by Keri Kruspe
Happy to relinquish control, Sherri let go. Anything to spare Ki. Letting Cheithe take over was different from the forcible grasp of the Dread Pirate. The dragon and she had a genuine partnership…two equal souls in pursuit of one goal. Sherri drifted further into the dragon’s mind. Time to enjoy the ride.
Cheithe didn’t disappoint. With a thunderous roar, the large beast blew a wall of fire toward Drirux and engulfed his body.
Oh, my God…could Ki be trapped in that raging inferno?
Between one heartbeat and the next, the searing fires folded and popped out of existence.
A silent whimper escaped Sherri as the blaze slowly disappeared. Ki lay untouched; no sign of the firey bath he’d endured. Pain clogged until she noticed his chest moved with each breath, his handsome face relaxed. It seemed like he was okay…
The other scraming Zerins ranning amok grabbed her attention. Her vision clouded before Cheithe spread the flames and caught the rest of them in one sweep.
A light breeze swirled, taking with it the smell of burnt flesh on minute particles of ash from the dead aliens.
Cheithe grunted and sat on her haunches next to Ki. With a gentle nudge of a crystal-gray claw, she pushed Ki’s seemingly human body.
It jarred Sherri to see Ki looking so…weird. While his overall features stayed the same, the human differences made her uncomfortable. It was as if a child’s scribbles defaced a master’s artwork. His iridescent dark skin lay flat, a boring tan color. His shiny, glorious hair now lay dull and muddy, frizzy waves lay on his extensive shoulders in a lackluster line. Where were those sexy pointy ears to tease her? In human form, instead of the brilliant navy/hunter-green iris combination, his eyes had been a dismal brown. They lacked the blanked fire and passion that was all Ki. Sherri chuckled. She even missed the alien three fingers. The whole “looking human” visual wasn’t right.
Wake up for me, Grirryrth. I won’t be able to retain my form for long and I crave to be with you.
Through Cheithe’s vision, Sherri watched Ki disappear in a haze of bright-colored lights. In his place sat an enormous, navy-and-purple dragon. When his magnificent snout swiveled toward them, his bright blue eyes blazed.
Strong claws dug hard into the rich earth, their amethyst-crystal color sparkling with each movement. He sauntered his bulky body toward them.
Cheithe responded with a shiver of anticipation that echoed inside Sherri.
Finally, you are here! Grirryrth’s masculine cry reverberated in elation. I have waited so long for you.
The hollow ache in his voice had a profound effect on Sherri and melted any resistance in being a part of the reunion. She retreated further into Cheithe’s psyche to allow the dragons a moment of privacy.
In response, the female dragon welcomed her mate with a purr as they met halfway. The sounds of dragon trills floated in the warm spring air as they entwined their long necks and rubbed their large heads together. Their snouts touched when they shared fiery breaths and nuzzled each other in joyous abandon.
Sherri connected mentally with Grirryrth as well as Cheithe. What a joy it was to experience the peaceful, soul-bond of the two mythical creatures. Within reach, a tiny spark shone in the background, a flickering light that embodied Ki, asleep and safe within his dragon. While Ki slumbered, Grirryrth told her their story. About a guilt-ridden boy-man who witnessed the death of his family and how he blamed himself. Believing he was a flawed individual, the boy refused to allow his tainted bloodline to continue. He viewed his past actions as those of a coward and refused to allow his heritage to carry on to another generation.
Then the dragon explained how a Zerin male mated for life with his TrueBond, the only female he’d be able to produce children with. In a secret whisper, Grirryrth stated Ki suspected Sherri was his TrueBond.
Really? But, what did that really mean she was his TrueBond?
With an impatient snort, Grirryrth gave her a general description. When a male and female found their TrueBond mate, the MalDerVon scroll appeared at the same time on each of them. The scroll proclaimed the pair legally married as it bound them physically and psychologically. When separated for an extended period, the couple experienced separation anxiety that could incapacitate them.
