by Piper Stone
“Why does my instinct tell me there’s more going on?” My gut was almost never wrong.
“Be careful, my friend. The Feasts have become vital.” Kodroth’s words sounded practiced.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a blip on the console near my bedchamber. There was a visitor. Anger furrowed inside of me again, the constant interruptions more than troublesome. A storm was brewing. I blocked out the sounds behind me as I studied the telescan. Whoever had arrived was alone and there was no way to get a good look at him, but he was dressed in a manner suggesting an arrival from Skars. Now my interest was piqued.
Perhaps the new arrival was simply here for the prisoners. I snorted and looked away, the effort to fool myself a ridiculous thought.
And all I could see was the redhead warrior’s resentful face and her dazzling eyes. Sweet Felicity. There was no denying our connection. We were interlocked, she and I, a formidable human female who’d captured my attention as well as my raging desire.
One day soon, I would become her master.
“A visitor,” Kodroth said quietly.
“Why do I have a very bad feeling about this?” I tilted my head in his direction.
“Because you’re almost never wrong. Almost.”
I gave him a hard look before heading out, taking long strides.
Walking into what was considered my office, I grabbed my Glick, searching for any reports of marauder activity. The chatter was all over the place, indicating the same beliefs that I had. Disgusted, I went immediately toward the row of colorful bottles. I had an affinity for certain aspects of human vices, including what was called alcohol. While undisturbed bottles were rare, I’d collected a stash during the last three years. I wasn’t able to get my mind off the marauders and their more frequent attacks. The various stations across the world had reported much the same, leading me to believe there was a much larger plan in place.
Zayn’s reputation as being a harsh leader, unforgiving and brutal was well known. He had an affinity for butchering his enemies, but his decision on who those were included humans as well as Centurions. He also had a penchant for human women, his needs even darker than mine. I simply couldn’t put my finger on why my instincts were on high alert, but they were. We would need to be even more cautious as the Feast began.
There was a slight possibility that the Demon was after the representatives from the various remaining Earth governments. The only time the men of honor left their hallowed and very secured facilities was for the Feast. They were certainly hated by almost everyone, including many in the various colonies. The possibility was real, but the government leaders had their own security in place. The job of my team was to protect two particular colonies and we would do so, even if it meant sacrificing our lives. That’s what we’d been trained to do.
That’s what we were all hiding behind.
I was exhausted from thinking about everything that could go wrong.
Exhaling, my thoughts drifted to the warrior female, wishing I’d been able to spend additional time with her. Just seeing the lovely human gave me a reason to celebrate, if only for a few minutes. A breath of fresh air, as the human saying went. She’d refused to succumb to the tyranny of the Centurions. A true fighting spirit.
And I couldn’t wait for my premonition to come true. She would be mine.
Fuck her. Whip her. Use her. Train her.
Yes, I could easily find that enjoyable.
Fingering the whiskey bottle, I had just finishing pouring when I heard a rapping sound. While many of the buildings in our territories were built during the last twenty years, equipped with our many advanced technologies, our unit was dispatched in an old bunker-style system, at least sixty years old. A small portion was apparent to the world outside, the remainder in the bowels of the earth, a significant protection. “Come.”
“Salutations, Voltar Brezan.”
I froze, hearing the voice, the formality of the greeting a dead giveaway that my suppositions were correct. A visitor from Skars and in truth, I didn’t expect the man entering the door. Although I knew Degan Gardan from our home planet, I hadn’t seen him in years, but stories of his various feats were somewhat legendary. We’d sparred on many occasions, our training requiring various contests. We’d always been neck and neck, considering each other an adversary. I was from a poor working family. His was anything but. He was a charismatic but extremely dominating man, enjoying the pleasures of those human females deemed not suitable for breeding but sent to Skars at entertainment for our government leaders and the few allowed to participate in the acts of fornication. That left almost every kinky act on the table.
He was also the son of a very important man, someone not to be fucked with. The High Council member had power and great influence. Many of our people had accepted the task on Earth to escape the man’s tyranny. Bile slid into my throat, but I fought my burgeoning anger. “Degan. What brings you?”
“Hello, old friend,” he said as he laughed.
“Cut the pleasantries, Degan. You have a purpose for being here. Given the Feast begins tomorrow, I’d appreciate an expeditious answer. I have much to accomplish prior to the start.”
“Always the hard worker, Voltar. That is an admirable trait,” he tossed out. When he realized I wasn’t taking the bait, he finally answered, “New orders. Why else?” He huffed before darting his eyes all the way around the room. I could almost taste his arrogance from where I stood.
I took a swallow of the liquor, trying to keep what would be angry words from sliding past my lips. I didn’t need an enemy, not at this point in time. I also didn’t need someone to watch over every aspect of what I was doing. Secrecy was of utmost importance.
Taking a deep whiff, he chuckled as he issued a disapproving gaze in my direction. “Hmmm... I see you’ve grown used to the tastes of Earthlings, both in food as well as drink.” His swagger was far too exaggerated. He’d come here for a purpose, and no doubt, one I wouldn’t like. Helping himself, he searched through the various bottles, finally deciding on a cognac, my most prized liquor.
