Fueled by Lust: Cato (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Celeste Prater

  “No fucking way,” issued from his mouth. Kallon’s soft words drifted across the bed.

  “Gorgeous tat. I like how the long tail feathers curl up and wrap around her belly button. Very unique.”

  Cato nodded. “That it is, my friend. That it is. I couldn’t have dreamed it up if I tried.” Stunned, he assisted Kallon in removing her limp arms from the gown and working the scrub top over her head. As if they’d practiced it for years, they slid the shirt down her body and peeled the gown away without exposing an inch of his mate’s body that was reserved strictly for him.

  Mine. Mine. Mine, stomped around in his brain and embedded every feeling he’d had since the moment he’d heard her voice. He’d been with her. They’d made love on the magenta grass of his home world. He didn’t know how and he didn’t care. This was his woman. He was her storyteller.

  He couldn’t wait to get the hell out of here and get her home. It was going to kill him to wait for three days to finally see her beautiful blue eyes. It would be the last cog slipping into place in his belief of the impossible. He could easily lift her eyelid and confirm what he knew to be true, yet he couldn’t stomach the thought of seeing a lifeless response. He wanted to know if she recognized him as well.

  Cato slid his arms underneath her body and easily lifted her from the bed. She fit perfectly in his grip. She was meant to be there. Gently, he set her in the wheelchair and kept her head steady as Kallon attached the neck brace. He held her shoulders back as his new friend secured her to the chair. Kallon pulled the thin blanket from the bed and bundled it around her body before uncoiling her braid into her lap.

  Cato sent a mind call out to Maxim. We’re ready. Do your thing.

  Roger that. Three minutes.

  Kallon grinned when muffled voices sounded outside the door. “What’d he do?”

  Cato grunted. “There’s a pile of candy and chips on the break room floor. Snack time. The boy can break into anything.”

  Kallon laughed. “Let’s go.” He opened the door and swung his head side to side. “All clear.”

  Cato shot out of the door and headed down the corridor. True to his word, Maxim had effectively emptied the hallways. They made it to the south exit in less than five minutes without being spotted. A grinning Maxim held the door open and took a bow at the same time.

  Kallon chuckled, clapped him on the shoulder, and jumped into the back of the van. Maxim scrambled into the passenger side as Cato yanked the straps off Luna, handed her over to Kallon, and followed him in. He placed her on a gurney set low on the van floor, strapped her down, and covered her up.

  Cato pounded on the side of the van and yelled out, “We’re good.”

  As the vehicle sped away from the hospital, Kallon glanced over and grinned. He looked every bit his age. “I have to say, Cato. That’s the most fun I’ve had in a very long time, despite the situation.”

  Cato laughed and bumped him on the shoulder. “You heal my mate, Kallon, and we’ll get you out of your clinic any time you want. You haven’t seen fun yet.”

  “You got a deal, amici. I’ll hold you to it.”

  Chapter 12

  Cato felt the helicopter bank sharply to the right and glanced up to the back of Maxim’s head. “Hey, buddy. Take it easy there. You almost hit a bird or something?” He was surprised by the deep growl coming through the headphones.

  “Not the kind of bird you’re thinking of. Damn! That scared the shit out of me.”

  Immediately, Cato noticed Ulixes leaning close to his window. His face was practically smashed to the glass. He’d taken the copilot seat so he and Kallon could monitor Luna strapped to the gurney between them. Ulixes’s head whipped back and forth several times before turning back to Maxim. Concern etched his brow and laced his voice.

  “It’s circling back around and flanking on the left.”

  “Shit! I’d hoped it was innocent.”

  Cato shot a glance to Kallon. All he got was a shrug and wide eyes.

  “Maxim. What the hell’s going on?”

  “Another helicopter. Son of a bitch! He just flew over us. I think he’s trying to warn us off. We’re ten miles into the Trejani’s land so we shouldn’t see anything else around here at this low altitude. I can’t call in to the airport for identification. I’m flying off grid. From what I’ve seen so far, I’m sure they are, too. Ulixes, did you see any insignia on the side? Something that might identify it as a government agency? They like to use acronyms like DEA, FAA, CIA, or FBI. Crap like that.”

