Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)

by Stephanie West

  “Oh. What kind of bargain?” Cyprian asked as he looked from Cuttles to Riley.

  “I agreed to dance in exchange for my necklace.”

  “It’s a very interesting necklace. It holds a data chip with her native songs and some images. Interestingly it also holds another file, which became corrupted when I loaded everything into our system.”

  Riley froze as Cuttles looked her square in the eyes. She could tell he was assessing her, with those creepy sideways pupils of his.

  Does he know? Come on, say something.

  “A virus?” Riley screeched. “You don’t think it’s going to ruin all my music, do you?” Riley asked as she adopted a frown.

  She tried to play ignorant, meanwhile she was screaming inside.

  I thought I fixed this when I destroyed my drive.

  Exo said he made it so the file couldn’t be copied off her thumb drive, but Cuttles had all sorts of technology at his disposal.

  If Cuttles pieces that damaged data together…Oh Jesus. He doesn’t know yet. Cuttles is so arrogant, he’d say something if he decrypted the map already, Riley consoled herself, though in the back of her mind she knew it was just a matter of time.

  “Don’t worry Little Manx. They’re probably harmless junk files,” Cyprian said casually, though she could see the question in his eyes.

  Riley nodded, while hiding her concern. Hopefully the comment was enough to keep the Overseer from looking at the file any further, but now Cyprian was suspicious of her again.

  The general might be genuinely concerned about her safety, but he still thought slavery was acceptable. She’d been growing soft toward Cyprian, letting the mind-blowing sex and pillow talk sway her opinion of him.

  I have the worst Stockholm syndrome ever. You can’t trust yourself, and you can’t let either of them discover that star chart.

  Riley tried to still the trembling in her hands as she took a large sip from her drink. Her world felt like it was closing in around her. Riley’s concern mounted as a Verrater guard approached the Overseer, wearing a grim expression. The male whispered something to Cuttles then left.

  “I am sorry but I must cut lunch short. I would appreciate it if you would accompany me to my study. There are some things you need to see,” Cuttles stated. “Have this food sent to the general’s suite,” he said to a nearby server.

  “Fine,” Cyprian said as he quickly stood, then helped Riley out of her seat.

  Riley agonized over what she was going to do, as they descended on the large see-thru escalator and entered one of the back halls. Riley recognized the set of doors leading to the Overseer’s lavish office. She watched Cuttles as he slid into an upholstered scissor chair. The two tentacles he used as hands moved over the tablet on his desk, and a large image appeared on the far wall. She eyed the tablet computer.

  I bet Aculus’ data and the star chart are loaded in that tablet. June, I could really use that scary smart brain of yours right now. Riley didn’t know the first thing about deleting files from an alien computer.

  Things went from bad to worse as she glanced at the image playing on the wall. There stood the cloaked figure of Aculus near the stage in the weapons viewing gallery. The hood on his coat kept his face obscured, but she knew it was him.

  “That’s the male who sabotaged the weapon?” Cyprian asked.

  “Yes, but watch,” Cuttles replied.

  Riley followed Aculus as he planted a device on the weapon, then melted into the crowd. If they weren’t intentionally following him, he would’ve blended in with several other patrons dressed like characters from Assassin’s Creed. The image shifted to show Aculus plucking her from behind Cyprian as he made his exit with the other panicked guests.

  “He’s the one who took Riley,” Cyprian growled.

  The general briefly looked at Riley with a narrow gaze, before turning back to the video. Riley didn’t think she or Cyprian would be present when Cuttles got a chance to view this footage. She swallowed hard, while attempting to maintain a straight face. Her nerves were already frayed, agonizing over the star chart.

  The footage followed Aculus through the grand hall. The lump where she was stashed beneath his coat barely registered in the video. The next scene showed Vintor exiting the washroom, as Aculus paused several yards away. Cuttles sped up the feed to show Riley walking calmly away several minutes later, while a hooded Aculus followed casually a hundred feet behind. The video stopped when Riley met back up with Cyprian.

