Fantasy Warrior (16 page)

“Are they okay?” Pam jumped to her feet and hurried to Kord’s side. Surprisingly, he didn’t shove her behind him. Instead, he snaked his arm around her waist to give her a gentle hug.

“The report states they’re healthy and unharmed.” Thoren gave her a strange look, then focused on Kord. “We have no idea when the Alliance plans to return them to Earth, but it will probably happen soon. They’ll want to make a good impression.”

“It could help their negotiations,” Kord said.

“True.” Thoren laughed heartily. “Too bad they’ll never know it was our fighters who disabled the Krell vessels when they tried to sneak away from the planet. They attempted to accelerate to light speed as soon as their ships broke through the magnetic distortion near the northern pole.”

Kord’s laughter joined his partner’s. “The Alliance may have faster ships, but we’ve always been ahead of them in tech and weaponry.”

Pam noticed Thoren taking quick peeks at her as they talked. Finally a possible reason for his interest dawned on her. After she’d arrived, none of the other warriors had been allowed into the room. They’d never seen her up close since then. Her hair had been a brown-colored mess, and she’d been covered in mulch, grass clippings and paint the last time. No wonder he seemed curious.

“They’ve been able to elude the Alliance, but no more. They didn’t know we were here,” Thoren explained.

Without any warning, Kord stepped in front of her, almost blocking her view.

“Speak what’s on your mind,” he said with a growl.

Thoren quickly looked at the floor. “Is this the same female? She looks different, but I don’t wish to offend you by taking her scent.”

“You don’t take it because my claiming scent would choke you before I could,” Kord grumbled.

To her surprise, Thoren didn’t back out of the room. Instead, he huffed out a soft-sounding chuckle. An instant later, Kord did the same. Apparently, they weren’t about to come to blows. Could some of their macho styled posturing be merely for show? If so, how would she ever know if they were serious or not?

“She’s yours, Kord,” Thoren stated matter-of-factly.

Before Kord could stop her, Pam shouldered her way to his side once again to take a better look at their visitor. The other warrior looked up at her and his attention centered on her arms for an instant, then he focused on Kord’s new tattoo.

“Her name is Pam-ella…” He squinted and tilted his head slightly.

“Buchanan,” she said. “I’m Pamela Buchanan.”

Thoren ignored her, but his expression hardened as he stared at Kord. “She lied about her name. Why?”

“She had good reason. She’s not a spy,” Kord snapped. “I know your concern, but the captain and general will understand once I explain it to them.” He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her tight against his side. “It’s not your place to question my mate’s actions.”

“I meant no disrespect. She’s clan now. You know I’ll protect her.”

Kord’s responding grunt sounded as if he approved of what his partner had said, but his arm around her waist didn’t loosen one bit.

Pam didn’t think Thoren seemed too concerned since he studied her openly. Curious, she stared back at him. He had long, black hair like Kord, and he was just as large, but his skin tone was a shade lighter. His eyes were a dark gold color sprinkled with specks of copper. In her opinion, he was as handsome as her…
Mate? Husband?

She couldn’t stop herself from liking the idea. However, an unplanned pregnancy just wasn’t going to work for her. The “sleeves” they’d talked about had to be the Tauran version of condoms. She’d have to make sure Kord used them from now on.

A commotion at the door interrupted her train of thought.

Morshant squeezed past Thoren just enough to see into the room. “The captain and general sent me. Bring your mate and meet with them in the conference room, immediately. You too, Thoren,” he added.

She wasn’t afraid until Kord’s grip around her waist tightened and he snarled viciously. “I’ll come, but not with her. She stays here. The other warriors will guard her.”

Morshant shook his head. “Orders,” he said. “Sorry, Kord. Draven and Flyn aren’t available. You’ll have to take her or the general will send soldiers. You don’t want that.”

“What’s this about?” Thoren asked.

The officer shrugged. “They wouldn’t say, but I can tell they’re concerned. I think it has something to do with a private message sent from one of the Alliance ships. We need to hurry.”

She’ll be safe with us, Kord,” Thoren said. “I know it’s difficult for you, but you’re mated now. There’s no danger. We must go.”

