Seized & Seduced

by Shelley Munro

  History repeating itself, and she was powerless to stop the outcome.

  She screwed her eyes shut and attempted to tamp down her escalating panic. A tear ran over her cheek and, to top off her misery, the prickles under her skin fired to life in vicious mockery.

  Goddess, Ry and the crew, or Lynx and Shiloh had to come for her. She had to believe they were doing everything they could to mount a rescue.

  Don’t panic.

  It was the worst reaction, yet she couldn’t halt the chatter of her teeth, the white-knuckle squeeze of her hands because she knew, deep-down, they wouldn’t arrive in time to save her.

  The man in charge would take his prize as soon as the widow bitch left.

  Fight. We’ll come for you.

  Ry had made the promise the instant they’d realized the tracker lizards were after them.

  Shiloh and Lynx had voiced similar promises, and all three males had meant them.

  Despite the nausea dancing in the pit of her stomach, Jannike lifted her head.

  She’d survived this before.

  She could do it again.

  Time ticked away, distinguished by a drip in the sanitizer unit.

  Drip. Drip. Drip.

  Jannike bit on her bottom lip to stop the tremble.

  Drip. Drip. Drip.

  Goddess. Too much time to think. Too much time to worry. Too much time.

  Drip. Drip. Drip.

  She examined the chains, the silver synmetal bracelets circling her wrists. Studied the ones at her ankles.

  In the distance, male laughter echoed, resounding against the syncrete walls. Footsteps approached. More male laughter.

  Jannike swallowed, fought a brief yet hard battle to contain the scream pressing for release.

  Shiloh and Lynx would come. They’d promised.

  All she needed to do was stay alive.

  The male laughter became louder. Excited and full of anticipation.

  Drip. Drip. Drip.

  A click sounded and the door to her cell sprang open.

  She was out of time.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Mogens greeted them at the gangway of the Indefatigable. “I’ve located Jannike’s tracker. It’s not far from here in a warehouse facility.”

  Shiloh and Lynx exchanged a glance.

  “That gels with the information the man gave us at the butcher’s shop,” Camryn said. “Mogens, you’ll never believe it, but this guy was a masculine version of Jannike. He had light brown hair instead of blonde but his eyes—his eyes were gray like Jannike’s. The shape of his face, his features were the same.”

  Interest and curiosity shone in Gweneth. “Jannike never mentioned family here.”

  “Her father—no stepfather—sold her into slavery,” Ry said. “She mentioned it not long after we first met, but doesn’t speak much of the past.”

  “I’ve asked.” Camryn shrugged. “She changes the subject.”

  “We need to check out security,” Kelvin boomed from the far side of the ship.

  Camryn jumped and even Ry looked startled. Kelvin walked toward them, holding the calibore in his arms. The two markowls perched on top of his head.

  Royal let out a plaintive cry and stretched out his arms. Shiloh brushed past and the calibore jumped into his arms.

  Kelvin whistled and chirped to the two birds, then nodded.

  “The markowls have offered to do a flyover to check out the security outside the warehouse,” Kelvin boomed at a slightly lower register.

  “You communicate with them?” Camryn asked.

  Lynx nodded. “Saved our butts a couple of times.”

  “As long as they don’t risk capture,” Shiloh said to Kelvin.

  Another series of whistles ensued, and the markowls took off, swooping above the heads of the Indy crew, rapid wingbeats taking them outdoors.

  “Do you have spare weapons?” Lynx asked.

  “I’ll get them.” Kaya trotted away to undertake the chore.

  “Do we wait until the early hours? Or do we go now?”

  “Wait for the markowls’ report,” Lynx suggested. “They’ll give us an idea of what to expect.”

  Shiloh growled. “I want to go now. I don’t like her in the hands of those people.”

  Kelvin peered outside. “The markowls are returning.”

  The small birds darted through the open gangway door. They burst into a series of chirps and whistles. Kelvin listened closely.

  “The outer security is minimal. Two men with weapons. They are circling the perimeter of the building, but the markowls mentioned both men appear in a slumber.”

  “Let’s go,” Shiloh said.

  The crew looked to their captain.

