Hunting Their Mate

by Stone, Piper

  “She will adjust,” Fiona suggested.

  “Now is not the time to challenge her,” I said through clenched teeth.

  “Well, someone needs to, Killer. She knows more than she’s telling,” Zacon responded. “But I guess you know that already given your closeness to her.”

  The tension was thick as molasses.

  Talyn threw out his hand. “This testosterone needs to stop. We are here to determine if anyone needs our help then we must find this rogue. Period. If you two require any further confrontation, I suggest you do it on your own time.” Huffing, he exited the vehicle, storming away from everyone.

  “I agree with Talyn. Shandar needs your help. He is suffering from this more than you know.” Fiona shook her head. “I trust both of you, but our time is limited. You need to do the right thing.”

  I cringed, hearing her words. She was right. We were acting like fools, vying for a girl. We’d settle our differences later. “Let’s gather information quickly so we return you to safety, Fiona.”

  She patted my arm before opening the door. “You forget that I’m still a warrior in my own right.”

  I was able to give her a smile. She was many things including someone I cared about deeply. We left the Jeep and moved into the crowd. Life had returned to the village even though debris was scattered throughout the streets in charred chunks of twisted metal and ash. My anger increased just seeing the carnage. From where I stood, I could see several of the human victims, all casualties of war. Would the American government actually take responsibility for the lost lives or would they blame the Cenzan race?

  Now, what would the American government do with the information?

  I found Kristina a few minutes later. She’d found an open door to one of the homes that had received extensive damage. I stood on the outskirts, watching the way she interacted with the female inside, the thin girl hugging her baby as if she’d never let the child out of her sight again. There was such sadness in every corner of the colony, long faces where smiles had finally seemed to take hold. How had everything turned upside down? I knew better, the jaded part of me finding no solace in my knowledge about the human race.

  The baby was crying, the sound more pitiful than I could tolerate. A moment of utter hatred was all consuming, driving a stake into my heart.

  “How old is she?” Kristina asked.

  “Eight weeks,” the girl answered, trying her best to comfort the little bundle.

  “She’s beautiful.” The remorse in Kristina’s voice was heartfelt, her entire body trembling as she stood in front of the girl.

  “She’s all I ever wanted,” the girl said then laughed as she tickled the baby’s cheek. “We were lucky. Her father was able to protect her. Only a few scratches. Isn’t that right, my sweet baby girl?”

  “Then he’s a hero.” Kristina’s voice was almost inaudible.

  The girl sniffed, blinking several times. There was little light in the room, the electricity cut off, but it was able to see the sorrow creating lines in the girl’s face. “Yes, he was a... a hero. I loved him deeply, even though he was...” A sob rose from her chest.

  Kristina shifted forward. “What happened to him?”

  “He...” The girl swallowed and pulled the tiny blanket around the child. “My husband died trying to protect her, our precious baby.”

  The words hit Kristina hard, her legs almost giving out. The echo of the ugliness filtered into my mind, creating a wave of heat as well as memories that I couldn’t afford to accept. I moved forward, touching Kristina’s arm. “We need to go.”

  “I...” Kristina’s face wrenched in sadness and horror as she nodded. “Take care of your little one. You should go to the ship where you’ll be safe.”

  “This is my home,” the girl stated, more defiantly that I would have imagined she was capable of. “My parents are here. My best friend is here and she’s pregnant. I can’t leave. I won’t leave but thank you for asking. We’ll manage. We always do.”

  Kristina nodded several times, allowing me to take her outside. “What in the hell?”

  “They were building families here, a life. They celebrated just like we did, birthdays and weddings. They savored the fact that children were born. What Damen did was try and take away their hope.”

  She shifted, staring into my eyes. “My world was shattered two years ago, Killer. All I could think about was revenge, but not this way. I am no monster. I hope you can believe me. I never wanted this to happen, the suffering is far too great. I would give anything to stop the madness.”

  There was no real reason for me to hesitate before answering, but I still found it difficult to buy her entire story.

  “And you can. We’re going to your village and you will find out everything that we need to bring this monster down. Pictures, information, whatever you have. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes. Yes.” She had difficulty looking into my eyes. “I made a deal and I will comply.”

  She made the situation sound horrible. Maybe to her it was.

  “Then tell me about Damen. How did he just happen on your village?”

  She took a deep breath, clenching her fists. “You know nothing just happens, Killer, and I’m no fool. As I said to the king, there are various underground sources providing information, all very high tech I might add. After the group I formed was almost one hundred strong and supposedly responsible for the killing of two hundred Cenzans, we were firmly on the hit list radar. Notice I say supposedly. That number was enlarged by tall tales of bullshit.”

  I could tell she had utter disdain for what she’d gone through. Interesting. “Go on.”

  “Now, we didn’t try and alter the statistics because by then there were rumors surfacing that Cenzans were attacking various smaller cities, abducting the woman and killing the men. Of course there were pictures, which I now believe were doctored. Unfortunately, people tend to be followers, believing whoever is screaming the loudest. I should have stopped the line of communication, but by then, it was too late. Damen arrived on the scene in the middle of the day two months ago, simply stating he could help us protect our people and help free the helpless women who were taken against their will.”