Kord’s worried gaze dropped to her. Clearly, he didn’t agree with his partner.

Chapter Twelve

Kord refused to look at the wall viewer any longer. He’d smash it if he thought it’d erase the evidence and fix everything. He gripped Pam’s hand a bit tighter as Captain Bane delivered the last bit of bad news.

“There’s no other way, Kord. She must go back. If not, our whole mission is doomed before we even have a chance to present our petition.”

No! Mine! He wanted to roar the words for all to hear. Instead, he snarled in frustration as he looked across the table at each of the males. The general and captain sat in front of him. Lt. Morshant was seated to the right of them. Chief Surgeon Garrow sat beside the lieutenant. Their features had remained grim during the entire briefing.

Thoren slumped in the chair to Kord’s left. He was grateful for his partner’s presence since there were a dozen armed security guards in the room. Six of them stood behind the Tauran officers. Kord sensed rather than saw the other six behind him. So many males in the room made him extremely nervous. If they attempted to take his mate, there was nothing he could do to stop them. To do so might endanger her, and he wouldn’t do that. He knew he was powerless. It’d been foolish of him to obey the order to appear before the captain with her.

She stirred beside him and she covered his hand with hers. The comforting touch helped bolster his control.

“I have to go home, Kord. It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

Automatically, he shook his head, but her words cut him deep.

“Listen to her.” Morshant cut in. “She’s right. Once the Alliance has a treaty with Earth, you’ll be able to see her again. It’s only a matter of time.”

“Time?” Kord snarled and leaned forward. He slammed his fist on the table. “We shouldn’t have to leave our mates anymore. The high council has decreed that mated Phase warriors can never be ordered to part with their mates.”

“That’s only when they’re on Pella,” the general countered. “You aren’t there yet!”

Kord growled. “We’ve fought for this right. Many of our brothers have died to make this possible. Now you take it away?”

“Calm,” Thoren urged. “Fighting won’t help you or your mate.”

His partner’s reasoning helped him settle down. Kord sat back, but the tension in the room remained high. Captain Bane deactivated the viewer and the damning video of Kord carrying his mate out of the bar disappeared.

“We all understand the reason why she lied about her name. Her father is not only an important political figure. He’s the committee chairman for the NWG’s bureau of alien affairs.”

“I always thought that was about immigrants who crossed country borders without legal documentation,” Pam said.

The captain looked at her and smiled kindly. “Perhaps that was the position before the Alliance made contact with your government. Right now, your father controls the most influential group of humans on your world. They advise the NWG and can recommend joining or refusing the Alliance’s petition.” Bane shifted his attention to Kord. “Commandant Tram insists that if she isn’t returned safely along with all the other captives, there’s no chance for the Alliance, which in turn, ends our very reason for being here. If Earth rejects them, her world returns to quarantine status.”

Thoren snorted derisively. “How did that work for them before? Slavers targeted the planet. They’ll return in force. Earth has no choice.”

“Agreed,” Bane said. “But how long will it take for them to realize it? We don’t have years to wait.”

“This is pointless,” General Jernick snapped. “The only reason we allowed her to stay this long was to make sure Kord didn’t succumb to the rage. He’s mated. I don’t have to execute a warrior, and she can leave the ship. It’s best for all.”

“Not for me or her!” Kord’s control shattered. He released Pam, shoved away from the table and stood. Her gentle touch on his arm distracted him and he glanced down. His mate’s fearful expression ignited his protective instincts. “I won’t let them take you. You’ll suffer if we’re apart.”

“I can’t stay.”

Garrow held up a metal container. “One of these tablets a day will ease the withdrawal symptoms.” He passed it to Morshant.

Pam tugged on his hand. “You know it’s best if I go. Captain Bane is right. Earth needs to join the Alliance as soon as possible. Maybe if I tell my father about your people, he’ll push things along. Please don’t fight,” she pleaded. “I don’t want anyone hurt because of me. Once things are settled we can see each other again.”

His violent impulses dissipated at the sight of her tear-filled eyes and trembling lips. He knew he had no choice, especially when he heard the sound of weapons charging. Kord glanced around. Twelve stunners were trained on him.

“I’ll accompany her to the Alliance star cruiser.” Kord directed his statement to the captain.

