by S. E. Smith
One of the older men who surrendered pushed forward from where the group was being detained. The crew of the warship was basic at best. The warship needed at least a hundred men to run at full capacity. There were half that many on board. Out of the fifty men, thirty surrendered peacefully.
Dulce walked forward with the man. “My lord, this man says he has information about the other human female that was captured.”
Trelon nodded to Dulce before looking at the man through narrowed eyes. “Speak.”
“My name is Dantor. The other men and I were brought aboard to serve…” Dantor nodded in distaste at N’tasha’s prone figure on the floor “…the female against our will. Raffvin has members of our family and has threatened to kill them if we do not do what he wants. We could not disobey since there were also members of his elite army on board. I wanted you to know that we regret any harm that has come to your mate but we had no choice.” Many of the men standing behind him, Curizan and Valdier alike, were nodding in agreement.
Trelon cut his hand through the air. “I don’t care about your excuses. You said you have information about the other human female that was taken.” He said harshly. He only cared about the information on his brother’s mate, nothing else at this time.
Dantor cleared his throat. “She is not dead.” He began softly.
Kelan’s head jerked up at the softly spoken words. He stared at the man for a moment wondering if he heard him correctly. He slowly climbed to his feet. “What do you mean she is not dead?” He demanded. When the man didn’t answer fast enough, Kelan strode over and gripped the front of Dantor’s shirt tightly in his fists.
“What do you mean she is not dead?” Kelan repeated, shaking Dantor until the other man’s head snapped back and forth. Kelan could feel his own strength mixed with his dragon as he fought to contain his impatience at know if what he was saying was true.
Trelon reached out one hand and rested it on Kelan’s shoulder. “Hear him out before you end up killing him.”
Kelan jerked back releasing Dantor’s shirt. He drew in a breath as he fought for control. “Tell me.” He demanded hoarsely.
Dantor nodded stiffly. “A second group on a smaller ship captured her and was taking her to a primitive moon just on the other side of Quitax. They were told to hold her there until we could pick her up. We were supposed to leave Valdier and travel straight there where we would meet at a predetermined site.”
Chapter 21
Trisha gritted her teeth as they pushed through the cloud cover fighting to keep the shuttle level as Terac worked the thrusters trying to compensate for the damage. She kept her mind focused on the holoscreen in front of her. She vaguely heard Terac swearing under his breath and bit back a chuckle. It seems it didn’t matter what species you were or what planet you came from, cussing in stressful situations was a universal relief from it.
“Hang on, this might be a little bumpy but I think I have it under control enough to get us down.” Terac called out through his teeth.
Trisha let an image of Kelan form in her mind. She pictured him the last time they made love. How beautiful and strong he looked as he held her tightly in the cocoon of his body. She let the warmth of those memories invade her until nothing else mattered but him, his love, his touch. Trisha heard her dragon’s mournful cry as she called to her mate. She missed him just as much as Trisha did hers. They really were one, she thought. Reaching out, she briefly let go of the controller with one hand so she could stroke the thick band of gold woven around her throat. It formed back into a necklace, dissolving from the thread-like strands it was hiding in throughout her hair, right after she killed the three men in the back. She focused on Kelan and sent a heartfelt plea for him to know how much she loved and missed him. She quickly grabbed the controller again when she felt the shuttle shudder and begin to tilt.
“Get us down, Terac.” Trisha said quietly above the rattling and groaning of the stressed metal. “My mate will be coming for me and he would be pretty pissed if I’m not in one piece.”
Terac laughed. “I think I would be pretty pissed too. I pledge to keep you safe until your mate comes for you, Trisha.”
Trisha grinned. She had a feeling it was going to be more like her keeping the guys alive but she didn’t think now was the time to point that out. Terac yelled out in triumph as he pulled the shuttle over the last section of trees with little more than a scrape against the tops of them. He quickly cut the thrusters and dropped the landing skids. The shuttle groaned but stayed level coming into the small clearing at a slower speed as Terac reversed the boosters. The shuttle hovered for a moment before it settled down with a soft thump.
Terac yelled out a war cry as he shut down all systems. Trisha was laughing and crying at the same time. She quickly undid her restraints and threw herself at Terac kissing his cheek and giving him a hug as she whispered her thanks. Trisha’s dragon growled out a warning when Terac turned his head and gripped Trisha’s face between his hands. He looked at her for just a moment before he sealed his lips to hers. Trisha jerked back before he could deepen the kiss, flushing a rose color as she backed away embarrassed.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. “I didn’t mean to give you the wrong idea.”
Terac grabbed Trisha’s hand as she started to turn away. “You didn’t. But, I couldn’t resist a small taste. It reminded me we were alive.” Terac said with a crooked grin.
Trisha looked deeply into Terac’s eyes and knew he was just saying that to spare her from feeling uncomfortable. She could see the interest in his eyes. Flushing again, she smiled uncertainly before giving him a small nod. They would act like the kiss never happened.
