by Stone, Piper
King Lorowerd walked closer, heading toward the very art piece I’d been studying. “This is a beautiful masterpiece from the ancient Valtar civilization. I’ve prized this in my collection more than any other.”
“Valtar,” Greson chortled. “They have been extinct for one hundred years if not more.”
“Yes, and we are the very reason for their demise.” The king tipped his head, his upper lip curling.
I was shocked at the admission. For all the battles over the centuries, every Malzeon had been taught that our planet and our people had always been the ones under attack.
He chuckled under his breath as he reached out, allowing his index finger to trail along the curvature of the creature’s face. “Something not stated in our history books.” The sound of remorse in his voice was palpable. “I’ve spent almost seventy years attempting to provide solid leadership to our people, doing everything possible to protect our world and our future. It would seem that both are in jeopardy. To that end, it is time to make difficult decisions.”
I inched closer, darting a glance at Greson, who was just as confused as I was. “I’m sorry to question you, King Lorowerd, but what are you telling us?”
He traced another line down the long neck of the Valtar statue, almost in a loving manner. “I have many regrets, some that I find it difficult to live with. While often the decisions I made were a necessity, they’ve never been ones that I could forget. Or forgive myself for that matter.”
I had no idea what to say and I could tell Greson felt the same.
“I’m sorry,” he half laughed as he finally turned in our direction. “I’m babbling. There is no time for remorse. To that end, it gives me no joy to tell you that I’ve become aware we have a betrayer in our midst.”
“A betrayer? Who?” While we’d always had certain factions who’d voiced concerns, there hadn’t been a traitor to the king since I’d been a boy. Even then, the situation had been handled quickly, my father rectifying the problem. Why did that remembrance bother me so much?
“Unfortunately, I am uncertain,” the king stated in a faraway manner. “However, if anyone were to find out the truth about what our planet is facing, they could certainly use that to gain control. What I do believe is the recent information regarding the treaty made with Earth has been compromised, likely for this very reason.” He glanced back and forth between us, obviously to see a reaction.
I turned my attention to Greson. There was shock on his face but also something undetermined in his eyes. Perhaps that’s what he’d been alluding to before. My thoughts drifted to what Casey had said before her departure from Earth. “You placed Greson and me together for this very reason, although you feigned surprise at the auction.”
The king chuckled. “I may not be an avid game player, Draze, but I do have my moments. Something that your father taught me was necessary.” He seemed pleased with himself. “To answer your question, yes, I took great lengths making certain the two of you were required to work together and the only method of doing so was by forcing a shared concept with the auction. No one will question that particular outcome. If one of our own has betrayed our people, he or she will be watching my every move.” He walked closer, staring at me alone. “I was also fully aware that there would be no way to make certain my two best commanders worked together for our kingdom without altering the odds.”
Greson shifted back and forth, obviously uncomfortable. “You want us to find this betrayer.”
“Absolutely and before it’s too late.” The king gave him a respectful nod.
“What does this betrayer have to gain?” I thought about my own question. “Unless he’s working with Earth in order to secure a place to live for a select few. I have to ask, what exactly are we facing?”
“Your suggestion is a distinct possibility, although others must be explored.” King Lorowerd walked toward his massive set of floor-to-ceiling windows. “My heart has been so heavy as of late. I was eager to see both of you.”
Both Greson and I remained quiet.
“It’s no secret that our world is dying. If what our scientists say is true, our planet will succumb to the gas within eighteen months,” the king continued.
This was stunning news, the actual admittance something I wasn’t ready to accept. Everyone had been fed hope that we would survive the onslaught of the poisonous gas. Even methods of eradicating the effects had seemed beneficial. All a damn lie.
“What?” Greson hissed. “That can’t be true!”
“I assure you, Greson, our scientists have been working round the clock in order to try and find a solution. Any solution. Your foray into the forest, the way the Drakors acted is significant evidence that the gas is much more poisonous than anyone believed.” King Lorowerd sighed.
“I thought they were immune?” Greson moved even closer. I pulled on his arm. Confronting the king wasn’t appropriate. He’d taken a significant chance in telling us the truth. Whoever was betraying our people could be someone with influence or could even include dozens of our own.
The king pointed toward the wall. Instantly, the projection highlighted a group of the vile beasts in their natural habitat. I walked toward the images, disgusted with what I was seeing. “Yes, an early belief. Sadly, they are now feeding on their own, a clear sign the poisonous effects are breaking down their mental capabilities. It’s only a matter of time before they no longer process information, merely act on their increasing hunger.”
“They will turn their efforts to feed on our people, finding a way inside,” I struggled to say.
“Yes,” the king huffed. “As you can imagine, this is horrifying.”
Swallowing, I turned away, unable to watch any longer. The effects would be the same for our species. There would be horrific bloodshed prior to our ultimate demise. I was sick inside, the weight of what our great king was telling us almost too much to bear.
“Unbelievable,” Greson whispered.
