by S. E. Smith
“Become?” Pearl muttered with a raised eyebrow. “Honey, I hate to tell you this, but I think you’ve already crossed that damn line a while ago.”
Bahadur scowled at Pearl. “You are dangerously close to pushing me too far, old woman,” he growled and pointed his finger at her. “I haven’t forgotten those devices you used on me.”
“Don’t you dare threaten my grandmother,” Tina snapped, stepping in front of Pearl. “She is a good, kind-hearted woman that could make two of you any day.”
“Goddess, I hope they forgive the star systems if that ever happens,” Bahadur grumbled. “Go wait somewhere safe. I will free Viper and return with him.”
“But…,” Tina started to argue, before she snapped her mouth shut at the heated look he gave her.
“You promised to give me the information I asked for in return,” Bahadur said. “I will keep my word, you keep yours.”
“Fine!” Tina snapped, turning on her heel. “Come on, Pearl.”
Bahadur sighed as he turned back to the building. Within seconds, he had pulled the energy around him until he could move unseen through the corridors. He passed through the walls and doors, checking each section. He was about to give up when he found a room with video equipment in it. He silently flicked through each of the monitors until he came to the one he wanted.
With a wave of his hand, he sent an electromagnetic charge through the system, wiping out all the video feed that had been recorded. Satisfied all recordings of Viper’s presence had been erased, he turned and pulled on the energy around him again. He arrived to the cell block just in time to feel the pulse of the transporter fading.
“I’m going to kill him,” Bahadur whispered through gritted teeth. “I really hate that cat-shifter, sometimes.”
*.*.*
“Where is she?” Viper demanded, glaring at Tandor. “I left her in your care.”
Tandor’s eyes glowed and dark copper scales ran up over his neck and cheeks as he fought with his dragon for control. It was ready to strike out at the damn cat-shifter. Breathing deeply, Tandor pulled on his calm center, the one that helped him as a healer, and soothed his dragon. Raising a hand to the corner of his mouth, he sent a request to the symbiot on his wrist to heal the cut and bruise from where Viper had hit him.
“Hitting the commanding officer of a Valdier Warship is not in your best interest,” Tandor replied coolly. “You are a guest on the Horizon, Prince d’Rojah. As such, you are held to the same rules as the other members aboard this ship.”
“You gave your word that you would protect my mate,” Viper snarled. “I don’t follow the rules of any Valdier piece of dragon dung that has no honor.”
Tandor’s grip on his dragon snapped at the insult. The wave of copper scales swept up and a low, dangerous growl escaped him as he shifted. Viper snarled back and called to his cat. The men in the room shouted for clearance as the two dangerous and deadly creatures circled each other.
Even in a room as large as the transporter room, it was not nearly large enough for the two enflamed males. The sound of the two men snarling and snapping was enough to send chills down any warrior’s spine. It was not the warriors, though, that stepped between the two mythical creatures.
“STOP! JUST… STAND DOWN!” Joe Manchaster shouted as he waved his hands at both men… aliens… creatures. “Listen, can you guys just stand down? Please, killing each other isn’t going to solve the problem.”
Joe looked back and forth between the men, hoping they didn’t suddenly decide to each grab an arm and pull. He had to admit he was scared shitless. The thing was, he wanted to go home. He had a very good reason to go home. Three very, very good reasons.
“Sir, the Curizan has requested the transport for him and two others,” the warrior at the controls stated.
Joe watched in a daze as Tandor, in the shape of his dragon, stepped away from Viper with a low, warning growl. Within seconds, the mild-manner healer for the Horizon was once again in his two-legged form. He turned his head briefly to look at the warrior and nodded before he looked back at where Viper was still in the shape of his cat.
“Beam them up,” Tandor ordered, staring at the dark brown and gold eyes.
*.*.*
Tina blinked several times as her pupils dilated. It took a moment for her to comprehend that while Viper was there, he was there as his cat. Shaking her head, she also realized that he was very, very upset.
“Viper!” Tina’s soft voice whispered a moment later as she swayed on the transporter platform. “Ugh! I really hate that thing.”
Tina gasped as her feet left the ground. Tilting her head back, she found herself staring up into Viper’s glittering eyes. She released a short sigh and shook her head.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that either,” she mumbled, holding on to Ruby. “Tandor healed her.”
Viper’s eyes flashed down to where the chicken was looking around with curiosity. Before either of them could stop her, Ruby took flight and landed on the back of a large golden symbiot that was standing next to a warrior. Tina giggled when she saw the golden symbiot shiver and a small ‘nest’ appeared on its back.
Tina looked puzzled at all the men standing around. Her eyes paused on the human male in a three piece suit that was standing between Viper and Tantor when she, Pearl, and Bahadur had arrived. He was staring at her and Pearl in concern.
“Ms. St. Claire,” the man said. “My name is Detective Joel Manchester. I’m with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I was assigned to your grand daughter Riley’s case.”
Viper glanced at Pearl. “I will contact Riley and Vox and have them send the information again. I know Vox had it scanned,” he said.
