Fantasy Warrior (6 page)

In times past, when there were not so many of his kind, mated warriors took the unmated ones as partners. They formed a fighting unit, training together to improve their fighting skills while developing their own secret sign language. In an ideal situation, Thoren would’ve been the mated one. Unmated warriors who found their mates needed the clear headed thinking of their partners to protect them during the vulnerable periods of latency and claiming lust.

Afterward, the two mated warriors were required by clan law to end their partnership. The two would then choose unmated warriors as new partners. The system had worked until the Phase began. The birth rates of warrior-born infants had doubled and then tripled. Tauran male and female births had decreased. Too many warriors and too few females spelled disaster for the empire.

In response, Tauran scientists had developed a suppressor drug called GenX2. It prevented the warriors from ever claiming a female. It worked as long as the doses were given in monthly intervals. The Tauran females were safe, and Tauran males and their mates went on with their lives. Eventually, the Phase had waned, and birth rates went back to normal. The older, unmated warriors who were all still in their prime were considered expendable and shipped off to the rim worlds along the border to battle the Alliance.

The war had ended, and too many of Kord’s kind had survived. Extermination had been suggested by a few members of the high council, but the idea was rejected. Thanks to the Phase, a large number of Taurans had relatives who were warrior born. The warrior clan council on the fortress world and their counterparts at the citadel on Pella put forth an alternate solution.

Many former sex slaves rescued by the empire had been claimed by warriors over the years. The females had all come from a planet located just within the Alliance border—Earth. Perhaps there were others on the planet willing to volunteer. Kord’s experience proved that an older warrior would claim a human female despite the GenX2 drug.

The purpose of their mission was twofold. Put an end to the slave trade and negotiate with the humans for willing females. The lives of over ten thousand unmated warriors in the empire depended on their success. Most of them gathered on Pella in hopes of finding and claiming their true mates.

“He’s latent,” Deshak reported. “There’s no trace of the drug in his system.”

Thoren gave a derisive snort, and in a hushed voice muttered, “Just as I reported.”

“Get on with it,” Morshant ordered.

“Kord, you heard the medic. You’re latent and in a few days the lust will take over—”

“Deshak says it’s not days but hours!” Morshant interrupted. “A side effect of the drug.”

“Gacking drugs,” Thoren cursed. His expression grew more resolute. “Understand my words, Kord. Try to reason. You can’t stay here with her.”

“I won’t leave her!”

“Stay calm. Morshant has made arrangements. It won’t be easy for you, but you can bring her aboard the shuttle and return to the
Defiance
together.”

Alarm shot through him. He’d be crammed into a small space surrounded by males. Too close, too dangerous. The instinct to protect his mate at all cost welled within him.

Kord shook his head and snarled. “I’ll lose control.”

“The first shuttle will carry us, along with Morshant, the medic and three other spacers. That way we won’t crowd you. We’ll stay forward, giving you and your female the entire rear section to yourselves. No one will approach without your consent. The other two transports can handle the rest of the landing team.” Thoren paused, awaiting his answer.

Even in his irrational state, Kord realized Thoren’s plan might work. The shuttle was large enough. If he secured Sandra in a seat at the very back and shielded her with his body, there might be enough distance from the other males for him to maintain control. No warrior relished the thought of killing his own species, but when it came to protecting a mate, rational thoughts gave way to violent impulses driven by instinct alone.

“And if I can’t stay rational?”

“Contrary to what the Alliance ordered, the pilots have stunners. Conscious or unconscious, we will get you to the ship one way or another. Morshant has vowed that your female won’t be harmed, and she’ll stay with you. I give you my oath to make sure it’s done.”

“Why should I trust Morshant to help?” Kord grumbled in a lowered voice.

“I heard that.”

Thoren whispered, “He’s hearing enhanced. His mother is a royal.”

Kord snarled. “Why didn’t you tell me? Do the other two warriors on the ship know this?”

“Dorlbeast’s ass! Would you focus on what’s important right now?”

