How could Hunter refuse her? Not only was it a sound idea, but his mate needed to be needed, to discover her own self-worth.
Decision reached, Hunter nodded. “Fine, let’s go. Taliff will guard Eve as well as all the women and children along with his security team. You and I, along with Mikel here and his warriors will search the ship.”
He turned to Mikel. “Is that alright with you?”
Mikel smiled. “It’s more of a plan than I had. Let me organize the teams. Meet me outside the Rec. Room. It’s the closest area of the ship to where the damage was done.”
Hunter didn’t want to ask Mikel this, but somebody had to say it. “Sabotage?”
Mikel grimaced. “Looks like it. The fuel cell was tampered with. The environmental and gravitational systems are going haywire. And worst of all, the ship’s shielding has been completely disabled.”
“Well,” Hunter said, “let’s not waste any more time finding the culprit or culprits. You can never be too careful.”
Mikel clasped Hunter’s forearm in a warrior’s embrace. “Agreed.”
Amy adjusted her facemask one last time then said, “I suggest we check the prisoner level first. The Black Rose has a habit of killing her compatriots when they’ve outgrown their usefulness.”
Grimacing, Hunter placed the palm of his hand against her lower back. “If it’s alright with Mikel, we’ll check there on our way to the Recreation Room.”
“No, that’s fine and it saves us from wasting time waiting. You and Amy and your royal bodyguards head down to the prison level. When it’s all clear there, head to the rendezvous location.”
Hunter and Amy, and his two bodyguards, Andre and Meric, made quick time getting to the prisoner level. Unfortunately, it looked like someone else got to it first. Laser scorches pit marked the walls. Cell doors had been blasted off their hinges. And when they reached Chrissie’s cell it looked like a small battle had occurred there. Blood splattered the walls, bedding was shredded. Furniture and clothes had been tossed every which way. Even the metal ledge that was her bed looked partially melted.
Beside him, Amy trembled. “Where’s Chrissie? Where the hell is Chrissie?”
His guards searched the room. Finally, after nearly five minutes of searching the tiny cell, Meric approached Hunter, a piece of paper in his hand.
“What is it? Hunter, what is it?” Amy cried.
Hunter turned toward his mate, knowing she could see the pain in his eyes. “It’s a letter from the Black Rose.”
“What does it say? Please, you’re worrying me. What does it say?”
Chapter Eleven
“Which of my traitors do I kill, dear brother? Those who would only help my cause because I hold their families or should I kill their families themselves? I hear you have found your mate. Did you know that her brother is the only male born to her pride in the last nineteen years?
Should we kill him or should we continue to torture him with the drugs that make him the animal he has now become? You choose, dear brother, who shall live and who shall die? You will never find us. The Black Rose will forever be out of your reach.”
Amy fell to her knees. “Nineteen? He’s nineteen now?” Somehow the passage of years hadn’t reached to her brother. He’d remained the loveable teenager he’d always been in her mind. “How can so many years be lost? How does one woman feel that she has the right to do this?” She fisted her hands, her anger finally showing in the changing color of her skintight pressure suit. “What gives her the right? What makes her think she has the right to interfere, to torture and dictate other’s lives the way she does?”
Hunter took her by the arm and practically dragged her from the area to the rendezvous point. On their way, they found a severely injured Chrissie. Her arms were bent at odd angles. Her face was battered and bruised, barely recognizable. Cuts, some minor, some inches deep, ran up and down her entire body.
Amy searched her mind ruthlessly to see if she’d been left as a spy or for dead. Apparently it was the latter as the woman knew nothing and was near death. They quickly transported her into medical stasis and headed toward the recreation room. As soon as they reached Mikel, they found him directing his people.
“Did you find any traitors on board?”
He nodded. “A few. Some were influenced by drugs. Others were just fanatics, following The Black Rose. But your mate’s suggestion of taking Empaths along was a wonderful idea. There were several spies. It was a good thing they weren’t in areas where they were privy to any sensitive information. She still knows nothing of our plan. This was just another raid to gather single females. By the looks of it, she has no idea about our impending raid.”
