Ronin's Bondmate: Zarronian Warriors 4

by Mardi Maxwell

  “Okay, we have to do something. If the mist touches her Ronin will be stuck with her whether he wants her or not,” Thorn said.

  “What do you mean—whether he wants her or not,” Taryq asked, his voice angry. “Many males want her.”

  “None of your warriors want her,” Soren pointed out. “Why should one of ours be stuck with her?”

  “Soren you’re not helping,” Thorn said. “Take Rolf and go away.”

  Ronin’s tension decreased a little when two of the males began to leave. It spiked again as two older males appeared and blocked their path. He tightened his grip on the weapons and adjusted his position, moving a little farther from Belle. If they attacked him as a group the fight would be fierce but he would win, one way or another. He wouldn’t allow them to take the female from him.

  “Grandfather. What are you doing here?” Soren asked.

  Eirik Dagson and his friend, Doctor Borg Veeson, walked closer. “Borg and I are getting some fresh air and exercise,” Eirik Dagson said.

  “Didn’t I say a walk was just the thing we needed to finish the day, Eirik?” Doctor Borg Veeson asked.

  Eirik rubbed his hands together. “Yes, you did, my friend and it looks like we’ve stumbled into something interesting.”

  “Looks like a stand-off of some kind,” Borg said. “Ronin is burning up with the mating fever and the others are trying to talk some sense into him.”

  Ronin watched the two older warriors as they leaned down and craned their necks to the side so they could see the female on the ground behind Ronin.

  “Is that a female, boy?” Eirik asked Ronin.

  “Grandfather, stay back,” Thorn said. “Ronin doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

  “Nonsense.” Eirik looked at Ronin. “Do you know what you’re doing?”

  Ronin nodded. “Protecting.”

  “That’s right, boy. That’s right,” Eirik said. “Warriors protect females, and old codgers like Borg and me.”

  “Doing a damn good job of it, too. Are these five fellows giving you trouble?” Borg asked. “They look pretty useless to me.”

  Ronin snorted and gave a small nod of agreement. “None of them will accept my challenge.”

  “Well, if there’s not going to be a battle then the only option is to go to the tavern and have a tankard,” Borg said. He turned away then turned back to Ronin. “You thirsty?”

  “No,” Ronin said and felt Razz bump his leg.

  Borg and Eirik looked down and their eyes widened.

  Borg gasped. “By the gods, what have you got there?”

  “Razz,” Ronin said.

  Borg held out his hand then glanced at Ronin. “Does he bite?”

  “Yes,” Ronin growled.

  “Do you have control of him?” Eirik asked.

  “Yes,” Ronin said.

  “Do you think he’d let me touch him?” Borg asked.

  “Me, too,” Eirik said, pushing Borg aside.

  Ronin stared at them for a moment then nodded and gave Razz the signal for friend.

  Borg and Eirik approached the beast. Eirik patted Razz’s head and ran his hand down his neck to his shoulder. Borg patted the beast’s shoulder nearest to Ronin’s leg. Without warning both warriors struck, jamming injection guns against the beast’s neck and Ronin’s thigh. Before Ronin could strike Borg blocked his sword arm and grasped the wrist of the hand with the dagger. Ronin fought the drug for a nano-unit then dropped to the ground. A cloud of dust flew up around him as Razz let out a roar and dropped to his belly, unconsciousness.

  Eirik and Borg glanced at each other and laughed.

  “Told you it would work,” Eirik said.

  “We had no way of knowing if the drug would work on the beast,” Borg said.

  “Facing death always makes me thirsty.” Eirik beckoned to Thorn and Rolf. “Get Ronin away from this female until he regains his senses.” He didn’t wait to see if they obeyed him as he dropped down next to Razz.

  Thorn and Rolf picked Ronin up and carried him away.

  Taryq rushed to Belle, turned her over and tried to wake her. “Belle, you’re safe now.”

  Soren knelt across from him. “Is she injured?”

  “I don’t know. She isn’t responding.” Taryq picked her up. “I’m taking her to my quarters. Elyna will examine her for injuries and heal her if she’s injured.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Soren placed his hand on his grandfather’s shoulder. “Leave that thing alone and come with us.”

