‘It’s not. Now I’m safe with you, I can admit it. I was scared in a way I didn’t even realise was possible.’
‘It is not so unusual.’
‘No, I need you to listen. I’ve been so fucking scared, I don’t even know how I’m talking to you in complete sentences right now. It felt like I’d lost my mind out there.’
‘Indira, you fret and lose sleep over nothing. Over something that has passed. You were brave. You are here with me. All is well.’
‘I should be dead.’
‘Do not say that to me. Never say that to me.’
‘Sorry. I don’t mean to upset you. It’s just….’
‘Speak.’
‘So many times, I thought, this is it. I’m dying now. Then I didn’t. It was hard because not dying meant I had to keep fighting and being scared.’
‘You are stronger than before.’
‘Doesn’t feel like it. I wanted you to find me.’
‘And so I did.’
‘I wanted you to come riding up on that ridiculous beast and make my problems go away. Like you said, after everything, I’m supposed to be stronger than that.’
‘You are. Until you feel it, take succour in knowing I am strong enough for both of us.’
‘You shouldn’t have to be.’
‘I want to be.’
‘It’d be easy to lean on you all the time, but I don’t think that’s right. I can’t demand you treat me as your equal then leave you to deal with all the hard stuff. The scary stuff. I should protect you too.’
‘When you were gone, I dreamed of you, relived memories of you. It kept me sane. These are not memories of you staring down creatures a hundred times your heft, or defeating warriors with skill far surpassing your own. Those are my nightmares.’
‘Hah. Mine, too. I have new ones to add as well.’
‘Vzzt! My best memories are of your kindness. You held my hand and gave me pleasure when you had every right to let me suffer for the pain I had caused you. I thought often of your courage in defending your fellow human from the Exile. You knew it would end in failure. It did not stop you. Memories of your strength in what were your darkest hours gave me strength during mine.’
‘Really?’
‘Would I lie?’
‘If it meant you won.’
‘Heartless female. You knew what I was going in.’
‘Memories are poor weapons in the real world.’
‘You are wrong, Indira. You do protect me. You shield me from the worst of myself. You are the place I rest, where I am safe. You protect me when you are with me, and when you are not.’ He nuzzled my nape.
I blinked. A tear rolled down my cheek. He kissed it away. More came, and the rough pads of his thumbs brushed across my cheeks to chase them as he crooned.
‘I was scared. I was alone and scared.’
‘I know, my heart. Never again.’ His mouth brushed my forehead, my eyes, my lips. ‘Never again.’
44
Bhyr
The chiefs followed Bhyr into his shelter, the provisions master and scout lead bringing up the rear.
Twisting her head at their entrance, Indira finished braiding her damp mane and tied it off with a strip of leather. She rose from where she knelt by the hot rock pit and cleaned up her improvised bathing area. Her scent pervaded the air and her smile as she greeted his warriors warmed his heart.
Then she folded onto the cushion to the left of him as if she had the right to be there.
He held his tongue.
As long as she remained quiet and did not cause distractions, his female could sit wherever she pleased.
It took all his composure not to laugh when Kov Ohx, chief for his generation, dithered at the unexpected seating. His bulk reeled as he began to sit then realised a female of all things claimed his spot. He shifted the trajectory of his behind and managed to drop into the space to her left, cool expression suggesting it had been his intention all along.
Indira grinned, and for some obscure human reason, flashed him both thumbs.
Already seated on Bhyr’s right as chief for Hel generation, Bihter coughed into his fist, face tight with humour.
The rest of his chiefs grumbled among themselves and settled around the shelter according to their whims.
Each shot wary or confused looks in his mate’s direction, then ignored her presence in their midst.
‘Tell me,’ Bhyr said.
Representing the remaining Arj since Wyrm’s exile, Grhym spoke. ‘We have yet to discover the whereabouts of the traitors.’ The male brought up his holosphere to check his information. ‘Our numbers have swelled. We are prepared to ride out and face Sah Rahm once we are sure of his location.’
‘Waiting kills morale.’ Bihter leaned forward, elbow to his knee, frowning. ‘If we linger much longer, the ranks will grow irritable, and we will struggle to maintain order.’
