Hunting Purity (The Hunting Series Book 2)

by Tracy Lauren

  Once my ship is docked, I am met by Kosi’s servants on the platform outside. With much formality they lead me toward the dome, which shines so brightly it looks like a moon hovering on the darkening horizon.

  I walk slowly along the docking platform, stunned by the landscape. I have only ever been to planets with fight pits and arenas. By their nature, arenas are so popular they’re typically buried deep within bustling cities that have been built up high into the sky.

  Looking around here, I cannot think of a time in my life when I have seen so much open space. This planet is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Besides Kosi’s dome, there is nothing other than wilderness for miles in every direction. And, by the Gods, the stars that are visible here… It is as if I am still looking out of the ship’s view screen in space—and it is only dusk! In the distance I see the silhouette of a dense forest and a looming mountain-scape. Up close, the dock is surrounded by a deep meadow. Tall grasses sway in the soft breeze, the scent of them caressing my senses and my ears prick with the sound of their rustling. It is like a gentle music, but as we near the dome, the music of the wild is overtaken by the gregarious sounds of the celebrations within.

  Upon entering, I am swallowed by the stifling warmth inside and instantly miss the freshness of the outdoors. There is no breeze like that to be felt in the slave stalls of Braga Faro Sintra.

  “May I take your cloak, sir?”

  I nod my assent as another announces me to the party—all formalities that I am well accustomed to. The ballroom doors swing open, revealing a party closely resembling those I have been to a thousand times before. I have few expectations for this night and plan to spend my time sizing up my fellow hunters…and of course, as Sarran instructed, to “rub elbows” with them as well. I frown at the thought as all eyes fall on me. I have never been an ingratiating male and I have no plans to suddenly become one. I hope instead that my reputation will speak loud enough for me.

  “Oh my!” I hear a female exclaim at the sight of me. I tighten my muscles, flexing them to highlight my strength to all those who might be watching.

  “He’Rokvska Naa!” the female sings as she approaches. “I know who you are.”

  Obviously. My fame has no parallel at the moment.

  “My, my, my! Just look at you! Quite the specimen,” she says, dragging her hands over my chest and shoulders, her biting touch obstructed only by the leather weapon bands crisscrossing my torso. I keep my frown at bay, not knowing if I am allowed to offend this one. So far, though, she is offending me. I am a master now, not a slave. She has no right to touch me so freely.

  “I am Kalmut Hui,” she informs me. “I’ve seen you in battle before, you know. I lost a great deal of credits on you once but quickly learned my lesson. I only bet on you now.”

  “Which fight was it?” I ask, curious who she thought could best me.

  “You fought the brothers Dosk of the sixth house. From what I recall, you killed all three without spilling a single drop of your own blood,” she recounts in a breathy whisper. Her memory fails her. I lost much blood in that fight, but it was nevertheless a good battle and I allow her to keep her memories intact, since they happen to cast me in such a powerful light.

  “Keep that in mind when you next see the gladiators of my house compete,” I tell her sternly.

  “I heard you were a house master now. Congratulations,” she purrs, her hands still roaming my arm. “Come, let’s get a drink and I’ll show you around a bit, introduce you to the others. You are a master now, Hehe, it is time to start living like one.”

  I remain where I stand as she tries to pull me deeper into the room. “What did you call me?” I ask, my frown deepening.

  “Just a little pet name for you, Hehe. Something sweet for me to scream later on tonight.”

  I jerk my arm away from the female, shaking her off of me. “I am no pet. I am He’Rokvska Naa, master of the ninth house of Braga Faro Sintra. You will address me as nothing less or I will be hearing your screams later on tonight.”

  “Mmmm, that’s the plan at least,” she says with a seductive smile.

  I growl, scowling at the female one last time before I leave her standing there, alone in the entryway. Across the room I see Kosi and I aim myself for him.