Sherri let the silence stretch. Well, that explained the mark on Lori’s face the last time she’d seen her. Sherri assumed it had something to do with her friend turning into an alien.
That aside, Sherri experienced a sense of calm that confirmed the rightness of what Grirryrth suggested. This is what she wanted when she’d left Earth. To find a man meant for her. While running away from the threat of twenty years in prison was incentive enough, the prospect of finding lasting love had made the decision all too clear.
And what a man her alien was. Exceptional intelligence, honorable, mature, and deeply principled. Add to that—tall, muscular, and gorgeous with the most beautiful, exotic eyes she’d ever seen. What more could a girl want? Best of all, Grirryrth assured her Ki returned her feelings, even though he fought the attraction.
Ah, poor baby. Looked like Ki needed someone to guide him through a touch of insecurity. Sherri smiled. And she was just the gal to help him work through that little problem. She snickered, convinced they deserved to be together. No way was she going to let the man’s commitment phobia stop her from claiming her mate—er, TrueBond.
Besides, how could she lose? She had two large dragons as backup.
Chapter Eight
CHANCELLOR U’UNK
As his signature ship approached Ganymede, Chancellor U’unk scrutinized his twin sitting in the copilot’s seat next to him.
Drawn and thin, Lok sat with an apathetic expression and seemed to ignore everything around him.
Somehow, a slight twinge of guilt crept in. U’unk quashed it. Everything that happened to him when he was younger was Lok’s fault. If it weren’t for Lok, the family would have accepted him without question. Life should have turned out the correct way sooner, with him on top and in charge.
“Welcome, Chancellor U’unk. All is secured.” A tinny voice filtered through the console communication.
U’unk motioned for the vid to open.
A khaki-green head of one of the Erkek lieutenants faded in, the carnelian color of the triangular pupil fixated on a point to the side.
U’unk grunted, appreciative that the underling had the intelligence not to look him in the eye. “Very good, Waesk. Ready my approach.”
“At once, Excellency.” His caramel pupils moved to the opposite side. “We await your arrival at landing dock K-3. Would you like a tractor beam to guide you in?”
Lok stiffened beside him.
“Yes, proceed.”
“Acknowledged. Waesk out.”
U’unk sat back and crossed arms over his chest.
“What are you planning on doing with me?” The bass timbre of Lok’s voice came out as a thick whisper.
U’unk faced the other male. It was possible taking Lok with him had been an impulsive act he’d soon regret. Common sense told him he should have eliminated his brother decades ago, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, it excited him to make Lok live under his complete control.
However, with the Special Triad Council asking impertinent questions, his time as Chancellor had come to a premature close. Even so, U’unk had one final thing to accomplish. Having Lok as an indisputable sacrifice once everything was in place would solidify his power base. The public execution would be an excellent example to those who refused to grant him an undying loyalty. The resulting legend of holding his twin hostage and then killing him in a public execution would leave no doubt about U’unk’s right to rule with an iron control. There’d be no confusion on how he dealt with those he deemed unworthy.
“For now, you will remain at my side and bear witness when I take my rightful place as Emperor.” U’unk flashed his sharp incisors in an aggressive Zerin display of dominance.
Lok bowed his head lower and wrapped thin
arms around himself.
U’unk savored a surge of satisfaction at seeing his previously arrogant sibling broken. Yes, by the Goddess, he’d proven he was the better male.
The ship docked into the research station and interrupted the brief interaction. The sound of the engines died as the hatch dissolved to show an opening. That was their signal to move out.
“Come on, Lok,” he sneered. “This won’t hurt a bit.”
Without another word, U’unk stood and stepped back. With a wave of his hand, he gestured the silent Lok to go ahead as they exited the ship.
Shuffling, Lok’s features tightened as he stepped forward.
The landing bay was small, with barely enough room to house his private star jumper.
Standing at attention was Waesk with a contingent of four Erkek guards behind him.
The flat recycled air mixed with the normal foul body odor of the aliens made U’unk’s nose twitch. He surveyed the gloomy space. Something was missing. “Where are the Friebbigh?”
