Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape, or form, own the world of Mass Effect, and I am not profiting from this fan fiction...
I started this saga a year ago and then got writers block. I am scratching everything I wrote then and am now rewriting this story. Hope those of you who read it before enjoy the changes and see an improvement in my ability to get this out my head and into print. Please let me know what you think of this tale, I'm craving feedback. Each review renews my batteries and keeps me at the keyboard! -Talviarianna
Part One: Mindoir 2170
Chapter One
The girl lay still, straining to listen, but all was silent around her, as she struggled to keep calm and unmoving. Not yet, wait... she thought. So she waited... patiently waited, as the others in the dwelling fell deeper and deeper into sleep. A day of backbreaking work had taken its toll on all of them, and she knew once the others were unconscious, her escape would be assured. Time seemed to slow as she concentrated on controlling her racing heart. Feigning sleep was becoming harder and harder, and beads of sweat broke out on her brow. The night was muggy and hot, and the clothes she wore, hidden under her night gown, were not helping her situation. Ten minutes passed, then twenty, and it felt like an eternity. The girl strained to hear the signal, unwilling to attempt her getaway until it sounded. The price she would pay if she were caught terrified her and her resolve weakened. Time drug on, then suddenly, she heard it, and the sound startled her, causing her heart to race even faster. Her ears perked as the noise once more broke the silent night, echoing softly in the small dark room. The signal... was a snore. Peaceful, rhythmic breathing came from the bed across from her. One down... she thought, and a smile crept over her lips, as her hopes for success began to build, and her confidence grew. I can do this... give it time... don't rush it... Fifteen minutes passed, and still she waited, though her patience was waning. Another snore broke out. Finally... she thought, as a deep rumbling began in another room. The sound was a powerful resonance that penetrated the thick clay walls. Slowly the girl sat up, carefully drawing back the covers, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the body sleeping near-by. The moons were out and cast a soft glow, giving her just enough light to see by. She crept softly across the room, enjoying the cool surface of the stone floor against her bare feet. Reaching out to retrieve her shoes, she caught a glimpse of herself in the reflective surface of the closet door. She stood and stared, biting her lip in a moment of doubt. You'd better be sure about this... no going back if you don't stop now... her image seem to caution. I know, I know... she attempted to placate her doubtful double, ...but I can't go on like this anymore.
Mesmerized by her reflection, the girl stood frozen in place, transfixed by the image. Bathed in moonlight, the figure in the metallic mirror seemed ghostly, ethereal and childlike, a willowy, fragile thing, in a gauzy, white sleeping gown. Long, silky hair, black as coal, cascaded around her like a storm cloud. Concealed beneath those raven locks, hid a pair of troubled blue eyes. Her skin, which seemed to glow, was marred by a sprinkle of barely visible freckles as well as a glaring scar, cutting her left eyebrow in half. The image seemed so young, naive even, and this impression caused the girl to frown. Turning away, she pulled the gown over her head, dropping it to the floor, and tried not to think about her appearance. She busied herself quietly, gathering up her hair, and braiding it loosely. Thoughts of the past few months swept through her mind as she worked, and her determination to leave solidified. Kneeling to tie her shoe, the girl glanced once again at her reflection, and found a new stranger in the mirror. Gone was the uncertain and innocent child. In its place knelt a self-assured young woman. This new figure in the polished metal was the embodiment of budding youth, with an athletic build, and sun baked skin. The girl was sixteen, but the reflection before her looked much older. She rubbed self-consciously at her sun-burnt forehead with the back of a hand, and her brow furrowed with anxiety. Anxiety caused by the actions she was about to take. This was it, the last possible chance to turn back with no-one the wiser. She starred guiltily at herself and listened as her brother and father snored, her family blissfully sleeping, unaware of her flight. Eyes loosing focus, her mind drifted to another, to him. His deep gravely voice resounded in her head, softly calling her name... "Shepard." She could feel his arms around her, feel his breath on her neck as he spoke, "Shepard." A crimson blush and shy smile wiped away the frown as she remembered their first encounter. What is happening to me? she thought, but all doubt melted away, as she climbed out the bedroom window, her mind replaying the day she met him...
Six Months Ago...
Day's first light poured into the small room and a song bird began to serenade the dawn from a nearby bush. The cheerful trills and chirps were not appreciated by the room's occupant and a groan came from the girl lying in bed. The room steadily brightened and she turned her back on the window, pulling the covers over her head. A muffled feminine voice came from somewhere beyond the room's closed door.
"Ethan, go wake your sister..."
A minute later, the bedroom's automatic door opened with a soft swoosh and a teen-aged boy entered. "Hey... Mom said get your lazy butt up." He stood in the doorway and waited. "You hear me? Come on get up..." Ethan knew it would take more than words to get his twin sister up and moving today. Grinning mischievously, he walked over to the bed, flopped down and began bouncing. "Get up, get up, get up, get up..." He emphasized each up with a renewed bounce.
"Go away." she muttered from deep within the covers, pushing him with her feet.
"Get up, get up, get up, get up, get up..." He laughed and continued bouncing.
"Goooo awaaaaaaay..." she growled.
"Okay, fine..." he said, "...but you asked for it." He stood up and yelled down the hall. "Mom! She won't get up!"
From the kitchen the muffled voice exclaim, "Oh that girl..."
Ethan grinned wickedly and said, "You're in for it now, 'Stretch'." then quickly ducked into the hall, as a pillow flew across the room, straight for his head. He laughed and called back, "Missed me!"
Moments later, an annoyed middle-aged woman entered, hands planted firmly on her hips. "Eve Ilene Shepard you get out of that bed this instant." The woman yanked the covers back, exposing her daughter to the morning light. "And what is this?" she plucked an omni-tool off the floor. "Were you up all night, again?" Hannah Shepard slid the device over her arm and activated it. The bright orange glow of the tool caused the girl to squint as she sat up. Her mother's fingers danced quickly over the holographic keys, and she began shaking her head. Eve braced herself for the inevitable as her mother turned the device off, and frowned down upon her. "You disappoint me young lady." Hannah removed the omni-tool and sat it on the bedside table. The girl couldn't meet her mother's gaze, and the woman sighed, "Reading all night? Eve, you knew you had to be up early today, what were you thinking?" Sitting on the edge of the bed, the woman reached out to smooth her daughters tousled ebony hair, and she tucked a loose lock behind the girl's ear. As she looked upon her dejected daughter, a motherly smile smoothed away the frown Hannah had worn moments ago.
Eve spoke mournfully, still unable to meet her mother's gaze. "I'm sorry Mom..." Pulling her feet up into her sleeping gown, and hugging her knees, the girl hid her face in disgrace.
