by Maia Starr
Kerglan stepped forward quickly, as if to test my mettle, and I backed away, startled. I had always scared easily, and truth be told, in my experience so far, there was nothing more terrifying than this planet. We had gathered that the place was some sort of dumping ground for degenerate species before I had lost track of my research team. We had managed to outsmart most of the beasts we had encountered, but when I had been separated from my team during the last attack, I had been left alone to fend for myself in the wilderness.
“I came here because my kind weren’t compatible with the Petchuvians. They tried to mate with one of the women on my research team, and the unfortunate Petchuvian responsible ended up dead. So all of us were punished.”
“Hexa seems quite a dramatic punishment for something like that,” the alien in the background said. His beautiful, aqua-blue eyes narrowed at me as if attempting to determine whether or not I was telling the truth.
“I agree,” I said with a sigh. “They decided to dump us on the most convenient planet to them. I don’t know; maybe they were low on fuel or something.”
Kerglan laughed, kneeling to where I was seated on the floor of the comfortable shelter. “What do you know about Petchuvian spacecraft, human? Do not speculate on spacecraft before us; we are knowledgeable fleet members for the Raither military.”
I prickled for a moment, but the Raither seemed oblivious and continued speaking.
“What do you think, Lazan? Do you trust this female?”
Lazan stepped forward and knelt beside his brother to study me. I was taken aback by his breathtakingly handsome features. Both men were incredibly well-muscled, their bodies clearly built for war.
Finally, Lazan nodded thoughtfully. “That would check out. The Petchuvians are an impulsive bunch. As for us, our ship crashed here, and we are on the way back to camp now. You may join us if you wish. It would be safer to escort you.”
I held Lazan’s gaze, studying his smooth, light blue skin and the features that set him apart from human men. Though his eyes were primarily ice blue, they were flecked with specks of purples and golds that gave them an almost iridescent shine. He was mostly humanoid, but no man on Earth was built the way the Raithers were; they were almost god-like in their anatomy.
“I can manage on my own,” I said, trying to keep my voice from quaking. “I don’t know if I can trust you.”
Now Kerglan spoke, hijacking my gaze from Lazan’s perfect features and onto his own. There was a definite family resemblance, but Lazan wore his black hair in a more carefree and wild style, while Kerglan’s hair was buzzed short.
“Your life was spared, all thanks to us,” he said. “Now you owe us your life. Allow us to escort you out of the dangers of this forest. You are obligated to accept our protection. You owe us.”
Lazan shifted, his face darkening at his brother’s words, and I swallowed hard. I didn’t know if I could trust these Raithers yet, but it was true. They had saved my life. If Kerglan thought that I owed them the opportunity to protect me, who was I to deny it? I had no way of knowing whether or not I could trust them, but it was surely safer to travel with these men, clearly built for war than it would be to continue traveling on my own.
“All right,” I said, resigning myself to following these two brothers into the unknown. “I guess I’ll join you.”
“Good, then it is settled,” Kerglan said. “You will sleep here tonight. In the morning, we will leave, so be prepared.”
And with that, he went with his brother into the smaller room that was partitioned off with branches and large green leaf fronds, leaving me alone in the darkness of my side of the shelter behind them.
***
“Wake up, human. It is time to leave.”
I sat up, startled by the deep sound of the alien man’s voice. I had been so used to being around only women for so long that it was a drastic and jarring change.
“Where is Lazan?” I asked, trying to get my bearings. What were these two brothers planning, anyway? I had managed to get a full night of rest, but that didn’t mean that the rest of the day would go as smoothly. There was nobody to trust on the planet Hexa. Everything here was dangerous and terrifying.
“Lazan is fetching our breakfast. I chose to stay behind and make sure you were ready to leave by the time he comes back. I presume a human body is able to digest the fruits of this planet?”
“Mostly,” I said quietly. “Some humans have allergies or intolerances.”
Kerglan raised his brow, an unmistakable expression of distaste etched upon his face. “Allergies? You mean your biology is so primitive that it actually fights itself over nothing?”
“Some people’s bodies just have that happen sometimes; there’s nothing wrong with it,” I said, holding his gaze. I didn’t like the sound of anybody looking down on humans, especially for things beyond our control. Sure, our biology wasn’t always the most advanced in the universe, but it didn’t mean that we didn’t have our merits. Kerglan was being judgmental.
“Apparently, there is something wrong with it. Because humans could die from allergies. That’s what I always read. Do you have allergies?”
“No…well, I mean, maybe a seasonal allergy to pollen, but…”
His handsome brow creased and I shook my head in exasperation. “It’s really not that bad. And certainly not as bad as you seem to think it is. You make it sound like any little thing could just…”
“I just think that it is sad for a human to be so vulnerable,” he said dismissively. “The Raithers are a warrior race. We were built to defend our planet and our people. We make enemies outside of our kind, not within our own bodies and our own planet. That is so strange…”
I had never really considered this before and had to concede his point. Yes, it was strange for us to be unable to trust our own bodies. But it didn’t happen all the time like he seemed to think that it did.
