heartofthebetrayed_195-8e3.htm

by Heart Of The Betrayed (lit)

  "I’ll stay with him for a while," Simon said.

  She glanced at him from the robe where she was storing the vest and boots. "No, I’ll stay. You’ll be of more use trying to keep this broken-down bucket of bolts going."

  "Well, if you’re sure."

  Cam waved at him. "I have a guardian angel to watch over me. What more could I ask for?"

  She snorted.

  He grinned and closed his eyes while Simon left, saying, "Call out if you need help."

  Muttering to herself, Dana grabbed the one chair and glanced around her. Spotting the small table opposite the bunk against the wall, she placed the chair to the side of it, sat down, and propped her heels atop the table. Crossing her ankles, she rested her elbows on the armrests and linked her hands upon her stomach.

  Carefully Cam rolled onto his side and studied the profile of the warrior, wondering what she was thinking about. Even though appearing settled, he could see the tension in her. Her gaze was on the bathroom door, but it was obvious her thoughts were elsewhere. And troubling. "Are you worried that we might crash, lass?"

  "Hmm?"

  "You look worried.

  "No. How does your head feel?"

  "A little sore. Thank you for stitching me up."

  She shrugged. "You’d have done the same."

  "Aye."

  He fell silent and she returned her gaze to the wall, unconsciously chewing her bottom lip.

  Several minutes passed in silence before it was again broken. "I’ll be fine here by myself, lass, if you have something to do."

  "I don’t have anything to do."

  "You’re troubled. Do you want to talk about it?"

  Irritably, she replied, "Close your eyes and rest."

  "I just thought--"

  "That’s the problem with you Daamens, you think too much. Now stop wasting your breath and get some rest."

  "Very well," he replied, not because he wanted to stop, but because he knew he’d get nothing more from her. Also, his head hurt and talking made his cheek hurt more.

  He closed his eyes. Having her in the room didn’t bother him. There was something comforting in the way she’d tucked him into bed then stayed to watch over him. Mind you, any wench in the same bedroom as he, was usually in the bed with him. He grinned to himself.

  Dana blew out a sigh of relief. These traders were too observant for their own good! Cam was right. She was troubled. What had happened to her when she was in Garret’s cabin? She’d originally gone there to vent her anger on him, and instead had ended up in his arms and flat on her back on his bunk.

  With a silent groan, she dropped her forehead into her palm. If he hadn’t gotten up when he did, who knew how far it would have gone? Heat slipped through her. All the way, that was how far. She’d fallen into his arms like a ripe peach! She didn’t even like him! He was too conceited and overbearing, too sure of himself, too confidant, too... everything. So how come she’d suddenly noticed how good-looking he was? His every touch had sparked through her senses and his kisses had made the blood surge thick and hot in her veins.

  His words came back to her. ‘I’d care for you and our baby.’ ‘I’d marry you.’ ‘You’re a born mother.’

  A born mother. Her lips twisted. How ironic. Her experience with Diago had made her determined to never wed and have children. How could she trust a man after what her father had done? Betrayal was not easily forgotten. Her mind skittered impatiently away from the thoughts. No point dwelling on past problems.

  So, marry her, would he? Talk about being carried away by passion! She wouldn’t marry him if her life depended on it. He’d drive me insane. Oh, his kisses and touches were nice--very nice. Mind-blowing, in fact but... she scowled. Especially since the memory produced an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. Folding her arms, she bit her lip in annoyance. Bloody men! Always upsetting someone! Broodingly she stared at the wall. She didn’t hear the door open until a warm breath brushed her ear.

  "What has you so annoyed, lass?"

  She jumped, then turned to glare into grey eyes. "None of your business."

  Garret smiled slightly then gestured to his friend. "How is he?"

  "Resting well." Dana swung her feet to the floor and stood up.

  "‘Twas good of you to stay with him."

  "He just needed someone close by for a while." Unbidden came the memory of him draped only in a towel. Trying to dispel the memory, she asked, "The ship? Is there much damage?"

  "The engine has received several blasts, upsetting the circuitry."

  "Can Red fix it?"