“Hull breach now repaired, recommend removal of environmental suits,” the computer announced as Maryann walked into the room tugging on the facemask.
“Why the hell can’t I take this thing off and what the hell is that I feel crawling up my aiieee!”
“Uh oh,” Amy muttered as she slid her own face mask off. Behind her she heard a muttered, “By the Goddess, not now.” She whipped her head around to find Mikel on his knees, quaking. His gray pressure suit was quickly changing colors and within seconds had turned vibrantly red.
Amy turned her head and looked back to Maryann. Her suit had changed colors too and now matched Mikel’s. Maryann had her eyes squeezed tight as she panted.
“Well, Hunter, it seems these two need a few minutes alone. Why don’t we go back to the medical bay and check on Chrissie while the computer counts personnel and finds out just how many people the Black Rose seized this time.”
Hunter smiled at Mikel who had begun to groan. Beneath his facemask sweat pooled and heated hunger filled Mikel’s gaze. “I think that’s an excellent idea, Amy. I think these two have some serious talking to do.”
Amy watched Hunter’s shoulders shake as they made their way out of the Recreation Room. He may like Mikel but he was certainly finding this situation humorous.
You think Mikel’s situation is funny, do you?
Well, yes, actually, I do. Mikel has been searching for his mate as long as I have. The fact that the suit won’t free him until she commits to him, I find incredibly ironic.
Well how do you think Maryann feels? Her body is being used against her again, but this time she has nothing and no one to fight but her own fears. She’s going to feel helpless, then angry that her body is betraying her. I don’t think anything about this is funny.
Hunter shook his head and sighed. Put that way, I must agree.
Amy smiled then elbowed him in the ribs. Tell you what, when all the danger has passed, let’s see who can withstand the pressure in the suit better, you or me? Can they be programmed to work like that on a mated couple?
It would work if we abstain long enough before putting them on—especially if you’re in heat. Hunter quirked an eyebrow and smiled as though the bet had already been won. I’ll have to take you up on that when we have the time. But right now, we need to question Chrissie then head to our targets. We aren’t going to let this latest attack change our plans, no matter what my sister thinks.
Amy squeezed his hand in comfort then went silent. She couldn’t imagine what it must feel like for Hunter knowing his sister was the Black Rose and was responsible for the horrendous acts of slavery and sexual torture of others. When she opened herself to the bond she could feel his sense of guilt. It was eating him alive.
She stopped dead in her tracks. Faced her mate. “Hunter,” she said, lifting her hand to caress his cheek, “what your sister has done as the Black Rose is not your fault. The fact that she’s still free is not your fault. Eventually, she will get caught. She will pay for her crimes. And in the meantime, we’re going to continue doing just what we are—rescuing those she’s captured.”
Hunter smiled slightly then closed his eyes as he leaned into her hand as though savoring her touch. “You are too good for me, love. I don’t think I’ll ever deserve you. I’ll pray to the Goddess everyda
y, thanking her for blessing me with you for a mate.”
Amy could feel the heat flooding her cheeks, could feel Hunter’s sincerity blasting through their bond. He truly felt she was the greatest blessing of his life and she couldn’t quite believe it. Her life, her psyche, was so messed up, she might never be whole yet he thought she was a blessing.
And you are, my mate. I will never, ever regret that you are mine. The Goddess blessed me and that’s all there is to it. Get used to it. You’re mine and I’m never letting you get away from me.
Amy licked her lips nervously then searched his gaze. Was it the right time to tell him what she was feeling? What if something happened to her during the coming battle? And that thought was all it took for her to make her decision. After taking a deep breath, she laid her other hand against his heart, once again caressed his cheek, as she looked deep into his eyes. I think I love you, Hunter. I’m not sure I could live my life without you. Not anymore. You’re my blessing.
