by Stone, Piper
He studied my face, his eyes shimmering with golden flecks. “You know who she is.”
The statement was made without reservation.
“I believe I do,” I was forced to admit.
I heard an exclamation from the other side of the room, the Cenzan soldier already glaring at me as if I was the enemy.
“Then you will be more of an asset than ever,” Shandar stated, shifting his gaze to the soldier making noise. “We will need all our forces on the ground to handle the wounded in the village. You will take a new faction of soldiers to help in your endeavor.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“That’s what I require, Killer. I need your help with this. You have the expertise to hunt on Earth and that’s what is needed.”
“I will do my best.”
“If this is a woman, you still need to bring her here to me. Is that understood?”
“And the others?” I asked, tipping my head to lock eyes with his.
“That is of no concern of yours. First, the leader.”
I knew exactly what would happen to her, the punishment she’d endure even before her formal sentencing. As far as the entire group, I could only imagine. However, their fate had been determined the minute they fucked with the Cenzans.
Just like I’d warned Kristina.
“I understand.” There was no other choice. Protecting Kristina wasn’t possible, no matter any latent feelings I might have for her. Besides, she was no one to me. Nothing. A blip in my life that meant zero.
That was the way it had to be.
“To that end, you will have a group of soldiers who have been specifically trained for this kind of operation,” Shandar continued.
“I can do this myself,” I said, planting my hand on my gun.
Shandar sighed as he shifted his gaze up and down. “You’ve been in a fire, and while I’ve received no reports, I have no doubt you risked your life to save those of our people. For that, there is no way I can express how appreciative I am. However, I can provide a team that will keep the mission safe. And that includes you, Killer. You’re not required to be an assassin alone. You will be in command. This will be your jurisdiction and your tactics, and I trust you as one of us.”
One of us. The words were still ones that I had difficulty comprehending.
I appreciated his words, even though they left me with a hard chill. “Fair enough. Time is of the essence; however, there is no indication of where this Goddess of War lives.”
“I can answer that.” The deep baritone was clipped, the look on the Cenzan’s face one of disdain. “I’m Commander Zacon Manoff. I have been studying the whereabouts of rogue human camps. I believe I know where the bitch is hiding. We can destroy everyone and everything around their village.”
Bristling, I glared at him, a distaste in my mouth already forming. We had an instant dislike of each other and that was fine with me. I didn’t need any additional friends, especially not a surly alien. “First of all, if any human female has the tenacity to war against the Cenzans, she is certainly not a bitch. Second, if I am in command, you will not destroy all human life. If this is truly about capturing the leader of this group, then that is exactly what we’re going to do.” I allowed my gaze to shift from the hulking Cenzan back to Shandar, requiring his affirmation.
“He is right, Zacon. Killer is the leader. You will follow his directions without question,” Shandar said over his shoulder. “You leave in one hour.”
Zacon huffed before giving his nod of consent then walked with distinct and very long strides past me, giving me a hiss under his breath.
And I heard exactly what he said before exiting the room, a familiar and very human term.
“Over my dead body.”
Chapter Five
Killer
The darkness still prevailed, the dawn of morning at least two hours away. I stood in the forest, surrounding by a new group of Cenzan warriors, attempting to collect my shit, waiting for the go on the reconnaissance and capture mission. I’d been given the coordinates of another small village by Zacon, one that had been mostly off the radar. His duties included keeping track of every large-scale group of humans surrounding the Cenzan colonization camps.
We would raid the village believed to house the Goddess of War first.
I sniffed the night air, the acrid stench forming bile in my stomach. The same bitter taste remained in my mouth, a hint of copper and blood, as if I’d inhaled the stench of death from the Cenzan camp.
We’d learned that four Cenzans had been killed in the attack, dozens hurt. At least all the children had survived. A small favor in a sea of devastation.
I had no desire to undertake the mission I’d been commanded, even though I’d done far worse as a lieutenant in the Marines. The horrors of overrunning a native village while attempting to rescue soldiers were images that were permanently tattooed in my mind. The plight of the malnourished was horrific, a product of the Great War. So many countries had been bombed by rebel soldiers in an effort to eliminate a significant portion of the human population.
All in a supposed humanitarian effort.
What bullshit and every decision had come from leaders of the various democratic countries. I’d learned quickly that lies beget lies.
“We are close,” the Cenzan stated as he flanked my side.
I’d been introduced to Talyn Fregar in much the same manner as with Zacon, only Talyn didn’t seem to have the same level of hatred or anger. In truth, he seemed genuinely happy to accompany my detail, expressing his admiration at my particular warrior skills.
Fucking fantastic.
I had a single fan.
“Yes, we are close, according to Zacon.” The commander had also indicated the very house where the leader resided, which I found more than interesting. Who was I to question at this point? I shot the brooding Cenzan a glaring look, and even with eyes that could see certain aspects in the dark, my nasty look didn’t seem to register.
“Then we move ahead. If we reach the village before daybreak, we will have a distinct advantage,” Zacon said without inflection.
