Spy

by Cyndi Friberg

  Kaden drew his flexblade, but left the morphing weapon in dagger form. The pine branches and thorny bushes gave him no choice. It was easier to fire as a dagger and his sword would have slowed him down.

  Laughter and ruckus music reached her ears before the cabin even came into view. There was a fence enclosing the front yard, but Lexie was already having doubt that this was the compound Chandar had seen in her visions. It didn’t feel menacing enough to house criminals.

  “Freeze! Hands in the air!” The commands sounded sharp and authoritative, yet when Lexie glanced over her shoulder she found a frat boy pointing an old-fashioned revolver at them. She was no expert on guns, but the cylinder appeared to be loaded with .22 caliber bullets. It was hard to do a lot of damage with a pea shooter.

  Kaden was equally unimpressed. “Have you been shooting soda cans? That thing’s no real threat.”

  The frat boy widened his stance and adjusted his hold on the revolver. “It probably won’t kill you, but it will hurt like a son of a bitch.” When Kaden just stared at him, he said. “This is private property. Get lost.”

  Lexie’s instincts had always served her well in the past, so she trusted them now. “The owner sent us to check on the lodge. You’re the one who’s trespassing.”

  His eyes widened and the barrel of the revolver dipped. “Ulrik sent you?”

  Following her lead, Kaden quickly advanced and took the revolver away from the now worried frat boy. “You might be Tandori Tribe, but you don’t have permission to be here.”

  They were guessing, making it up as they went, but so far they’d gotten it right.

  “It’s just a party,” the frat boy insisted. “We haven’t broken anything and we’re going to clean up when we’re done.”

  “You’re done now.” Kaden motioned toward the cabin, barely visible in the distance. “March.”

  Grumbling under his breath, the frat boy obeyed.

  I want to see the females. Make sure he’s not playing us. Kaden slipped the thought into her mind with effortless ease.

  It took her a moment to find their expanded connection, so she could reply. Good call.

  Unfortunately, the invasion was harmless as the frat boy said. They waited until the young Tandori Tribe members packed up their things and piled into Jeeps before Kaden contacted Rachel.

  It was still strange to watch Kaden speak to people in different states without holding a cell phone. She’d have to find out more about these com-bots. If they worked as well as the translator nanites had, she might be interested in having a set of her own. Little by little she was becoming part of their world.

  “Nothing was damaged and we sent them on their way, but this is another dead end.” Kaden sounded as discouraged as Lexie felt, but interest sparked in his eyes in response to whatever Rachel told him. “We’ve got nothing to lose. Thanks for the tip.”

  “What’d she say,” Lexie asked when his gaze returned to her.

  “She was talking with one of the elders, letting them know Ulrik was causing trouble.”

  “But we don’t know that yet,” she objected.

  “Even if he’s not involved in Libby’s kidnapping, his behavior has been erratic lately.”

  “All right, sorry. What did the elder say?”

  “Apparently, there’s an abandoned compound in Telluride, Colorado. Tandori Tribe hasn’t occupied it for many years, but it fits the description.”

  “What sort of compound?”

  He smiled, amused by some aspect of the story. “The elder said they bought it at a police auction. The compound was seized because the former owner was hiding drugs there.”

  “That’s why it was fenced and fortified.” She blew out a shaky breath. “Here we go again.”

  “And again and again, until we find her.”

  The reminder made her smile.

  They locked up the lodge and went into the trees before Kaden activated the bio-stream engines. Such precautions would soon be unnecessary, but they wanted to control the narrative as long as possible.

  Telluride was roughly three hundred miles southwest of Colorado Springs, which put it on the other end of the state from Stargazer Ranch. The elder had said the place hadn’t been in use for almost a decade, so it wasn’t too surprising that Rachel hadn’t known about it.

  Kaden programed a loose orbit of the area so he could run preliminary scans. “Oh yeah, we have life signs all over the place.”

  “Females?”

  He paused, lips pressed together. “I don’t think—hold on. There is one, but only one.”

