by Stone, Piper
Stop. Stop. Stop!
The tangents of my mind were irrational, perhaps a byproduct of those lonely nights.
I could only wish that this was another time and place, but I had no business even pretending to care. I was on a precipice, ready to be tossed off like every other human piece of garbage. There was no way they’d believe me about Damen and his rebellion. Hell, I wouldn’t believe myself given all the atrocities I’d been a part of. “I’m never wrong, Killer. It’s a circumstance of the bullshit I’ve lived through.”
He snorted, his entire body tensing. Letting out a long and very exaggerated breath, he grabbed my clothes, tossing them in my direction. “I suggest you get dressed.”
“So I can enjoy being sentenced to death?”
Hesitating, he moved until he was able to look me in the eyes. “You are a powerful and amazing woman, Kristina, but the chip on your shoulder will get you killed. One day.”
The two words said at the end made it seem like he didn’t believe the great king would sentence me to some horrible extermination. I studied his eyes, the changing inflection and saw the same haunted look as I’d seen before. The man was hiding his own set of secrets.
Then again, who the hell wasn’t?
“Bring her here,” the great king demanded. I realized my disdain for the man was likely unjustified, but I only had anger and despair rushing throughout my veins.
Killer gripped my arms, turning me to face him as well as the wretched group of Creepers who had thoroughly enjoyed the fact I’d been whipped like a horrible bad child.
“No matter what happens, do not attempt to retaliate,” Killer whispered in my ear. He took the time to nuzzle against my skin, as if his comfort mattered to me.
What I realized as he led me closer to King Drateq was that I did not only enjoy but appreciated knowing Killer had some sense of care. Why? I had no idea. I almost laughed at the thought even as a single tear managed to slip past my lashes.
Jesus Christ. I was a warrior, a woman who could best almost any man who dared to challenge me. And I was tearing up, bristling and my mind shutting down.
Because I was terrified to die.
Killer presented me like a common criminal, keeping his hands on my arms in a lockdown mode. There was nowhere to go. I was a prisoner on an alien ship, for God’s sake. What the hell did the man think I was going to do?
The king walked closer, flanked by four solid-looking aliens. He studied me, tilting his head back and forth while the crowd remained silent.
“What is your name, human?” he asked.
I jerked away from Killer, standing to my full height. While I wasn’t exactly able to look the alien in the eyes, I was damn close. “My name is Kristina Calloway, daughter of James Calloway, a man who had a family and friends, coworkers and acquaintances. And a man you had murdered.”
The horror of my words reverberated throughout the great hall.
I smiled, tipping my head as I glared at the crowd, even though I felt my resolve crumbling.
“You are known as the Annihilator,” the king said casually.
“Yes.” My answer was without emotion.
“Bellona, the Goddess of War,” he added.
I only nodded my answer in affirmation.
He sucked in his breath, turning toward a woman who stood a solid two lengths behind him. Were all females considered slaves? I certainly couldn’t buy everything I’d heard, but it was obvious the males within the species were in charge.
“By all rights of our laws, you should be condemned to death for your participation in murdering our kind.” The king immediately threw up his hand, stopping the onslaught of jeers and slanderous words.
“Then why don’t you?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Narrowing his eyes, the king closed the distance until we were only inches apart. “I am a fair man, Kristina Calloway. I do not enjoy taking anyone’s life; however, I cannot look past what you’ve done, the horrors you inflicted. While Killer believes that you had nothing to do with attacking our colony, you admitted your other crimes.”
I found it difficult to look into his eyes. Every time I shifted, the way the material of my pants sliced across my bruised ass was a reminder that I’d deserved the harsh punishment. “We all want the same thing, King. Life. Enjoyment.”
“That is true, human, but our kind has never attempted to destroy life here. I have no idea who killed your family, but I assure you, it wasn’t under either my father’s or my command. I will promise you that I’ll issue a command to find the perpetrators. If they were Cenzans, they will be punished.”
“As if I can believe you.” I said the words and heard a single baby crying. The riveting sound shot through me like a gun being fired. I tilted my head, blinking in order to focus and until I found the source of the cry. A human female stood at the very top of the room. I could easily tell her apart. In her arms was a baby that she was rocking—a hybrid baby. Even in the great distance, I could swear I was able to see the sweet smile on the child’s face. This was a new beginning for the Cenzans, a start of something more powerful than battle or rage.
The king followed my gaze, finally offering a slight smile. “We have thirty children on our ship alone, with more on the way. There are many more in various colonies on Earth. They are the joy and light of their parents. They have no clue or understanding about what either species have gone through to get here. They also have the right to live their life free of poverty, disease, and instant death. Wouldn’t you agree?”
The moment he locked eyes with mine, I had to fight to keep from bursting into tears.
I thought about everything I’d read regarding the government and their plans. I’d never wanted to help the Creepers in any manner but knowing that there was a faction attempting to destroy both the Cenzans and the beautiful children that some God had created, I was reduced to dropping my personal shields. “I will never beg for mercy, King Drateq, but I will make a deal for my life.”
