Cage (Dark World Book 1)

by C. L. Scholey

Cage rent the air with a war cry. Every hair on the back of Cyra’s neck stood tall. Her arms covered in goose bumps. Cage planned to have sex with her. A beast-male-alien. Cyra dribbled into her panties and groaned, she’d thought she was past that.

  Chapter 8

  “There is no way in hell we are having sex.”

  “I have no idea who or what hell is, but we are having sex.”

  Cage circled her. Cyra was in the middle of his floor, arms crossed over her chest, chin tilted in defiance. Cage felt like an idiot. The mess created was his alone. He chose to steal females; he risked his mate’s life because he denied what was in front of his face. Every tingling sensation he had experienced around her was a sign. The only reason he felt it wasn’t possible was because she wasn’t one of his own kind. Now every tribe leader would be after her for one reason or another. If caught, she would be killed or forced to produce many male offspring.

  The idea of having many sons was thrilling. The power of his tribe would be astronomical. Cyra was a gift; she had already given him great gifts, but Cage was under no delusions, something big and something bad was coming to their world. Cyra was sent to level the field. The Mountain of Creation had a plan.

  Would have been nice to have been let in on it a little sooner.

  “We will breed,” Cage announced.

  “No.”

  Cage growled. “What do you mean, no? Why are you so difficult? My mate is supposed to listen to me.”

  “Then go find her.”

  “I’m staring at her.”

  “Then you must be seeing someone else, because this girl isn’t mating—anyone.”

  Cage concentrated. She wasn’t afraid of him, which was good, a mate should never fear her intended.

  “You need to trust me,” Cage said.

  “You haven’t given me any reason to. You steal other mates, you change into hideous beasts. Why ever wouldn’t I find that sexy in a…male-type-being?”

  “I’m well aware of sarcasm. All I need to do is look at you.”

  “So now I’m the epitome of sarcasm? Great. You’re lookin’ more attractive by the second. You’re a slug.”

  A mental image formed in Cage’s mind. A tiny creature with a trail of slime in its wake. No doubt if he took its shape, she’d step on him.

  “You need to understand, the other tribe leaders will have learned what you are capable of. First my new fighting advantage and now multiple births. Many will be angry, many more jealous, some will be afraid, especially if their females are already with child. A tribe leader is extremely protective of his mate while she carries the chosen child. It’s our legacy, our survival. You will be perceived as a threat to some. If you carry, not even the fearful would dare harm a chosen one.

  “Once you carry my offspring, I can take the time to gather the tribe leaders and explain what I fear may be happening.”

  “What would that be?” she asked.

  “If my people have the need for multiple births at once, the Mountain of Creation is arming us with protectors. The Mountain can send thousands of new warriors but hasn’t. The chosen ones will need to be strong and many. Before there are more warriors, we will need more tribe leaders to care for them. If one human female found her way here, there may be more who land. I cannot allow the leaders to fear female humans; we must embrace them to save ourselves.”

  “You honestly think some mountain brought me here?”

  Cage walked to stand directly in front of her. She didn’t back away, but he could see her jaw tense.

  “You’re not going to pee are you?” he asked.

  Cyra went bright red. Cage loved it when she did that. He could make his mate turn color. He should have seen that before. He reached to take one of her hands which was locked in a death grip holding her arm. He placed her hand against his chest. Her fingers were so small. She gazed up into his face, uncertainty was written all over her.

  “No, I’m not going to pee, you ass. How can I trust you when you stole all those women?”

  “I wanted to save my tribe. I should have known when I turned those females cold it was my feelings for myself. What I did was wrong, but I learned a great deal about what I would and would not do. Each was in my possession mere minutes. Gazing into the eyes of fear and having me reflected back was painful. All this time when I changed, you feared what I became more than who I am standing here.”

  “I don’t fear you; I don’t trust you.”

  “I suppose it’s time for me to give you a reason to trust me,” Cage said. “But first I need to get you to safety. Something is calling me, urging me to bring you somewhere. The pull is too strong to be ignored.”

