PrimalHunger

by Dawn Montgomery

  She dragged in a breath. “Not in this lifetime.” They walked through the doorway and applause nearly deafened him. Humor disappeared as his skin crawled with awareness of violent intent. It was impossible to maintain tactical advantage in this environment.

  His gaze caught several attendants, familiar faces that he placed with the security team. He looked at Kendra, expecting to see the same nerves he was fighting. Kendra’s demeanor transfixed him. There was no doubt he stood before a future queen. A deadly smile touched her shining lips. Her mask was firmly in place, and in that moment he saw the brilliant transformation of the hunted becoming the hunter. His heart filled with pride and love for the woman she was and would become.

  He knew the moment Kendra saw her nemesis. Burning hatred poured through their tentative bond, and his gaze zeroed in on Skreeta.

  Stark rage fired his pulse. The bitch had two of his men sexually pleasuring her. Kena’l, Agmir. Their sluggish movements and dead eyes told him they were drugged. His fists tightened.

  “That drug is horrible.” Kendra’s voice was tight with controlled fury. She touched his wrist and he looked down at her. “We will free them.”

  It was all he could do to nod, and walk on. Death was too good for her.

  The settees were laid out in a semicircle.

  Skreeta glared at them. Her gaze traveled to him, and he could feel her examination like a poison. For a moment he was transfixed, dragged back to the hell of his capture.

  “Azros.” Kendra’s touch on his arm drew his attention down to his mate. He could barely control his breathing, and his hands were clenched into fists so tight his knuckles were whitening.

  “Kiss me.” Her eyes were full of righteous anger and barely controlled fury.

  He leaned down and gently brushed his lips over hers. When he would have pulled back, she grasped the back of his head and proceeded to kiss him. Wild. Untamed. He responded instinctively. He was aware of stares, and a flurry of movement from Skreeta’s area.

  She ended the kiss with a gentle slide of her lips on his. He smiled, allowing his mate to see the wicked intentions he fully intended to pursue when they were alone. “Let’s sit and relax.” He refused to let Skreeta sour what they’d built.

  He escorted her to the settee. She sat with a flourish and gestured for Azros to join her.

  She nodded at Destiny and the skrog seated between Kendra and Skreeta. That unfortunate man would have to be Captain Suplato. Not that he seemed to be aware of the ever-increasing tension. Several ladies were bestowing affection upon him. None wore collars, so he wondered if they were Destiny’s crew.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to stop.” Jackson’s request carried to Azros’ ears. By the stiffening of Kendra’s body, he knew she heard it to.

  They looked over at Skreeta. It took a moment for it to register.

  “Blood.” Kendra growled the word. He knew she was wired for the event. Reeva was on the audio feed. They were leaving nothing to chance.

  Azros sniffed the air but couldn’t sense anything over the stoutness of perfume and oils. “Where?” He leaned close to her, whispering the word against the curve of her ear.

  “When we arrived, she scraped his back with her talons.”

  Azros dragged in a breath. “She keeps them sharpened.”

  “Did she ever…”

  “No. She never tore into my flesh.” But he’d watched her poison people with them.

  “These are my pets.” She dug her claws deeper into his skin. Agmir was so far gone that he didn’t flinch, didn’t notice. Blood trickled down his back. “As you can see, they are willing. What is the problem?”

  “Blood play isn’t allowed in this setting. It’s a sterilization issue. If sadism is your kink, we have plenty of options available.” He bowed. “We can even put on a show for your viewing pleasure.”

  “I’d like to offer one of my pets for the show.”

  Jackson didn’t even blink. “Of course. Just not this one.” He gestured to Agmir’s back. “We’ll actually have to ask you to send this one back to your ship for medical attention.”

  ”Medical attention? They’re animals. A species evolved from cats. I won’t waste the effort or supplies. He can have one of his cell mates lick his wounds.” She shoved him to one of her guards. ”Get him out of here.”

  The lights lowered and a haunting melody began.

  Kendra reclined against Azros on the settee, a warm, sexy and damn distracting presence against his body. She wiggled her tight little ass against his dick. This was not the place for teasing, yet here they were. His people’s greatest enemy sat across from them, within striking distance. It was all he could do to keep his expression neutral and his emotions locked away.

