Enough of the polite stuff.
“Which one?” Felix asked, pointing to the ginger cat then its black-and-white friend.
The warrior seemed to understand. He looked at both and nodded, turning away and leaving with the pair.
Okay, both it was. He could deal with that.
“Jacey, do you have a cage we can borrow? And food for two days?” Felix asked before running after the warrior. He held up his hand in a stop signal before miming eating and pointing to the kittens. Thank goodness, the man seemed to understand.
Felix touched his arm and indicated they should return to Jacey.
With the kittens in a carry cage, food for several days plus some food for himself, Felix and the warrior were leaving for the village when Elsa found him.
“Has Casey left?” Elsa demanded. “I was sure she’d stay rather than go through with that damn fool idea of the general’s.”
“No, she hasn’t gone,” Felix said. “She’s still on the island, and I’m going to meet her.”
Elsa clutched his arm in an almost-painful grip. “Please don’t let her leave. Promise me you won’t.”
Felix frowned, desperate to ask what she was talking about, but aware of the warrior’s impatience, he quickly told Elsa the blunt truth. “I have no intention of letting her leave the island. She stays with me.”
Elsa let out a hard breath. “Good. That’s good.”
“Casey and I will be back soon,” Felix promised. “A couple of days. I have my com-circle. The family can contact us if necessary.”
Felix and the warrior—Gus, he’d discovered, after listening to the man speak and point to his chest—traveled quickly, despite having the kittens as an encumbrance.
The sooner he got to Casey, the happier he’d feel.
* * * * *
Two days later, Military Medical Headquarters, Dalcon
“General Seonaid on the com, Doctor.”
Dr. Phillips winced, searched his office for some means of escape, an excuse to avoid speaking with the man, and failed. “Very well, Soosan. Put him through. Ah, General. How are you today? What can I do for you?”
“How is the nanotechnology progressing with Captain Seonaid?” the general demanded. On the monitor, a large man leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers on his desk, the very image of an impatient man who thought everyone should jump at his orders.
“Captain Seonaid didn’t arrive for her initial assessment. I assumed she’d had second thoughts about the process. After all, they’re very radical changes, and final once they’re done.”
The general straightened in his seat and leaned forward. “Didn’t turn up for her appointment?”
“No.” And he could hardly blame her. This case was most irregular. Her file contained no psychiatric evaluation, and he’d had no meeting with the patient to explain the procedure and the possible consequences. Instead he’d been ordered to prepare a brochure for the captain to peruse at her leisure while she was on vacation.
“Why wasn’t I informed?” the general demanded.
“As I said, I assumed Captain Seonaid had second thoughts. It’s not unusual.”
“I ordered Captain Seonaid to report to you as soon as she returned from her vacation,” the general thundered. “Prepare to travel to the facility. You will personally complete the process by the end of the solar week. Captain Seonaid will be there.”
The general broke the communication, leaving the doctor staring at a plain white screen. He hadn’t liked this situation from the beginning, and he liked it even less now. There was more than a whiff of coercion.
He refused to start the process without hearing from the woman’s lips that this was what she wanted.
* * * * *
General Seonaid cursed low and viciously under his breath. The bitch. The conniving bitch. She’d been a thorn in his side since the day she was born, emerging squalling from her mother’s loins.
She had talent, was an exemplary soldier, yet she balked at this final step that would make her the perfect specimen.
A perfect male soldier.
His two oldest sons were doing well, but they didn’t possess the same natural talent she displayed.
He snarled another pithy curse and rose to get a drink. Damn bitch. She was driving him to drink. She dared to make him appear stupid to his subordinates! He swallowed the liquor in one gulp, savoring the burn as it rushed down this throat.
General Seonaid returned to his desk and buzzed for his aide. He settled his bulk back onto his chair and checked his schedule. Nothing this morning. He’d make a surprise visit home and prize his daughter away from her aunt. And he’d make it very clear she would go to the medical center.
If she didn’t, he’d force her to obey, no matter what her objections.
He intended to become General of the Army ahead of his friend and competition, General Gallagher. They might’ve gone to academy together and entered into a friendly contest of one-upmanship, which had continued for most of their lives, but this was an instance in which he intended to gain the advantage.
Three successful sons would trump two, especially since he had two captains and a first lieutenant in his family, and a wife who supported him to the hilt. The perfect hostess when he needed to arrange a party for visiting dignitaries.
No, he’d beat Gallagher this time with his skill, his natural talent and his offspring. The top brass would like what he could bring to the position.
The title of General of the Army was his for the taking.
Chapter Eight
Felix and Gus made good time, urged on by cantankerous kittens that made no secret of their hatred for their cage. It seemed easier to keep traveling for as long as they could. The result was they trotted into the village hours earlier than expected.
Gus called out, which started the kittens crying. Alarm glittered on his face, his head whipping around to check on the tiny creatures.
Felix couldn’t help grinning at the man’s obvious panic, and he took off his shirt and draped it over the cat carrier. Immediately the kittens quieted, and Gus muttered what sounded like a heartfelt thanks.
He led the way to a large stone building, and spoke to two guards at the door. They stood aside and waved Gus and Felix inside.
