Hunting Their Mate

by Stone, Piper

  There was no doubt he was close to climaxing, his actions becoming more manic, his barbaric sounds more pronounced. Smiling, I simply squeezed my muscles.

  “Ah!” The roar was even more intense than before, and I had no doubt the others had heard us embroiled in such a carnal act.

  Only when he slowed, pressing his shaking body against mine did Killer filter into my mind. This was something he would never want. Such a proud man. Such a rugged man.

  One very human male and quite capable of jealousy.

  Zacon eased me away from the wall, pulling my arms to my sides and intertwining our fingers together. I could feel the rapid thudding of his chest against me and was forced to realize that Cenzans weren’t the horrible monsters I thought.

  He tugged on my hand, leading me out of the shower and tossing me a towel. The awkwardness between us had returned. Only during sex could we truly communicate. I wrapped the towel around my chest, folding my arms.

  The expression on his face had also shifted, becoming nothing more than a man on a mission. He moved toward me, fingering the braids and snorting. “You would look better without them.”

  My usual personality returned. The braids would stay.

  The slow breath that left his mouth was one of exasperation. He noticed the silver butt plug in the sink. He positioned me over the counter, pushing my lower back. “As commanded, you will wear this at all times, other than when absolutely necessary.”

  There was no gentleness as he shoved the cold, hard steel back into position. There was also no comfort when I let out a single whimper on purpose, merely to see what he’d do. In fact, he didn’t bother looking at my reflection before tossing open the door and storming out.

  Leaving me bitterly cold and angry.

  The moment I walked out into the outer room, I got a taste of just how jealous that Killer could be. The bitterness on his face was telling, but his eyes were lethal. What little emotion that had surfaced during the last day was gone, erased from the man I’d hoped to care about. What had replaced him was the very being that suited his nickname.

  A killer.

  The sadness I’d witnessed crossed over, changing his stance, his shoulders slumped as he looked away. I wanted nothing more than to reach out, beg him to confide in me, but I doubted he would ever trust me enough.

  Why should he?

  Talyn was the one to break the tension, moving into the middle of the room. “Get dressed. We’ve been summoned by the king.”

  * * *

  The harem girl costume had been thankfully replaced by what had to be a typical Cenzan uniform. All three men had refused to utter a word during the last half hour. Now, as we stood in what had to be King Drateq’s private quarters, I was honestly surprised that I’d been allowed into the inner sanctum.

  The king stood peering out the window and by his side, another human female. And even more surprising, she was the one who addressed us first.

  “Zacon, Talyn. I’m happy that you both were selected for the Drakan Act.” Her eyes twinkled as she approached, clasping first one then the other’s hands.

  “Queen Drateq,” Talyn said, nodding his head in respect.

  “And you all know better than to address me with formalities. I am queen by marriage only. My name is Fiona.” She laughed when the king snorted from the background. “Shandar doesn’t always approve but he deals with me because he has no other choice.”

  A slight laugh pushed past my lips. I already liked this woman. I would have expected a queen to be wearing some formal garb, a dress gilded in gold and studded with jewels. Instead, she was wearing faded blue jeans and a tee shirt.

  She shifted her gaze in my direction, lifting a single eyebrow. “I’ve heard many interesting stories about you, Kristina. A true warrior after my own heart. I like that. Any woman who can snag Killer’s attention must be quite formidable. You are a very welcome addition to this crazy tradition, at least in my eyes.” She shot her look toward Zacon and Talyn.

  I had no idea what to make of this. Sensing my restraint, she held out her hand. “I apologize. I’m Dr. Fiona Dupree, wife of Shandar, Braga, and Kalek. However, I was once a scientist working for the government on what I thought was a very important project for humanity.”

  We shook hands and I tilted my head. “Doctor.” Perhaps she’d worked on the horrific experiments Killer had mentioned.

  “Don’t let the title fool you. That seems like a lifetime ago, but yes, I was a scientist working with holographic images. I was also the former lover of Captain Logan Hicks, who I understand even in his death wields a mighty sword.” She finally acknowledged Killer, the expression on her face serene and full of admiration. “How are you, my friend?”

  Killer offered her an entirely different kind of smile, as if he’d once been in love with her. “As you might imagine, ready to kick some ass.”

  Fiona laughed. “Always the fighter as well as my hero.”

  I knew better than to ask any questions, but their connection was the very reason Killer was completely trusted in the Cenzan world.

  The king finally turned, walking in our direction. “Fiona is also a healer and has insisted on going to Earth to check on the conditions of those injured in the battle.”

  “A healer?” I searched her eyes.

  Fiona lifted her hands, twisting them back and forth. “I’m able to detect various diseases, problems internally including injuries by placing my hands on someone. As you can imagine, my gift wasn’t well received by anyone.”

  “That’s amazing,” I muttered.

  “Not always. As you might be able to tell, Shandar is none too happy that I continue to use this gift either,” she mused, turning her attention toward Killer. “Shandar mentioned you believe that Logan could still be behind this in some manner? He’s dead and thank God for it. My dear husband also believes I might be able to help in some manner.”