‘Run drills,’ Bhyr said.
Ohx made a noise. ‘That will only work for so long.’
‘They are warriors of the Horde. They will manage, or I shall remind them their oaths to obey me include discipline.’
Indira cleared her throat.
She wiped her palms on her thighs when silence fell and a dozen pairs of eyes landed on her. ‘I know where they are–Sah Rahm and his followers.’
Bhyr stiffened as he turned his head toward her.
‘You’d rather I stay quiet when I have pertinent information? Are you so threatened by my competence?’ Her gaze held his. ‘Well?’
He grunted.
The males watching the fraught exchange relaxed.
Bihter’s brows rose. ‘You know where they hide?’
‘How could you know that?’ Grhym demanded. ‘Our last sighting of them was in the upper elevations to the North. My scouts scoured those passes. They found not a trace, and they are my best. We are close to deciding Rahm has left the region and want cast our net wider.’ The last words he directed toward his First.
Indira ignored the underlying doubt in his tone. ‘They found nothing except me.’
He nodded, begrudging.
‘And whoever was keeping an eye out for me lost my trail for a few rotations. Right?’
Grhym glanced at Bhyr then back to Indira, expression suspicious, as if she tried to catch him in a lie. ‘It was reported to me as you say.’
‘That’s because I was underground.’ Indira leaned forward as if she meant to share a secret. ‘I was chased by a tuskbeast and fell into a crevice.’ Her hands swooped and jerked. ‘I found an underground river. I followed it and stumbled upon Horde warriors. They led me to a camp hidden under the mountain.’ She looked at Bhyr. ‘I thought they were yours, at first. I almost gave myself to them, but I heard them call you a Betrayer.’ Her face darkened.
Bhyr swallowed.
If Sah Rahm had gotten his hands on her the war would be over. He would given anything to get her back. ‘Do you remember the way?’
‘Maybe. Yes?’ She squinted. ‘If we go back to the cave you found me in and I retraced my steps, I’d say I have a fifty fifty chance of leading you there. If we go the way I originally went, down the crevice, then one hundred percent, but it will take longer and involves crawling through tunnels.’
She grimaced.
Bihter scratched his chin. ‘If this is true–’
‘To doubt my female is to doubt me.’ Bhyr levelled him with a cold stare.
‘I beg forgiveness.’ Bihter bowed his head before straightening and meeting Indira’s gaze, an apology reflected within his own. ‘What I meant to say is with this information we can direct our scouts to check the traitors have not moved camp.’ He looked at Bhyr. ‘Upon confirmation, we can act. We will have the element of surprise.’ His tone was rife with satisfaction. ‘With our reduced number, delivering the first blow of this campaign is crucial to securing victory.’
‘See it done,’ Bhyr said. ‘I expect an answer by nightfall.’
Grhym used all six fingers t
o tap out a message on his holosphere while he spoke. ‘Before we move on, I must voice a suspicion that has grown in recent spans.’ He finished his message. ‘I do not think the unfortunate timing of the deaths at the breeding farm to be a coincidence.’
Sick to his stomach at the mention of the atrocity, Bhyr leaned forward, his piercing gaze intent. ‘Explain.’
‘I believe we have been compromised. Infiltrated.’
Ohx rumbled. ‘A spy.’
‘It is a theory,’ Grhym said. ‘I have no way to corroborate until I set up a trap to–’
‘Ah.’ Indira rose her hand. ‘I can help you with this.’ Her chin lifted when Grhym scowled at the interruption. ‘Those warriors I followed had no idea I trailed them. They ran their mouths and I overheard a little. They called Rahm the True First and said he’d planted spies.’ Bhyr moved to accommodate her when she shifted into his space. Her voice thickened. ‘They said they gained your trust. I was afraid for you.’
‘Names?’ Bihter asked.
She opened her empty hands in offering. ‘No, sorry.’
‘You cannot have all the answers,’ Bhyr said, teasing. He ran his fingers through the silken fall of her mane, eyes hardening as he returned his attention to his chiefs. ‘Your suspicion is corroborated.’