Amy’s heart clenched when she noticed the tears filling her mate’s eyes. He didn’t even try to hide them from her. When he let them flow freely down his cheeks even though they stood in the middle of a busy corridor, she knew she loved this man. If it was the last thing she did, she’d show him just how much his love for her, his faith in her strengths, and his belief in her courage meant to her.
Wrapping her hand around the nape of his neck, she slowly pulled his head down. She stood on her tiptoes, leaned in and lightly skimmed his lips with her tongue. When he gasped, surprised more than likely by her boldness, she took full advantage. She kissed him, tangling her tongue with his, lingering and savoring his taste. Only when her knees began to quake and threaten to buckle did she slowly draw the kiss to an end.
She turned her face into his neck, doing her best to control her wildly beating heart. She heard Hunter clear his throat just before he tipped her face up to his. This time he searched her gaze, seeming to look for something.
“What was that all about, moya?”
She met his gaze without flinching and spoke from the heart. “I don’t think I love you. I know I do. It felt the right time to show you, that’s all.”
“Oh, Moya, the gift of your love will be treasured all the days of my life and beyond.”
Now, tears filled her eyes, and she too let them fall. She didn’t care what the others in the corridor watching them thought. All that mattered to her was that Hunter loved her and she loved him. That’s it. That’s all that mattered.
Amy looked around the crowded corridor and smiled. “Haven’t you all seen a mated pair in love before?” she said, shaking her head in amusement. She turned back to Hunter. “I think we better get to Chrissie. She should awaken soon from the healing chamber.”
Hunter dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose then stepped back. “You’re right. Let’s get things figured out, speak to the navigator on this ship, and see about destroying the Black Rose and rescuing all their hostages. After that, you and I are going to spend some time exploring just how much we love each other,” he whispered, following that brazen statement with a wink.
Amy couldn’t help but chuckle as she reached for Hunter’s hand. “Sounds like a plan to me.” Taking her at her word apparently, Hunter made no stops on his way to the medical bay.
Tears filled Amy’s eyes as they entered the medical bay. Chrissie still lay beneath a healing force field, one that kept her vital signs at normal levels while she stayed within its protective barrier. Amy swiped her hand over her face. How could someone be so cruel as to leave someone as sweet and kind as Chrissie for dead? How could they do that to her? Her rage for the Black Rose grew as she watched the last of the bruises heal and Chrissie opened her eyes.
The golden field around her lowered and she turned to Amy. “Why didn’t you just let me die? Dead I can no longer be used as a weapon against you. Against my family.”
“That wouldn’t have been fair to your mate, Chrissie,” Amy said, gently helping the woman from the table.
“I don’t want a mate! I—I couldn’t bear to have another man touch me the way these men have.”
Amy looked to Hunter, then toward the door. Do you mind leaving us, for a moment? I don’t mind that you hear what is said, but I’m sure that Chrissie isn’t comfortable with you here.
I agree, moya. She looks rather lost and alone. Aloud he said, “I’ll just be outside in the corridor, moya. I think perhaps you two need some time alone together.”
* * * *
Hunter moved out into the corridor and paced while trying not to listen to the women’s whispers. Chrissie had her right to her privacy and he would not do his mate any favors by listening in to her fears and proving that males couldn’t be trusted.
He strode to the nearest console and punched a series of buttons. “Taliff Shi’Lan’s quarters, please.”
After a moment’s pause, what sounded like sheer chaos answered from the other end of their connection. After a bout of laughter and a few girlish squeals, Eve answered, “Yes? This is Eve.”
Hunter leaned against the wall, wondering if he would ever have a home-life like his brother’s. He may be crown prince of their people, but he would give every bit of it up for a life like his brother’s—one filled with the comfort and laughter of his own children.
“Eve, this is Hunter. Chrissie has just woken and Amy is with her. I thought you might like to join them. Chrissie is having a crisis.”
