Author's Notes: Thank you so much to my lovely beta, Alauralen. I appreciate all her hard work.

This chapter contains adult themes. It is not suitable for children.

Disclaimer: Stargate: Atlantis does not belong to me, and I am not making a profit from this story.

The Distant Journey

Chapter Four

Nia felt his lips against her throat as she laced her hands through his hair. Never had she felt anything like this before. She tightened her grip on him, moaning in pleasure. Todd raised his lips to hers, running his hands down her sides as he continued his rhythm. As the dam of ecstasy rose to the breaking point, Nia snapped awake.

Her breath hitched as her body throbbed with the remembered dream. She'd never had such a realistic dream before. She could still feel the pressure of his lips on hers, the pleasure his body provided. It occurred to her she ought to be horrified over her dream, but she couldn't manage to think of anything but the overwhelming rapture.

Slowly, she registered the real warmth of Todd's body next to her. His slow, even breathing indicated he was still sleeping. Carefully, Nia rolled over to face him. His head was tilted toward her, lips slightly parted. She'd never looked so closely at a Wraith before, and certainly never a sleeping one. The strange starburst design around his left eye caught her attention the most, and her fingers inexplicably itched to trace it.

Todd sighed, rolling slightly toward her. The blanket slid down, revealing his chest. She'd seen it before, of course, since they shared living quarters, but she'd never really taken the opportunity to look at it. Upon examination, it looked much the same as a human male's chest. She knew the men she'd seen working in the fields on her planet were in good shape due to the physical demands planting and harvesting required, but Todd's was far more muscled. She wondered if the Wraith actually possessed more muscles. It would explain their superior strength. Then again, she didn't know much about the anatomy of a human, let alone a Wraith.

Todd's arms were similarly muscled. She was sure he was at the peak of Wraith physical fitness. Even his strong jaw line hinted at muscle. No wonder the Wraith were such strong adversaries. She'd have been horror-stricken mere months ago to ever imagine thinking of a Wraith in such a manner, but there was something different about Todd.

Her thoughts came to a crashing halt when she lifted her eyes from Todd's muscles to find him gazing at her. "Did you sleep well?" he asked.

Her face flushed furiously. "I— Uh…" Visions of his strong body over hers flashed through her mind, and she felt her blush deepening.

"You didn't experience any nightmares?"

"Nightmares?" Nia's throat closed up, and she coughed. "No, no nightmares."

Todd cocked his head to the side. "You seem… Uneasy."

"Oh, no," Nia said, words tumbling out quickly. "I'm fine. Just fine. I slept well and had pleasant dreams." The last part came out unexpectedly, and she began coughing again.

"Are you certain you are all right?" Todd asked. "I know yesterday was difficult for you. Perhaps you're still experiencing shock."

"Well, there is one thing…" Suddenly feeling shy, she glanced at Todd before dropping her gaze to the sheets. "I… Well, after you healed me, I felt… at peace. I felt euphoric."

Todd nodded. "The Gift of Life is a pleasurable experience. I have been told by some that it's a rather erotic sensation."

Todd's lips against hers surfaced in her mind. That had to be it. No wonder she was dreaming of Todd like that. It was a residual effect from the healing. The fact that Todd was in bed with her—clad in very little—shot through her mind suddenly. Face blazing again, she sat up.

She struggled out of the blanket, managing to uncover Todd completely in the process. Since the bed was set in an alcove, she had no choice but to climb over him to get out. Nia moved down, thinking crawling over his legs would be easier. In her haste, she put her hand down too close to the edge and ended up face down on his stomach.

"A little lower," Todd said, chuckling wickedly.

Nia rolled, falling over the edge of the bed and landing in a heap on the floor. Todd quickly climbed out of the bed, helping her to her feet. "Nia, is something wrong?" He winked at her lasciviously, knowing exactly what had addled her. She took a step back, tripping over a rouge edge of the blanket. Todd reached out to steady her. "You need to sit down before you hurt yourself," he said.

Nia nodded, allowing him to guide her to the chair. Her skin burned with his touch, her skin tingling when he drew his hand back. Thankfully, a knock sounded, announcing the arrival of her breakfast.

--

Todd watched Nia tripping all over the room in amusement. It had taken all his concentration to keep from getting aroused when she'd landed on his stomach. The pressure of her breasts on his groin had been almost more than he could stand. After catching her staring at his body, it was just too much. It was a very good thing she'd been so adamant about getting out of the bed, else he may have embarrassed himself rather than her for once.

The knock interrupted an awkward silence, and Todd pulled his pants on, gratefully opening the door. The tension in the air was thick, and the worshipper looked at them oddly. She set the tray on the table, glancing at both of them, still wearing a puzzled expression. Obviously, the uneasy silence hadn't gone unnoticed. Without saying anything, only bowing slightly to Todd, she hurried out of the room. Todd didn't blame her.

