Taming an Angel

by Kathleen Lash

  The ship began rhythmically lurching. In warp, it could be fatal. Wiring wouldn’t account for the problem, although it couldn’t hurt to leave the two of them under the control panels to straighten out other troubles. The next time they needed thrusters, it’d be wonderful to have them work without a kick or punch.

  She walked quickly to the engine room. Four men surrounded Zoe. They worked fervently, not wanting the ship to give up. If it did and they hurled from warp at their current speed, they’d be splattered across the heavens. They affected repairs in the wrong area but she let them work. Again, anything they fixed would be something less for her to do later. The engines stayed together with a lick and a promise. She’d adjusted various components throughout the ship to get to Doxyn. She wasn’t the very best wrench-puller but even a Class I, Governance-trained, highly skilled flight mechanic 24

  Taming an Angel

  could run around as she did to patch what broke. The sanitizing units and chairs seemed to be the only things functioning without a glitch.

  A heavy two-tone wrench lay on the floor and she picked it up. Fatigue made her conjure things not appropriate, such as which engine to vent her frustration on. The bent valve on the side of the small reactor shimmied, threatening to come apart. Anger bled away and she chose to ignore how tired she’d become. If she didn’t act quickly, they’d have a leak on board. That certainly couldn’t be good. The valve also created an unsteady flow of pressure and caused the rolling motion. She drew the wrench over her shoulder and lined up. Placing full effort into the strike, she grunted from the strain of swinging the heavy tool.

  “Ughhhh.” Bang! “ Ughhhh.” Bang!

  She kept swinging to drive the pivot back into the notch. The lurching smoothed out slightly as she slammed it into place. On an upward motion, the tool slid from her hands. She spun and found Tiernan glaring at her, holding her makeshift hammer. He’d changed into one of the black uniforms from the hold. From across the room, Zoe and four men stood staring at them.

  “You’ll blow us to bits,” Tiernan said.

  She’d loosened the pivot and unless it got driven into place fast, they’d die. The ship started bucking. She wouldn’t waste her breath explaining a thing to Tiernan.

  “Zoe!”

  The strum of a laser made the men turn. Zoe Cross passed through doorways requiring six inches less clearance than most beings, but her small size didn’t mean she was slow or incapable. The gun targeted Tiernan. Jessica pulled the wrench from his hand and started to work. As far as she was concerned, he could stand there all eve with his mouth agape. A few more blows had the ship merely lurching again. She kept at the task, refusing to let her arms give out before she righted the problem.

  When he swiped the tool a second time, she ordered, “Zoe, kill this slimwit!”

  “Nay,” Tiernan said, putting up his hand to still his men.

  Jessica sometimes said things she didn’t mean. Zoe understood and wouldn’t have shot a nonaggressive man, but Jessica had forgotten about his men. They could’ve hurt Zoe. She’d need to keep her temper in check for another twenty-one minutes.

  “I see what you’re doing. I didn’t understand but do now. Stand back, Storm, and I’ll put it right for you.”

  When he drew the wrench over his shoulder, she cautioned, “You miss, we die.”

  “Yeah, yeah, like your piece of shat ship ain’t been trying to kill us already.” With one mighty blow, the pivot lodged deep and the thrusters whirred normally. Placing the wrench down, he brushed black strands of hair from his face. “Is there a thing on your vessel that doesn’t need a kick or punch to function?”

  She glanced at the men who’d begun working again in the engine room. “To your credit, Tiernan, it appears your men don’t need much prodding to lend a hand. I 25

  Kathleen Lash

  appreciate yours too with the sensitive adjustment to our reactor.” She took a step, placed a finger against his chest, looked up and said rather quietly, “However, the next time you push, pull, grab or get familiar with me in any way, you’ll get me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry.”

  He leaned down until the tip of his nose almost touched hers. “And what about kissing you? You didn’t mention it and I need to be sure what the rules are.”

  About to spell out exactly what she wouldn’t tolerate, Jessica heard the hiss of compressed air before she caught a flash of white through the corner of her eye. Zoe had ruptured the fitting she’d been tightening. She fell backward and men quickly surrounded her. Jessica shot past Tiernan in an attempt to get to her friend. When the men wouldn’t move, she tried clearing a path by kicking the backs of their knees and shoving them. Jessica’s heart pounded. She couldn’t get through the wall of Braughmen and knew Zoe would be terrified.

