by Crystal Dawn
“I’m going to go and meet some of the new arrivals,” Shay decided.
“Be careful,” her dad said and he kissed her on the cheek.
“I’m going, with her,” Jade said as she got her kiss and followed her.
Shay was never one to sit around waiting for things to happen. It wasn’t her way to blunder in either, but with all the guards hanging around she and Jade should be safe. Several women approached them and she and Jade stopped to talk briefly before moving on. She saw a small group of men hanging around at the edge of the bay and they were talking animatedly. They moved closer wanting to listen in to see if these were the trouble makers. Their words just became clear when a man pressed a gun to her head.
“Don’t try anything or I’ll shoot you. You’re the one their leader is messing around with, aren’t you? What’s the matter girlie, couldn’t get enough human cock to satisfy you? It is women like you that cause all our problems. The going gets tough and you run off with aliens,” the guy muttered.
“I don’t think you’ve been told the whole story,” she offered.
“Then why don’t you enlighten me?” he sneered.
“Our government sold me and my team to them as part of the reward for ridding them of the Dramite ship,” she explained.
“That’s not true,” he exclaimed.
“I’m afraid it is and now that the deals done, our government is trying to renege,” she observed.
“How would they be doing that?” he asked.
“By sending people like you in here to try to cause trouble and steal technology,” she concluded.
“Not just another pretty face, are you? I didn’t know they sold you, but Earth has enough people so I can see why they would. This technology would do us a world of good and change things for us. Don’t you want that for your people?” he asked.
Radvar entered the cargo bay. She saw him near the door moving her way. No one could see the man holding the gun to the back of her head although Jade knew he was there but was in no position to assist her. Once Radvar was close enough to see, she had no idea what action he would take.
“There’s something you just don’t understand,” she told him.
“Yeah, what’s that?” he asked.
She could tell he was nervous. Radvar was almost to them. “They’re not my people anymore,” she muttered. As he started to answer, she pivoted and grabbed his wrist applying enough pressure he dropped the gun. She had never moved so fast before. Maybe it was the fear. He started to struggle to get free and she punched him under his chin; he sank to the floor dazed just as Radvar rushed to them. One of his warriors was right behind him and took custody of the man as Radvar pulled her into his embrace.
“What the hell were you doing?” Radvar asked. “He could have killed you.”
“We were just meeting some of the new people. I had no idea that man would attack me,” Shay answered. Radvar looked at Jade as if she would tell whether Shay was being honest or not. Jade just shrugged.
“I can’t leave you on your own for a minute. Why did he attack you?” Radvar asked.
“It looks like someone, not Banon, sent in some trouble makers to stir up the other new arrivals and use the confusion to try to steal technology. It makes no sense because they wouldn’t know how to get off the ship once they had it,” Shay noted.
“Unless they wanted to steal technology and then got thrown off the ship. We might not have searched them if we thought they were just mad because they felt betrayed by their government,” Radvar pointed out.
“It’s a hell of a chance to take with lives,” Shay mentioned.
“Only if you believe life has value. Your planet is over populated so they don’t mind sacrificing as many men as it takes for a chance at something they do value,” he offered.
“I’d like to say that couldn’t be true, but we’ve seen enough lately to know it might be. Do you think he knows who sent him?” she asked.
“If he does, he will tell us,” Radvar said with disgust as he looked down at the man his guard held in place by the back of his neck. “I don’t believe it will take us long to find out either. I have no sympathy for this man after he held a gun to your head and threatened you. There may not be much left when we are through.”
Radvar was speaking loud enough for the man to hear and he turned white as a sheet. Shay was sure he was just saying that to scare the man. Radvar looked fierce right now and he was angry, but would he really tear someone apart? Shay couldn’t say one way or the other with absolute certainty.
Chapter 9
Enough Is Enough
Radvar paced and tried to calm himself. The only thing running through his mind was that his mate had been attacked and could have been killed. It was only through luck that the gebish with the shaking hands hadn’t known enough or been too nervous to remember to take the safety off when he held it to Shay’s head. It was his right to interrogate the man but right now he feared he’d pull his head right off his shoulders. He pulled in another deep breath but he still shook with the fear he had felt for his mate and anger that anyone would dare to threaten her.
The games the humans played were not the kind he enjoyed. It was time to end this foolishness and the human waiting to be questioned was the key to the answers he needed. Those on the planet below would not like what he was about to do but he no longer cared about diplomacy. All the bad shit was happening on his ship and to his people. There was no way he would allow this to continue.
Walking in the room, he saw the gebish, the word was the deepest possible insult and translated roughly to son of a turd. Once he entered the room where the man sat with two guards standing behind him, Radvar just stared. He had been told death lurked in his eyes when he watched a prisoner in this way. That had never been truer than now when all he wanted to do was destroy this human and rip him into small unrecognizable pieces. He had threatened not just his mate, but the small life that grew in her belly. It was almost more than Radvar could bear when he thought about how easily they could have died.
