“You were never injured?”
“Well, I did stub my toe. But you’re welcome to examine me—just to make sure I’m not hurt.” She kept her eyes wide and innocent as she rubbed her breasts against his chest.
He laughed even as she felt his cock harden. “You are a devious female, little bird.”
“Yes, I think I am,” she said complacently. “I learned from my mother.”
“Your mother?’
“My father was very bossy and my mother was very quiet. If you had met them, you would have assumed that he was in charge. And he was—but somehow, my mother usually got what she wanted. I realized that she knew how to approach him because she understood him. So I tried to do the same.” She laughed. “My sister preferred to argue. The two of them would have these huge arguments, and Mom and I would watch from the sidelines.”
“This did not disturb you?”
“I knew they loved each other. I hated the idea, but I honestly think they enjoyed it.” She smiled wistfully. “I know Kimmy will look after them now that I’m not around.”
“I’m sorry that you cannot return to them.”
“I am too. They weren’t happy when I married Kevin, and he did his best to keep us apart. I was such a fool. I married Kevin because I thought he was like my father, but I missed one essential detail. Dad was bossy because he cared. Kevin was bossy because he thought he was better than everyone else. That’s one of the reasons I panicked yesterday. I should have known you weren’t like him.”
Varga had picked her up and carried her to the bed while she was talking, but now he frowned. “Who is Kevin? And what does that mean—married?”
“He was my husband. Marriage is… kind of like mating, I guess.”
His frown turned to a look of horror. “You are mated to another male?”
“Not anymore.”
She smiled but he looked even more appalled.
“Humans do not mate forever?”
“You should be happy about that,” she said lightly, but when his face didn’t relax, she sighed. “I hoped it would be forever, but it didn’t work out. I was so wrong about him. Fortunately, he finally found someone else.”
“He left you for another female?” The shock had been replaced by anger.
“Yes, thank goodness. It took me three tries before I found someone who convinced him to leave me.”
Varga still looked stunned. “You found another female for your mate?”
“Of course. I knew he’d never let me go unless he thought he was trading up. Uh, getting a more desirable female,” she added when he looked confused.
“There could not be a more desirable female,” he growled and rolled her under him. “Understand this, Joan. No other female will ever convince me to leave you.”
“Good,” she said, breathless at the heat in his eyes. “Because I’m never letting you go.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“You weren’t kidding about it being an ice planet,” Joan said, leaning forward to watch the planet approach. She had joined Varga on the bridge as they prepared to land on Hothrest. From what she could see, the entire planet was covered in white.
“Does that concern you?” Varga asked, studying her face. “I told you we did not have to stay.”
“No, I’m actually curious to see what it will be like. Do you really think your friend would consider me to run the restaurant?”
“I am convinced of it. You’ve managed to keep everybody on the ship happy.”
She grinned and shook her head, but it had been somewhat of a challenge. Although Issar was always polite, it soon became apparent that he had little interest in anything other than slabs of animal protein. Since fresh meat was in short supply, she had to be creative. On the other hand, both Taliane and, surprisingly, Rummel, preferred vegetables. Polly was completely unpredictable, but Joan had noticed that she tended to prefer more comforting, carbohydrate-heavy foods. At least they all enjoyed sweets, and Saka had turned out to have a surprising gift for creating pastries.
“If I do get the job, I want to hire Saka.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. She really is very talented—and I think it would be good for her.”
“As much as you take me to task for wanting to take care of you, you do exactly the same thing,” Varga pointed out, his eyes warm with laughter.
“I know.” She sighed. “If only I knew how to take care of Polly.”
The other female worried her. She still wouldn’t bathe, and even the stoic Issar moved away when she approached. Only Rummel seemed unperturbed and continued to share the small crew cabin with her.
But it wasn’t just her filthy appearance. Polly’s moods were increasingly unstable. She could converse intelligently enough for a period of time, but the strangest things would set her off and the results were unpredictable. She might start to moan and rush off to hide in her cabin, but she could also snarl and start looking for a weapon. Varga kept the few weapons on the ship under lock and key, but Polly was just as likely to seize the nearest decorative object and hold it threateningly. She hadn’t yet gone as far as to attack anyone, but Joan was afraid that something would eventually send her completely over the edge.
“She may be beyond your help,” Varga said gently.
“I know. I don’t suppose there’s such a thing as a psychiatrist on Hothrest?”
He tilted his head and frowned and she realized that the word had not translated. “A head doctor? Someone to help her mental state?” He still looked puzzled. “I do not believe I have heard of such a thing, except perhaps… There was some talk of mental assistance in one of the inner systems. It is not something you would find here.”
“You think a world that allowed slavery would be prepared to handle the results,” she muttered.
“They do not expect slaves to be freed,” he reminded her. “The new Emperor is attempting to enforce the laws regarding the acceptable treatment of slaves. Some have speculated it is the first step towards emancipation, but even if that is true, it will not happen quickly.”
“But you said they don’t permit slavery on Hothrest, right?”