  “Is that good or bad?”

  He looked at her then back to the scanner readouts. “I detect ninety-six male life forms. Most are Rodyte or Rodyte hybrids, but there are a few Bilarrians.”

  She wasn’t sure what the significance of that was, but he sounded shocked. “Then this isn’t Ulrik.”

  “I don’t think so.” He pulled his hands out of the control matrix for a moment as he activated an encrypted call.

  Lexie thought he was calling Rachel, but Raylon’s voice came over the main speakers. “This is Lasenger. Report.”

  “I think we just stumbled onto an Outcast encampment.”

  “Outcast?” Raylon sounded as shocked as Kaden. “What the hell are the Outcasts doing on Earth?”

  “No clue, sir. Shall I make contact?”

  “Negative. Hold your position. I’m sending you backup.”

  “Copy that.”

  Lexie paused to make sure the conversation was finished, then asked, “What or who are the Outcasts?”

  “Troublemakers with a capital T.” He raked his hair back from his face with his fingers. “This is just what we need.”

  “You said they’re hybrids. Are they battle born?”

  “Some are. More are disgruntled second sons of the elite. They were trained and empowered by the Integration Guild, but very few are actual technomages. Unfortunately, Kage Razel, their leader is one of the few.”

  “This band of troublemakers is led by a technomage. That can’t be good.”

  Some sort of signal chimed and Kaden muttered, “How the hell did they sense us. We’re shielded.” He made a sharp gesture with his right hand and a stranger’s voice came over the main speakers.

  “Attention shielded shuttle. If you are battle born, Overlord Razel would like to speak with you.”

  “Overlord?” Kaden snorted. “Yeah, he’s not self-indulgent at all.” With another gesture, he switched to visual communications. “This is the shielded shuttle. If Razel wants to speak with me, I’m available.”

  The main view screen wavered and then an image materialized. Lexie tried not to react, but the man looked like a barbarian right out of a Conan movie. His black hair had been shaved on each side, creating an oversized Mohawk, and his chest and arms—which were left bare by his bizarre costume—were etched with dramatic tattoos.

  His ink-black gaze immediately shifted to Lexie and a lecherous smile curved his mouth. “I wasn’t expecting a female. Has she been claimed?”

  “Yes. You requested a com with me, not my mate.”

  “Lucky you.” With obvious reluctance he looked back at Kaden. “I am Kage Razel, Overlord of the Outcasts. I’ll make this simple for you. I have something you want and you have something I want. I propose an even exchange.”

  Lexie’s heart flipped over in her chest then started beating so fast her chest hurt. Did he mean? Did she dare hope? She forced down the rush of emotion and studied his bold features. His harsh hairstyle and highly decorated skin made him look savage, which was no doubt his intent, but his features were symmetrical, almost boyishly handsome. As if he sensed her interest, he looked at her and smiled. She immediately looked away.

  “Are you sure she’s your mate?” She heard the challenge in Kage’s tone and whipped her gaze back to his smug face. “No mate of mine would eye another male with such boldness.”

  “She’s human. They’re used to eyeing everyone.”

>   Kage laughed and returned his attention to Kaden. “Do you understand my proposition or do I need to spell it out for you?”

  “I’m pretty sure I know what you have that I want. The reverse is not so clear. What do the battle born possess that would interest you?”

  “The Relentless. I know you now control the ship. I want it.”

  Kaden laughed and Lexie wanted to elbow him in the ribs. Nothing about this was funny.

  “The Relentless is one of the fastest and best-equipped ships in the battle born fleet. You honestly believe that one human female is worth such a vessel?”

  Lexie gasped and glared at Kaden, before she realized how much her reaction revealed.

  Kage grinned again. “What’s your female’s connection to my captive?”

  Lexie didn’t wait for Kaden to explain. “She’s my sister and if you hurt her in anyway, I will—”

  “My mate is understandably worried about her sister.” Kaden squeezed her forearm to reinforce the warning. “She means no disrespect.”

