Men of Anderas II: Dak the Protector

by Cheryl Johnson

  A deep blush climbed from her chest to her hairline but she never broke eye contact. “You didn’t … show me how to ….”

  Dak placed a fingertip against her lush mouth. “We’re just getting started, baby. I told you I wanted to love you all night long. The only way I’ll stop is if you tell me to stop. If you’re sore or too tired, just tell me.” It wouldn’t be the first time he had to ignore a raging hard-on but he’d do it without complaint if she called a halt to their loving.

  “Kiss me, Dak.” She whispered, pulling him down to her.

  He worshiped her mouth with his, tasting every surface of her mouth, telling her with his lips how much he loved her. When her hips flexed against his stomach, he shifted just enough to slide into the welcoming heat of her body.

  “Yesssss.” She moaned, closing her eyes and arching her back to take more of him.

  Every muscle in his body shook with the effort it took to hold back his release. He wanted Kierin to explode for him again.

  “Look at me, my love.” He waited until she focused on him again. He eased almost out, locking his jaw when her inner muscles gripped him. “Wrap your legs around my waist, baby.” When she lifted her legs, he slid deep. Buried to the hilt in her heat with her muscles pulsing around him, he struggled for control.

  “I’m not going to last long, Little Witch. It’s been too long and you feel so damn good but I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”

  “You worry too much.” She whispered thrusting her hips up with enough force to lift his heavier body. “I won’t break, Dak, so give me all you’ve got.”

  Her breathless demand broke his fragile control. With a savage growl, he pounded into her, fighting the increased pressure--the demand--his body made for release. Kierin’s body convulsing in release, pulled him over. His shout echoed long and loud through the chamber before he collapsed against her. Aware of his weight, he wrapped her in his arms and rolled to his side. When he could move again he reached for the blanket to cover them. A gentle kiss against her hair and he drifted into sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Tell me again why I can’t go to market?” Kierin demanded. She and Dak had this same argument at least once a day for the week he’d been back.

  “Why do we have to do this again? I’ve explained why--which I’m not accustomed to doing, by the way. I never got this much attitude from my men.”

  She stood with her hands fisted at her hips, glaring at the stubborn man. She knew if she waited long enough he’d repeat his reasons. He was right about the trip but she refused to give in gracefully. He already controlled her body in their bed, and anywhere else his mood hit him. He shouldn’t be allowed to control her entire life--at least not without putting some effort into it.

  Throwing his hands in the air, Dak shook his head. “Fine. One--you’re pregnant.” He counted off on his fingers.

  “Pregnant women travel all the time.” She pointed out.

  “TWO--,” he raised his voice above hers, “you’re too sore from our sexual marathons. You cringe every time you sit down on a padded chair. Do you honestly think you can sit on that stiff leather saddle?”

  She could feel the blush heat her face. Her Anderan had amazing stamina and nothing about him was small. She would use her time alone to apply an herbal ointment for the soreness. By the time he returned, her body would no longer cause her discomfort from his size. She loved what his touch did to her but she wanted to be the one to seduce him.

  “Three--Draagon and his hired thugs are still searching for you.”

  “He hasn’t found me yet.” Focused on her thoughts of Dak, she almost missed what he was saying. Since he said the same things every time, she didn’t need to pay close attention to know what to respond.

  “DAMMIT!” He yelled, sweeping her up in a fierce hug that lifted her feet off the floor. “Do you have any idea what it would do to me if I lost you? I can’t believe how empty my life was before I met you.”

  Kierin buried her face against his neck, breathing in the unique fragrance that was his alone. Lifting her head, she looked into his eyes. The torment there melted her anger. Placing her hand against his cheek, she smiled softly.

  “It’s the same for me, Dak. Draagon isn’t the biggest threat to us. If the Warlords locate me, they will kill me, you, the baby--anyone in contact with my father or his family. I made the decision a long time ago to live my life for now.”

  Pushing out of his embrace, she pulled her order book from the pocket on the side of her skirt and handed it to him. “If you’re determined to do this alone, you need to know who gets what.”