“Not on the large part of the planet that is under Hothian control. But the port operates under Imperial law so it is not forbidden there.” He tugged her down into his lap. “I know your instinct is to rescue all of those less fortunate than yourself, but you must not interfere with anything you see while we are in Port Eyeja.”
“I’m not sure I can do that,” she said honestly.
“You must. As a former slave, your position is somewhat tenuous. I will never let anything happen to you, but if we were forced to flee into the interior of the planet, it would be difficult to return to the port. I suspect you will feel more comfortable here if you know that we can leave.”
He wasn’t wrong. She had enjoyed the sense of freedom that came from being on the ship, knowing they could go wherever they chose. Although she was looking forward to the challenge of running a restaurant for the first time, she didn’t want to feel as if she had no other choice. Especially as the ship descended and all she could see was barren snowy plains and craggy mountains covered with ice. She shivered.
“I’ll do my best,” she promised.
“Good girl.” He hugged her. “If something occurs to trouble you, let me know and we can see if there is a way to handle it that doesn’t result in being forced into an Imperial courtroom.”
She nodded and silently watched the seemingly uninhabited planet growing ever larger beneath them. To her relief, a town did appear as they descended. The buildings appeared to be made of stone with steep snow-covered roofs. It was late in the day, and golden light spilled out from many of the buildings into the narrow streets. The site was unexpectedly appealing—it reminded her of one of those romanticized villages found on a holiday calendar—and her nerves settled.
Varga had made several calls to the surface during the descent. Once the ship was firmly on the ground, he smi
led at her. “Baralt will be meeting us shortly. He and his mate have a large dwelling on the outskirts of town, and they would be happy to accommodate anyone who wishes to leave the ship.”
“Let’s go tell the others.”
Everyone else was gathered in the lounge, looking out across the landing field to the soft glow of the port. Varga repeated his offer.
Issar shook his head. “Taliane and I will remain on board. In the morning, I will arrange passage to Asing for us.”
“Are you sure, brother? Baralt is a fine warrior. He would welcome you.”
“Thank you, but no. We wish to return to my home nest as soon as possible.”
“I understand. But please do not leave without bidding us farewell.”
Issar dipped his head. “Of course not.”
“Well, I’d be happy to get off the ship,” Saka said dryly. “The novelty of sleeping on the couch is beginning to pall.”
Joan laughed. “I’m sure. And besides, I’d like you to meet Baralt if he’s going to be our new employer.”
Saka nodded and ducked her head, but not before Joan saw the longing on her face. She prayed that Varga’s suggestion would work out. She wanted the job for Saka as much as she wanted it on her own behalf.
“What about you, Rummel?” she asked.
“Don’t worry about me. I prefer to explore the port.”
She bit her lip, unwilling to insult him, but… “Will you be safe?”
“Quit fussing, girlie.” He patted his hip grimly. “I’m prepared this time. No one is taking me unaware again.”
Which only left Polly. Joan looked over at the girl. She was huddled in the corner, her eyes darting from face to face. “What about you, Polly? Would you like—”
The chime of the door alarm interrupted and she jumped. Varga laughed. “That’s Baralt and his clan leader, Njkall. I’ll let them in.”
He disappeared down the corridor, returning a moment later with two… abominable snowmen?
It had never occurred to her to ask what the Hothians looked like and she wasn’t prepared for the sight of two giant white-furred males entering the room. Her heart started to race, but then Varga made a comment to one of them and the male threw back his head and laughed. Despite the rather obvious fangs, the laughter was so obviously friendly that she relaxed. She even managed a genuine smile when Varga brought the first male over to meet her.
“This is my mate, Joan. Joan, this is my friend and defeated fight partner, Baralt.”
“If I remember correctly, I was actually the victor,” Baralt said dryly, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
“That is because you do not remember correctly. Perhaps because of your advanced age.”
“I see that you have not changed.” Baralt bowed his head. “I am very pleased to meet you, Joan. I hope that you will join us. My mate is very anxious to meet you. She sent some clothing to make the walk easier.”
Now that he was closer, she could see the intelligence on his face and realized he was nothing like the monstrous image that had first sprung to mind. “I’d like that very much.”
Varga introduced the rest of their party, hesitating when he got to Polly. She was still crouched in the corner, eyes wide.
“And this is Polly,” Varga said uncertainly.
Joan knew that they were all braced for one of the girl’s dramatic reactions.
Baralt nodded, but Njkall bent down in front of Polly.
“I am pleased to meet you,” he said slowly. He had a wonderful voice—deep, calm, and soothing. “You are safe with me… with us.”
Polly scowled at him. “You don’t have to talk to me like I’m a child.”
Joan did her best to hide her shock. It was the most normal reaction she had seen from the girl.
Njkall laughed, an equally deep, pleasant sound. “Of course you are not. Are you joining us at Baralt’s residence?”
“Are you going to be there?” Polly asked, frowning at him.