  "Hopefully, but we’ll land on the nearest planet while he does so."

  "Is that really necessary?"

  "Until we know the full extent of the damage, ‘tis safer to be on the ground."

  "What is the nearest planet?"

  "We’re in luck. ‘Tis Northland, Orkra."

  "We are already there? How delightful, full of men waiting to enslave women."

  One strong finger came out to chuck her beneath the chin. "Mayhaps you’ll learn something while we’re there."

  "I don’t need a reminder of how self-absorbed men are."

  Amusement mixed with understanding in his eyes. "That wasn’t what I meant, but if you’re worried about being amongst all these men, just stay with us and you’ll be safe from any attempts to enslave you."

  Sarcasm laced her tone. "I’m really afraid. Any man tries and I’ll carve him up on the spot."

  "So bloodthirsty!" Garret shook his head. "You need a man to show you how nice we can be. How useful. How," his gaze fell to her lips, "time consuming, in a delightful way."

  The suggestion wasn’t lost on her. "Drag your mind up from the muck, trader!"

  A muffled laugh came from the bunk and she glanced over to meet merry, dark eyes.

  "You bloody men are all alike!" She stormed from the cabin, the sound of laughter following her.

  ~ * ~

  Garret frowned around at the clearing. "Are you sure this is Northland, Jase?"

  "It should be. The computer says so."

  Dana leaned against the side of the ship. "If the electronics are playing up, the computer coordinates are probably out."

  "Aye," Garret agreed. "This place is certainly not the settlement we seek. In fact, there is no settlement at all."

  "Very observant," she drawled.

  He cocked one brow at her. "You’d better check the coordinates again, Jase."

  Pushing away from the ship, she surveyed the clearing. Thick grass made a springy carpet beneath their feet, tall trees stretched to the sky, and wild flowers grew abundantly beneath the heavy tree trunks. A soft breeze blew, ruffling her hair and blowing silken strands across her cheeks.

  Closing her eyes momentarily, she sighed. It was a beautiful, peaceful place, one for solitude and regeneration of disturbed senses. Leisurely she stretched. "I think I’ll go for a wander, see what I can find."

  "I’ll accompany--"

  "I’ll go alone."

  "You don’t know what’s out there."

  "I have my laser. I’ll be fine. Also, I can hide easily. You, however, are harder to hide."

  Folding his arms across his massive chest, Garret frowned down at her. "It could be dangerous. I don’t like the idea of you roaming around when we have no idea where we are."

  "I don’t care whether you like it or not, trader. You have no say in what I do."

  "Mayhaps not, but as your friend--"

  She snorted.

  "Aye, friend." His voice dropped lower. "And very nearly lover."

  "Lover?" she sputtered. "Where the hell did you get that idea?"

  He stepped closer. "Just this morn you were in my arms."

  "That was a mistake, a moment of madness, that’s all!"

  "I think not." Slowly he shook his head, long brown hair sweeping over his shoulders. "Which brings me to another topic of conversation I wish to pursue with you, lass."

  Warily, she eyed him.
<
br />   "What happened at the last minute? You were so responsive--"

  Fists slammed onto rounded hips. "I was not!"

  "You were, but as soon as I mentioned pregnancy, you froze up. Now why is that?"

  "None of your business."

  "I beg to differ." He moved closer. "It was my bunk you were on, it was me you were kissing, little one. You wanted me as much as I did you."

  "Don’t be so sure!" Her cheeks flared. "I didn’t want you!"

  "Oh, nay?"

  "Nay!" she repeated hotly. "The mention of pregnancy merely reminded me that I’d be tied to you for life!" She tossed her head, using the movement to whirl and walk away. "What a revolting thought that is! Is it any wonder I froze?"

  Garret felt a pang at the cutting words. Aye, he knew that Dana wasn’t impressed with men at any time, but she hadn’t really seemed to mind the Daamen males. Because of their assistance and her cousins being wed to Daamens. Because her cousins’ children were half Daamen.