  For two days Dak studied her lists. The Medi-Tech Center on Anderas was a lot faster but not as personal. For Kierin to be genetically programmed to know all of this was amazing. He was so proud of her but her generous heart could get her killed.

  Sunrise saw him mounted and riding toward the first village on Kierin’s route. If everything sold today, he’d be back home and in his own bed by midnight. If not, the plan was for him to stay at an inn and complete the transactions tomorrow.

  * * * *

  By noon, Dak was ready to strangle half the population of this nameless cluster of buildings. The only thing to qualify this settlement as an organized village was the wooden wall built to protect the residents from the blowing sand. The people were mostly miners and farmers--although he couldn’t imagine how they managed that in the middle of this desert--but they were as rude and arrogant as any peer of the realm.

  If these ladies didn’t complain that he wasn’t Kierin, they griped about the prices he quoted. He didn’t just pick a price out of his ass! Kierin had everything clearly marked.

  “I specifically asked for two measures of that breathing salve and I shouldn’t have to pay for the second because you’ve caused me to be late for my other appointments.” The stout matron stood toe-to-toe with him.

  Dak pulled Kierin’s order book from his pocket and flipped to the page for this village. “You are ….”

  “I am Mistress Flagg, the butcher’s wife.”

  “Here it is.” Dak pointed to the entry. “Salve for difficulty breathing, one measure for the baker. There’s a note beside the order that says she always tries to get something for free so don’t let her bully you. Sorry, I think that was for my benefit.”

  “Well, of all the nerve. How dare she impugn my character? I won’t stand for it. She has seen the last of my coin.”

  “That is your choice, Mistress Flagg. I’m sure you can find another crystal witch to provide you with whatever you need. Of course, I’ve travelled extensively and I’ve never heard of a crystal witch before coming to this section of the galaxy. Your shopping expeditions may become somewhat lengthy.”

  “Ha! He gotcha, ya ol’ bat.” The man selling chickens and eggs in the booth next to Dak slapped his knee, laughing. “Kierin’s the only one we got an’ ya know fer a fact that she don’ overcharge. Don’ know why ya try that stunt every time. Now pay the man and get on back where ya came from.”

  She threw her coin into the basket before grabbing the jar of ointment and stomping off into the crowd.

  “Thanks, man.” Dak nodded to the farmer beside him. “I don’t know how Kierin deals with all of this.” He waved his hand around the market square and the hundreds of people milling around. The stench of unwashed bodies alone would send him running for the open desert.

  “That woman,” he sneered, “likes ta think she’s the richest biddy in the henhouse. Don’ pay her no mind. Name’s Digger.” He reached across the crates of chickens stacked waist high and offered his hand.

  “Dak. Nice to meet you.”

  “Things around here will slow down now fer a coupla hours while folks get a bite of food. Afternoon crowd is a mite bigger and tend to spend more coin. They done seen whatever is here fer sale and know where the bigger bargains can be had. Mostly, they jus’ wanna head on home. This yur first market.”

  “Is it that obvious?” Dak chuckled
when Digger nodded. “Kierin wasn’t feeling well enough to travel this time so that left me. Not something I’ve been trained to do and, frankly, I hope I never have to do it again.”

  “It don’ take brains to see ya ain’t a miner or a farmer. Don’ look nothin’ like a crystal witch, so whatcha doin’ with Lady Kierin?”

  “Long story and not mine to tell. I will tell you that she’s my whole world. I’ll be whatever she needs or wants me to be.”

  “Good enough fer me. She’s a sweetheart. Never a cross word to nobody but she don’ let none of ‘em get the better of her. Grab a seat an’ take a load off.”

  Dak and Digger shared lunch and conversation for over an hour before they noticed a difference in the market place. Furtive glances between several groups of men and whispered conversations set Dak’s instincts on full alert.

  “Something’s happened.” Dak whispered to Digger.

  “I got a bad feelin’ ‘bout this. Let me see what I can find out. Yur a stranger to ‘em so they might not talk with you around. Be right back.”

