River's Run (Lords of Kassis: Book 1)

by S. E. Smith

  River picked up a non-alcoholic drink and sipped it, enjoying the cool refreshing taste from the fruit juice. She wondered over to the double doors leading out onto the terrace and looked out over the gardens. Tonight would be interesting. They would either catch Tai Tek in their trap or he would get away once again. He reminded River of a slippery eel hiding in wait for an unsuspecting victim.

  “It’s quite enchanting, it is not?” a soft voice said behind her.

  River froze for a moment before relaxing. “Yes, it is.” A small smile curved her lips. “I’m so sorry about scaring your men the other day.”

  Kev Mul Kar gave a husky laugh as he replied, “Yes. The other men were having a great time teasing them until they saw the vidcom of your little stunt. I think all of them became very sympathetic when Borat and Waytec were assigned to you. I wish you congratulations on your breeding. Motherhood is very becoming on you.” Kev Mul Kar added softly studying the glow to River face.

  It was true, River did seem to glow with a radiance that softened her face and gave her an air of fragile elegance.

  River glanced over her shoulder at Kev Mul Kar blushing, “Thank you.”

  Kev Mul Kar cleared his throat before he continued, “Please remember to stay in either this room or the dining room at all times. Do not leave either for any reason. Someone will be watching you at all time.”

  River rolled her eyes at Mul Kar and stuck out her tongue just enough for him to see the pink tip of it. It took everything Mul Kar had not to groan at the innocent gesture. “You have been talking to Torak.”

  Mul Kar couldn’t have responded if he wanted too. His throat had suddenly closed over the lump in it. With a stiff nod, he moved away. Jo and Star had just walked into the room and watched as he moved by them giving them a quick bow.

  “What got his panty hose in a bind?” Jo asked puzzled as they came up to River.

  Star just rolled her eyes at River. “You know for being the oldest you are not always the brightest bulb in the package. Can’t you tell he is half in love with River? He has been since the Tearnat’s warship.”

  River looked at Star like she had lost her mind. “What? Don’t tell me you didn’t know that either?” Star asked. “And you guys think I’m naïve!”

  “So, what’s the plan?” Jo asked looking around at the people coming in.

  There were dignitaries from all the different provinces, as well as, intergalactic members. River’s eyes darkened in sorrow when she saw Gril Tal Mod enter the room along with a female version of their species. She still had trouble accepting she had killed his son, no matter if he had been about to execute his own father. Murmuring a brief excuse to Jo and Star, River moved over to greet the Tearnat leader.

  “Lord Tal Mod?” River called out softly. She wasn’t sure on how to address him as she had never had to formally greet intergalactic leaders before.

  Gril Tal Mod turned to see River approaching him. His gaze missed nothing as it flowed over her figure in the gown Star had created. She looked far different than the warrior woman she had appeared to be on his warship.

  “Lady River, a pleasure to see you again. Might I say you look even more beautiful than the last time we met. May I introduce my mate, Madas Tal Mod.” Gril Tal Mod pulled his lips back in what resembled a smile for his species showing an expanse of long, sharp teeth.

  River felt a moment of horror at the idea this was Trolis mother. What must she think of River?

  He watched curiously as River’s eyes darkened with sadness at the reminder and her eyes filled with unshed tears. “I just wanted to welcome you tonight. It is good to see you as well.” River replied softly looking at the female who had been regarding the exchange with a curious expression on her face.

  “You are the warrior woman my mate told me about?” The huge female hissed softly.

  “Yes, Lady Tal Mod. I wish to convey my regret in the death of your son.” River replied standing up straight.

  “You must call me Madas. I am not much for titles as you can ask my mate. Our son deserved worse. You gave him a more peaceful death than he deserved for all he did. I wish to thank you for saving the life of my mate. You have nothing to regret. I would have killed him myself if I had been there.” The female hissed placing her hand on Gril Tal Mod’s. “My mate is my life. You have protected him. We will always be in your debt.”

  River was stunned to hear Gril Tal Mod’s mate talk so distastefully about her late son. Madas stepped forward taking one of River’s small hands in her larger, scaled one looking almost amused as she watched the emotions chase across River’s face.

  Turning to look at her mate, Madas asked teasingly, “Gril, are you sure she is a warrior? She is so delicate and small. How can something so tiny bring your great warship to a standstill? Perhaps you should offer her a position training your warriors.”

  River looked up into Madas’ face and watched as slowly one lid came down over her large eye. She just winked at me, River thought in disbelief.

  Giggling, River responded lightheartedly, “I would love to show his warriors some moves. I hope his warriors can handle it better than Torak’s! They have a tendency to pass out or hyperventilate when us girls are around.”

  Gril Tal Mod hissed at his mate pulling her back against him, wrapping his arm around her, “You will pay for your insolence later, Madas.”

  “Promises, promises.” Madas hissed back looking at River with a twinkle in her large eyes before they moved away.