“That was my intention, but if it makes you uncomfortable—”
To Joan’s complete and utter shock, Polly shook her head, then raised a hand to Njkall. He very gently helped her to her feet, but even then, she didn’t let go of his hand. Instead, she kept hold of him while she stroked his arm.
“You’re very soft.” She giggled, then looked shocked. Joan expected her to run from the room as she had done previously, but instead Polly stepped closer to Njkall. “Like a teddy bear. A big, soft teddy bear.”
Njkall didn’t seem bothered by the comparison, but then again, maybe he didn’t understand the reference.
“You will need some clothing, little one.”
Once again, Joan braced herself for a negative reaction, but Polly only pouted up at Njkall. “I don’t like clothes.”
“You need them to leave the ship,” he said firmly. Polly scowled but raised no further objection as he began to sort through the clothing they had brought with them.
“I never would have believed it,” she said softly to Varga.
Baralt was close enough to hear her words, and he smiled. “Njkall has always had a way with recalcitrant children.”
“But she is not a child.” As she watched the older male carefully pull a hat over Polly’s tangled curls and wrap a cloak around her shoulders, she wondered if he realized that.
“He is the finest of males,” Baralt said. “You do not need to fear for her.”
She sighed and went to put on her own outdoor clothing. Perhaps she was simply overreacting.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Joan’s doubts resurfaced as they headed for Baralt’s house. As they walked through the icy streets, Polly continued to cling to Njkall’s hand. She actually seemed to be talking to him, and he listened patiently, occasionally giving that deep pleasant chuckle.
“I don’t understand,” she whispered to Saka who was walking next to her. “She seems to be terrified of everyone else but she’s not scared of him. He must be twice her size. And he has fangs.”
Saka had been eyeing the shops they passed, but now she focused on the two in front of them. “I have never seen a Hothian in person before,” she said thoughtfully.
“I doubt Polly has either.”
“Yes, that’s my point. There were no Hothians in the mines. No one who even resembled them at all. Which means she was never abused by a male who looked like him.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” she admitted. “But that doesn’t mean he’s safe.”
“Little bird,” Varga said firmly from behind her, and she jumped as she realized he’d been listening. “As you pointed out, she is not a child and he is a trustworthy male. They do exist.”
“I know you’re trustworthy.”
“And I am not the only one.”
She sighed and settled into step next to him as Baralt moved forward to talk to Saka. She was relieved to notice that Saka made no attempt to be seductive. She had been a little afraid that the other female would fall back into the only interaction she understood.
“You need to stop worrying about everyone else,” Varga said softly, and she shot him a rueful smile.
“I know. I don’t mean to be the managing sort.”
“You have a kind heart and you wish to take care of others. But sometimes, you have to let them go their own way. Isn’t that what you were trying to tell me?”
“Touché,” she muttered.
“I don’t understand.”
“It means you’re right. Dammit.”
He laughed and tucked her under his arm as they continued down the street. She snuggled closer, grateful for his warmth. The clothes Baralt had provided helped but the temperature was well below freezing. But it wasn’t cold enough to prevent her from looking around with interest.
Now that they were actually in the town, she realized it wasn’t quite as idyllic as it had appeared from the air. There were several interesting shops, but they were easily outnumbered by bars. And when they turned a corner, she realized they we
re also outnumbered by what appeared to be sex shops. It reminded her of pictures she had seen of the red-light district in Amsterdam, except the females—and males—occupying the windows were an astonishing array of species. The acts they were performing were equally as varied. Her footsteps ground to a halt as she stared.
“This is terrible. How can this possibly be legal?”
Varga sighed and urged her on. “There’s nothing illegal about sex, and for some of these workers, it’s an easy way to make a lot of credits.”
“Easy?” she asked incredulously.
“Compared to some of the alternatives, yes.”
“You mean they want to be here?”
“Some of them do.”
He hadn’t exactly answered her question, but as they continued down the street, she tried to focus on the faces rather than the actions of the sex workers. Most of them simply appeared to be bored. A few actually looked enthusiastic, or at least managed to fake it. She still wasn’t happy about it, but she was resigned, until they turned another corner.
This was a smaller, darker street. Colder as well, with few of the braziers that had heated the main road. She heard a sharp crack and turned in time to see a large furry male standing over an ivory-scaled female who was clutching her cheek. It was all too obvious that he had just hit her.
“I don’t care if you are cold. Attract a male to heat you up, you worthless bitch,” the male snarled.
Joan started forward with an outraged cry, but Varga clamped his hand over her mouth and pulled her back against him. When she started to struggle, he bent down and whispered in her ear, “Hush, little bird. Let Baralt take care of this.”
Baralt stepped forward, and she suddenly noticed that long black claws extended from his fingers.
“Under Imperial law, you are required to provide adequate heating for your slave.” Baralt’s voice was colder than the surrounding air, and she shivered as she realized just how intimidating he could be.
The male scowled at him and gestured at a small metal pot that had perhaps one ember glowing within it. “She’s got a heater.”
Joan and the Juggernaut: A SciFi Alien Romance (Alien Abduction Book 10) Page 14