  Killer gave the king a look before answering. “Not Hicks exactly, but people he was working for.”

  Fiona glanced toward the ceiling, her brow furrowing. “Logan never really talked about his operations and of course I learned why. He’d been secretly operating with the American government on a weapon of destruction for the Cenzan race.”

  “Did he ever mention any names?” Killer pushed.

  “No. I had my suspicions, which is why I’ve continued to express my concern regarding our probable next president, but I wasn’t allowed to find anything concrete.” Fiona turned her attention back in my direction. “Shandar also said your father was a scientist, Kristina. James Calloway?”

  I opened my eyes wide, nodding several times. “You knew him.”

  “I knew of him, but only because of his work, which could have been vital to mine when I first returned to the scientific facility. I even asked for a consult with him. Then he simply disappeared. I never knew what happened to him and of course, no one was talking.” Fiona half laughed. “Fucking bastards. All the lies they told. I have no idea how the powers that be kept them straight. How is your father?”

  She really didn’t know what had happened. “He’s dead. Murdered almost two years ago.” My words obviously shocked her given the slight shake of her hand. Then she stood taller, her eyes locking onto mine.

  “And you believe Cenzans were responsible.”

  “I do,” I said with a limited dash of uncertainty in my voice.

  She took a minute before answering. “When I was scientist, as well as a girl who’d had tortured nightmares for years, I would have agreed with you one hundred percent. What I learned after being kidnapped and almost killed because of my increasing care of the Cenzan race changed that. I realized that there are dozens if not hundreds of protected humans, mostly American, who were, and I believe continue to be protected under the guise of honoring our country. Killer can fill you in on specifics of our... adventure, but my guess is that your father was killed by very human hands fearing either his research or what he might have known about this merry ban
d of human warriors.” Fiona had an odd level of sarcasm in her voice.

  “I don’t understand.”

  The king approached. “My father arrived on Earth thirty years ago, hoping to find a location in which to colonize with some of our people. He was met initially with skepticism, but the various government leaders listened. Then they turned against our people, allowing Earthlings to believe the Cenzans wanted to start a war.”

  “That’s when he met Sabrina, your mother,” I couldn’t help but comment.

  He nodded, giving me a slight smile. “Yes. They fell in love. There is much more family history, but the important thing to note is that human scientist believed they were working on finding a cure for the various diseases thought eradicated in your human war fifty years ago.”

  “Instead, we were actually working on a chemical weapon to exterminate the Cenzans,” Fiona finished.

  I recoiled slightly, thinking about my father’s work. “Molecule testing and absorption rate of certain drugs. That’s what my father was involved with.”

  Fiona hissed. “Then he would have figured out easily that the vaccinations had nothing to do with humans.”

  “Which is why he would have been targeted,” Killer said quietly.

  “Cenzan weapons were used. I know my weaponry,” I countered.

  “Sold on the black market every day of the week,” Killer answered.

  I felt the heat of his body against mine, the quiet comfort he was attempting to give. I didn’t deserve any, or any kindness from these people in any manner. This was a lot to take in, my mind reeling from the possibilities. If this was true, then the blood on my hands was indeed murder and not justifiable retaliation. I found it difficult to breathe, my heart racing. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “If this rogue human who attacked our village is a byproduct of this group of humans,” Zacon said in a rhetorical manner, “then there will be additional attacks.”

  “Agreed,” the king said without reservation. “But my guess is the attack was a warning, a way to keep us focused on the marauders we’ve believed responsible for the various assaults over the last few months.”

  “Bastards,” Zacon snarled.

  “And Jonas Bradford. The election takes places in two days,” I added.

  “Yes,” Fiona stated. “That will determine what will likely occur in the future. Jonas has a significant number of supporters in several other countries. If he’s elected, there is a good chance he can sway them.”

  Talyn narrowed his eyes. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning that he could have enough power to convince them to overturn the treaty with the Cenzans.” King Drateq moved toward his desk. “We can’t allow that to happen.”

  “What is the plan of action, Shandar?” Killer asked.

  “I’m calling an emergency meeting of the various captains and lieutenants. I need all of you to return to Earth. First, make certain our people have everything they need, including security and medical attention. Second,” the king stated then looked directly at me.

  For once I waited, holding my tongue.

  “Kristina, while I understand you haven’t decided whether to trust any of us, you must force an allegiance with the men who have vowed under our cultures and laws to protect you with their lives. I need the address of this website you mentioned in order for me to check certain details with counterintelligence that I trust, all of them very human. I also need to be able to count on you to find out as much as you can about this human who betrayed you. If my assumptions are correct, he is likely working for the organization that you mentioned before. Why not hire ex-military to do what you would call the dirty work? No bloodstains on the political leaders’ hands.”

  I nodded, realizing he’d accepted my story without question. “I will.” As I gave him the site address, my mind churned with possibilities. Damen had been very good at slithering his way into my world, using my anger as a jumping off spot for whatever real mission he was on. Why hadn’t I paid any attention to the red flags? Why hadn’t I grilled him with questions?