Whip his mate’s ass, Kelan will. Kill man for touching his mate, my mate will! I say no kiss! No lips on other males! Mate whip your ass! Trisha’s dragon snarled as she paced around the tiny spark that was thankfully sleeping through all the excitement.
Oh, give it a break! Trisha snapped back irritably. It was only a simple kiss, nothing more and like he said, it was just a way of saying thank you for being alive. Now, go lay down if you aren’t going to be nice!
Trisha’s dragon growled out dire warnings if that man so much as looked at her again. Trisha tried to ignore the grumblings but some of them were pretty damn funny. Like when her dragon growled out she was going to light his cock up like a candle. The visual image was just too much for Trisha’s overtaxed stress zone and she collapsed in a fit of giggles while Terac and Jaron looked at her in puzzlement.
“Hormones.” Trisha responded to the looks they were giving her. She sobered enough to add, “We need to get rid of the bodies but as far away from the shuttle as possible. The smell of the blood will draw predators to it. In addition, we need to get all traces of blood off of us and our clothing. Predators will scent it and track us down. Next, we need to see if there is any way to camouflage the shuttle. I’m sure Raffvin isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out his henchmen aren’t coming back. Personally, I don’t want to be a sitting duck waiting for him to blow us up.” Trisha was already moving through the shuttle pulling out several survival packs and looking for weapons and additional supplies that would be of more use than a burden. She let out a cry of delight when she found several pairs of clothing. Hers were covered in blood and she would need to change and clean up as quickly as possible.
“Is there any information on the types of hostile plants and animals on this moon?” Trisha asked turning to see Jaron and Terac studiying her in fascination.
“Not much. It is just known as being extremely dangerous. None of the colonist who tried to settle here survived from my understanding.” Jaron said quietly as he saw Trisha sorting through the survival packs. “What are you doing?”
Trisha glanced up and saw both men standing in the aisle watching her. “We probably don’t have much time. We need to work together to survive until my mate comes for me. I know how to survive in the forests. I can keep you alive but I need you to trust me, listen
to what I tell you, and follow my instructions to the letter. If you don’t, you could get us all killed.” Trisha said calmly looking both men straight in the eye so they would understand she meant what she said.
“How…?” Terac asked curiously. “How do you know how to survive?”
This female fascinated him like none he ever met before. He wanted her as his mate. He wanted to claim her but he knew she would not hesitate to kill him if he tried. None of the females from his village, or the few from the city where he trained as a pilot, ever captured his attention the way this one did. She was exotic with her long, curly hair of spun gold colors. She was smaller boned than the females of his world but she was a fierce warrior. She proved that when she killed the three mercenaries Raffvin hired to raid his village and steal his people. She did not fall apart when he needed help with flying the shuttle and now she was letting them know she could keep them safe on a moon known for its savagery. What surprised him the most was – he believed her.
“My father taught me.” Trisha said softly with a warm smile curving her lips. “And, no one is better at teaching someone how to survive in the wilderness than my dad.” She added with confidence and pride.
Within moments, the two men worked to carry the bodies of the four dead men out and away from the shuttle. Trisha quickly changed and carried the bags she sorted through into the nearby trees. Using one of the long blades, she cut branches and began dragging them back towards the shuttle. It wouldn’t be the best cover in the world but it would buy them a little time. Luckily, the shuttle was close to the tall trees. She had a third of the shuttle covered by the time the guys returned.
“Clean any blood off of you. If there is any on your clothes, change. Make sure there isn’t a trace on you.” Trisha said as she moved to gather more branches.
She was bending over when a sharp pain cramped her stomach. Trisha gasped as the pain radiated outward. She started to straighten up but another cramp hit her and she went down on her knees with a cry, her hand flying to her stomach.
“Jaron!” Trisha cried out.
Jaron came out of the shuttle pulling a clean shirt over his head. He ran over to where Trisha was kneeling on the ground holding her stomach. Trisha looked up with terror shimmering in her eyes.
“Please, help me.” Trisha whispered as another cramp hit her.
Trisha tried to focus inside her. What’s wrong with our baby? She whispered urgently. Her dragon was fretting as the tiny spark inside her seemed to be moving in distress. Our baby needs help. We need our symbiosis.
Trisha reached up and gripped the thick gold band around her neck. Please help our baby, please! Trisha could feel Jaron's hands on her stomach as he lowered her down onto the ground. Terac came out of the shuttle and ran over to them. He gently lifted Trisha's head up until it rested on his thighs. Brushing her hair gently away from her sweat-dampened brow, he let his fingers trace over her jaw as he watched Jaron splayed his palms over Trisha.
“Relax, Trisha.” Jaron said calmly as he closed his eyes. “I'm just going to check on the baby. I should have done this as soon as we landed.”
Trisha let her eyes fly up to Terac who was smiling in encouragement down at her. “If there is anything wrong, Jaron can heal you. He is one of the most powerful healers I have ever seen.” Terac said softly, stroking his fingers soothingly over her face.
Trisha nodded. She could feel the symbiosis moving down under her shirt to curl over her abdomen as well. It didn't seem to mind Jaron's touch, as if it realized Jaron was trying to help her. Trisha focused deeper until the tiny spark inside her was the only thing she saw. Her dragon was curled back around it, soothing it and stroking it gently.