  “That was his way of gaining trust.”

  She nodded. “At first, that sounded plausible to me. He had military training, Black Ops, or so he said and honestly, I believed him given his knowledge about our arsenal of weapons. Slowly, he gained my trust even as I noticed he had a very dark side to him. When he was drunk, he became violent. Then the behavior increased even when he hadn’t been drinking. That’s when I knew something was off and I tried to curtail discussions about overtaking a Cenzan colony. Then everyone stopped listening, using what occurred at the bar with you against me.”

  I bristled, staring at the bright sky. Black Ops. The term was rarely used any longer but if Damen had used the words, I knew at minimum he had some military training. “You know nothing about where he was stationed or even where he came from?”

  “All he told me was Northern Virginia. At the time, I wasn’t worried about double-checking credentials. I’m not even certain if he told me his real name, but then again, don’t we all use an alias from time to time?” She gave me a sly smile.

  “I may have a way of finding him. Are there any pictures?”

  She thought about my question. “Maybe. We had some picnics. I believe I have a few pictures. If my house is still standing, might be able to find something.”

  “We can start from there.” We continued to walk in silence, the awkwardness a far cry from the sexual tension. We really didn’t know each other.

  “You saved Fiona’s life?” Kristina finally asked.

  “Yes, as well as Shandar’s months ago.”

  “Because of this Captain Hicks?”

  “I worked with Hicks a long time ago when I believed in what I was doing with the military. He was truly an evil man, blinded by his greed and self-indulgence.”

  She sighed, t
aking in the information. “They’re lucky to have you.”

  We walked down several streets, accessing the damage. Luckily, the majority of buildings were standing, the injuries superficial in nature. However, with every child that Kristina was lucky enough to see, even the few she’d held, I could see a change in her demeanor, the remorse drilling deep inside. She cared deeply for life of any kind, her hard-shell exterior a necessity given the horrors she’d witnessed.

  The same kind that haunted my dreams.

  “What were you dreaming about?” she asked as we headed back to the Jeep.

  “When?” I was shocked she’d picked up on my thoughts. I’d never worn my emotions on my sleeve and I certainly couldn’t start now. Not for anyone.

  Including her.

  “Last night. You were very upset. You called out in your sleep.”

  I knew exactly the nightmares that had swept me into hell and back. “I don’t remember.”

  A smile curled on the corner of her mouth. “You’re lying. I know you too well already.”

  Chuckling, I did everything I could to blow it off. “You know nothing about me.”

  “All right. Then tell me. Talk to me. If we’re going to be... mated for life or until we’re slaughtered by some unknown force, I’d like to know if I’m sleeping with the enemy or not.”

  Her off the cuff words were still chilling. “I’m not your enemy, Kristina. I think you know that by now.”

  “What I know is that you’re running from something, a horrible experience in your past that you refuse to face. I know for certain grief and biting anger will eventually eat you alive.”

  “I have no stories to tell. What happened during my stint in the Marines is classified.”

  “I’m not talking about your military career, Killer. You hide behind a mask that you believe is impenetrable, but as I already told you, I’ve seen glimpses of not only brilliance but deep emotions. Let me in. Whatever you suffered, I’m here.” She laughed softly, hugging her arms as if a chill washing through her was biting. “I’m not very good at this. I fear allowing my emotions to surface, but I do understand how much you’re hurting.”

  I thought about her words, the caring laced within them.

  “Who was she?” she finally asked after a full minute. “The woman who stole your heart.”

  There was no easy way for me to say what I was thinking or the ramifications around what had occurred. “My wife.”

  She stopped in the middle of the street, turning and gripping my arm. Her eyes were beseeching. “I’m so sorry. What happened?”

  Swallowing, I did want to tell her, confide into the woman who might carry my child one day, but the words wouldn’t come.

  “Someone betrayed you. Didn’t they?” she pushed.

  “Leave it alone, Kristina. I faced my demons a long time ago. They’re dead and buried.”

  “Are they really? Did you face them or just hide them somewhere in that huge brain of yours?”

  “What do you care?”

  She nodded several times, finally exhaling. “You’re right. How could I care? How could I give a damn? Have it your way, Killer.” She took off, cursing under her breath.

  I wasn’t going to get into details from the past, especially here. Fiona was right. Time was of the essence. I caught up with her easily and made no attempt at further discussion. We had a job to finish. Nothing more.

  Unable to do anymore, we headed to Kristina’s village, arriving just before dark. Fiona had opted to return to the Comstar after determining three other Cenzans and one human female required additional medical attention.

  We were all somber, or maybe just bitter from the scenes of destruction.

  We moved through the darkness, searching for any sign of life. What I noticed immediately was the lack of movement as well as the limited number of lights. We moved through the darkness silently toward her house, careful not to draw any attention.

  “No house lights,” I directed as we walked into the back door. Turning on the flashlight, it didn’t take long to realize the house had been trashed.

  “Shit,” she whispered as I swept the light beam across the kitchen and into the living room.

  Everything had been tossed, tables turned over, cabinet doors left open with kitchen items smashed. Whoever had done this had been filled with rage.

