Taking the opportunity for greater height, she hopped up on the bed and prepared to leap over him and make for the bathroom. Before she could move, however, he grumbled, “A simple refusal would have sufficed.”
“I thought you said I belonged to you. Property doesn’t have a choice,” she sneered, daring him to make a move.
He rolled his eyes in exasperation as he slowly pulled himself to his feet, careful to keep her in his sights at all times. “It is true that you are mine, but I do not bed unwilling females. It is dishonorable on my world, not to mention that it is not as fun if you are having to worry about protecting your manhood from kicking feet,” he added, his face creasing with a wry grin. “I will wait until you are willing to join me in my bed.”
“Yeah, don’t hold your breath, buddy. I don’t make a habit of sleeping with alien kidnappers,” she shot back.
He laughed as he walked back toward the door. “We will see about that, little warrior. I must leave you now, for a time, but I will return to take you to your friend when she awakes. It is my wish for you to be comfortable here. Speak your request to Command and it will see to your needs. Perhaps you will wish for more clothing. I would hate to kill my crew should they get a glimpse of your lovely round bottom or sweet woman’s center.”
His smile was wicked and his eyes full of promise as he left her standing speechless on the bed. When the door closed behind him, she raised both middle fingers in an American salute. “Damn, arrogant, sexy bastard,” she muttered, collapsing back on the bed to stare out the window at the stars.
Chapter Six
Mikael R’Varsel sat at the desk in his quarters and studied the data compiled by the ship’s computer about his captive. He was fascinated by her. In all his years as a commander of the flag ship of the royal fleet, he had never met another creature that appealed to him as viscerally as this human woman. When he had first laid eyes on her standing bravely in defense of her friend, he was amused at the sight of a mere female facing off against himself and two of his best warriors. He had thought nothing of Gregori’s injury, chalking it up to the element of surprise, but when she had battled Andreus and drew blood within seconds, he knew he had to find out more about this fierce human. Never had he seen a human, much less a female, move so fast and with such accuracy.
He took a moment to split his concentration from the human database to watch her in her room. She had taken his advice and demanded clothing from the computer, and he chuckled as he watched her doggedly mandate instructions on how to operate the replicator until she was satisfied with the results. Returning his attention to his files, he quickly scanned through the information about her parentage, noting she was an only child of an American soldier and Japanese mother, before finally landing on the information he sought.
There were several video files available from a database where Earthlings uploaded homemade videos of themselves, and he clicked on the first one. He watched with interest as Katsuko, wearing a strange white uniform with a black sash around her waist, entered into an open arena to face off against another female wearing similar garb. A man stepped between them, appearing to give instruction, and then signaled with his hand. The two women circled each other, dancing from foot to foot, until his little warrior went on the attack. She was fast, zipping toward her opponent to reach in and strike with snap kicks and jabs. The other woman, too busy defending, was no match for his little warrior, and the battle was soon over with Katsuko declared the winner. Moving on to another video, he watched as she gave a demonstration of a fighting style called “Snake.”
“Command, analyze this file and retrieve information on this fighting technique,” he ordered, his eyes glued to the graceful, but deadly, movements of the woman.
“Analyzing. Katsuko Mahoney is demonstrating a form of martial arts fighting called Shaolin Kung Fu. This style is based upon the movements of an Earth reptile called a snake. This fighting style allows for rapid advancements and sidestepping footwork. Using swift hand jabs to strike at weak spots on an opponent, the practitioner sidesteps direct attack while using focused jabs to disable their opponent,” the computer answered.
Mikael was fascinated. Never had he seen a warrior that moved like she could. On his home world of T’Kala, warriors were trained to overwhelm and attack with brute power and force. Because of this, their fighting forces were comprised solely of males while the females held positions requiring supreme intelligence such as medical, legal, and political positions within their government. What few females they did have in their armed forces were experts on strategy, culture, and weapons creation. Never had he seen a female take down a fully-trained warrior like his Katsuko.
“Commander, Katsuko Mahoney is requesting access to classified files. She has been informed that access is denied, but she ordered a message sent to you,” the computer interrupted his musings.
A grin spread across his face as he looked at the live feed to her room where she was standing tapping her foot impatiently. “Proceed with message,” he ordered.
A recording of her voice was played for him. “I know you’re listening to me, you big jerk. You said you wanted me to be comfortable here, so in order for me to be comfortable, I need information. Jarvis refuses to give me that. So do your ‘command override’ thing and let me get the information I need!”
He laughed loudly as her voice continued to rise in her agitation. Never could he remember smiling and laughing as often as he had since she came into his life. It only helped that his body wanted her badly, and even now, he had to arrange the hard bulge in his pants for comfort.