  ”Relax.” Her voice carried to him, soft and teasing.

  He tugged her against his hardening cock. ”Easy for you to say.”

  She laughed, a carefree and brittle sound. Skreeta’s eyes narrowed at them. She pushed Kena’l away from her pussy, and backhanded him across the face.

  Azros growled and Kendra dug her fingernails into his thighs. ”Don’t move. That’s what she wants.” Kendra ran her hand down his leg.

  Mase dropped down at Kendra’s side, kneeling with a tray of food in hand. His bright-yellow eyes were downcast, but Azros knew he was armed to the teeth. “I’m here for your pleasure, princess.” He held out an embroidered napkin.

  Kendra didn’t spare him a glance. “Where did the food come from?”

  “Your personal chef, princess.”

  Kendra nodded and reached for the napkin. She lifted a shiny, blood-red piece of fruit and inhaled its fragrance, before placing it back on the tray. “It’s not to my liking. You may go.” She waved a hand.

  Mase nodded and moved away.

  Kendra pressed kisses against his cheek. “Don’t eat or drink anything unless I give it to you. Poison is her favorite form of assassination.”

  “I remember.” Six months of captivity had opened his eyes to many forms of torture and death. “She likes to smile at them while they are dying.”

  Kendra’s fingers stopped their movement. “Some things never change.” He noticed the way she carefully folded the napkin. Was there something written on it?

  A voice joined in on the melody. It took only a moment to recognize the lyrics. “That’s the Fallen Queen.”

  “Appropriate music choice, don’t you think?” She handed him the napkin.

  He discreetly opened it to find a simple message. Comm Compromised. Shit. If the communications were compromised, they were in a world of hurt. How did she get access?

  “Princess.” Simien leaned over. His fetid breath slammed into Azros like a wall, dragging his thoughts back to the situation at hand. How did the women stand it? “What is this song about? I seem to have missed part of it in translation.”

  Kendra ran her fingers down Azros’ legs. “Betrayal and murder by the hand of a sister who wanted to be queen.”

  Simien shuddered in apparent glee. The reptilian slits in his eyes widened. “I love a good political bloodbath. What happens next?”

  Kendra smiled and glanced at Skreeta. The woman glared at them with seething fury. She had the Valorian facedown on the floor.

  “Dear Captain Suplato, the queen returns from the dead and exacts her vengeance.” Skreeta’s smile weighed heavy on him. “Fanciful nonsense. A fairytale, nothing more.”

  Suplato grinned and his jowls wiggled. At the moment he reminded Azros of a very fat toad about to croak. “You don’t believe in the paranormal? Ghosts and such?”

  Skreeta snorted. “I put my belief in the strength of the living, and what they can provide. Speaking of which…” Skreeta sat up. “I see you’re back from the dead, my sister’s daughter. Rumors of your rebel horde have bombarded the queen’s ear for years. It’s a shame we couldn’t meet under less pressing circumstances.”

  Kendra laughed. “What horde? Surely you wouldn’t think I could betray
my own people?”

  There were layers in the conversation that confounded Azros. Political agenda and rebellion were rare occurrences in Valorian history.

  Kendra smiled. “Blood and tradition mean everything to me.”

  “Tradition?” Skreeta kicked the Valorian. He dropped to his knees beside the settee. “What do you know of tradition? It is our right to conquer those who are weaker. Glory by combat. That is our way. Not this terraforming project that would bind us to dirt.”

  Kendra waved her hand. “I grow bored with your tiresome repetition. Amazing how you haven’t changed throughout the years.”

  His hand casually brushed against the outside of her breast. She drew in a breath, relaxing against him. He knew the inferno of rage that enveloped her, because it ate at him in the same manner.

  “Captain Suplato, before tonight, did you know the lady next to you is my aunt?”

  Simien raised his eyebrows and looked between the two. “Why, no. I don’t see the family resemblance, but I’ve never been good at that sort of thing. I wasn’t aware you had any family.”