  “Get away from her,” Jessica yelled before someone grabbed her around the waist.

  “Hold on, Storm. Finn’s got your gal,” Tiernan said.

  Her leg drew up before her boot landed against his shin. He didn’t budge. She tried twisting but couldn’t get free. Finn having Zoe was a huge problem and she didn’t want to waste time explaining. She shouldn’t have to explain! “Damn you, let me go!”

  “It’s okay, Jessica. My wrist. He’s getting it wrapped up,” Zoe said.

  “Did you hit an artery? How much blood?”

  “A lot, but it’s okay.”

  It wasn’t okay. She’d been surprised to find Zoe working in the small room with so many men in the first place. Zoe had been pierced and trained like her and Angela. The aftermath of the torture left Zoe permanently and irrevocably terrified of most beings, especially males.

  However brave Zoe’s words were, her voice shook. Jessica watched her scoot away from Finn while leaving her arm outstretched so he could finish wrapping the tourniquet he’d made from a discarded cloth.

  “Easy, wee one. A few more turns and you’ll not bleed so much.” He finished wrapping before splitting the cloth and tying it around her wrist. “See? Now we’ll get you to medical to fix it proper.”

  Tiernan said, “Your patch needs to hold until we reach the other ship. Medical’s a can of scraps and cloth. Nothing in there would put that gash to rights.”

  “Storm?” The overhead speaker blared.

  “In the engine room, Angela,” Jessica replied, watching the big man care for Zoe.

  One wrong move and she’d kill him.

  “We’re approaching the Governance vessel Efface. They’ve ordered us to prepare to dock.”

  26

  Taming an Angel

  Jerking free of her captor, she pushed through the men and said, “The ship Guardian should be collecting the Braughmen. We are not docking. They’re to transport Tiernan and his men. We’re going home.”

  “I complained about that very thing and they said to comply.”

  “Jessica?” Zoe cried out.

  “Who’s commanding the vessel?” Jessica demanded as she knelt near Zoe.

  A new commander was slated to take control of Efface. She could only hope it’d happened. Zoe laid her head against Jessica’s chest as men stepped away. Jessica embraced her while stroking her back. They’d been promised release if they managed to get Tiernan. Maybe the new commander didn’t understand the conditions of their mission.

  “Commander Bragg.” The distress in Angela’s reply couldn’t be more obvious.

  Zoe whimpered and Jessica’s mind spun in twenty directions at once. She didn’t think Bragg would outright lie to them.

  “Tell him we can’t dock. Tell him we can’t come out of warp.” The warp drive disengaged and rumbled as everything in the engine room fell silent. “Never mind, they’re listening.”

  “Storm,” Commander Bragg’s voice boomed from the speaker.

  “Bragg,” Jessica said, stroking Zoe’s colorless hair. She couldn’t help his name coming out like a curse. Bastard, liar! She and Angela would probably survive more time with him. Zoe wouldn’t. Before the deal to get Tierna
n could be sealed, Zoe had tried taking her own life. If they spent much time aboard Efface with Bragg, Zoe would find a way to finish what she’d attempted.

  “From the life readings on board, I see you’ve collected Tiernan?”

  “Aye,” Tiernan replied. “She got me men too.”

  “Wonderful, Mister Tiernan. We’ll make you comfortable and sit down to bargain.”

  “What good would a bargain be? You seem to have broken your word with Storm.”

  “Storm and her crew belong to me, Sir. I own them.”

  “If you own them, you’ve been remiss in their care. Since when do you send a gal into a Doxyn prison alone?” The deep rumble of Tiernan’s heated voice didn’t seem appropriate.

  Bragg hadn’t lied to him and probably wouldn’t.

  The ship lurched. They’d been snagged and would soon be pulled into the belly of the Serenity Governance’s mammoth vessel.

  “We’ll speak face-to-face, Sir and all will be assured. Prepare yourselves.”

  Jessica held Zoe’s face in her hands. The tears sparkling in Zoe’s eyes made her look younger and weak. A plan came to mind and Jessica acted on it immediately.