“You can talk to Riley?” Pearl asked in surprise. “Can I… Can Tina and I talk to her, too?”
Viper grimaced, but nodded. “Yes,” he said.
“Escort them all to the main briefing room,” Tandor ordered. “Detective, you will need to be debriefed before a decision is made as to whether you will be allowed to return to the planet. I hope you understand the importance of keeping our existence a secret.”
Joe turned and looked at the male that had been a dragon just a few short minutes ago. He lifted a shaking hand and ran it over the thin layer of hair on his head. He paused as he started to lower it back to his side to stare at the platinum band on his left hand.
“Yes,” Joe replied, looking back at Tandor. “I understand. A very wise woman recently told me that the universe was a very large and dangerous place and that I needed to hold onto my family. I have to agree with her.”
Tandor stared at the human for a moment with a frown. “And you think she was referring to us?” He asked.
Joe smiled. “I know she was,” he replied, thinking of the two men and Melina Franklin.
Chapter 16
Viper winced as Riley let out a loud squeal of delight. He stood behind Tina’s chair as she and Pearl leaned forward. In the background, he could see Vox’s impatient face.
“Are you on your way back yet?” Vox demanded as he leaned over Riley’s shoulder. “I want to get married.”
“Back off,” Riley growled. “This is my time. You can talk to your brother when we’re done. Grandma Pearl, I miss you! Have you shot Viper yet? He is such an ass. Tina, where did you get that sweater? Oh my God, it looks fabulous on you! How are you doing? How is Toni? Is her dad still being a prick?”
“How much longer until you get here?” Vox asked impatiently.
Riley pushed Vox’s shoulder when he moved in front of her again. “Go get your own telecom-thingy if you want to talk to him. This is mine.”
“I will contact you,” Viper said before he leaned over and brushed a kiss along Tina’s neck.
His eyes dared Riley to say anything. “My queen,” he murmured before straightening with a cool, confident grin.
I bet Vox has never made his mate speechless before, Viper thought with satisfaction as he strode over to the door.
“What is taking you so long?” Vox demanded the moment the connection was completed. “I expected you back already.”
Viper’s mouth tightened into a straight line. “You knew that it was going to be a longer timeline,” he snapped back. “Creon and his mate still have not returned.”
Vox ran his hands through his hair and glanced back at the other room. Viper could hear Riley’s excited voice as she talked to Tina and Pearl. Viper felt the familiar pull whenever Tina spoke. Goddess he wanted her.
“Riley is beginning to show,” Vox muttered. “She wishes to have the marriage before she has our cub.”
“We will return in time,” Viper stated. “It will be close, but we will return.”
“Did you deliver the documents?” Vox asked. “She is also worried about that.”
Viper scowled. “You have no idea what I have been through down on her world,” he muttered. “I need you to send me another copy. The first set is gone.”
“Gone?” Vox repeated. “Where?”
Viper’s face turned to stone. “Just send them,” he said. “I have an Earth man that will take them. He was investigating Riley’s disappearance. He helped rescue me this evening.”
“Rescue?” Vox repeated with a frown. “What have you been doing?”
Viper leaned forward until his nose was almost touching the screen. If he could have reached through the communications panel and wrapped his hands around Vox’s neck, he would have done that. His lip curled into a sneer when he thought about the fact that he would have to wait until he returned to take his frustration out on his brother.
“I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing,” Viper retorted. “I’ve been shot in the ass, multiple times, drugged, multiple times, locked in an animal cage, had my intestines melted, been captured and held in a prison cell, and discovered that my mate is Tina St. Claire, which means I am stuck with Riley and their vicious grandmother. Did I mention that Riley’s ex-boss tried to kill my mate as well?”
Viper glared at Vox when his brother stared at him in silence for several long seconds before he burst out in laughter. Vox hastily smothered his mirth when Riley asked him what was so funny. Viper could see the glee in his brother’s eyes.
“You are enjoying this far too much,” Viper snapped.
Vox chuckled again. “You would laugh, too, if you could see your face,” he replied. “Surely, it has not been that bad.”
“You have no idea,” Viper muttered as he thought about his afternoon on the toilet. He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “How did you finally get Riley to accept you?”
Vox’s eyes grew serious when he saw the strain on Viper’s face. “I’m not so sure she still has,” Vox admitted. “That is why I need for you to return with her family. I know if they are here, she will be happier. I… I have to admit the thought of losing her terrifies me.”
Viper could appreciate his brother’s words far more than he would have admitted. He released a tired sigh. He would not lose Tina.
“There are matters that need to be taken care of once I return,” Viper commented. “Has there been any more threats?”
Vox’s eyes narrowed and he glanced over his shoulder again. “I found out some interesting information that I need to share with you when you return,” he replied in a low voice. “It would appear that father forgot to share a few things with me when he handed over the rule.”
Viper kept his expression calm. “Can you share it now?” He asked.
Vox shook his head. “No, this is something that should not be transmitted,” he said with a shake of his head. “I do not want to take a chance of it being intercepted until we know exactly who has been behind the attacks.”