  “Okay, that was just creepy.” Jo said watching the two Tearnats’ nuzzle each other.

  River’s laugh died in her throat as she watched Grif Tai Tek walk into the room with none other than Javonna on his arm. River slid a hand protectively over her abdomen trying to quell the sudden feeling of queasiness she was feeling.

  “That bastard.” Jo said under her breath.

  “That bitch.” Star’s snarled vehemently. “I told Torak I’d kill that bitch if she ever came in the same room as you.”

  River and Jo turned to look at Star in disbelief. They had never heard her say anything so…so nastily before. She sounded like she fully intended to follow through. River felt a small giggle escape followed by another one until she was laughing out loud. Only Star could make her feel better about seeing Torak’s ex-lover in the same room. Now, River would spend the rest of the evening visualizing all the ways Star would slowly kill Javonna.

  “Oh Star, I love you.” River said as she slipped her hand into Star’s giving it an appreciative squeeze.

  Chapter 20

  Tai Tek looked at the three female warriors barely able to hide his surprise at their transformation. If he had not been on the receiving end of the sword of the blue-eyed female he would never have believed they were warriors. The blue-eyed female glowed with a radiance that took his breath away and hardened his cock. He wanted her. He would have her before the night was over. Once he had eliminated her mate he would claim her for himself.

  “I’m thristy.” Javonna muttered coldly under her breath staring daggers at River.

  Tai Tek looked down with distaste at Javonna. “Get yourself something to drink, then.” He turned with an air of dismissal that infuriated Javonna as she watched him walk towards Torak’s mate.

  “My dear Lady River, you make the moons of Kassis pale in comparison to your beauty.” Tai Tek said as he bowed slightly to River. His eyes barely acknowledged Jo and Star standing slightly behind her.

  River looked at Tai Tek with a slightly weary look. “Lord Tai Tek, it is good to know you do not hold grudges. I hope you enjoy the dinner. It is my understanding it is a celebration of a new trade agreement.”

  Tai Tek looked into River’s eyes before smiling slightly. “How could I hold bad feelings against someone as lovely as you? If I had not seen, and felt, with my own eyes your skills, My Lady, I would find it hard to believe you are the same woman who held a sword to my throat.”

  Oops, thought River, he still holds a grudge. Rive
r smiled, slightly amused at the veiled reminder, “You have to admit it was a grand entrance. If you will excuse me, Lord Tai Tek, I believe my husband, ah mate, has finished with his duties.” River nodded her head in a regal bow of dismissal and moved with shaking knees toward Torak who had just entered the room.

  Tai Tek watched as River, followed by Jo and Star, moved away from him. He let a small cruel smile curve his lips for a moment before his face returned to the bland mask he kept for functions such as this. Soon, Torak, his father, and two brothers would be dead. He had planned well. The Tearnat would be suspected of their murders, done in revenge for killing his second son. He would get rid of the oversized reptile at the same time as he eliminated the leading members of Kassis and the House of Kassis. Then, he would claim the female warriors as his. He would keep the blue-eyed warrior for his own until he tired of her. He would give the other two to his loyal guards who would share them among themselves before killing them. He suspected the little warrior wouldn’t last long.

  Turning when he felt nails digging into his arm, Tai Tek looked down at Javonna with a dark smile, “You are ready, my dear. I know how hurt you were by the blue-eyed warrior’s replacement of you. Bring her to me and Torak will be all yours.”

  Javonna watched as Torak put his arm around River pulling her close. A savage smile curled her lips before she softly replied, “I’ll bring her to you, My Lord. I promise before the night is over, I will bring her to you and you can do whatever you want with her.”

  Torak’s eyes narrowed as he noticed Tai Tek talking to River. It took all of his willpower to force himself to remain calm. He would have cut the man in half right where he stood if River hadn’t turned and looked at him with an amused gleam in her eye. She took his breath away. When Tai Tek had walked through the doors with Javonna on his arm, Torak had barely contained his fury. He did not want River upset and knew she would be when she saw Javonna there. He had wanted to go seek her out immediately but couldn’t leave his duties. Gritting his teeth, he thought of nothing else while he had stood helplessly greeting guest how hurt and upset River must be.

  “I thought you would be in a much different mood.” Torak said softly as he pulled River into his arms. “I had no idea he would bring her tonight. If I had, I would have prevented it somehow.”

  River laughed softly as she stood on her tiptoes to brush a kiss across Torak’s mouth. “Relax, Star has it covered. I’m going to be spending the rest of the evening imagining how many ways she is going to kill her. It will actually give us something to do and be fun.”

  “I love you, River. Remember that. I have claimed you as mine.” Torak murmured kissing River more deeply.

  “Humph.” Ajaska said clearing his throat loudly. “How can you keep your mind focused and your eyes clear if you have them glued to my new daughter?”

  River laughed. “Go on. You two go socialize. I need to visit the little girl’s room.”