Bane shook his head. “No. You’re too unstable. Morshant will go with her.”

Kord snarled, and said, “He can’t protect her, and I don’t trust the Alliance to keep their word.”

“They’re not our enemies anymore. We work together,” the captain said. “There’s no other choice, Kord. Stand down or spend the rest of this mission in the cage, along with Draven and Flyn.”

“Called away?” He glared at Morshant.

“I didn’t know, Kord.”

Thoren calmly rose to his feet. “I’ll go with her,” he said and looked at Kord. “We’re partners. It’s my duty to protect her.”

“Then it’s settled,” the captain said. “I’ll inform Tram that she’ll be arriving shortly. He wants to make sure all the captives are returned to Earth at the same time. A shuttle is standing by to take her.” He looked at Pam. “Go with Thoren and Morshant, now. They’ll take you to the landing bay.”

Kord made an instinctive move to grab her. Six stunner barrels jabbed into his back, bringing him to an abrupt halt. Their intention was unmistakable. They’d shoot him if he tried to stop her.

He desperately wanted to hold her one last time, but he’d never let go if he did. She reached out and stroked his upper arm before she walked away. Her touch had felt cold against his skin, and he knew without taking in her scent that she was frightened.

The fact that she didn’t even fight to stay with him sliced deep into his heart. He loved her, and he’d come to believe she loved him too. Their time together had been like nothing he’d ever experienced before. There was passion, confrontation and laughter. How could she go so meekly? He had to finally accept reality. She didn’t want him. At that moment, his misery was the only thing keeping him from attacking the guards.

“Sit, Kord. Don’t make trouble. Once this is over, you and the other warriors will be free to return to duty.”

Kord obeyed the general’s order without comment. Outwardly, he managed to appear calm, but he seethed on the inside.
I will find her, somehow, someway.

* * * *

Pam trailed after Thoren and Morshant as they exited. Once outside, Kord’s partner shoved the other male ahead as he slowed for her to catch up. She walked in silence. There wasn’t anything else to say, and she was relieved that the two men didn’t seem to want to talk to her.

Enough had been said in the conference room to assure her that she’d made the right decision. She couldn’t stay, and she tried to convince herself that she wanted to leave. Her family waited for her. They’d expect her to arrive on Earth with the other abductees.

Pam had to hurry along the corridor to keep up with the two males. She didn’t have the heart to take in much of the scenery along the way. It didn’t matter. She was going home—never to return.

With each step, she realized they took her away from Kord, away from something she’d thought she’d wanted to escape. Somehow, the idea didn’t seem appealing to her at all anymore, especially since she couldn’t get her last glimpse of him out of her mind. His expression haunted her. He’d looked defeated and broken, as if he’d lost a part of himself when she’d walked away. The image wouldn’t fade, and she feared it never would.

She lagged behind without realizing. After a few more strides, she came to a full stop. Thoren turned to look back at her.

“Is something wrong?”

“I-I don’t know,” Pam said.

“Hurry,” Morshant urged. He waited near the end of the hall. “The shuttle is waiting for us.”

“Let it wait,” Thoren said with a snarl. To Pam, he softly whispered, “Would you feel safer if I carried you? Kord’s claiming scent is irritating, but I can tolerate it until we reach the shuttle. Trust me. I won’t let anyone harm you.”

“No,” she gasped and shook her head. “I can walk.” It suddenly dawned on her that there was only one man’s arms she wanted around her, and it wasn’t Thoren’s. “I need to think. Just give me a second, okay?”

The giant warrior looked puzzled, but he didn’t rush her. It gave her time to feel the full impact of what was happening. She had to go, but a part of her wanted to run back to Kord and tell him she’d never leave him. Deep down, she realized she was doing something her heart knew was wrong. It wasn’t practical or remotely logical, but it was how she felt. For the first time in her life, her need to please her parents didn’t factor into what she truly desired. In fact, all she really wanted was Kord, but the cold hard facts couldn’t be ignored.

I can’t stay here with him, and his people are practically throwing me off their ship. They want me gone. The Alliance must return me to Earth. Kord doesn’t want me to leave, but I can’t stay with him.