Claiming Quinn (Other World Series Book Five)

by Ramona Gray

  Naveen rolled his eyes. “I will be the judge of that. Kneel down.”

  Silas shook his head. “No. I won’t - ”

  He grunted with pain and fell heavily to the ground. Quinn had kicked his legs out from under him and she reached down and twisted her hand into his hair. She yanked him to his knees and held a short, sharp blade to his throat.

  “Stop it!” Gage ran forward but was stopped by Fionn’s sword pointed at his chest.

  “Stay where you are,” she warned.

  “When Naveen tells you to do something, you do it. You will not argue. Do you understand, danen?” Her hand still clutching his hair and her knife still at his throat, Quinn spoke softly into his ear.

  “Yes,” Silas grunted.

  “Good.” She stood behind him, keeping her hand firmly wrapped in his short hair as Naveen examined the cut on his head. He applied more healing paste and then smiled at Silas.

  “It looks better, danen. Do you still feel sick?”

  Silas shook his head no, wincing when it made his hair pull in Quinn’s grip.

  “Good.”

  Naveen glanced at Quinn. “He should be fine to walk but if he tires we’ll load him in the wagon for a bit.”

  She nodded before hauling Silas to his feet. Before she could stop him, he bent and whispered into her ear, “I really enjoyed fucking you this morning, Quinn. Do you think your friends would enjoy hearing about it?”

  She stiffened and glanced quickly at the others before placing her own mouth at his ear. “Tell anyone about what happened between us this morning, danen, and I’ll make you watch as I slice your brother’s tongue from his mouth.”

  She stared up at his face, smiling when he paled, and patted his cheek gently. He pulled away from her touch and she traced her small dagger over his chest. “Be a good boy, danen, and no harm will come to your brother.”

  He jerked away from her as she replaced the dagger in the sheath strapped to her thigh. For the first time he noticed the sword hanging from a scabbard around her waist. The others had them as well and he frowned.

  “Who are you people?”

  She didn’t reply and Naveen patted his arm. “Come, danen, all of you will have a bite to eat and then we will talk.”

  Chapter 6

  “Stop it! Do you know how much those shoes cost?” Veronica’s shrill scream cut through the cool air and Barkha slapped her hard across the face.

  “Garna! Shut your fool mouth!”

  Veronica stared aghast at her as her cheek reddened from the slap. Silas doubted anyone had ever dared to raise a hand to the red-haired woman in her life and he had a feeling that adaptation wasn’t Veronica’s strong suit.

  “You – you hit me,” Veronica whispered.

  “Aye, and I’ll do it again if you don’t keep your big mouth shut,” Barkha snapped.

  Dacia finished ripping the heels from Veronica’s shoes and passed them to Barkha before grabbing Gemma’s shoes.

  “Why did you do that?” Veronica stared at her shoes in dismay as Barkha set them at her feet.

  “After walking all day you’ll thank me, foolish woman.” Dacia grinned as she hacked off the heels on Gemma’s shoes.

  Angela was staring pensively across the clearing and Silas followed her gaze. Gage was sitting on the ground and Kila was sitting across from him. She was feeding him pieces of the blue bread that Quinn had fed him earlier and the two were staring delightedly at each other. Kila was glowing softly and Angela gave him a look of worry.

  “What’s going on with him?”

  “I don’t know.” Silas gave her a sympathetic look as Kila brushed her hand across Gage’s mouth, wiping away invisible crumbs. She gave him a drink of water and he swallowed it eagerly before smiling at her. Her glow brightened and Silas frowned at Naveen who was loading bags into the back of the wagon.

  “Why do they glow?”

  Naveen just smiled at him as he hopped nimbly into the back of the wagon.

  “You really need to tell us what’s happening. Where are we?” Steve demanded as Akia and Fionn moved the group behind the wagon.

  “Do we chain them together, massina?” Fionn asked.

  Quinn swung into the saddle of a massive black horse and shook her head. “No. They can walk behind the wagon unchained.”

