“I killed strategic enemies to avoid large-scale battles. By ending one life, I was able to save countless others.” An unwanted surge of guilt made him add, “At least that’s how it started.”
She glanced at him, then away. “You’re inferring you killed for other reasons.”
“By the time I escaped the military, I was bitter and so damn angry. I only had one skill, and no one was willing to take a chance on a cyborg. It was kill again or starve. I guess it was inevitable that I fall back into the only life I’d known. I tried to make sure the people I agreed to eliminate deserved to die, but no one should make that decision alone. The entire situation was wrong, so I stopped taking contracts.”
“How do others know you are a cyborg? I’ve seen you in nothing but a towel. I certainly couldn’t tell.” The crests of her cheeks shimmered with iridescent color, and her gaze darted away from his face. Was this the Sarronti version of blushing?
Pleased by her subtle praise, he told her, “Most races have scanners that easily detect my modifications. I can’t hide what I am for long.”
She touched his arm, drawing his attention. He looked down at her, and she asked, “Why does the overlord want to see me?”
“He just wants to talk with you.” He didn’t even sound convincing to himself.
“Talk to me about what? Have I done something wrong?”
“You’ve done nothing wrong.” He stressed, hating the uncertainty in her eyes. He wanted to pull her into his arms, maybe reassure her with a tender kiss. But he hadn’t touched her in any way since their passionate encounter earlier in the week. Was she finally ready to move forward? Her touch was encouraging, but now was not the time. She needed to be calm and focused when she met Kage Razel. “The overlord just wants to make sure your situation is acceptable to you and see if you’re ready to talk about the underground. Our sources are indicating that something serious is about to happen. We need to know more about it.”
She nodded but said nothing more. Apparently she knew what he was talking about, which confirmed Kage’s suspicions. Something was going on in the world below, and the Outcasts needed to get ready.
They reached the Wheel and entered through the security station on deck one of the Viper. “You look lovely, by the way,” he said as they moved into one of the many elevators. “I like the outfit you chose very much.” They were alone in the small car, and awareness pulsed between them as she looked up at him.
“Thank you. I’m much more comfortable in female apparel.”
He just smiled, knowing many of the humans would find the comment archaic. Suspecting she was unprepared for what was about to happen, he said, “Kage Razel can be very intimidating, but you don’t need to be afraid. You have my word that he will not hurt you.”
“I can’t help feeling like I’ve failed in some way. Did the overlord have other reasons for wanting me in your cabin?”
The elevator opened, and they stepped out onto deck five. It was probably best if she heard it from him. She would feel less blindsided. “We’re not sure how, but you triggered the pull in me. The overlord was hoping I’d claim you as my mate.”
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other as her gaze lowered to his chest. “I thought the pull made it impossible for the couple to keep from...consummating the attraction.”
He curved his fingers around her chin and tilted her head back. “Keeping my hands off you has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
“I thought you had lost interest because of what Lady Isolaund did to me.”
“Never.” Unable to ignore the forlorn hopelessness in her voice, he leaned down and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was slow and tender, meant to comfort not arouse. After a long, sweet moment, he eased back and placed his hands on her hips. “I’d really like to court you, Arrista. Does this mean you’re willing to consider me as your mate?”
A swirl of color appeared on her cheeks as she said, “I have felt a connection with you from the very beginning. At the very least, I want to explore what it means.”
He smiled. “Does that mean yes?”
She finally smiled. “Yes. I want you to court me, but why would the overlord care one way or the other?”
Right. The overlord. He’d almost forgotten. With a heavy sigh, he lowered his arms and motioned her on down the corridor. “Alliances are sometimes formed by strategic pairings. Have the Sarronti ever utilized that strategy?”
“Of course. But I am not important enough to solidify a treaty. You would need to form a life bond with an Ayrontu female.” Her voice became resentful as she said, “Someone like Lady Isolaund.”
He scoffed, unable to disguise his scorn. “I’d rather go to war.”
They reached the overlord’s private quarters, and Torrin reached over and gave her hand a careful squeeze. “Ready?”
“I guess.” She didn’t sound confident, but that was unlikely to change.
He pressed his palm to the scanner to alert the overlord of their arrival.
“Visitor approved,” the ship’s computer informed, and the door parted for them. Torrin motioned Arrista inside.
ISOLAUND SAT IN HER favorite high-backed chair, stared into the holo-fire in her private chambers. Certice lay at her feet, head propped on her folded paws. Isolaund absently stroked the karron’s fur, as she often did when she was deep in thought. It had been three long days since General Alonov forced his way into her apartment and shoved Luppa’s tracker into Isolaund’s mouth. She shuddered. Just the memory of the vile act brought bile to the back of her throat. She could still taste the bitterness of poor Luppa’s blood. Alonov, the coldhearted bastard, slit the cub’s throat, murdered the helpless baby as a warning. He’d learned of the trap Isolaund had laid for him and expected her to deescalate the situation. If she didn’t convince the Guiding Council not to arrest him for trying to rape the human, he was prepared to kill all of Isolaund’s precious battle cats.