Hannah pulled her daughter to her, and stroked Eve's hair from crown to waist as she spoke, "Honey, it's not me you should apologize to. It's lambing season. You know your father and brothers are busy. They're counting on you and Ethan today."
Face still hidden from view, Eve was too ashamed to look at her mother. "I know..." the girl whined, "...they even loaded the truck for us last night... so we wouldn't have to this morning."
"We don't have to tell your father about this do we?" Hannah asked, causing the girl to finally looked up, and hope filled the teen's bloodshot eyes. Shepard's mother continued, "Unless you want to go back to bed that is? You look terrible. Perhaps your father can spare Samuel if you're to tired..."
Eve slid out of bed and headed for the closet. "No, I'm okay." She grabbed a pair of cargo pants, and met her mother's gaze through the reflective metallic surface, smiling timidly. "Thanks Mom."
Hannah smiled back and walked to the door, triggering it to slip into the wall. "Hurry now, breakfast is getting cold." she said and turned to leave.
"Mom?" Eve looked over her shoulder at the woman in the doorway.
"Yes honey?"
"I love you."
"I love you too sweetheart."
Today was market day on Mindoir colony, but this one was unique, and came only twice a year. A Systems Alliance cruiser was due to arrive in orbit along with the usual cargo vessels. The military ship would spend the next few days resupplying and dropping off a payload of fresh recruits for the colony's garrison and returning with the boys who had finished their six month rotation on-planet. People would flock to the port town from little settlements scattered across the wide fertile valley, to buy supplies, sell their goods, or just to watch the spectacle.
Ethan and Eve Shepard drove up a rough dirt road following a wide river, their six wheeled vehicle kicked up a thick cloud of ocher dust that obscured the trailer the twins towed. The Shepard farm was approximately forty-five miles from the space port so they needed an early start to beat the crowds. The city would be in grid lock before midday, and the twins would likely not return home until late that evening if they were lucky.
The port of Far Watch was built atop a mesa, rising forty feet above Larson Valley, and commanded a spectacular view of the enormous fertile basin, which stretched NE to SW for over one-hundred and fifty miles, ranging from up to seventy-five miles in width and was flanked by two snow capped mountain ranges. The colony spiraled out from the space port for nearly forty miles in all directions, but the remainder of the planet was wilderness, as was the rest of the valley. More than half the inhabitants of Mindoir lived in Far Watch, and the city had swelled over the years to a population of nearly four thousand. It was an exciting place for the young people and the pinnacle of modern society in their eyes, especially to those few who lived apart from it, as the Shepard kids did. Eve's family were traditionalists and believed in returning to a simpler way of life, and they immigrated to Mindoir to do just that. They worked their land with their hands and used animals, such as dogs and horses instead of droids and bots. They grew their own food, raised livestock, and got down in the dirt to work the land. To many of the citizens of the colony, the Shepards, as well as the other independent spirits like them, were considered eccentric, and labeled as separatists, but this perception only caused the family to grow closer and stronger.
"I told you you were going to regret it..." Ethan glanced over at his sister, who was squirming in the passenger seat, trying to get comfortable enough to nap. "...I don't know how you can read that crap, it's so boring." The twins shared a room and he'd been well aware his sister had spent another night hiding under her covers reading. Her latest obsession was the early history of humanity's journey into space.
"Shut up and let me sleep would ya" she croaked.
"Fine, but no slacking off when we get there" Ethan laughed, deciding to give his sister a break for once.
Eve finally got comfortable, her eyes drooping sleepily, as she gazed out at the passing landscape. She loved this area, a bit of wilderness which lay between their farm and the start of the enormous industrial ones run by off-world corporations. It made her sad thinking that one day it would be gone, but for now there were easier places to cultivate and this patch of heaven was safe. The land here was rocky and rose in undulating waves, higher and higher till at last crashing against the base of the mountains towering above. The folds between the hills were filled with thickets of hard wood trees as well as little creeks and streams. The planet once boasted a rich and varied wildlife population, but the native creatures had been decimated by varren, a predatory transplant from the krogan home world of Tuchanka. Reptilian pack hunters known for their savagery, with a bone structure, more canine than lizard and a head which looked very snake-like, the local fawn never stood a chance. Hunting had reduced their numbers around the colony, however the greater wilderness areas were still a very dangerous place. This border land, separating the Shepard farm from the rest of the settlement, was a tamed woodland, and Eve came here often when she wanted to be alone. Solitude was hard to come by in a family of eight, and this cherished stretch of land was sacred to her. A smile crept across her face as she finally drifted off to sleep.
The vehicle came to a sudden and abrupt halt, waking Eve. "Ethan! What the..." she exclaimed rubbing her eyes.
Her brother was leaning over the vehicle's controls in intense concentration, and Shepard realized they were in town, and the place was jam packed. "Sorry..." he said and gave her a remorseful smile. "Those idiots just stepped into the street without looking." He nodded ahead of the truck and Eve's growing excitement was suddenly and violently quenched.
"Damn..." she said frowning. There before them were a group of teens the same age as the twins. Their dress and manor exuded a superior attitude, and they acted as if they owned the street. These kids were the sons and daughters of corporation executives, classmates, and a thorn in Eve Shepard's side.
A slim, pretty blond girl stepped forward, a frown marring the porcelain perfection of her face. "Hey! Watch where you're going... Oh!" Her frown turned to a spiteful smile. "Look everyone! It's the throwbacks! Little Miss Amazon and her side kick Plow Boy! How delightful!" she giggled mockingly.
Eve hit the command controls, and her window began to descend into the door. "Just ignore her..." her brother pleaded, but Ethan knew by the look in his sister's eyes, she wasn't about to let Lidiya Derevenko get the last word. Leaning out the open window, Shepard shouted, "Get outa the road heifer, before my side kick plows your fat ass into the pavement."
"Eve!" Ethan quickly pulled his sister back inside and hit a button, sending the window shooting up. He knew these two girls had a history, and the boy didn't want it escalating out of control. The twins had work to get done, and this would just complicate things. "Drop it." he commanded.
Smiling crookedly at her brother, Eve crossed her arms, "Okay... but she'd better stay out of my way today. I swear to God Ethan, if she starts anything..." Shepard let the fire in her eyes finish the threat.
"Well it's your funeral, but please... I'm begging you, keep it together until after we have the truck unloaded. We don't need her running to her daddy." He glared at the girl outside who was now screaming insults at his sister, face red and twisted into an ugly mask of anger.
Turning to her brother in astonishment, Shepard exclaimed, "My funeral? You think I can't take her?" Eve was genuinely stunned.
