Spy (Battle Born Book 8)

by Cyndi Friberg

  Jakkin glanced over his shoulder and grinned as Kaden walked into the command center. “I was starting to wonder if you’d forgotten about us.”

  “Never,” Kaden assured, returning Jakkin’s smile. The man Jakkin had been speaking with turned around and Kaden’s smile widened. “Dakar. What are you doing here?”

  “You left before the fight was over, so I came to update you on the outcome.” His younger brother took a deep breath and arched his brow. “Clearly, you’ve had other things on your mind.”

  “Clearly.” He didn’t bother denying it. They all knew the nature of his distraction. Instead, he reached over and flicked a lock of his brother’s long black hair. “Don’t let Garin see you like this. He keeps threatening to cut my hair and it’s not nearly as long as yours.”

  Dakar shrugged. “I’m not an official part of the military, at least not yet. Are you aware of the offer Raylon made me?”

  “I am. Let’s take this to my office. Jakkin, you have the conn.”

  “You keep leaving me in control of your ship and I’ll think you don’t want her anymore.” Jakkin’s warning seemed playful on the surface, but challenge simmered in his eyes.

  “Don’t get too comfortable,” Kaden returned. “This is just temporary.”

  Dakar chuckled as he ambled along at Kaden’s side. Instead of the usual black-and-gold uniform the battle born had adopted, Dakar wore synth-leather pants and a black-and-red shirt. “You look almost as much like a pirate as Rex Dravon.”

  “Odd that you should mention Rex.” He didn’t complete the thought until he was seated in front of Kaden’s desk in the small office just off the command center. “Rex made me an offer almost as interesting as Raylon’s. I’m having a hard time choosing between the two.”

  “You can be part of the Marauder’s crew or run an operation of your own? Doesn’t seem like much of a choice to me.”

  Another chuckle rumbled through Dakar’s chest. “Even if I command the outpost enforcers, I’d still answer to Raylon and Garin. On the Marauder, there’s only Rex, and something tells me his expectations would be much less specific than General Nox’s.” Dakar had always been a free spirit, much more like their mother than their father.

  “No doubt. But as the commander of outpost security, you’d be part of the actual rebellion. You’d help us build a better future for all the battle born.”

  Dakar pushed one of his hands through his hair, clearly trying not to smile. “I support the cause and agree with everything the rebellion is trying to do, but being a direct part of the struggle is more important to you than to me.”

  Kaden accepted his position with a stiff nod. “Well, you know where I stand. I’d love to have you here rather than gallivanting across the galaxy with a scoundrel like Rex Dravon.”

  “Now you sound like Dad.”

  Kaden laughed. “We can’t have that. Sedrik is already Father’s clone. We certainly don’t need another one. Tell me about the Relentless. You’re here, so I presume we won.”

  “Those bastards gave it everything they had and they very nearly blew up the ship before we took the command center, but Zilor hacked the control lockout just in time.”

  “Sounds exciting.” Kaden felt a faint echo of resentment. It would have been nice to be part of the action, but a mate lasted a lifetime. Lexie was infinitely more important than any mission. The rebellion was just getting started. There would be plenty of opportunities for action before this thing was through. “I’m almost sorry I missed it.”

  “Almost.” Dakar snickered. “By the smell of you, old man, I would have gladly taken your place. So tell me about this human female. Is she really a reporter?”

  “She is.”

  “Does Raylon know?” Dakar’s tone was equal parts amusement and wariness.

  “Yeah. He took it a lot better than I thought he would, but Garin was there as well and he’s much calmer than Raylon.”

  “That’s one way to put it.” He paused, as if debating whether or not to broach the next topic.

  “What? I can hear the gears turning in that brain of yours.”

  “Sedrik told me she’s compatible with him too. Is it just Sed, or was she compatible with all of us?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Kaden stressed, unable to contain his surge of possessiveness. “She belongs to me.” He’d yet to claim her, and until he did, he’d react this way to the slightest challenge.

