Heretic

by Cyndi Friberg

  She wasn’t surprised. Not only was Arton a powerful psychic, he was second-in-command of the Outcasts. Arton answered to Overlord Razel, and only Razel. She’d seen him break up fights and berate seasoned warriors who immediately responded with deference and respect. The rank-and-file Outcasts genuinely liked their overlord, but they feared the heretic.

  “Where are you taking me?” She cringed at the shrillness in her tone. She didn’t want him to realize how fast her heart was beating. Each of their arguments had become more volatile and the tension pulsing between them was already palpable.

  “Somewhere without distractions.” He didn’t turn his head, didn’t slow his pace, just hurried along, dragging her behind him.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” And why did Arton piss her off faster than any person she’d ever met? Yes, he was intentionally provocative, but her easygoing nature vanished the second he walked into a room. “Distractions from what?”

  He stopped and pivoted toward her, his gaze boring into hers. “You know damn well what you’re supposed to be doing and it has nothing to do with stealing weapons.”

  “Not this again.” She rolled her eyes and stared off into the distance. “Aren’t you tired of the same old argument?”

  “Extremely. That’s why it ends today.” Without explaining that ominous statement, he resumed his discourteous pace.

  She continued glaring at him. Not that he noticed. His face remained forward, gaze fixed straight ahead. He drew her into the trees surrounding the shuttle lot. The shadows hadn’t felt this cool or threatening while she explored with Thea. If Arton wanted to hurt her, he’d had plenty of opportunities. Most of their arguments had taken place in corridors, but other captives had been nearby. She was truly alone with him for the first time and it made him seem larger and more menacing.

  When it became obvious that Arton wouldn’t leave Lily alone, she decided to do some research. Knowledge was power and she had always thought it wise to know as much as possible about her enemies. Rumors and speculation ran rampant about harbingers in general, and Arton in particular, on both the battle born ships to which she’d been assigned. Both ships had been commanded by Arton’s younger brothers, or half-brothers. They all shared a father, Kryton Lux, a retired general who still held sway with Rodymia’s ruling class. Arton was born to Kryton’s first lifemate, while the younger three Lux brothers were born to Skyla, Kryton’s current mate, and the love of his life. Because of Lily’s interaction with Arton’s brothers, she knew a fair amount about his family. Arton personally, however, was still very much a mystery.

  To participate in the transformation program, each male was required to fill out a detailed profile. When Lily checked the database, she discovered that Arton didn’t have a profile. Apparently, he wasn’t interested in a mate.

  Lily refused to analyze the emotions that discovery unleashed. Was it possible he wanted a mate but didn’t care about—or wasn’t capable of producing—children? Either way it made no difference to her. She was certainly not interested in bonding with any Rodyte, especially one as disagreeable as Arton.

  The setback in her investigation disappointed Lily, but she didn’t give up. She wasn’t able to find information on Arton personally. Still, she found all sorts of articles, news reports and interviews pertaining to harbingers in general. Their abilities were the unintended result of genetic engineering. The mutation that gave them their psychic powers also produced their unique coloring. Anything involving harbingers was controlled by their powerful guild leaders. The guild owned and operated the fortress-like academy and was responsible for the aggressive recruitment policies. Most infants born with harbinger coloring were taken to Harbinger Academy voluntarily so they could be educated and trained by other empowered Rodytes. If the family refused to relinquish their child, however, the baby was taken by force.

  Lily shivered. Had Arton been torn from a loving family? Was that why she frequently saw pain and hatred in his eyes? She knew he had no contact with his brothers or his parents, but she didn’t know the reason for the estrangement.

  It didn’t matter. She couldn’t let it matter. She alone could protect the other captives, and maybe someday find a way to return them to Earth. “You know I can’t help you and you know why. Do we have to keep having this conversation?” She forced calm into her voice, hoping to deescalate the tension.

  “You were helping the battle born,” he reminded. “Why do you find us less worthy than them?”

  Guilt panged through her soul in response to the accusation in his deep tone. Technically most of the Outcast were battle born. Their mothers were Bilarrian prisoners forced to breed with their Rodyte captors. It had been the males’ hope that their offspring would “restore” magic to the Rodyte people. Lily found the practice horrific, but refused to blame the sons for the sins of their fathers. Despite their unconventional parentage, the battle born were determined to leave the past behind and claim a future free from subjugation and prejudice.

  The Outcasts, on the other hand, emulated their fathers, taking what they wanted without mercy or regret. “The battle born asked for my help. They didn’t kidnap me and hold me against my will.”

  He scoffed, still not bothering to look at her. “They brought an army to Earth and surrounded the planet with spaceships. Your people only offered to help them because they knew there was no other choice.”

  “That’s not true. The battle born forced nothing on Earth. In fact they defended us against other alien invaders.”

  He looked down at her then, his expression inscrutable. “Are you really that naïve? The battle born are every bit as ruthless as the Outcasts. They just use manipulation and intimidation to get what they want. We’re less hypocritical.”

  They could debate the past for the rest of their lives and it wouldn’t change the present situation. “Your opinion of the battle born is irrelevant. I will not help you force your will on human females.”

