Undaunted (Battle Born Book 6) (22 page)

Garin nodded, then remembered that Letos couldn’t see him. “I agree, but which ship? This isn’t good.”

“Sorry I don’t have more details. Just thought you’d want to know.”

“You were right.” Garin sighed. “If you find out more, let me know.”

“Please do the same,” Letos stressed.

“Of course. That’s how alliances work.” Without waiting for Letos to reply, Garin pinched off the connection and pinged Raylon’s mind.

“Lasenger.”

“Quinton was just led away from the palace by armed soldiers. Any chance Chandar can tell me who took him and where they went?” Unlike most harbingers, Chandar could summon visions, not just interpret them when they happened to occur.

“Were they Rodyte soldiers?” Raylon asked. “Anything unique about them or their uniforms?”

“Letos didn’t say.”

“This came from Letos?” The doubt in his tone was impossible to miss.

“He gains nothing by telling us this.”

Raylon’s only response to that was an unintelligible grumble. “It might take a while. That’s not much to go on.”

“I’m sure she’ll do the best she can.”

“Lasenger, out.”

Unless Chandar could point them in the right direction, there really was no point in heading to Rodymia. It was possible that Quinton wasn’t even on the planet anymore. “Shit.”

Berlynn came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I couldn’t hear what Letos told you. Was Quinton kidnapped or did he go willingly?”

“Letos used the word ‘escorted’, so my guess would be somewhere in between.”

“Who is powerful enough to command a crown stirate?”

“Anyone with a gun.” He turned around so he could see her face.

“And how did armed soldiers get into Quinton’s private suite without being confronted by his bodyguards?”

He narrowed his gaze as he realized where her questions were leading. “Edron had to be in on it. He’s the only one, other than Quinton, that the other bodyguards will obey.”

She smiled. “Then I say we head to the palace and hunt down Edron. That has to be better than sitting around and waiting for Chandar to have a vision.”

“I agree, as long as ‘we’ doesn’t include you.”

“You’re impossible!” She shoved him back hard enough to break his light hold. “I’m not helpless. If anyone threatens me, I’ll shift into a wolf and rip out their throat. Not only can I teleport, I can track much better than any Rodyte male or female.”

He tensed, his common sense waring with his need to protect her. As usual, her points were valid. “You stay on the ship unless there’s a specific reason for you to go.”

“Agreed.” She grinned from ear to ear, clearly thrilled by the outcome.

She’d relented easier than he’d thought she would. Hopefully, that was an indication of things to come. “Now I get the pleasure of telling Rex Dravon that we don’t need him after all.”

Humor made her eyes gleam, but she managed to sound sympathetic. “Would you like some moral support while you tell him?”

He shook his head. “After the way he ogled you. I don’t want you anywhere near him.”

“Fair enough. I’ll wait for you here.”

The mischief in her gaze worried him, but he didn’t have time to investigate. If Edron was involved in Quinton’s abduction, it was likely the head bodyguard would eventually disappear. He might realize he could be implicated and take off, or whomever he assisted would tie up the loose end. Either way, the opportunity to interrogate him was rapidly closing.

Garin found Rex Dravon in one of the maintenance bays, inspecting his ship. Had he already seen his crew or was the ship more important to him? “She’s unharmed, I presume?”

Dravon turned around, his expression stormy. “No thanks to you.” He folded his brawny arms over his chest, looking very much the Bilarrian pirate. “How soon do we leave? My men are restless as hell’s outer rings.” He flashed a calculative smile that fell short of his gold-ringed eyes.

“You’re all free to go. My plans have changed.”

The smile vanished. “Just like that?” He snapped his fingers. “I’m not useful anymore.”

“Oh, I suspect you could be extremely useful—if you actually joined the rebellion. We received information that makes our original plan impossible. For this one mission, I don’t need you. But my invitation remains. I’m always looking for skilled operatives.”

That seemed to pacify him somewhat, but his gaze was still narrowed and bright. “I’ve put off some important repairs on the
Marauder
because she needs to be docked while we do them. Is it all right if we stay here for a day or two?”

“Consider yourself my guest. I’ll have Sedrik assign cabins for you and your crew, but you’re responsible for their behavior.”

“As always.” Dravon remained tense and watchful, but his hostility melted away. “Are you for real?”

Garin shrugged. “Stick around and judge for yourself.”

“Yes, sir. And thank you.” His smile finally reached his eyes.

Rodymia. Berlynn gazed out the main viewscreen on the command deck of the
Vengeance,
barely able to believe what she was seeing. She’d heard countless stories of her home world, had seen pictures, but never in all her years had she dreamed she would see it for herself. The planet was smaller than Earth with more land masses than oceans, making the sphere appear more green than blue. Rodymia had three large islands, similar to Earth’s continents. The capital was located near the center of the largest and most densely populated island. The massive metropolis had no other name. It was simply known as the capital.

The
Vengeance
seemed small and simple after spending time on the
Undaunted
. Still, it was surreal to think she was on a spaceship, orbiting the home of her ancestors. According to Garin this was a short-range fighter with a standard crew of twenty-five. But the
Vengeance
and the
Fearless
had both received recent upgrades, including covert shields and bio-stream engines, which was why they’d been chosen for this mission.