This was true enough. My directions were clear, and I intended on following them, no matter the consequences. And the command from King Drateq? Capture the leader alive.
I trudged ahead into the forest, barely fifteen miles from the grungy bar where I’d met Kristina. We were using limited lighting, vying for an undetected entrance.
Just as the human group had done only hours before.
By the time we were able to see the outskirts of the village, the hint of dawn appeared on the horizon. I waved my hand, stopping the group of twenty Cenzans. I studied the perimeter, hearing what had to be celebratory sounds, several of the humans partying after what I could only imagine they perceived to be a win.
In my day and under my command, annihilating our enemy had never led to a shared moment of good times. That had been considered blasphemous.
Inhaling, I gathered several scents, including what had to be a bonfire. I shuddered at the thought of what was being burned in the flames of hell. Waving the group forward, we moved in a stealth-like formation to the house in question. Then we would proceed throughout the village. The quaint clapboard cottage was set apart from the rest, surrounded by a bank of smaller trees. Even in the darkness, everything was a lovely picture, as if a typical family had shared the space, enjoying days basking in the sunlight and good times as they moved into the future.
What a crock of shit.
There was no future that held anything but bleakness.
I was a solid twenty feet in front of the others as we shifted through the foliage. There was a single light on, sending a warm glow all the way to the front of the house. I took a deep whiff and knew there was at least one person inside. I had the distinct feeling that this leader knew we were coming, perhaps even waiting up in order to confront us.
As the other soldiers approached, moving into formation, I checked the ammuni
tion. “You men. Surround the house. Make certain he or she doesn’t leave out the back.” The direction was followed instantly, eight of the Cenzans splitting up into two groups and retreated around the back side of the house. I waited until I knew they were in position, still trying to get my mind into the headspace I needed. “We go in three and only on my orders. The leader is only meant to be captured. There will be no casualties.”
“Unless she resists,” Zacon said, half laughing.
I twisted quickly, facing the group. “No casualties. Period. Do. You. Understand? Wounding only if absolutely necessary.”
“You’re going to have to accept that humans will never be our friends,” Zacon said off the cuff.
I didn’t have to bother attempting to see his eyes. Our instant dislike of each other would need to be put on hold.
For now.
“Yes, sir,” Talyn said only half in gest.
I let this one go, clutching the weapon as I moved forward and onto the porch. There was no surprise in finding the door unlocked, more of an understanding that I’d been right about my instincts. I stopped, listened and scanned everything in front of me.
Just like I’d been trained to do.
Taking another deep whiff, I sensed a woman, the slight hint of perfume hitting my nostrils in a far too provocative fashion. Even my damn cock twitched, the hunger returning. This was the last fucking thing I needed to experience.
I waited another ten seconds, perhaps second guessing the mission in its entirety before moving forward, taking cautious steps. I heard the clear sound of a magazine being slapped into a gun seconds before I walked into the kitchen.
Kristina stood in all her same glory, leaning against the counter and completely away from one of the covered windows. She was either extremely careful or prepared for our arrival. Her feet were crossed, a smile on her face and in her hands was an assault rifle.
And I had no doubt she knew exactly how to use it.
For the few seconds that our eyes connected, images of her naked body flashed into my mind, the wonderful adventure burning in my soul. I would never forget the sight of her voluptuous breasts, her long, hard nipples and the way she moaned when I pinched and twisted them. I could barely get the taste of her out of my mouth, my longing to feast on her pussy riding high in my blatant desires. I wanted nothing more than to shove my cock into her asshole, fucking her like the savage she’d exposed.
I could tell she had a similar reaction, her nostrils flaring as she dropped her gaze to my throbbing cock, a slight smile curling across her mouth. If I didn’t know better, I’d say her panties were just as damp as the ones I’d ripped from her lithe body. Fuck, my mouth was watering.
The air in the room was dense and I sensed the Cenzans knew we’d been intimate, the slight snarl I heard coming from Zacon indicating I was correct.
What the hell did I care?
I undressed her with my eyes and she knew it instinctively, looking more comfortable than I’d seen her the night before. Then a fog misted over her eyes, as if she didn’t want the memory.
Or as if the experience had brought her nothing but pain.
“We meet again. Killer.” She made my name sound like it was dripping with honey, the same as her expression of ire.
“Kristina. Or should I call you Bellona?” I asked, inching closer. My training allowed me to take in the entire perimeter in less than two seconds, but I could tell she’d followed my gaze. She’d taken no chances, making certain all the blinds were closed.
“You can call me honey if you like. That won’t change anything,” she huffed, pointing the gun directly at my crotch.
“You ordered a direct hit on our people,” Zacon said as he moved to the other side of the island, a maneuver in order to cut her off.
“Not so fast, Creeper,” she snapped. “I can get off several rounds before you boys even think about lifting your weapons. Not very good odds. Oh, and I had nothing to do with the attack on your people. I’ve been... decommissioned as their reigning officer.”
The way she issued the last words held no anger, only remorse. “That’s not what we’ve heard, but I’ll bite. Then who did?” I asked.