“Command, what access does she request? And who is Jarvis?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Katsuko Mahoney requests access to information about you, the T’Kala home world, known occupied planets, instructions on how to pilot this vessel, and how to navigate among the star systems. Accessing foreign human database…J.A.R.V.I.S. is an acronym for Just A Rather Very Intelligent System, which is an artificially intelligent computer system that aids the fictional character of Tony Stark in an entertainment movie franchise called ‘Iron Man.’ Katsuko Mahoney gave Command the instruction to ‘shut up’ unless she requests information via this name,” the computer reported.
Again, he roared in laughter. The door to his quarters opened and an officer rushed in. “Commander, is everything alright?” Gregori demanded, his hand hovering at his waist where his blade was secured.
Mikael waved his concerns away. “At ease, Gregori. All is well. I am just dealing with my spirited captive.”
Gregori’s eyes landed on the image of Mahoney where she was prowling her room like a caged vlarnek. “I do not know why you brought her with us. That one is nothing but trouble.”
Mikael nodded absently. “You are still smarting from the beating she gave you. She is a fierce warrior and she could teach us many things.”
Gegori’s icy blue eyes studied his commander shrewdly. “She is also beautiful and would be a challenge in your bed. There are far more biddable and soft women who would be happy to allow you between their legs.”
Mikael’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “But where is the fun in that, my friend? This little warrior could bear strong sons and fierce daughters. I anticipate the challenge of bending her to my will.”
“I do not envy you this task, Commander. I prefer my women to be pliant and welcoming. I leave you to it,” he replied, saluting his superior with a fist to his heart.
When Gregori left his rooms, Mikael addressed the computer. “Command override. Allow all access to files about myself, the planet of T’Kala, and other occupied planets. Restricted access remains for information regarding this vessel and navigation. Any other access requests made by Katsuko Mahoney should be patched directly to me.”
“Affirmative,” the computer replied.
Mikael absently stroked his beard while he watched his monitor. Command relayed his instructions, and she thankfully seemed mollified by the concessions he had ma
de. Immediately, she fired off question and after question. It made his chest swell that she specifically wanted to know more about him. Perhaps they could find some common ground that would create an opportunity to taste her sweet lips and feel her breasts pressed against his chest once more.
Chapter Seven
Two hours later, Mahoney’s head was swimming with information and a headache was blooming behind her eyes. She lay back on her bed with her arm thrown over her eyes and reviewed everything she had learned about Commander Mikael R’Varsel and his home world of T’Kala. Her captor was a highly decorated and trained warrior who commanded the flagship for the royal fleet. In Earth years, he was 35 years old, unmarried, and had no children. He spent most of his time on his vessel and commanded a squadron of 24 warriors plus 64 support crew including engineering and medical personnel, some of which were species other than T’Kalans.
Her questions about his home world had been highly enlightening, as well. T’Kala was a much smaller planet than Earth, with only an estimate of 65 million inhabitants. The ruling leader was a young, 29 year old king named Korian Ak’Falin who ascended to the throne when his father, the king, died in battle three years past. She was surprised to learn that females were held in high esteem for their intelligence, cleverness, and scientific advances, but were not known for strength and fighting ability. Their entire military force was comprised solely of males who trained from a young age to become ruthless fighting machines. The biggest shock, when she questioned Jarvis about other species on the planet, was to learn that humans from Earth were living there among 31 other different species of intelligent life forms. When she questioned the computer further about the humans, she was given the frustrating answer of “Access denied.” Though she was curious about other species and planets, she decided to take a well-earned rest before her head exploded with a migraine.
Her rumination was interrupted when the male computer voice announced, “Per your request, I am reporting that the human Jessica MacGregor has awakened.”
Mahoney leapt from the bed, and demanded, “Jarvis, inform your commander that I demand to be taken to my friend immediately.”
“Commander Mikael R’Varsel has been notified and will arrive at your quarters in five minutes time,” Jarvis answered.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Mahoney rushed to the bathroom and viewed her appearance. It had taken several frustrating attempts with the replicator to fashion clothing remotely resembling anything she would have worn on Earth. Instead of the form-fitting jumpsuit worn by Mikael, she had managed to retrieve loose black pants reminiscent of yoga pants that would allow for ease of movement, a sports bra that contained and supported her full, size B breasts, functional underwear, and a smaller version of her nightshirt in a blood red color. Jarvis had refused to provide her with scissors to cut her longer hair, deeming them a possible weapon, but had at least replicated a hair tie and headband to keep her hair out of her face.
When she heard the door to her room open, she peered around the edge of the bathroom door and saw the smug, sexy bastard waiting for her. She approached him cautiously, but his body language was loose and as non-threatening as an almost 7 foot tall, muscle-bound alien could be.
“I need to see Jessica. She will be scared and the news that we are no longer on Earth will come better from me than from you or your men,” she stated without preamble.
He studied her appearance, and completely disregarding her words, he said, “I liked your hair better down and flowing down your back. It is like a silky, black waterfall.”
Her eyes snapped with temper. “And I liked my hair better the way it was before you kidnapped me and hijacked my body for ‘corrective treatment’!”
