“Always.”
“Last night Jax came to my room.”
Wide-eyed, Xari leaned in. “Oh?”
Nya kept spinning the cap while the whole story spilled out.
“He’s trying to do the right thing, Ny. I think it’s stupid, but as you said, Jax is, well, Jax. I’m sure there’s some psychological mumbo-jumbo he knows that we don’t.”
“I don’t know. Maybe I should let him go.” Nya spun the cap again.
Xari snatched it off the table. “Not a good idea.”
“So, you think I should keep him?”
She tossed the little bit of plastic in the trash. “I think you should do what Jax asked and trust him. He’s never let you down before.”
Nya sighed.
Xari patted her hand. “Just don’t do anything rash. Once you let a warrior go, you can’t get him back. Remember that.”
Four large males darkened the doorway, and Xari stood from the table. “Looks like your candidates are here. I’ve got to go anyway. I’m meeting David in a few.”
Nya smiled. “The Canadian?”
“Yep. He smells nice, too.” Xari winked, stood, and walked away.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ike and Gia huddled in the small concrete building that served as the Scythian airport. Russia had entrusted the Scythians to secure this area for their space program, which made this unassuming ribbon of asphalt one of the most protected places in the world. A cargo plane came into view, and Gia tensed.
“Once he sees, he’ll understand why we asked him to come,” Ike said, putting his arm around her.
The roar of the approaching engine grew louder, followed by screeching tires. As soon as the plane stopped, Jax bolted from the cargo hold. He jogged across the tarmac and threw open the door.
“What in the hell is so important that you’ve called me away from the Trials, leaving your daughter at the complete mercy of a pack of fucking wolves!”
The servicemen coming in behind him froze, shocked that anyone would speak to one of the Chancellor’s advisors and the head of Fourth Gen in such a way.
Gia started toward the exit, expecting him and Ike to follow. Jax hesitated. He glanced at the warriors openly watching them before he followed her out the door.
Gia waited until they were in the lot before she spoke. “Dr. Nickius. I would not have asked you to leave if it weren’t important.”
“What is this about?” Jax’s voice lowered as a few warriors passed by.
“There’s something we’ve discovered, and Nya should know before she chooses her rovni.”
They stopped in front of an all-terrain vehicle.
Gia got in the passenger side, while Ike slid behind the wheel, and Jax opened the back door.
His phone buzzed as he buckled his seatbelt, and he pulled it from his pocket.
Update: No nightmares last night, and this morning’s sparring session with the uncommitted had a few warriors standing out, especially that Incan, Pacha. Still, she didn’t request further interaction. She’s eating lunch with Killian, Luka, Aren, and Giovanni now.
Jax’s shoulders eased as his head fell back against the leather rest. Only four warriors at her table meant he hadn’t been replaced. However, she could release any one of her candidates, including him, at any time. He hated being two countries away, sitting on pins and needles. Every time his phone buzzed he was afraid it was Victor saying Nya had chosen someone else.
“So, this is what you call fighting for us—encouraging me to see others while you walk away?”
He glared at the back of Gia’s head. If he lost his Vtachi because of her parents, he didn’t know what he’d do. The Tova in him wanted to watch them bleed out slowly, but the psychologist knew Nya would get hurt in the process.
When he demanded the Zvaz, his brothers thought it too risky to dedicate his future to a female who might not claim him back. But they didn’t understand. Losing his Vtachi would be like losing the only bright thing in his dark world. She grounded him in a way even he couldn’t understand, much less explain. He felt it the first time he watched her spar.
Dust billowed as they sped along a dirt road. No one had spoken since they left the airport, which was fine with him. The only thing keeping him sane was Victor’s texts, which came every few hours.
“Are we almost there?” he grumbled, shifting in the backseat for the hundredth time.
“Not much farther.”
Ike’s gruff voice had years of training kicking in, and Jax leaned forward. “You seem upset.”