  Skreeta twisted her lips in a venomous smile. “My dear niece has been out and about, it seems. I hear she is the ambassador to the mining consortium. How did that happen?”

  Captain Suplato’s smile was stretched across his face. “Your niece gave some critical terraforming advice to my uncle. Seems to me, that kind of scientific genius should be appreciated, not destroyed. It sure got her a lot of friends without any bloodshed.”

  “Is the Captain threatening your aunt?” he whispered the question.

  Kendra looked at him. “It sure seems that way.”

  He glanced over at Skreeta. “With her incredible assistance, she’s become an ambassador to the backreach territories.”

  Destiny waved her hand. “Well, I’m about done in with politics.” She looked at Kendra. “I am sure you and your aunt have some catching up to do.” She eyed Azros. He suddenly felt like a slab of meat at market. “Wherever did you get that delicious specimen? I don’t remember him from before.” Her voice practically purred, and Azros saw a whole other side to the madam. He shifted on the settee, uncomfortable.

  “I found him. Can you believe someone actually let this incredible stud muffin get away?”

  Stud muffin. Azros growled lightly in her ear. Skreeta’s gaze was drawn to him. Her eyes narrowed.

  Skreeta’s gaze dropped to his chest and he saw her eyes widen. “What does he have around his neck?”

  “Nothing you need worry about, aunt.”

  “You would devolve our people? Have you no shame?”

  Kendra shook her head at her aunt. “I choose what I like, when I like. That is my right as a princess. One day I will be queen. You will marry who I say, when I say, as is the custom of our people. If I want you to marry a pig, you’ll do so.”

  “You will never be queen.” She spoke the words through clenched teeth.

  Kendra’s expression turned to one of pity. “She actually made you believe you had a chance, didn’t she?” She clicked her tongue in sympathy. “All this time…such a waste. Why did the queen send you here…to the far reaches of our people’s influence? Far away from the all-seeing eye of the court? Think about it.”

  He saw a spark of something in Skreeta’s expression. Danger had the hair rising on the back of his neck. “To find proof of your death. Proof that I would be more than happy to provide to her majesty.”

  “My death? Are you so sure she didn’t already know what you’d find?”

  A crack splintered in Skreeta’s armor. He saw her mask slip. Raw hatred burned deep in her gaze.

  “You cannot take a slave as your consort. It is forbidden.”

  Consort? What was going on?

  “Forbidden? Are you talking about the same laws that forbid your succession to the throne?” She clicked her tongue again. “You can’t pick and choose which laws to follow.”

  Skreeta was fuming. Danger skittered down his spine, and Kendra seemed completely oblivious to her aunt’s cruelties. It wouldn’t surprise him if Skreeta attempted public murder.

  Kendra raised her glass in salute to Skreeta. “I suppose I have you to thank for wiping out my competition.” She drained the wine. Azros took the glass from her hand and refilled it. She waved off the glass. “You’re one to talk about devolving. After all, wasn’t it your father who muddied the bloodline?”

  Skreeta shook with rage. “My father should have been king.”

  Tensions were rising, and even Simien seemed to finally be aware. Kendra shimmied against Azros, seemingly relaxed when in reality she was like a coiled spring. “The queen didn’t think so, and neither did the court. She would die before allowing your bloodline access to the throne.” No one was watching the sex show. All eyes were fixated on these two. Mase strayed closer to them. Azros caught Jackson’s movement. They were prepared for an attack.

  “Then maybe the queen should be replaced.”

  “Replaced? It’s treason to threaten your queen. You would kill her?” It was a toneless question.

  “If she stood in the way of my father’s legacy…yes.”

  The smile Kendra gave her aunt was wrapped in sweet intent. “I had no idea you were such a daddy’s little girl.”

  Tension mounted to near-palpable levels. “Kendra…”

  She dug divots into his skin and he shut his mouth.

  Skreeta’s hand shot forward and she jerked her arm to encompass the entire room. “You think you’re any better than me? Cavorting with whores and thieves.” She stabbed a finger at Azros. “Choosing animals over your own people.” A vein pulsed on her forehead. She was red-faced and furious. Why was Kendra baiting her?