He huffed an aggravated breath and explained, “You had to receive medical treatment for the stun flare I used, as well as the language modification protocol that is standard issue for any new species that boards this vessel. I do not understand your resentment of the treatment. Our technology has repaired years of abuse to your bones, muscles, and ligaments including the removal of the metal pin in your right foot.”
She stared at him open-mouthed in stunned silence before erupting in fury. “There are so many things wrong with what you just said that I hardly know where to start. First, you conveniently left out the whole ‘kidnapping’ part, which would have prevented everything else you’ve done to me. Secondly, what the hell is the thing you just said about language modification? Finally, besides the removal of the pin and my tattoos, you decided in your infinite wisdom to make my hair longer. Is there anything of my original body you’ve left intact?”
His face began to heat with anger, embarrassment, or both. “The language modification protocol was for your benefit. Had we not given you the implant, you would not be able to harangue me with your ceaseless complaints. Would you rather have been left ignorant of what is being said by your captors? I told you that I want you to be comfortable here, and that can best be done by ensuring communication.” He stopped to take a calming breath, and reluctantly answered her last question. “And for your information, there remains one thing of your original body that has been left intact, against my better judgement.”
“And that would be?” she demanded, hands on her lean hips.
“The small plastic device in your uterus that prevents conception and ceases your woman’s blood,” he answered, his eyebrows lowered in consternation. He was obviously not happy about that decision.
The relief that swept through her at this knowledge almost brought her to her knees. The last thing she needed to worry about in this whole messed up situation was getting knocked up with an alien baby. “Thank God,” she sighed heavily.
That was apparently not the reaction he wanted. His long, corded legs ate up the distance between them and he cornered her against the wall. Before she could bring her hands up in defense, he snatched them in one of his big hands and raised them above her head and pinned her legs and torso with his body. He leaned his head down to ear and nuzzled along her neck where his beard tickled her nerve endings. Her chest rose and fell with quickened breaths, anxiety and desire mixing to create a combustible fire in her blood.
“It is a crime against the stars to prevent a woman such as you from creating new life. I think I would like to see your belly rounded with my son or to watch my daughter nurse from your swollen breasts. Such warriors we could raise together, my lovely Katsuko,” he murmured against her ear, his words sending goose bumps skating up her arms.
Her breath stuttered weakly and her heart raced at the images he invoked. She struggled futilely against his hold, but couldn’t decide if it was truly an objection to being captive or from the heat his words had created low in her belly. “I will not be your whore or your broodmare. Let me go,” she whispered, her words lacking conviction.
His free hand was busy tracing up the slope of her waist until it came to rest under her breast. With slow, torturous strokes, his thumb traced and caressed her nipple until it beaded into a hard point under his touch. She sucked in a desperate breath when he palmed her breast and squeezed, sending a jolt of electricity straight to her core. Her hips moved restlessly against his where she could feel the steely hardness of his shaft pressing into her belly.
A deep, seductive chuckle reverberated against her neck where he was nipping and sucking at the skin there. “Your body is telling a different story than your words, my fierce one,” he whispered huskily into her ear.
Tipping his head to the side, he claimed her lips with urgent need. He invaded her mouth like a conqueror, licking, stroking, and stealing her breath with his passion. He caught her moan into his mouth and drank it down, coaxing and teasing another to follow in its wake. Mahoney was lost in the maelstrom of lust his touch inspired, and struggled to give back as good as she got. Never in her life had she been swept away with the craving to feel a man claim her body and make it his until that moment. She never even noticed when he released her hands and they drifted down to his
shoulders to slide behind his head and pull him closer.
Their heated embrace was interrupted when the computer announced, “Commander, the human female Jessica MacGregor is demanding to see Katsuko Mahoney.”
Mikael hissed a low curse as he reluctantly stepped away from the tempting human woman and Mahoney hid her flaming face in her hands. Guilt and shame crashed over her in waves. While she had been sucking face with her alien captor, her dear friend had been alone and scared.
What kind of friend am I? she berated herself furiously. Straightening her hair and clothing, she decided to behave as if nothing had happened and carry on. “I’m ready to see Jessica. Please take me to her now before she has time to truly panic.”
He nodded his head to her curtly and led her out the door of her room and into the hallway of the living quarters. They walked in strained silence for several minutes before he cleared his throat and asked, “I find myself curious, Katsuko. It mentions in your file that you hold a profession called ‘stuntwoman.’ What does this mean?”
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, and when she saw he was sincere, she decided to appease him since he had kept to his word by not harming them. “Do you know what television shows and theater movies are?”
He nodded his head and added, “Yes, they are entertainment for humans. I have never bothered to watch any myself, but they are most popular with many of our nobles and ruling class. Entertainment on our home world is provided with live shows, music, reading, and art. Those that have the money to purchase access can watch limited broadcasts from Earth and several other planets with similar technology.”
Fighting Chance Page 4