Nia picked up her fork and pushed the food around, keeping her eyes locked on the plate. The silence was deafening. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore. Grabbing his shirt and jacket, he dressed.

"I have some business to attend to this morning," he said, words sounding loud after the stillness. "I won't be long."

"You don't need to watch over me today," Nia said quietly. "I will be all right."

Todd took in her bowed head. She still pushed her food around as if she had no interesting eating. He knew she was in denial about what had happened. The shock of the entire situation had numbed her, and she would fall hard when reality forced itself on her. Saying nothing, but having every intention of coming back to the room after his business was taken care of, he walked out the door.

Todd's highest-ranking officers were already in the conference room by the time he arrived. He'd sent a telepathic message, calling a meeting, and they'd wasted no time in convening. Veritus wasn't normally a part of these meetings, but Todd had been sure to include him in the summoning. The Wraith waited, respectfully saying nothing, for him to begin the meeting.

He looked over the faces of each of his officers, gaze falling on Veritus last. "My command has been challenged," he said, allowing his eyes to travel to Veritus again. All heads turned toward the unfortunate Wraith. "I will not tolerate such intentional sabotage."

Veritus seemed genuinely shocked at Todd's words. He looked around at the unforgiving glares from his hive members. "Commander, I assure you, I would never challenge your leadership." He might have said more, but Todd held up his hand.

"You disciplined my slave rather than bringing her to me for proper punishment. As a result of your actions, she nearly died. I was forced to share the Gift of Life, depleting my energy to dangerously low levels." He stopped to allow his words a few moments to sink in. "Because you have inflicted similar harm upon your past slaves—which resulted in death each time—I can only assume you understood the consequences of your actions. Your disregard for my command is traitorous. I cannot allow it."

Veritus' eyes grew wide. It was well known how Todd handed challenges to his authority. "Commander, forgive me, I did not mean—"

"You did not mean to beat my property to near death? You did not mean to imply an inability to train my slave? Your implications directly challenge my authority." Todd wanted to tear Veritus' throat out with his bare hands. Somehow Nia had come to mean more to him than he'd ever expected, and he felt a responsibility to protect her.

Every one of Todd's officers growled menacingly at Veritus. Judgment had been passed. Veritus would be taken to the Queen. Lower level officers did not return from meetings with the Queen in the same physical condition they had once enjoyed. Todd spared one last look at the condemned Wraith before leaving him to be dealt with by his officers. He sent a mental message to his first officer to assume command for the day as he walked out.

For some reason, he wasn't surprised to find his room empty. He ran down the list of Nia's daily schedule. During the course of conversation, he'd put together a fairly complete list of her routine. Looking at the pile of dirty laundry in the corner, he mentally ticked that off the list. The empty tray on the table caused him to remove the kitchen from his list, as well. Since Nia had taken a bath just before retiring to bed for the night, he doubted she was bathing again. That left only one place he knew she frequented.

Drin dropped his mouth open in shock when Todd entered the training room. Todd had never visited the human training room before. He had spoken with Drin on more than one occasion for various reasons, but he'd never seen him otherwise.

All sparring stopped as Drin's students turned, bowing to Todd. Nia was among the students, and she bowed shortly after everyone else. Todd linked his hands behind his back. "Please, proceed," he said, beckoning Drin to him.

Nia looked at him strangely before beginning to practice with her partner again.

"Master, I wasn't expecting you. I could set up a demonstration, if you'd like," Drin said. "Anything at all you would like, Master."

Todd shook his head. "That won't be necessary, Drin. I understand you've been producing some fine spies."

Drin bowed, smiling in pleasure. "I merely train them to anticipate self defense. It is the greatness of the Wraith that truly creates a warrior."

"You give yourself too little credit," Todd said. "I've decided to promote you. You will train in the ways of Wraith combat two days a week. I trust this will not interfere with your teaching schedule?" He'd been meaning to promote Drin for some time but had never gotten around to doing so. Carrying out his intentions was a perfect cover for checking on Nia.

Drin flushed with gratitude. "Master, you honor me with your trust. I will certainly make the suitable arrangements with my students. If I may have your permission, there are a few students who excel and would make excellent basic trainers in my absence."

Todd nodded his approval. "You may select two students to teach during your training hours." Todd watched Nia take a hit from her partner. "You have been working with my slave," he said.

"Yes, Master. She is a good student and learns quickly." Drin tensed in apprehension.

"It has certainly improved her physical condition," Todd said, choosing his words carefully. Drin relaxed, understanding Todd's intended implication.

