‘We did not lie. We crashed.’
‘You saved my life. I wish only to help you in your endeavours.’
Uncertainty flashed across his wolfish face, and Hel Bihter uncrossed his arms, lowering his guard. He spoke slowly, quietly. ‘We undertook a mission.’
‘Ordered by the First?’
Hel Bihter’s gaze averted to the middle distance. His head twitched on his neck. ‘We left in secret after our request was denied.’
‘Request?’ Éorik pressed.
‘Our desire was to find a mate.’
Beowyn stilled. Aztekan warriors did not countermand the First. They did not go against the wishes of Horde, and Horde did not mate outsiders. ‘Why?’
‘We sought a solution. A future.’
‘Are your females sick?’
Hel Bihter’s eyes focused. His expression clouded, bluish lips compressing. ‘We are grateful you did not leave us behind, but we traded fairly for passage. Information was not part of that exchange.’
‘Your avoidance answers the question,’ Éorik pointed out. ‘You might as well tell us the whole of it.’
‘We can say no more.’
‘Are your females unwell? Have you not considered we could help?’
‘What we have said is enough to have us exiled.’ A death sentence to a warrior considered part of a larger whole. ‘I–.’ He violently shook his head. ‘We have already been apart too long.’
A fleeting thought chilled Beowyn to his core. He sidestepped his Commander and threw out an arm when the male made a noise of protest. ‘Bihter.’ He dropped the male’s generational name, using only his true name to signify his resolve. ‘I ask you to tell me this next thing in confidence.’ He held the Aztekan’s icy glare with his own piercing stare. ‘Do the Horde seek a human?’ He remembered Lumen had been slated to appear on Zoi Quay, only a quirk of fate kept her from the auction block. It was around the time the Horde reemerged. Of course, by then she mated Venomous One and was rescued by the Ra. Spirited to Rök, a closed world where information escaped at a trickle and only because their newly appointed Ambassador pushed them to rejoin the dance of galactic political manoeuvrings, little was known about her, and there was universal interest in learning more.
Where the interest stemmed from had been uncertain.
Beowyn now knew the terrifying origins of that ill-wind.
‘Lumen.’ Éorik’s expression showed comprehension. ‘Her appearance coincides with the Hordes awakening. This is no coincidence.’
Hel Bihter shifted. ‘We left long before the human was found by Zython’s Avatar. Her discovery would have captured the First’s interest. This much we can say.’ He paused. ‘As will the report you have taken a human Queen. Expect the First to come in person and…congratulate you.’
Éorik read between the lines and stiffened. ‘You will tell us nothing more? Do you feel no sense of–.’ His attention shifted, and his mouth snapped shut.
Beowyn turned to see Sìne hovering at the haze.
Dressed simply in a divided softsuit, its charcoal colour contrastingly beautifully with her bright red-orange curls, she stomped across the sandy battle ring. ‘I hope you’re not here because of me.’ She motioned to her face. ‘Because of a little bruising. I told you what happened so you wouldn’t blow it out of proportion.’
Beowyn’s eyes narrowed. ‘He had no business striking you.’
‘It was a test. I failed.’ Her eyes went to the Aztekan. ‘I’m ready to learn.’
‘We have no wish to waste our time.’ He was once again cool and aloof.
They would get no more from him.
Sìne tutted. ‘I’m no too proud to adjust the way I think if it benefits me.’
Hel Bihter smirked. ‘This is the most intelligent thing we have heard you say.’
‘Can you start now?’
A dip of his blue, hairless head.
‘No.’ Beowyn spoke before any further words were spoken. He reached for her face, ran the pad of his thumb over the round of her bruised cheek, so unlike the harsh bone structure on the face of a Verak. Her creamy skin had been dried by space travel but retained its underlying softness. Strange human eyes, multifaceted gems that changed colour with her heightened emotions, were a green that reminded him of the forests surrounding his palace. Her shapely red mouth flattened into a stubborn line. ‘Why are you doing this? Do you not believe I can protect you?’
‘This is no about you. I simply wish to feel more confident in my ability to handle myself in dangerous situations.’