“Now you fully understand why it’s imperative that you both work together. There may be much more at stake here than even I realize. I have faith in you, Draze for your honor, tenacity, and your knowledge of the humans. And Greson, you are a true warrior, capable of leading us into battle if necessary. The combination is formidable.”
The words rang in the air, forcing Greson and me to truly look at each other.
“You also paired us with the human female on purpose.” I heard the terse sound of my voice.
King Lorowerd nodded. “I’m not the fool everyone thinks I am. I’ve followed very carefully what this New World Order has been doing. They are... troublesome. Detective Roberts was quickly railroaded into being arrested based on crimes that she couldn’t have committed. I had her checked thoroughly, as well as her work. She knows more than she’s told anyone. She may be our only reliable source of information at this point. The New World Order is certainly coloring what I’m being told.”
“You’re certain that she is not playing a game herself?” Greson asked in a melancholy manner.
I snarled hearing his question, although he was right to ask.
“I do not believe she is playing a game, although I had a specific Viper at her arrest. His report indicated that she is a true fighter. She is telling the truth.”
“Then this New World Order must be stopped,” I insisted.
“Yes,” the king said. “President Marchant is on a mission that I fear includes a breach in our treaty, his desire for total power formidable. As you can imagine, I cannot and will not allow that to happen.”
I could feel the tension increasing in Greson. Our tenuous hold against various enemies included their understanding that we held Earth in the palm of our hands. Earth was considered a jewel, one of the few planets that various species hungered to obtain. Each species had their particular reasons.
“And you are more cognizant of their actions than I am,” the king continued. “By working with the female and with Greson, I believe you will be able to form a plan.
Before it’s too late.”
Dear God, this was already out of hand. At least the Vipers were still under our control, enough of a deterrent for the government on Earth. I knew enough, although I was certainly kept out of their inner circle. I’d hated my father for creating them. Perhaps they would become useful after all.
“What do you want us to do?” Greson asked, inching closer.
“Find out what she knows. She may lead us to who is attempting to destroy our race.”
“You think certain members of the Valtar species survived.” I ventured a guess.
The king seemed pleased with my comment, a smile crossing his face. “That is entirely possible. If so, they are much stronger than they were from a century before. That also means they were lying in wait, building their numbers. Keep in mind, this is only my concern. There is no evidence to support my suspicions.”
“But why would they lie in wait?” I gave Greson another glance, honestly hoping he wouldn’t remind the king about the attack years before. He seemed to understand, even though his upper lip curled.
King Lorowerd simply gave me an odd look. There were more secrets being kept, ones that had been harbored for a full century.
Greson exhaled. “You’ve been searching for a new home for our people. Haven’t you?”
King Lorowerd chuckled. “I see that I have selected well in the two commanders who may be required to lead us into our final battle. First things first. Find out what the human knows. And under no circumstances allow anyone else to know what you are doing. Anyone. To that end, you will need to treat her as property and nothing else, although I suspect that both of you will enjoy her company.”
The way the king said the words was fascinating. He was truly afraid. I also knew at that moment that both Greson and I were vying to take over the throne.
As if we’d have a kingdom of people to rule.
If anyone learned that he was looking for another planet, that could also be used against him. None of this made any real sense, a puzzle to be figured out. Was the king merely testing us?
Whatever the case, the data he’d shared was horrifying.
He’d waited too long to spread the news, praying for a miracle. He must have his reasons.
“We will do what’s necessary, King.” I said the words in a perfunctory manner, my mind foggy.
“I know you will,” he said softly, the tone haunted. He attempted to smile again, although he was having difficulty. “There will be a celebration tonight, a true feast unlike what we’ve enjoyed for years.”
A celebration. What the fuck did we honestly have to celebrate? I held my tongue, realizing that he was attempting to keep the hope he so desperately cherished. “An excellent idea.”
“Yes, I thought so,” King Lorowerd said softly. “There will also be an exhibition of sorts. A showing of the various pets.”
Greson was the first to hiss, the single step he took closer to the king met with a stern look crossing the leader’s face.
“Allow me a guess. You require our recent acquisition to be present,” I said, attempting to keep the nasty tone out of my voice.
“Absolutely, Draze. You should be honored that your particular pet will be the envy of all in the room. Make certain she understands the rules.” King Lorowerd walked closer, his eyes locking on mine.
“Yes, our king. I will make certain she is prepared.” I gritted my teeth, loathing the glow and show but knowing it was for a specific reason.
To flush out the would-be betrayer.
I had to admit, our great king was more cunning than I’d realized.
“Our people still have hopes of surviving. I want to keep it that way. However, we will do what’s necessary. Find me every scrap of information and if what I suspect is true, we will be in a full-scale war within the month.” With that, the king we’d known our entire lifetime seemed to falter, frailer than I had ever seen him.
Not only was he giving up his throne, he was dying.
Sadness enveloped my system, taking me back to the times I’d seen him as a boy, worshipping him almost as much as my father. I was forced to look away, unable to contain my emotions.
