Dragon's Love: A SciFi Alien Baby Romance (Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book 3)

by Miranda Martin

  Gershom and his Humanists have refused to learn the Zmaj language, which is as easy as standing in front of one of the few working machines on the planet and having it placed in your head. Since we humans don't have a machine that does that for the Zmaj it's a one way flow.

  "See!" Gershom exclaims.

  "See what? You bumbling around like an idiot?" I ask.

  He and his supporters glare at me like I've grown a second head. I grin, welcoming their dislike since it's mutual. Rosalind sighs and translates for Gershom while Sverre and Ladon watch the humans work out their own issues.

  "Something that will let us see inside of Calista," I say. "We called them ultrasound machines."

  Ladon and Sverre exchange looks then Sverre shrugs.

  "Ultrasound?" Ladon asks.

  "Yeah, it uses sound waves to construct a picture of what's going on inside. We don't know how… hmmm," I trail off trying to find words for what I want to say.

  "Know what?" Ladon hisses.

  "Well, to be blunt, what your baby is doing to Calista's insides. I wouldn't have guessed that cross-species impregnation was possible."

  "I see," Ladon says, his voice soft and heavy with concern.

  "There were medical facilities," Sverre says. "Perhaps they are still working?"

  "Worth a shot," I say.

  "Prioritization of any facilities or resources should be for human needs first," Gershom says.

  "What do you think we're talking about? Calista and Jolie are both human!" I shout.

  "No, they're not! They have slept with these… things. Their decisions may cost them their lives but that's on them. There are plenty of surviving humans. They could contribute to our society instead of spawning… whatever they will be having."

  He bites off the words he wants to say and I see it clear as day. I know what he wanted to say and my anger flashes white hot.

  "You small-minded, ignorant, self-centered, worthless bastard," I say rising to my feet. "How is your head so far up your own ass?"

  "What are you talking about?"

  "You're a racist," I declare.

  "No, I'm not," he says defensively. "Anything but."

  "So what if you have transferred your ignorance to the aliens instead of singling out a different skin color? I've studied the documentaries. I know what Earth was like when we left. The remnants of those kinds of beliefs were still being held by some and now you're bringing them back."

  "I'm doing no such thing," he says. "I'm planning for the survival of our race."

  "You're impossible."

  The men with him move closer and part of me wants to jump across the table and slap that knowing smirk off his face. It wouldn't do any good. I sit back in my chair shaking my head.

  "Where is this equipment?" Rosalind asks, keeping to the point at hand.

  "I can lead the way," Ladon says.

  "I'll go," I say.

  Rosalind nods then adjourns the meeting. I sit and watch everyone filing out until it's just Rosalind, Ladon and I.

  "Why do you put up with him?" I ask.

  "Because he has a right to his thoughts," Rosalind says. "If we lose that, then we lose everything that makes us human."

  "But he's the monster!"

  "No, he's an instigator and a scared, little man who's afraid that he will die alone, but that doesn't change the fact that he has the right to feel like he feels."

  "He's gathering followers," I say.

  "I know," Rosalind says, implacable.

  "Okay, well he's a douche and I can't stand him."

  Rosalind smiles. "I know."

  "Good," I say, looking up at Ladon. "Shall we go?"

  "Yes."

  We walk out of the Council chambers and Shidan is standing to the side of the door. Ladon hisses at the unexpected presence and the two of them glare at each other. Shidan is smaller than Ladon but he doesn't back down. It's admirable and the random thought of wondering what he'd look like without his shirt on drifts through my mind but I push that aside.

  "What are you doing here?" I ask, doing my best to defuse the situation before anything escalates.

  I've had two Zmaj fighting over me. It's a sexy idea for a story but in reality it's scary and not sexy at all.

  "I am here for you my lyutik," Shidan says.

  Ladon glances between the two of us when he says the word that doesn't seem to translate. My cheeks grow warm. I know the word means more than I think it does and it's driving me nuts, but no one I've asked knows or they're not telling.

  "Why?" I ask.

  Shidan smiles and shrugs.