‘You wish to learn from another male how to defend yourself?’
‘Do you have to sound so condescending?’ She looked hurt. ‘I do no expect you to understand what it’s like to feel helpless. I’m no asking you to. I’m no asking you to do anything but get out of my way so I can finish what I started.’ She faced Hel Bihter. ‘I understand what you were trying to say before. I might not like it, or agree wholeheartedly with it, but you more than proved your point.’
Éorik canted his head. ‘Why did you not ask one of us?’
‘I have my reasons,’ she said.
He studied her closed off expression before sighing. ‘Very well.’
‘No,’ Beowyn barked. ‘It is not very well.’ He paused to douse his anger and think rationally. He wanted to forbid Sìne to remain the male’s presence. Such a reaction would cause more harm than good. It would result in her choosing to do the exact opposite of what he wanted. His female was bold, brave. He spoke between clenched teeth. ‘There will be no more battle arts. No physical attacks.’ He exhaled and clasped her narrow shoulders. So much spirit in so small a body. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and hide her away. He wanted to stand behind her and watch her triumph. ‘Do you accept my compromise?’
‘Why should I compromise when it’s my body? My training?’
‘You will not like the alternative.’
She sighed. ‘Just the blaster.’
Grinning wickedly, he dropped a kiss to her mouth. He ached to do far more than that but would respect her wish to go slowly for as long as he could manage. ‘Go ahead.’
Blushing, flashing a shy smile at Éorik, she headed to the shooting gallery with Hel Bihter a step behind her.
Beowyn crossed his arms, not liking the situation, but satisfied she would no longer risk being physically damaged by the dangerous warrior.
His Commander huffed. ‘You are taking this well.’
Sìne’s voice drifted from across the room. ‘What does this do?’
‘Makes the target explode.’ Hel Bihter almost sounded amused.
‘I’ll leave that button alone then.’
Beowyn turned on his heel and left the room. He tried not to shiver as he passed through the gaseous haze.
Éorik kept pace at his side.
‘I have no choice but to allow it,’ Beowyn replied. Their unsynchronised footsteps echoed along the empty passageway. The spicy scent of Rä pervaded the air. He missed his ship. ‘She wishes to be strong. How can I stand in the way of that?’
‘You are a good protector, Owyn.’
He grunted.
Before he could counter the move, Éorik tripped him up, grabbed his shoulder and spun him into an alcove, slamming his back against the wall.
Pressed together from chest to groin, Éorik closed the distance between their lips. His sculpted mouth pressed urgently, his tongue seeking entry.
Beowyn gripped his chiselled jaw to hold him captive as he took, greedy and desperate, deep and rough. His tongue probed and swirled, and he was tasted in return. The desperation he felt for Sìne merged with the desire he had for his Commander, and he rutted against the muscular body bucking against him.
They broke apart, panting, clinging.
Beowyn pressed their foreheads together. ‘What was that for?’
‘For being you. For letting her be what she needs to be.’
‘I hate that you had her first.’
Pushi
ng off the wall, Éorik backed up a step. He sucked in a breath, and his head dropped back. ‘This division between us cannot continue.’
‘My One is in your bed. Whatever division you see is because of it.’
‘You told her she could take lovers.’
‘I never thought it would be you!’ Beowyn’s yell bounced off the walls. He thumped his chest. ‘She is mine. You have always been mine. Now you are with her. Why am I the one who goes to bed alone?’ He pinched the bridge of his nose. He modulated his voice. ‘Do you want her because she is special or because you knew she was the one person I might deny you?’
‘I want to say it has nothing to do with you. I want to throw our disinterest in your face for daring to suggest I would do that to you. To you. You who know the darkest parts of me.’
‘What am I to think when you steal what is mine?’
‘That I give her something you do not!’
Beowyn fell back against the wall. He lowered his face, pressing his fists into his thighs. Failure to make his One happy had become his greatest fear, and there it was out in the open for the person he respected most to see.
Éorik raked his fingers through his mane. He shut his eyes and cursed. ‘This wasn’t what I wanted. I spoke rashly. Sìne will tell you herself what is between us is not to be compared to what she feels for you.’
