Warrior's Paradox (Cadi Warriors Book 3)

by Stephanie West

  Tytus walked out of the washroom before he did anything rash.

  4 Theory

  June

  June awoke in Tytus’ large plush bed. Sleeping on a mattress, instead of curled up in a hole in the wall, did wonders for her back. Her headache was gone and so were the muscle aches. June stretched languidly and smiled. It was a new day and she didn’t have to hide, which had become more than a little tiresome after nearly a week. Even better than that, Tytus wasn’t an insanely violent alien, and he suggested she could stay on Cadi to work in a lab like his.

  Oh, what a lab it is. The prospect made her giddy. He was giving her the opportunity to do things that scientists back home could only dream of. Maybe if I prove I’m worth keeping around, he won’t send me back with Ion.

  June’s smile widened. It wasn’t just the idea of getting to work on new and fascinating projects that attracted her. Tytus, the like-minded demigod, captured her attention in equal measure. The tender way he cared for her had been a shocking contrast to the frightening scenarios she’d invented in her mind while hiding.

  June opened her eyes and glanced around. She paused as she noticed Tytus asleep in a chair, his head resting on the dinner table amidst some papers. His broad bare back was hunched uncomfortably.

  “Poor guy,” she murmured.

  She wouldn’t have minded if he climbed into the bed with her. June’s brows wagged and she couldn’t help the salacious grin that spread across her face.

  Dirty girl, you just met him. What’s wrong with you?

  June used the restroom, scrubbed her finger over her teeth in a pathetic attempt to clean them, then wandered to the kitchenette. She grabbed several pieces of the fruit she recognized, and cut them up for the two of them.

  When she sat down at the table, Tytus’ head popped up looking surprised. June snorted at the piece of scrap paper stuck to his cheek. She reached out and peeled it off. The goofy, sleepy look on his face didn’t detract from his swarthy good looks.

  “Good morning sleepy head. Thank you for letting me use your bed. It was nicer than the metal floor.”

  Tytus rumbled something incoherent then staggered towards the bathroom. June wondered if her language implant had failed, since not a single thing he mumbled made any sense.

  June started to question if he fell in, when Tytus finally shuffled out of the bathroom. He scrubbed his hand through his shoulder length, unruly, black hair, then stopped in front of the table with a wide yawn.

  “So, you like the susina?” he asked groggily.

  June was relieved she understood what he said. Obviously, Tytus wasn’t much of a morning person.

  “Yes, but I’m not familiar with a lot of what you have here,” she replied.

  “Sorry, I forgot,” he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.

  Tytus grabbed two cups and filled them with steaming water, then poured in some type of powder. He plopped down in the opposite chair, and placed one cup in front of her. June picked up the mug and took a hesitant sip. The bitter beverage tasted awfully similar to coffee. June closed her eyes in reverence.

  “It’s called propero.”

  “It’s good.” June felt the zing hit her bloodstream as she continued to sip the propero. “I used to live off a beverage like this back home,” she smiled.

  “Me too,” Tytus replied with an exaggerated nod.

  “So, you said I might be able to help you in your lab. What did you have in mind?” June asked between bites.

  “Oh, yes.” Tytus blinked, waking further. “I am working on a neural interface so that we can communicate with another species that lives on Cadi. The Toufik don’t possess vocal cords, so they speak with their hands. It’s posing a problem.”

  Yet another sentient species. Amazing.

  “Really. Tell me more.”

  June sat forward, propping her elbows on the table and her chin on her fists, as Tytus continued. He gave her a quick history of the hairy people, who used to be Cadi slaves. That bothered her, but Earth’s history was similarly unkind. She felt awful as Tytus explained how the people were being abducted after their recent rescue. She could sympathize.

  June smiled as Tytus became animated, when he explained the inner workings of his translator. She asked questions, and smiled wider when that encouraged him to speak faster. Even his tail thrashed back and forth in excitement.

  He’s really rather cute.