After Waesk genuflected a respectable bow, the seven-foot Erkek bent his double elbows and clasped his two-pincer fingers together. His standard military one-piece suit was a murky yellow that highlighted the sickly green of his skin. The insignia of lieutenant was a bold wide stripe with a tint of copper that started at his right shoulder and crossed his skinny body to end at the tip of his bony hip. His knee-high brown boots shone with precision that declared pride in his appearance and rank. It was unfortunate that the normal stench of an Erkek lingered.
U’unk schooled his expression to mask his displeasure.
Lok lacked the discipline to hide his reaction to the rotten egg smell. He coughed and sputtered as he hid his nose behind a palm.
U’unk sneered in his direction before putting his attention back to the Erkek who was speaking.
“They are with the rest of their contingent holding outside Earth’s orbit.” The monotone voice was muffled in the small room. The thick metal walls were sterile, void of any esthetic characteristics.
U’unk allowed a frown to show his irritation. “I did not give them leave to abandon this base.”
“No, sire,” Waesk agreed. “It seems they did not heed your command.”
U’unk crossed his arms. “What about the Geidonn scientists? Are they secured?”
“Yes, sire.” The Erkek gestured with one pincer toward the dual steel doors leading out of the bay. “Will you interrogate them at this time?”
Insubordinate puntneji. U’unk stifled a spurt of irritation and glowered.
Evidently sensing the mistake in his phrasing, the Erkek bowed at the waist and touched his knees with his forehead. “Please accept my apologies, sire.” He spoke to those knobby knees. “I meant no disrespect by questioning you.” He held that position.
Beside him, Lok stiffened and backed away from the group.
U’unk suspected Lok’s actions were natural for someone who’d been by himself for the last fifty years. It appeared his pathetic brother was overwhelmed by so many bodies around, especially with the rank smell overpowering the small space. U’unk dismissed any further thoughts about his twin and allowed a few precious clicks to pass before he spoke. “Have crews see to my ship. I want it refueled and restocked. You will now take me to the lead scientist.”
Waesk straightened and clasped his pincers together in submission. “Right away, sire. Please follow me.” Orange pupils flicked a glance at Lok, but he didn’t make a comment. The Erkek turned toward the two steel doors while the four guards flanked behind U’unk and Lok.
They entered a cramped corridor that was stark and devoid of color, just as the docking bay had been. Its ceiling was low, causing U’unk and his Erkek companion to bend as they walked. Having lost body mass and weight over the years, Lok didn’t have the same problem.
Waesk led them to a conference room containing a handful of the Geidonn scientists. The small aliens stood together in a circle, their humanoid bodies intertwined in nervous fear as their stumpy tails wobbled in distress. The group trembled in unison when U’unk and the others entered, and each Geidonn’s four eyes twitched and watched with independent actions. Their speech pattern followed a popping sound as their mouths smacked when they moved aside for their leader.
Wapho walked through with a confident waddle.
U’unk allowed a twinge of mild surprise that the scientist hadn’t already left. Past experience made him assume the selfish nature of the Geidonn people would have prompted the leader’s quick escape.
Wapho smacked his round mouth before he spoke. “What is the meaning of this, Chancellor? Why are you here and holding us hostage?” His lips popped while the small alien thrust a tiny, beefy hand for emphasis. His nose slits vibrated while his dim-blue skin flushed purple in anger. The ears in front of his head twitched, a sure sign of agitation.
U’unk considered the diminutive male from his extensive height. The Geidonn reached the bottom of his waist, yet the elderly alien approached him as if he was an equal.
Pathetic.
“I think you are under a misunderstanding, Researcher Wapho,” U’unk crooned. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lok slouching. At least his sibling was intelligent enough to know what happened when U’unk used that tone of voice. Blood and pain were usually involved.
U’unk bent at the waist to glare into the horizontal pupils of the Geidonn’s blue eyes. “You are not in a position to make demands.” He straightened and crossed his arms while opening his legs in an aggressive stance. With a scowl, he fixated on the group of scientists as they shook in a huddle.