  “What if they volunteer?”

  They reached the other side of the woods separating the shuttle lot from the multi-ship compound. Twelve identical ships had been positioned with their narrow bows pointed inward and their wide stern sections outward. The ships were then connected by airlocks and railed walkways, forming a massive pizza-shaped complex that enabled the Outcasts to consolidate resources and better defend their new home. All of the females and about half the males were now housed aboard the “Wheel”. The other thousand males had been dispersed through the remaining ships, so they could perform security sweeps, as well as hunting and scouting expeditions. The secluded location of the planet made supply runs time-consuming and expensive. The hope was for the settlement to become as self-sustaining as possible.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked. He released her arm as they reached the zigzagging gangplank leading up to Viper, ship eight in the Wheel. It was the ship on which Lily, Thea, and their other two roommates had traveled from Earth. The overlord and his entourage had moved their lodgings to the Viper shortly after their arrival, so it was now a sort of headquarters for the Outcasts.

  The walkway was narrow enough that they couldn’t walk side by side. There was a wider, less steep entry ramp on the other side of the ship that led to common areas like dining halls and the workout center. This ramp took them directly to deck three where the majority of the females were assigned. Their apparent destination helped Lily relax and not sound so confrontational. “How can a captive ‘volunteer’ for anything?”

  “You’re no longer captives. You’re allowed to go anywhere you like.”

  “Except back to Earth,” she snapped, annoyed by his nonchalance. “We’re all here against our will. Until that changes, everything else is moot.”

  She paused for a moment on the landing at the top of the gangplank. Their elevated position allowed her to see over the treetops. Miles and miles of forest spread out to the east, the undulating field of turquoise broken only by the areas the Outcasts had cleared. To
the west a massive body of water gleamed like emerald glass. Fluffy clouds partially blocked the sun, but another object hung in the sky unobstructed, almost intrusive.

  “Did you guys give it a name?” She pointed toward the large planet clearly visible above their heads. Like the blue-green leaves, it was a constant reminder that she was no longer on Earth.

  “The team of scientists that first explored this area named it Scarlett.” Much of the planet appeared red, so Lily didn’t question the name. Then he added, “They call this planet Rhett.”

  The combination made her smile. “Do you understand the reference?”

  “I didn’t at the time, but I have since read portions of the book and watched scenes from the motion picture.”

  She accepted his answer with a nod. The Outcasts’ knowledge of Earth frequently surprised her. On the surface they appeared to be brutal warriors only concerned with warfare. This was one of many examples proving there was more to these men than their militant appearance. “How did a team of Rodyte scientists learn about Gone with the Wind?”

  “Humans hold the key to our survival. We’ve all been learning as much as we can about your various cultures.”

  The key to their survival? Was that how they saw their captive brides? How they justified the mass kidnapping? She knew from working with the battle born that the Rodyte race was in trouble. They’d been altering their DNA for so long that unexpected complications were now common. Genetic compatibility between pureblooded Rodytes was rare, and hybrid matches were even more infrequent. That was why they’d searched for other humanoid races capable of producing offspring with Rodytes. And their desperate search led them to Earth.

  The ship felt closed, almost claustrophobic after hours in the fresh air. Each corridor was rounded, more like a tunnel than a hallway. The decks were coarsely textured for added traction while the matte-gray walls were smooth. Arton reached the forward lift and motioned her inside.

  Tension returned with a vengeance. “My cabin is down there.” She indicated the other end of the rounded corridor.

  “I know.” An enigmatic smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “We’re going to mine.” The silver rings in his smoky eyes shimmered, but his expression revealed only his determination to be obeyed. “You can walk or I’ll carry you. The choice is yours.”

  She looked up and down the corridor, deciding if she gained anything by refusing. He was at least eight inches taller than her and close to twice her weight. A physical confrontation would be no contest. “Why are we going to your cabin?”

  Rather than argue with her, he leaned down and swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest like a child.

  She gasped and instinctively wrapped her arm around his neck. At least he hadn’t slung her facedown over his shoulder. “The argument doesn’t change if you lock me in your cabin.” Their faces were on a level as he carried her into the lift, which focused her gaze on his sculpted features. Strong yet noble, his face reminded her of the armored angels so popular in Renaissance art. But the rest of him was anything but angelic. His biceps were so thick they strained the sleeves of his T-shirt and his forearms were covered in the Rodyte equivalent of tattoos. His muscular body emanated raw power and defiance blazed in his silver-ringed eyes. How was she supposed to win any confrontation with Arton the Heretic?

  Arton stared into Lily’s vivid blue eyes and his thoughts scattered. He wanted to kiss her, feel her lips part beneath his and taste the sweetness of her mouth. With silky black hair and porcelain skin, she’d attracted him the first time he saw her. But he was not looking for a mate, and Lily deserved more than a few heated encounters with no long-term commitment. If the others detected his scent on her, it would indicate that she was willing to share pleasure without being claimed. Regardless of how appealing he found her, he would not help turn Lily into a pleasure giver. Such was frequently the fate for unprotected females.

