Coto's Captive (8 page)

“You killed him.
Good job.”

The situation hit her. She’d really just killed a man. He was an alien, a murderer, but she’d really shot him. Not once but twice. She almost dropped the shotgun and stumbled in the borrowed boots. Coto lunged forward and gripped the weapon, tearing it out of her hands. He was wet from the waist down when he hauled her against him.

“Breathe,” he demanded. “Don’t faint.”

She sucked in deep breathes and clutched his shirt.

“It is fine.” He lowered his chin to the top of her head, one arm hooked around her waist in almost a bear hug. “He would have killed you. You were brave and honorable, Lynn. He would have taken your life.”

She nodded, reminding herself that they were the two she’d tracked from Mr. Avery’s cabin. They’d killed her friend. He hadn’t had anything in his hands but a mug that he’d dropped when he’d been attacked. He hadn’t stood a chance against the Collis. They’d taken the life of a blind man.

“It is all well,” Coto crooned. “You helped me battle the enemy. They are not worthy of any guilt or remorse. Do not feel either of those things.”

“I’m fine.” She wasn’t certain that was true. She locked her legs until she felt as if she wouldn’t fall on her ass and eased her death grip on his shirt. “I’m not going to faint.”

He released her waist and stepped back. She lifted her chin to hold his gaze. He appeared worried about her. He offered her the shotgun. She stared at it but refused to take it. She managed to shake her head.

He bent and rested it on the ground. “I must take care of the bodies. We can’t have someone stumble across them. We’ll take them away when another ship comes to retrieve us.”

In other words, there would be no proof that she’d killed anyone. She wasn’t even sure if she could be arrested for shooting an alien. It would probably be deemed self-defense but she didn’t want to test it.

“Sit,” Coto urged. “Look away. I will deal with this. Rest. We still must find Vhon.”

She took his advice and walked over to a fallen tree and sat on the log, her back toward the stream. She cringed a few times when certain noises made her imagine the worst. She had no idea what Coto’s version of taking care of a body meant and didn’t want to know.

Coto used brush and large rocks to cover the bodies and stepped back, making certain they were well hidden next to a clump of trees. He withdrew one of the communicators he’d shoved inside a pocket of his pants and locked in the location to mark it for later so he would know where the bodies were. He also opened a channel, seeking his crew.

“Answer me,” he demanded.

Holion spoke. “I know you are angry but I did what was best.”

“Have you found Vhon?”

“No. You left me no choice but to take command in the search for Argis Vhon. The useless female has distracted you and made you inefficient.”

Coto bit back a snarl. Holion had always been driven by ambition and resentful of Coto’s close association with Hyvin Berrr. It didn’t surprise him that the male had taken the first opportunity to attempt to show him up. He cooled his temper. He and the male would have it out later, after Vhon was safe and they were on their way back to Zorn. It was gratifying to state the next words.

“That ‘useless female’, as you call her, tracked two Collis. Their remains are waiting for pickup when reinforcements arrive. We’ll send their bodies to their planet as a message to stay away from Earth in the future. Argis Vhon was not with them but Lynn believes she knows where he may be. Fix on my com and join us. On your trek, I strongly suggest you find your humility. I expect an apology and groveling.” He ended the transmission, returning the device to his pocket.

He cleaned his hands in the water and returned to Lynn. Her shoulders showed defeat and her features were paler than usual. He straddled the log she sat on and reached out, rubbing her back. “You did well, Lynn.”

She looked at him. There were no tears in her eyes. He was thankful for that. She wasn’t a warrior but she did have courage when needed. He thought back to his first kill. He’d had an army of men around him who had also had to defeat their enemies, and they’d rejoiced. But he’d been raised with the knowledge that taking a life meant survival. It would be best to distract her and keep her mind occupied.

“I need you to see if you can find Vhon for me.”

Her shoulders straightened and she stood. “Right. Let’s do this.”

He felt pride when she marched over to the discarded Earth weapon and picked it up. He got to his feet and prevented her from wading into the stream. He was already wet but that didn’t mean she had to be. Her body wasn’t as sturdy as his. He scooped her into his arms.