This act, more than any of the others, had pushed the Chieftain to a point where action had to be taken. This could not pass unanswered. Something was going on down on the blue and white ball beneath their feet and Radvar and his people were being unwillingly dragged into it. If someone wanted them to take part in this, they would now have that wish granted. He remembered an Earth saying about being careful what you wish for. Radvar smiled letting his fangs drop where his guest could see them.
The man was clearly terrified and Radvar was certain he would give them all the information he had and point to anyone he knew was involved. Radvar turned the chair in front of him around and sat. “You know what I’m here for and you only have one chance to live,” he promised.
“It was Senator Hatcher. He doesn’t know we heard but one of his men was on the phone and he wasn’t being careful. This is all Hatcher,” the man said.
Radvar had heard that name before in relation to the attempt to steal a shuttle. Hatcher seemed to either think he was sly or that his position would insulate him from retribution. Neither would happen.
“Wrap him up and send him to Banon. He will not be punished enough, but I want the head of the serpent,” Radvar informed. They would restrain him and send him to Banon with a note. It didn’t matter what Banon did with the man. There would be some kind of punishment. It was the leader, the one who was playing a dangerous game with those Radvar cared about that he wanted and he would have him.
Senator Hatcher would be next. His capture would prove to the humans that no one was safe when they played games with the Majuri. Radvar’s people excelled at games, especially hunting and fishing. Sending a message to his flash operator, he sat back waiting. He didn’t wait for long. A disgruntled man appeared before him. At first he was scared but mostly angry.
“What is the meaning of this? Do you know who I am?” Hatcher asked.
“Who you are means little to us. What you have been doi
ng, that is a completely different matter,” Radvar informed.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about and if anyone says different they are lying.”
“Deny it if you wish, I have ways to get the truth.”
“You’re an ally of Earth. You can’t torture me.”
“We have ways to read your mind. It will only cause a small amount of damage. You’ll will still appear to be a normal human, you reasoning skills will be affected same as will your memory of anything attached to what you’ve done but it’s a small price to pay.”
“You’re bluffing.”
“What does that mean? We have no word for it.”
“How could you not have a word for that? Everyone bluffs sometimes.”
“We do not need to since we take action that is why we are called a warrior race. We don’t pretend to act, we simply act.”
“This doesn’t involve you. Send me back to Earth and I’ll make sure there are no more problems.”
“I might have agreed to that before this latest act. My mate was threatened and my unborn child that requires retaliation. Be happy you are still alive.”
“We didn’t intend,” Hatcher said before it occurred to him that he had just admitted involvement in what had happened.
“I’m sure you didn’t. You just didn’t care since we are just aliens and you don’t even care about your own people, so why would you care about us?”
“I care about my people, some of them. No one cares about everyone equally. There are those who have no value. They contribute nothing to society and that makes them disposable,” Hatcher preached. “I’m sure you’ve sent warriors to their death. You’re no better than I am.”
“I have sent warriors to their death, but never did I do it without their knowledge and it always hurts me inside. As a warrior myself, I have also gone on missions that should have resulted in my death. I value the life of all my people and I mourn the loss of even a single one.”
“You must not have the lowlifes we do. Just let me go and all this will end. I give you my word.”
“I should believe you? That must be a joke.”
“If I say you will have no further problems, you won’t. I don’t want to die up here. When you guys said you could find anyone you wanted and take them at will, I’ll admit I had my doubts and I wasn’t the only one. You’ve shown us all what you can do and now we all believe you. We’ll give up any further attempts and you’ll be free to do whatever you want without interference. We’ll even throw in a few extra women if you want them. What do you say? All’s well that ends well?”
Radvar’s dislike of this man skyrocket if that was even possible since he’d detested him before he’d even met him. He was a slimy self-serving bastard if he’d ever seen one but even they had their purposes and Radvar was practical if nothing else.
This colony would be a challenge to begin and they needed people of all ages. They had few children and he knew Shay would approve of bringing some along. It would allow the children they brought to Jaded to experience life on a planet with plentiful resources.
After requesting paper and a pen be brought to him, he wrote out his list of demands. Every once in a while he looked up at Hatcher thoughtfully. The senator was going crazy trying to figure out what they might do to him. It gave Radvar pleasure to torment the asshole. Shay was waiting for him and the ship was filled with the smells of food being fixed for the feasting they would have tomorrow. If he could get done here, he could beg some sustenance and enjoy some time in his mate’s arms. A mate he had almost lost just a short while ago.
Sliding the paper to Hatcher, he watched him for a reaction. Nothing on the list seemed to bother the man. “I can guarantee everything on this list. Do we have a deal?” Hatcher asked holding out his hand to shake. Radvar nodded but refused to shake hands with the man.
“I expect you to put things in place right away,” Radvar said. He then sent a message to one of his males and Hatcher was gone in a flash. It was a relief not to have to look at him any longer.