  Dakar held up his hands, palms out. “You’ll get no argument from me, but Sedrik seemed pretty worked up about it.”

  “Sedrik caught her scent right after I marked her. She’d not yet made her choice. I’ve all but claimed her now, so the pull will stabilize.” It was as much a reminder to his seething emotions as an explanation for his brother.

  A smirk quirked one corner of Dakar’s mouth. “Explain that to Sedrik.”

  “He’ll calm down. He always does.” Rather than sit in his usual seat, Kaden leaned against the edge of his desk. “Are you going to stay aboard the Fearless? They’ve put up with you for three weeks now. None of these ships are used to non-military passengers.”

  “Yeah, my welcome is wearing a little thin. I guess I’ll have to make up my mind and either take up residence in one of the villages or move onto the Marauder.”

  “There are suites left in the Pavilion. If you’re going to command the entire enforcement staff, you might be entitled to one.”

  Dakar laughed. “Trying to bribe me with luxuries?”

  “Is it working?” Kaden asked. “This entire thing will be much more fun if I have my favorite brother around.”

  “Just so you’ll stop worrying like a female, I’m leaning toward Raylon’s offer. Senior Enforcer Lux has a nice ring to it.”

  “I agree. Let me know if you need more incentive and I’ll encourage Raylon to sweeten the deal.”

  “The only thing that’s nonnegotiable is my hair. I’m not cutting it for any job.” Dakar scratched his stubbly chin and his purple phitons shimmered, making him look particularly rakish. “I know the reporter is taken, but I wouldn’t mind a willing female waiting for me at the end of the day.”

  “The transformation program will be launching very soon. Make sure you’re one of the first to submit your application.”

  “It’s filled out and ready to go.”

  Kaden pushed off his desk and pulled his brother to his feet for a quick hug. “Stay out of trouble, or at least try to. I’ve got to get back to work. As you heard, Jakkin’s a little tired of filling in for me.”

  “Oh, I think he’d be fine if you actually gave him command of the ship. He just doesn’t like this in-between shit.”

  “I’m stuck here until my superiors release me. I’d much rather be in the field.”

  “We all must sacrifice. Babysitting scientists appears to be yours.” Dakar slapped him on the back then turned to go.

  “Her name is Lexie, by the way.”

  “Good to know.” Dakar grinned. “I’ll meet her after you’ve claimed her. Wouldn’t want to risk stealing her away. We both know females like me better than you. Always have. Always will.”

  Kaden just waved him away with a smile and headed back to the command center.

  * * * * *

  Stargazer Ranch. Lexie looked around as Kaden led her across the back lawn toward the large rustic home at the top of the horseshoe-shaped compound. Her stomach tightened and she lightly clenched her fists, trying not to give in to discouragement. Her search had come full circle, and she wasn’t any closer to finding Libby than she’d been the day she first saw Zilor and Vox.

  “Rachel’s expecting us.” Kaden reached down and uncurled her hand so he could interlace their fingers. “She said to knock on the sliding glass door.”

  “The battle born are going to use this place as a training center for newly transformed couples, but what did Tandori Tribe do here?” She didn’t really care about the history of the ranch, she just needed something to occupy her thoughts, something o
ther than Libby.

  “Tandori children are allowed to believe they’re human until their powers start to manifest around puberty. Then they’re brought here and taught about their heritage. Of course, none of that will be necessary now that humans know about Rodymia.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “None of that will be necessary once we convince humans that Garin’s messages are legitimate.”

  “Good point.”

  They climbed a half staircase onto a wide-railed deck. The view was spectacular, and Lexie paused to soak it all in. The compound had been built in a natural valley surrounded by pine-tree-covered hills. Fluffy white clouds were scattered across the vivid blue sky and the air was fresh and brisk.

  “I don’t spend enough time in the mountains.” She took a deep breath and raised her face to the sun. “I forget how beautiful it is up here.”

  “I’m glad you approve.”