“I’ll carry you over the water.”

She didn’t protest, instead just hooked her arm around his neck and clutched the weapon with the other. “Thanks.”

“You get colder far easier than I do, and my uniform dries fast.”

She jerked her head. “That way. See that big hill? That’s where we want to go. There are going to be fences that separate the property but we can climb over them.”

Lynn found tracks on the way up the hill and crouched. “One set of boots. They’re the same type that you wear. See the pattern?” She pointed. “I’m guessing this is your guy, and he’s heading toward the house.” She lifted her gaze to the hill, the old ranch house in view at the top. “He’d have seen it for miles. It means you were right. Jimmy’s place is that way. He must have somehow missed the dogs that found you.”

“We are here.”

Lynn twisted her head and stood, watching the other Zorn men step out of thick brush. Holion led them. He was the one who had called out.

Coto moved to stand between them and her. “Lynn has found Vhon’s tracks. He headed for high ground instead of the thicker vegetation.”

“How did you guys get separated anyway?” She was curious.

“Stop your questions, woman,” Holion snapped. “Earn your keep and find Argis Vhon.”

Coto snarled and lunged, punching him in the face. The blow knocked Holion on his ass. He landed with a grunt. Coto stood over him, looking ready to hit him again. “Never speak to her that way. My patience is at an end with you. Learn, or your remains will be stored on the transport home with the Collis.”

Lynn wasn’t surprised by their penchant for violence anymore. She was actually starting to appreciate the beauty of a well-placed fist, especially if it was smashed into Holion’s big mouth. The alien was an asshole.

Holion spit out a little blood. “I apologize.”

Coto backed away but kept close to Lynn, his stance protective. “When we were under attack, we sent Vhon to the surface first in an escape pod. It was imperative that he survive.”

Holion hissed, staggering to his feet. “Leprechauns fly your airplanes and we have escape pods, as I’m sure you are familiar with.”

Lynn rolled her eyes and turned away. Holion wasn’t about to let that story go. She had her answer. “Okay. Well, that’s an abandoned house at the top and that’s where his tracks are headed.”

“Lead the way, Lynn.” Coto lowered his voice. “I am sorry he is so rude to you.”

“Are all men on your planet like that to women?”

“Some are.” He reached out and clasped her hand. “I am not.”

“He’s going to give you grief for holding my hand.”

“I do not care. I’ll beat him senseless if he disrespects you again.” He said that loud enough for his threat to carry.

Lynn liked that Coto had no reservations about showing that she mattered to him. The hill grew steep and she was grateful that he held on to her, even taking the shotgun when she struggled to keep up with his longer strides. She didn’t dare complain, guessing that Holion would just start more crap over it.

They reached the top and Lynn noticed right away that someone had kicked in the front door. She took the shotgun back, ready to go in first, but Coto shook his head, stepping in front of her.

“Stay here.” He motioned to his men and they rushed forward, flanking him.

She opened her mouth to protest but decided to remain silent. He and his men entered the house quickly.

Movement out of the corner of her eye drew her attention and she spun, staring at a tall alien peering at her. He had stepped out from behind the side door of the garage. He had shaggy, long black hair, bright blue eyes and wore a pair of faded jeans with a black tank top, revealing tan, muscular arms. He frowned and took a few steps forward, holding out both hands to the side to show her he didn’t have a weapon.

She glanced down at his feet, spotting the same type of boots Coto and his men wore.

“Vhon?”

He froze, surprise evident on his features. “Yes. Don’t shoot me,” Vhon rasped.

“Coto!” she yelled. “Vhon is out here.” She lowered the weapon, pointing it at the ground.

“Thanks.” Vhon lowered his hands. “I’d never hurt a beautiful woman. I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

She gaped at him until Coto rushed out of the house. He spotted Vhon and barreled toward him, throwing his arms around the guy in a bear hug.

“It’s so good to find you safe.”

Vhon hugged him back. “I am glad to see you. I wasn’t sure if anyone else survived.”