  Eirik waved him away and turned back to Razz. “It’s not much different from a wolfen.”

  “Did you see him change colors?” Borg asked, his voice excited.

  “It’s a chameleon wolf,” the older guard said. “Extremely dangerous. I’ve never known anyone to make a pet of one.”

  “We need to keep an eye on it to make sure the drug didn’t cause it harm. Think we can cage it?” Borg asked.

  “Skye can make a krystal cage.” Eirik turned to the guard. “Do you know Skye, the mate of Soren?”

  “Yes,” the guard said.

  “Bring her here along with enough warriors to carry a large cage with this beast inside it.”

  The guard glanced at the chameleon wolf, shuddered, and hurried away.

  Borg sent Eirik a worried glance. “His hurry to get away isn’t very reassuring.”

  “Think it’s the wolf? Or, us?” Borg asked as he sat down next to Razz and combed his fingers through his fur then leaned closer. “His fur is soft but each hair is multi-colored and tipped with black.” He separated the fur so he could see the skin beneath it. “Amazing. Even his skin is mottled with many colors.”

  A deep growl rumbled from Razz’s chest and Eirik moved back. “Think it can climb?”

  Borg picked up a paw, studied it for a moment then nodded. “Yes. Its paws are more like those of a saber cat.”

  “I think its waking up.”

  “Not yet. But soon.” Borg looked at the empty trail. “They better hurry or they won’t need to feed this thing this cycle.”

  Eirik grinned. “I think we can outrun it.”

  Borg gave his friend a sympathetic look and said, “If you truly believe that then I’m booking you for a mental check and adjustment.”

  Eirik sighed. “We’re running out of interesting things to do, my friend.”

  “That’s because the younger warriors refuse our dares,” Borg said. “And, the older ones have mates who know us too well. I fear our interesting cycles are over.”

  “We still have to find mates for my grandsons, Dane and Dev. And, what about Soren’s and Skye’s babies? We can’t be sure Rilyn will be able to bond with a Krystali.”

  “Don’t forget their daughter, Abrianna. She may not be able to bond with either race,” Borg said.

  “You need to figure out why Thorn and Daria had a girl.”

  “Others are working on it,” Borg said. “I’m old and obsolete.”

  Eirik snorted in derision. “If you’re going to whine I’m waking the beast and feeding you to him.”

  “Good,” Borg said. “I’m tired.”

  Eirik gave him a conspiratorial look. “I wasn’t going to tell you this yet but I’ve had one of my feelings.”

  Borg stood up. “I can’t deal with another one of your crazy schemes.”

  “Most of our schemes have been yours,” Eirik said and rubbed his hands together. “Besides I know something’s going to happen. Something amazing.”

  “Feeling it in your old bones are you?” Borg asked.

  Eirik stood and dusted off his clothes. “Yes, and when it happens you’ll owe me a Zylian pod.”

  “Choose something else,” Borg said. “I’m not losing the pod again. They’re too hard to come by and I’m getting too old to try to win it back from you.”

  “These young warriors,” Eirik shook his head. “In our time we’d go into a Zylian den on a dare and come out with our packs full of pods.”

  Borg nodded. �
��Thorn and Soren were the last to try it but only because their father told them not to go.”

  “Valan is a spoilsport. I don’t know where he gets that,” Eirik said. “Maybe his mother’s side of the family. They were obsessed with staying alive.”

  “Such a shame,” Borg said, then pointed to the trail. “Here comes Skye. She’s brought Soren and his warriors with her.”

  “Soren has a sour look on his face,” Eirik said.

  “That’s because she always hugs us and he can’t stand to see her touch another male. Even ones as old as us,” Borg said with a smile and opened his arms.

  Skye ran towards them and threw herself into Eirik’s arms.

  “Grandfather, I’ve missed you,” Skye said.

  “Granddaughter, you look beautiful, as usual,” Eirik said.

  Skye laughed then turned to Borg and hugged him. “Grandpapa. I’ve missed you.”