  She stared at all of them. “I will give you your freedom to walk behind the wagon. You would be wise to stay with us. There are many things in this world that can kill you. Believe me when I say you are safest with us. And for the love of Garna, keep your voices down.” She scowled at Veronica.

  “Can you take off these cuffs?” Craig pulled at the cuffs around his wrists.

  Quinn shook her head. “No.”

  She glanced at Kila who was helping Gage to his feet. “Kila, we’re leaving.”

  Kila led Gage toward the others. He fell into step beside Silas as Fionn climbed into the front of the wagon and the others mounted their horses. With a low whistle to the horses, the wagon started with a jolt and Silas and the others followed it on foot.

  Naveen smiled at them from his spot in the wagon. “Listen closely, strange ones. I will do my best to explain what has happened to you.”

  The group crowded close to the back of the wagon as it moved slowly through the woods.

  “The orb of light that you saw is a doorway. It sucked you in from your world and spit you out in ours,” Naveen said cheerfully.

  “What do you mean?” Craig asked. “Are you telling me we’re on a different planet?”

  “Not exactly,” Naveen replied. “Think of it more as a different version of your earth.”

  “Told you it was time travel,” Kyle said to no one in particular.

  “This isn’t time travel.” Gage frowned at him.

  “So to get back all we need to do is find another orb,” Steve said thoughtfully.

  Naveen shook his head. “I’m afraid not. There are many worlds and the odds of you being returned to your own world are very slim. Most likely you would be sent to another world. One that may not be as friendly as ours.”

  “Oh yeah, you’re real friendly,” Andrea snorted and pulled on her cuffs.

  “So what, you just track these orbs and take the people who fall out of them?” Kyle asked.

  Naveen shrugged. “Yes. Although not all orbs deliver people. Some of them like the one you encountered takes people.”

  “How do you know which it will be?” Kyle asked.

  “We have our ways,” Naveen replied.

  “What do you want from us?” Angela asked. She was walking next to Gage and she gave him a small smile. He returned her smile but his eyes quickly returned to Kila riding slightly ahead of them.

  Naveen glanced at Quinn.

  “Tell them everything,” she instructed softly.

  Naveen sighed. “You have to understand – in this world there are very few males. Only one in every fifty babies born is a male. Males are highly valued in this world. Wars have been started over them. Many years ago, when the orbs were first discovered the different clans made a pact to split the males that the orb brought. Each clan would have their turn in taking the people who fell from the orb.”

  Naveen glanced at Quinn. “It did not take long for the clans to turn on each other. Within a few years it became an all-out war to get to the orb first. The old pact was forgotten and now we all fight to reach the orb before the others.”

  “How do you know when the orb is opening?” Silas frowned.

  “The weather gives us a clue. As well, our clan is lucky. We have a majii among us who knows when the time of the orb draws near.”

  “How often does it happen?”

  “There is no pattern to it. One month the orb appeared four times. Once we went for nearly five years without the orb appearing.”

  “What do you mean majii?” Veronica asked. She spoke quietly, staring nervously at Barkha who was riding beside the wagon.

  “There is magic in this world,” Naveen said simp
ly.

  “There’s magic in ours,” Gemma said.

  Akia snorted. “Yes, card tricks and sleight of hand. Foolish magic.”

  Naveen cupped his hand and brought it to his mouth. He muttered an inaudible incantation, blew lightly on his fingers and then opened his hand. A small ball of flame hovered above his palm and Silas gave a grunt of surprise as the women gasped loudly.

  Naveen closed his hand with a snap and the flame extinguished. “We have real magic in this world. Anyway, our clan reached your group first and it’s lucky we did. There are so many strong males in your group. Our queen will be very pleased.”

  “What is your queen going to do to us?” Steve asked nervously.

  “You will be treated well. I assure you.” Naveen gave him a large smile.

  “Tell him, Naveen,” Quinn instructed quietly. “It’s better if they’re prepared.”

  “Prepared for what?” Kyle asked.

  “As I said before, males are rare in our world. As you can imagine we are keen to procreate in the hopes of having more males.”

  Kyle’s mouth dropped open and Steve stumbled and nearly fell. “Procreate? What do you mean procreate?”