What happened? Trisha asked her dragon.
Our baby was frightened. Her dragon cooed softly. He good now. Good man make him better. Symbiosis make him better. You be more careful.
He? Trisha whispered in awe as the tiny spark seemed to reach out for her. Oh my god, he is so beautiful!
Yes, our baby boy so beautiful. Her dragon agreed.
Trisha could actual see the warm light of Jaron surround the baby and healing a small tear in the amniotic sack. Warmth filled her as the symbiosis moved down alongside him, checking and healing any contusions as well. The symbiosis was small but alongside Jaron it seemed to radiate strenght. She could see a small part of Jaron brush up against it and it glowed for a moment before it moved deeper. Trisha came back out of her trance when she heard Jaron's deep voice again.
“There was a small tear but it is healed now. You must let us do the heavy work, Trisha. You focus on keeping us alive but we will do any physical labor, especially the heavy stuff, otherwise you might lose your child.” Jaron said firmly as he stood up. He swayed for a moment before Trisha saw him grit his teeth and straightened his shoulders.
Terac leaned over kissing Trisha's forehead before he carefully helped her to stand up. Trisha was shaky from the fright of what just happened. She didn't think she had ever been this frightened, not even during the helicopter crash that almost took her life or when the doctors told her she might never walk again. She laid her hand protectively across her stomach. She would do whatever it took to keep the precious bundle inside her safe.
“Okay.” Trisha said thankful the horrible cramping was gone. “We need to finish covering the shuttle then move out. I would like to put a couple of miles between us and the shuttle before it gets dark. We will need to find shelter as well.”
“There are the remains of the small colony to the east about a half days hike.” Terac started to say but stopped when Trisha shook her head.
“No, that is the second place Raffvin would look. Or at least it would be if I was tracking someone.” Trisha said. “We need to do the unexpected. There will be plenty of places where we can find shelter, even if we have to build it. We need to move as carefully as possible. We will lay out some false trails towards the abandoned settlement to throw off anyone looking for us. Do you have a holovid of the moon?” Trisha asked. “I can look at it while you two finish covering the shuttle.”
Terac nodded handing Trisha a device. “Tap the screen. You’ll see where it will project a holovid of the moon’s surface.”
Trisha smiled her thanks and moved towards the shade. She sat down gingerly under the trees near the packs she set out earlier. Looking over the holovid, Trisha zoomed in studying it carefully. To the southwest was a set of small mountains. There were thick forests between the meadow where they landed and the small mountains. A river cut through the center. Trisha glanced up at the trees. There were not as tall as on Valdier or nearly as thick but they would provide some usage for moving above the ground. When Kelan came for her, he would know to look for clues. She showed him the signs her dad taught her to leave, Native American symbols, so he could follow her without anyone else knowing. She would leave the cryptic messages for Kelan. She didn’t have a single doubt he would come for her.
Once Terac and Jaron were finished covering the shuttle, they sealed it tightly and headed towards Trisha. The plan was to start towards the abandoned settlement leaving obvious tracks. After two hours, they would ‘disappear’ and work their way north, then circle around back to the southwest towards the mountains Trisha picked out. They would rest once each hour for ten minutes. Terac and Jaron both argued it was too much for Trisha in her condition but she promised she would stop and rest more often if she felt even the slightest twinge. Neither was happy but they bowed to her determination. Setting off, they moved at a steady pace. Trisha observed her environment for clues to both hostile plants or animals and helpful ones as they moved through the thick forests. Trisha left a mark indicating where she was hiding her first cryptic message as they entered the forest. She hoped Kelan would find it and remember the symbols she was using so he could track her.
Chapter 22
Kelan's mouth firmed into a straight line as he looked at the image his symbiosis was showing him. The old Class Two freighter and a newer
Curizan warship were stationary not far off the second moon of Quitax. He would need to be use caution coming in. Fortunately, unless either ship contained technology he was unaware of, they would be unable to detect his symbiotic fighter. It was a living creature and not susceptible to their radar equipment. It was another advantage the Valdier had over the Curizans and Sarafin.
“Take us around to the far side of the moon in a moment.” Kelan told his symbiosis. “I do not want to chance them having technology we are unaware of, especially after what happened outside our living quarters.”
Kelan could feel the rage that ran through his symbiosis at the reminder of the death of the new symbiosis forming as part of Trisha’s protection and the destruction of his two guards’ symbioses. Kelan knew the information had already been sent on to the Symbioses Queen. Even now, he could feel changes occurring in his symbiosis as if it was evolving to another level. He would investigate it once Trisha was safely at his side and they were on Valdier. Kelan closed his eyes for a brief moment drawing a picture of Trisha into his mind as he thought of how close he was to seeing and touching her again. He refused to believe anything else was a possibility. Once she was by his side again, he would bind her to him and never let her out of his sight again. Kelan’s dragon rumbled in agreement. Want my mate, he growled out softly.