“I don’t think there’s anything all that strange about it,” I said huffily. He didn’t need to know that I agreed with part of what he was saying. The last thing this guy seemed to need was more fuel for his ego to consume. His head was big enough already. And yet he had managed to risk his life to save mine. I felt indebted to him in a way and knew I should probably try to find common ground with him rather than letting myself doubt.
“Well, I suppose all species have their differences. As far as the evolutionary process goes though, it just happens to be that humans are kind of low on the list so to speak.”
“I suppose,” I said begrudgingly. Was he trying to be nice? At least he wasn’t blatantly insulting humans now. He seemed to be struggling with his words, and I decided to let the subject go for now. “So you guys are warriors? The Raithers?”
This change of subject seemed to cheer him up pretty instantaneously, and his broad chest swelled with pride. “We are one of the most powerful warrior races in the universe. My people have been protecting our planet for centuries, and no other race in the universe has ever come close to a takeover.”
“Would a lot of races want to take over your planet? What’s so great about it? And what is it called?”
“Our planet is called Yala. And yes, human. It is great. The Raithers are responsible for many splendid resources that are of benefit to nearly all races. We are especially plentiful providers for some crucial elements that go into making spacecraft. It is a most coveted planet, rich in resources. And our economy is booming. However, we keep to ourselves, preferring not to draw too much attention to our people. When others know what good things you have, they seek to gain those things for their own. It is best to be wary and not show anybody what you are worth.”
Kerglan spoke passionately, his dark eyes fixed intently on me as he did so. I couldn’t help but feel my heart pound despite itself. He was an interesting man.
“It does sound very nice on the Planet Yala,” I said, unable to think of anything else I might be able to say that would contribute to this conversation. When he spoke, he spoke w
ith a one-sided passion that was both interesting and annoying.
“Oh, Yala is incredibly beautiful. When we get there, you will see.”
The words struck me funny, and I furrowed my brow. Who said I was going to Yala? And even if I did want to do that, how was that even possible? We were trapped on the prison planet. As far as the research team and I had gathered, there was a protective field surrounding the planet’s atmosphere that prevented anything from leaving.
“What do you mean when we get there I will see? I don’t think there’s even a way off this planet. And if there was one, I would definitely be going to Earth, not to your planet. I belong on my own.”
Kerglan studied me for a moment, and then suddenly he came toward me, his strong hands on my shoulders.
“You will go to Yala, because I have staked my claim on you.”
Suddenly his lips were pressed hard against mine, and my heart was beating wildly in my ears. The kiss was breathtaking, maybe a little bit carnal in a way, and when Kerglan pulled away, I was left staring in wonderment at him. I had been claimed? Just what in the hell was that supposed to mean?
Before I could inquire anything about it though, Lazan came back, his arms filled with big round fruits with bright green skins. Kerglan turned away from me as if the kiss had never even happened, and I had a moment to process what had just happened. This was a man I hardly knew. He had saved me the first day we had met…which had only been yesterday. And now, supposedly, I was supposed to have been claimed by him. What the hell was going on?
“Come, human,” Lazan said, his masculine voice bright and cheery. “I brought my favorite. And a few others, should your kind be intolerant to them.”
“Thank you,” I said dully. We sat down one last time together in this shelter and ate in silence before heading back out into the wilderness.
***
“How are you faring, human?”
It had been two days since we had begun our journey together through the wild terrain of Hexa, and all the while, Kerglan had kept me close. I had heard much of his life’s story by now, and it was almost a relief to hear the gentle rumble of Kerglan’s brother’s voice rather than his own.
“I am doing all right, thank you,” I said.
Kerglan had lost interest in speaking as he traveled ahead of us, sure that this time he had found the way back to the encampment where the other Raithers were waiting. He didn’t want me or his brother going with him, lest we somehow get in the way or ruin his train of thought.
“We are eager to find the other Raithers. If we don’t get back soon, it is possible that we will miss our chance to escape for good.”
I frowned.
“You are escaping somehow off of this planet? How?”
Lazan smiled: a look that made his handsome face look charming and boyish. “Our commander was able to radio in and reach the Resha Federation. They agreed to contact our home planet and send help for us. After our ship crashed here, we had little hope. Being stranded on Hexa is not exactly something we had come prepared for.”
I nodded slowly. So Kerglan was hoping to make his way back to a camp, where allegedly there was a ship there, and with the right time and energy put forth into repairing the engines, they would be flying out of Hexa in no time. And even if that wasn’t possible, there was apparently a ship that had come to take the Raither’s Commander back to their home planet and was going to be sending help.
“My brother gets a little bit caught up in himself at times,” Lazan said, walking with an easy stride beside me. “I am sorry about that.”
I glanced over at Lazan, my heart pounding dully in my chest. He looked handsome, dressed in the uniform of his people. His broad muscular chest tested the confines of the dark canvas-like material, making me wonder just what it might be like to view one of these ridiculously attractive men without their shirts. I had already seen my share of topless human men. But a Raither would be a strange, possibly pleasing experience.