Garin moved up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll bring you back so we can sightsee to your heart’s content. I promise.”

It was a non-too subtle reminder. She’d foolishly promised to stay on the ship. “But I can track Edron by scent. I’ll find him faster than anyone else.” That was as far as her argument got.

He turned her around and kissed her, then crushed her hopes of leaving the ship. “We know he’s still in the palace and we have someone who’ll let us in. There’s no reason for you to be involved.”

“Fine.” She harrumphed. “I’ll go to our cabin and knit you a sweater.”

He chuckled then kissed her forehead, his hand lingering on her waist. “I have a better idea. Bandar confessed that Ashley talked him in to bringing her along too. You can bio-stream over to the
Fearless
and spend the next hour gossiping about your annoying mates.”

“You’re not my mate yet.”

His gaze narrowed and his fingers tightened against her waist. “I can take time to change that before I leave. You know how I react to challenges.”

“Sorry.” She lowered her gaze with a sigh. “This is just horribly unfair. If I were a man, you wouldn’t hesitate to utilize my abilities.”

“You’re right, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re not going with me.”

She didn’t bother arguing with him. It was clearly a waste of time. Spending some time with another female sounded infinitely more fun than sulking in the tiny cabin, so she bio-streamed over to the other ship. It didn’t take her long to realize the
Fearless
and the
Vengeance
were sister ships. The layout was identical. Berlynn could have found the officers’ cabins on her own, but an armed escort was waiting for her in the arrival bay. Being able to move about without an escort was one aspect of being mated to Garin that she was going to enjoy. A guilty smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. It was likely one aspect among many.

Ashley was obviously expecting her. The door parted and the vivacious blonde motioned Berlynn inside. “Welcome to my teeny-tiny, hopefully temporary home.”

Berlynn returned her smile as she entered a cabin identical to the one she and Garin were using. “Yeah, I never thought I’d miss the village, but these cabins are claustrophobic.”

“And this is an officer’s cabin.” Ashley shook her head hard enough to send her curly hair bouncing against her rosy cheeks. “Can you imagine what the crews’ quarters must be like?”

“Garin said these are short-range vessels. If the mission lasts more than a few days, they take a different ship.”

“That makes sense.” She swept her arm toward the table extending from one wall. It was flanked by two backless chairs. “Shall we sit or would you rather see if we can find the mess hall?”

“This is fine.” Berlynn crossed the room and sat down. “I’m tired of strangers sniffing me.”

Ashley laughed. “All that nonsense will stop as soon as Garin claims you. Or am I getting ahead of myself? Have you agreed to bond with Garin?”

“I have, but he’s acting like such an ass right now, I might just change my mind.”

“Okay, this I’ve got to hear.” She paused by the compact nutria-gen and asked, “Would you like something to eat or drink? They might be a while.”

“I’d love a glass of blood wine, but I try not to drink alcohol before dinner. I guess I’ll take some civata brew.”

Ashley wrinkled up her nose. “That stuff is so bitter. Have the wine.”

“So, how did you meet Bandar?” Berlynn asked as Ashley brought her the glass of wine. “He’s the middle brother, right?”

“Yep. Zilor’s the baby, though he’s bigger than the other two. Have you met Zilor?”

“I’ve seen him a couple of times, but it was more like I was watching Indigo harass him than actually participating in the conversation.”

“I think they make an adorable couple, but Indigo is…unique.”

“Oh, I wasn’t implying that I didn’t like her. She’s just got a very big personality. And when you get the two of them together, it’s hard to get a word in edgewise.” She paused for a sip of wine before she pointed out, “I derailed you. How did you meet Bandar?”

“He was searching for my father and found me instead. Obviously, the story is longer than that, but that’s how it started.”

The next question was more personal, so Berlynn wasn’t sure she should ask.

“What are you thinking about?” Ashley prompted. “You look like you were about to ask me something?”

“You and Bandar have gone through the transformation, correct?” Ashley nodded. “How has it affected you?”

Ashley didn’t seem offended by the question. She shrugged and rattled off the details as if they were an everyday occurrence. “My genetics had been tampered with before, so we’re not sure how much of what’s happening to me is the transformation protocol and how much is simply bonding with a Rodyte. But I’m stronger than I’ve ever been before, I have more stamina, and my immune system has been augmented. It’s likely I’ve doubled my lifespan. And don’t forget, Bandar and I can start a family whenever we’re ready for the pitter pat of little feet.”

Emboldened by Ashley’s candor, Berlynn said, “I know the purpose of the transformation is to give the men access to their magic. Do the females end up with magic too?”

“I didn’t, but Raina did. Her abilities are like echoes of what Kotto is able to do.”

“Which is? What sort of magic are they unlocking?”

“It depends on where their mothers came from. Bilarrian magic is elemental and each region empowers its inhabitants with different abilities. Bandar’s mother was from the fire islands, so his element is fire.”

“Zilor said something about him being able to shoot fire from his fingertips. I thought he was joking.”

“Oh no. It’s very real. Vox, the Bilarrian mage who is training them, is downright scary.”