Coto released him and seemed to notice his clothing. “Where is your uniform?”

“Buried. I wanted to fit in.” He waved his arms down his body. “What do you think? I totally could pull off being human, couldn’t I? Jeans are comfortable. I would have exchanged my shoes too but I couldn’t find any that fit my feet. Whoever used to live here had small ones.”

Holion cleared his throat. “Of course we are human. We’re leprechauns.”

Vhon shot a horrified look at Holion. “That’s your cover story?”

“Yes. Gar has evidence of what we are and showed the woman.”

Vhon suddenly laughed and peered at Lynn. “Did you tell him what they are? I know. I learn everything I can about Earth culture. It’s fascinating.”

She shook her head. “I just say okay a lot,” she admitted.

He chuckled. “I apologize.”

“What is going on? What is entertaining?” Holion sounded pissed.

“Leprechauns aren’t real life forms,” Vhon informed him. “They are stories told to children that involve tales of pots of gold to make humans wealthy and powerful.”

“You’re wrong. We have proof,” Holion protested. “Show him, Gar.”

Gar withdrew the ad and passed it to Vhon. He studied it and snickered. “This is a cartoon. It’s a drawing to amuse children. It’s clear this tavern wanted to draw parents to bring their young to this event.”

Lynn smothered a grin.
Some men act like kids.
She wasn’t about to clarify that it was a bar that served adult beverages.

“Enough,” Coto ordered. “It doesn’t matter. Lynn knows the truth. I told her everything.”

“You’re taking her to Zorn with us?” Holion grimaced.

“You’ve claimed her?” Vhon spoke at the same time. “Cool beans. She’ll get along great with the other women in our family.”

“Stop speaking that nonsense,” Holion snarled. “Why are you talking about food? The real issue is that Coto cared more about the woman than he did about finding you. His need to claim an Earth woman overruled his duty.”

Coto snarled and took a threatening step forward.

Vhon reacted faster. His easygoing demeanor swiftly changed. He attacked Holion, grabbing him by the front of his uniform and getting in his face.

“Stop being such a kiss-ass,” Vhon warned, his voice harsh. “That is Earth slang, meaning that I know you are saying words, wanting me to be angry with Coto, so I ask my father to demote him and give you his standing within our family. It is never going to happen. The woman is very attractive. Coto can court a woman and look for me at the same time. I would do the same. Now shut your mouth if you are smart before he beats you like a piñata. That’s Earth slang for kicking your ass so hard it will be merciful if you survive.” He shoved him and stepped back, staring at Coto. “What a tool.”

“I don’t know what that means but I agree if it’s an insult.” Coto backed away and stepped next to Lynn.

Vhon addressed Coto. “It is. I’ll teach you Earth slang so you can communicate with your woman better.”

“She hasn’t agreed to come home with us yet.” Coto glanced at her. “I wish her to. I’m giving her time to get to know me better.”

“He’s a great guy.” Vhon winked at Lynn. “He’s a good fighter, also an excellent provider, and he’d be as loyal to you as the day is long. We’re way better than Earth men. They can cheat and lie. Coto has honor and always keeps his word.”

“Enough,” Coto grumbled.

“I’m talking you up to her. Be cool.” Vhon smiled at Lynn. “I would totally say yes to him if I were a girl. He’s got lots of muscles and all our warriors have big swords.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “And we know how to use them. We have stamina too. Lots of that.”

Lynn couldn’t help but laugh. Vhon wasn’t what she had expected and he had a good sense of humor.

“Enough,” Coto repeated.

Vhon sucked in a deep breath and shot Coto an irritated look. “Fine. I’m trying to help you out.” He caught Lynn’s eye. “You’ll enjoy our food. I have three sisters-in-law and a stepmother from Earth. They love Zorn and are happy to live there. You’ll have a built-in Earth family. I’m done now.”

A faint buzz sounded and Coto reached down and pulled out one of those communicator devices from his pocket. “It must be one of our ships.” He pushed a button, making the sides of it light up. “This is Coto.”