Though it was slow in coming, Grhym nodded. ‘I will see about identifying the culprits.’
‘Keep me informed of your progress. What else?’
‘In light of the intelligence your mate has provided,’ Bihter bobbed his head at Indira, ‘I request permission to select certain Gifted warriors for a strike team.’
Bhyr considered him. ‘Granted. Their purpose?’
‘A vanguard. We will train in specialised drills I learnt while observing the Great Alpha’s Royal Paladins during my visit to Vayhalun. The Rebels may have greater numbers, but there is an opportunity here to whittle them down with targeted incursions. Hit them hard and fast. Raids. Sabotage.’
‘That is not honourable,’ one of the chiefs said.
‘Neither is this war,’ Bihter hit back. ‘Rahm should have Challenged the First. He is a coward and does not deserve the respect of the Horde.’
‘A first strike.’ Grhym straightened. ‘I like this. I wish to be involved. I have ideas–’
‘Um, about this “first strike” business.’ Indira’s eyes flicked from face to face.
Grhym smacked his knees. ‘What now?’
Bhyr snarled, brittle clicks rolling from his throat.
The male averted his gaze.
‘Carry on, my mate.’
‘I heard the rebel warriors discussing a plot to attack during the night and catch you off guard. There was an urgency to the conversation that suggested it would come soon.’ She looked at Bihter. ‘Humans call what you’re suggesting guerrilla warfare. It’s an effective fighting tool for a smaller force going against a larger one. They seem to have had the same idea as you, thinking outside the box, but using stealth, instead.’ She shrugged. ‘That’s it. That’s all I know.’ She glanced at Grhym, mouth twitching. ‘I won’t interrupt you anymore.’
Bhyr snorted. He kissed her temple. ‘If only all interruption bore such fruit. We will double the night guard and arrange the shelters in a more defensible configuration.’
‘I will see it done,’ Grhym said.
Ohx harrumphed. ‘Before this council ends, know the last of the queens are at peace. I oversaw the ceremonial pyres. The L’Odo were buried under the sky as is their way.’
Indira gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth. ‘Wait. I can’t believe I forgot them.’
‘Forgot who?’ Bhyr asked.
‘There were females. At the rebel encampment.’
Bihter spluttered. ‘What?’
Bhyr grabbed his mate’s shoulders and ducked his head to meet her gaze. ‘You did not tell me others left the ship. The rebellion has humans?’
‘Oh, no, not human females.’ She splayed a hand on his chest. ‘Aztekan females.’
Bhyr felt his gorge rise.
‘What?’ Ohx choked.
Grhym looked half crazed and ready to bolt. ‘Females are running free outside the containment fields? Outside?’
The chiefs bounded to their feet and bellowed for answers, shook their fists and shouted for immediate action.
‘How many?’ one called.
‘Are they collared?’ another asked. ‘Leashed?’
‘Do they roam freely?’ the first voice demanded.
Indira recoiled.
‘Enough,’ Bhyr said.
Silence was instantaneous, but their fear remained, a greasiness that clogged the air.
‘I’m sorry.’ Indira looked ill. ‘I was so happy to see you, I completely forgot them.’
‘It is no matter.’ Bhyr massaged her nape. His hold was gentle, but his voice firm. ‘Tell me what you saw?
‘There was three of them. I think. It was hard to tell under all the bodies.’ Something complicated worked across her face. ‘They were being used.’
‘Were they contained?’ Grhym asked, leaning in.
‘Does it matter?’ She searched his face then turned to Bhyr. ‘They were hurt.’
Rumbling to soothe her, Bhyr drew Indira into his arms and tucked her head under his chin. She did not understand the danger. ‘It will be dealt with.’ He stood. He kept his mate close; for his sake more than hers. ‘You have your tasks. Be about your business.’
‘The females,’ Ohx reminded. ‘What do we do?’
‘Even Rahm is not foolish enough to allow them to escape. Once we have dealt with him, we will find them and return them to the farm.’
Indira tensed in his arms.
Appeased, Ohx, Grhym and the rest of the chiefs relaxed.