  “My gut is screaming.” Ry glanced at each of them. “I don’t think we should wait. In pairs. Camryn, I want you to stay on the ship. I can’t function if I’m worried about you.”

  Camryn scowled. “Understood. Don’t like it though. Take Mogens in case Jannike requires medical attention.”

  Kaya arrived with weapons. She handed blasters to Shiloh and Lynx. “You might be better off shifting to feline. Better senses. Claws to rip. If they see you, they won’t expect intelligence.”

  “She’s right,” Camryn said. “You’ll have Mogens, Nanu and Kaya to open doors. The three of you would be better in feline form.”

  Shiloh considered. “It’s not our normal way. We tend to fight with traditional weapons and keep our felines as backup.”

  “You have backup,” Kaya pointed out.

  Shiloh returned the weapon. His arm itched and he scratched it hard enough to leave welts.

  “I agree with her,” Lynx said.

  “Let’s move out,” Ry ordered.

  The heat had faded from the cycle, the solar-star low in the sky but still illuminating the landscape.

  Shiloh shifted. He set a fast pace, trotting down the ramp, every sense screaming to get to Jannike. Not that he understood the urges writhing inside him. They were just as irritating as the itch that had returned to his skin. Lynx loped after him and increased his pace until he caught up.

  Phrull, Shiloh thought. Jannike, hang on. We’re coming for you.

  And we’re gonna take out those bastards who caught us.

  Wait…what? Shiloh almost tripped over his feet as he turned his head and gaped at Lynx. What the phrull?

  I heard you and answered, Lynx said.

  How? Never mind. Might be handy.

  Beside him, Lynx chuffed out a sound that resembled humor. So much stuff their parents never told them. Mates. Who the phrull knew?

  The warehouse came into view and they slowed.

  I don’t know what’s going on, but I need Jannike, Lynx confessed as they scanned their surroundings and searched for danger. Still need you, but I crave her too.

  Shiloh relaxed at Lynx’s confession. He hadn’t known how he’d explain his desires, hadn’t wanted to scare Lynx or make him think he was returning to his old ways.

  A man appeared around the corner of the building. His skin was a pale purple, his garments a darker hue. If the male turned around, Shiloh knew his eyes would be pale and full of nothingness.

  What the hell is a Torgon doing here? Lynx asked.

  Couldn’t get a job elsewhere. No one would hire this idiot. Ready?

  Ready.

  Shiloh slinked closer with Lynx creeping from a different angle.

  Now!

  Lynx pounced perfectly in time with him. The Torgon went down with a grunt, not having time to draw his weapon. Shiloh slashed the man’s face with his claws. Snap. The life seeped from the Torgon, and Shiloh moved, not feeling the slightest remorse for breaking his neck.

  They followed the building around and met Kaya and Nanu.

  “Is the guard out of action?” she asked.

  Shiloh chuffed a positive response and she nodded.

  “Small entrance door this way. Ry and Mogens are waiting.” Kaya hustled off in the direction she’d come from. S
hiloh noticed her constant sweep of the area and the way her weapon never lowered.

  They’re good, he said.

  Not surprised after seeing Jannike in action, Lynx replied.

  “Ready?” Kaya asked. “We’ll split up again and take out any guards we come across.

  A noise behind had them all whirling around, weapons trained on the newcomers. Three men. One familiar.

  “Hold,” Kaya barked. “It’s the dude from the market. What are you doing here?”

  “I think my sister is in there,” the man spat.

  Ry shifted and the man blinked. “Jannike?”

  “Yes. Hurry. I don’t have much time to do this and get back before Ursola wakes.”

  “You look like Jannike, but if you’re lying and try to hurt her, I’ll kill you myself,” Ry snapped.

  “Hurry,” the man urged.

  “Ready?” Kaya asked again. At their collective nods, she eased the door open and their group flowed inside, weapons at the ready.

  This way, Shiloh said, catching Jannike’s scent. He padded along an aisle. Cages lined both sides, most full of animals and other creatures. Dead eyes watched their progress, creatures that had lost hope. He made a vow he’d free them and stop whoever was in charge of this enterprise. But Jannike first.