  Borg laughed, hugged her back and laughed again when Soren took her from him.

  “That’s enough, Skye,” Soren said.

  She wiggled out of his arms and dropped down next to Razz. “Oh, a chameleon wolf,” she said as she ran her hands over him. “It’s so beautiful.” She looked up at Eirik and Borg, her teal eyes bright with admiration. “How did you catch it?”

  Soren slipped his hands beneath her arms and lifted her away. “How many times do I have to tell you not to touch things?”

  “You were much nicer before we bonded,” she said.

  “I was unconscious when you claimed me,” Soren said.

  “My point exactly,” she said.

  Eirik laughed and Soren frowned. “Stay out of this, Grandfather.

  “Spoilsport,” Borg said and winked at Skye.

  “Can you create a cage around the beast until we decide what to do with him?” Eirik asked.

  “Of course.” Skye smiled and conjured a krystal cage around Soren.

  Soren wrapped his hands around one of the krystal bars and pulled on it. “This isn’t funny, Skye. Release me. Now.”

  Skye pressed her palms to her cheeks, widened her eyes and innocently said, “Oh, dear, I’m sorry. I thought Grandfather meant you when he said ‘beast.’”

  Borg and Eirik laughed then Eirik said, “Such a lovely sense of humor.”

  “And, no sense of self-preservation,” Soren growled then slapped the krystal bar. “Now.”

  Skye waved her hand and the cage around Soren disappeared and reappeared around Razz.

  Soren lifted Skye, kissed her hard, then set her down. “Behave.”

  Skye leaned against him while several of his warriors picked up the cage and carried it toward the camp.

  “Where will we place him?” Skye asked.

  “We think he belongs to Ronin,” Eirik said. “Thorn took him to his shelter so we’ll put the beast next to it. When Ronin wakes up he can deal with the beast.”

  Chapter Seven

  Ronin woke to the sound of a voice saying his name. Opening his eyes, he glanced around and found Thorn, Eirik and Borg sitting across from him.

  “It’s about time you woke,” Thorn said.

  Ronin tossed the blanket away and sat up. “How long have I been here?”

  “One cycle,” Thorn said.

  “Where’s Belle?”

  “Taryq took her to his shelter. We put some distance between the two of you until you decide if you want to bond with her or not,” Borg said.

  “Farg.” Ronin held his arms out searching for signs of the blue mist that would indicate he was losing control of his fever. When he saw a small shadowing around his hands he cursed again, then asked, “How bad was it?”

  “You were covered with it and it was searching for her so we separated you,” Thorn said.

  “My thanks.” Ronin stood and looked around for his pack and sword.

  Thorn grinned. “You challenged us so we also separated you from your weapons. They’re in the outer room.”

  “Razz?”

  “The beast?” Thorn asked.

  “Yes. Where is he?”

  “Well, we think he’s still in the krystal cage Skye made for him but we can’t be sure.”

  Ronin laughed and walked toward the door. “He’s very good at concealing himself.”

  Thorn stopped him. “What are you going to do about Belle?”

  “Has anyone else offered to protect her?”

  “No.”

  “Then I’m going to continue to protect her,” Ronin said.

  “Is she your mate?” Thorn asked.

  Ronin hesitated then glanced toward Borg. “You said our scientists thought there might be more than one Krystali female for a warrior. I’ve met hundreds but no other has drawn me and now Belle has claimed me.”

  “Yes, a pity, but you could always choose death,” Eirik said, then added. “Borg and I have a plan to make it more interesting.”

  Thorn and Ronin groaned.

  “No, thanks,” Ronin said. “After witnessing the results of some of your plans I’ve made it a personal goal to never be involved in one of them.”

  “Boy, you haven’t even heard it yet,” Eirik said. “This Krystali war is boring so we’ve decided what we need is a good challenge.”

  Borg nodded. “If you choose death instead of bonding we’ll get twenty of the younger warriors to go up against you. They’re bound to be able to wear you down and get the best of you eventually.”

  Eirik nodded and smiled. “A warrior’s death.”

  “And how much do the two of you stand to win when I die?” Ronin asked.