“Felix!” Casey said. “That was quick.”
Felix crossed the distance between them with long strides and seized Casey, hauling her into his arms. He crushed his mouth to hers and kissed her hard. When he lifted his head, he was breathing hard. She was leaning into him, and he welcomed her weight. “I missed you, sweetheart. What…what are you wearing?”
“One of the chief’s wives lent me something clean to wear. Did you have any problems?”
He ran a quick finger along the neckline of the bright-pink fabric that was wrapped around her body like a sarong. “Not a one. We brought two kittens. I hope that will be sufficient to appease the chief.”
“I’m sure it will,” Casey said. “Come and meet the chief. I think you’ll like him.”
“The man intended to attack the resort,” Felix growled. “I doubt I’ll trust him.”
“His senior warriors were a bit rigorous in interpreting the chief’s wishes. Evidently the chief’s daughter is popular. They like to please her.”
Casey led him into an even larger room and paused to bow and wait for instructions to approach the throne. At least that’s what Felix intimated from the words and actions. Interestingly enough, the stench he’d almost become used to wasn’t present in here. Large urns of flowers stood near the throne and the scent of them subtly perfumed the air.
Figuring he should copy Casey, Felix bowed and waited at her side while she addressed the chief. He studied the man—a mountain of green flesh with gold swirls cutting through the drab color of his skin. An explosion of dreads covered his head. His chest was broad, his biceps and triceps bulky with muscle. A man didn’t get that way by lazing around and issuing orders.
Felix stood a little
straighter, misgivings stirring in his gut. This situation had the potential to explode and have lasting repercussions if he didn’t handle everything right. What would Saber do?
Felix thought about his brother, weighed the alternatives then formulated his plan. He’d study and listen before he acted. Gather the facts. Probably not the way his older brother would handle the situation, but Felix deemed his more cautious approach prudent. Putting Casey in danger wasn’t an option.
Casey finished speaking, and Felix studied the chief’s serious face, watching for any hint of the man’s thoughts. His gaze met Felix’s and the chief inclined his head in recognition. He said something to Casey and color appeared in her cheeks. She stammered back a reply.
Gus entered the room carrying the kittens. He, too, paused and bowed his head. One of the kittens let out a loud meow and the sudden silence in the room grew deafening.
The chief gestured imperiously, added a command, and Gus scurried forward, careful of his cargo.
“He wants us to approach too,” Casey said in a low voice. “He seems pleased.”
Felix slipped his arm around Casey’s shoulders and ushered her forward. Yeah, you want to make sure the chief and every other male knows she belongs to you.
Felix snorted inwardly at his thoughts. Casey belonged to him, belonged with him. She just didn’t know it yet.
Gus set the cat carrier down and opened the door to lift out the ginger kitten. He stroked its head until it purred, and spoke to the chief before handing him the animal.
The kitten seemed dwarfed in the chief’s big hands, but Felix relaxed when the chief patted it with gentle fingers. Immediately the kitten started purring, and the chief gave a delighted chuckle. Gus handed him the black-and-white kitten, and the chief lifted his big round head and beamed at Felix and Casey.
He said something to Felix, and Casey interpreted.
“He wants to know how much you want to charge for the kittens.”
Sweet Jesus. The man had ordered his men to steal a cat—one of his people—and now he wanted to pay for kittens? Felix kept his expression neutral with difficulty, finally gave up and forced his mouth to shape into a polite smile instead of the snarl of fury that trembled on the tip of his tongue. “Tell him the kittens are a gift, a peace offering to help foster a friendly relationship between our people.”
Casey gave an imperceptible nod and her eyes glowed with approval before she turned to face the chief and passed on Felix’s words.
The chief said something else and Casey laughed.
What now? Felix waited for Casey to let him in on the joke, and mentally reinforced his plan to make upgrading their implants a priority.
“The chief asked if we have more that we could give them in exchange for some precious stones. He says his five wives will all want one too.”
“Tell him I will speak to Jaycee and to the other cat owners. They might wish to sell some of the offspring if there are more litters. We could let him know.”
Casey and the chief had yet another conversation, a long and involved one. Felix scrutinized the man, yet he was difficult to read.
“The chief is surprised that you allow your people to receive the payments. He thinks you’re an honorable man and wishes to invite us to stay for the celebration of his daughter’s birth anniversary.”
No, they needed to get back to the resort. With Saber away, he needed to be there in case there were any problems. “Tell the chief I am honored by his invitation, but this time, I must leave immediately to return to my people because they will be worried about our absence. Please also tell him that I would be further honored if he would like to visit my family at the resort. Perhaps by that time, I’ll know if we can expect any more kittens.”
Felix paused and cast a quick look at the chief. “Can you ask him—politely—if he could send word of his visit next time, so we might prepare and greet him with proper ceremony? We don’t want his warriors cutting their way into the resort. Suggest they come to the gate and ask for me or for Saber, my older brother.”
Casey smiled with approval. “Very tactful.”
“I try,” Felix said.