  A shout sounded from the other end of the building. A cheer, followed by a scream of fury, the clank of chains.

  “Jannike,” Kaya whispered.

  Shiloh increased his speed. Lynx and Ry sped at his side. His gaze took in the horror in one quick glance and temper spread in a red wave of rage.

  Slash. Crunch. Slap. He became a frenzy of claws and teeth and cold determination, slashing at screaming men, slapping them down, killing cleanly when they deserved far worse.

  Behind him a blaster discharged.

  Their enemies didn’t have a chance. Taken unawares, only one managed to draw his weapon. The blast shot harmlessly into the air when Nanu swung the butt of his blaster into the fat man’s gut.

  Shiloh and Lynx went straight for Jannike.

  The short rotund man coughed, held his stomach and started pleading “It was just a bit of fun. That’s all. We didn’t hurt her.”

  Fury lashed Shiloh, shredding his steely control and secs later the man lay dead at their feet.

  Lynx shifted. Ry scooped up the keys dangling from the dead man’s belt, and he unlocked the chains holding Jannike upright.

  Ry attempted to take her into his arms, but Shiloh snarled a warning.

  Ry froze. “Let me pick her up, damn it. She needs medical help.”

  Shiloh snarled again, easing his body between Jannike and Ry. He didn’t know why but the idea of another male—anyone apart from Lynx—touching her made his feline panic.

  “Captain.” Mogens glided closer and yanked on Ry’s arm. “Let them care for her, Captain. They’re her mates. Remember how you get protective of Camryn?”

  Mates. Yes.

  “Phrull that,” the stranger with Jannike’s eyes snapped. “Let me see her.” Fearlessly, he pushed past Ry and planted himself in front of Shiloh. “Let me see if she’s my sister.”

  “C-Cayle?” Jannike’s weak voice pushed past Shiloh’s possessiveness. It was the note of wonder, the hint of shock in her croak.

  “Here’s a robe.” Kaya handed over a black garment. “She’ll want to be covered.”

  Shiloh took the robe and gently drew her arms into the sleeves while Lynx held her quivering body upright. Her eyes appeared bloodshot and her cheeks bore the track marks of tears.

  “Let me see my sister,” the man demanded again.

  Lynx took a position on one side and Shiloh flanked her other, their strength keeping her on her feet. Shiloh felt the tiny quivers of her muscles and had to work to tamp down his wrath.

  “They died too easy,” he snarled.

  “Who is responsible?” Ry demanded.

  “Jannike. Goddess, it is you,” the man said.

  Jannike stared back, her gaze assessing. “You’re a slave?”

  “It was the only way I had of trying to locate you.”

  “This is your brother?” Lynx asked.

  “Cayle. He’s a few rotations older than me,” Jannike whispered. A tear trickled down her cheek as she struggled for freedom.

  “Goddess, I didn’t think I’d ever find you.” Cayle ignored Shiloh’s snarl and yanked Jannike into his arms.

  She didn’t fight, which was the reason Shiloh managed to stay the feline protest inside his mind.

  Steady, Shiloh, Lynx said. He’s her brother. He’s our family now too.

  We’re keeping her.

  Lynx shot him a look—one that said, are you phrullin crazy? I’m keeping both of you.

  “Captain, we need to move before someone comes to investigate,” Kaya prompted, weapon still at the ready.

  “What about the other prisoners?” Mogens asked.

  “We let them out and arrange for their transport back to their home planets,” Lynx said.

  “I can help with that.” Cayle turned away from his sister. “My friends and I are part of an underground escape network for slaves. I can arrange transport. It would be best if the captives stayed here at the warehouse and kept out of sight. The auction will take place in a few cycles. I can shift them before then.”

  “What ’bout your cover, man?” one of the men who’d arrived with Jannike’s brother asked. “You’re more valuable in place at the mansion.”

  “They’re on to me. Widow has a private investigator, and he’s not stupid. He suspects I’m responsible for the widow’s problems but can’t prove it. Only a matter of time.”