  Like hell I don’t, she snapped telepathically. It’s a damn good thing we’re not in the same room.

  I agree. “Before we can even consider your proposal, we need proof that Libby is unharmed,” Kaden told Razel.

  “I’m insulted that her wellbeing is even in question. Unlike some battle born cowards, Outcasts don’t make war on women. However, I’ll allow you to speak with her. Give me a moment to have her fetched.”

  The view screen went blank and Lexie unleashed her temper. “That arrogant son of a bitch!” She came up out of her chair so fast she smacked one knee on the control console. She stormed between the forward-facing seats and into the open space in the middle of the shuttle. It was the only area with enough room to accommodate her tantrum. “I want to kill him! He’s had Libby all this time? Why did he take her captive if ‘Outcasts don’t make war on women’?”

  Kaden stood as well and joined her behind the forward-facing seats. Then he gathered her shaking hands between his. “Think back to how it happened, love. Hunters off the Relentless likely grabbed her first and then Kage or some of his men took her away from the hunters. It makes sense. Outcasts are known for protecting females and punishing anyone who harms them.”

  “If it was a rescue…” She snatched her hands out of his light hold, much too agitated for comfort of any kind. “Why did they keep her? And why the fuck haven’t they told anyone where she is?” She was shouting again, but she didn’t care. She’d earned this outburst and a whole lot more.

  “You can ask her in just a minute. If he lets you say more than hello.”

  Kage returned with Libby a few minutes later and Lexie was torn between blissful relief and fury. Not only did she appear unharmed, she was grinning from ear to ear.

  “You found me. Finally.” Libby laughed, her blue eyes shining with joy. “It took you long enough.”

  Lexie stood behind her seat so she could hide her clenched fists. “Are you really okay? No one has harmed you in any way?”

  “Of course not.” She sounded almost as insulted as Kage had. “They’ve been wonderful hosts. In fact, if I didn’t know this was torturing you and Connie, I would have had a fabulous time.”

  Lexie grabbed the chair back as she looked at Kage. Regardless of her effort, she was unable to hide her furious glare. “Why? Why wasn’t she allowed to contact anyone?”

  He shrugged, his black eyes gleaming. “She saw one of our ships and then our hideout. I couldn’t just let her go.”

  Hands fisted again, Lexie abandoned all pretense at civility. “So send me a freaking email! There was no reason for any of this.”

  Kage had the audacity to laugh. Then he looked at Libby and asked, “Is she always like this?”

  Libby smiled back at him, clearly comfortable with her captor. “She’s always seen herself more like a mother than a sister to me. She can’t help being overprotective.”

  Lexie gasped, horrified at Libby’s nonchalance.

  Kaden wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side. “How did you know about the hunters? Your ability to intervene in Libby’s capture couldn’t have been a coincidence. Why were you, or your men, in the parking lot that night?”

  “It was two of my men,” Kage told him. “Men that should have known better than bringing a female back to our hideout.” For just a second his dark eyes flashed with dangerous irritation. He was being courteous, even playful, at the moment, but Lexie could see why so many feared him.

  “That didn’t answer my question,” Kaden persisted.

  “Think about it, friend. You already know the answer.”

  “The Relentless,” Lexie realized. “You were following the hunters, hoping they would lead you back to their ship.”

  He flashed another sharkish smile. “And in a roundabout way they did.”

  Apparently, Kaden had heard enough. His features tensed and his tone darkened. “I can’t authorize the transfer. I’ll have to get back with you.”

  “Take your time, but the terms are nonnegotiable. The Relentless for Libby. That’s the only deal I’ll even consider.”

  Before either of them could respond, Kage ended the transmission.

  “Oh my god! I’ve never wanted to strangle someone more than I do right now.”

  Kaden turned her to face him then framed her face with his warm hands. “Libby is safe and unharmed. This is amazing news.”

  “I’m not there yet,” she warned. “Give me a minute to process my rage.”