  Naveen frowned. “You do not know what this word means?”

  “We know what it means,” Silas said dryly.

  “Breeders,” Angela breathed suddenly. “That’s what you meant when you said breeders.”

  Naveen nodded eagerly. “That’s right. We will treat you well, feed you, care for you and in return you will help us with breeding.”

  “So we’re going to be – be sex slaves?” Kyle said indignantly.

  “I could think of worse things to be,” Steve replied.

  Lacey rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Steve.”

  “If you’re from the world that we think you are then you’re very valuable indeed. Your kind tends to give us more male babies,” Naveen said.

  “They are from that world,” Quinn spoke suddenly.

  “How can you be so sure?” Akia said.

  “I just am,” Quinn replied.

  “What about us?” Angela asked. “If females are so plentiful why did you bring us as well?”

  Naveen smiled at her. “There are many uses for you as well. Our clan is large and has done well for itself under the rule of our queen. There is always need for females to serve and clean.”

  “What?” Veronica nearly shrieked and then cringed when Barkha raised her hand threateningly at her.

  “I am not going to be some kind of house slave,” she said defiantly.

  “If you prove yourself to be healthy and of good breeding stock then you can rise through the ranks. You can have babies, become protectors of our clan - the possibilities are endless,” Naveen assured her.

  “Lovely,” Gemma muttered.

  “What is this claiming ceremony you keep mentioning?” Gage asked Naveen.

  Barkha, who had dropped back and was riding next to Silas, grinned delightedly. “We have a claiming ceremony every month. The eligible males are lined up and we’re allowed to claim one as ours for the month. It’s so much fun. There is food and games and everyone is given the chance to fight for the one they want!”

  “Fight?” Craig asked.

  “It’s all in good fun.” Barkha smiled. “Everyone is allowed to participate. Even those who are not good fighters can ask those of us who are to fight on their behalf.”

  “What are you fighting for?” Steve asked.

  Barkha rolled her eyes. “Garna, you’re a dumb one. We’re fighting for you.”

  She reached out and rubbed her hand through Silas’ dark hair. “We share the breeders. You’re going to be very popular, danen.”

  Her skin was beginning to glow and Angela frowned. “What’s with the glowing?”

  “In our world, the women glow when they are um…” Naveen hesitated and Barkha grinned at Silas.

  “When we find someone pleasing to us.”

  Gemma’s mouth dropped open. “You mean when you’re aroused you glow?”

  Barkha shrugged. “What does aroused mean? Does it mean when we are hungry for a man?”

  “Yeah,” Gemma muttered.

  Silas stared at Quinn who had ridden ahead of the wagon. Earlier this morning in the tent she had wanted him as much as he wanted her. At least he thought she did. But she hadn’t glowed once. He would have noticed it if she had. His stomach churned. He was rough with her, pinning her down and fucking her like she belonged to him. He liked being dominant in bed and liked being the one in control, but he wanted his woman warm and willing.

  She wanted it. She begged you to fuck her remember?

  His cock hardened at the memory of her low voice begging him to fuck her. Her pussy had been soaking wet and if she wasn’t turned on then she was one hell of an actress. Maybe her glowing ability didn’t work.

  “What if we don’t want to be passed around and shared?” Gage asked. “What if we prefer to be with one woman?” He was staring at Kila as he spoke and Angela gave him a wounded look.

  “Not possible,” Barkha said cheerfully. “I already told you – we share the breeders. Of course, if the woman was to win the claiming ceremony for you each month then I guess you could be with only them.”

  She laughed softly. “That won’t happen though. We like variety.” She stroked Silas’ hair again. “Although I might make an exception for you, danen.”

  Akia snorted. “You know she’ll take him for herself.”

  “You keep saying that.” Silas stared at her. “Who are you talking about?”

  “Why, the queen of course.” Akia smiled at him. “She gets first pick of the breeders and she’s going to be very fond of you. After she’s done I fully intend to claim you.”

  “I’m claiming him first,” Barkha pouted.