  Dak watched the man scamper toward a group of farmers across the square from where he stood. When Digger headed back at a hard run, cold fear skittered up Dak’s back.

  “It’s bad. It’s real bad.” Digger panted from his run. “Phantom Riders done sealed the whole town. Got the gates blocked an’ goin’ door-to-door lookin’ for somebody. Can’t find a single man what knows who they be after.”

  Dak drew a deep, calming breath. He knew who they were after. They came for him. He had to find a way to escape. Kierin was alone and unprotected. She would sacrifice herself for him. He couldn’t let that happen.

  “Digger, I need a favor.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Kierin, my love, I need you to listen very closely. Draagon is here looking for you. I don’t think he realizes that you’re not here and the longer I can keep that little secret the better chance I’ll have to escape. I’m working on a way out. Please, Little Witch, go to the vault room and stay there. I don’t want you knowing what I may have to do to escape. Try not to worry. I was trained for this, remember? I love you, baby. Please stay safe.

  Dak’s whispered message chilled her to the bone. Draagon. She couldn’t go to the vault and leave Dak completely alone. She might not be able to help him but she could offer silent support--as long as he didn’t know she was there.

  He was a warrior but he had no weapons. The laser gun Talon left was under their bed. All he had was his strength and his intelligence. As formidable as those were he couldn’t deflect a laser gun blast or a sword. There were compounds in the materials he took to market that would be deadly if combined. He could use them if he could get close enough to Draagon and if he would follow her instructions. She had to try. Eliminating Draagon was the only chance they had for a life together.

  Dak. Go down the list of powders and find ….

  Dak’s voice stopped her cold. I destroyed everything that was left and covered any trace of being here. Go to the vault room. I’ve got a plan.

  If you die on me, Dak, I’m going to be so angry with you.

  His chuckle warmed her heart.

  “Goddess Jovena, please keep him safe.”

  Waiting was the hard part so Kierin jumped into action. She didn’t know what the next few hours or days would bring, but she would be as ready as she could be for whatever happened. The animals needed extra food and water in case she had to leave or couldn’t get to the barn for some reason. She had to prepare for every contingency she could imagine.

  After cleaning the stalls and adding extra hay on the floor, she filled the feed dishes to capacity and brought in extra buckets of water. Still worried that her animals would suffer if neglected, she opened the back doors so they could get to the corral if necessary.

  “Listen, Rocky,” she whispered to her horse, rubbing her soft brown hide. “I don’t have time to name Dak’s other horses so you be extra nice to them. We don’t want them thinking they’re not part of the family, do we?” The mare shook her head as if she understood the instructions and that made Kierin smile.

  When she was satisfied that everything was covered for the animals she headed back inside. Fresh water came from underground springs and there was plenty of food thanks to what Dak brought with him. Most of her medicinal items went with Dak to market but the ingredients were all here. She spent the remainder of the day mixing what she might need if Dak came back wounded. She truly believed no one could detect her security field but if they did and attempted to force her surrender, she could hold out for weeks. She and Dak had the only two crystal keys that would open the security field but Draagon was resourceful and determined. If Draagon did find a way in Dak would find a way to rescue her, she had no doubt of that.

  * * * *

  Using Digger’s straw hat and wool poncho, Dak hunched over, trying to make himself less conspicuous. He was at a serious disadvantage. It was difficult to blend in when you were a full head taller than every other man he’d seen. No weapon, his horse stabled at the public corral and he was in unfamiliar surroundings. His choices were limited. The plan was to work his way to one of the gates, overpower the guard and ride like hell back to Kierin’s fortress. The main street was heavily patrolled. Side streets and alleys provided better coverage but he needed to find somewhere to hide until the sun went down. He would use the cover of darkness to escape.