  “It sounds like you need a guinea pig, since humans are neurologically similar to these Toufik,” June surmised. “Lucky for you, you have one handy. Let’s get to work,” she suggested.

  “I appreciate the help. I also appreciate what you’ve done around here,” Tytus commented as he got up and put the dishes on the counter.

  “I have a hard time keeping my workspace clean during projects too, and it looks like you have a lot of them. I tried to not disturb too much, but I figure the supplies and dust could be dealt with.” She grinned at him, as she scrambled to get out of the chair that was a tad too tall for her.

  When Tytus strode out of his small apartment, June admired his retreating backside, and the tail that almost trailed the floor. Like earlier, she was intrigued with it, and how it swished with a personality all its own. Before June thought better, she reached out and took hold of it. It felt smooth, but like her own skin, it was covered with fine, barely noticeable hair. Tytus froze as she studied the long appendage. A rolling growl vibrated from his chest.

  “You shouldn’t play with my tail, little one,” he rumbled, baring his fangs.

  “I’m sorry.” June quickly released him.

  She didn’t know what she was thinking. No creature she’d ever known appreciated their tail being tugged.

  Well this is just a great start, June. Offending him is a perfect way to convince him to let you stay on Cadi. She’d let the very intimate bath, his easy acceptance, and generosity, cloud her common sense. He was just washing you off last night, and being kind. It wasn’t an invitation to explore him.

  Before Tytus turned away, June noticed the bulge tenting his kilt. She quickly diverted her eyes.

  Oh, wow. Maybe he wasn’t exactly offended.

  June cast a naughty grin at Tytus’ back, as she followed him into the lab.

  Seriously June? You don’t get excited by a single man on New Earth, but you’re with this giant beast of a man for all of a day, and you turn into a hound dog. He’s a man, that’s just a normal bodily function. It doesn’t mean he wants some weird alien girl pawing him, June reprimanded herself. You know next to nothing about their culture and norms. Don’t embarrass yourself or inadvertently violate some taboo.

  A mere five minutes later June’s resolve was tested as Tytus helped her into something reminiscent of a dental chair, and attached the monitor to her head.

  “Just identify the things you see as they appear on the screen.”

  Tytus leaned over her to make an adjustment, and June had to consciously resist reaching out to trace the eight-pack on his stomach.

  God created that vee of muscles pointing towards his crotch to taunt me. I just know it.

  She clenched the armrests on the chair, till her knuckles turned white. He was an impressive specimen of masculinity. June was drawn to him. Tytus even smelled good. The scent reminded her of sandalwood, musky, deep and enthralling. June licked her lips as the desire to kiss him struck her hard.

  “I can do that,” June replied to his instructions. She hoped he hadn’t caught her ogling him.

  “June you’re flushed and your heart rate is elevated. Are you feeling well?” Tytus asked as he looked from June to the vitals monitor.

  What is wrong with you? Stop acting like you’ve never seen an attractive man. If you can’t help, he has no use for you.

  “I’m fine. Let’s see those pictures.”

  Tytus quo Munitor

  Several minutes passed and Tytus became worried. June’s heart rate stayed elevated and her temperature had also risen. She fidgeted in the chair,
looking uncomfortable, as she named off the things displayed on the screen.

  “It’s a tree. A yellow tree. A leafy yellow tree.”

  “Let’s take a break. I know you said you are fine, but are you certain you feel well?” Tytus asked.

  June’s heart rate jumped as she glanced at him, with wide eyes.

  “I’m good,” June said curtly then looked away again. She refused to make eye contact with him.

  “June, do I frighten you?” Tytus frowned.

  He shouldn’t have growled at her when she touched his tail. June had only been curious. She didn’t know what a female touching a male’s tail implied.

  “No,” she exclaimed, her expression surprised.

  Tytus approached June and her heart rate went even higher. He recalled her screaming in fear the night before and stopped.

  “I won’t hurt you, and I vow that no one will.” Tytus placed his fist to his bare chest and bowed.