  But this was different. Did she truly dislike him so much that she couldn’t bear the thought of being near him? Of conceiving and carrying his babies? It hurt. Badly. He watched the tall warrior stride off into the forest and the realization hit him hard.

  He wasn’t falling in love with her. I love her already. She didn’t return it.

  Mind whirling, he gazed at the ground between his boots. It had been a mistake, the Reeka’s response, a moment of madness. She detested him. But she had responded. Would she really have kissed me back if she detests me so much? He sighed. Wenches were complicated but this one even more so. There was only one thing to do. Somehow he had to convince her that he wasn’t such a bad male, that, in fact, he was quite likeable. Loveable. But how?

  Troubled, he slowly walked up the ramp and entered the ship.

  ~ * ~

  Dana walked through the forest, circling the ship in widening circles, eyes searching for anything unusual. Warrior instincts prevented her from thinking of anything but the safety of the ship, the occupants and herself. Or should have. She had to concentrate hard to dispel the memory of Garret’s face from her mind. The flicker of hurt in the grey eyes.

  Damn it all to hell! Moodily she surveyed the trees. What else did he expect? For me to fall into his arms? To declare undying devotion? To be thankful for a toss in his bunk?

  She widened the circle, the ship disappearing from sight. So far there had been no sign of anyone nearby. An hour passed before she heard any sounds. Voices nearby. Laughter. A cry of pain.

  Cocking her head, Dana listened intently, tracking the direction from which they’d come. To the right but further ahead. Cautiously she advanced, keeping behind the tree trunks, gliding from one to another until finally she saw them.

  Three men in loose tunics to their knees, and one woman in silver pants and a long-sleeved top. Dana’s eyes narrowed when she noted that two of the men held the woman by her arms while the third was slapping her viciously. The men were laughing.

  Lips tightening, Dana circled the group, keeping to the cover of the trees. When she was certain that no one else was nearby, she drew her laser and stepped out from behind a tree. "Having fun, you pack of mongrels?"

  The men froze, then turned their heads to stare at her in dismay. Their gazes fell to the laser she held.

  The woman sagged in their hold, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth, lips puffed and bruised.

  "I suggest you drop your captive," Dana said. "Now."

  Hastily they let the woman drop to the ground. She groaned and crawled away towards the trees.

  The men studied Dana closely, then the one on the right spat something in a guttural tone, snatched a dagger from a pouch on the back of his belt, and drew his arm back to throw it.

  He didn’t get a chance, the laser blast catching him in the chest and throwing him back. He spun around to land facedown on the ground.

  His two partners ran in fear.

  Walking over to the dead man, Dana hooked her foot under his chest and heaved him over with one push, muscles in her leg pulling taut. The man stared sightlessly up at the sky.

  "No trouble from you now." Her gaze turned to the trees, searching for the woman.

  She was sitting with her back against a tree trunk. Cautiously approaching, Dana kept a watch on the surrounding area.

  The woman was in her late forties, red hair hanging loose and straggling over her bloodied face.

  Dana dropped to one knee beside her. "Who are you?"

  Cold blue eyes, glazed with pain, stared up at her. "My name is Zar. I thank you, stranger."

  Zar. The name seemed familiar.

  "No need. Those men were intent on beating you up. What happened?"

  Zar spat blood on the ground. "Escaped slaves. I’ve been hunting them for the last two days."

  "By yourself?"

  "No." Carefully she pushed to her feet, one hand on the tree trunk. "There were two of us. The slaves killed my partner with a rock."

  "Where are the rest of your people?"

  "Back at the city. What of you, stranger? Where are you from?"

  A strong suspicion was growing. "I’m lost, actually. My ship malfunctioned and I don’t know where I am."

  "You are near Southland."

  Well, well. "I have heard only of Northland, very little of your country."

  "We are not acknowledged by the other side." Zar’s lips twisted mockingly. "Always we were enslaved but we started to fight back and escaped here. Many women have joined our ranks and now we rule Southland as the men do Northland."

  "I see. Do you keep men as slaves?"

  Cold blue eyes narrowed. "We treat them as they did us."