  “He’Rokvska Naa!” Kosi calls as I approach, he reaches out to clasp my shoulder and I mirror the gesture. “Walk with me,” he says, tugging me along with him. “All the guests are excited to have you here, my friend. Have you eaten? Taken part in any of the festivities?” he asks, motioning toward a flock of scantily clad females, kissing and rubbing one another in a bold attempt to garner the attention of the guests.

  “My interests lie only in battle, Kosi. I would hunt my prey now if it is allowed.”

  “I’m afraid it is not, He’Rokvska Naa. Though I admire your enthusiasm, there is a certain amount of pomp and circumstance which accompanies The Hunt and I must adhere to it. Tonight you are free to enjoy yourself, however, and I encourage you to take part. Shortly, the prey will be announced—you can watch from those windows there. Each is paired with a hunter and you’ll receive a file on the one chosen for you. In the morning you’ll be free to begin tracking your prey. Until then…have fun, my friend.”

  Just then, another hunter is announced over the growing din of the celebration and Kosi excuses himself. I bite back a groan of displeasure at having to endure this aspect of The Hunt. I came here to kill something, not to mingle. Though, I suppose Sarran would disagree with that.

  It seems it is my curse to attend events like this. Even on Braga Faro Sintra they follow nearly every fight and as the winning gladiator I was always expected to attend. Luckily, my standoffish demeanor fit well with the persona Sarran wanted me to portray. Now, I worry about my new role as a master. I will definitely need to hire some type of liaison, I decide. It will be my first objective when I return home.

  In the meantime, I make my way to the observation windows Kosi pointed out and take note of the cages below. I have seen many cages in my time as a slave and these look all too familiar.

  It seems our prey will not be animals.

  Chapter 5

  He’Rokvska Naa

  I remain at the windows, gazing out and considering our prey. Sentience offers a more complex level to the game. Especially since not all those I have seen in this place appear to have much prowess with battle. Save for a few, they all seem to be aging, rich, and overfed. If we were hunting beasts, the outcome would be quick and obvious. But sentience…this might actually get interesting.

  I turn now to reassess the others. Lingering nearby is the vile female I met when I first came in. She is with a small group of hunters and they seem to be sharing a meal together. I decide to approach, if only to see what I can learn from the unwanted interaction.

  “Partake,” an Ihasa male offers to another. The meat he shares is raw and unappetizing in its appearance.

  “I am saving myself for my own kill,” the hunter tells him, frowning at the offering.

  “A noble decision,” I put in, closing the gap between us. “I also fast until I can drink the warm blood of my prey.” There is no truth in what I say. My intent is to intimidate, but it seems I missed my mark, because the female only looks emboldened by my words and she inches closer to me once more.

  “Grazie, allow me to introduce He’Rokvska Naa. He is new to our little club as well,” Kalmut Hui tells one of the hunters as she eyes me hungrily.

  “Do not call me He. I am He’Rokvska Naa, master of the ninth house of Braga Faro Sintra,” I say roughly.

  “Oh, don’t mind him. I called him Hehe earlier and it drove him crazy. Luckily, I like that sort of thing,” Kalmut Hui laughs and sidles up even closer. Her hands skate up my arm in an attempted caress, but I brush her away with a look of disgust curling on my lip. Her audacity causes my temper to rise. I am not made for diplomacy. On my planet I am feared, yet this awful creature seems to lack the self-preservation necessary to respond app
ropriately to my presence.

  “I am the chosen gladiator of House Sarran,” I inform her, my voice rising in annoyance. “I have bathed in the blood of the dhiragoni who killed the great Eriona, I have claimed my right to the ninth house. My presence here will earn me glory beyond the arena. I have been called upon to rise from this hunt victorious, bathed in the blood of a worthy opponent—”

  “You bathe in blood often then?” the Ihasa interrupts. He thinks to tease me?

  “I’d be happy to bathe in yours if you’re offering,” I reply, placing hands on the hilts of my short swords.

  “Calm yourself, Gladiator,” the Ihasa tells me, his eyes lulling in his head they way all Ihasas’ do.