  “Tytus, I promise I’m not afraid of you.” June licked her lips. “I mean you’re huge and have more muscles than I’ve ever seen,” June babbled.

  “Ah, you’re nervous because I’m so different. I understand. Any new species takes some getting used to, particularly a Cadi warrior.”

  Tytus didn’t like the idea that he made June uncomfortable. That was the exact opposite of what he wanted.

  “Sort of, I guess. Do you think I’m weird?”

  “No. You’re not weird. Although I’m more familiar with your species, than you are of mine. Your discomfort is understandable, since you’re still getting used to the existence of other races, where I’ve known about them my entire life. I do find it a bit worrisome how petite you humans are.”

  “Petite. Ha. I’m 5’ 7”. That’s not petite. And I refuse to mention my weight.”

  “You are curvier than Cadi females, but many warriors find that very appealing.”

  Tytus recalled the way June felt in his arms when he bathed her. As far he was concerned, Kali did not make a finer specimen of femininity. He may not chase females all the time, like a beast in rut, but he wasn’t blind.

  “I think it’s your human assertiveness, tenacity and ambition that intrigues me more though.”

  “Well thank you, Tytus. You’re not so bad yourself.” June touched his hand lightly as she smiled.

  Anytime June touched him, Tytus couldn’t think straight. He pictured peeling the cloak off her and doing unspeakable things to her delectable body. A twisted dark part of him wanted to make her cry out in pleasure. Tytus shook his head.

  No wonder Cadi females are so reticent. We males are clearly disturbed. June was looking for reassurance, and your thoughts drift to mounting her every other minute. She’s probably unnerved because she can sense that about you.

  Tytus promised he would never hurt June, and yet the things he contemplated would do just that.

  “So, would you like to continue?” Tytus asked, as he stepped back from her chair.

  June nodded.

  He was glad she was more at ease after their conversation, even if he wasn’t.

  June

  “Here. Have a seat,” Tytus offered, as he pulled another stool in front of his desk.

  “No thanks. That stool is just a little too high.”

  “I’ll have to find one that has a foot rest for you.”

  June stood by his side, while Tytus loaded her test results into the computer. June only paid half attention as he commented on how many similarities there were between her results and the Toufik. What they’d discussed earlier, kept flitting through her mind.

  He said many warriors find curvy human females attractive. That doesn’t mean he finds you attractive. But he referred to himself as a warrior and got hard when I touched his tail. That seems pretty conclusive. No, you’re grasping at straws. God, I hate this ‘do you like me as much as I like you’ game. I’ve never been good at this.

  June shifted on her feet. She was standing so close to Tytus, her arm was pressed into his. She wanted to run her fingers over the scar on his bicep, and trace his swirling tattoos.

  He said he likes human assertiveness. Maybe I need to do just that, be a little more assertive. June mulled over the idea.

  “This is wonderful. Look here. This is where you were confused when I showed you one of the Jurou Biljana vessels,” Tytus pointed out.

  “Those are the reptile slavers, right?”

  June took the opportunity to rest her hand on his shoulder, as she leaned in to look at the screen. It was an innocent gesture, and not at the same time. June figured if she pushed a little he’d get the hint or shrug her off.

  Tytus glanced at her briefly, then back at the screen.

  “Yes. Like the Toufik refugees, you identify the various vessels in a similar manner, assigning them a generic designation as a spaceship. However, this thought here, shows that you’ve given the Miran Sona and Jurou Biljana ships a cognitive qualifier. That identifier matches the Toufik’s as well.” Tytus pointed to another blip on the screen. Tytus turned towards June, the excitement over the discovery danced in his eyes. “What else were you thinking when you looked at these two vessels?”

  “Well, the Miran Sona ship kinda reminds me of a flying metal egg with that big round dome in the center. And the reptile people fly a dull gray wedge, or triangle shape.”

  “That’s great. I was looking for individual signals, when clearly it’s a series of signals that equate to the unrecognizable objects you encounter.” Tytus excitedly flagged the result.