Everything about this moment was painful, including the realization that our people could die without securing another home. That meant either negotiating with or annihilating Earth. We had no other choices. Sadly, I was no longer certain we had the number of soldiers to make the latter occur.
We were facing full extinction.
Chapter Nine
Casey
Darkness.
In the absence of light there would always be darkness.
Another several hours had passed since I’d questioned the fact there was no light in the sky of the Malzeon planet. I stood at the window, studying the stars. I couldn’t stop shivering, even though I’d found a shirt belonging to Draze in one of the cabinets. The material still held his scent, creating the only wave of heat within my body, my pussy clenching over and over again.
I brushed my fingers up and down the arm of the shirt, drinking in his masculine fragrance, envisioning his face. Damn it. His human face. Then there was his muscular body. So tall. So broad-chested. Why did I have any feelings for the man in any regard?
I could still feel his touch, the way his fingers brought me to new heights of pleasure. As embarrassing as the moment had been initially, having both men inside of me, fucking me had been delicious.
Scintillating.
I closed my eyes briefly, shifting back and forth, the material of Draze’s shirt creating tingling sensations against my bruised bottom. I eased my hand underneath the material, brushing my fingers across my still heated skin. Even the spanking had been pleasurable on so many levels. I grimaced as pussy juice trickled down the inside of my thighs, pulsing sensations sending vibrations all throughout my body. My God, the two men had been incredible.
A moan slipped past my lips.
Greson was another fine specimen.
But he’s just that. He’s not human.
No, I was living in that very nightmare I’d feared since a child. Even though I’d never felt so filled or satisfied, my mind was unable to accept everything that had occurred.
I rubbed my eyes, trying to shove aside the terror that seemed to be increasing. For the all-powerful Malzeons, they seemed to hold even more secrets than the human race. Perhaps that was a universal trait. I laughed bitterly at the thought. We were entirely different but very much the same.
All vying to regain power.
All hoping to live our lives.
All hungering for something special.
I was no different. I’d wanted to be somebody just like my father. I’d longed to save the damn world. There was no way I could do anything now, not stuck on this wretched planet. Even the ugly beasts living in the forest seemed to terrify Draze and Greson more than I would have imagined. Why the bubble? I might not be a scientist, but I’d lived with one long enough to know that the Malzeon race was facing something traumatic.
As if their planet was dying.
I lifted my head, narrowing my eyes. That was it. They wanted to take over Earth because they had no other choice. I was certain of it. No amount of lies coming from any of them would change my mind. While I wanted to feel sorry for them, I refused to live my life as merely a slave. Or some kind of a breeder. Oh, God.
When I heard the sound of footsteps, I cringed. The reflection of Greson’s face came into view. He stood in all his magnificent glory, a man ready for battle, regal in every manner. I’d seen various emotions in him, including his discontent of having a mouthy pet.
He stood still after the door was closed, studying me, his face expressionless. When he finally walked toward me, his feet seemed heavy.
I stood to my full height, still holding my arms as if that was going to protect me. He was the wild card and I was alone with him. For all I knew, he’d been ordered by some unseen force to make certain I never provided any information to the king. I found m
yself unable to take my eyes off him, drinking him in as if he were candy for the eye instead of my enemy. As if reading my mind, he smiled, his eyes twinkling. They were the dead giveaway to their race, their difficulty transposing the gorgeous colorations and enlarged irises keeping them from hiding in plain sight. Or maybe I was more in tune. I’d never heard another human on the subject.
“You look at me with uncertainty in your eyes,” he said quietly, moving to within inches of me.
I gathered a whiff of the man, so entirely different than Draze yet just as compelling, intoxicating enough I almost felt drunk from a single whiff. “Meaning?”
He lifted one arm, allowing his index finger to slide down the back of my head. “As if you’re going to devour me one minute then attempt to slit my throat another.”
I chuckled. “Very astute, at least about one portion.”
“Oh, come now, little human. I’m not the type of man to hurt a woman under any circumstance.”
“First of all, you’re not a man, no matter the gorgeous skin you seem to enjoy wearing. Second, there isn’t a male Malzeon who seems to mind disciplining a woman.”
“Hurting and disciplining are entirely different. As a detective, you are aware of that.”
He was right. I’d seen many a man crying love then abusing the very woman he promised to protect forever. “Where’s Draze?”
“He is... obtaining new orders from our king.”
I turned around to face him, throwing him off. “And if I want to talk to your king?”
“About?”
“Information I may have that’d be vital to your kind.”
Greson’s hand remained in the air. He flexed his fingers, brushing the barest hint of his fingertips down from my forehead to my cheek, lifting an eyebrow when I winced. “And why would you want to help a creature that you not only fear but hate? Why should our king believe anything you have to say? You could be nothing more than a plant, sent to do a job for the great New World Order.”
I hadn’t even thought about the possibility. What if some of the women who’d been captured were merely plants performing a duty? I allowed my mind to shift over the various cases, the often-inaccurate evidence that had been obtained.