Ethan laughed loudly, "What? No! I meant what dad'll do to you if he hears about you fighting with her again." Her twin grinned wickedly and continued, "We both know you'd annihilate her."
Shepard smiled to herself as the gang of teens finally grew bored, and moved off the street entering a building, some sort of club with thumping rhythmic music spilling out. She made a mental note of it's location in an effort to avoid it. Sparring with her nemesis by deflecting her insults and causing the girl to freak out instead, was Eve's pride and joy, and she'd won that round.
Two years ago puberty had struck, and hit Shepard like a sledge hammer, causing her to stand out. She grew taller than the girls in school and most of the boys as well. Her figure developed a woman's curves and the boys noticed. The girls noticed that, and the heckling began. "Chicken legs!" "Stork!" "Amazon!" Names thrown at her by the "in crowd" all wealthy, spoiled and holier-than-thou. She could handle their taunts and loved nothing better than letting them spew their remarks in frustration. Their pettiness never got under her skin, and she enjoyed it when they would finally give up, unable to get a reaction from her. Eve was strong for her age, as all the Shepard clan were. Her body was shaped by years of labor on and around the farm, good food, and growing up with four older brothers. She had become tough, strong, and able to take care of herself, and her brothers had taught her at an early age that you never showed weakness, or you were dead meat.
The truck moved slowly down the street, headed for the central market, and it was slow going. The two were itching to get out of the stuffy cab, and at long last they made it to the loading dock of a large warehouse. They piled out and Eve stretched, while her brother went to deal with the foreman. She leaned lazily against the old rover's dusty trailer and closed her sleepy eyes. I'm so tired... I'll just rest a few more minutes... She felt the trailer shake a bit and heard the cargo door open with a clang, but she tried to ignored it.
"Hey 'Stretch'... gonna help me with these containers?" her brother called.
Oh no he didn't! she thought, and Eve turned a scalding glare on her brother. She hated that nickname. Her legs were her bane, and all her brothers knew it.
"You know Ethan..." she spoke through clenched teeth, "...I may not be allowed to smack the twits at school for crap like that..." she walked up and shoved him against the side of the dirty trailer, "but there's nothin' stopping me from kicking your ass!"
He laughed, reached down and ruffled her hair with a lopsided grin and said, "Come on 'Scrappy'..." Then he grabbed her by the shoulders, turned her round, and gave her a halfhearted boot to the butt. "The faster we get this stuff unloaded the more free time we'll have!"
Two hours later, the siblings had the truck unloaded, the paper work taken care of, and they were hot and tired, but knowing they were stuck in the city, free to do as they pleased, renewed their energy.
"What do you wanna do now?" Ethan asked his sister as they walked to a fountain in a nearby square.
"Think I'll look for Beth, she's probably at the space port waiting for the soldiers to arrive." Eve spoke while wetting a red bandanna in the cool water, then used it to wipe away the sweat and dust she'd accumulated.
Ethan groaned. "Uh, you mind if I don't go?" He couldn't imagine anything worse than hanging out at the space port all afternoon.
Laughing Eve said, "Of course not, but when should we meet back here?" The two planned to return at sundown, giving them several hours with nothing to do. An eternity for a couple of farmer's kids. Eve sat on the edge of the bubbling fountain and activated her omni-tool. She typed a quick message to her friend:
Where are you?
Where do you think, silly.
Hmmm, the market?
Nooooo, you goofball. Guess again.
The cafe?
You can't be that dense, can you?
Haha, you're bird watching?
Bingo! Hurry, you're going to miss the new flock!
Smiling to herself, Eve had known all along her best friend would be there, and there would be no prying the boy crazy teen away until all the new blood had been unloaded.
Shepard moved through the mass of bodies, headed in the direction of the space port, which lay on the far edge of town. The further she got from the market, the thinner the crowds were. Ten minutes later she could see the outlines of the customs building, garrison headquarters, and a large ship in the air above. The military vessel slowly descended behind the buildings, settling on the landing platform concealed on the other side. The ship was enormous and dwarfed the adobe offices. I'd better hurry or I'll never hear the end of it... she thought, as she rounded the corner, and waved to her friend.
A mass of girls hung out between the buildings and a low barrier wall, separating the teens from their quarry. The mass was made up of several groups, and Shepard heard her name shouted from the smallest and nearest of them. The owner of the voice pushed clear and waved for Eve to join them. The girl was petite, red haired, and Shepard's best friend: Beth Harris. Covering a yawn Eve joined the excited girl.
"How can you be tired at a time like this?" Beth asked in dismay.
A weary laugh escaped Eve as she spoke, "Because I'm an idiot. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night, and just spent the last two hours unloading a ton of cargo."
Beth grabbed her friend's arm, pulling the taller girl after her. "That's no excuse. Look here they are!" she shrieked with delight.
The two girls were enveloped in the mob and the whispering and giggling commenced, causing Eve to cringe. She didn't have the heart to tell Beth she couldn't care less about the young male soldiers filling off the transport ship. Her interest lie more in the vessel the 'new blood' were currently departing. Eventually, her lack of enthusiasm was noted, and Shepard took the opportunity to fall out of the group, and leaned wearily against the customs building.
Mindoir Colony was founded in the Skyllian Verge, an area of space between the Systems Alliance and Batarians' territories. 'The Verge' as the locals called it, was a largely unpopulated and somewhat lawless area of space, with pirates, slavers, a large number of mercenary groups, as well as freelancers, all operating freely within its borders. The Systems Alliance military was known to patrol the quadrant, however, they didn't have enough ships to adequately police the vast area, so in many instances by the time they arrive at a colony in trouble, it was already too late. In response to Mindoir's steady growth and booming commercialized farming, the SA had set up a small garrison. Most of the men and women stationed there were raw recruits, and there weren't many of them. The colony was relatively quiet with little crime, and no one could remember the last time raiders had struck any outlying settlements. Most citizens resisted expanding the garrison, simple because they didn't feel it was necessary, but there were rumors of trouble brewing. The batarians had been first to actively settle words within The Skyllian Verge and they considered the space sovereign territory, and wanted the humans out. Threats were made and the batarians were currently in talks with the Citadel Counsel, but for now the colony was a haven of peace, and tranquility.
To Shepard the port city was a glorious metropolis, and she loved the hustle and bustle of the crowds there. This world was the only home she'd ever known. She was born on Mindoir, had never been off-world, but Eve dreamed of traveling the galaxy someday. She knew they were far from Sol and the center of humanity, but the teen never saw it that way. For her Mindoir was the center of everything, and Earth was an alien world of mystery.