“I’ve heard the name, but I haven’t met him yet.”

“He’s kind of quiet, but super intense. Anyway, did I answer all your questions?”

“Hardly.” Berlynn laughed. “I’m just getting started.”

They chatted away for the next two hours as if they were long-lost friends. This was only the second time she’d spoken with Ashley, but Berlynn found she liked her a lot. She’d known other females were housed at Lunar Nine. Now she wished she’d taken time to seek them out instead of spending so much time with Ulrik.

They were debating whether or not to make themselves something to eat or wait a while longer for the men when someone knocked on the door.

“Doesn’t this ship have security scanners?” Berlynn asked.

“Apparently not.” Ashley stood up and moved closer to the door. “Who’s there?”

“My name is Fortin. I’m supposed to escort Ambassador Tandori to the command deck.”

“The men must be back,” Ashley concluded, so she opened the door.

Fortin had only been sent to fetch Berlynn, but Ashley refused to stay cooped up inside the small cabin. The ship wasn’t large and being ushered about was really starting to annoy Berlynn. They took an elevator up two decks, then went down a short corridor which opened onto the command deck.

Bandar sat behind the main control console. Garin stood beside him. Garin’s gaze locked with Berlynn’s as she entered the room and he motioned her over.

“Looks like you get your way after all,” Garin told her, clearly not pleased by the development.

“In what way.”

“Quinton is on the
Triumphant,”
Bandar explained. “Our only hope of finding him on that behemoth is if you track him.”

“You understand that I need to be in dog form to do so, right?” Both men nodded, so she asked, “How are you going to explain wanting to bring a dog aboard a warship?”

“We’re not going to explain anything.” Garin wasn’t just grim. He sounded grumpy. “The
Triumphant
is identical to the
Undaunted
and I know every nook and cranny of my ship. We have a shield modulator that will allow us to bio-stream aboard. The rest is simple logistics. They won’t even know we’ve been there until they notice Quinton is gone.”

Berlynn had serious doubts that it would be that easy. Rather than argue with him, however, she asked, “Do you have coordinates for the
Triumphant
?”

“We do now.” Bandar rubbed his bruised knuckles and flashed an unapologetic smile.

“What did you do with Edron?” Ashley wanted to know.

“He’s locked in the brig,” Bandar told her. “Can’t have him warning his boss, who we suspect is Paytor not Quinton.”

The
Triumphant
was a short distance away, so Garin and Berlynn stayed aboard the
Fearless
. They moved to the conference room adjacent to the command deck and stole a quiet moment alone.

“Did you have a nice time with Ashley?” Garin had her hand in his lap and he was stroking her arm, making her wish they had more time.

“I did. I really like her.”

“Good.” He leaned in and whispered, “If I have my way, they’ll be returning to Rodymia too.”

“Really? Why? What do you have in mind for them?”

“I’ll tell you later, after we run our little errand.”

She tensed. “Please take this seriously. I know you know the ship, but there are six thousand reasons why things could go south in a hurry. All it takes is one person seeing us and we’re screwed.”

His fingers intertwined with hers. “I’m putting my mate in danger. I understand how serious this is.” He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “We should be getting close. Why don’t you shift while we’re alone? The only one who gets to see you naked is me.”

“That’s rather selfish of you.” She stood and presented him her back. “Can you undo the zipper?”

He reached up and lowered the zipper then pressed his lips against the small of her back.

She closed her eyes, savoring the warm brush of his lips against her skin, then something occurred to her. “Do you have something with Quinton’s scent on it? I can’t track what I’ve never smelled.”

“Unfortunately.” Garin pulled a pair of underwear out of his pocket with a grimace. “Will this do?”

She laughed as she took the underwear from him. “This will more than do. How did you get Quinton’s underwear?”

“We told Edron we needed something Quinton wore next to his skin. Edron thought he was being clever.”

After reluctantly sniffing the underwear, she slipped off her shoes and stepped out of her dress.

“This is torture,” Garin grumbled. “I want this mission over with
now
.”

She stepped between his legs and took his face between her hands. “Get your head in the game, General. I’m depending on you.”

He pulled her head down to his and kissed her with deep, intimate passion. “I won’t let you down.”

She accepted his assurance with a serious nod, then shed the rest of her clothes. Her favorite dog to shift into was a yellow lab, but she was able to track best as a German shepherd. She summoned the image to her mind then released her human form. Energy flowed through her, hot and tingly. She drew it deeper and deeper into her mind and body, filling herself, gathering force until she shook with the effort to hold back the surge. And then she let it spring free.

Clinging tightly to the image in her mind, she let the change take her. Her muscles contracted and reshaped, her joints popped and relocated. One moment of blinding pain drove reality away, and then her surroundings refocused. Her perception was completely different now. She could no longer see the color red, yet everything else was sharper. And smells rushed in front of her other senses, dizzying in their intensity.

She barked once, then rubbed against Garin’s leg, her tail happily wagging.

“I will never get used to that.” He scratched behind her ears with a helpless laugh. “But you’re beautiful in any form.”

Ridiculously please by the praise, Berlynn licked his hand.