  I roll my eyes. "You're like the stray cat that once you feed it, it won't go away."

  "A cat?" Ladon asks.

  "Never mind," I shake my head. "Let's go look at this equipment of yours."

  Ladon takes off and I follow behind, Shidan falling in next to me. The sun's glare through the dome reflects off the ruined buildings and makes waves of heat rise from the cracked, overgrown streets. Everything is quiet. My entire life before the crash was on the ship. It was 'normal' but it was still a ship. Tight quarters, limited space, but filled with life. I was never alone. We even had to share quarters. It was nothing like walking around this dead, empty world.

  I hate to admit it but I'm glad to have Shidan by my side. I wouldn't think it would bother me. My favorite thing about being a pilot was to get off the ship out into the big black. The quiet and solitude while flying my fighter was a welcome escape from daily life. But the city is still too quiet. There are too many places for things to hide. Space is open, you know what's out there as far as the eye can see. There are no corners or shadows for things to hide in. It makes my skin crawl thinking about it.

  Shidan walks with a swagger that calms my nerves. He's certain, shows no fear, the world has nothing that scares him. At least that's the way he feels. It's nice. So there's a reason to keep him around. Even though he's annoying. If he'd just quit trying to do everything for me maybe he'd be better. I shake my head and push aside thoughts like that. I don't have time for them. Everyone is depending on me to do a job I don't know how to do.

  "How much farther?" I ask, my throat dry and scratchy.

  I didn't think to bring any water with me. I assumed our destination wouldn't be that far being inside the dome but it's still hot, too hot. Stupid hot to the point you could fry your food on the streets.

  "We are almost there," Ladon says without looking back.

  "Are you okay my lyutik?" Shidan asks, concern obvious in his voice.

  "I'm fine," I snap.

  A quick dart of his eyes to the ground is the only sign of the hurt my words inflict. Why did I do that? I didn't have to, he was being nice. Agh, why am I letting him get under my skin? I don't have time for this. Besides, I'm not his damn treasure! I'm not a porcelain doll that might break at the slightest breeze. I'm as tough as anyone and I don't need taking care of.

  "Of course," he says, smiling.

  But I know better, I'm a bitch.

  "Here," Ladon says, saving me from having to figure out how to deal with the situation.

  "Damn," I exhale, looking at the building. "Did a bomb go off?"

  The front looks like an explosion happened. Steel girders bend and twist like some giant hand molded them into abstract art. Scattered debris litters the opening and is strewn across the street.

  "Perhaps," Ladon says, picking a path through the mess.

  I exchange a rueful glance with Shidan before following. Rusted cable hangs loose from the ceiling and the walls. Broken machines lie across the floor mixed among the debris. Ladon works his way to a door which hangs ajar on its hinges at the rear of what once might have been the lobby.

  Reaching the door my stomach clenches tight as I see bite marks on the door frame. Bite marks. Shit are there monsters in here with us? Ladon sees, touching them with his finger tips, then moves past like it means nothing. Goosebumps race down my arms and a chill goes along my spine. Swallowing hard, I fol
low behind unwilling to show fear.

  The light from outside is dim. Shadows encroach on what little illumination passes the door beyond which is pitch blackness. Something shifts then falls and I jump with a yelp. Shidan whirls, dropping into a crouch at the same time pushing me behind with one arm. He moves faster than I can regain my senses from the moment of fear. Ladon crouches in a similar stance, both men waiting for an attack.

  My palms itch for my control stick. My finger twitches, ready to pull the trigger that will unleash a hail of death from my weapons, none of which I have. I'm not in my fighter, I'm unarmed and dependent. My skin crawls as I realize perhaps for the first time how vulnerable I am. My stomach fills with acid then clenches tight forcing the burning liquid up my throat. Something moves, a shift in the shadows. Ladon holds up two fingers them moves them back and forth. Shidan nods then Ladon moves out, one step, then two, then darkness closes around him and he's a shadowy figure.

  Quiet. There's not a sound except for my heart beating so loud that it's making my head pound. I don't breathe. I don't dare. Something is out there in the darkness. Shidan's wings rustle breaking the heavy silence with their soft, leathery sound. His tail brushes against my leg and I suppress a yelp.