--

Nia couldn't get Todd's presence out of her mind as she began sparring with her partner again. She was still in the beginner class, but Drin had told her she was nearly ready for the next level. Todd stood to the side, speaking with Drin and distracting her. Her partner's staff slammed into her hip, nearly knocking her off her feet. It served to take her attention off Todd for a moment as she threw herself into the battle, raising the intensity to the next level.

Her partner was newer than she and was unable to parry Nia's attacks fast enough. It didn't take long for Nia to knock the young woman off her feet, staff pressed against her throat. As she extended her hand and helped the woman up, Drin called for them to clear the mat.

Todd moved to the middle, declining a proffered staff from an advanced student. He stood silently, hands behind his back as Drin dropped into a fighting stance. Todd nodded, and Drain began circling him. Todd never moved, simply standing, keeping his hands clasped behind his back.

Nia's heart leapt into her throat as Drin lunged toward Todd's back. His staff swung at Todd, but it met only air as he effortlessly turned, moving so quickly Nia's eyes swam. Drin rallied, swinging his staff around swiftly. Todd deflected the staff with his arm, grabbing the shaft with his free hand. In a movement Nia barely registered, Todd had the staff in his hand, and Drin was lying on the ground.

Drin climbed to his feet, bowing to Todd. "You truly humble and honor me, Master. I am grateful for this learning experience."

Drin might have been pleased with Todd's attention, but Nia was annoyed. Todd knew Drin stood no chance against him. She felt humiliated for Drin as she watched the human smile, bowing to Todd again.

The conversation between Todd and Drin lasted only a moment, and then Todd walked her way. She was fairly certain only Drin knew she was Todd's personal slave. She had never seen any of the other students outside the training rooms. As he approached, she wondered how many of the students would want to spar with her after finding out she was their commander's slave.

He came to a stop before her, regarding her silently. "Follow me," he said quietly.

Nia could tell he wasn't happy with her. Had he actually expected her to stay in the room all day? He simply didn't understand she was all right. The events of last night were in the past. He needed to let them stay there. Because it was expected, she answered, "Yes, Master." Handing her staff to her sparring partner, she followed Todd.

--

Todd stared straight ahead throughout the short trip to their room. He could tell Nia wasn't happy with him. Not that he really cared. It was time she started listening a little better. He controlled countless Wraith hives, and one human was not going to run him. The closer to the room they got, the more annoyed he became.

As the door slid shut behind them, he turned to face her. He felt as angry as she looked. "Why do you refuse to listen to me?"

Nia's eyes flashed in anger, and her nostrils flared. "I don't have to answer to you. I'm not your property."

"You may not believe you are my property, but everyone else on this ship does. If you continue with your blatant disregard for me, eventually I'm going to be forced to discipline you." Todd threw his hands up in the air in frustration. "I will not allow you to destroy my reputation."

Nia's hand quivered as if she wanted nothing more than to slap him again. "Your reputation is all that matters to you, isn't it?"

Todd grabbed Nia's arms and leaned over, staring her straight in the eyes. "Your safety and well-being are very important to me."

Nia's eyes darkened. "A likely story."

Todd closed his eyes momentarily, feeling weary. Opening them again, he said, "When I left you to your breakfast it was to attend a meeting to punish Veritus. His treatment of you was an attack on my command." Todd dropped his hands back to his sides. "But his punishment was for more than that one reason."

"Oh, there's more to you than your precious career?" Nia looked away from him, and Todd thought he saw tears in her eyes.

"My real reason for his punishment was because I don't want to see you hurt ever again." Todd took a deep breath. "I care for you, Nia."

Nia's eyes snapped back to his face. "What?"

Todd straightened up, taking a step back. "Seeing you hurt was difficult for me."

"That isn't what you said." Nia took a step forward.

Todd responded with another step back. "It was a true statement."

"But, it's not what you said." Nia took another step toward him, backing him against the wall.

Todd suddenly understood, literally, what it felt like to be backed into a corner. He had never felt so intimidated in his life. Certainly never by a human woman who was a full foot shorter than he. Yet there in front of him she stood, fierce and demanding. He hadn't meant to admit he cared for her, but he had. It was obvious she wasn't about to let his comment slide. The real question was, did he want her to?

"You said you cared for me," Nia said quietly, staring at him intently.

Todd could feel an uncommon anxiety beginning to rise within. It wasn't the Wraith way to admit feelings—other than anger—and he was unaccustomed to displaying any sort of emotional attachment. His mind may have begun to panic, but his body had other ideas. Nia's closeness was having a different sort of effect.

She placed her had on his arm. "Do you really?" Her voice was calm, but her eyes were desperate. It was as if she needed him to care.

Todd gulped back his desire, meticulously forming his word. "Yes." It was all he could manage without pulling her into his arms and showing her how much he felt.