“We made a mistake putting the Society’s needs over that of our nata. If I could go back and change things, I would.”
The confession put Jax on edge. Since he’d known the Thalestrises, neither of them had expressed remorse. “What’s done is done. Right now, let’s concentrate on what’s best for Nya.”
Gia turned in her seat. “And if it’s best for her to find a rovni that isn’t so close to all this ugliness? If she would be happiest with someone as far from the frontlines as possible—would you still say the same?”
“Who she chooses for her rovni is out of your hands.” Jax looked out the window, and heavy silence settled around them.
The forest gave way to barren fields as Ike turned onto a cobblestone lane. Large gates hung from broken hinges. Weeds and vines grew over crumbling turrets as they rounded what used to be a palatial circular drive.
“Why are we at an abandoned castle?”
Gia’s breath hitched as they pulled to a stop. “Because, Dr. Nickius, this is where they kept and tortured my nata.”
Nya still hadn’t been cleared to spar, so instead of participating, she watched the uncommitted compete in hand-to-hand combat. Pacha made a point of stopping by to say hello. Even though she was impressed with him and a few other males, she’d decided to keep Jax, Killian, Giovanni, Aren, and Luka as her official candidates.
Xari was right. She shouldn’t do anything rash. For now.
Four of her five warriors stood as she entered the dining hall, waiting for her to join them for lunch. It felt like a week had passed instead of just one day since Jax left. Silverware clinked on plates, and conversation buzzed as she made her way to her table. The Trials were starting to take on a routine. Apparently, round one meant an early breakfast before heading to the practice field to watch the uncommitted spar. Then there was lunch, followed by time with her official candidates. Yesterday they had walked around the lake, stopping to see who could skip the farthest stone. It had been a fun activity as her males tried to one-up each other. By mid-afternoon, Nya finally had enough of the testosterone surge and started toward the arena, challenging them all to an Urumi competition. The first four rounds she kept the lead, but on the last strike, Killian made an impossible move, edging her into second place. He tossed the razor-sharp whip on the ground before whooping a war cry and throwing his arms up in the air in celebration. Nya bit back a smile, and he scooped her up and twirled her around, laughing, telling her he’d be happy to give her lessons after she’d shouldered his mark. All cameras pointed to the far end of the field, recording the scene, and she was relieved when they finally left the area. As soon as they got back to the consulate, Luka had reserved time in the kitchen for the two of them where he taught her how to make baklava.
Today another one of her warriors would step forward, claiming some quality time.
When she and her official candidates were together, they treated her like she was part of a unit, but alone they became potent males searching for their mate, which always left her leery.
“... Just keep an open mind, Vtachi.”
“I apologize for being late.” Nya sat down, and they followed.
Killian’s eyes raked over her tired features. “I’m sure the uncommitted slowed you down trying to impress you, right?”
She smiled. “I did spend quite a bit of time watching the warriors who specialize in the Urumi. I’ll admit some have impressive skills.”
&nb
sp; Killian’s eye sparked at her not so subtle jab. “I can challenge them if you wish.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She winked. Her eyes swept across the table and fell on Jax’s empty seat, and the smile slipped from her lips. Why would he ask her to consider someone else if he wanted her for himself? It made no sense.
She scanned the crowd until she found Xari. Her purple-tipped hair fanned across her cheek as she leaned in, saying something, and the entire table erupted with laughter. Nya’s gaze flitted from table to table, observing the other champions. The buzz of conversation warmly hummed through the room as Amazonian warriors engaged their candidates. They seemed happy to be here, ready to find an equal so they could create a lasting bond and further the strength of their kind.
“Your loyalty to Jax is clouding your decision.”
Those words rang in Nya’s ears as she played with her food. Maybe Victor and Jax were right. They were the freaking shrinks, after all. Maybe her wanting Jax had more to do with feeling safe.
“Anya,” Victor mumbled. “Are you all right?”
