Trained for Their Use

by Ivy Barrett

Gods, yes, Rentar responded. She’s our mate. There’s no denying this link. She has to be our mate.

  But as suddenly as the dizzying sensation swept over her, it abated, leaving her weak and trembling. And alone. Their bodies still joined, but her mind felt oddly vacant without the intensity of… whatever that had been.

  Loax eased out of her mouth and brushed her hair back from her face. “You amaze me, hellcat.” He leaned down and kissed her, his tongue sweeping through her mouth. “We taste good together.”

  Were they going to explain what they’d sensed? Or didn’t they realize she had felt it too?

  Rentar carefully pulled out, then rubbed his cum into her wet folds. Just the few drops that escaped her ass were enough to start a chain reaction. Her core spasmed and her breasts throbbed, echoing her orgasm.

  “I need to rest.” She plopped over onto her side and wrapped her arms around herself.

  “Rest,” Loax agreed. “But as soon as you feel better, we’re taking you downstairs.”

  “What’s downstairs?”

  “Commanders from ships stationed all over the planet,” Rentar explained. “There are some things we need to arrange and we’re not letting you out of our sight.”

  Chapter Eight

  Ninety minutes later, Loax watched Amanda as she looked around the large common room. She wore a slinky blue dress that slid like water over her curves. Rentar sat beside her, arm resting across the back of the rustic sofa. She seemed unconcerned with all the stares and salacious whispers of the commanders milling about the hearth and buffet table. Everyone in the room was lusting after his carnal companion, but she had eyes for only him and Rentar.

  “She’s lovely.”

  Loax looked up and found Minister Sintar Orellian standing beside his chair. He quickly stood and bent from the waist, offering the customary greeting. Orellian’s power was second only to Chancellor Savator’s. In fact, many feared the enigmatic minister even more than the ruthless chancellor.

  “I didn’t realize you were in residence, sir.”

  Orellian chuckled. “Relax. This isn’t an official function. We’re all here to unwind.” Orellian’s coloring reflected his high standing among the ruling class. All Ventori were born with black hair and red-and-black eyes. However, the upper echelon frequently altered their appearance, choosing individual color combinations that set them apart from the masses. Orellian had chosen silvery blue for his hair. The marbling in his eyes was the same pale blue, yet he’d left his eyebrows and lips black. The contrast was striking.

  Loax motioned toward the chair beside him then sat back down. “Have there been any new developments with the U.N. proposal? Colonization is an interesting idea.”

  “There have, but I refuse to waste my holiday hours discussing official business. Tell me about your carnal companion. She seems different than the ones I’ve seen thus far. Was it luck or do you have a contact inside CCH?”

  “Our application was more detailed than most, and I requested that Ealin Tront, CCH’s top-ranked counselor, broker the deal himself. However, I think there was an element of luck as well. Amanda is special.”

  “I can see that.” His blue-and-black gaze moved over her as he continued. “How long will your contract last? I’ve been flirting with the idea of acquiring a companion for some time now.”

  Jealousy slammed into Loax, contracting his fists. “Amanda is ours for at least two years. If I have my way, she’ll be with us much longer.”

  The minister’s brows arched. “Is she why you asked about the colonization proposal? Are the Drey brothers ready to settle down and raise a family?”

  He made it sound laughable, but Loax still answered honestly. “The thought has crossed my mind.”

  “Interesting.” The minister looked at the couple on the couch then back at Loax. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone yet, but I’ve always liked you and Rentar.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Bron is looking for a few trusted pods to head up a pilot program.”

  Only a chosen few dared to call Bronsen Savator by his first name, much less a diminutive. Loax couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to be that familiar with the chancellor. “What sort of pilot program?”

  “The sort the U.N. proposed. We need to know if human females can adapt to Ventori expectations before we put a lot of time or money into colonization.”

  “Rentar and I would definitely be interested.” Amanda, on the other hand, was a different matter. She might have settled down enough to enjoy sharing pleasure with them, but he was relatively sure she still intended to enact the thirty-day clause.

  “I’ll mention it to Bron when I return to the Elizian.”

  Loax just nodded as his gaze focused on his stubborn companion. The new opportunity would mean nothing unless they convinced Amanda to stay.

  * * *

  Amanda touched Rentar’s arm and leaned toward him. “I need to go powder my nose.”

  His brows drew together as he looked at her face. “There is nothing wrong with your nose.”

  She laughed. “Figure of speech, dear. I need to use the bathroom.”

  “I’ll take you.” He started to stand, but she stopped him.

  “Is the bathroom in this building?”

  “It’s just down that hall.” He pointed to the corridor across from the buffet tables. “But…”

  “Then you are not coming with me. I am perfectly capable of peeing all by myself.”

  He looked around the room, sighed then grumbled, “If you’re not back in five minutes, I will come check on you.”

  “Fair enough.” She stood and smoothed out her dress, what little there was of it. The sleek gown was so formfitting it didn’t allow her to wear undergarments. She was covered from neck to knees, yet she might as well have been walking around naked. Every curve and hollow of her body was clearly displayed, but everyone present knew she was unavailable. It was a stimulating contradiction.