  Cage changed into something he knew Cyra didn’t fear. The horse was large and black, but normal. What he wouldn’t give to supersize the beast; give it red glowing eyes and fangs, a horn or two. Unfortunately that would lead to his back being pissed on. He shuddered.

  That’s just nasty.

  Cage determined he would get his little pisser to control her actions. Cyra clung to him as he pranced from his home. He stood before his mountain home, and before his warriors. All warriors had their eyes on him.

  “It’s time to fly, my Cloud Fliers. Gather our beasts for market. I’m taking my mate to a safer place.”

  “A chosen one will be born to us soon,” Zenon yelled and the warriors cheered.

  Cage was exhilarated. He had a new mate, he was worthy. His hooves pounded across the terrain as his warriors followed, all able to keep mere paces behind him. Cyra clung tight; he could hear her heart pound as her chest pressed to his withers. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She had no deep fear he could sense, but was filled with apprehension. She didn’t know it yet, but Cyra was going to be the best protected mate on the planet.

  * * * *

  Cyra slipped off Cage’s back. She loved the stallion he had changed into. His pace was perfect when he ran, his footing even. There was no fear of falling—yet. They stood on a precipice overlooking a chasm. Cyra couldn’t see the bottom. The warriors looked eager. Cyra wondered if Cage would turn into a huge flying beast and carry them all. When he turned to look at his men, they cheered. Cage took her into his arms.

  Cyra wanted to faint when Cage stepped off the cliff onto a puffy white cloud. The cloud solidified beneath his feet. Cyra knew if Cage let go she would drop to her death. The cloud swirled around her feet in a mist.

  “Oh my God, I’ve heard of things being lost in the cloud but this is nuts,” Cyra said gasping for air.

  “When you learn to trust me, the cloud will solidify. You will be a Cloud Flyer soon enough,” Cage said.

  One by one, the warriors jumped to land on clouds which solidified immediately. All looked confident. Air pockets scooped the clouds higher. The skies filled with warriors as the praefuge flew beside.

  “I don’t know if I would ever trust someone enough to jump off a cliff,” Cyra muttered.

  Cage grinned at her. “You will know trust like you never have before. I promise. I’ll figure out something. You, my little mate, are going to make me work for it.”

  “These clouds are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

  The skies were clear blue with the Cloud Flyers rising and falling behind them. A commando presence, enough to terrify any below—if they were on Earth. Cyra saw strength and confidence everywhere she looked.

  “Folklore tells a story of the clouds being strong warriors. Look closely at the cloud beneath each warrior, Cyra. See, you can just make out the image of a large warrior’s biceps.”

  The longer Cyra stared, the easier the image was to make out. Cage was right; the clouds had formed into the torsos of warriors. Cyra was riding wind waves. A slight breeze ruffled her long dark hair and picked up the tips of the skin she wore near her bottom. There was no way she would release Cage for modesty. There were no cat calls from the warriors; when she peeked around none were staring at her, all were flying face forward, looking eager. When she glanced at Cage,
he was smiling at her.

  “You are honored by my warriors. All have vowed to keep you safe. All I needed to do was declare you my mate. It’s done,” Cage said. “I should have known you were the one protecting my warriors from the toxins. Only some tribes have been affected and the mess was dumped closest to my tribe. I wonder if human females protect other tribes even from a distance.”

  The idea was a revelation. Had she protected the warriors? If she had, it would mean they had her immune system for a reason. Was she a mother to the tribe? Gazing back behind her, she felt drawn to those who followed. It was a strange sensation.

  There was something Cyra could feel urging her forward as well. A place she was drawn to. A feeling of home sickness tumbled her tummy for a moment before settling. Cage whispered she would be fine, nothing would dare harm her. Her world was so strange now. She reminded herself that on Earth there were things created on a daily basis no one had thought possible, amazing, wonderful creations. Why not flying clouds? Glancing around, it seemed perfectly natural in this environment.

  Cyra relaxed against Cage as they flew higher. They were surfing through the skies. Cage’s legs bent at the knees to steady them. The air chilled and she shivered. She pressed her body closer to his warmth which radiated around her, warming her shivering form. He curled his chest against her.