The males rose and separated into groups to further their debates as they ducked out of the shelter.
‘First?’ Bihter walked backwards towards the exit. He jerked his head to signal he’d be waiting outside.
Nodding, Bhyr stalled as he found himself unwilling to let his female go. He frowned, eyes trailing after Bihter then flicked back to his mate. She was vulnerable without him, but he could not drag her behind him wherever he went.
Indira tilted her head back to study him. ‘Okay?’
‘News of these spies worry me.’ He did not want to leave her without his protection.
‘If you can find someone who doesn’t mind being a babysitter, I’m happy for you to leave them behind.’
The Horde chiefs who’d dragged their feet after the meeting picked up the pace to vanish from view.
One wasn’t quick enough.
Bhyr planted his hand on Grhym’s chest. ‘You stay.’
Grunting, Grhym nodded and took up position by the door flap, expression dour.
‘You remember what I said about you being quiet?’ Bhyr traced her lips. He bent to whisper in her ear. ‘Ignore me.’ Covering her mouth with his, he kissed her as if it would be the last time, and then left.
Grhym would die before he let her come to harm.
He had been gone no more than five chimes before a scream sliced through his heart.
45
Bhyr
Face terrible, Bhyr spun.
His pulse raced, a metallic taste souring his throat.
Rushing back the way he’d come, Bihter at his heels, he shoved the skin flaps of his shelter aside.
He assessed the bloody tableau for danger in darting glances, his gaze returning to what he could see of his female sheltered behind Grhym’s broad back.
She is safe.
The strength of his relief caused him to sway.
She was whole and unharmed, if a little dishevelled. ‘I’m okay,’ she told him with a mangled smile. ‘That warrior took him down in a second flat. The guy with the knife never got close.’ She scanned his face and winced at what she saw. ‘I’m fine. Really.’ She lifted her arm to reveal the weapon clenched in her fist. ‘I was armed, too. No need for panic. I only screamed because I w
as startled, not hurt.’ Hearing the frenetic energy of her own babble, her mouth snapped shut.
Nodding, Bhyr realised his nose slits were sealed closed and his skull ridges cold and white. He inhaled to force away the worst of his anger, but felt his lips peeling back in a fearsome snarl instead.
Arj Vyper knelt over the twisted wreckage of his opponent. He’d inflicted gruesome damage in a short amount of time. He seemed stunned, wide eyed, but when he saw the First, he pushed onto his feet, swiping his hands on his thighs. ‘First.’
Bhyr ignored him, eyes shooting to Grhym. ‘Explain.’
‘They came together with food and water for the breeder to eat and cleanse.’ Grhym eyed the newcomer. ‘The one he killed drew a weapon and leapt for your mate. Vyper reacted faster than I and took him down.’ Grhym sounded suspicious and Bhyr took another long look at the young male who’d seemed ambivalent towards the recent changes in Law at best. Grhym was an excellent warrior, within the top ten for skill and experience, yet he felt the need to take what had happened and place it under a lens of scrutiny.
‘Thank you,’ Indira said and sidestepped into view. She smiled tremulously at Vyper then patted Gryhm on the arm, pulling back when he flinched. ‘You saved me.’
That shook Bhyr from his paralysis and he barked orders at the warriors who’d rushed the shelter to lend their aid.
The body was dragged away and the blood scrubbed.
While his private space became chaotic with activity, Bhyr stared at his mate. He would not be able to have her out of his sight without driving himself mad.
‘First?’ Bihter called.
Bhyr looked at him. ‘I stay. The warrior must be identified and his companions interrogated. Can you handle what needs to be done?’
The male straightened. ‘I will also review the night guard and relocate the scouts. It will be as if you command them yourself.’ With a brisk nod, he ordered everyone out.
Gryhm hesitated to leave his post until Bhyr jerked his chin in dismissal.
Pale and stiff, Indira waited until they were alone before she gave a moaning sob and rushed to wrap her arms around his waist. Regaining composure, she propped her chin on his chest, gazing at him sorrowfully. ‘I know you’re worried, but you don’t have to stay. You have things to do and I–’
Bhyr Page 39