The rotation of the garrison's soldiers was a big event for the girls of Mindoir. Their own special exotic import, with a fresh new crop every six months, and all the teens in the colony made it a point to be there. It was a local custom, an event not to be missed. For the most part, the recruits kept to themselves, never mingling with the civilians. They were only too happy to leave when their time was up, because Mindoir was a crap assignment and no one wanted ties to bind them to such a backwater planet. Another reason most male soldiers kept their distance from the young women, were the stories. The farmer's of Mindoir were a legend in the Corps, when it came to the guarding of their daughter's virtue. It was told, the deadliest thing a marine could face on that world was a furious father, rumored to be more ruthless than a krogan battlemaster. A bit of good-natured flirting was as far as the recruits were willing to go, for fear of death or worse.
For the next hour, the mob of teens hung out just beyond the barrier, gawking at the male soldiers, and ignoring the females. The 'new blood' weren't much older than the girls themselves, and they played along, teasing the young ladies, sending them into giddy peals of laughter. Shepard hung back, leaning against the cool shade of the building, and studied the open cargo hold of the transport ship, completely ignoring all the soldiers in blue camouflage. From her vantage point, Eve could see clearly into the ships enormous hold, but she ached to see more: engines rooms, crew quarters, and cockpits drifted through her weary head. Giving in to the urge to close her eyes, she rested her head against the building, and fantasized about commanding such a vessel. She whispered sleepily, "Sergeant Shepard... Lieutenant Commander Shepard..." testing the various titles out loud, she added, "...Captain Shepard..." A contented sigh slowly escaped, as she teetered on the brink of sleep's seductive embrace, but the sound of a man's amused chuckle startled her, and her eyes opened wide with surprise, and she thought, Did I say that out loud?
Realizing she'd been overheard, Shepard cringed and looked around, seeking the eavesdropper. To her right, she observed her friends fifty yards farther down the platform, so she turned, searching to her left. Blinded suddenly by the afternoon sun, Eve squinted, and raised a hand to shield her eyes. All she could see was the silhouette of a male figure, leaning casually on a column beyond the barrier. A second ship descended slowly, blocking the stinging light, and the man's face became clear. The soldier was staring at Eve with a hawkish gaze which mesmerized her. Oh my God, he's cute... no that isn't right...Daniel Devereux is cute, this guy, he's... he's... Disconcerted by the realization she found the stranger attractive, Shepard remained mute. Say something you twit, don't just stand here gawking... The guy was smiling now, in a wolfish way that made her heart race.
"Captain, eh?" he said. His voice was deep, his speech foreign, and she wondered where he was from. The marine before her wore regulation fatigues, was ruggedly handsome, hadn't shaved today, had mop of shaggy, brown hair, sun-bleached on the ends, a strong, tanned face, and he was about six feet tall. Eve's gaze was drawn to his chest. The shirt he wore enhanced the contours of his body and left no doubt he was in good shape, and very well built. The soldier was also young, but not as young as the recruits filling off the transport vessel. Shepard figured he was in his early twenties. The marine's tanned skin, weathered hair, worn clothes, and laid-back manner, were all dead giveaways that he'd been planet-side for some time. She was sure he wasn't new to the colony, and a troubled expression clouded her face, as she realized she'd never seen him before. Mindoir was a small place, with a limited number of SA soldiers, and if he had been here as long as his appearance suggested, she should have run into him at least once. Unable to gather her wits she continued her silent appraisal. Shepard felt the marine had a commanding prescience and an experienced look about him, then glancing over the young man's uniform Eve noticed his stripes. So he's an officer... she thought. Unfamiliar with the Systems Alliance's hierarchy, she had no idea what rank they signified, but she knew officers were given an assigned on Mindoir for one of three reasons: training, a last assignment before retirement, or punishment. This guy looked like someone who didn't care much for rules or regulations, and from his appearance and demeanor, Eve was convinced he was here because of the latter.
An amused chuckle snapped her back to the here and now. "Cat got your tongue, lass?" He asked with a wink.
Embarrassed, Eve glared at him, and prepared to spout a scathing retort, but all that came out was a croaky sort of squeak. The soldier continued to lean against the column and stare, and an engaging smile stretched across his handsome face. What's wrong with me... please don't act like a twit... He's just a guy... No big deal... Unconsciously she wiped her sweaty palms on her pants and tried to recover her dignity. "Excuse me?" she irritably replied.
The marine pulled out a cigarette, lit it, took a long, deep, draw on the butt, held it a few seconds, and finally exhaled a cloud of blue gray smoke, "You just said 'Captain Shepard' and I wondered who this Captain might be." He chuckled in amusement once again. "Maybe I know him."
The soldier's teasing manner caused a blush to appear on her cheeks. Eve hated being teased and was usually very capable of handling herself in a game of words, but this man unnerved her. "That's none of your business." she stated.
"Mmmmm..." he purred, as he took another drag on the cigarette. "He must be your sweetheart then. Guess I'm outa luck." The marine's lips parted in a wide grin.
Eve's mouth dropped in shock, and she stammered, "D-Didn't your mother ever teach you manners? It's rude to listen in on other people's conversations." The fact that she was conversing with herself suddenly dawned on her, causing the blush on her face to deepen. Quickly, before he could tease her about talking to one's self, she added in anger, "It's not polite to stare either!"
Hoping for the support of her friends, Eve turned, desperately searching for Beth. Her friends had noticed Shepard and this mysterious marine, and they were grinning, giggling and whispering amongst themselves. Eve knew she would get no help from them.
"Sorry, lass... I see something I like... I can't help but look." Shepard spun around, facing him once again, and the marine was boldly admiring her figure. His frank declaration and blatant ogling, rattled her. Suddenly he stood and began walking toward her. Oh my God, what... what should I do? A heat was building inside her, had been building since she'd first seen his silhouette, and that last statement had turned the slow burn into a raging inferno. She'd been on the receiving end of male admirers a time or two, but she'd never experienced anything like this. It usually took her time to warm up to someone, but this man had profoundly affected her from the start. Eve was confused and a little scared of the powerful feelings surging within her. What is wrong with me! Why can't I think... He reached the barrier and vaulted it with ease, causing her to back peddled awkwardly. Every action she took only seemed to cause Shepard further degradation and she desperately wanted to run away, but her pride refused to be subjected to such a humiliation. The marine's long legs carried him closer and closer, even though she continued her retreat. When he reached the shade of the customs building he halted, "I'm not gonna bite ya miss..." he said defensively, but added, "...unless you want me too..." a hopeful expression lit up his eyes, and to her everlasting shame, Eve turned and fled, followed by amused laughter. He called out, "See you around Gorgeous!" and Shepard ran all the way back to the cargo truck, never slowing, never stopping, her pride shattered into a million tiny pieces.