  Lexie spun around at the unfamiliar voice. She hadn’t heard the glass door slide open, but a middle-aged woman stood just inside the doorway, a welcoming smile softening her features. She had short brown hair and wore jeans with a cable sweater. The faintest hint of blue ringed her dark eyes. Anyone who wasn’t looking for phitons would likely mistake her for human.

  “Welcome to Stargazer Ranch.” She laughed, the sound light and musical. “I guess that should be, welcome back to Stargazer Ranch. As I understand it, you’ve been here before.”

  Lexie felt herself smile. Rachel’s laidback vibe was hard to resist. “Guilty. I’m sorry for trespassing, but I had a good reason for doing so.”

  “Your handsome escort filled me in on the problem when he called this morning. What he didn’t explain is what you need from me.” She stepped to the side and motioned them into the house. “Would either of you like something to drink? Are you hungry? I can whip up some sandwiches.”

  Feeling almost guilty for not accepting Rachel’s generous offer, Lexie shook her head. “I’m fine, but thanks.”

  Kaden also declined and they followed Rachel to the furniture arranged around a massive stone hearth. She and Kaden sat on a lodge style sofa and Rachel chose the matching chair. A gourmet kitchen was visible at the other end of the large, open room. A nested staircase, constructed of stripped pine logs, ascended to a railed gallery. Judging from the regularly spaced doorways, there were at least five bedrooms on the second level. The house was much more luxurious than it appeared from the outside.

  “So, what brings you back?” Rachel prompted when no one else spoke.

  “Have you heard about Fyran and the Relentless?” Kaden asked, his expression tense.

  “I have.” Rachel shook her head, clearly disgusted by what she knew. “Please tell me you finally got those monsters.”

  “We did, but Lexie’s sister, Libby, wasn’t among the captives.”

  Compassion filled Rachel’s eyes with unshed tears. She looked at Lexie as she said, “I’m so sorry.”

  “So am I.” Lexie appreciated the sympathy, but all the pity in the world didn’t change the situation. “It was our only lead, or so we thought until we spoke with Chandar.”

  “I’ve heard about her abilities, but we’ve yet to meet. What did she say?”

  Lexie looked at Kaden, unsure how to explain their theory without insulting Rachel.

  Kaden sighed, clearly as hesitant as Lexie. “Chandar isn’t sure that her visions have anything to do with Libby, but as we said, we have no other leads.”

  “Does this have to do with Ulrik?” Rachel shook her head and pressed back into her chair’s padded back. “He’s been on the rampage ever since he got back from Lunar Nine.” Suddenly her eyes rounded and she covered her mouth with one hand. “Oh gods, you think he kidnapped Libby to frame the battle born.” She sounded horrified, but Lexie wasn’t sure if she was reacting to the accusation or the possibility that it might be true.

  “Chandar isn’t sure what the visions mean and neither are we. We need more information before we can draw any conclusion.”

  Kaden’s insistency seemed to calm Rachel. She lowered her hand and her shoulders relaxed. “If Ulrik has anything to do with a kidnapping, the council needs to know. He’s always been volatile, but he has seemed almost unbalanced since his run-in with Garin Nox.”

  “We appreciate any assistance you can give us,” Lexie assured her.

  “What did Chandar see?” Rachel wanted to know.

  Kaden wrapped his arm around Lexie’s shoulders as he explained. “She saw a fenced compound surrounded by tree-covered mountains. She never saw Libby, but the visions began around the time she was kidnapped.”

  “That’s not a lot to go on,” Rachel pointed out. “What made her suspicious of Tandori Tribe?”

  “Several of the men at the compound can teleport.”

  “Oh. That’s not good.” Rachel sighed, then thought for a moment and said, “This new bio-streaming technology can look just like teleportation. Can Raylon account for all the ships with bio-stream engines?”

  “He can,” Kaden told her. “That was one of the first things I verified.”

  “Damn. I really don’t want this to be Ulrik. He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s our pain in the ass. Besides, I hate to think that any member of Tandori Tribe would exact revenge by harming a female. The taking of war brides was one of the reasons we left Rodymia in the first place.”