“Helps with the boredom.” I walked away, leaving him to serve himself. My hackles were raised, my anger increasing. I’d heard only that Degan had been tasked to serve on Earth, penance for some misdeed on Skars. The what I didn’t give a shit about.
Unless he was here to fuck with my team or our mission.
“Yes. I prefer other methods of relaxation,” he said as he snickered. He took his time, pouring and sniffing, rolling the liquid around in his glass. I simply allowed him the space while gathering my thoughts. “I’m certain you wonder who sent me here.”
“And I’m certain you’re very happy to tell me.”
Laughing, he finally took a sip and I could easily tell enjoyed the flavor. “You’ve done well for yourself. You captured, what, at least thirty of the animals today and all while carrying out such an important order?”
“Twenty-two to be exact.” If my mission as well as that of dozens of others was required to be on a need to know basis, why was he goading me? Had his father sent him on purpose? Even if his father had no love of my particular work ethic, I doubted the man would risk his high-ranking political position by confiding in his son.
“Excellent numbers. I’m certain your expertise will be commended.” He gave me a long look, gazing up and down. “You were also forced to discipline a human female today.”
I wasn’t shocked he’d already heard. “Yes, as required.”
“And what, pray tell did she do?”
“Ignore the rules.”
“Ah, interesting.” Degan gave me a curious look. “You’re obviously an excellent leader, my friend. My father always liked you, Voltar. Did you know that? You were like the son he’d always wished he’d had. You always had such... honor.”
“Cut the bullshit, Degan. Why are you here?” I could see how his eyes flashed at my lack of patience but also something else. He was trying to prove himself.
“The same reason you are, eliminating our enemies. Creating a new world of peace, prosperity, and fertility.”
I sighed and rubbed my eyes, tired from the last three days of a grueling schedule. I fought to keep from laughing. Why he was putting on a dramatic show was beyond me. Keeping one colony safe prior to the Feast was difficult enough. Two was almost too much for my group of men. Still, we’d managed. “And what else?”
He took another gulp before bothering to answer. “You’re well aware that you could be commissioned to serve in the lottery. A wonderful change in our rules, don’t you think?”
“I’ve heard rumors. Unsubstantiated I might add.”
“Well, I am happy to tell you that both you and Kodroth are indeed being considered for tomorrow’s lottery.”
How and why had he been given this kind of information? His father must have a dubious reason for telling his wayward son, breaking protocol. There were too many telltale signs. I’d never trusted Talin Gardan. He’d always had a hidden agenda, but nothing I’d ever been able to prove. I almost felt sorry for Degan, his father never spending time with him while he was growing up. Almost.
Taking a deep breath, I realized he’d mentioned only two of my group. I knew exactly where this was going. As required by the various laws approved almost fifty years before, three Centurions were required to mate with whatever species determined to continue at least a portion of our race. While humans were the flavor of choice and the most compatible, I’d heard of other successful breeding attempts. These weren’t decisions I could challenge. He wanted me out of the way in order to finish what he would take absolute credit for. “And.”
“And I’ve been selected as your replacement here, or so I’ve been told.” He tipped his head, his eyes shimmering from the contempt and joy that he was feeling. This was very much a game to him and I hated that fact more than almost anything.
The news was more enraging than anything I could have heard. The man was as asinine as I’d known and to think he’d take over my work infuriated every ounce of my being. “You aren’t suited for this operation.” There was no way he could handle the true mission. He didn’t have the background or the balls for that matter. There was no way the High Council would allow him to take over, no matter how influential his father was. What the hell was going on?
Degan kept his smile as he inched closer. “Oh, I assure you, I am very well suited, including the fact I have more tracking capabilities in order to hunt our true enemy. Including the fact that I can provide everything your team needs to meet our government’s goals and find great success. Including the fact that I’ve had specialized training over the past three years in order to lead a mission of this nature. You might not believe in my skills, Voltar, but trust me, others do.”
Snarling, I clenched my hand around the glass, almost snapping it into shards. “What enemy are you talking about?”
“Meaning Zayn Dupree.” He waited for the information to sink in. “Please. Don’t think that Zayn hasn’t become a folk legend. Yes, my father knew you were in over your head and I was requested specifically to come to your aid. Dupree has a great number of followers, brutal savages who will stop at nothing to thwart our success. But of course, you already knew that. Didn’t you?”
“Zayn is little more than a myth. Besides, no one is aware of our ultimate goal.” I was infuriated, but I knew there was more to this game. I wasn’t playing my hand at this point.
He held up a single finger. “Unfortunately, you’ve been in the field far too long. You don’t have the advantage of knowing just how organized the Demon and his men have become.”
I wanted nothing more than to rip out his eyes. He was guessing, and it was obvious that neither the High Council nor the commander assigned to my unit had any real understanding of what was occurring on Earth. Or maybe they were running scared of the marauder leader. “Get to the damn point, Degan.”
“The point is that there could be a mole in our ranks. He or she has been happily telling the Demons about our plans.”
I wasn’t ready to believe a word he was saying. Chuckling, I looked away.