  “You may call me Master,” I grit out, pressing closer. I do not like this male. I do not like any of these foolhardy beings. The spines running down the back of my neck ruffle and stand on end.

  “You might be a master on your world, but you’re on hunting grounds now, effa. So, watch your step,” the Ihasa ventures, pointing one red and flesh-less finger at me.

  I unsheathe my twin blades. “You dare tell He’Rokvska Naa what to do?”

  “I’m only trying to pass along a little friendly advice,” he says, his mouth splitting open in a mocking grin.

  “You do not seem to understand that I am a champion. I require no advice from you.”

  “Champion in the arena perhaps, but not here.”

  “And what are you champion of?” I ask him pointedly.

  The Ihasa scoffs and takes a strip of meat from the nearby platter, offering it to the repulsive female, Kalmut something or other.

  “I thought I might survey my competition, but it seems I have none,” I tell the hunters with disdain.

  “You’ll have all the competition you need right out there,” the Ihasa says, motioning toward the windows. Though he tries to act casual, his pupils flare and his tone is becoming as agitated as my own.

  “Nothing can defeat He’Rokvska Naa. I will win this hunt with my bare hands, a feat I doubt you are capable of.”

  “Perhaps not, but I warn you: Do not discount the ferocity of this planet,” the Ihasa offers. “This is a wild and untamed place. There have been many times when prey have died from stupidity or exposure before their hunters can even find them.”

  I search the Ihasa’s face for signs of deceit but find none. I’m outraged at what he suggests. “They would pair me, He’Rokvska Naa, with prey so weak that the elements alone could take them?” I question, still disbelieving, but an ugly smile parts the Ihasa’s lips once more.

  “I demand to compete against a worthy adversary!” I bellow, turning to look for Kosi amongst the crowd. “It would be a disgrace to champion over the weak. There is no glory in such a kill!”

  “Hell,” the Ihasa interrupts my racing thoughts. “That’s not the only thing you need to worry about during a hunt. You’ll have us to consider too, Gladiator. We might not be fighters like you, but all of us are killers. Sometimes I pay no heed to who I’ve been assigned and instead see how many of the prey I can bring down before the final bell,” the Ihasa teases scornfully.

  I turn on him then, ready to slice my blade across his throat. My muscles twitch, begging for allowance to pounce. A growl tears from deep within me and some of the others shirk away.

  “Esteemed guests,” a voice says suddenly, drawing our attention. It is our host, Kosi Inarwa. He stands on a stage at the head of the room. I cut one last narrowed glance at the Ihasa and promise myself I will ask Kosi’s permission to kill this one before the hunt is through. But for now I am more interested in the prey.

  I do not care who they plan to pair me with. I will gaze upon the specimens myself and choose the worthiest adversary.

  “Welcome to my home and welcome to The Hunt!” Kosi yells, and the room erupts in applause. “Many of you have been here before, but for the benefit of new guests, allow me to go over the festivities. First and foremost, indulge! This is a party! A vacation from our daily lives. I want you all to enjoy yourselves. Live tonight like gods, for tomorrow the intoxicating power over life and death will lie in your hands.” The crowd thrills at his words, though I find the sentiment foolish. It does not take a God to kill. Any slave can do that.

  “Shortly, we will be releasing the first round of prey. They have the duration of this night to gain a head start before hunters begin searching. In the morning—”

  “Or whenever we wake up!” a fat and aging Makaan shouts, causing laughter to reverberate off the glass walls.

  “Indeed.” The Itharene smiles. “When you’re ready, you will be equipped with supplies and your hunt will begin. Take as long as you’d like to complete your task. Monetary prizes will be awarded to each finisher as well as accolades for especially deserving kills, such as most creative. Now, gather at the windows, my friends, and let us gaze upon this year’s prey!”

  The others press in close to the glass, crowding me. I snarl at any who dare come nearer and they slink away, giving me a wider berth. Chimes begin to ring out all over the room. It is the sound of personal comms, a device I prefer not to carry.