  June decided to step up the incidental contact just a bit. She circled behind Tytus, making sure she brushed up against his tail and back, as she switched sides. His back stiffened ever so slightly, and a muscle twitched in his jaw.

  “Do you mind,” she asked, as she reached towards the tablet on the desk.

  “Of course.”

  Her hand grazed his much larger one, as she moved her finger over the tablet surface. Tytus lingered for a moment before pulling his hand away.

  That’s encouraging.

  June cast him a smile, making pointed eye contact for just long enough that it was obvious, but not creepy. She might have batted her lashes coyly, before turning her attention to the screen.

  “My identification of the reptile vessel matches these Toufik, but not these Toufik,” she moved the pointer on-screen. “Why?”

  “Um,” Tytus turned from her, and looked back at the screen. “Oh, those Toufik are familiar with the Jurou Biljana. They’re not new to Cadi. That’s been part of my problem. It seems the brain creates a new signal as it becomes familiar with the things in its environment,”

  “A form of neural shorthand. It’s the transition between generic noun to proper noun,” June nodded. The information was interesting, though not as interesting as the man analyzing it. “I was never into languages back home. But how it translates to electrical signals is fascinating.”

  “It is. Isn’t it?”

  When Tytus smiled, it transformed his face entirely. Her heart jumped at the sight.

  June spun putting her back to his desk. She was positioned right in front of him. Tytus’ eyes travelled from the monitor to her face. June watched his eyes rove her body quickly, before meeting her gaze again.

  “So, tell me, Tytus,” June emphasized his name, as she toyed with the belt on her robe.

  “Yes,” his voice came out deep.

  “You do know it’s been a long time since we ate breakfast.” June leaned forward, showing off a bit of cleavage. “Do you plan to feed me, Tytus?”

  “Food. Yes.” Tytus jumped up, knocking his stool backward. “You’ve only been eating fruit. I need to make you a proper meal.”

  Tytus quickly headed towards his apartment. June wanted to groan. Her innuendo had been completely lost on him.

  If I showed off these puppies to a man on Earth and suggestively insisted he needed to feed me, he would’ve been on me like white on rice, June huffed. This is just like when I was hiding. Wha
t can I do to get his attention, short of jumping on top of him and crying ride me cowboy?

  What are you trying to accomplish with your pathetic attempt at flirting anyway? June didn’t really know. She just knew she was attracted to Tytus.

  Tytus quo Munitor

  “Sorry, I didn’t realize that it’s past final meal. I am not sure what I have in here,” Tytus related over his shoulder as he looked through his supplies.

  You don’t have enough for a single decent meal in here. How could you forget to see to her needs? You may not be June’s formal protector, but that is what you are at the moment. And you’re doing a pathetic job of it so far. While you’re preoccupied with thoughts of mounting her, she’s starving.

  “I just need a little protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.” June stepped close to him, her hand patting his arm as she spoke.

  His thoughts again shifted to what it would be like to have those delicate hands roam his body. Tytus shook off the notion as he located some preserved meats, grain wafers and root vegetables.

  Maybe another warrior would be better suited as June’s protector. You can’t even keep a constant train of thought around her. His inner beast snarled at the candid admission. Stop acting like an untried youth and get the food plated.

  “Have a seat,” Tytus suggested. “We’ve been working on my project, but you must have your own exciting ideas,” Tytus encouraged June to tell him about herself. He hoped it would also provide a distraction to things he shouldn’t be considering.

  Tytus watched as June related how she worked for an institution that brought much needed energy to people without power. That was a simple enough concept, but what intrigued Tytus was how the humans used play to drive the mechanism. It was a novel combination of need and motivation.

  June’s face lit up as she described how her job fulfilled a deep-seated need to help others. Tytus was enraptured as he watched her. She was exquisite. Her hands moved in excitement. Her pert little nose scrunched up, and her brown eyes twinkled. He felt almost as if he were a part of her projects.

  She’s like a female version of me, he grinned.