You... idiot... stupid, stupid idiot... Hyperventilating uncontrollably, Shepard was in danger of passing out, so she put her head between her knees, and took long, deep breaths. As she endeavored to regain control, she couldn't decide if her current condition was a result of the encounter with the marine, or the frantic dash, but she suspected both played a role. A fighter to her core, Shepard never backed down from a challenge, even when the odds were stacked against her, and Eve's ego was now sorely damaged. She had always been prideful of her ability to handle any situation, especial around the opposite sex, and just now she had failed miserably. A twit... you know you just acted like a twit... I'm never gonna hear the end of this... Beth's never gonna let me live this down... Eve would never admit it to a single soul, and tried to deny it to herself, but the soldier had aroused something in her, emotions she had never experienced that strongly before, and Shepard felt betrayed by her body, because as much as his teasing angered her, a tiny part of her also reveled in it.
At last her gasps lessened and she straightened. Why did I run for God's sake! So humiliating... Realization dawned, but it didn't make Eve feel any better about herself. Knowing she'd run, not because of the things the soldier said, but because of how his very presence made her feel, only enhanced Shepard's misery that much more. There were still several hours left before Ethan would meet her, and she found she was terribly thirsty. Looking around the square, Eve spotted a small cafe, and typed out a quick note to her brother, informing him where she'd be. As she crossed the open area, she couldn't get the man out of her head. He's probably proud of himself... probably bragging to his buddies right now... Big, bad, soldier boy scares the socks off the poor little local... I'm such an idiot.
As she neared the building, Shepard could hear a rowdy crowd inside, cheering in unison as some sports team back on Earth scored a goal, run, or basket. Peace and quiet were what she craved, so she chose to sit outside. A niche was tucked between the cafe and it's neighboring building, a secluded dinning area, out of sight of the main street. It was shaded by a vine covered trellis and the perfect hideaway. Right now, being bombarded by her friends was the last thing Eve wanted, so she withdrew into that dim place. No other customers shared the alcove with her, for which she was thankful. I'm such a coward... spineless... weak... she berated herself. Who was that guy, and why haven't I seen him before... Shepard crossed her arms on the table top and laid her weary head down. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax while she waited for the waitress. Just don't think about it... next time will be different... yeah, next time... it'll be him running like a little girl... A wistful smile spread across Eve's face, and she began fantasizing about their next meeting, plotting how she'd exact sweet revenge and redeem her wounded pride. Hearing footsteps approach, the teen called out, "I'd like a cola, please... with lots of ice.
Assuming the waitress had just arrived, Shepard opened her eyes and looked up, but wasn't prepared for the sight before her. In the place of the expected server, stood the mysterious marine. The sight of him was so surprising that all the things Eve had planed to do and say in just such a moment, vanished in an instant. She cautioned herself to keep cool this time, so she sat up, leaned back and stretched out her long legs, resting them on the chair opposite her, but his unreadable expression caused her to cross her arms self-consciously as well.
"You know, it really is rude to stare. Don't they teach you boys manners in boot camp?" Shepard said sarcastically, and raised a flawless left eyebrow. The soldier just stood there, silent, lost in his own thoughts, and Eve felt helpless under that penetrating gaze. His eyes, that's what's so striking... His dark skin and those light eyes... What color are they? Green? Haze? Wait! What the heck am I thinking... Quit being a twit and say something... A shiver overcame her, and she prayed the soldier hadn't noticed, but his stony expression transformed into one of delight, and she knew he had.
"You dropped this back on the platform..." he stepped forward, squatting down beside her. "I just wanted to return it." They were eye to eye now, and only a few feet apart, his proximity allowed her to see his dazzling eyes so much better, and his scent drifted over her. An intoxicating amalgam of gun oil, engine grease, and the smell a man has after a day's hard work. It affected her more powerfully than any cologne ever had. He held something out to her, and slowly prying her eyes away from his, Eve found herself looking upon her red bandanna. "Uh, thanks..." she whispered and reached for the rag, but instead of taking the piece of cloth, she found her hand captured in his firm, yet gentle grip.
"Name's Jake." he said with a boyish grin, and shook her hand.
"So you do have manners after all." Shepard stated flatly.
He laughed softly and let go. Pulling out the nearest chair, he asked. "Mind if I join ya?"
"Sure, whatever..." she said feigning disinterest, but inside she was a flustered mess.
"Excellent..." Jake replied with an ever widening grin. A shadow fell between them as the waitress walked up. The marine turned his beguiling smile on her, "Ah, good day to ya Kate, looking luscious as always."
The woman smiled enticingly down at the soldier, and glanced coolly at Eve. "Haven't seen you've ugly mug around here in awhile O'Malley, where've you been hiding."
Jake chuckled and winked up at her, "Here and there..."
"I'll bet. What'll it be today?" she asked him, but raised a disapproving eyebrow in Eve's direction.
Jake looked at Shepard and said, "Gorgeous here, will have a cola with lots of ice." The marine's eyes drilled into Eve's, and an awkward silence filled the alcove.
Clearing her voice, the waitress asked, "And what would you like Jake?"
A smug grin spread over his lips, and his unblinking stare sent thrilling tingles throughout Eve's body. "Hmmm... let... me... think..." His eyes roamed over her and Shepard blushed. "Sorry Katie dear, ya don't serve what I'm thirstin' for... but I'll take a turian ale instead."
Thoroughly embarrassed, Eve tried not to show it. The server turned to her and asked hastily, "Will that be all?"
"Yes, thank you." she replied meekly, unable to meet the woman's gaze. The waitress turned, and left Eve and the solider alone once more.
Having seen Jake's interaction with the waitress, Eve deduced he was some kind of 'ladies-man'. The two of them had shared a knowing smile when he'd said 'Kate' looked 'luscious', and the fact that he then began to suggestively tease her, in the presence of a woman he obviously knew well, evoked a steely determination to resist this strange attraction she felt for him.
I can't let this guy get under my skin... I can't! He's probably just playing mind games with me anyway... Look at him. Thinks he's sooooo smooth... thinks he just has to flash that smile, and he'll have us girls wrapped around his finger... I'll show him, and I'll beat him at his own game. She heaved an inner sigh, said a quick prayer for strength, and thought, Here goes nothing...
Lowering her legs slowly, Eve leaned forward provocatively, stretching her arm across the table, palm up, giving him her sweetest smile. "I think you have something that belongs to me, Soldier Boy..." She cheered inside her head, You didn't expect that did you!
Surprise shown plainly on his rugged face, and he leaned back in his chair. Jake held up the dirty rag and twirled it around his finger. "Ya mean this ole thing?" he asked innocently. "Why don't ya come over here and get it?" He patted his leg suggesting she have a seat there.