  “I’m wondering why the male captured Riley then released her without incident,” Cuttles stated suspiciously.

  “Riley informed me she didn’t see who the male was, since he kept her concealed till he released her. I’m guessing when she struggled, he decided to cut his losses. Drawing further attention to himself would’ve been supremely unwise.”

  Riley tried to not look surprised as Cyprian fed the Overseer the excuse she’d given him. He knew it was Aculus. She couldn’t understand why Cyprian didn’t inform Cuttles who their suspect was.

  “That is probably true. However, the saboteur had an additional reason to release your human. Unfortunately, it’s not good news, my friend,” Cuttles replied. “One of your companions was still in the washroom when he entered. My guards discovered your companion’s body when they inspected the washroom.”

  “He what?” Cyprian growled.

  Cyprian sounded angry and surprised, but Riley knew it was all for show. He already knew Adeoda was dead, and who did it. It was a topic he’d expressly forbid her from mentioning. Riley had a feeling there was a story there.

  Does anyone know how to tell the truth, Riley reeled?

  Cyprian was deceiving the Overseer. She was deceiving Cyprian and Cuttles. Riley was caught in a web that was twisting tighter by the moment.

  Just keep your mouth shut.

  “I am sorry about all this. I hope this doesn’t change your opinion about returning to my establishment,” Cuttles said sincerely. “Follow me. My people have retrieved your friend’s body. I will escort you to claim him.”

  The three of them exited Cuttles’ office, and travelled down the main esplanade. The bright lights and boisterous atmosphere were a contrast to her somber mood. They reached a wing that branched off, and the Overseer paused.

  “I don’t think the female will want to enter the morgue. It is not a pretty sight after today’s incident. Perhaps she can look through the shops here,” Cuttles suggested.

  Like you care, Riley wanted to snap, feeling on edge.

  The Overseer wasn’t ignorant of the horrors she’d been subjected to in the slaves’ quarters, or down in the catacombs of the arena. So why he was acting like a gentleman now, was beyond her.

  Riley didn’t like the idea of being separated from Cyprian. Despite the predicament Riley was in, she felt safest when Cyprian was near. But some time alone would give her a chance to get her head in order. And she wasn’t keen on seeing a bunch of dead bodies. It was more than she could handle at the moment.

  Cyprian looked down at the robe Riley was wearing, and scowled.

  “I want someone guarding her,” Cyprian insisted.

  “Of course. One of my guards will watch over her, while we tend to this distasteful business. You,” Cuttles commanded a nearby Verrater. “Escort this female. Go no further than these few shops.”

  “If anything happens to her,” Cyprian growled his open-ended threat.

  “I saw you in action in the arena. I will guard her with my life,” the furry guard replied.

  “Good,” Cyprian huffed. “Just a moment.”

  Cyprian grabbed Riley’s arm and led her a few feet away. Riley tried to not appear nervous when she noticed his stern mien. His hands smoothed up her arms as he leaned in close.

  “I need to collect Adeoda, but when that’s over we will have that conversation you’ve been avoiding,” Cyprian said as he looked at her necklace.

  Riley didn’t reply as Cyprian left with the Overseer. She wasn’t loo
king forward to that conversation. Cyprian covered for her with Cuttles, but he wasn’t pleased. She had a feeling he was reaching the end of his patience, and not in a good way.

  Riley followed her babysitter to the nearby shop. She perused the selection of colorful garments, but couldn’t concentrate on any of it. Riley avoided the other shoppers as she wandered aimlessly. The guard stood by the door watching her.

  “I believe I have something in that style that will fit you,” the shop attendant said.

  Riley nodded. She couldn’t care less.

  “If you step into this fitting booth, I will bring you a few items to try.”

  Riley headed into the little room and shut the frosted screen. She sat on the stool, and rested her head in her hands as she waited. A rustling captured her attention as a waterfall of clothing draped over the glass screen. Riley pulled herself up from the stool and stared at the pile. Just the thought of trying on a bunch of stuff was exhausting. Riley grabbed a long, black and pink sash at the edge.