  Akia laughed. “You’ll never beat me, Barkha, and you know it. No one can beat me at the fights.”

  “Quinn could,” Barkha muttered.

  Akia glared at her. “No, she couldn’t.” She reached out and tugged on Gemma’s long curly hair. “The rumour is the massina prefers the company of women. You’re a pretty one. If you’re nice to her perhaps she will take you to her bed.”

  Gemma stumbled away from her as Akia laughed and rode to the front.

  “What if we don’t want to be your sex slaves?” Craig asked.

  Naveen blinked. “I – no one has ever refused the advances of our women before. Believe me when I say you’ll be treated well. There will be some labour jobs but nothing you will not be able to handle. All we ask in return is that you provide your seed.”

  “Marvelous.” Kyle rolled his eyes. “We’re nothing but baby machines.”

  “Really Kyle? You’re about to get all the pussy you could ever want and you’re complaining?” Steve raised his eyebrows at him.

  “Don’t be so coarse, Steve.” Andrea scowled at him.

  “Don’t worry, baby, eventually you might get your turn with me.” Steve winked at her and Andrea snorted in disgust.

  “I’d rather sleep with a snake. You’re - ”

  “Quiet!” Quinn’s low voice rang out and the group immediately quieted.

  She drew her sword and the others quickly followed suit.

  “What is it, massina?” Kila whispered.

  “Surround them now.” Quinn dismounted and quickly tied her horse to the wagon. Kila did the same and within minutes Silas and the others were surrounded by Quinn and the other warriors.

  “Naveen, get down in the wagon,” Quinn muttered.

  The old man immediately ducked down as Veronica crowded up against Silas.

  “Silas? What’s happening?” She whimpered.

  “I don’t know.”

  Quinn was standing still and quiet. She cocked her head as Kila whispered, “Massina, are they out there?”

  “Yes,” Quinn murmured. “They’re watching us.”

  “Garna!” Barkha muttered. “Now what?”

  Andrea stood on her tiptoes and
peered over Barkha’s shoulder into the trees. “How do you know - ”

  There was a soft whooshing noise and Silas blinked in shock at the arrow that was sticking out of Andrea’s throat. She made a soft gurgling noise and collapsed slowly to the ground.

  “Andrea?” Angela said in a soft little voice as blood began to run out of Andrea’s throat and seep into the ground.

  Veronica shrieked, a loud wailing cry that made the hair on Silas’ neck stand straight up. He shoved her towards the wagon. “Get under the wagon! Go!”

  She ignored him and collapsed shrieking to the ground, curling up into a small ball in the soft dirt.

  “Gage! Get under the wagon now!” Sage roared as wild shrieks were heard. A pack of women - at least he thought they were women - came bursting out of the trees. They carried spears and swords and they were screaming unintelligible sounds.

  “Holy shit,” Steve breathed, staring slack-jawed at the advancing women.

  Their flesh was a light green and their jet-black hair was long and wild and knotted with bits of fabric. They were covered in piercings and they wore only a leather band around their breasts and short leather skirts.

  Silas ran for Gage and knocked him to the ground. “Under the wagon! Now!”

  Gage crawled awkwardly on his knees toward the wagon as Silas began to knock the others down. Veronica, tears streaming down her face, wormed her way under the wagon next to Angela. She buried her face in the blonde woman’s shoulder as Angela stared at the advancing women.

  Another arrow flew through the air and buried itself in Lacey’s chest. She fell slowly to her knees, staring at the arrow in disbelief before collapsing forward. Angela screamed in horror, her face a mask of shock and fear.

  The rest of the group had squeezed under the wagon and Silas took a running leap and heaved his large body into the wagon. He landed with a hard thud next to Naveen.

  “Unchain me!” He hissed. “I can help them!”

  Naveen shook his head. “No! I cannot!”

  “Son of a bitch!” Silas flipped to his stomach and raised his head to stare over the top of the wagon.

  The wild women were attacking Quinn and the others. He watched as Quinn, her face serene, thrust the sword in her right hand into the belly of one of the women before yanking it free and cutting off her head.