Okay, stay calm... just play along... remember this jerk is trying to get to you... She rolled her eyes, sighed, and sat back in her chair trying to look bored and indifferent, but a vision of actually doing what he suggested, invaded her brain, and set her heart racing. No, no, no, no, no... she fought desperately to erase the notion from her mind, and frantically envisioned the most horrifying thing she could think of, ...Lambs at slaughter, lambs at slaughter, lambs at slaughter... and the tactic worked like a charm. "Fine, keep it. I was going to throw it away anyway." she said, and Eve was thankful of the chair, because she suddenly felt so weak she didn't think she could stand, but the teen was confident she'd hid the effects his last statement had had on her, however, she was wrong.
Shepard greatly underestimated his powers of perception. Jake was a hunter, a marine infiltrator, a special forces operative, and he had noticed. He read signs she wasn't even aware she was sending: pulse at her throat quickening, the dilation of her pupils, goose bumps on her skin, and the biggest tell of all, her mouth. In the short time they had spent together, the soldier had observed that the girl bit her lower lip every time she appeared anxious, or embarrassed, and she had done it just now without realized it. So the big marine sat back, smiling in amusement, willing to play along. Chuckling to himself, Jake tucked the rag into his pants pocket. "It's right here if you change your mind" he said as he patted the hidden bundle and winked boldly.
To Eve's great relief the waitress returned, and set down their drinks, but she didn't stick around, and the two were alone again. Shepard's throat was parched and she immediately picked up her soda and drank deeply. For a few blissful seconds she felt nothing but the relief the cool liquid provided her dry mouth. Across the table Jake watched her, his eyes fixated on her throat as she swallowed. Sighing with contentment, Eve set down her half empty glass. Refreshed, she began to feel cocky, so she played with the condensation building on the glass. The marine's eyes were drawn to her fingers, trailing up and down the wet surface, and he had a a hungry look on his face which reminded Shepard of the barn cats, as they stalked their prey. For the first time Eve questioned her sanity for playing this game. Sitting across from her was no school boy, not even one of the young service men that were recycled through the garrison. This was a man, and his desire was achingly plain to see as he watched her toying with her drink. Knowing she should back off, Shepard instead chose to forge on, because she was obviously starting to get to him, and Eve's desire to make the soldier squirm overrode her good sense. Say something, get him talking... You've got him now...
"So Jake, why haven't I seen you around?" she asked, abandoning the glass and setting back in her chair.
"I spend most of my time in the wilds, with the survivors." He picked up his mug and drank long and deep, then set it down saying, "No reason a good girl like you should know a guy like me... and a million reasons you shouldn't."
Eve shifted uncomfortably in her chair, and refused to back down. "How long have you been on Mindoir?"
"Hmmm..." he purred "Two years now." Her shocked surprise seemed to please him greatly. Mindoir was a small colony, there were no strangers in this community, yet here sat an enigma.
"Where are you from? Your speech is... strange."
"Earth, Old Dublin." he stated flatly.
An earnest expression of delight fill Eve's eyes, "You're Earth-born! What's it like there, really like?"
Jake frowned and took another long drink, then stated bluntly, "Crowded." His answer didn't seem to please her, because she rolled her eyes and sat back again crossing her arms.
"That's no answer..." she pouted.
The soldier shrugged and added, "Crowded, miserable hell hole?" Shepard looked as if she thought he was kidding her, so Jake said, "Maybe I'm not the best person to paint you a pretty picture of the 'home world'."
Eve realized his answers hadn't been jests, and the soldier seemed genuinely uncomfortable talking about his home. Normally she would have used this insight to torment him further, but something in Jake's eyes, a kind of lost and lonely expression, gave her pause, so Shepard took pity on him by changing the subject.
"How long have you been with the SA?" she asked cheerfully, but Eve's smile withered when she saw that the marine's frown deepened, and he looked away leaving her question unanswered. The mood had quickly changed and a heavy silence dragged on. Eve didn't understand what she had said to offend him and she felt horrible. Several moments passed and still he sat in silence, looking away. Shepard stood and excused herself, "I really should go... my brother will be..." As she passed his chair Jake reached out and took her wrist. Eve turned and looked down at him in surprised wonder.
"Where ya goin' Gorgeous..." Jake was smiling again, but it didn't reach his eyes. "My turn now... What would your da say if he saw you here... alone... with me? Hmmm?" he asked with more than a little sarcasm.
He'd kick my ass and feed you to the dogs... she thought, and yanked her wrist free, glaring down at him, refusing to answer.
Jake propped his feet up on a table, blocking her exit. Next, he interlaced his fingers and placed his hands behind his head, causing the muscles in his arms to stretch the sleeves of his shirt. With a smug grin plastered across his face Jake tossed out another, "Ya never told me who this Captain Shepard was, is it a secret? Is he your... lover?" The soldier's eyes traveled the length of her and even now, angry as she was becoming, that look caused Eve's stomach to do flip flops, and her heart skipped a beat, but she remained silent. "Here's another... Have ya ever been kissed Gorgeous?" Shepard's face bloomed brightly and Jake laughed. "Aye, no need to speak darlin', your face was all the answer I needed."
Shepard did her best to ignore his cruelness, but she was struggling. What... W-What did I say? Why is he being such a jerk? I just asked about Earth... She felt tears welling and the very thought of crying in front of him infuriated her. To distract attention from her brimming eyes, Eve threw out an observation of her own. "How old are you? Because if you wana know what I think? I think you're acting like a four year old." Desperate to find a way out gracefully, Shepard knew now that this was a dangerous game with consequences, and she had been a fool to participate in the first place.
"How old are you Eve?" he threw back at her. She was beginning to really detest him. Yet she still couldn't bring herself to walk away. Then it hit her, he'd just used her name. Her shocked expression only encouraged him to add, "...or should I salute you, Captain Shepard..." Her eyes narrowed and filled with fury.
All this time... All... this... time... he knew me... "How the hell do you know my name?" she demanded. He just sat there, looking pleased with himself, chuckling softly. "Answer me you smug bastard... have you been spying on me? What are you, some kind of stalker?"
Jake laughed then, long, loud and hard. Anger overcame Eve's reason, and she didn't think, she just reacted. In her frustration Shepard lashed out at him, kicking the marine's legs from the table and sending him crashing backward onto the dusty pavement. The surprise on his face brought her immense satisfaction, but seeing the soldier crashing to the ground, forcefully, sent a chill through her, and Eve instantly regretted it. Stomach churning, she began back peddling fast, but he was faster. Jake was up on his feet with a speed and agility that amazed and frightened her, and the marine closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye.