“Believe what you need to believe, but the truth is well known. So, with the news of your many captures over the past few weeks, that left only myself to be placed in charge. Don’t worry, brother. I will take care of your men.”
Closing the distance, I almost took a swing but that’s exactly what the he wanted. “We shall see about this. You will never be allowed to be in charge of my men!” I’d finally had enough of the grandstanding.
“You won’t have a choice but don’t worry, there are still compromising situations on Skars. You must keep up with the news, my friend. We have enemies all around us, monsters ready to take over at any chance. Our land continues to be violated, even threatening the hybrids. Your great... leadership will be of significance in the continuing difficult fight on our planet. I’m certain you will be of... use.”
Hybrids. I loathed the word. Fucking hell, the man was arrogant. I was provided weekly reports, as all the stations were, but I was also obviously kept in the dark about many aspects of our home. Suddenly, the liquor left a vile taste in my mouth, but I was determined that he wouldn’t notice my discord at the information he’d spouted. Having one woman serve all three would prove to be a damning situation. I forced another gulp of my drink, wondering who I pissed off in order to get this man onto my team, leading my people. I almost laughed at the thought. My soldiers would crush him.
“Imagine how delicious it will be for you? A human female to train and teach our ways. I could only wish to be so very lucky. The plans I would have for her. It’s another aspect in which I’m certain you will excel.”
“Yes, I imagine you would have sadistic ideas.” I wanted nothing to do with this bastardized breeding ground, even though I had a taste for a particular female.
“No more sadistic than your own,” Degan said, laughing.
I was able to smell the fragrance of at least one female covering Degan’s body. On Earth for only a few hours and already he was snacking on females. I could barely tolerate his presence. “You have no idea who or what I am any longer. The work here is important, especially given the marauders are forming full armies, threatening not only our establishments but every colony as well.”
“Armies. I thought that portion of the stories was little more than a myth. Then again, maybe this Demon is indeed almighty powerful. Once again, my father could be right. Pity.”
“No myth. Whether Zayn is behind this or not, I’ve been here in the trenches, seeing how the marauders have changed over the last two years. They are strong and they are vicious. That is why I will make certain that I stay at my post.”
“You know better than to voice your opinion on a decision regarding the Feast, Voltar. This is our destiny and one you know is considered an honor in both methods of serving our cause.” He held contempt in his eyes. “I understand your fear of the marauders but hear me that Zayn is formidable in his own right, an enemy that must be annihilated.”
I could easily tell he harbored more information than he was telling, probably relating to the real reason for his arrival. He was beginning to sound just like his father. We would never be friends, nor would he confide in me, so why bother? Nothing had changed since our days of youth.
“I will do what’s required of me. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“Said like a true leader.” Degan lifted his glass. “Let us not argue on the eve of such a glorious occasion. To honor among bastards.”
As I looked into his ruthless eyes, I could only hope my anger for him could subside. I accepted his toast, allowing our glasses to touch, barely taking a sip before I heard the familiar buzzing sound. The High Council was calling just as expected. “I must attend to business. I will have a word with the commander then we will talk about whatever status you might have in my unit.”
“That won’t be necessary. I will follow you and learn of the direct command firsthand.
” His grin was just as fake as his supposed camaraderie.
“Very well.” As if I could stop him from doing as he pleased. I polished off the drink before striding out of my office and down the long corridor, keeping my head held high. The communications room would fill with my men, all eager to hear what they considered exciting news. Soon, many would be disappointed. I had to wonder where Degan had gotten his information or if it was correct in the first place. I would soon find out.
Kodroth sneered as Degan walked in behind me, already tensing. Degan’s reputation always preceded him.
“Captain Brezan,” one of my men said, standing at full attention, his eyes darkening as anger rolled into his system.
We rarely used Centurion formalities, no matter my status within our military. Certain rules didn’t apply in the field. I gave him a stern look, making certain that he backed down.
Maybe I was indeed becoming far too humanoid as I’d heard more than once.
I nodded and moved toward the telecom center. There was no need for preempting what would be told to us, no method of softening what many would consider a blow. Every one of my men was homesick, fighting hard these last two years for this single chance alone. I feared it would not come again for some time. To be faced with working under Degan was simply unacceptable.
“Commander Futan. We are all here,” I said as I folded my arms, leaning against the edge of the desk.
“Captain Brezan. Good to see you. Congratulations on your catch today. You’ve certainly eradicated more threats than the majority of other teams, especially these last weeks. The High Council is pleased.” Commander Futan smiled, making eye contact with almost everyone in the room with the exception of Degan. I would keep that in the back of my mind. I noticed he was very careful with his words, another curious factor given all my men were entrusted with Centurion secrets.
“Thank you, sir. We were concerned there would be an attack on Colony 57 and thwarted their actions.” I refused to mention I feared increased attacks.
“Excellent work. I am aware of additional attacks scattered throughout this continent as well as others. And yes, there is a planned counterattack that is being considered; however, this is not the reason for my call. As you are all aware, the Feast begins tomorrow.” The commander seemed bored. He, as well as every other councilmember, had harems of women ready to please and procreate. He couldn’t care less about the Feast.