  They were also looking for something in particular.

  “My computer,” she exclaimed after moving toward one of the counters. “It’s gone.”

  “Is there anything incriminating on this computer?” Zacon asked as he headed toward the door leading to other parts of the house.

  “Notes. Ideas. Whereabouts of Cenzan colonies. Nothing else of use,” she commented. Bending down, she picked up a plate, snarling under her breath. “Bastard. This has to be the work of Damen.”

  I handed her another flashlight. “Go with Talyn and see if there’s anything you need or if you have a picture of Damen. It’s not safe here.”

  Talyn took her by the arm, giving me a nod.

  I moved through the room, picking through the rubble. The asshole had taken his time destroying her home. He was obviously angry that she was gone. This could lead to an advantage if we played it right.

  Both Zacon and I walked the remaining first floor, finding nothing useful. When Kristina and Talyn returned, she had what appeared to be an old-fashioned camera in her hand. I was curious given I hadn’t seen one of them in years.

  “I don’t know if there’s a way to retrieve the data since my computer is gone. I babied that old Mac, one of the few things my father had kept in pristine condition.” She seemed unnerved, her hands shaking.

  “I’ll find a way. Trust me,” I said then pointed toward the door. “We need to move out. Lead us to Damen’s house.”

  “It’s at the far end of the street,” she commented, shoving the camera into the small bag she’d brought with her.

  We stalked through the streets, keeping close to the perimeters of the buildings. There was no sign of activity. None at all. No sounds. No lights. Nothing. I was beginning to feel like this was a trap.

  She finally pointed toward a back entrance. I directed everyone to the backyard. The door was locked, and I carefully peered into a window. Seeing nothing but shadows, I tried the closest window. Unlocked. I motioned for everyone to stay in position and slowly lifted the sash.

  The only sound was from an old-fashioned battery-operated clock ticking from somewhere in another room. I moved with care throughout the rest of the house, checking every room and closet. I suspected that every house would be empty. The moment I was ready to head back outside I heard a noise coming from what had to be a basement. The door was locked from the outside. Taking a step back, I popped off a shot, breaking the lock.

  Within seconds, I heard footsteps.

  “What the hell?” Zacon asked just as I was pulling open the door.

  I held up my finger, pointing toward the stairs then motioned for Kristina to stay behind. Flipping the switch at the top of the stairs, I grimaced, knowing we could be walking into a trap.

  She frowned but remained in the hallway as Talyn, Zacon, and I moved down the stairs into the darkness. Once I hit the landing, I flipped on the flashlight, swinging it back and forth.

  “What is going on?” Talyn asked.

  There had to be thirty people jammed into the basement.

  “Don’t hurt us!” one of the men barked as he pushed through the crowd. He had what appeared to be a crowbar in his hand.

  “We’re not going to hurt you. I am Killer. This is Zacon and Talyn of the Federation of Cenzans. Drop your weapons. Who locked you in?”

  I heard footsteps, Kristina racing down the stairs. “No. Did Damen do this, Ben?”

  “Krissy, you’re alive. Jesus,” Ben answered. He continued to have a death grip on the rusted piece of metal. “Yes, Damen lured us to his house under the guise of a meeting. He knew exactly the people who had no intentions of following his bu
llshit.” He motioned toward the others.

  “He said you betrayed us,” one of the girls said from the back. She moved closer, clasping her hands together when she was in front of Kristina.

  “It’s all right, Ginger. All of you.” Kristina flanked my side. “I didn’t betray you. We betrayed ourselves. These men are our friends. We’re going to get you out of here.”

  “What now?” Zacon asked, huffing under his breath.

  “We protect them,” I answered, reaching out and waiting until Ben handed over the bar.

  “Damen is fucking crazy. The others followed him. He had some insane plan about attacking several of the colonies.” Ginger glanced into my eyes. “You’re the man from the bar.”

  “Yeah, I’m that man.” My answer brought a snicker from Talyn.

  “And we can trust them?” Ginger asked in a tentative manner.

  Kristina shifted until she was able to look me directly in the eyes, finally offering a nod of respect as well as a smile. “With our lives.”

  * * *

  Protection meant keeping them in the village where I lived, getting them processed and debriefed. Given every Cenzan was on edge, their arrival had been met with apprehension. The group certainly wasn’t going to be trusted that easily.

  The moon was full, illuminating the millions of stars. I’d never been a stargazer, quite frankly tired of the realization that they brought, but on this night, they seemed different in my eyes. I sat on the steps of the front porch, a drink in my hand. I heard the sound of the door opening and closing, and light footsteps. Inhaling, I realized the scent of Kristina would forever remain one of the sweetest fragrances in the world.

  I chuckled at the thought. I was turning into some softie. Maybe I was just getting too old for this shit. Hunting marauders had been somewhat exciting before. Now, the thought alone left a wretched taste in my mouth.

  “What’s going to happen to them?” Kristina asked as she leaned against the railing.

  “They’ll be questioned. If the soldiers don’t see them as a threat, they will be considered free.”

  “Free. What the hell does that mean any longer?”