  Nice scarf.

  Riley draped the silky length around her neck. She almost screeched when the fabric coiled around her shoulders, snaked beneath her cape, and wrapped around her torso.

  “What the,” Riley exclaimed with a start when the sash slid over her thighs, then down her calves and into her boots.

  She threw open her cape and looked down at the living fabric hugging her skin. Riley found herself wearing a halter top with sleek leggings. The miraculous way the fabric created a seamless jumpsuit had her speechless.

  “Riley,” a deep voice hissed from the next cubicle.

  Riley’s head popped up. She looked over at the large boots in the next stall.

  “What are you doing here, Aculus?”

  “Be ready. I’m getting you out of here.”

  “No,” Riley whispered back.

  “Yes,” Aculus growled low. “Distraho is a total loss. I can’t save all the innocents, but I can save you.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “My superiors have deemed the asteroid a liability. They are sending in a force to take care of it,” he said in hushed tones.

  Riley collapsed onto the stool.

  “No,” she whispered. “You can’t. All these people.”

  “It is a small price when compared to planets. I am sorry. Be prepared. I’ll…”

  “No. I’m staying,” Riley interrupted him as her anger at the injustice soared. “You don’t have to kill a bunch of people. Do you think you’re the only one with something to lose here? No. But mass murder didn’t enter my mind once. Your people can take out the Overseer and whoever buys your fancy weapons data, without wholesale slaughter. There’s always another way,” Riley hissed vehemently.

  “You are being unreasonable. I have monitored how that male has been treating you. I can’t allow this,” Aculus growled.

  He’s been spying on us. Riley looked down at the damn pendant with the sensor attached. She didn’t like that Aculus had been snooping, even if it was well intentioned.

  “It’s my fucking choice to live and die as I damn well choose,” Riley snarled.

  “So, you’re choosing to die with that male, all for the chance of maybe seeing your friends again.”

  Riley stopped and stared at her bedraggled reflection in the mirror. She truly looked at herself for the first time in a long while. There wasn’t anything physically wrong with her, but she looked tired and years older than she remembered.

  Why are you putting up such a fight?

  Aculus was right. She was pinning a lot of faith on Cyprian and what ifs. If Aculus’ people destroyed the asteroid, then Exo’s star map would be destroyed too. And everyone in the colony would again be safe.

  You’re falling in love with Cyprian. That’s why. Could you be anymore foolish?

  Riley smiled a sad smile as she realized how hopelessly lost she’d become.

  “Yes. I’m staying. Maybe I can convince Cyprian to leave before you do anything.”

  “How? You are his slave.”

  Riley bristled at Aculus’ lack of faith.

  “I convinced Cuttles to do a few things. So, don’t patronize me.” Riley paused as the words came out of her mouth. Maybe there was something she could do to save Cyprian and everyone else. “Aculus, what if I get into the Overseer’s office and leave something behind, like you did in the weapons gallery. I’ve been there twice now. He is trying to woo Cyprian and won’t suspect me.”

  Riley knew she could manipulate a meeting somehow. She had to, if she wanted to save everyone.

  “That will take care of the physical data chip. But I’m certain the Overseer loaded the information into his system. Destroying his office won’t destroy the main data storage center.”

  “How is everything,” the boutique attendant unwittingly interrupted.

  “Fine,” Riley quickly replied to the shopkeeper. “Where is the data center?” she hissed to Aculus, after the helpful woman left.

  “According to my intel it’s at the heart of the asteroid, near engineering.”

  “What does it look like?”

  “A bunch of computers near a series of large power generators. What does it matter? There are a dozen guards, and the closest I’ve been to it, is when I was led to and from the coliseum.”

  “Is it a room with massive cylinders emanating blue lights?”

  “Yes,” Aculus whispered through the divider, sounding surprised.

  “I’ve been there.”

  Riley recalled the large room from when Hoda took her and the reptile on a shortcut to the other side of the auction house.

  “Aculus, hold off your people. If I’ve been to those places once, I’m sure I can get someone to take me there again.”