  “We’re just investigating a lead,” Kaden stressed. “Besides the apparent teleportation, Chandar said she senses a distinct connection between the images and Tandori Tribe. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be more specific than that. We know you have properties scattered all over the US and Canada. How many are male only, and how many of the male-only settlements are surrounded by mountains?”

  “We’re family oriented all the way. I can’t think of any of our properties that only house males.” She stared past them for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then her gaze shifted back to Kaden. “Wait. I don’t think there are any females or children at the logging camp. It’s too dangerous. The families stay in a town about thirty miles away.”

  “Is the camp fenced?” Lexie asked, hope bubbling up inside her despite her best efforts not to let herself become overly optimistic.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t been up there in years.”

  “Where is it?”

  “Southwest of Eugene, Oregon. I can probably dig up an exact location if you want to check it out.”

  “We do,” Kaden said. “Can you think of anything else? Maybe a property that you didn’t know was occupied?”

  “Well, there’s the hunting lodge in northern Idaho, but it’s not hunting season.” She evaluated the possibility a bit more then shook her head. “It’s not fenced either.”

  “When was the last time you were there?” Lexie asked, trying not to sound too challenging. “It doesn’t take long to build a fence. Not for Rodyte males.”

  “True. I’ll find the GPS coordinates for that one too.” Looking rather defeated, Rachel stood and disappeared down a hallway adjacent to the kitchen.

  “She’s so nice. I feel like we’re kicking a puppy.”

  Kaden smiled and lightly squeezed her shoulder. “Rachel is noble to the marrow of her bones. If Ulrik is involved in this, she needs to know.”

  Rachel returned a few minutes later with coordinates to both locations. She handed the information to Kaden then looked at Lexie. “I hope this leads you to your sister, but I also hope Ulrik has nothing to do with it. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but stranger things have happened.”

  Lexie stood and started to shake Rachel’s hand.

  “Sorry, I’m a hugger.” Then she gave Lexie a quick hug. “Let me know what you find out. If someone is using one of our properties for illegal activities, we need to know about that too.”

  “Of course,” Kaden assured her. “You’ll know soon after we know.”

  Chapter Twelve

  A quick scan from the Phantom, cleared the logging camp. As Rachel said,
there were no females anywhere near the logging operation.

  “Shall we go hunting in Idaho?” Lexie infused her voice with humor despite the ache in her chest. Another dead end. She wasn’t sure how much more of this she could take.

  “Do you remember my promise?” Kaden entered the next location into the navigational system as he waited for her answer.

  “I do, but—”

  “No ‘buts’. This search ends when we’ve found Libby and not before.”

  His tenacity should have made her feel better, but she was drained, emotionally exhausted from all the false hope.

  The logging camp was farther west, but the hunting lodge was farther north, so it hadn’t seemed to matter which location they checked first. It didn’t take long to get anywhere in a Phantom. Still, Lexie was good and restless by the time they hovered above the second location.

  “Hunting season or not, there are seven bio signs,” Kaden told her after locking the ship into a holding pattern so he could operate the scanners. His fingers were surrounded by the holographic matrix that gave him access to different systems. The bending lights and vivid colors were beautiful, even if Lexie couldn’t read the alien symbols. “Species are hard to determine from this altitude, but we have four males and three females.”

  “We should have asked Chandar how many men she saw in her vision. I got the impression there were more than five.”

  “I say we stream down there and take a look.”

  “Seven to two isn’t very good odds,” she pointed out. “Shouldn’t we call for backup or something?”

  “We’re just going to look. We can’t make a plan without accurate information.”

  Sneaking around and peeking in windows was her stock and trade. So why was her stomach tied in knots? “All right. Let’s take a look.”

  Rather than risking the ship being discovered, Kaden took the remote band for the bio-stream engine and left the ship in a holding pattern around the area. Lexie had experienced that surreal rush of bio-streaming before, but it still left her breathless and dizzy.

  “Take a couple of deep breaths,” Kaden advised. “It helps with the vertigo.”