  A crash! Ladon falls onto his back into the streaming light and something is on top of him. I can't tell what it is. There are teeth, lots of snapping, sharp teeth and drool as that deadly mouth snaps in Ladon's face. Ladon holds it off of him, struggling. Shidan attacks, punching, his tail swings around and slams down on top of the monster. I grab the nearest thing to hand without thinking and swing, slamming it against the creature. There's a satisfying thunk as I connect then vibrations run up my arms, numbing them.

  The thing screeches, a high-pitched sound that scrapes across my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Ladon pushes up then his tail swings and smashes into it. Shidan spreads his wings and leaps into the air then slams down into the creature. Something snaps and then there's silence. The creature falls off of Ladon and lands with a dull thud. My heart is pounding and I'm breathing in ragged gasps.

  "Are you okay?" Shidan asks, grasping my shoulders.

  "Yeah," I say, looking up. "Just… damn."

  He nods before turning and offering a hand to Ladon.

  "Thank you," Ladon says, climbing to his feet.

  "What in the hell was that?" I ask.

  Shidan shrugs. "Animal."

  "I hate this place."

  They both look at me like I'm the one who's nuts. It may normal for them but I'm not used to being attacked by every damn thing coming out of the shadows. It's not right. Ladon digs into a pack on his side and pulls out a torch, lighting with a puff of flame from his mouth. That still weirds me out. Fire-breathing dragon men is just weird. How does kissing work with that? Looking at Shidan, an urge grips me and I wonder, not for the first time, what his lips might taste like.

  Ladon waves his torch around, pushing back the shadows. The light makes my stomach sink. The place is wrecked and there's nothing useful left here. Whatever that thing was, it looks like it tried to eat everything in the room. All the equipment has visible bite marks. Metal containers with chunks ripped from it by teeth.

  "Are we sure that thing is dead?" I ask, looking at the damage it caused.

  Both men look over their shoulders at the dead body.

  "Yes," Shidan answers.

  "Well good but so is all this equipment," I sigh, poking through the machines. "This is a bust."

  Chapter Four

  Shidan

  "To put it as bluntly as possible, we are one hundred percent screwed," Amara says.

  Rosalind nods. Ladon paces. The human known as Gershom smiles, a smug look on his face. He makes my scales itch and I have to resist the urge to toss him out the window. He's rude and mean to my lyutik. It would bring me great pleasure to show him the error of his ways. I restrain myself though. I'm not supposed to know what he says since I don't want Amara to know yet that I am learning her language.

  "We have to help her," Ladon hisses, crossing his arms over his chest.

  His agitation is apparent in his stance and motion. I understand. His control is admirable, if Amara was in as much danger as his treasure is I wouldn't be.

  "Jolie found a box outside the dome," Amara says. "I went to investigate it a few months ago but then Shidan and Astarot showed up. I haven't gone back to it. I've been busy trying to get the motors inside the dome working."

  "So what are you suggesting?" Rosalind asks.

  "I go check it out. There's too much we don't know. Maybe it has a buried line running somewhere, maybe it's a power booster, or maybe it's a key to something else. If we can open it up, I can figure out what it's for, I think."

  "That's a lot of maybes," Rosalind observes.

  "Common, please!" Gershom interjects.

  My scales crawl at the sound of his voice. I walk over to stand behind where he's sitting and lean in so I loom over him. Just enough to make him nervous. He shifts in his seat. Amara smiles and my hearts leap in my chest, pounding so hard I wonder that no one in the room can hear.

  Rosalind translates for Gershom but I notice she doesn't give him all the details, just a brief version. He doesn't complain and seems satisfied, which amuses me. He crouches further down in his chair as I continue my game of looming above him.

  "Can someone move their pet monster?"

  "Move him yourself," Amara says.

  Gershom's entire body shakes then bracing himself he turns on his seat to face me. He places both hands against my chest and pushes. His strength is negligible and does nothing to me. I look down at him and tilt my head.