  “The widow is the biggest seller on Manx Two,” Jannike said in a low voice. “We take her out, cut off her business at the knees. Free her slaves. Put the fear of the goddess into the others who trade in slaves.”

  Lynx stroked Jannike’s arm. “She’s right.”

  “Need to strike now,” Jannike said.

  Cayle spoke to his two friends. “Gather the troops. We’ll need five here to help with the captives, reassure them and arrange passage to their home planets. We’ll get them to Manx One and send them home from there. We put our plan into action. All slaves on a go-slow. Those who can leave their place of residence go to the central meeting point. Neil, you take care of passing the word around.”

  One of the men jogged away.

  “Let me clean you up.” Mogens edged closer, his attention on Shiloh and Lynx rather than Jannike. “You’ll let me?”

  Shiloh gave a curt nod, but a growl escaped him. Mogens froze.

  “Let him work.” Lynx tugged Shiloh away. Even so, they both watched Mogens’ every move.

  I don’t like him touching her, Lynx said.

  Shiloh glared at Mogens. She trusts him.

  Ry and Kaya joined them. “We’ll drop by the Indy and leave Jannike there. Can you help us or are you going to want to stay with Jannike?”

  Jannike’s skin burned where Mogens cleaned off the blood. She bit her inner lip and focused on not wincing. She wanted to bathe, to cleanse her body and wash away…well, she wanted to feel clean again.

  Her ears pricked. They were going to leave her on the Indy. No, no, no. Hell no. That wouldn’t do. She intended to spit in the widow’s face then knife the traitorous bitch in the heart.

  “I’m going to the mansion.” Jannike was pleased to hear her strength and decisiveness. More like her normal self.

  “No,” Shiloh said. “You’ve been through enough. Let us take care of this for you.”

  “This is my right.” Unspoken was her need for revenge.

  “Revenge doesn’t help,” Ry said. “It doesn’t change the past.”

  “You killed your brother. Give me the same right.” Jannike winced, the sting from Mogens’ touch moving past the point of discomfort. “Enough. That hurts.”

  Mogens started to argue but Lynx stayed him and took the cloth from the seer. The stinging sensation faded when Lynx continued
the chore.

  “I don’t think—” Shiloh began.

  “You wouldn’t wait in a safe place while others took care of your problems,” Jannike told them in a low voice. “You’re not making Lynx stay on the Indy.”

  “I want to,” Shiloh whispered.

  “Let me finish this. Please.” Jannike caught the slight softening of his face and knew she’d won. Good. Soon she’d knife the widow in her traitorous black heart. She’d never bully or buy or sell another being again.

  * * * * *

  Ursola woke, confused for a sec about her location. Then she remembered.

  Cayle.

  She turned her head, expecting to see him beside her on the big gel-bed.

  One of the gel-pillows held a faint imprint from his head. He hadn’t been gone for long since the pillow hadn’t puffed back to its natural shape. He’d probably disappeared to prepare pre-dinner drinks and snacks. Ursola flipped onto her back and smiled up at the gel-bed canopy.

  So, this was happiness.

  Time passed and Cayle didn’t arrive.

  Frowning, she reached for the in-house communicator and rang the kitchen.

  “Yes, mistress. Can I help with something?”

  “Is Cayle there?”

  “Yes, mistress.”

  A slow smile of expectation curled across her lips. “Tell him to bring my usual evening fare.” She disconnected before the slave’s confirmation and tossed the communicator on the end of her gel-bed. It toppled to the floor but she didn’t bother to pick it up.

  She imagined Cayle setting the tray on the side table and padding across to her. She’d tell him to strip and watch as he removed each garment. A tingle sprang to life at her breasts and she lazily stroked one nipple. The sashay of pleasure twirled down her body and settled in the needy spot between her legs. She moved her hips from left to right in a happy dance.

  The door flung open and thumped against the wall stop, taking her by surprise. She jerked upright. Cayle’s face held none of its usual tender expression, not a hint of a smile. Instead, he appeared determined, his normal deference absent. This was not the face of a pliable slave and a sliver of fear inched into her mind. She glanced in the direction of her communicator and saw it was out of reach.

  The door opened wider, and several other people marched inside as if they had every right.