  Ulixes shook his head. “Completely black. Even the windows were darkened. All I could see were small numbers on the tail, but I could not read them.”

  Maxim craned his neck to the left. “Here they come. Oh? You want to play chicken, motherfucker? I’ll bite. This is a gods damn Sikorsky. It’s gonna’ eat your Eurocopter ass for lunch.” He flicked a wicked glance over his shoulder. “Brace yourself, guys. Here we go.”

  Cato grabbed his armrests and held on as Maxim lifted the nose at a ninety-degree angle and quickly completed a half-arc turn and dip. He heard Kallon muttering under his breath. As soon as his stomach righted itself, he shot a glance down to the stretcher and was thankful the physician had utilized the extra straps to hold Luna’s head in place. She wasn’t budging an inch.

  Maxim’s war cry resounded in the small space and Cato knew it was game on. The warrior was in full battle mode and someone was going to get hurt. “Where are they now?”

  “Right in front of me except going the opposite direction. The hunter has now become the hunted. That’s right, dipshit. I’m on your ass. How tight are your butt cheeks right now? I can do this all day. Cato, I’m going to push them away from our flight path. I don’t want to break and head for the vortex with them this close.”

  “Roger that. Do what you got to do.”

  Maxim’s voice came low over the headphones after three minutes of silence. “Well, this is interesting. They’re not trying to turn back and come at me. It looks like they’re content with me following them out. I’ll head back. Keep an eye on the ground. They were protecting something below like a momma bird with a dropped chick. That’s exactly what I would’ve done. I’ll head east first then double back. They’ll think I’m spooked. Anyone spot them, let me know.”

  Kallon unstrapped, and Cato followed. They stuck their foreheads to the window panes on each side of the craft and searched the ground. Kallon spoke up first.

  “What am I looking for?”

  Maxim glanced back. “They pulled me out too far. Wait a few minutes and I’ll take us back over to where they showed the most aggression. Until then, keep an eye out for momma bird.”

  They flew toward the sun for several minutes before Maxim’s voice broke the silence. “Anything?”

  Everyone reported a negative and he immediately banked to the right. “Eyes to the ground. Now you’re looking for anything that doesn’t blend with the scenery.”

  Ulixes was the first to call out. “Over to the right. There is dust kicking up. Something is moving fast.”

  Maxim veered off and closed in on the dust cloud. “Why the hell are trucks driving through our land? They’re at least fifteen miles inward and progressing. That’s not a lost tourist caravan.”

  Cato moved to the window next to Kallon. “Get closer. I want to see what’s on the back of the trucks.”

  The helicopter lowered closer to the three oversized pickups and lined up beside them. Each bed held large, wooden crates covered with green tarp and four men dressed in black fatigues. Cato squinted and then shouted. “Get the hell out of here! They’ve got guns!”

  Maxim didn’t need further instruction. He pulled the same high-angled maneuver from earlier and crested a ridge just as the first round of shots rang out. Everyone cringed at the sound of small impacts to the side of the craft.

  Cato draped his body over Luna and clenched his teeth. One stray bullet and she’d be gone. Murderous rage poured through his body. When they were safel
y over the ridge, he passed his hands over her skin and released his breath when he found her intact. He looked up to check on everyone else, but they were watching wide-eyed as he made sure she was okay.

  “Son of a bitch! Maxim, how far are we out from the vortex?”

  “Twenty miles. Heading there now.”

  Cato jumped back into his seat and strapped in. “Call ahead and prepare the guards. We need them waiting with camouflage for the helicopter as soon as we land. We can’t compromise our location. Have them send a message through the vortex. Drusus needs to know what just happened. We either have drug or gun runners on the property. That sure as hell wasn’t military. This needs to be taken care of immediately.”

  Maxim’s voice was nothing more than gravelly vengeance with a touch of evil. “Got it. The bastards just shot at the wrong fucking bird.”