  “Listen to me, Zoe.”

  Zoe nodded.

  27

  Kathleen Lash

  “You need to be brave. All you have to do is let this very nice man take care of you.”

  Zoe’s gaze shot to the man still holding her wrist and she started using her feet to scoot away. He held her gently so she couldn’t leave. He’d also been very careful wrapping her wound. Jessica prayed he’d go easier on her than Bragg.

  “There, there, wee gal. Me name’s Finn. Don’t fret none.”

  Jessica feared Bragg still listened and kept her voice low. “You owe me and I’m collecting. I need you to lay claim to Zoe. Insist they take her to medical and fix her wrist. After that, don’t make a fuss—just take her to your cabin. She stays with you until I can straighten this mess out. Don’t let anyone near her. And Zoe,” she said, looking at her friend, “don’t get caught alone. All right?”

  “You’ve asked for the gal’s protection and you’ll get it. Nothing will happen to her,” Finn replied.

  Jessica grabbed a fistful of his shirt. “You make damn sure no one touches her. You make sure you don’t touch her or I’ll make the Doxyn look like a pack of playful children. Do you understand?”

  “You don’t have to threaten. I get it.” He appeared irritated that she’d questioned his reliability. It eased the lump that’d formed in her throat.

  “Zoe?” Jessica asked, drawing her attention.

  “I can’t,” she whispered.

  “You will.”

  “Please don’t make me.”

  “Cross!” Jessica whispered furiously. It snapped Zoe out of her pitiful stupor.

  “You’ll obey my orders to the letter. You screw up and I’ll give you to Bragg myself.”

  “Yes, Storm.” Her huge, glassy, golden-eyed gaze shot to Finn and the tears fell.

  Zoe flinched as Finn wiped her cheeks. “Look at me, gal. Do I look like a beastie who’d gobble you up?” He did have an amazing smile. Zoe wasn’t buying it and as fresh tears dripped, he patiently brushed them with his thumbs. “Then whilst alone, I’ll stay away from you. I warn you now though, you’ll be kept awake with me snoring.

  You won’t get a bit of rest.”

  Zoe grinned and relief washed through Jessica.

  “Zoe,” Jessica said. “You’ll have to let him touch you. You know that. At least in front of Governance personnel.”

  There wasn’t much time and she couldn’t afford to waste it coercing Zoe into a reasonable course of action. Jessica stared and grabbed Zoe’s chin to hold her still. “He’s touching you now, Cross, so pull yourself together and quit that damn sniveling! Act like a soldier, not a whiny child!”

  Jessica stood and turned to leave. Coddling Zoe made the situation worse. She responded to orders, not pity. Jessica walked from the area to make another deal before 28

  Taming an Angel

  they docked. Outside the engine room Tiernan grabbed her arm and twisted her around. What the hell did he have to be so angry about?

  “You’re a bitch, you know that?” he asked, indignation dripping from his tone.

  “Sure. You done?” She tried pulling free and got nowhere.

  “You didn’t have to be so rough with the gal. Didn’t you see she was scared to death?”

  Jessica’s eyes narrowed. She couldn’t believe how angry she’d become. That level of fury hadn’t surfaced in years.

  “Yes, I know she’s scared.” She kept her voice as low as his, knowing Governance could listen anywhere on board.

  “Why?”

  “Why did I bark an order?”

  “Aye.”

  “So she’d stop feeling sorry about her lot and pull herself together. I’ll hold her and let her cry it out later if we get lucky. If she gets hysterical and they don’t believe she’s with Finn, she’s fair game.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “There isn’t time.” She needed to hurry but took a moment to release a long breath and gaze into his eyes. “Your man Reilly, is he trustworthy?”

  “Aye, any and all me men can be trusted.”

  “He needs to claim Angela.”

  “What if she were to want a different man?”

  “Not possible.” As if any of them would choose a man.

  “And we’re back to you being a bitch. You take much for granted.”

  “You really don’t know?” It seemed impossible Tiernan didn’t understand her position with the Governance. She’d investigated him and his tribe prior to attempting a rescue. Because Braughmen travel a lot, she’d assumed he understood her status.