Killer dug his nails into my skin. “Don’t attempt to lie, Kristina. Even I will know it. You forget what I’ve seen and what I know.”
“I’m not lying, Killer, any more than you forgot to tell me that you were an important man in the alien world.”
The aliens surrounding the great king snarled, two of them placing hands on their weapons.
And for the king? He was amused. “You are very interesting, Kristina. I can understand why Killer finds you so attractive. Perhaps you two should belong together.”
I had no idea what to say, but I did feel the heat emitted from Killer’s body, the way he touched me keeping my nipples hard, my body in full arousal. There was no rhyme or reason and certainly no justification in my mind. “I belong to no one. That was made certain the day my family was murdered.”
The king nodded several times, his eyes searching mine. “Very well. What is this deal you speak of?”
I hesitated, taking a few seconds to think about the ramifications of what I was about to say. Maybe this was nothing more than a useless plea for my life, but it was a risk I was willing to take. “There is a government-mandated operation working on a method of killing every Cenzan including the hybrids created from mating. If I read the information correctly, this could be in the form of lethal injection or even gas.”
The news didn’t seem to register at first, the same silky smile remaining on the king’s face. Then his expression clouded, his brow furrowing and a rage boiling within him that shoved fear into my system. I had the distinct impression this wasn’t entirely new.
“What. The. Hell?” one of the Cenzan soldiers hissed.
“What are you talking about?” Killer flanked my side, his tone beseeching.
“Yes, what are you talking about and how would you know?” King Drateq finally asked.
“I know because I pay attention to what’s going on in every political aspect of our world. There has been an underground faction working for over a year in order to thwart the basic decis
ions of the world leaders, thereby condemning their approval of your right to freedom,” I answered, heat shooting through every cell and muscle. My mouth was suddenly dry, realizing I was in a precarious position.
“You have proof?” the king asked.
I noticed a shared look between two of his soldiers as well as in Killer’s direction. The king was obviously aware that not everyone had received the aliens with open arms.
“A website that I found with enough details that it will prove that I’m not lying. I have some basic correspondence from an underground group of humans. They are very active and detailed about certain aspects of what they believe has been going on. I have no idea how far along they are or if they are ready to enact their plan, but I do know it’s widespread. I also know their numbers are increasing rapidly. There’s something substantial about to happen.” My answer was succinct. There was no reason to elaborate without a deal being made.
One of the other Cenzan soldiers moved forward, his eyes full of venom. “She may be right, King.”
Killer snarled, nodding in agreement. “I knew the bastards who almost killed you had other methods of inflicting harm. Captain Hicks had hundreds of supporters. They didn’t go away.”
I had no idea what Killer was talking about, but they’d obviously had some experience with the same government faction I’d found. “From what I read, they are well organized and their plans, at least according to the website, are on target.”
King Drateq took a step back, glancing from one of his soldiers to another. “And you can provide this website as you call it?”
“Yes,” I half whispered.
“That doesn’t mean she should be allowed to live,” one of the soldiers said through clenched teeth.
“She could fight for her life,” another suggested.
As if Killer knew what they were talking about, he moved to within inches of the king. “If you are talking about barbarian fighting in this ring, then I will fight for her honor and her life. Allow me to champion Kristina.”
The words seemed to ring clear in the amphitheater, several gasps coming from the crowd. I hadn’t put two and two together, but the space reminded me of an ancient culture, one encompassing battles in order to settle scores.
And all to the death.
A series of shivers rushed through my body, my legs quivering. I lifted my head until I could clearly see the affirmation in Killer’s eyes. He would fight for my life even if it meant his own death. There was no way I could wrap my mind around the concept. I didn’t need a champion. I never wanted a man to dominate or control me.
Or care for me...
The bile in my throat was as thick as the fear in my system.
“All interesting options,” King Drateq murmured.
The woman who’d been standing in the shadows approached, able to convince the king to speak with her. I was able to see her features clearly, and she was completely human. While older, she had a beautiful aura surrounding her, an enigmatic smile and light in her eyes. And she obviously cared so much for the king. My curiosity was piqued.
“Who is she?” I whispered to Killer.
“The king’s mother.”
I was floored, unable to even fathom how. That would mean the Cenzans had been around longer than I’d originally been led to believe or that they’d arrived on Earth several decades before. “How?” I could only manage.
“A long story and not for now,” Killer stated. “You had better be right about your claims. If you’re lying, you will quite possibly force me into a fight I might not be able to win.”
I shuddered at the thought. After a few seconds, King Drateq turned to face all of us, glancing from one soldier to the other then to Killer. There was a slight gleam in his magnificent eyes, as if his mother had made a suggestion he was able to embrace.
And for some ungodly reason, I was utterly petrified.
King Drateq walked closer. “Sabrina has made an excellent suggestion and one I believe will work. If your claims are accurate, human, you will be required to help us locate these monsters who threaten us.”