Shepard ran out of room and her back came against the cafe's wall. Jake was so close now she couldn't see anything but two metal dog tags laying against his heaving chest. Eve fixated on them as if they were a sacred talisman of protection, which she read over and over, like a chant, Jacob O'Malley, 1482-AC-6496, blood type B+... The soldier took another step forward, pressing her against the wall with the full length of his body and the spell was broken. Shepard's hands went to his chest, and she pushed against him weakly. Shaking now, Eve was physically trembling with fear, scared of what he was going to do next, but she also shook from the excitement the marine's touch aroused within her. It was an overpowering new emotion, surging unchecked through her, a sensation Shepard had never felt before. Jake's body pressing against hers caused her heart to race, her muscles to quiver, and Eve was sure she was going to explode. Shepard struggled to free herself, but she was hopelessly trapped between two solid walls, one made of adobe and the other of flesh. The barrier at her back, was cool and smooth, the one pressing against her, was warm and heaving. Eve could feel his chest rise and fall under her palms, and knew Jake was breathing hard. He... he's really pissed now... What am I gonna do... Panic threatened to take hold when she felt his hands on her, slowly sliding up the sides of her body. Eve tried to speak, tried to plead with him, but her mouth had gone dry, and her words stuck in her throat. The intense sensations his light touch set off in their wake, caused her vision to blur, and Shepard nearly swooned. It was as if lightning were shooting through her, causing the tips of her toes and fingers to tingle. Desperate to get as far away from him as she could, Shepard began to struggle harder, but the soldier was to strong, and she couldn't move him an inch. Jake's left hand stopped at her waist, resting lightly on her hip, but his right one continued its slow journey north. A whiskered cheek brushed lightly against Eve's temple, and she didn't dare look up. Murmuring softly, Shepard was having trouble getting a coherent sentence out, and she wanted to apologize, wanted to say so many things, but all that came out was stuttering nonsense. The marine's traveling hand was now at her throat, so Eve closed her eyes, and tried to plead with him, "...please Jake... I didn't mean... please, just let me... I'm so sorry... You have to believe..."
His breath caressed her forehead as he calmly said, "Hush... Be still..."
A large callused hand cupped her chin, and a rough thumb began tracing the outline of her soft trembling lips. Eve's stomach dropped into her toes when he began to gently force her head up. She didn't want to look into his eyes again, didn't want to see that cruel grin, or the angry glare, so Shepard squeezed her blue eyes tight. Eve felt him lower his head, and for a split second she was in heaven and hell simultaneously. He's going to kiss me! Oh God... Please... please... Her mind in complete chaos, she didn't know if she was pleading for him to stop or to keep going. Lips, cool and soft bushed lightly against her ear. "Shepard," he whispered, and the vibration of his deep voice and heat of his breath caused an involuntary sigh to escape her. Jake's lips grazed her skin lightly as they moved lazily from her ear, tracing a path softly to her jaw, continuing on to blaze a trail across her throat and ending at her other ear. Overcome by the effects this simple touch had on her, Eve went limp, and he caught her, slipping his left arm around her waist. Jake's warm, moist breath caressed her as he spoke her name quietly again. "Shepard." His breathing was slow and steady now, Eve's was anything but.
Shepard felt his lips leave her ear, and she knew instinctively that he was looking down at her now. "Eve, open your eyes." the marine said softly. Shaking her head, she squeezed them even tighter, filled with an irrational fear that if she did as he asked, she'd loose herself forever. "Open your eyes." he commanded gently. Shepard felt her self-control slipping away, and knew once it went, he would be in total control. Jake's hand let loose her chin and she could feel him brushing back a stray lock of her hair. "Please... open your eyes for me..." he pleaded. The voice of reason screaming in her head, demanded her lids stay locked tight, but they betrayed her, and Eve cursed them bitterly. Slowly her eyes opened, but in a final act of rebellion, Shepard turned away from him, looking instead out onto the street. Amazement filled her fevered brain, as she realized that the world was still turning, and people moved about the day like normal. Confusion shown on her face. Didn't they know the world had just turned upside down and time was slowly stopping, every second a minute, every minute an hour. Eve gave up her struggles to push him away, instead, she clung to his muscular biceps, and she felt Jake's arms taut and straining as if he were using every ounce of strength, in an epic struggle. "Look at me little girl..." he teased, and that got her attention, firing up her resolve again, allowing her to regain some self-control, but she did look at him. Worked like a charm, his expression seemed to say, as they locked gazes. Eve's irritation grew, and she began struggling once more, with renewed strength and purpose. Shoving him hard, she angrily said, "Don't call me that!"
Jake looked down at her, and asked innocently, "Don't call you what?"
Cheeks blooming brightly, she stammered, "I-I'm not a little girl... Don't call me that."
He smiled, "Aye... but ya are darlin."
Grinding her teeth in frustration, she said, "No... I'm... Not..."
The marine's smile widened, exposing his perfect teeth, and a mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes, "Care to prove it?"
Eve's struggles ceased, and her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Prove it? What's that supposed to mean?" she asked sarcastically.
Jake starred down at her, silently, for several moments, allowing her to come to her own conclusions. When she began biting her lip, he knew she'd had enough time. "It means prove it... what do ya think it means?" he drawled.
The vein in her throat was beating fast, and Eve shuddered once, then she lied to the soldier holding her. "I don't know..." she said shyly, and blushed.
Jake let go of Shepard, but braced his arms on either side of her, trapping Eve between them, and becoming eye level with her, he said with a sly twinkle in his hazel orbs, "Oh, come on lass... I can tell by your face you've thought of somethin'."
Eve studied his thick, solid arms, giving up the idea of forcing her way past them. She refused to run again anyway, so she crossed her arms, and glared at his condescending smile. Kissing him, she knew was what he was trying to provoke her into saying, and the thought of actually doing it set the butterflies in her stomach into frantic flight. The girlish infatuation she had for him and her earlier humiliations annoyed her. Shepard's desire to turn the tables on him grew, giving her the strength to continue with the game, even though she was terrified of it's outcome. Jake had been wrong, Eve had been kissed before, several times in fact, she'd even had a boyfriend at one point, but she knew the juvenile kisses she had engaged in were not going to 'prove' anything to the marine. Shepard made up her mind, she wanted to see him quivering helplessly at her feet, so she dove in head first.