  “I don’t understand,” Cage said. “You shouldn’t be cold.”

  “It’s not so bad with you surrounding me.”

  “You need me. You will freeze without me. I understand now. You’re headstrong and willful; the Mountain of Creation has evened the odds to aid me. We are a perfect match.”

  “What are you babbling about?”

  “A normal mate for a tribe leader does what her mate says. You don’t. But there will be certain situations you will need me. You don’t trust me unconditionally as a mate should. I need to show you how to trust me.”

  “You mean if I trust you I’ll be warm? That doesn’t make sense.”

  “No, I don’t think trust has anything to do with warmth. It must be our females are built like their mates and able to take extreme weather conditions. I’ll have to be very careful with you, especially when the cold weather season comes. I understand now why you came to me clothed; it was the Mountain’s doing. To prepare me for your differences and to learn to adapt.”

  “Um, you’re not going to change into a giant kangaroo and stick me in your pouch are you?”

  “A what?”

  Tingling in Cyra’s mind formed, and she heard Cage roar with laughter. “Not likely. That image and your kitten I’ll keep between us.”

  “Where are we going?”

  Cyra watched as the warriors continued on in a different direction with the flying beasts; she would miss the furry praefuge. Cyra learned they traded the beasts for other items. The tribe didn’t need to travel, other worlds came to them. The warriors trained in case of an attack from a different planet. Cyra had yet to see any weapons, other than Cage’s ability to transform.

  “I’m taking you somewhere safe. My men can deal with the trade on their own. They have been well prepared. Once the trade is over, we will all head back to our home.”

  “But where are you taking me?”

  “I think to The Mountain of Creation.”

  “You mean it exists? You’ve spoken of it, but it seems—odd. An actual thinking mountain.”

  “Yes. But I was born to parents. I’ve never been to the Mountain; being called home is a rarity unless my time is over. I can feel its pull; it isn’t my time, but maybe there is a new life beginning. Our females have a long journey before they join a mate. They leave the Mountain and trust in the clouds to take them to the area of the planet where their mate waits. They are in no danger, the Mountain has created and cared for them, they trust in the Mountain. I was too eager for you. I wanted my mate sooner. I sent a few of my warriors to escort her to me. There was no one waiting. I already had you that morning. It was the right time and the right place; unfortunately, I was too stupid to see what was before me. Although, I’m wondering now if our meeting was a test to see if I am worthy. I believe I am.”

  “How could your mountain know of me? I’m from a different planet, a different galaxy.”

  “Do you think it luck you were able to call your planet when you are so far away?”

  “No. I think I’m a kick-ass computer nerd.”

  When the clouds parted, Cyra gasped. She had never seen such a mountain. It was icy, huge, rising up from the clouds. A crystal floating goddess with the shape of a beautiful female’s face outlined and long flowing hair spiraling down the mountain sides. When they landed at the mouth of the mountain opening, the parted sultry lips gave entry to gorgeous icy insides. Cyra’s feet touched the smooth surface and she shivered. Her body trembled when the place beneath her feet turned orange and glowed. Each step she took was warmed. Tendrils of heat slid up her ankles and calves to surround her, embracing her in a welcoming touch.

  “The Mountain knows you,” Cage said. He was in awe; she could see it in his expression.

  She was being welcomed with a fond caress of recognition as the heat rose higher to chase any fears away. Cyra knew this place. She had dreamt of it. All those dreams as a child where she ran through the trails, laughing, giggling. She had played here in her dreams—she remembered. She ran wild with other girls, human girls. Girls of all ages. Human females who ate sweet treats of delicious rare fruits not found on Earth, and all found sanctuary in their dreams on this mountain. The mountain goddess watched over them all.

  “Oh my God, Cage. You were right. This is real. There are other human females coming, or needing to be found.”

  Cage placed his hands onto her shoulders. “Do you know why?”