She looked up to five sets of eyes staring at her. “I’m sorry. My mind drifted. You were saying?”
Their compassionate, caring gazes caught her breath. Four warriors. Some of the best in the world were at her table, wanting to claim her as their equal. Wanting to bear young with her, create a life with her.
And she couldn’t get out of her own fucking head to keep track of the conversation.
Her fingers trembled as she grabbed her goblet and took a drink of sweet, white wine.
If Jax wanted her to keep an open mind, so be it.
She sat up straight and pulled her shoulders back, squarely looking at each of the males. “Aren, tell us more about Africa.”
Aren’s keen dark eyes glittered as he explained the beauty of his village. “Aside from the Drahzda stirring up civil wars in the region, our biggest threat is pollution.”
“We have the same issue in parts of the U.S.” Killian joined the conversation, explaining a project the Appalachian compound was working on that helped filter out excess chemicals in natural springs.
Aren set his fork down. “I’d like the name of the Suveran in charge. Perhaps we can help one another.”
A server cleared their dishes before bringing out the traditional fruit for dessert.
“What, no more baklava?” Killian smiled at Nya. “After last night’s dinner, some of the uncommitted asked what we did to deserve such a treat. When I told them our champion made it, they were even more jealous.”
“I’m sure they were.” Nya’s dry tone.
Luka covered her hand with his. “It was your sweet touch that made it so delicious. I’d cook with you any day.”
Killian settled back in his chair. “We’ll be sure to invite you to America sometime. I’m sure Ny would love to stay in touch.”
The others chuckled, but their laughter died away as a warrior neared the table.
“Tor?” Nya’s eyes widened as she glanced from one twin to the other. “Wow. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Tor’s skull showed through his buzz cut, which was as short as his five o’clock shadow. He ran his palm over the stubble on his scalp. “I got tired of explaining that I wasn’t the twin Anya Thalestris picked. Instead, I was the one stupid enough to try and stop her from kicking a Tova’s ass.”
Nya set down her wine glass. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blindside you like that.”
“Don’t apologize. I should have known better.” He lightened his tone. “Besides, this look is a lot sexier, don’t you think?”
Nya smiled. “Short hair does make you look older.”
“I am older, you know.”
Luka groaned. “Two minutes. You’re older by two minutes.”
“Still makes me the big brother, doesn’t it?” Tor grinned.
Victor picked up his coffee cup. “God save us from sibling rivalry.”
Tor lowered to his haunches so he could speak to Nya eye to eye. His voice deepened as intense emotion flashed in his eyes. “I’m sure I broke some protocol by interrupting your time with your official candidates, but I wanted you to know. My baby brother might not be your most obvious choice, but he’s a good male, a great warrior, and loyal to his last breath. He’s worthy to be your equal.”
Nya’s expression sobered. “I’m sure he is.”
Tor patted her knee and winked, easing the mood. “Besides, you know you want to be my little sis.”
He tipped his head to the males at the table, grinned, and sauntered away.
Luka groaned. “I had hoped he wouldn’t come over. Until now, we’ve done everything together. We hadn’t considered the possibility that one of us would go on without the other.”
Nya sighed. “I know what you mean. Xari isn’t my twin, but she’s my best friend. I couldn’t imagine one of us being back in the States.”
Victor raised an eyebrow. “Let’s not bring that up again.”
Giovanni and Killian chuckled.
Luka’s eyes glittered with that playfulness she loved. “At least the better looking of the two is still in the running.”
“Not for long,” Killian muttered.
Giovanni waited until Nya had finished her fruit before he stood. “Are you ready?”
She took a deep breath before accepting his hand. Sometimes the way he looked at her reminded her of a male lion circling a pride of females in heat.
Keep an open mind, Vtachi.
The marble foyer gleamed as sunlight streamed through tall windows. Nya glanced at Giovanni’s classic features as they made their way out of the consulate. He was a good male. Strong, passionate, intelligent. He would be patient with her. Kind. And she knew she’d never let him in, which was what she wanted.