  “No distractions,” he reminded, forcing his thoughts away from her soft-looking lips. Her unique appearance had made him curious enough to ask Kage about possible causes. The overlord knew more about Earth than most of his men. According to Kage, the exotic shape of her eyes and the sculpted contours of her face were the result of an Asian parent. Her vivid blue eyes, however, indicated that her other parent was likely European. Arton found the combination enchanting. “We’re going to talk this out without interruptions.” Then he needed to set her down as soon as possible, because being this close to her, feeling her softness press against him, drove all thoughts of negotiation from his mind.

  They reached deck four and he exited the lift, then carefully placed her on her feet. She immediately stepped back, taking her body just out of reach.

  “What can you say to me that you haven’t said ten times before?” She looked back at the lift as if she’d try to run, but ultimately fell into step beside him.

  “Actually, there have been some developments of which you’re not yet aware. I’m hoping they will change your outlook on the situation.” They turned a corner and entered the short hallway leading to the officer cabins. As they approached his door, the privacy panel directly across from his opened.

  Kage Razel stood framed by the threshold, his dark head nearly touching the lintel. His outfit caught Arton by surprise. Kage had abandoned the “barbarian” costume he wore to intimidate those interested in hiring the Outcasts or those foolish enough to compete for the same contracts. For the past few weeks he’d worn a nondescript uniform just like his men. At the moment, he was bare to the waist except for the munitions harness crisscrossing his broad chest. He wore synth-leather pants and knee-high boots. His head had been recently shaved on the sides, but a narrow section of long hair ran from front to back down the middle of his head. Much of his torso and both arms were covered with detailed images and raised sigils, commemorating events or expressing meaning only Kage understood.

  “Overlord,” Arton greeted, glancing at Lily to gauge her reaction to his best friend.

  Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open for just a moment before she snapped it shut. She moved closer to Arton, but he was relatively sure it hadn’t been a conscious decision. Kage had that effect on a lot of people. His size alone was enough to intimidate.

  “Have you told her yet?” Kage asked without preamble.

  “I was about to.”

  Displeasure narrowed Kage’s dark eyes. “It’s been at least an hour since I told you to find her. Where have you been?”

  “On Rex’s shuttle. Two intrepid females took the bait.”

  “Lily was one?” Kage looked at her, his scowl giving way to disbelief.

  “Surprised me too.”

  “Who was the other?” He didn’t give Arton time to respond. “Never mind. It had to be Thea. I never should have left them in the same cabin. Thea must be claimed as soon as possible. That woman is a menace.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Despite Lily’s fear, she came alive in defense of her friend. “It’s only been a few months since she lost her husband and children. She might never tolerate another male. She’s certainly not ready now.”

  Kage waved away her concerns. “She has six matches. One of them will be able to overcome her painful past. You need to focus on the problem at hand. You both do.” Kage shot him a look that warned him not to argue. “I thought of a way to speed up the negotiations.”

  “There is nothing to negotiate,” Lily objected, her voice soft but tense. “The only thing we want is our freedom and you aren’t willing to—”

  Kage took her hand and snapped a tether band around her wrist before she could finish her argument.

  “What the hell is this?” She held up her arm now encircled by the smooth alloy band.

  “It creates an electronic tether,” Arton told her. Then he looked at Kage and asked, “What are the parameters?”

  “Ten feet.” Kage accented the revelation with a humorless smile, then he motioned toward Arton’s arm. “At least I allowed barriers.”


  His gaze narrowed and he clasped his hands behind his back. “Make it twenty-five.”

  “She’s not the only one who needs motivation.”

  “Ten feet is impossible,” Arton argued. They would have to sleep in the same room. There was more than ten feet between his bed and the couch in his living room.

  Kage motioned toward Arton’s arm again, but he ignored the gesture. “If you’d been more persuasive, this wouldn’t be necessary.”

  “Lengthen the tether and I’ll consider it.”

  Any hint of humor evaporated and Kage’s dark eyes turned cold. “I didn’t ask for your input. Hold out your arm. That’s an order.”

  When the overlord gave a direct order, even his best friend was expected to obey. Resenting the situation more with every passing second, Arton slowly unclasped his hands and held out his arm. The band snapped into place and automatically connected, forming a seal only Kage could deactivate.

  “You have until morning.” Kage’s icy tone echoed his expression. “This is your last chance. Make her see reason, or we move forward without her.” He stepped back and the privacy panel slid shut.

  Arton looked at Lily. Had she heard the ultimatum?

  Her attention appeared to be focused entirely on the band. She ran her fingers along every surface, searching for a release. When she found none, she tugged with all her might, trying to slip her hand free. “What happens if we get more than ten feet from each other?”

  “It triggers the pain center of your brain,” he told her. “Trust me. You don’t want to feel the result.”

  Her expressive blue gaze shifted from her arm to his face. “You’ve heard or you know from experience?”

  This was the closest they’d ever come to a normal conversation. Had this mutual insult finally given them a common ground? He glanced at Kage’s door. The wily bastard probably planned it that way.