“Has Bragnar been found?” Viper asked, referring to the traitor that Titus had discovered working in the kitchens.
“No,” Vox replied. “Titus and Walkyr are working on it.”
Viper nodded. Titus was their cousin. He was a Lead Councilman on Sarafin. Walkyr, his and Vox’s younger brother, would make sure that every lead was followed through. Viper thought of his brothers. Vox was the oldest, followed by him, then Walkyr, Pallu, and the twins, Gable and Qadir. A grin curved his lips at as he thought of his youngest brother. They always had their heads buried in their lab. They also had a wicked sense of humor. He would have to see what their plans for Vox’s ‘wedding’ were. He was positive they had already talked to Riley about it.
“I have some information as well,” Viper finally admitted. “It is important that we find the rest of the traitors and stop them.”
Vox nodded before he released a sigh. “I agree,” he said. “I think it is time to go distract my mate. Father and mother want us to meet them for lunch.”
“How is that going?” Viper asked, curious about how their father took Vox’s sudden mating. “How did father handle your breaking the treaty with the Valdier?”
“He called her a piece of rubbish,” Vox replied with a grin.
Viper sat back in surprise. “And you allowed that?” He asked with an incredulous look.
“Riley did not allow it,” Vox retorted proudly. “She shifted, knocked father on his ass, and sat on him. Father came around when he realized that she was breeding. She is magnificent.”
Viper just shook his head. He wondered how their parents were going to accept the fact that he would be mated to another human. He raised troubled eyes to Vox.
“And mother?” Viper asked in a quiet voice. “How did she react?”
“She loves Riley,” Vox said. “She will love and accept your mate as well.”
Viper just nodded. The fact that he had always spouted that he would never take one would be a shock. The fact that he had not only found one, but that she was also human would be another. His biggest concern was keeping Tina safe. Over the years he had made his share of enemies.
Vox glanced down at the tablet on the table next to him. “Father and mother are here. Return as soon as possible,” he ordered before he turned in his seat. “Riley, you will see your family soon. We need to go. Be safe, Viper. I am pleased that things are going so well.”
Viper stared at the blank screen. His brother’s words rang in his ears. What part of being shot, captured, and dying of humiliation did his brother not understand? Shaking his head, he turned and looked at the door with renewed determination. Tonight, he would claim his mate. Then, at last, something would be going right.
*.*.*
Later that night, he stared over at Tina’s bemused face. They had just finished dinner with Carmen and Creon. Creon had ordered the Horizon to prepare for departure. The only one missing was Bahadur. The Curizan had returned for his own Starship earlier and informed them he would return on his own.
Viper had not seen Adalard or Zebulon, but that was not a surprise considering the size of the Valdier warship. Carmen was quieter, more withdrawn, during their meal. She and Creon had excused themselves shortly after they finished eating. The human detective had returned to Earth with Bahadur after a thorough debriefing and the packet of papers from Riley.
“There are more in the knapsack in my closet,” Tina had protested. “I need to get them for him.”
“I will have Bahadur take care of it,” Viper had explained.
“But, I don’t have anything with me except for my purse, Ruby, and Pearl,” Tina had growled. “I don’t even have a nightgown or a change of clothes!”
“You won’t be needing either of those,” Viper remembered growling.
Tina’s eyes had widened and she had scooted closer to where Pearl had been standing talking quietly to Carmen. The older human female was holding her shotgun in one hand and clutching a large bag a
gainst her side with the other one, she just glanced at Tina and him before she returned her attention to Creon’s mate.
“Well, I’m bushed,” Pearl said with a yawn. “I’m heading to bed.”
Tandor, who had joined them a short while before, rose from his chair. Viper could see the amusement on the healer’s face. He had been thoroughly enjoying the stories Pearl was sharing from running the bar.
“I will escort you as it is on my way,” Tandor responded with a slight bow. “I would love to hear the rest of your story. I find your speech patterns fascinating.”
Pearl’s eyebrow rose at the slight flirt in Tandor’s voice. “Honey, you keep talking with that delicious accent and I’ll let you read the damn dictionary to me.”
“I haven’t seen my grandmother so… normal… ever,” Tina commented as she watched Pearl nod at something Tandor said to her. “She is normally a kick ass, take names type of woman.”
“And what type of female are you?” Viper asked curiously.
He enjoyed the flush of color that rose to her cheeks at his question. Reaching out, he brushed the back of his finger down along her heated skin. A burst of awareness exploded through him. Spreading his fingers out, he turned his hand so that he could thread his fingers through the silky strands of her hair.
“Viper,” she murmured in a husky tone. “I don’t think…”
He leaned forward, pulling her closer. They were in a corner booth in the officer’s dining area. It was a more relaxed area and used more for work-related dining compared to the larger dining area which was geared more for socialization. He had chosen it in the hopes of keeping Tina away from the larger male population on board the ship. Already he could feel the pull of possessive jealousy at the idea of another male being close to Tina before he was able to claim her. It didn’t help that many of the warriors on board the Horizon were also curious about the human females.