Wasn’t it?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Weatherworn plywood stood guard over most of the castle’s doors and windows, thistles and vines covered the walkway and crumbling stairs. Half-constructed scaffolding leaned against the southern wall, giving notice that renovations were underway. Several Fourth Gen units surrounded the perimeter while Ike and Gia made their way to a low-lying window. It didn’t take long for Ike to trip the release wire they’d put in a few days before. The plywood swung from the rotting window frame, and Ike turned his broad shoulders and ducked inside. Gia wasn’t far behind. Jax took one last look around, searching the densely wooded perimeter before hitching his leg over the window’s casing. He pulled the warped wood back in place.
Without a word, they switched on their flashlights and headed for the door, traveling in single file, Jax mindful of stepping only where Ike and Gia had. The ballroom opened to a large foyer. Two rusted suits of armor stood guard at the bottom of a sprawling walnut staircase. Ike took the stairs two at a time until he was on the second landing. He opened the first door to his right.
Jax’s heart sank as he took in the plastic sheets covering the walls, ceiling, and floor. Sunlight fought through the thick lining, it’s hazy light surrounding a single hospital bed. Leather restraints hung from its metal frame. Surgical supplies, still in their packaging, lay on top of a metal cabinet. Two rolling stools sat under a stainless-steel desk. Wires hung from the wall, obviously once the home of a computer or some other technology.
The room looked like a makeshift surgical suite. Jax looked down and almost dropped to his knees.
Next to the bed was a pair of dirt encrusted jean shorts.
“I bought those for Nya when she was sixteen. They were so worn I thought she’d thrown them out.” Gia’s hollow voice came from behind. “She must have had them on the night she was taken.”
Jax’s hands trembled as he shucked off his pack and set it aside. God. He wasn’t naive. He’d known the worst of war—had been part of it a time or two. But seeing that scrap of filthy material brought reality crashing in around him. He took in the restraints, the plastic, the medical supplies, and his imagination conjured up horrific images
of Nya struggling, vulnerable and at the hands of someone she once trusted.
He lowered to his haunches, running his finger across the stiff shorts, and his pulse sped as anger swept through him. To be restrained, not able to defend herself or fight back, was a Scythian’s worst nightmare. His knuckles whitened as he grabbed hold of the shorts.
“Leave them.” Gia’s voice turned husky. “The Drahzda will know they’re missing.”
Ignoring her, he folded the material and placed it in the pack’s front pocket.
“Jax, you really shouldn’t—”
“He’s left them here like some fucking shrine!” His anger finally gave way to rage, and he stood and faced the two people he hated almost as much as Sarkov. “Every time he sees them he thinks of taking them off of her. Touching her. Enjoying her pain. I don’t give a shit if he knows ... leaving anything of hers in this place is a monument that he overpowered her, dominated her, forced her to submit like some helpless Allos.”
Gia’s shoulder’s slumped. “We hadn’t thought of that.”
“Yeah. I’m sure you didn’t.” Jax counted to ten. It wouldn’t do any good to tell them what shitty parents he thought they were. Now wasn’t the time. “Why are we here, Commander?”
Ike cleared his throat. “Fourth Gen has been tracking the Drahzda interaction with the Middle East’s Voyager project.”
Jax tilted his head. “What does human mutation research have to do with Nya?”
“You know about the program?”
“Four years ago, my last mission was taking care of two Drahzda genetics physicists that were working on human mutation and cloning. Before they died, we extracted information that Scythian blood had been used to further the technology.”
Ike wearily scrubbed his face with his hand. “It was my unit that requested your help. I suspected they were using Nya’s blood. The Tovaris confirmed it.”
Jax’s lips thinned to an angry line as he remembered the mission. Had he known, he would have followed Zander’s plan and killed the bastards slowly.
The Scythian Trials Page 21