  “Do you hear that sound? A file has been uploaded onto your account pertaining to your pre-selected prey. It bears information on their species, crimes committed, and any known strengths or weaknesses,” Kosi announces. I do not require such information. All I need to know will be discovered as I track my intended kill.

  “First prey to exit their cages belong respectively to the following: Visakha, Galdesh, Veil, Kalmut Ruo and Kalmut Hui, He’Rokvska Naa, Rylan Graz Bregen…” Kosi continues to list off names. With each one he calls out, a gate snaps open and a being emerges. I watch their body language with keen interest, searching for the strongest amongst them.

  They stand there, under the bright lights, gazing warily at one another. Their bodies poised, readying either for a fight or flight. But there is one who stands out, the language of her body singing a different song. It is a song of demand and outrage. It is as if she knows she does not belong amongst the prey, for she is a predator herself.

  I do not need to see any more. “That is the prey I claim!”

  “Is there a problem, He’Rokvska Naa?” Kosi asks, approaching.

  “That is the one I want,” I demand again. “The one with the war paint. I will take no other,” I say, crossing my scaled and imposing arms over my chest. On this I am immovable.

  “Have you ever seen a human female before, He’Rokvska Naa?” the Ihasa asks, laughing. “Do you know anything about them?”

  “There is nothing I need to know. I claim the one with the war paint. It is final!”

  Kosi begins to interject, but the Ihasa interrupts. “I will trade with He’Rokvska Naa. The human female was meant to be mine, but I have no preference and clearly the gladiator does,” he says, biting back a smile.

  “My goal is to please. If a trade is what you both wish—” Kosi starts.

  “It is,” the Ihasa and I say in unison.

  “Then it will be done. My aides will work out the details now.”

  I grunt my approval and return my attention to the windows. The female warrior is already gone, but her image is burned into my mind.

  Her face was artfully decorated, with bright streaks resembling bolts of lightning, and her mouth was tinted an electric shade. The clothes hugging her lean and athletic frame were so vibrant in color they nearly glowed, a signal of her boldness. She did not bother with armor or camouflage, which informs me of her nature as an opponent.

  “Master He’Rokvska Naa?” calls a voice from behind me. “I have the updated files on your chosen prey for review, if I could just get you to acknowledge the transfer.”

  “You are acknowledged,” I growl, disinterested in this side of the hunt. I want to be out there, with the evening breeze on my skin, following the scent of a warrior. I keep my eyes glued to the windows, even though the prey has long since vanished.

  “You,” I call to the adrogynous
servant. “Tell me, what are the rules here?”

  “There are very few, Master,” the servant answers with a smile.

  “May I kill whomever I please?” I ask.

  The servant leans in closer to speak more quietly. “Courtesy asks that you only kill your assigned prey, but it would not be unheard of if you chose to act otherwise. Nor is it punished.”

  “What about the hunters? What if I wish to kill one of them?”

  “There are no explicit rules against it.” The thrill in his voice causes me to cast a glance in his direction and I am dismayed by the look of pleasure marking his features. These beings here are of a different class. I don’t care how rich and important they are, they are freaks.

  “That will be all.”

  “Are you retiring for the evening, Master? Do you require an escort to your room?” Now he gives me a seductive smile. I snort at the servant, his usefulness expended, then turn to exit the dome.

  I am done with this place. If there are no rules, then I will begin my pursuit. I am a gladiator. I will not spend the night in an overly luxurious room, reading files on my intended kill. I will do as any true gladiator would and begin this hunt. Everything I need to know is out there, waiting for me on this wild planet.

  Chapter 6

  Purity

  I jerk awake suddenly. My last conscious thought was of a figure jumping out of the trees and lunging at me. I didn’t get a good look at him, but he was wearing some kind of Halloween mask, I think. All I have in my mind are flashes of mottled skin and a hairless head.

  “I swear to God. Fucking freshmen,” I say aloud, breathlessly. My heart is still pounding in my chest. I take in my surroundings and my dismay only grows.