Her long nails bit into her palms as impotent anger boiled through her being. It had been the perfect plan, or so she’d thought. But the wily general had his people monitoring the central computer, and one realized she manipulated an image file and brought it to Alonov’s attention.
Not willing to risk any more harm falling on her battle cats, Isolaund went to her brother and managed to convince him that the recording was a fake. She claimed it had been doctored by one of Alonov’s many enemies and left for her to find. Indrex had been furious but had no choice. He informed the council, and the charges against Alonov were dropped.
Too restless to remain still, she pushed to her feet and began pacing. The general won this round. There was no denying the outcome. But she would be ready for the next. She would figure out a way to shape the situation to her advantage. Unfortunately, Alonov was a better ally than Indrex or the Guiding Council. The council was obsessed with peace and honestly thought the Sarronti could cohabitate with the warlike Outcasts. The idea was naive and dangerous, but the stupid bureaucrats couldn’t see it. Alonov, on the other hand, wanted to restore the Ayrontu to their rightful place and force the worthless Outcasts off their planet. Those were goals Isolaund was happy to support. She just wasn’t willing to become Alonov’s puppet in the process.
Certice’s head snapped up, and she growled menacingly as her golden eyes focused on the door.
“Perfect,” Isolaund muttered. Few were bold enough to disturb her in her private quarters, and only one would cause this reaction in Certice. Isolaund unlocked the door but only allowed it to open partway. Alonov stood in the corridor, looking smug and much too confident. He was massive for a Sarronti, nearly as big as the dreadful Outcasts. He wasn’t wearing armor, which was unusual. Some whispered that he slept in battle regalia. His light golden hair was clipped short, another rarity. Most Sarronti gloried in their long, flowing hair. His sharp, assessing gaze was several shades darker than his hair, more amber than gold.
She didn’t bother with a greeting. “What do you want?
”
“We need to talk.” His voice was low, yet forceful.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
He tried to force his way in, but Certice was ready this time. She lunged through the opening and clamped her jaws down on his leg. Alonov screamed, punching Certice in the face and shoulders as blood soaked his pant leg. “Call her off! Call her off!” Pain and panic made his voice shrill.
Worried for Certice’s safety, Isolaund obliged. “Deztee! Let go.”
The karron turned him lose with obvious reluctance but continued to growl as her large body blocked the doorway.
“You stupid bitch!” the general snarled, kicking at the cat. Certice snapped at him and raised her armor, making her appear even more vicious than usual.
“She is feline, not canine. Bitch is inaccurate.”
His angry gaze snapped to Isolaund’s face. “I was referring to you, not your cat. Now tell her to back off, or I’ll blast a hole through her head.” He reached for the firearm usually at his side, apparently forgetting he wasn’t dressed for war.
“Will you, now?” She smirked, and he glared. Certice crept forward, stalking her prey. Be calm, sweet girl. Isolaund’s mind voice was soft and soothing, encouraging Certice to settle down. I need to know what he’s plotting.
I am plotting his death. Certice shot back but finally stopped her stealthy advance. She obediently sat and lowered her armor, but her sharp golden gaze locked onto Alonov.
He sank to his good knee and put pressure on the seeping injury. “I need a bandage. This thing is really bleeding.”
Amused by his vulnerability, Isolaund just stared at him silently. Had Certice just solved her problem for her? If the useless bastard bled to death in this secluded corridor, Isolaund’s life would be much easier.
“Would you please get something to tie around my leg?” It sounded as if he were clenching his teeth.
The overt pleading in his tone snapped Isolaund out of her wishful thinking. If a karron bite killed a prominent Ayrontu, it would immediately end the battle cat program and likely cost the lives of all the trained karrons. Besides, Alonov said please.
With a sigh of resignation, she telepathically ordered Certice to go grab a dishtowel. A few moments later, the karron returned with a dingy rag, the sort Arrista used to clean the bathroom. She smiled. Clearly, Certice wasn’t ready to forget or forgive. Isolaund took the rag from her guardian and tossed it to Alonov.
“Thank you,” he said begrudgingly as he tied the cloth around his calf. “I can’t believe you let her do that.”
“You killed one of her cubs. You’re damn lucky she didn’t tear out your throat.”
He grimaced as he pushed back to his feet. “I need to speak with you. Get her out of my way.”
He was back to issuing orders. That hadn’t taken long. “I can hear you just fine from here.”
“Don’t be difficult. We have too much to discuss for you to hold a grudge.”
“Hold a grudge?” she snapped, pushing the door aside so she faced him. “You murdered one of the cubs and threatened the others. You treated me like—”
“A traitor who betrayed me to the council? I wonder why?” He glared down at her fists planted on his hips.
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. For the first time in their acquaintance, he was treating her like an equal. He was waiting for her to invite him inside rather than forcing his way past her. She found the development curious, and exhilarating.
“I’m glad you find this amusing,” he muttered. “I assure you, I do not!”
She stepped away from the door and motioned him inside. Less interested in what he had to say than how he would behave. Certice remained in his path but made no move toward him, even as he crossed the threshold and entered the apartment. He limped across the living room as Isolaund closed the door. He hobbled over to the nearest chair and plopped down. She tossed him another cloth before she sat facing him. Certice lay at her feet, which put the karron between Isolaund and the general.