  She could feel numerous eyes following her as she crossed the room. She held her head high, but tried to minimize the wiggle in her walk. Not that it made any difference; her unbound breasts swayed and her rounded butt rolled, making the clingy material shimmer and shine.

  By the time she reached the bathroom, she was glad for the privacy. Having Loax and Rentar fixated on her was empowering and fun. Having an entire room of Ventori Defenders imagining all the things they wanted to do to her was a little creepy.

  The door swung shut behind her and a blur in the mirror above the vanity snapped her head around just in time for her to see a huge male lunge toward her. She opened her mouth to scream, but his massive hand clasped her throat, stifling the sound and constricting her airway. She raised her hands and raked his forearm with her nails, digging bloody grooves in his flesh.

  He snarled, but didn’t loosen his punishing grip. Instead, he swung her to the side like a doll dangling from his fist and pressed her back against the wall. “Gods, how I wish I had time to fuck you before your mates come running.” He sneered the words right in her face, his gaze gleaming with a terrifying mixture of lust and hatred.

  His fingers tightened, completely cutting off her air. She kicked and punched, twisting violently, but none of it did any good. He just pinned her against the wall with the strength of his hand, calmly watching her die.

  Her lungs burned and her eyes watered. Panic gave her a surge of strength and she momentarily broke free of his hold. She tried to scream again, but the back of his hand slammed across her face. Her head snapped to the side and her body pitched sideways, crashing into the bank of sinks.

  Pain exploded in her hip and her cheek throbbed, amplifying her frantic heartbeat. She lunged for the door, but he easily caught her and swung her hard into the wall. She gasped and brought up both arms, trying to block him as he reached for her again.

  Batting her hands aside, he closed his fingers around her throat again and squeezed. Her spirit cried
out, screaming in fear and fury, begging, reaching for anyone or anything. She felt something give, like a door being opened. Heat rushed into her mind for a split second, and then utter darkness enveloped her.

  * * *

  Loax’s head snapped to the side as Amanda’s terrified scream echoed through his mind. He vaulted from the chair and ran for the bathroom, Rentar hot on his heels. He threw open the door and flew across the small room, his heart thundering in his chest. Hyette, munitions master aboard the Wenlotta, had Amanda pinned against the wall, his hand at her throat.

  Rage cast a red haze across his vision as he tore Hyette’s fist away from her throat. Amanda slumped and would have fallen if Rentar hadn’t rushed forward to catch her unconscious body. Hyette spun, fists flying, but Loax was ready for the attack. He pummeled the coward, blind to everything but punishing the creature who had dared to harm his mate. Hyette crumpled to the floor and Loax followed him down. He straddled his chest and quickly beat his face to a bloody pulp.

  Suddenly his arms were restrained and he was dragged off his unconscious foe. He screamed in fury, kicking and twisting, desperate to continue the destruction.

  “Loax! Desist this instant.”

  Authority snapped through Minister Orellian’s deep voice, penetrating Loax’s rage. He stopped kicking, chest heaving, fists still tightly clenched.

  “If you kill him, we will never know who arranged the hit,” the minister went on once rationality returned to Loax. “Hyette has no reason to harm your companion.”

  He was right. This had been a hit, not some random act of lust-induced violence.

  “We likely already know,” Rentar told him. He sat on the floor, Amanda cradled in his arms. She was still unconscious and looked so tiny, so helpless.

  “Explain.” The minister motioned two of the commanders huddled in the hallway forward. “Take Hyette to the cellar and secure him.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  He closed the door and looked at Rentar. “Is she badly injured?”

  “I don’t think so. She has a couple of nasty bruises, but I believe she fainted.”

  “I’ve summoned a healer just to be sure.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Loax said, finally starting to relax.

  “Why would Hyette attack your female?” Minister Orellian looked from one brother to the other, clearly not caring who provided the answer.

  “She offered herself as a companion because she was being pursued on Earth,” Loax explained. “One of her father’s enemies decided to use her to punish him. I believe this human criminal somehow arranged the attempt.”

  “How would he have arranged it and what could a human criminal offer a defender that would be worth what Hyette risked by doing this?” Orellian crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “There must be another explanation.”

  Loax clasped his bloodied hands behind his back as he said, “I’d like to interrogate him myself. I’ll find out exactly—”

  “No.” Orellian’s emphatic tone left no room for negotiation. “You’re much too emotionally invested in the outcome. I’ll oversee the interrogation personally and report my findings.”

  Loax knew better than to argue. The minister had clearly made up his mind. “I appreciate your assistance, sir.”

  Orellian nodded. “See to your companion. I’ll send the healer to your suite when he arrives.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Rentar said.

  The minister nodded then left the bathroom.

  “How did this happen?” Rentar held her firmly against his chest as he maneuvered his legs beneath him and stood. “Shadow Mountain is supposed to be a refuge. Humans aren’t allowed anywhere near the lodges. How did this bastard make this happen?”

  “If Minister Orellian doesn’t answer those questions to my satisfaction, I will find a way to interrogate Hyette.”

  “I know you will.”