Despite Felix’s impatience to leave, he and Casey ended up sharing a meal with the chief and his wives. The chief led them to yet another room. The scent of roast meat wafted through the air, and the chief beamed as he introduced his wives with Casey’s aid. The chief strode to the head of the table and he settled his weight on a bench before waving them to take the places of honor on either side of him. Several warriors filled the rest of the chairs at the table, while two young girls handed around stoneware mugs filled with a mystery beverage.
Felix sipped cautiously and found the taste a little like beer. Not bad, but he made himself drink at a conservative pace. No telling how much of a kick the brew would give to the unwary imbiber.
Several women carried in platters of food and set them on the long table. Felix had worried about what they might be offered to eat, but the plates appeared to hold roasted birds about the size of an Earth turkey. A selection of pink tubers surrounded the birds, and another platter held a green leafy vegetable, which reminded him of spinach. His stomach rumbled, but he didn’t think anyone noticed over the loud chatter.
So, they’d eat a meal, have a few drinks and be on their way. He’d feel better once they arrived back at the resort.
* * * * *
“Time to go,” Felix said. “Will you make our excuses to the chief?”
“Can’t we stay overnight?” She’d had a day to think about her dilemma, and had admitted with a heavy heart that it wouldn’t be as easy as simply going AWOL. The general would search for her.
She should have reported to the medical center by now. Someone would have notified the general and the military police would arrive at the resort soon. But if she wasn’t there—
Scurvy sky pirates! Their next step would be to check her tracker chip. Every soldier on active duty had a chip. The fact she was retired meant tracking her was illegal—but that wouldn’t stop the general.
Finnian bat crap. No matter what she did, she was doomed.
Felix rose and bent in a dignified bow toward the chief. “I want to get back to the resort. Saber is counting on me.”
“Your man want to go?” the chief asked, a cheerful smile on his lips and a hint of a leer in his golden-brown eyes. At least Felix’s presence had stopped the chief from demanding she join his herd of wives.
“Yes, he has responsibilities back at his home.”
“He is a good man?”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. Felix was a special man.
“You go then, but you come back to visit soon. My wives, they like you. Say they don’t mind if you move into wives’ house. Your man not treat you right, you come to me. I look after you.”
Casey bowed her head and blinked to stall the burning at her eyes from blooming into weeping. All her life, apart from her aunt, she’d been alone, and now she had two men who wanted her. Pressure built in her chest, and she gave a short, hard laugh to dispel the tight sensation. “Thank you, Chief, but I like Felix.”
He waved his green hand in a dismissive nature. “No matter. Offer stands.”
“Thank you.” Casey stood.
“You send message if you have more cats ready. I buy with stones.”
“We will.” She bowed again.
“You ask Gus for stinky ointment. Keep jungle bugs away,” the chief said.
“Ah.” Casey wrinkled her nose. “I will.”
“Gus, Casey requires some stinky ointment and food for their journey,” the chief shouted down the table.
Gus bounded to his feet and trotted off.
“Let’s go,” Casey said, her heart heavy.
“What’s wrong?” Felix asked in an undertone. “Did the chief say something to upset you?”
Casey forced yet another smile, did a better job of pulling it off this time. “He said if I wanted I could stay here and move in with his wive
s.”
Felix growled and some of the boisterous chatter faded.
“I declined,” she said hastily.
“Glad to hear it,” Felix snapped. “We’re going now.” His hand curled around her upper arm and with a final respectful bob, Felix propelled her from the chief’s dining room.
“Gus is getting us food for our journey and some stinky ointment.”
“No thank you on the ointment. I’d rather put up with the bugs,” Felix said.
Gus arrived with a woven bag and two water bottles. He handed over a sealed stone jar. “This is ointment. I help you apply.”
Felix growled again and Gus gave a delighted laugh. He raised his hands and danced out of reach. “I see again.”
“There’s no need to act like a jealous lover.”
“I don’t like any man touching you. I am your lover,” Felix gritted out. “Let’s go. I want to get a good start before darkness falls.”
Sighing, Casey fell in behind Felix. Every unwilling step took her closer to the resort and nearer to her future. She plodded along the trail and entered the muggy jungle.
It wasn’t right for the general to order her to do this.
Not right. Not right. Not right.
Maybe she could file a complaint. No. The general would punish her; accuse her of airing family problems. Gods, no matter what she did, she couldn’t win.
“I can hear you thinking. You’re glaring holes in my back.” Felix kept walking.
“I didn’t want to leave yet.”
Felix stopped and turned to glare at her. “Too bad. I wasn’t leaving you there, not on your own. I’ve just found you, Casey. I don’t want to lose you.”
“But you don’t own me.”
Felix snorted and started striding through the jungle again. Birds sang and bright-red insects kept landing on her bare shoulders and arms and legs. “Scurvy sky pirates! I hate these bugs.” She slapped at them, the smack, smack, smack and her loud complaints silencing the birds for a short time.
The heat was heavy, smothering her, thickening the air and dragging sweat from her pores. The perspiration ran down her face, between her breasts and crawled down her spine. All this suffering and what would come at the end of it? The military police would arrive and drag her away. It wouldn’t even surprise her if they were already at the resort. They’d take her away in handcuffs on order of the general.
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