest brother," Bastien said.

"Hey, don't hold my birth order against me."

Bastien chuckled. He'd never admit it but having Kade come with them was a security blanket. He wouldn't be miserable alone. Plus, Kade had a real talent for smoothing rough waters.

"It isn’t your birth date. It's that cocky ass mouth of yours," Bastien said.

"Hey, it's part of my charm." Mars’ protest was tinged with humor.

"Only to the ladies."

"Harsh."

"Someone's got to keep you grounded," Bastien said.

"Yeah, you boys do a great job of that." His voice was dry, but full of the humor that helped keep the four men with very distinctive personalities close.

"It's part of the big brother code of honor."

"I guess I'll have to take your word for it. Let me get off here and rustle up some dates. We'll meet you over at the house around eight."

"Thanks, Mars."'

"No problem. I'm busting your balls, but I'm happy to see you getting out there finally. Earth isn't Tagget. There are no wars to be fought to keep away invading armies looking to take over. You can have the life back you once gave up to keep us safe. I want that for you." His brother's words made warmth spread through his chest cavity. "Now before I get any more emo I'm going to get off here and make arrangements. Call Kade for me and let him know he's coming. He always blows me off when I try to get him to do anything," Mars muttered.

"I got you," Bastien said.

"All right, see you soon, and both of you, please dress to impress."

The dial tone sounded in his ear before he could respond.

"Smart ass," he murmured, shaking his head.