  A chill swept down Dana’s spine. What if some of the Southlanders found the ship and the traders? The Daamens wouldn’t fight for fear of hurting them. There was no doubt in her mind, however, that the same consideration wouldn’t be returned.

  "How far away is your city?" she asked casually.

  Zar pointed to the west, the opposite direction to the trading ship. "Half a day’s walk away."

  She had to get back to the ship and warn the Daamens to stay out of sight, inside the ship. "Do you return now?"

  "I’ll wait here, for help will arrive soon. I managed to get a signal to Southland after my partner was killed."

  Damn, that doesn’t give me a whole lot of time. "Now that I know where I am, I’ll return to my ship--"

  Zar interrupted. "You saved my life, stranger. You are welcome to come to my city and rest. Perhaps you will find what you need to repair your ship."

  "I thank you and will certainly visit, but I must return to my ship to... clean up."

  The Southlanders gaze took in her clothes. "You dress strangely. You are used to fighting, I would say."

  "Correct. Now I must go."

  "You will come to the city?" Zar’s eyes were intent and curious.

  "Yes." She walked in a direction away from the ship. "I’ll be there soon."

  Zar raised her hand. "Until then."

  She had to get back and warn the traders! She could only hope that they hadn’t been stumbled upon by any Southlander.

  Now and again she stopped to ensure that she wasn’t being followed, and finally broke into the clearing where the trading ship was stationed. Sitting on the ground with his back against the ship was Simon, dozing in the warm sun.

  Dana shook his arm. "Simon!"

  His eyes opened to see the tense lines on her face and he rose quickly to his feet. "What’s wrong, lass?"

  "I’ll explain in a minute." She pushed him toward the ramp. "Get inside."

  "Inside?" His gaze searched the clearing. "Is someone coming?"

  "Just get in there before you are seen."

  Frowning in puzzlement, he did so, and Dana followed on his heels.

  Once inside, she asked, "Where are the others?"

  "Red is still working on the circuitry and Cam’s asleep. What’s going on?"

  "What of Gar
ret and Jase?"

  "Jase is trying to find fresh fruit and Garret decided to look for you. Now tell me what’s going on."

  "Damn!" She started back down the ramp. "We’re on Orkra all right, but in Southland. I have to find Garret and Jase before they’re seen."

  "I’ll come with you--"

  "No. Stay out of sight and tell the other two to do the same. None of you can be seen."

  "Aye, I understand, but--"

  "They’ll not harm me, but you men, who knows? Stay here."

  Simon’s face was dubious.

  "Half an hour," she parried. "Give me just half an hour, Simon. Please?"

  He blew out a deep breath. "Very well, but only thirty minutes, then I come looking for you all."

  Once down the ramp, she turned back. "Is the shield up?"

  "Aye."

  "Good. You’ll be safe."

  Simon watched her disappear into the woods and frowned worriedly. It was better for her to search for his friends, but he hated staying behind and waiting.

  Five

  Calling the names of the Daamens, Dana searched hurriedly, but only the sounds of forest creatures answered her. Mayhaps they had traveled further afield.

  She cursed to herself as the minutes dragged past slowly. Why did Garret have to start looking for her? He knew she was more than capable of caring for herself. And Jase. Fruit! Why the hell did they need more fruit? There was plenty of food aboard the ship.

  As her search intensified, a growing sense of foreboding overtook her. No matter how much she called, there was no answer.

  "Damn it!" Thrusting one hand through her hair, she cocked her head on one side, and strained to hear a sound. Anything that might lead her to the missing traders.

  A flutter of yellow caught her attention and she moved toward the bush, reaching out to take the strip of material that was hooked on the branches. It was Garret’s bandana, the one he’d used to tie back his hair. Smoothing her thumb over it, she stared at the scarlet stains marring it. Stains that were still slightly damp. Damp stains of blood. Her hand trembled. Who’s blood? Garret’s? Jase’s?

  With a jerk of her arm, she crumpled the bandana in her hand, her gaze scanning the surroundings, searching for signs of a struggle. Here and there were scuff marks where the grass grew thin. A dark stain caught her gaze and she knelt, reaching out to touch the blood with one finger.