She took a deep breath, tilting her head as she studied me. “Need to know basis and you boys aren’t going to get shit out of me. I will tell you that things change quickly here on good ole Earth.”
I dared take another step closer, towering over her. “While you may believe your weaponry skills to be spectacular, I assure you that Cenzans have weapons that can do far more damage in much less time.” The threat was merely made to back her down.
Sneering, she darted a gaze at the Cenzans. “Yeah, I know all about the powers of the Creepers.”
“If you won’t tell us who you believe to be behind the attack, we’ll be forced to assume that you are, thereby executing you on the spot.” I could tell by the look in her eyes that she wasn’t entirely certain whether I was telling the truth.
She exhaled, giving me a heated onceover. “Fine. Unfortunately, several of our members decided to take matters into their own hands. They didn’t consult me.”
Cutting through her sarcasm, I knew what she was saying was the truth. Some of her people had gone against her command. “Where are they now?”
“No doubt drunk, celebrating their... victory,” she said, snorting. “I suspected you’d come, hunting me down like some animal. What do you want from me?”
“You will come with us,” Talyn stated without his usual emotion.
“And you know I can’t allow that to happen,” she countered.
“You have no choice.” I lifted my gun, pointing it directly at her head. “You already guessed that my training was given by an elite group. Completely human I might add. Before you can even move your finger, my shot will have reached its target.”
“I suggest you lay down your weapon and surrender,” Zacon said with far too much glee in his voice.
Kristina didn’t change her expression, but I could see the slight twitch in the corner of her mouth. She was no killer, merely a woman hiding behind a mask of steel. “I know exactly what’s going to happen if I surrender. I’ll be taken to your ship, sentenced and killed before the morning sun hits high noon. I’m no fool, Killer.”
Zacon seemed incensed that she didn’t direct her comment toward him. He cursed in his language under his breath and moved closer.
I waved him off, hissing when he refused to move. “Retreat, soldier. I have this.”
Exhaling, Zacon finally did as he was told, standing down. In truth, I was surprised he followed my orders at all. I moved closer until I was able to inhale the sweet hint of her perfume, the exotic smell far too intoxicating. “We can do this one of two ways. You can come with us, and I assure you that you will only be questioned.”
I allowed the words to linger.
“Or?” she finally asked.
“You can stay here and watch your community take the wrath of a species that came in peace, wanting nothing more than to find a new home.”
She darted her glance at the others, her eyes flickering the slightest hint of fear and a hell of a lot of regret. “And you’ll promise my people will be protected?”
“Many are already dead,” Talyn stated.
Her face wrenched, her eyes flashing defeat. “How many?”
“Twenty,” Zacon answered. “Their deaths well deserved.”
“Then I ask you again. Will you protect the rest of my people?” Kristina threw out, her tone full of venom.
I shot Talyn a look first then Zacon before answering, “I give you my word on my life and that of my family.”
She narrowed her eyes, obviously surprised at my promise. “There are a lot of good people here, including the ones you killed. They don’t deserve anyone’s wrath, especially for the stupidity of allowing a single man into our compound. They are afraid, uncertain of what to believe any longer.”
“And you filled them with lies about our people, insis
ting that all we wanted to do was kill them, taking everything they had.” Talyn’s voice was almost shocking in its vehemence.
She opened her mouth then looked away before nodding. “Yes. That is my fault alone.” Shaking, she shot me a hard look as she shifted her weapon.
The second she snapped the butt end at Talyn’s head, catching him above the brow, my hand snapped around her wrist, twisting her arm. “Nice try.”
Zacon lifted his gun, prepared to shoot.
“Don’t!” I thrust out my other arm, getting in the way. She refused to back down, managing a hard kick in my gut. If I didn’t get her under control, they would kill her.
And Jesus Christ, I wanted the woman. She fueled every fire, ever raw and brutal desire unlike anything I’d known. I grabbed her long braids, using the pull as leverage as I wrestled to get the weapon out of her hand. “You will heed me.”
“Never!” she retorted, glaring in my eyes.
“Then you will die.” She was no match for me and the look of resignation filtered across her entire face.
Kristina was tense, taking deep breaths, never blinking. I noticed a clear hint of fear, even though she would continue fighting as allowed.
Adding more pressure and wrenching her hand, she finally winced, dropping the weapon.
Talyn grabbed it, shaking his head. “A very interesting woman. A warrior.”
“She should die for her actions,” Zacon snapped.
“Not on my watch,” I commanded, snapping my head in his direction. “She will be respectful now. Or else. And yes, you will be punished.” Directing the last comment to her, she pursed her lips, furious with me.
But the aroma of her arousal matched the lust racing through every cell deep within my body. I could take her right here, fucking her like the wild pony she was. I finally let go, even though I remained close. “As I said, you’re coming with us. What occurred at the bar can’t be ignored.”
Her chest rising and falling, she licked her lips before speaking. “I will take the blame alone. The other women were under my orders. Have it your way, Killer. I am guilty as charged, but I have my reasons.”