“What do you want?” she asked again.
More of his blood in my mouth.
She fought back her amusement, knowing Alonov would misunderstand the reaction. Be still, brat. I don’t yet know when or how, but he will pay for what he did to baby Luppa.
Pausing long enough to add the new cloth to the makeshift bandage, he sank back into the chair with a sigh. “Did you activate the Shadow as agreed?”
“The council has seen the recording,” she pointed out. “Arrista cannot tell them anything they don’t already know.”
He dismissed the conclusion with an impatient wave of his hand. “I’m not worried about the council. Arrista is your handmaiden. She can tell the Outcasts all sorts of things they should not know. Did you activate the Shadow or not?”
“I did not,” she said firmly. “Revealing the Shadow at this point would be foolish.” Before he could argue, she rushed on to another subject. “How were you treated by the council?”
“They were polite, even apologetic, but they have forbidden me from attacking the Outcasts.”
She shrugged, feeling almost as uncharitable toward the Guiding Council as she did toward Alonov. “Do it anyway. Your son’s life is on the line. The people will defend your actions.”
His brows lowered, shadowing his amber eyes. “Your darling brother issued a proclamation stating that anyone who launches an offensive against the Outcasts will be considered a traitor and can be executed on sight. He sent it to every person in the military.”
Shocked by her brother’s rash action, she stared at Alonov. “That encourages anyone with aspirations for your position to move against you.”
His scowl grew even darker. “Indrex is obviously hoping for a mutiny.”
“Is one likely?” Damn. She never would have thought Indrex capable of something this gutsy. Her little brother was growing up.
“Power is always coveted. It has long since been my habit to sleep with one eye open.”
She was one of those who had stabbed him in the back. Why would he come crawling back to her? It made no sense. “If Indrex is determined to avoid war, how does he intend on getting Farlo back from the Outcasts?”
“I asked him that, and he told me it was council business.” His bitter expression revealed his frustration. “He believes he has put me in my place.”
Alonov couldn’t have come for sympathy. He knew damn well he wouldn’t get any from her. She had no interest in his conflicts and complications. She had enough of her own to worry about. “What do you want from me? This conversation is tiresome.”
“I want my son back.” Determination and a hint of defiance rang through the simple statement.
She narrowed her gaze, unsure what he expected her to do about it. “Whatever influence I had over Indrex was exhausted when I—”
“Indrex won’t help me, that much is clear. My strategy is much more direct. The council forbade me from attacking the Outcasts. They said nothing about a rescue mission.”
The Outcasts had successfully infiltrated the world below and stolen back an important hostage. They’d made Alonov and her look like fools in the process. It was only fair that they return the favor. “I’m listening.”
“A small team could sneak into their stronghold, locate Farlo and set him free. If we encounter Outcasts along the way, no one would object if we defend ourselves.”
Reaching down, she raked her long fingernails through Certice’s thick fur. “It lacks detail, but I’m not opposed to the concept.”
“That’s why I’m here. You’re going to provide the details.” He made the statement as if it were already a fact.
“Am I, now?” Certice tossed her head and let out a subtle growl. “Why would I do that?”
“Because once Farlo is out of danger, I intend to stage a coup. This nonsense with the council has gone on long enough. The Ayrontu must be restored to their rightful position, and I intend to be the one who makes that happen. I have alrea
dy enlisted the support of four Ayrontu houses. You are the eldest member of House Farr. Will you support the insurrection or not?”
“You have my support,” she said without hesitation. “But I’m not sure how you expect me to provide details for the rescue mission.”
Challenge arched his brow, the expression slightly condescending. “You disappoint me. If you truly have a Shadow agent positioned within the Outcasts, you have access to anything we need. It’s time for you to fulfill your promise. Activate the Shadow.”
Chapter Six
Arrista’s heart beat frantically and her mouth turned to sand as she stepped into the overlord’s sanctum. The room was larger than Torrin’s, though not nearly as grand as Lady Isolaund’s chambers. Arrista visually scanned the austere furnishings, many built into the surrounding walls. Then her curious gaze landed on the overlord. He stood facing a panorama that spanned two walls. It was an aerial shot of the Wheel and the surrounding forest. Like a pale blue serpent the Edassin River wound its way through the trees, providing the Outcasts with fresh water and fish. The abundant water also attracted innocent animals for the mercenaries to murder and consume. She shuddered, unable to hide her disgust.
“You’re safe,” Torrin whispered, misunderstanding her reaction. “He will not hurt you.”
Torrin’s large, warm hand lightly pressed against the small of her back, steadying her, reminding her she was not alone.
The overlord continued to study the intricate vista, rudely ignoring his guests. The image must have been taken from one of their spaceships before they were lashed together to form the massive domicile. Or did they still have ships in the sky high above Sarronti? Dismissing the distracting thought, she focused on the Outcasts’ leader. He looked like a barbarous ruler surveying his domain. A conqueror inspecting the lands he had just wrested from the primitive inhabitants.
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