Nia allowed her hand to slip down, brushing his hand gently, as she dropped her hand back to her side. Todd shivered slightly, unable to hold back.

--

Nia wasn't sure how to process the knowledge that Todd actually cared for her. He shivered as she dropped her hand. Looking into his eyes again, she was surprised to see desire. Her dream whirled in her head. She shocked herself by wondering what his body would truly feel like. Once the thought entered her mind, she was unable to get it out again.

Tension was thick in the air as they stared at one another. A vision of Todd throwing her on the bed floated across her mind, and she suddenly realized she wanted him to make her dream a reality. The thought terrified her as much as it entranced her. She stepped back, unable to sort through the range of emotions that besieged her.

A flicker of disappointment flashed across Todd's face, but he masked it quickly. So quickly, in fact, Nia wasn't entirely sure she'd seen it. They both stood awkwardly for a moment before Nia said, "I really need to bathe after sparring."

Todd nodded. "I will have lunch brought today."

Nia considered arguing again, but given where their argument had led last time, she didn't say anything. Taking the cue, she nearly fled from the room. She took her time, not knowing what to say to Todd when she returned. He couldn't possibly have missed her discomfort. He wasn't stupid, and he would eventually realize her conflicted emotions.

Finally, she was unable to put off the inevitable and returned to the room. True to his word, Todd had lunch waiting. Along with lunch, there was a large bottle of wine—and two glasses.

"Two?" she asked, pointing to the second cup.

"When Wraith are young, we survive on the same foods as humans. As adults, we do not lose our ability to eat or enjoy food, simply the nutrition it once provided." Todd picked up the bottle, filling each glass to the brim. "I thought wine would be appropriate given recent events. I believe we could both use a distraction."

Nia regarded the glasses silently. Wine. She'd only drunk a small amount once before. It was uncommon and expensive on her planet. Despite knowing the effects of alcohol, she picked up the glass and drank deeply. After draining a third of the contents, she put it down and noted the food. The large plate was filled with thinly sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and bread. It reminded her of a plate she'd once prepared for a harvest celebration.

She watched as Todd picked up a piece of meat and popped it into his mouth. After swallowing, he too drank deeply from his glass. It was decidedly odd to witness a Wraith eating. She'd never known anything about their habits when young.

Hours and two bottle of wine later, Nia lolled on the bed, feeling wonderfully displaced. "You don't look drunk," she said, nearly rolling off the bed.

--

Todd watched Nia almost crash to the floor, completely unable to move fast enough to catch her had she actually fallen. While he wasn't nearly as drunk as she was, his head still buzzed pleasantly, leaving him feeling dizzy.

"As if you could tell. How many of me do you see?" he asked.

Nia giggled. "Well, I know there is only one of you, so it doesn't matter how many I see."

Todd lurched to his feet, crossing the room. His head swam as he sat on the bed next to Nia. His jacket bunched uncomfortably, so he began fumbling with the buttons to remove it. Looking down made him dizzier, and he couldn't seem to make his fingers work properly.

"Here, let me," Nia said, grabbing the front of his jacket.

"You see more than one of me. How will you manage buttons?" Todd watched as she set her face stubbornly, catching her tongue between her teeth in concentration. Much to his surprise, the first button popped open.

"Hah!" She clapped her hands in delight, losing her balance and falling against him. Putting her hands on his chest, she pushed herself upright, moving on to the next button.

As Nia steadily opened his jacket, Todd began feeling the stirrings of desire again. Her small hands brushed his stomach delicately as she neared the completion of her task. He wasn't sure how much more he could take when she sat up on her knees. "Done!" Leaning forward, she pulled his jacket open. Her breasts brushed his chest as she pushed it down his arms.

She smelled wonderful, and, without thinking about it, Todd pulled his arms from the jacket and pulled her into an embrace. Nia collapsed against him, sighing softly. Todd felt his body responding to her proximity and was unable to control himself.

Nia sat up suddenly, and Todd knew she'd felt the physical results of his hunger for her. Her glance down confirmed his fear. "You want to make it a reality, too," she whispered.

Todd didn't have time to consider her words before she leaned close and brushed her lips against his. He froze only momentarily before returning the kiss. She sighed softly against his lips, and he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

Nia pulled away, lying back on the bed, arms stretched out, beckoning him to join her. "I need you," she whispered.

As he lay over her, she wrapped her arms around him, and he nipped her lips. She moaned as he dropped his attention to her neck. Wild lust raged through him, and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to show her the depth of his feeling.

Before he could do anything, Nia's arms went limp and dropped. Rising on his forearms, Todd took in her slack form. She had passed out. "Oh, Nia," he whispered, resting his forehead against her cheek.

Todd woke hours later to a groan. "What happened?" Nia asked.

He sighed. "You fell asleep."