  Because I wasn’t a true warrior, merely a woman who’d accepted the role based on her need for vengeance. I could kill the bastard with my own hands.

  “And in turn, those you consider loyal will be protected by our soldiers,” he added.

  “Thank you,” I said quietly, still trying to process the data.

  “What else?” Zacon asked.

  I noticed the look shared between the king and Fiona, one of sadness as well as a call of duty.

  “If there are additional attacks on our villages or against any of people, we will be forced to assume that they are a declaration of war,” King Drateq stated in a commanding tone.

  “And?” I dared to ask.

  Fiona took my hand. “Then the Cenzan race will annihilate their enemy in order to protect our people.”

  “We need proof,” King Drateq added. “I will not go into this blindly. This is our home. To attempt to start over again would be... treacherous. I have work to do, including making certain that I’m invited to the inauguration ceremonies.”

  As the information finally settled in, my heart was twisted, the understanding clear.

  Humans had begun another war, one much greater than what had been considered the ultimate apocalypse.

  This time, only a select few humans would survive.

  Chapter Ten

  Killer

  Revenge.

  Annihilation.

  The two thoughts permeated my brain, yet another reminder of the bullshit and lies I’d uncovered working in the Marines. The other word was monster. I knew in my gut the species that had won the title and it didn’t have glowing violet skin and tangerine eyes.

  I could tell Kristina also had retaliation on her mind, but I’d sensed a shift in her concentration of hatred. However, she’d retreated into herself, refusing to talk or share any details regarding Damen Solomon, no doubt riddled with guilt from her association alone.

  The comments from Shandar had been difficult to hear but his command concise. My instinct all along had told me that an underlying faction of humans, especially those in the United States were quietly planning a coup.

  Soon, we would have proof.

  Then all hell would break loose.

  Maybe I was just itching for a fight, even if my rational brain was forced to remind me that tens of thousands would die. The force of the Cenzans was far superior to anything humans had left in the way of weaponry.

  Or so I’d allowed myself to believe.

  A nagging remained in my mind given some things that Logan had spouted off nine months before. There could be dozens, even hundreds of bunkers storing weapons of various kinds, some even prior to the Great War. And there remained the question about whether scientists had really succeeded in developing a gas or other compound to wipe out entire cities full of Cenzans.

  I had the distinct feeling that Damen Solomon was the key to finding answers.

  “What are the last reports of casualties?” Fiona asked quietly.

  “Four dead, two in critical condition that have already been transported to the Comstar and many more injured, although the majority superficial wounds,” Talyn answered.

  “And the children?” she asked.

  “As far as we know, they are all in good condition.” My comments were met with a cold glare from Kristina. I continued the drive, wanting nothing more than to be able to talk with her alone. Hearing the heated level of passion she’d shared with Zacon had provoked the beast within me, the bitter taste remaining in my mouth. I couldn’t get past the desire to keep her as mine.

  We were transported to the colony where I lived, sequestering one of the Jeeps still in commission. We would need transportation while on Earth to be as flexible as possible in order to catch Damen. As we neared the scene of the attack, Kristina bristled, sitting up in her seat. Having Fiona with us would provide additional processing of any internal injuries, allowing them full medical atte
ntion on the Comstar.

  “How many hybrid children are there altogether?” Kristina asked.

  I allowed Fiona to answer. From the rearview mirror, I was able to see tears forming in her eyes. The birth of her first hybrid child had been with difficulty, information Shandar refused to allow shared with his people.

  “Just over two hundred,” Fiona finally answered, a hint of caution in her voice. “There were several stillborn babies, others who lived only a short time.”

  The words hung in the air.

  “I see,” Kristina stated then stared out the window, her mouth furrowed.

  “That’s why what we are doing is so very important,” Fiona said under her breath. I glanced into her eyes again. Everyone was riddled with anguish.

  As I neared the entrance to the Colony 22, Kristina let out a strangled cry, drawing everyone’s attention.

  Seeing the devastation in the light of day was much worse than in the darkness.

  “This is atrocious.” Fiona’s whispered words were haunting.

  “I can’t believe Damen did this,” Kristina choked. “He had to know there were children here. Bastard.”

  “You had no idea he had access to a weapon that could cause this level of damage?” I knew my words were terse, but necessary.

  She tipped her head in my direction, her eyes narrowing to mere slits. “I would never have condoned this,” she finally spat.

  “What did you think you were going to do, Kristina, kill us off one by one?” Zacon challenged.

  “Fuck you, Zacon,” she snapped in return.

  As I pulled the Jeep to a stop directly in the center of town, Kristina immediately jumped out, turning in a full circle, her face full of agony. She finally disappeared into the crowd of Cenzans.

  An ache settled in my heart. I was fearful for her safety as much as anyone else. She would be a direct target, especially if Damen learned that she’d been mated.

  And somehow, news always seemed to travel fast.

  “She needs continued discipline,” Zacon said in a matter-of-fact manner, as if he were the only man to do the job.