“I’ll be right there.” Silence from the other end told him she’d ended their transmission. Now there was nothing to do, but stand with his hands in his pockets and wait. Perhaps he should hunt down Mikel and see how he fared in his new predicament. It surely couldn’t be a good thing to be stuck in a pressure suit with one’s unwilling mate wandering about. Maybe he could help take his mind off matters for a bit.
With that in mind, Hunter called out, “Computer, send me to Mikel’s location, please.”
“Working.”
“By the way, what do they call you?” he asked as he found himself watching Mikel beating the crap out of a training bot.
“I am Skalldari.”
“Thank you, Skalldari. I see you brought me straight to Prince Logann as I asked.” And not a moment too soon, he thought to himself. “I should be fine. If Amy Shi’Lan requests my presence, please notify me at once.”
“Yes, High Prince Shi’Lan.”
Hunter continued to watch Mikel pound the robotic sparring partner for a few more minutes. It always amazed Hunter how the Manruvians created a training bot that looked perfectly humanoid. If you didn’t know it was an AI training bot, you’d never guess by looking at it.
When it looked like his friend had finally started to slow down, he cleared his throat to announce his presence.
Mikel grunted. “Stop training program.” As the training bot headed back toward its storage room, Mikel walked over toward one of the benches scattered throughout the gym. After sitting down, he finally looked up and met Hunter’s gaze. “I heard you come in. I’m surprised you didn’t just jump in. It wouldn’t be the first time we sparred.”
Hunter walked up to his friend and sat down beside him then snickered. “No thanks. I’m not in the mood to get bruised and battered. I’d bet, in the mood you’re in, you’d beat the crap out of me. I figured, maybe you needed to talk with someone more.”
He looked at Mikel, saw the strain on his face. His pressure suit had turned a lighter shade of red, so at least his libido had calmed a bit though one whiff of his mate’s scent and he’d be right back where he was before his impromptu workout. “How are you? Really? It’s difficult to know your mate fears your touch, your presence, through no fault of your own. Believe me. I know. It’s hard to look at her and know that she was out there, unprotected and countless others forced themselves on her while you would have cherished the very ground where she walks. ”
Mikel hung his head and let his shoulders droop. “You’re right. And now, knowing that my mate is on the
same ship, that all I have to do is ask Skalldari her location and be transported to her side makes it difficult if not impossible to do just that. Yet I can’t. It is her right to come to me, her choice. I just hope she does it soon. You know how long I’ve hunted for my mate. Decades, Hunter. It’s been decades since I’ve started my search.”
Hunter nodded, knowing full well how much his long-time confidant had wanted to find his mate, to have a companion and life partner to come home to, to build a family with.
“How do I make myself stay away from her?” He punched the bulkhead to his left. “How long must I stay away from her? How much time will she need?”
“You will stay away from her as long as it takes, because you know that right now it’s what she needs. Until this battle is fought, getting anywhere near Maryann will endanger you. As the mating heat takes over, it will distract you both. You must stay away from her to protect her. When it’s safe, then you can gently pursue her, help her deal with her fears.” He smiled. “Send her small gifts while you must keep your distance. Your scent will not affect her as much. Since she is human you can communicate with her from a distance—court her from a distance.”
Mikel nodded but Hunter wasn’t through giving his friend advice. “Amy pointed something out to me that I thought you should know. Maryann is going to be frightened at first, which is normal, but Amy thinks that eventually, Maryann will become angry, enraged that her body seems to be betraying her, making the choices for her as her rapists had. My advice, when it happens—and it will—don’t take it personally. In effect, because of the pressure suit, it’s forcing her to accept a mate, to be intimate with a virtual stranger. Get to know her and let her get to know you, even if it’s from a distance.”
Sighing, Mikel looked off toward the viewport to his right. “I know you’re right, and your words make sense, but that isn’t going to make this any easier to deal with.”
Worlds Apart 2: Hunter's Revenge Page 11