The deal with the humans was now even sweeter. He had guaranteed a free trade agreement between Earth and Jaded. Earth would even provide a warehouse and a store until the Majuri had made enough money to provide for themselves. They would be allowed to leave people behind, something they wouldn’t do now but possibly in the future. Also 500 orphans of various ages would be sent to them. It would ensure the growth of their colony into the future and the children would have a good life. Shay had told him wards of the state weren’t treated well.
Now he wanted to turn his attention to his sexy mate. Missing her intensely, his body ached for her. It was time to ease the ache and enjoy their time together. Leaving the small meeting room, he headed up to their room but she wasn’t there. Heading to the small bar area, he found his team and hers as well as his little mate eating and talking. A seat next to her seemed to be waiting for him and he slid into it.
“Am I missing the party?” he asked. Shay slid an unusual plate of food to him. “What is this?”
“It’s Chinese food. Eat quickly, I had to fight to keep the food safe from the others.”
He tasted it and then he dug in. It was good even if it was unfamiliar. It looked like it had meat, vegetables, fruit, rice and noodles in the different dishes she gave him to sample. As good as it was, he understood why she had safeguarded it for him. She would receive his appreciation later, once they were back in their room.
“Any news?” Collin asked. Of course they were curious since everyone knew what had happened.
“I took a diplomatic solution.” Radvar admitted.
“That is why I am glad I am not you. I would have ripped some throats out and felt better. You had to think about our people and now it will fester,” Collin observed.
“What did you trade for?” Darin asked.
“A trade agreement for the future, some odds and ends not readily available on the open market, and 500 children,” Radvar said before taking another bite.
“You bought children?” Shay asked.
“Yes, they are orphans. Their lives will be better and we will have every generation represented. They will grow up as Majuri,” he explained.
“Who will raise them?” Shay asked.
“The young ones will be put with those families that want them. Teenagers will be trained as soldiers. It is our way, although we don’t usually train them all. That is something that must change because of our low population. Even those adults without military training will get some. It will keep them busy and out of trouble since there is little entertainment,” Radvar observed.
There was no one at this table that would argue against military training or deny the need of everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones. Training began early in life was most effective as this group of elite warriors proved. Now that everything was out in the open and had been discussed, Radvar was anxious to get his mate to their rooms. Everyone else seemed ready to retire for the night too. There were 3500 people on board and only one target left to destroy. Adding 500 children meant they had 1500 more people to fit on the ship. It was going to be a tight fit. Some of the crew would have to double up and children might have to be matched up to parents right away so they could sleep in sleeping bags or cots in their rooms. It was a good thing that this was the largest ship in the Majuri fleet. Otherwise they would have no choice but to make a second trip for their humans.
He pulled Shay through the door and into his arms as he kicked the door closed while his lips devoured her. It was as if he was starving and hadn’t seen her in weeks instead of hours. She smelled like flowers, it was a new scent. Either she’d brought it from home or she’d bought it while shopping. Sexy was the only way to describe it and it filled him with heat. Stepping back to strip naked, he hoped she’d do the same.
Sighing with relief, he saw she was baring her luscious body to him. Winning the race, he was naked as he watched her take off her pants. Warm feelings assailed him as he s
tared at her perfect beauty and the sweetness visible on her face. This woman was beautiful inside and out. Small changes were becoming visible and before she noticed, they needed to have a talk.
Now that they were both naked was a perfect time. If she grew angry, he knew just how to calm her. “There are some things I need to tell you about being Majuri now that we’ve mated,” Radvar said.
“Okay,” she agreed looking at him uncertainly.
“You may notice some minor physical changes from my bite,” he explained.
“Excuse me, changes? What the hell does that mean?” she asked instantly concerned.
“It’s nothing major. You may or probably will have some fangs grow in. They won’t be visible but they will come out if you are in danger or angry,” he observed.
“You’re a vampire? Why am I just hearing this now?” she asked.
“I’m not a vampire. The fangs and the claws that you will get are a residual trait from our ancestors. They were predatory and took down prey like a lion might. Our mating venom is a superior trait that helps us bring other groups into the fold. Your senses will also improve. None of those things are a bad trait to have. Our healing is also faster and we are stronger and faster. Those are all characteristics you may receive from my bite. These things will grow into place over time. The improvement in your sight and hearing should be first,” he listed.
“I’ve already noticed some of that and I thought I was crazy. Will I crave blood?” she asked.
“No, we are not vampires. They are just primitive predatory traits and to be honest, on Jaded they may come in handy,” he informed.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me before we got involved,” Shay said. He pulled her to him even though she struggle to get away. Kissing her calmed her until he pulled away. “Let me go.”
“Never,” he replied as he picked her up and fell on the bed with her.
He kissed her until she stopped struggling and started responding to his hands and his mouth. There was nothing more important to him in life than this female he was bonded to and he would do whatever it took to keep her beside him. Maybe he should have told her, but he suspected she would have run as far and as fast as she could. The decision had been made and it was done. She was his and nothing would ever change that.