Beowyn shoved past him, his heart crashing against his breast, his whole body trembling.
‘Owyn!’
He didn’t look back.
Chapter 22
Something was wrong with the Verak. I might not grasp the subtle complexities of communication when in a relationship, but I wasn’t stupid.
Silent as he coiled in the shadows, Hel Bihter’s pearl eyes gleamed, his mouth twisted in amusement when he saw me frown at the Verak’s closed-off expressions and jarring movements.
Uncle Fergus took to eying them warily, his babble quieting to quippy one-liners instead of grand monologues.
My cousins said nothing, confusion manifesting as questioning looks.
An uncomfortable silence on deck grew near unbearable, all centred around Éorik and Beowyn. Everything in my world seemed to orbit them.
Even my darling child abandoned me to cling to Éorik as if he single-handedly managed the conception, birthing and raising of her. She had become curious of Beowyn too. Her green eyes followed him and looked for him while out of sight. She hadn’t mustered the courage to pry herself from Éorik’s ever waiting arms to seek him out, but it was a matter of time.
Landing on Vayhalun was spectacular enough to distract my family from the tension. It was a relief because I could openly study Éorik and Beowyn without worrying them. Eventually, I gave up, hoping they’d thaw soon.
Vayhalun was smaller than Earth.
Hanging alone, it appeared a faceted stone suspended in ink.
Turquoise swathes of sea water surged beneath streaks of white. The misty clouds grew larger, more vibrant as we approached. I expected to see large, defined land formations as on Earth but saw unbroken water.
Communicating with border control located on the ground below, Fiercely passed control of the vessel over to Éorik as we breached the upper atmosphere. My stoic Verak lover competently settled at the console of blinking lights after handing Fergie off. He piloted the alien ship with ease, responding to the deep voice on the other end of the comm link that approved our landing.
Peering out the closest porthole, I cradled a feisty human-Rä hybrid baby with green scales and the cutest fangs. It took a while to get the hang of managing his six limbs. He only stopped trying to bite me when Venomous barked a few strong words of rebuke.
The closest of numerous outer planetary defence stations bristled with mounted guns. Another three orbited the horizon, a curved, bluish haze, and formed a protective ring. I wondered what happened to any spaceships not verified. Long-barrels of metal followed our trajectory in a menacing glide as we jetted past answering that question.
My family and I watched raptly as black dots in the ocean became nacreous lumps visible to the naked eye.
Hel Bihter glared at the metal-ringed portholes. He crossed long arms bulging with ropey muscle, face and chest smeared in artful streaks of indigo paint.
Quiet in the corner, Aled stared in wonder. He pinched the bridge of his nose, blue eyes wet and squeezing shut. ‘I wish my Caitrìona was here.’
Expression pained, Rowan went to touch his arm but pulled back his hand.
Uncle Fergus shuffled up to pat Aled’s cheek. He delved into his corduroy pocket and offered the man a boiled sweet covered in grey fluff.
Scrubbing his red face with the back of his hand, Aled took the treat from his father-in-law with a gentle laugh.
Patrick slung an arm around his father’s shoulder.
Splotches of land in meandrous shapes intrigued with their alien allure, lush with dark, dark green foliage, waterfalls and rich black soil.
Exotic flocks of birds playfully winged past the hull of the ship, flying off to circle frosty mountain peaks reaching for the red sun.
Shadows glided under the ocean combers, unfathomably giant.
I whispered, ‘Beautiful.’
‘Home,’ said Beowyn.
I glanced up, smiling hesitantly. ‘You look happy.’
His gaze slid my way and lingered. ‘I will be.’
Not sure what to do with that vaguely threatening statement, I returned my attention to the sight below.
Shooting us a wary, rutilant look, Éorik aimed for a mountainous island larger than those in the immediate area.
We landed on a beach, passing low over the outskirts of a sprawling, white-building city.
Tottering over, Fergie whimpered for attention. I handed Bravest off to Cobra, who had tried hard not to glare at me as I’d cuddled his precious child, and settled my own on my hip. Slobbering over my chin with a greeting kiss, she pulled on my hair and babbled.