Taking Jake's head in her hands, Shepard pulled him closer staring intently into his dazzling eyes, as she brushed her lips against his once, softly, and sweetly. Keeping her eyes locked on his, Eve moved in again, lingering longer, slowly increasing the pressure and intensity of her mouth's exploration, all the while watching his reaction to her advances. Jake braced himself against the wall with one arm and gathered her up with the other, pressing her once more against himself. The soldier's embrace caused Eve's head to spin dizzily, so she wrapped her arms around his neck, closed her eyes and opened her mouth, allowing their kiss to deepen. The leisurely pace of Shepard's kiss lasted several minutes, her lips moving against Jake's delicately, tenderly. The muscles in the marine's arms flexed, and his lips attempted to take control, moving more and more commandingly across her own. Taking his head in her hands once again, Eve held him in place as she disengaged from his mouth. They stood motionless, starring at each other, both breathing hard. The undisguised passion radiating off him, and the blazing desire in his eyes caused Shepard to smile triumphantly. "Was that proof enough Soldier Boy?" she asked sweetly.
Jake smiled wickedly. "I don't know... lets see how ya handle this." he challenged, taking her head in his free hand, he quickly claimed her lips passionately. The soldier's mouth devoured hers greedily, demanding that she hold nothing back. Relaxing his grip on her, Jake's hands entwined in her silky hair, and grabbing two fistfuls of the raven locks, the marine gently pulled Eve's head back, exposing her neck. Towering over her, Jake drank in her face, her flushed cheeks, her swollen lips, her glistening eyes, and her delicate neck. Lowering his head, Shepard felt Jake's mouth at her throat, his lips kissed, sucked and nibbled tenderly, setting her skin on fire as he made his way down the arch of her vulnerable flesh, sending electricity shooting through her once again. Clinging to him for support, Eve trembled uncontrollably, and she shook as if she were standing on the freezing surface of Noveria without an enviro suit. The soldier's lips reached her mouth once more, and his kiss was a powerful, penetrating, embrace. When she didn't think she could endure another second, it softened to a slow, lingering rhythm. A moan filled the alcove and Eve was startled to realize it had come from her. It had sounded feral, wild, and inhuman. Jake grit his teeth and growled in response and attacked her mouth hungrily again, crushing her against the wall. She was dizzy with passion, and lack of air before he finally relented his assault.
Panting hard, both of them were breathless, and Jake rubbed her arms, back and neck, massaging away the tension her shaking had caused. Shepard couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes, because she feared seeing her reflection and not recognizing herself, but the soldier wouldn't let her look away, so she focused on his lips.
Am I crazy? I can't believe what just happened... but, but that was... amazing...
There was a small scar on his lower lip, and Shepard raised a timid hand, running her finger over it. Her touch sent shutters down his body. A smile crept over her lips and she felt victorious then, realizing she held that kind of power in the tip of a finger, Eve tried it again, tracing his moist lips this time. Again she was rewarded with a tremble and groan.
Jake reached up and caught her hand, pulling it slowly above her head, pinning it against the wall. That smug smile was back, smeared crossed his face and Shepard stiffened. Jake leaned in, stealing one more passionate kiss before resting his head against her neck. She could hear him gritting his teeth in an effort to hold back, and it dawned on her... this whole experience, the most intense thing that had ever happened to her, had ever dreamed would happen, was only a fraction of what he wanted it to be. The knowledge rocked her to her core, and she gasped. She felt his mouth spread into a wicked grin against her skin. "Now ya understand..." he said, his voice thick with pent up desire. Panic threatened to overtake her, but the feeling receded when he suddenly released her.
Planting both hands against the wall, Jake caged her in once more, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. "You wanted to play little girl... Ya think you've got what it takes to finish this game?" He threw it out like a challenge, and she finally understood, she was playing with a handicap. Somehow, someway he knew her and knew her well. Jake had been playing her like a master musician and she, his instrument of choice. With that realization Eve's determination and resolve to resist, to deny him, to see him begging on his knees, solidified into a will of iron. Bastard... this ends now...
Smiling sly, Shepard maneuvered Jake so she had him pinned against the wall. "You bet your ass I have what it takes Soldier Boy..." she declared, and let her eyes wander over his body. The marine raised an eyebrow, and that one brow told her all she needed to know. He hadn't expected that answer, hadn't anticipated this from her, didn't believed she'd take it this far. I have you now... you're going down... Eve leaned in and kissed him deeply, violently crushing Jake's lips with her hungry assault, allowing him to pull her close once more, folding his body tightly around hers. Her hands went to the soldier's hair and she pulled mercilessly, forcing his mouth down upon her own with even greater force, and Eve could feel every inch of him, tight as a spring and ready to explode. Torturing the marine cruelly, Shepard used her body as a weapon, pressing her hips close against his, and sliding a hand down his back, dragging her fingernails as she went. She knew when to spring her trap, get her revenge and win this impossible game they had begun.
Jake's voice was the signal and when he spoke it was choked with desire. "Shepard." he called softly.
Moving her mouth across his rough cheek, and over his jaw, Eve used her teeth and tongue on the soldier's neck, biting and sucking roughly, until she felt violent shudders run through him.
"Say my name Jake..." she commanded as she devoured him.
"Shepard..." he said breathlessly.
Ego swelling, Eve was emboldened to new heights. "No... say my name... say my first name..."
"Eve..."
Shepard giggled, drunk with power. "Jake?" she whispered in his ear. "Jake, can you hear me Soldier Boy..."
He swallowed hard and mumbled an acknowledgment, "Aye..." Taking his head in her hands Eve brought his mouth to her own, kissing him deeply, one last time. Then she let the axe fall, springing away from his grasp, she put a table between them as fast as possible. "I win!" she cried victoriously. A maniacal giggle burst from her reddened lips. She could only imagine what she must look like: eyes as wild and crazy as a dust head's, clothes rumpled, hair a tangled mess, lips swollen and red, and her neck... her blood ran cold as she looked at the dark marks she'd left on his. Oh no, please no... no marks, let there be no marks... Her hand flew to the spot his lips had been, but Eve forced that horror out of her mind, it was tainting the sweet taste of her victory. Shepard backed toward the exit of the alcove, afraid to turn her back on the marine. Reaching the relative safety of the sidewalk, Eve paused to bask in his burning glare. Jake looked imposing enough to take on a krogan mercenary with nothing but his bare hands. Licking her index finger, slowly, suggestively, just to get one more dig in, Shepard raised her hand high above her head in triumph, and flicked the finger. "Score one for me." she cheered, and smiled deviously.
Jake was smiling again too and that unsettled her. He leaned against the wall in the deepening shadows and crossed his arms. "Run home little girl..." the soldier purred. "You won a battle... but I'll win the war. You can bet that sweet ass on it Gorgeous."
Shepard continued to back away, never taking her eyes from his, but once she was out of his line of sight, Eve turned and ran as fast as she could to the safety of the old rover. She didn't even try to fool herself into believing she hadn't run like a school girl.