  Especially after how she’d created a diversion.

  “Nay, not what you’re up to. Educate me.”

  The vibration surrounding them grew in intensity. They were entering Efface.

  Governance soldiers would escort them off the ship very soon.

  “You owe me. Promise me Reilly will claim Angela.” She hoped to gain safety for both women but Angela would understand if only Zoe could be protected. Jessica would take what she could get.

  Tiernan glared at her. He wouldn’t give his word and she closed her eyes in resignation. So be it.

  “And if me man Reilly lays claim to your Angela, what happens to you?”

  29

  Kathleen Lash

  “If you’ll keep both of them safe, your personal debt to me is paid.” As if she could claim Tiernan owed her a thing! She acted under Governance orders to retrieve him.

  She’d no entitlement to make demands. Desperation forced her to utter ridiculous statements. Strangely, Tiernan didn’t argue.

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her along. She only tolerated the rough handling because he headed directly toward the command center. They found Angela chewing the side of a thumb, unaware she’d bitten it bloody. Reilly seemed most intent on her and rested a hand on her shoulder. Angela probably didn’t even notice.

  Tiernan pulled Reilly close, motioning for him to bring Angela into the huddle.

  “You’ll need to take me at me word and do as I say. You’ll be partnered with this gal whilst on board the Gov ship. You’ll be sharing quarters. Reilly, you’ll demand to have her if you’re questioned.”

  Angela’s gaze shot to Jessica as Reilly smiled. “Aye, Shane.”

  “Angela,” Jessica said, “do as he says. You know what’ll happen if you step aboard unclaimed.”

  She nodded hesitantly, looking way up at Reilly. “Will Bragg hold to a claim, Jessica?”

  “He wants use of the Braughmen. It’s the best chance for you and Zoe. And don’t let Zoe sense you’re upset! Let Bragg see you’ve no problem with this man.”

  “Yes, Jessica,” she said, her voice sounding small.

  “You’ll not touch the gal, Reilly. You get me?” Tiernan warned his man.

&nb
sp; “Not even if she was to want me?” Reilly asked.

  Tiernan looked at Jessica for an answer.

  She knew the possibility of that particular scenario unfolding. “Oh sure, go right ahead if she wants you.”

  Angela’s gaze dropped and she chewed harder on her poor thumb. Reilly took her hand from her mouth, reached over to the console and retrieved a discarded cloth. He wiped the blood from her lips before wrapping her thumb.

  The ship thudded down before the hatch and outer door opened. Tiernan straightened his posture and bellowed, “Braughmen, you’ll come to mass presently.

  Gov’s gone to some trouble to get our attention. Let’s not make them wait.”

  Men came together with Angela and Zoe tucked in their midst. Her friends looked extremely safe with Braugh warriors surrounding them. A moment of self-pity made her throat constrict and stick in mid-swallow. She’d asked a lot of Tiernan and believed he’d keep to their deal. She’d made no provision for herself and musings of what might happen formed in her mind. Her shoulders slumped and legs grew weak.

  Taking the gun from its holster, she looked at it longingly before placing it on the console. She stroked it, wishing she could keep it when facing Bragg. Something warm touched her chin before she jerked away.

  30

  Taming an Angel

  Tiernan withdrew his hand and gazed at her. “We’ll get your head tended soonest, gal. That’ll put you to rights.” He no longer looked or acted the least bit angry.

  If only a cut were the extent of her problems!

  31

  Kathleen Lash

  Chapter Three

  Jessica stood back as Braugh warriors formed two lines. Angela remained close to Reilly while Finn held Zoe. Finn’s makeshift tourniquet slowed the flow of blood from her wrist but the crimson spot on the front of her uniform had increased. She’d grown weak quickly and needed assistance.

  Commander Bragg never changed. The dark blue uniform hugged every inch of his six-foot frame with the glint of medals adorning his chest. His icy, blue-eyed gaze could look beyond the exterior of a being and see into their deepest recesses. He always took great care to appear impeccably groomed. A leather band across his forehead held shaggy, long brown hair away from his face. Freshly shaven, he appeared as cold and sharp as any blade she’d ever seen. Too bad his personality paralleled his image. He could make women bleed.