  They made it back to their suite before Amanda stirred. She moaned as Rentar carefully placed her on the bed and her eyes fluttered open. She raised a shaking hand to her neck and her lips trembled. “How?” Her voice sounded hoarse, damaged. “I should be dead.”

  Loax looked at Rentar. He wanted to tell her, needed to explain what they’d been sensing, but this was not the time. “You’re safe, love. We let you out of our sight. That will never happen again.”

  She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I can’t live,” she swallowed with obvious difficulty, “like that.”

  “You won’t have to.” Rentar looked at her, determination burning in his eyes. “We’ll take care of this, permanently.”

  Her only response was to roll onto her side and curl into a ball.

  “Try to sleep,” Loax advised. “A healer is on the way.”

  She didn’t reply, but Loax hadn’t really expected her to. He motioned Rentar from the room and left the door cracked. “We must find someone we know we can trust to watch over her while we locate this Asesino de Tormenta. This cannot go unpunished.”

  “I agree. The only way to protect her is to wipe out the ones threatening her. However…”

  Loax growled at him. “Now is not the time for sensibility. This sort of wrong demands action.”

  “We need to wait for Orellian’s report before we begin. If one of the ministers sanctions our actions, it will make everything much easier.”

  Loax knew his brother was right, but it didn’t soothe the anger churning inside him. He needed to lash out, to punish the man responsible for Amanda’s injuries. He had failed to avenge his first mate. He would not fail a second time. “He has two days. That should be more than enough time to beat a confession out of that worthless coward.”

  “In the meantime we can plan the attack,” Rentar suggested, “locate the target and analyze his defenses.”

  Loax nodded. The compromise did little to calm his restlessness, but he welcomed any distraction.

  The healer arrived a short time later and reversed the damage done to Amanda’s flesh. Her mind and spirit, however, were still a concern. Rentar insisted she just needed time to process her emotions, but Loax was not convinced. Some people never recovered from this sort of violence. And worst of all, the menace was still present and Amanda knew it. She would not be truly safe as long as her enemy drew breath.

  For the next two days they encouraged her to eat and attempted to entertain her. Amanda reluctantly crawled out of bed and dressed, but refused to leave their suite. She barely spoke and spent much of her time staring out the window. Loax was frustrated by his inability to penetrate her depression.

  Both brothers were tortured by their physical need for their mate. Sex was not an option while Amanda was in crisis, but ridonous still blazed within them both. The continual stroking of their fists eased the ache temporarily. Still, the urges were harder to resist with each passing hour.

  Finding specific details about the drug cartel was surprisingly hard. Accounts of their brutality and spreading control were all over the internet, yet pinpointing the location of their compound or their leader’s activities was nearly impossible.

  “What about the Fortar brothers? They interact with humans on a regular basis.”

  Loax looked up from the holographic display on his mobile access station. They sat across from each other at the dining room table, which was currently serving as a desk. “Excellent idea. If Rook Fortar can’t locate the bastard, he doesn’t exist.”

  Rentar navigated to his comm menu and sent an audio request to the older Fortar brother. Rook accepted the request and his image appeared in Rentar’s holo-display. With short, spiky black hair and piercing eyes, Rook turned heads wherever he went. His charcoal-gray orvatta had climbed both sides of his neck, making him appear particularly menacing.

  “What can I get for you?” It was Rook’s standard greeting. The Fortar brothers were the best ‘procurers’ in the Ventori fleet. Whatever a person needed, regardless of how rare or strange, Rook and Dare
Fortar could acquire it for the right price.

  “Information,” Rentar told him. “We need the real name and current location of a Mexican drug lord that calls himself Asesino de Tormenta.”

  Rook whistled and shook his head. “Do you have a death wish? Storm Killer is one dangerous human. He has the power and money to reach anyone anywhere.”

  “We’re well aware.” Loax rounded the table and stood beside his brother’s chair. “He tried to kill our mate. What’s your price?”

  Pausing to stroke his scruffy jaw, he looked as if he’d refuse. “I’ll have to run this by my brother. Empowering you will endanger us and our crew.”

  “We’re aware of that too,” Rentar told him. “We wouldn’t have asked if there were any other choice. He’ll keep trying until he kills her. We have to find him.”

  “I’ll let you know.”

  Rook started to end the transmission, but Loax quickly added, “Please hurry. Our mate was devastated by the attack.”

  Compassion warmed Rook’s intense gaze and he nodded. “Understood.”

  “Why did you tell him I’m your mate?”

  Loax snapped his head around and found Amada standing in the doorway to her bedroom. She was wrapped in a calf-length robe provided by the lodge, her hair loose about her shoulders. For the first time since the attack, she looked well rested and alert.

  Rentar scooted back from the table, then stood so he could turn around. “The last two times we joined with you, we each sensed you in a way that only happens with potential mates.”

  She didn’t seem surprised by the revelation, which made Loax suspicious. Had their little hellcat felt it too? Had she already guessed what it meant?

  “And you didn’t think that was something I’d want to know?” She stayed in the doorway, but crossed her arms over her breasts.

  Thrilled to see her spirit return, Loax stalked toward her. “You felt it too, didn’t you?”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it.

  “Wise decision. Lying to your masters brings dire consequences.”