  At the end of a blind alley, Dak spotted the partially collapsed wall of an old building. It was a tight fit, but he finally wiggled and squirmed until he was completely covered by the rotting timbers and overgrown vegetation. Just maybe, the Riders looking for him wouldn’t give the ruins a second glance. If they did check, he made sure he was deep enough under the rubble that a sword shoved into the pile would miss him by about a foot in any direction. He just prayed there wasn’t anything poisonous slithering around with him.

  By the position of the sun, he figured he had about four or five hours until dark. Time for a light nap. One of the first things a warrior learns during training was to eat when you could and sleep when you got the chance. The high walls forming the alley would echo any sound and wake him instantly.

  * * * *

  “This is much too easy.” Draagon complained when he read Jud’s note. His beloved wasn’t at the market but a man was there in her place. “Trapped inside a walled village with no way out. My genius amazes me. Why can’t he make it interesting and attempt escape?” He didn’t expect a response from the guard standing before him. He and his men had been on the march for five days. Another day of hard riding would bring them to the village.

  “Call out the Riders--every man--we leave within the hour.” He would soon have everything that was his due. There was no need to push the animals to exhaustion. Jud would not risk his life by allowing this man to escape. They would ride through the gates of this doomed village as the sun broke the horizon tomorrow.

  Everyone who dared stand between him and Kierin would die for their impertinence. Turning to the guard on his right, Draagon began issuing orders.

  “Take a dozen Riders and my personal cart to the village two days ride due west. There’s no one on this miserable planet with enough courage to challenge me but I won’t be caught in a wasted battle. For two years we’ve followed the trek along the eastern terrain. If anyone looks for us, they will think we’ve continued along that route. When you arrive, secure the town and hold it until I join you. Make very sure no one goes near that cart.”

  “As you order, Lord Draagon.” The man saluted sharply and turned his horse away, pulling men from the line as he went.

  “You, my disobedient Kierin, will have a most unusual surprise waiting for you.” His maniacal laughter floated across the desert on the ever-present wind.

  The creaking leather saddles and jangling harnesses of two hundred mounted riders created a numbing background noise. Draagon, drunk on the intoxicating euphoria of impending success, fingered the cluster of crystals he
wore around his neck and allowed his fantasies free reign as his Riders escorted him across the wasteland. His focus on the upcoming confrontation kept him in a state of semi-arousal and knowing Kierin was so close brought him a painful erection. “Another lesson, sweet Kierin. You must learn not to employ your feminine wiles unless I demand it. Yes, my dear, you will pay dearly for this discomfort.”

  Well after midnight, Draagon noticed a slight vibration through the crystal he fingered. Within minutes, the vibration became a throb and a soft glow brightened the darkness around him.

  He pulled his horse to a halt and screamed for his Riders to do the same. Those closest to him saw the glowing crystal but none dared ask about it.

  “Something has triggered my amulet.” Draagon spoke aloud to no one in particular. Gesturing two guards to follow him, he began a systematic search of the area. For two hours he rode slowly in increasing arcs until his crystal grew as bright as the sun. It almost hurt his eyes to look at it. Only a massive power source from his home world could call to his crystal this strongly. Since his crystal was man-made, it had to be another man-made crystal creating this power. The outlawed crystal! Kierin!

  “You.” He pointed to the guard on the right. “Ride to Commander Jud and tell him to kill the villagers--slowly. And you,” he turned to the other guard. “Ride back and bring the remaining men. Tell them to spread out on either side of me, parallel to the eastern horizon. Quickly!”

  “Tsk, tsk, sweet Kierin.” He whispered gently. “Your father tried to protect you, didn’t he? He was doomed to failure. He never knew there was a second crystal created after he left. Not as powerful, so I can’t breach your web. Not as elegant. In fact, this disgusting mass is rather hideous, but mine is just as deadly. Now, my dear, how do I get you to come to me?”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  As soon as darkness covered the alley where Dak hid, he slowly worked his way out of his bolt hole. A short nap earlier renewed his energy. He desperately wanted to contact Kierin but needed to stay focused. He couldn’t keep her safe if he lost his edge. Slipping from shadow to shadow, he crept slowly, silently toward the nearest gate.