Since Thoren seemed to be losing his patience, Kord worked hard at settling down. Behind him, his female rustled around in the bushes. He glanced back. She stood now, peeking around one of the plants while attempting to hide her body behind a large leaf. Their gazes locked. Her little tongue swept out and she licked her lips before she bit the lower one. The desire to sweep her up into his arms and show her how much he wanted to devour every part of her was almost more than he could resist.

“Would you like to talk to her?” His partner’s question instantly distracted him.

“Yes!” His attention riveted on the other male.

Kord watched cautiously as Thoren slid his hand down to the top of one boot and withdrew a silver cylindrical device. He held it up, giving Kord a clear view.

“Morshant is giving you a chance, Kord. This is the smaller version of an implanter. The medics carry them in case a prisoner doesn’t understand an interrogator. The translator chip it inserts is the same one you and I have stuck in our heads. No different than any other. Once you’re settled on the shuttle, I’ll do the procedure. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” Kord snapped, not happy about what needed to happen next.

“The transport is waiting in the harbor,” Morshant called. “As soon as it surfaces you two better be charging toward the entrance with that female. The captain won’t be as lenient if we’re spotted by the local officials, and after we arrive, the general will shoot first and skip the interrogations completely.”

Morshant spoke the truth. His decision was easy. Kord nodded. He leveled a determined look at his new partner, and ordered, “Stay where you are until I have her.”

“Wait. Give this to her.” Thoren tossed the material at him. “I took the garment from one of the shops on my way here.”

Kord caught the small scrap of clothing and then shook it out. He took a quick scent before grunting in approval. Afterward, he turned to collect his mate.

Chapter Five

Pam spent the first few seconds resting on the damp mulch under a thick shelter of tropical plants, catching her breath and trying to calm her nerves. Once she realized Kord talked to the other barbarian who’d been at the bar, she listened in to their conversation. Their words were unintelligible, but the angered responses from Kord confused her. Except for a couple outbursts of harsh-sounding words, the other man spoke in a calm voice, as if he wanted to help.

She rustled around and managed to coax her legs and feet to cooperate enough to stand. She grabbed a nearby tree trunk to help her balance. A quick inspection of the plant revealed she’d landed next to a banana tree. Her nakedness left her feeling exposed and vulnerable, especially now. A sudden bout of modesty overcame her, and she snatched one of the large leaves. She bent it down in front of her, shielding her private parts from view.

From the few glimpses she stole around Kord’s body, the other giant kept his attention focused on her barbarian the whole time, never once looking her way. The other men whose voices she heard on occasion were hidden from her sight by foliage and two very massive musclebound men. Her nerves settled a bit and her knees stopped shaking until Kord took a quick glance at her over his shoulder. Pam’s breath hitched. His bronzed gaze was scorching hot. The heated look seemed to burn through her, stoking her desire for him to an all-time high.

Pam licked her lips. She bit her lower one, barely holding back a moan. The second he turned back to face his companion, she sucked in a few quick breaths. Passing out was not an option. No matter how attractive Kord looked, she couldn’t afford to break down now. Somehow, she had to talk him into letting her go. Her friends might be hurt or they might be waiting for her to show up at the condo. She had to find them. It was the only sane thought running through her mind. Everything else had to wait, even her desire for Kord.

Forget about all the aliens, dead or alive. Maybe they don’t actually exist.

Some asshole could have drugged her and she was having a bad trip or nightmare. No wonder she couldn’t understand what they said. Any minute now, she’d come to her senses and they’d all be gone. It would be just her and a banana leaf hanging out together in the landscaping. Her aching butt disagreed, sending a reminder of how she’d fallen on it twice in one evening.

Kord loomed large in front of her, scattering her wishful thoughts by his overpowering presence. He held a t-shirt in his hand, offering it to her. Pam inched away from her hiding place and reached out, half expecting him to make a grab for her. Instead, he let go of the shirt as soon as she grabbed it.