  Torak and Ajaska looked puzzled, both repeated with a frown, “Little girl’s room?”

  “I have to go to the bathroom to powder my nose. I’ll take Jo and Star with me to cover my back.” River laughed.

  Torak watched as River spoke softly to Jo, then to Star. Both nodded following her out of the room. Torak knew there were guards everywhere so he felt a little better about letting River go. None of them expected Tai Tek to do anything until after the dinner. Torak felt a wave of unease flow through him suddenly and he looked around until he met his Captain of the Guard’s dark eyes. With a slight nod, Kev Mul Kar followed the women.

  Picking up a drink from one of the passing servants he started to take a sip when a scaly hand gently stopped him.

  Startled, Torak looked up into the eyes of Madas Tal Mod who was hissing softly, “I don’t believe the beverage would be suitable for your tastes, My Lord. May I recommend a beverage from a different servant’s tray?”

  Torak looked at the drink, his lips thinning into a straight line. “How did you know?”

  Madas pulled back her lips showing an expanse of sharp teeth, “Your mate is not the only female warrior. I have a highly developed sense of smell for certain poisons native to our lands. I can smell the effects of the junta tree from across a room.”

  The junta tree only grew on the Tearnat’s home planet in a heavily wooden area where Gril Tol Mod’s clan came from. A few sips of the drink and he would have been dead in a matter of moments. Once the cause was found it would be assumed Gril Tal Mod was behind his death. Torak looked around quickly for his brothers and father afraid they would have been offered the same poisoned drink.

  “Do not worry. They have already been warned and no others have been offered a drink. Gril is most displeased that someone would try to kill you and your family. He does not appreciate others trying to incriminate the Tearnats for murder. We do have some honor. If we want someone dead, we simply kill them.” Madas hissed amused. “The servant will be disposed of immediately.”

  Torak gave a tense nod at Madas. “My mate and her sisters?”

  Madas hissed softly, “They were not offered a drink. I believe on purpose. Keep a close watch on them. I fear whoever is behind this has plans for your females.”

  River walked into the elaborately decorated bathroom. She couldn’t help but laugh, everything about the House of Kassis was over the top. Moving over to the mirror, River checked her makeup while Star and Jo went to the bathroom. Suddenly, another image came into view behind River.

  Javonna looked dispassionately at River, staring down at the smaller woman with a cruel twist to her lips. She moved over to the mirror as if checking her own makeup before saying anything, “You know he will tire of you soon.”

  River raised her eyebrow at Javonna and didn’t say anything. What could she say? Quit being such a bitch? Get over it, already? Nothing she said would make a difference so she figured it wasn’t worth wasting her breath.

  “I want him back.” Javonna continued. “I did well in his house. I was the lead lover and controlled all the other women. I knew how to satisfy him.”

  River’s eyes darkened at the reminder of Javonna knowing Torak intimately. There was only so much she was willing to put up with and being reminded of Javonna in Torak’s arms was not going to happen.

  “Javonna, if you know what is good for you, you will stop right now.” River said coldly.

  Javonna turned to look down on River with distaste, “And who is going to stop me?”

  Star and Jo came out from behind the wall separating the toilets from the wash room, “I will you big bitch.” Star said, looking up at Javonna. “I told Torak if you were ever in the same room as River I would kill your ass so if you don’t want to die before dinner I suggest you get your bitchy self out of here.”

  River and Jo looked at Star in stunned silence. Star was the shortest and most petite out of all three of them but at that moment she looked like she could not only open a can of whip ass, she could close it too. Javonna looked down at Star for a moment before she back up slowly looking at all three of the women.

  “You are brave when there are three of you together. It will be interesting to see how brave you are when you are alone.” Javonna said before twirling around and moving quickly out the door.

  Kev Mul Kar watched as Javonna brushed past him. He turned toward River with concern when he saw her walk out of the restroom.

  “All is well, My Lady.” Kev asked softly.

  River smiled at Kev before nodding, “Yes, Star took care of it. She told Javonna if she didn’t want to die before dinner she better get her butt out of the way.”

  Kev Mul Kar looked at Star with startled eyes before letting out a quiet laugh. He would have like to have seen the little warrior threaten Javonna. He had never liked that peculiar female.

  Torak looked around for River, Jo, and Star. They were talking quietly with his father. River glanced over at Torak and smiled gently as she moved a protective hand over her stomach. A fierce wave of protectiveness swep
t through Torak. He had to get her to safety as soon as this was over.

  Torak walked by Kev Mul Kar and handed him the glass. “Test this.” He murmured without breaking stride heading for his mate.

  “Torak, your father said someone tried to poison all of you. They are trying to kill not just you and your father but your brothers as well.” River said with a shaky smile.

  “Now they have just pissed me off.” Jo said with a sharp nip to her tone. She was more than pissed, she was ready for some revenge. No one missed with those she loved. “Where is Manota?”