“I understand,” I was able to say.
“That will absolve you of your crimes.”
The jeers from the closest aliens showed their level of disapproval.
The king stood to his full height as he approached. “You are special in your own right, Kristina Calloway. To have your bloodline contained within ours will be special and important to our race.”
What in the hell did he mean by bloodline? I clenched my fists, trying my best to restrain the usual retort that would usually flow from my mouth.
“To that end, I will accept your deal.” The king had a twinkle in his eyes.
The crowd roared their disapproval.
Another throw of his hand silenced the entire area. “However, you will need to prove your loyalty to our kind.”
I could hear my teeth grinding, my heart thumping hard against my chest. “And what does that mean?”
“I am invoking the Act of Drakan.” The king no sooner said the words than the entire thousand people gasped.
“What in God’s name are you talking about?” one of the Cenzans demanded.
“Not your concern, Gapan. This is of my choosing and as your king, this is my right.” He took my hand, forcing our fingers to clasp together. “The Act of Drakan will prove your honor in many ways. You will provide your knowledge and in turn, I will spare your life.”
“King Drateq. She will never agree.”
“She has no choice, Khrelan, if she wants to live.”
I heard the king’s words and found myself shrinking back. “What is this Act of Drakan?”
“Mating,” Killer said under his breath.
Wait a fucking minute. I shot him a look before shaking my head. “What? You do use women as sex slaves.”
“This is a true honor, Kristina. You are to be mated with three of our most honored and respected soldiers, providing at least one heir for our future.” King Drateq took a step back, turning and lifting his head toward the crowd.
“You have to be kidding,” Killer finally said.
“No. This is the right thing to do.” The king shifted back until he faced the same soldiers who had already condemned me in their minds. “And the first choice is an easy one for me. Talyn Fregar.”
The crowd hesitated before cheering, several rising to their feet. I had no true understanding of what the hell was going on, but my instincts told me this was going to require all my resolve. The soldier had been at my house. His tangerine eyes sparked with approval, accentuating his chiseled face and strong jawline. He was powerful in his own right, although the light brown hair gave him more of a sensual appearance. As with every Cenzan male, he stood well over six feet tall, his muscular structure rivaling that of Killer’s.
“An honor, King Drateq,” Talyn answered.
“My second is Zacon Manoff.”
Even as the king issued the name, the soldier who has been assigned this duty gave a sneer, the kind of expression that couldn’t mean anything but fury. He shifted his head in my direction, snarling.
“And the third?” Zacon demanded. His rage was instantaneous, his nostrils flaring. Taller than Talyn, every muscle seemed flexed. The Creeper was prepared for a fight of his own. I hated the fact I was attracted to him, the dark and dangerous aura surrounding the warrior. He was exquisite in all manners, a body built of steel.
The king seemed to take his time, enjoying the moment. I was to be mated with not one but three of the aliens? No. No! This didn’t make any sense. My mind reeled, attempting to fathom what the king was suggesting. No, what he was commanding. Over my dead ass body. I revolted, jerking myself away from Killer. He snapped his hand around my wrist, dragging me back.
“Listen and learn,” he whispered.
“This is nuts. This isn’t going to happen,” I insisted.
“You have another choice, human, but the odds of your survival are slim,” King Drateq
said with a limited amount of tenderness. “Would you prefer a fight to the death?”
How in the name of God could I answer a question so horrific? “I prefer finding love, not being sold into slavery.” There was no solid reason why the words left my mouth or why I elected to glance at Sabrina, but I did. I gathered so much from her eyes, her expression that was indeed full of love. Whoever the king’s father was or had been, she’d loved him dearly. Everything in my life seemed a distant past, as if the memories would never be able to survive this.
“And maybe one day you will have that love, Kristina.” The king placed his hand on my shoulder.
I was frozen, unable to think clearly. This just couldn’t be happening.
“And the third, King?” Talyn asked.
“The third will be the human we know as Killer.” The king’s voice permeated every single inch of space within the massive auditorium, yet the quiet after his echoing voice was almost dumbfounding.
“No!” Zacon roared. “I will not serve with a human.”
“You will do as your king commands or you will die. That is your choice,” the king retorted. The level of vehemence in his voice was shocking. He snapped his head toward Killer, who wore no expression on his face. “Will you accept?”
Killer was stiff, his hand dropping to his side. He took a few seconds, looking from the two aliens who would join him in the... mating process before closing his eyes. “I am not Cenzan.”
“You are more than you understand, my friend. I trust you. You saved many lives, including mine. This is a true honor that I hope you will accept.” King Drateq’s voice was much softer, as if he was pleading with the hulking man.
Killer finally shifted his gaze in my direction. There was a sense of camaraderie that we shared, but not in a manner that suggested forever. We’d fallen into a single moment of unbridled desire, nothing more, but I could feel a kind of biting pain that matched my own.
Two lost souls.