Stubbled cheeks flushed, Patrick hustled us to the loading bay. He paused at the exit threshold. His murky green eyes glimmered with excitement, whole demeanour lightening as he took in the panorama. Inhaling the fresh air, chest expanding, he smiled as he sauntered off the spaceship, dragging me behind, my hand wrapped in his.
My feelings bounced all over the place. I worried we didn’t belong, wondered if we’d fit, hoped Fergie would finally be happy. Mostly, I was conflicted about the moment itself. I wanted to be with the family I adored but considered if I should do the first walk on Vayhalun soil with my alien spouse. Was also wanting Éorik, my new lover, by my side greedy? Our relationship had already caused friction between him and Beowyn, no matter how often they said taking lovers was the accepted norm in their culture.
Biting my lip, I tossed a look over my shoulder to make sure they were close.
The ship engines still vibrated the bulkhead, so I assumed I couldn’t see the Commander because he was powering down.
Bickering, Aled and Rowan scrambled to be the first onto the sand after Patrick, Fergie and I. The burly Welshman shoved his palm in the smaller man’s face only to buckle over Rowan’s outstretched foot.
Grey hair askew under his tweed flat top cap, Uncle Fergus hobbled beside their chaos, sucking a boiled sweet, and squinting under bushy brows.
Amused, Beowyn followed, speaking quietly to Venomous One.
Hugging Bravest, who was all flailing arms, Cobra brought up the rear with his beloved mate.
Happy as she always was surrounded by her males, Lumen giggled as she watched my cousins’ antics, leaning on Fiercely for support when her giggles turned to howls of laughter.
Puffed up under her attention, the large male nuzzled her before sweeping her into his arms and carrying her down the ramp as she cackled.
Patrick let go of my hand to stride out to the very edge of the lapping water. He stood with his hands on his hips, just breathing.
Seawater spritzed my face, and sun rays baked my shoulders. I pushed hair from my face
and shielded my eyes with the flat of my palm. I tasted salt. The assault on my senses was what I imagined a newcomer to the shores of a tropical island would experience.
There were miles of green-blue ocean, black, jewelled sand dunes and hot sun. I smelt overripe fruit and watched spindly trees sway in the breeze.
Music reached my ears, and my eyes sought its origins.
Fergie wriggled to get down then immediately kicked off her booties. She squealed as she slapped her little feet in the surf, copper hair bouncing as she hopped and splashed.
Thrilled by her reaction, I scooped up the discarded footwear. Thinking she had the right idea, I slipped off my sandals to scrunch my toes into the moist grains.
Keeping a close eye on my daughter to make sure she remained in the shallows, I tensed as the shock of Beowyn’s presence stopping beside me registered.
A large hand hit the small of my back. ‘Come.’ Beowyn applied pressure, and we were walking across the hot sand as water rushed back and forth in white froth. He called to Fergie then chuckled when she bent at the waist to crow at him, kicking water his direction before racing ahead as fast as her pudgy legs could take her.
My family trailed behind making a ruckus, playing in the water and exclaiming over the exotic beauty of everything they laid eyes on.
Éorik caught us up as we switched directions, heading inland. The lopsided smile he graced me with was small, but genuine. ‘Welcome to Grand Atoll.’
Gaze focused straight ahead, Beowyn ignored him.
The beach curved with the island, but I could see we were being led to a paved road. Tussocks of yellowed grass either side of the carefully laid stones let off a pungent aroma, not unlike stale coffee grounds.
Two gorgeous males guiding my way, friends and family around me, I relaxed enough to take it all in, marvelling at what appeared different, and what seemed akin to sensory experiences I’d had back on Earth.
With the setting sun, a riot of pinks and purples streaked across the sky. Losing the light of day, colourful flora curled into tight buds. Chirring insects grew bolder, their territorial vocalisations giving the air a slight vibration. Knee-high torches flanking the path lit.
ThunderClaw: Science Fiction Romance (Alien Warrior Book 2) Page 27