  * * * *

  Cato had forgotten how impressive a squadron of Insedi warriors looked when they were geared up and pissed. They poured out of the vortex and formed six lines, five deep. Each had a laser pistol holstered to his pant leg, a sword strapped to his back, and a Bio-Surge vehicle gripped in his hand. The only way in or out of this cavern was by helicopter or walking, so the lightweight transport provided an alternative. The body was of simple construction and resembled a silver, five-foot pipe. However, it had feet pads, curved handles, a slim seat, and could travel up to seventy miles per hour. The beauty of the device lay in the warrior’s ability to incorporate it into his energy grid. The enemy would never see them coming. The emperor discouraged bringing Insedivertus technology to Earth. The only exceptions were for medical and his bank of computers to assist in mate location. Obviously, rules were being tossed aside for this occasion.

  Maxim stood to the side of the vortex and fidgeted. Cato could tell he was aching to get his hands on one of the machines and lead the pack out for the hunt. After the attack had been relayed to the Trejani, word had come back to redirect their flight to the Earth exit vortex. It was closer and they were sending reinforcements. These were members of the elite guard. The emperor wasn’t fucking around.

  All activity stopped as soon as Drusus emerged from the wormhole and walked calmly over to the squad. Despite the faded jeans and black muscle shirt, his bearing was unmistakably that of a leader. If his features foretold the future, it didn’t bode well for the trespassers. His dark, rumbling voice and scowl swept away any doubt of their target’s fate.

  “Warriors. Each of you know the value of our Earth entry and exit points. We can’t allow others to disregard our posted warnings. This is our land, and most importantly our future. They fired upon our own and will pay the price. There is no forgiveness. Maxim has provided coordinates where the attack occurred. You know what to do. Sweep the entire area. Leave no signs of their presence. Be vigilant and return to us.”

  Each warrior slammed a fist against his chest and released a war cry to rival no other. The prince nodded to the squadron leader. One by one, they mounted and disappeared into the surroundings. Not a kick of dust or the hum of a motor could be detected.

  Drusus walked over, smiled, and patted him on the shoulder. “Good to see you, Cato. Maxim. I’m glad you weren’t injured. Come on. Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to leave the helicopter exposed much longer. I wasn’t told much, but I understand there’s a critical patient on board. An Earth female?”

  Cato nodded. “Yes. Her name’s Luna. She’s my mate.”

  Drusus’s eyes widened and his smile grew larger. “A mate? That’s fantastic news. Congratulations.” Just as quickly, his eyes moved to concern and his smile fell away. “This was the friend you spoke of that needed help? I’m sorry that she suffers, Cato. Anything you need, it will be given.”

  “Thank you, Trejani. Kallon’s with us. He’s already treated her superficial injuries. It’s the brain trauma that requires her presence on Insedivertus. She’s my Occasio and if she’ll have me, my life mate.”

  Drusus nodded and started walking toward the helicopter. “Kallon is the best. I’m glad he was available to you. She’ll recover in no time.” He glanced over and chuckled. “I know full well the awkward feeling between being force-bound and thinking any minute your female’s going to kick you to the curb. I feel for you there, amici.”

  Maxim laughed and shoved Cato on the shoulder. “Hell. I have bets on her planting a foot on his ass. She’s going to wake up and want a refund.”

  Cato shoved back and snorted. “I’ll give you a foot on the ass, dickhead.”

  Drusus shook his head and sighed. “I’ve got to get back to Earth. I’ve missed this.” As he rounded the helicopter, his eyes widened. “Ah, Ulixes. I’m glad you’re here. You got my message. My father is looking forward to speaking with you. Hello, Kallon. Good to see you again. Thank you for taking care of Cato’s female.”

  Cato didn’t miss the quick step backward Ulixes and Kallon took from each other as they’d approached. Kallon’s cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink and Ulixes’s eyes were steadily studying the ground. How interesting.

  “Anytime, Trejani. She’s a lovely female. Cato is very fortunate.”

  At Drusus’s nod, Ulixes appeared to recover his usually calm demeanor. “I received your message shortly before Cato called for assistance. I saw no need to take the plane when he was already heading this way. I look forward to meeting with your father and the Senate as well.”

  Drusus smiled and passed a quick glance between the two men. “You know, Ulixes. You and our physician have much in common.”