Thrilled about having something to wear, Pam turned her back to the men. She pulled the t-shirt over her head, thrust her arms through the short sleeves and pulled the hem down over her. It fell to mid-thigh, at least three sizes too large, but the shirt covered her nakedness, giving her a bit more confidence.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a shape come closer. Before she could jump away or even utter a sound of protest, he’d captured her. He looped one of his arms down under her sore bottom and lifted her, holding her tight against him. Hot naked skin pressed against the cotton material covering her breasts, warming her in ways that would’ve normally made her blush. Embarrassed by her reaction, Pam threw her arms around his neck and tucked her face against his collarbone to avoid looking at him. He slid his other arm down her back and skimmed his hand to the underside of her thigh, urging her to place her leg around his waist. Understanding dawned on her, and she spread her legs to grip his waist with her thighs. She hooked her ankles behind his back, anchoring her body to him, and prayed the tail end of her new shirt reached low enough to shield her bottom from view.

A low growl vibrated deep inside his chest once she was secured. After a moment of hesitation, Kord turned, and she tightened her grip around his neck as he shuffled to the bench.

“Sandra safe,” he said right before bolting past the other man.

Taken by surprise, she shrieked out an unintelligible curse against his skin and closed her eyes. If he stumbled and fell while carrying her, she’d be crushed if he landed on top her. Pam held on for dear life as Kord dashed away from their hiding place. Since her eyes were shut, she couldn’t tell which direction he headed, but she doubted he ran toward her condo. And to add more to her worries, she heard the pounding of footsteps running after them. No doubt, his friends followed them. He was taking her away.

After a short dash, Kord slowed. Pam took the opportunity to raise her head and look around. What she saw was almost unbelievable. A silvery colored vessel skimmed across the water’s surface, heading toward the massive concrete dock where cruise ships normally tied up. She could make out its features in the dim light, and could tell it was like no other ship she’d ever seen. The body of the large craft looked cylindrical but streamlined like a commercial jetliner, only not as long. Instead of wings, it had two narrow fin-like edges running down the length of each side. She suspected they were more for stability than any other reason. She had serious doubts about its ability to lift off the ground or water with such slender wings. It pulled alongside the dock until its edges touched the pilings.

So awestruck by the sight, she didn’t at first notice when an opening appeared near the middle of the vessel. The second Kord sprinted toward it she came out of her stupor long enough to object.

“No, Kord. Don’t take me in there. No!”
He’s kidnapping me. I’ll never see my family or friends again.
Panic washed over her along with fear and anger.

He ignored her and bolted for the open doorway. With a short leap, he landed inside and then kept walking deeper still. She had to escape. Pam squirmed in his arms and unlocked her ankles, freeing her legs from his waist. As her lower body slid down, she unhooked her hands and tried to push away. Kord simply tightened his hold around her upper back, twisted and reached down with his free arm to scoop her up beneath her knees. She fought back, beating her fists against his thick chest, his neck, and jaw and anywhere else she could reach all while screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Stop!”

His growled order terrified her. Pam froze in his arms, too frightened to move or speak. This was the end. She’d trusted this man, and now he’d turned on her. What’s next? Would he and his friends torture her? Rape her? Or would they slice her up for their next meal? She’d seen his arm weapons and teeth.
God.
He could tear her throat out in one bite. No longer in control of her emotions, she burst into tears.

*

Kord gritted out a muffled curse at his own stupidity. He’d frightened her with his outburst. Now the smell of fear rolled off his female and swamped his senses. Her tears splashed against his chest. Each one scalded him while her sobs tore his heart to shreds. If he could cry, he’d join her in her misery.

“Sandra safe.” Kord spoke as gently as possible, desperate to console her.

She cried louder.

He stomped down the center aisle and chose a seat at the very back of the shuttle. He settled onto the cushion while keeping his female cradled in his arms. Her sobs had quieted, but the stench of her fear assaulted his senses. She’d end up hating him before he ever had a chance to show or tell her how much he loved her. The translator implant was his only hope of easing her fear. No matter what it cost him, Kord vowed he’d remain in control of his instincts. If he failed and his Tauran brothers had to stun him, at least his mate would be safe. Thoren was his partner. The warrior would protect her for him.