Heat snaked across my cheeks, and I looked away, trying to bring my mind back around to the conversation. It was nearly impossible to focus on the topic at hand, but that didn’t mean that I couldn’t do it. I would just have to try not to get distracted by something as ridiculous as the forbidden curiosity I felt toward a Raither’s body. No big deal.
“It’s all right. He doesn’t mean any harm by it…I hope,” I said with a dismissive laugh. “He seems nice enough. I mean, he saved my life and everything…”
Lazan paused, and I looked at him. His expression was strange, as if he wanted to say something but found himself in a personal battle about what he would allow through the filter of his lips. Finally, he smiled.
“My brother is a great warrior,” he said. “It is something that brings him much pride, and he is a credit to our people.”
I quirked my brow at Lazan. The speech seemed almost rehearsed, as if he had told it to others, or maybe to himself, hundreds of times already. These men were quite bizarre. But I supposed things could be worse. I could be stuck on this planet alone, without two incredibly strong bodyguards to take care of the terrifying monsters that liked to lurk in the shadows and strike when you were least expecting it.
“And what about you?” I asked, holding Lazan’s eye. “Are you a great warrior too?”
“Kerglan outranks me,” he said, sidestepping the question. “But we are both devoted to our jobs.”
Something about the halting way he spoke made me think that it was probably a sore spot for him. I wanted to ask more about it, but these were the type of men who would probably rather they die than to show any emotion whatsoever, especially when it came to the past or their own personal trials and tribulations.
“Does he just outrank you because he is older or is there some type of skillset involved here?” I asked, unable to help myself. I had always had an awful tendency to pry into matters I shouldn’t have, so that by the time I had made it into the elite research team selected by the leaders in power over my country on Earth, I had practically become a master in uncovering things that were almost impossible to detect: little truths that usually wanted to be buried and stay that way.
“It is a little bit complicated,” Lazan said, shifting his weight as we continued on through the dense forest. “I am the younger of the two of us, and our father was in charge of our assignments when it came to the air fleet. Kerglan had been in training under him for a long time, and myself much less, as I was younger and generally under the wing of our mother.”
Lazan stopped speaking abruptly and turned his eyes to the dense forest above my head.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly.
“No, it is not that,” Lazan said, touching my shoulder to silence me. “There is something out there. Stay still.”
Lazan stepped protectively in front of me, filling my nose with his heady, masculine scent. I was nearly dizzy from the sudden burst of arousal it ignited within me, but there was no way I could let myself allow that. I swallowed hard and tried to focus. Lazan was creeping forward, intercepting whatever possible danger there might be with his spear held high in the air.
“Put that thing down before you hurt yourself, Lazan. I found a good place to make camp. Come. There is much to do before nightfall.”
Lazan’s posture relaxed, and I inhaled sharply. Kerglan was back. And now that the three of us were reunited, there was work to be done.
Chapter 3
Lazan Kylad (Technical Support)
“What do you mean you want to take her to Yala?” I demanded, my voice angry but hushed.
I looked over at the human, who was sleeping deeply in her part of the shelter. I did not want to wake her, especially discussing the nonsense that my brother was up to.
“I am going to bring her to Yala. To be my mate.”
I felt the psychological weight of a crushing blow upon me. He wanted the human for himself? How could that even be possible? She had shown absolutely no interest in him. She had been impartial all the
while, despite the strange way he had been seeking her attention.
“She cannot live on Yala, Kerglan. She is human. She belongs on Earth, with her own kind. She would never be happy there!”
“It is not about making her happy,” Kerglan said, looking at me as if I were a moron. “It is about me claiming my mate and living with her rightfully on the land where I was born. What is wrong with you?”
“What is wrong with me?” I exclaimed. “She is a human. Humans have different customs when it comes to mating. What if she already has a mate on Earth? Then what will you do?”
Kerglan darkened at the thought. “Then I shall ask her. If she doesn’t already have a mate, then she is mine.”
I opened my mouth to reply, horrified by the entire situation. I did not want my brother claiming this female. Despite all that had happened, somehow, I had not noticed myself developing my own feelings toward her. whether it was just a shallow and meaningless attraction or appreciation, I could not be sure. But I did know that my brother’s utterances of devotion and ownership were making me that much closer to the burst of rage I was always trying to hold back from when it came to dealing with him.
“And does she know about this?” I asked, doing everything in my power not to let myself slip up and show him the reality of my situation. That I had been hopelessly attracted to the human ever since laying eyes upon her. Just the sound of her voice had prompted me to take action, and it had been a dangerous and reckless action at that. One that had saved her life.
Another pang of anger struck me. She seemed to believe that it had been my brother who had rescued her. And he had allowed her to do so. He had no qualms about taking credit for my heroic actions and instead let her believe a lie, perhaps thinking that it might urge her to accept his claim and travel back with us to Yala as if everything were right in the universe.
“She was the first to know,” Kerglan assured me. “I am sure if she already had a mate she would have told me that my claim was meaningless. But she said nothing of the sort.”