  Ulixes’s warm, brown eyes flipped up and his face paled. “How so?”

  Cato squashed a grin as Drusus casually opened the copilot door and winked. “Chess. You both like chess. Kallon is not only our Master Surgeon, but also a master chess player. You two should catch a game when you have the chance.”

  Ulixes’s color returned and he slid a sidewise glance to Kallon, who was now studying the toe of his boots and twirling the end of his braid. “Indeed. I would like that very much. That is if he is so inclined.”

  Kallon straightened and cleared his throat. “Of course. Anytime. Just let me know.”

  Ulixes closed his eyes for a brief moment, smiled, and slid the door panel aside. “After you, doctor.”

  Maxim clambered into the pilot’s seat and buckled up. “Get settled everyone. I want to get this baby to the other site and covered before we get spotted again.”

  Four minutes later, they were in the air and on the way to the second vortex site. Drusus swiveled in his seat and looked down at Luna strapped on the gurney.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, Cato. What happened here?”

  Cato reached down, stroked Luna’s hand, and said in a rough voice, “She was attacked while on a pay phone. I believe her ex-boyfriend did it, or had it done. As soon as I’m positive, he’s toast. I’ll be truthful with you, Trejani. I tested her compatibility so I could bring her home for treatment without facing Senate interrogation. Hell, I would’ve fought my way past them even if she hadn’t heated my necklace. She’s never met me and may very well want nothing to do with me when she finally wakes. She’ll remain in stasis after she’s treated. Unless I can convince her to be mine, she’ll never know of our world.”

  Cato had always liked the Trejani’s style of approach. He wasn’t a bullshitter and when he looked you in the eyes, you saw nothing other than the hard truth of things. That’s what he needed right now. As he stared into the unwavering emerald eyes of his prince, he knew that was exactly what he was about to get.

  “I would’ve helped you. Kick their ass, that is. The idiot ex or the Senate bullshit. Doesn’t matter. Nothing should hinder the needs of a mate, even our own gods damn rules. If she wakes and gets a peek at our world, we’ll deal with it. Lay aside that concern and focus it toward getting her well. Let me worry about the Senate.”

  He couldn’t have loved his leader more in that moment than he could in a lifetime. Blinking rapidly, he glanced around and caught
the subtle nods of every male on board. Even Ulixes, an exiled male without a drop of Insedi blood running through his veins, bobbed his head in camaraderie. They had his back, no questions asked. They all were truly brothers, if not by blood, then forged in commitment to the survival of their race. Cato cleared his throat.

  “Thank you, my brothers.” And as with any group of males finding themselves blanketed in emotions usually reserved for their female counterparts, a diversion was quickly found at the bark of Drusus’s laugh.

  “Hell! What am I saying? All I have to do is send Avelina and Cassie to plead your case and they’d be putty in their hands. Ever since both were claimed by a Lemarok, they’ve been spoiled rotten.”

  Cato laughed, partly from relief, but mostly from shock. “You’re kidding! There’s not been a claiming in over fifty years. Now there’s been two?”

  Drusus nodded. “Oh, yes. It was immediate. They’d not had their feet upon the ground for more than ten minutes and they were owned. I’ll let Severus tell you of Cassie’s reaction. If I try, I’ll laugh myself senseless.”

  Cato chuckled. “I bet that was a sight. Cassie isn’t known for holding back her thoughts.”

  Drusus shook his head. “You’ve no idea. We’ve been home less than a week and she’s wielding my Avelina’s power as princess like a sword. The Senate has actually agreed to allow import of certain Earth foods. She’s convinced them that bringing Earth to the females will keep them from dragging their males away from the homeland for extended periods. Alcinder’s mate, Deanna, worked as a restaurant manager in Dallas. Cassie convinced her to oversee the construction, stocking, and management of an eatery that would combine the best of both worlds. Brace yourself. She and Avelina were drawing up designs for a mall when I was called away. Her words to the Senate were, and I quote, ‘Look it. Magenta grass and three moons are cool and all, but it’s not long before you start missing Victoria’s Secret.’ Severus had to sit down after that.”