  “I’m not sure. I see darkness. A dark world. A horrible world filled with suffering. It’s here and on Earth—everywhere.” Cyra gazed into his concerned expression. “This planet will need multiple tribe leaders to save the warriors. The mountain will call back the planet’s females once the chosen ones are born.”

  Cage’s grip tightened. “How do you know this?”

  “I’ve known it all along. I only just remembered.”

  “The Mountain will take you from me once you have given me a child or many children?”

  “No. The mountain won’t call humans back because we were created in spirit on a different planet. I don’t belong to the mountain. No human female does. It’s like we were given to the mountain for our protection until our mates find us. The mountain can’t call us back. Once the other females return, the tribe leaders will find human mates. Cage, your planet will need many human females. The mountain brought me first because of my capabilities. Wow, one man’s garbage is really another man’s treasure.

  “I will give you space flight. It will take time. The tribe leaders will be angry their mates are gone, but they need to concentrate to help us build a vessel. Earth is under attack. I don’t know how bad it is, but we have to hurry. There were a number of girls who ran wild with me on this mountain in our dreams. I can find them, I know it. We’re connected.”

  “I can’t let you leave.”

  “I can program the vessel to go where it needs to go.” Cyra went and slumped on an indentation in the rock crystal. “All this time I’ve been gathering information; all this time I was meant to come here. It’s so surreal.”

  Cage tilted her chin forcing her to gaze up at him. “Do you believe me now? I am your mate.”

  “I know.”

  “Come with me.”

  Cage pulled her to her feet. Thoughts overwhelmed her. She was given a huge gift. A meaning in life. The meaning of her life. Cyra was created to save a race, she and the other human females from her dreams. Her heart was pounding as Cage led her to a crystal room. Icy snowflakes danced in the air, glowing to give light. The sheer ice on the walls formed smooth mirrors. Cyra didn’t feel cold. She knew this room. This was the place her mate would take her in. As they
walked into the large cave, the entryway sealed. It was a sheet of icy smooth glass forming the same way Cage’s mountain home had done, piece by piece of stunning beauty.

  “No one can see in, but I will see my warriors coming,” Cage said.

  “How did you know to bring me here?” Cyra asked.

  “I didn’t. I jumped on the cloud and put my fate in faith.”

  Cyra went to a raised dais of pure white silky furs and fingered the soft light texture. When she turned back to Cage he had dropped his man cover and stood naked before her. She knew he would be huge when erect. She wasn’t afraid, but more overwhelmed.

  “I will not change into any beast. I will not frighten you.”

  Cyra knew that and she knew that look. “Don’t worry, pee isn’t imminent.”

  A small smile curled his lips. “Maybe it’s a war tactical maneuver? Gross your opponent out?”

  “If you plan on wowing me with sexy talk you may want to change the subject.”

  Cage pounced and gripped her to his hard chest. Her skin tingled where he touched. Cyra splayed her hands against him. Despite never shaving, he had the perpetual five O’clock shadow. His chest was bare of hair.

  “Females on my planet go nude,” he said.

  “You mentioned that. I’m thinking with my personal problem it wouldn’t be a good fashion statement.”

  “True enough. But this skin towel you wear has grown worn and ripped. It doesn’t do your beauty justice.”

  “Beauty? The mountain has fogged your vision.”

  “You are beautiful.”

  Cyra supposed to him she was. Her dark hair almost reached her ass. She was voluptuous like the planet’s females. Next to Cage, she was small; next to Cage a linebacker would be petite. She squealed when Cage reached to rip her skin covering down the middle.

  “I don’t have other clothes.” Cyra lifted her hands to cover her naked breasts but knew it was futile, they would join and he had seen her nude numerous times.

  “Yes. you do. Look.”

  Cage turned her to face the soft mound of furs. Fur panties and a fur shirt, one strap, were nestled amidst the mound, also pure white. Cyra hadn’t seen the attire. She fingered the material; it would feel heavenly against her skin. The tiny shirt would barely cover her breasts. She would look sexy as hell. Her heart began to race. Then her shoulders sagged as her thoughts plummeted.