  She twisted out of his embrace and grabbed the back of her seat again, squeezing until her knuckles ached. Breathe, she told herself. “You’re right.” She took another deep breath and released another wave of anger. “We’ve found Libby and she seems to be fine.” She made an exasperated sound and pressed her fists to her temples. “Screw fine! She was flirting with him.”

  It was obvious that Kaden was fighting back laugher as he pulled her into his arms. “Once you calm down you’ll realize this is sort of funny.”

  She punched him in the shoulder and twisted away again. “I’m really not there yet. Call Raylon or Garin or whoever you need to talk with to make this happen. I want my sister back now.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Happy to oblige.” He sat back down in the pilot’s seat and activated communications.

  “Lasenger, go ahead.” Raylon responded with audio only as he had before.

  “They have Libby, and they—”

  “I told you to standby until backup arrived.” Anger snapped through every syllable.

  “Kage Razel contacted me, sir. I didn’t disregard your order.”

  “Has Libby been harmed?”

  “Not at all. We’ve seen her and she appears hale and hearty, was even flirting with Razel.”

  Lexie glared at him. It hadn’t been necessary for him to report that detail.

  Raylon didn’t comment on the observation. “If they meant her no harm, why didn’t they release her?”

  “She’d seen too much, according to Kage. He suggested a trade.”

  “Really? What does he want for Libby?”

  “The Relentless,” Lexie told him with a sigh. Here it came. There was no way the battle born were going to trade one of their best ships for the life of one human female. She braced for his refusal, but it never came.

  Instead he asked, “What would it take to steal her back?”

  “Unknown. I’m not close enough to assess their security or firepower.”

  “The Fearless will be there shortly, as well as two more Phantoms. Put together a recon team, but do not engage them until we have a clearer picture of their capabilities.”

  “Copy that.”

  Lexie released her pent-up breath in an uneven sigh. “At least he didn’t refuse us outright.”

  Kaden looked at her askance. “Why would he do that? Every life is precious, every female life even more so. We’re not leaving here without Libby, no matter what it takes.”

  The othe
r ships arrived half an hour later and Kaden quickly assembled a six-man recon team, selecting soldiers he knew well and/or had gone on missions with in the past. Just before he streamed down to the planet, he turned to Lexie with dread in his eyes.

  “Oh no you don’t,” she cried. “You are not leaving me here by myself.”

  “The Fearless is monitoring the ship. You’re in no danger.”

  “I don’t care! I’m going with you. I am not—”

  “Sorry, love. Not this time. You’re about to be streamed to the Fearless. Don’t be afraid.” Then he bio-streamed off the ship.

  * * * * *

  Kaden materialized in the trees beyond the Outcast encampment. Dakar and the other four soldiers were waiting for him. “This is recon only,” he stressed as the others gathered around. “Break up into pairs and find out as much as you can without being spotted. We’ll meet back here in thirty minutes.”

  Each soldier nodded his agreement then everyone but Dakar headed off into the trees. “You all right? Your little reporter must be frantic by now. Are you sure you should have left her alone on the Phantom?”

  “I didn’t. She’s on the Fearless by now, screaming her head off, no doubt.”

  Dakar smirked. “Poor Yorak. He’s a fearsome commander, but he has no experience dealing with spirited females. His mate is meek as a lamb.”

  “But he is mated. He’s the only one I can trust with Lexie until my claim is complete.”

  “Understood. Let’s get going or we’ll still be chatting when the others return.”

  Kaden nodded and followed his younger brother as he crept closer to the compound. It wasn’t really a compound, more like a full-scale military base, Kaden realized as they found a position in the perimeter trees. Nine ships of varying sizes were lined up on the far side of the clearing. Unbelievable. They’re doing nothing to hide the ships. This property isn’t that secluded. Rather than risk unencrypted communications, Kaden accessed the telepathic link he had with his brothers.

  “Actually it is that secluded.” Both brothers spun toward the speaker as he stepped out of the shadows. “The access road is completely overgrown. The only way to reach this place safely is from the air.”