“It is good you are alive. What is the status of Argis Vhon?” The man had a raspy voice.

“We all survived the crash. There are none seriously injured. Our ship was destroyed. How long until you can reach us?”

“Eighteen hours.”

“We will be ready. There is cleanup to be done.”

“Understood. Ending transmission.”

Coto turned it off and returned it to his pocket. He held Lynn’s gaze. “Our time is shorter than I estimated.”

He was leaving in the morning. She wasn’t certain how to feel about that. It wasn’t as if he were moving to another town or even another country. It would be impossible for her to visit him. She glanced up at the blue sky, then him. Her chest tightened and it was difficult to breathe.

“Why don’t we all go inside?” Vhon motioned to the other men.

“We should return to our camp,” Holion argued.

“Geez, you’re thickheaded.” Vhon sighed. “Get inside and give them a little privacy.” He spun, striding toward the broken front door. “Follow me. That’s an order as your Argis. Not you, Coto.”

Lynn waited until they were alone and swallowed hard. Coto stepped closer and brushed her hair away from her cheek. They just stared at each other until she finally couldn’t take the silence anymore.

“Are you coming back to Earth soon?”

“It’s uncertain. Berrr won’t be happy that we were attacked. He might station a war ship to protect the planet from Collis. It would mean they’d have to stay far enough away to prevent Earth from detecting us. He’ll also be concerned that we weren’t able to hide our visit and might ban anyone from returning here for a long time. We don’t wish to frighten humans.”

“Oh.”

“It’s possible I won’t be able to return for years, if ever.”

That pain in her chest increased.

“Have you considered leaving with me?”

Part of her was tempted to say yes. It was a terrifying concept though. She’d have to leave behind everyone and everything she knew and face so many uncertainties that she had a difficult time trying to imagine them. She had a job, a house payment, and how could she give up one life for another?

“Can you stay here with me? I mean, you could always contact Zorn if you wanted to go home later.”

“I can’t do that, Lynn.” He wrapped his fingers around the back of her neck, gently cupping her there. “It would be impossible for me to fit into your society.”

She studied his features, knowing he spoke the truth.

“We’re aware of the kind of reception Earth could give an alien. We’ve been studying your society. They would fear me, examine me, and I wouldn’t live long in captivity. They wouldn’t allow you to be with me. I’d face certain death.”

He was right. She knew it. They’d probably dissect him within a week of discovering him. That would be the least of it, if the military wanted to torture him to learn everything they could about his people and their technology.

Coto tried hard to think of what to say to convince Lynn to return to Zorn with him. “I’d do anything to make you happy. I know you reacted badly when I told you women and men are not equal on my planet. I’m larger and physically stronger but I see you as my equal. We would be married.” He wasn’t sure if it would be a good thing or not to point it out but she was a woman. “We can have children. It’s been done. Our races are compatible.”

“Do you want children?”

He couldn’t determine from her expression or tone how she hoped he would answer. He decided to be honest. “I would with you. I would be honored for you to be the mother of my sons and daughters.”

“I have family and friends…”

“I understand that. It would be difficult for you, but you would have me. We would have each other. There, you would have a family of your heart. They will accept you with gladness. You will have other Earth women to talk to and spend time with. I’m certain you will grow close to them and bond.”

“I don’t know. This is so fast.”

He was losing her. A sense of panic struck. He didn’t want to leave her behind and never see her again. Argernon had just taken his Casey. It was tempting to toss Lynn over his shoulder and refuse to let her go. Casey had forgiven her bound. They were happy. It was possible though that she’d grow to hate him. He couldn’t stand it if he hurt Lynn and caused her pain.
The choice must be hers.

“Stay with me until our ship arrives. It will give us more time.”

“You found Vhon, and I have to get back to my life. I’ll also need to report Mr. Avery’s death.” She grimaced. “That’s going to be a nightmare. They’ll look for a murder suspect. I’ll wait until tomorrow afternoon to do that, and find an excuse to head to his cabin then, after you’re gone. I’ll lie and say I just found him.”