  "Is there an issue?" I ask in Zmaj, smiling.

  "What is this thing saying?"

  "He says he wants to eat you," Amara says.

  "Amara!" Rosalind snaps. "He asked if there is something wrong Gershom."

  "There is! He's looming over me. Haven't they heard of personal space?" Gershom says.

  Amara laughs and my hearts sing. Rosalind glares at me and I think she knows I'm doing this on purpose. I don't care. Amara's laughter makes it all worth it.

  "Shidan, leave the human alone," Ladon says.

  The pain and upset in his voice takes the fun out of my game. Glancing at Amara I step away from Gershom.

  "I don't like you going outside the dome Amara, you're too valuable. You're the closest thing to an engineer we have."

  "Which is why it has to be me that goes outside the dome," she replies.

  Rosalind stares into the distance before giving a sharp nod. "You're right, we have no choice."

  "I will go with her," I say.

  Rosalind turns and looks at me. Her eyes look through me, judging, until she seems to find me worthy. She gives the same sharp nod.

  "What is this?" Gershom asks.

  "Amara is going outside the dome to investigate the box. We need to see if and how it ties into the city systems."

  "And I suppose one of these aliens is going with her?" Gershom asks.

  "Yes," Rosalind says.

  "I want a human with them," he says.

  "Amara is human," Rosalind points out.

  Gershom glances at her sidelong. "I don't trust these aliens, I want someone with them that has a more… open viewpoint."

  "Are you kidding me?" Amara rises from her seat and her face flushes a bright red as she places her fist on the table.

  Gershom looks at her. "Why should I? It's obvious they know more than they're sharing with us. They're hiding things from us while also infiltrating themselves into our numbers."

  "You arrogant, small minded ass," Amara says.

  I glance at Ladon but he doesn't know as much Common as I do. He and Rosalind are leaning close to each other and whispering. They're either oblivious or uninterested. Amara has had enough though.

  "Small minded!" Gershom exclaims. "I'm small minded? I'm the only one thinking of the future! I'm not thinking with my bestial urge or sick desires! I, at lea
st, have an eye on the long term survival of our race."

  "Bestial urge?" Amara sputters.

  She's so angry I think she might crawl across the table and beat Gershom. A thought I find amusing.

  "You're an angry white man who's pissed off he can't get laid! Hell, I wouldn't fuck you if you were the last man in the damn universe!"

  Gershom's face blanches, turning white, then blood flushes and he looks purple. His mouth moves and he's spitting he's so angry. He rises from his seat, his hands balling into fists.

  "You ignorant bitch," he snaps and moves around the table towards her.

  Amara turns preparing herself for his approach, showing no fear. I grab Gershom's shoulder and grip him tight. He tries to ignore it and continue moving around the table but I increase the strength of my grip. Gershom whirls towards me, anger overriding his natural fear.

  "Let me go you filthy animal," his voice is low and sounds like the growl of a bivo.

  I smile because I know it will make him more angry but I give no outward sign I understood what he's saying.

  "Let him go Shidan, I can kick his ass!" Amara says in Zmaj.

  "No," I reply.

  "Damn it Shidan!" She marches around the table. "Let him go."

  "No my lyutik," I say, pulling him with me as I step backwards away from her approach.

  "I will kick his smug ass!" she yells.

  Taking another step backwards my tail brushes against Ladon, forcing me to step to the side.

  "Amara!" Rosalind snaps.

  Amara stops mid-step, her fists still balled, and her anger palpable. She shifts her gaze from Gershom to Rosalind. Gershom squirms in my grip trying to free himself but I continue pretending to not understand.

  "He deserves an ass kicking," Amara says continuing to speak in Zmaj intending to anger Gershom I'm sure.

  "This is not the way to handle him," Rosalind says.

  "I'm sick of his crap."

  "I know," Rosalind says.

  The anger drains out of Amara. She glares at Gershom a minute longer than turns and marches back to her seat without another word. Gershom struggles in my grip. I hold him until his weight shifts forward then let go causing him to stumble forward and crash into the table. He glares at me so I smile.