  Eirik looked offended. “We’d never bet credits on your death.”

  “That would be dishonorable,” Borg said.

  “I’m very disappointed in you, boy,” Eirik said. “You should know us better than that.”

  Borg nodded in agreement. “The warriors you allow to live have to enter a Zylian den and bring us a pod.”

  Ronin turned to Thorn. “I need my weapons now.”

  “Well, you think about it,” Borg said as he and Eirik scurried toward the entry room.

  “It’s a win-win situation,” Eirik said. “You avoid bonding with a mean female and die a warrior’s death. Borg and I get another Zylian pod and we can stop fighting over the one we have.”

  “Thorn, how attached are you to your grandfather?” Ronin asked as he followed them, picked up his pack and drew his sword.

  Before Thorn could answer Daria and Skye entered the shelter.

  “Oh, good, you’re awake,” Skye said. “Your pet refuses to eat or drink. In fact, we can’t even find it.”

  “Give me a nano-unit to deal with these two old troublemakers then I’ll tend to him,” Ronin said.

  Borg laughed and shook his head as he and Eirik hugged Daria and Skye then left.

  Ronin sheathed his sword. “Take me to Razz.”

  Skye and Daria led him to the side of the shelter where the krystal cage sat. As soon as Ronin stepped into view Razz appeared. With a deep roar he jumped up, planting his paws on the krystal bars.

  Ronin reached through them and scratched his ears before looking at Skye. “Release him.”

  “Just a nano-unit,” Thorn said as he drew his sword then stepped in front of Daria and Skye. “Okay, now Skye.”

  The krystal cage disappeared and Razz circled Ronin then stood at his side. Ronin scratched the wolf’s sides then zeroed in on Thorn. “Where’s Belle?”

  “She’s in that shelter.” Thorn pointed to a small building that stood alone at the far end of the encampment. “We’re breaking camp and getting ready to move out.”

  “Has she recovered?” Ronin asked.

  “I don’t know,” Skye said. “None of us are allowed to visit her.”

  Ronin nodded and turned toward the shelter.

  Thorn stepped into his path, blocking him. “You need to stay away from her unless you intend to accept her as your mate.”

  “I won’t leave her defenseless.” Ronin moved around him with Razz trailin
g him. Continuing to protect her was going to be hell. Allowing her to claim him had only added to the problem and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out. His fever was blazing out of control and eventually he’d be forced to make a decision. Bond with her or get away from her.

  Reaching the small shelter, he called her name and entered without waiting for permission.

  # # #

  Belle sat alone on a thin mat.

  “Ready to go I see,” Ronin said.

  Nodding, she picked up her pack and held it in front of her like a shield. She glanced at him then away. “Allowing me to claim you kept me alive. I thank you for your kindness, but I know my presence is increasing your suffering.” She looked at him. “Borg and Eirik explained it to me.”

  “I’ll be sure and thank them next time I find them.” Ronin’s voice was a deep growl, indicating his displeasure at having his personal business discussed with her.

  “Eirik said on Zarronia some mates can’t survive without the other. On Krystali when a female dies her warrior always survives.”

  “You’ve already told me this.”

  Belle shrugged. “You need to know it in case we somehow end up bonded. You’d be okay whe—without me.”

  “We’re not going to bond.”

  “When I claimed you I took on part of your fever but not all of it. You’ll only be completely free of it if we bond.” She fiddled with the tie on the pack.

  Ronin leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “Sounds like Borg and Eirik spent a lot of time talking to you.” He appeared calm but his words and their tone suggested he was upset.

  “Are you angry they spent time with me?” she asked.

  “Did you tell anyone you’d claimed me?”

  “I didn’t tell them but they’ve seen the mark on your face.”

  “What?” He ran his hand over his cheeks and felt a raised area. “Is this a lightening bolt like the one on Soren’s face?”

  “Yes.”

  Cursing, he turned away. “Has your brother seen it?”

  “Of course.”

  “You may have claimed me but I haven’t bonded with you.” He glared at her. “Did Eirik or Borg tell you our scientists believe a warrior might have more than one female to choose from on Krystali?”