  Riley knew she might end up dead, but just maybe she was the only one who could keep everyone on the floating hunk of rock alive. Not all the patrons were evil. Many species used Distraho like a local mall. Then there were all the slaves in the holding cells awaiting auction.

  “I don’t know,” Aculus growled.

  “Please give me a chance to try,” Riley begged.

  “Fine. I have some small incendiaries. I will get them to you. Find a way to get alone, then press the sensor on your necklace. We have a day to do this. After that, my people will be here.”

  “I’ll take this,” Aculus said to the attendant as he left the nearby changing room.

  A sobbing sigh fled Riley. She felt like she’d just been given a stay of execution, though the weight of the noose was still heavy around her neck.

  I can’t do this anymore. I can’t.

  She talked a good game with Aculus, but inside she was cracking up. Riley slid to the floor, pulled her knees to her chest and gripped them tight. The pressure weighing down on her made it hard to breath. She pulled in rapid breaths trying to get a bit of air. Riley’s fists clenched as she stared up at the ceiling.

  “Why?” she cried not caring if anyone heard her.

  Riley recalled challenging Fate. She’d goaded it into throwing everything it could at her, and it had. The sadistic bitch, Destiny, put not only the lives of thousands into her trembling hands, but then she twisted the knife, making her fall for a man who was untouchable. Riley sobbed. Even if she was successful on Distraho, her future offered her nothing but heartache.

  Chapter 11. Broken

  Cyprian de Praefectus

  Cyprian had Adeoda’s body wrapped the way you would a fallen warrior. The male didn’t deserve the respect, but he did it anyway. Cyprian granted the male the final honor of taking him home, rather than incinerating his remains off-world. Somewhere on Cadi, Adeoda’s kin would appreciate the gesture.

  “I will have him taken to your vessel,” the Overseer said.

  “Thank you.”

  Cyprian was glad to get out of the morgue. The smell was unbelievable. They entered the nearby shop to find the Verrater guard and a shop attendant hovering around a changing stall.

  “She wo
n’t come out,” the guard huffed in frustration.

  “What happened?” Cyprian demanded.

  “I’m not sure. She went in to try things on, then I heard her sobbing when I came back to check,” the boutique attendant said with fluttering hands and a frown.

  Cyprian heard the soft, strident sound of Riley sobbing, on the other side of the frosted door. It was the single most devastating sound he’d ever heard. Riley wasn’t the type to fall apart when her dress didn’t fit properly. Something was very wrong.

  You shouldn’t have threatened her about the pendant, Cyprian thought, as guilt swamped him. He had a feeling the mysterious data chip hidden in her necklace was behind this breakdown.

  “Female slaves get this way sometimes,” the Overseer commented.

  Cyprian wanted to slug the ignorant tentacled male.

  “I will handle this,” Cyprian said as he slid open the divider.

  Riley sat curled in the corner. When she lifted her face, he saw a hopeless look in her swollen red eyes. He thought the sound of her distress was hard to bear, but seeing her despair leveled him.

  “If you need anything else please contact me,” the Overseer said.

  “Do you have a nearby room that is available?” Cyprian asked as he scooped Riley up. He needed someplace he could take Riley without fear of being interrupted by Mave and his crew.

  “Of course. My guard will escort you.”

  Cyprian cradled Riley in his arms, as he followed the Verrater guard to the closest suite. The little manx was really starting to worry him. Riley wasn’t crying anymore, and had gone disturbingly still. Her eyes stared blankly past the people and scenery, as they passed by. Cyprian entered the room and kicked the door closed.

  “Little Manx, look at me.”

  Cyprian tipped her chin up. Riley blinked at him as she focused on his face. Her brow furrowed as she studied him.

  “Life isn’t fair,” she gave a slight bitter laugh, her chin quivering. “It culls the sick and the weak from the herd with cruel efficiency. It doesn’t care if you can’t handle the avalanche of bullshit that it rains down on you. It doesn’t know the meaning of mercy. It takes and takes, till you have nothing left to give, then casts you aside.”