  “Unlike you, I don’t have to drug my men to keep them in my bed.” She ran her nails down his leg. “He’s mine by choice.”

  “I test drove him a few times. Tell me, does he still quiver when you touch his stripes?”

  Azros growled. He would tear her apart.

  Kendra sighed. “So you’re the reason I had to re-teach him how to please a woman.” She shook her head. “Pathetic. Like your father before you.”

  Azros nipped at her ear. She was going to pay for that comment later.

  “I will not stand here and be insulted by the likes of you.” She leaned close. “I challenge you, Princess Ashamia ah’Kendrah Deshavin, to a T’oatha Balleh. Winner takes all.”

  Kendra rose to her feet and Azros followed. She was standing too close to Skreeta. Mase moved discreetly behind the woman. Skreeta’s guards closed in. “I accept your challenge.”

  Skreeta’s smile was smug. “I finally get to finish what we began so long ago.”

  Kendra’s smile was pure pleasure. “You sure you’re up for the challenge? What’s the matter? Run out of seven-year-olds to torture?”

  Skreeta’s hands drew into fists. She stood, and the entire room sizzled with tension.

  “Ladies. Ladies.” Simien shoved his considerable bulk between the two. “I sense a long-standing rivalry here.” He rubbed his hands together.

  That was a helluva understatement.

  Kendra never took her eyes off Skreeta. “Simien. You have an arena.”

  “One of the best this side of the known universe.”

  “I choose Suplato’s arena for the location.” Kendra tilted her head. “What is your choice?”

  She was pleased with these events. Dawning realization came over Azros. Kendra is the distraction. Anger boiled over in her mind. When he would have stood, Kendra pushed him back.

  Skreeta smirked. Her icy gaze slid to his direction. “Daggers.”

  “Dual-wield?”

  “Of course.”

  “I will need you two to sign a medical waiver stating that you will pay all medical costs. The Suplato, of course, is not responsible for any injuries, damage to property or person, etcetera.”

  Kendra waved a hand. “Of course. What day will you be available, Simien?”

  “Why, w
e just happen to have an event planned for tomorrow night.” He grinned. “It will be my honor to set you up as the main event, Ambassador.”

  Kendra nodded to Simien. She cut her eyes at Skreeta. “What would happen if we failed to show?”

  He twirled the point of a blade against his finger. “Let’s not go down that road. I would hate to have royal blood on my hands.” His grin belied his supposed sincerity.

  Skreeta seethed with barely suppressed rage. Her gaze fell to the pendant resting against Azros’ chest. “I will have that necklace, and your man-whore before the end.” Disgust curled her lips.

  “You may find, auntie, that your judgment day has finally arrived.”

  “Not by your hand.” Skreeta turned on her heel and stalked away. Her entourage followed, dragging his man with them.

  Captain Suplato raised an eyebrow. “I can’t wait to see this one.” He nodded to Destiny. “I will have copies of the rules forwarded to both parties. I assume you’ll be the witness?”

  Destiny smiled. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Azros came to in chains. He roared, jerking his wrists against the hold. “Where is my mate?” He bellowed the question to an empty room, in his cell. The cage that had held him for six months. Horror washed through him. This wasn’t happening! They had been drugged at the party. A door opened. In walked Kendra, holding a metal tray covered in a blood-red cloth. “Kendra. Thank the fates. You’ve got to get me out of here.” Something was wrong…her scent was different.

  Kendra walked to a table and set down the tray. She smiled the same brittle smile she’d sported at the party. “I can’t let you leave. Now that I caught you, I get to keep you. Remember?” She pulled off the cloth with a flourish. Three needles. He’d never survive. The first two had nearly killed him the last time.

  He jerked harder on the chains. “No. Don’t do this.”

  Kendra morphed into Shyla. Azros’ stomach clenched. “You’re one of the Kagami assassins.”

  “I’ve been one all the time. Couldn’t you tell?” She picked up the first needle and walked toward him. The chains were retracting, stretching his arms and legs spread-eagle across the wall. “This will only hurt for a minute.”