They twittered and cried around the smacking sounds.
“Take them somewhere else.” U’unk tilted his head in Waesk’s direction. His gaze didn’t move off the lead researcher. “Wapho and I have plans to discuss that do not involve them.”
Wapho’s face paled as his lipless round mouth smacked. “Please, don’t hurt them.” The tone was soft so the others in his group couldn’t hear.
U’unk presented a blank stare at Wapho’s plea before giving a regal nod.
The smaller alien sighed with a slapping sound. “Thank you.” His shoulders slumped as he focused on the metal floor.
“Waesk, make sure they are comfortable and given food and drink.”
“Right away, sire.” The Erkek pounded a fist across his chest in salute as he bowed. “Is there anything else you desire?”
The four Erkek guards herded the crying and twittering scientists out of the room.
Waesk straightened and awaited orders.
“Yes, find appropriate refreshments for us.” Fangs flashed at the shorter Geidonn as his mouth watered at the prospect of enjoying the smaller male’s fear.
“I’m afraid we’re going to be here for quite a while.”
* * *
SHERRI
Sherri couldn’t stop staring as Ki lay motionless on the soft small cot in the safe confines of Elemi’s ship.
He’d reverted to his normal Zerin features but remained unconscious.
Damn, those had to be some hefty drugs keeping him down.
She might be exhausted, but didn’t trust Elemi enough to fall asleep. The ship probably wouldn’t hurt her, but after the harrowing afternoon she’d endured, why take the chance? Besides, she enjoyed seeing the arrogant ship made humble since the Zerin prisoner escaped.
From what little information Sherri pried out of Elemi, allies of Drirux called the Warriors of Light (what kind of stupid name was that?) bypassed her security and boarded her to force her to land on Earth. With a disintegration grenade, they threatened to make her dissolve if she didn’t let the prisoner go. So, as any intelligent being would do, she gave in. Once she landed and released Drirux, the group left with a remote detonator for the grenade next to her vulnerable engines and promised to use it if she interfered. Why they didn’t steal her when they had the chance was anyone’s guess.
The only real question was—how did an advanced, sentient ship
like Elemi find herself taken by surprise? When Sherri asked, she got a response full of righteous disbelief.
“I was orbiting a primitive planet! Why should I spend any extra energy to be cloaked?”
Sherri smiled at the memory. The damn ship was nothing if not consistent in her arrogance.
While in their dragon form, a weary Cheithe found her way to the invisible ship with Grirryrth’s help. But, with each step, the dragon’s strength waned, and they almost didn’t make it back in time. When they reached the sleek “M” shaped vessel, both dragons morphed into their humanoid hosts so Elemi could transport them inside. Grirryrth’s exhaustion was due to healing the posion Ki inhaled and Cheithe barely made it after being forcibly thrust into existence before she was ready.
With a sigh, Sherri brought herself back and ran a soothing palm along Ki’s face and bearded jawline. The relaxed expression was a surprise, she didn’t realize how tight he’d held his emotions until this moment. Normally, he maintained a steady, unemotional facade. No wonder she believed he was indifferent to her most of the time.
Asleep, his rugged features softened and gave him an almost boyish appearance. The facial scar shone along his iridescent golden skin and reflected in the cool light of the ship. Her fingers caressed the jagged edges across his high cheekbone and wandered over to full lips.
As she touched those plump mounds, his mouth opened and the tips of his pointed canines peeked out. She couldn’t help it; she had to lean down to press her mouth against his. Ki’s masculine sea-breeze scent enveloped her. The underlying musky smell created an ambrosial mixture and made her heart thump. The sight of the fading pink mark around his neck where the side of the sword had cut him caught her eye. Tears gathered at the pain the injury caused; she pressed her lips against the angry skin to give a gentle kiss before pulling back.
Sherri smiled. Looked like sleeping beauty needed more than a kiss to wake up. A shuddering breath escaped the prone man as if disappointed she had moved away.