Warrior's Paradox (Cadi Warriors Book 3)

by Stephanie West

  Tytus stared critically at the tiny warrior. Sabin’s comment and the way he reverently held Graca, were at odds. The little male looked adoringly at Graca, as he whispered and played with her tiny hands. Graca seemed just as enamored with Sabin, her big blue eyes following his every move. It seemed doubtful Sabin was prejudiced against his new sibling.

  Who knows what goes on in the minds of little ones, Tytus shook his head. He could barely tease out his own thoughts lately.

  “Come on. Cyprian and the other warriors are waiting in the council room,” Kagan said.

  Tytus followed the Daimio out of the medical suite, then through the halls of the manor.

  “So, is Sabin having issues with his new sister?” Tytus asked.

  “He refuses to acknowledge her as his sibling. He’s stated more than once that she’s his female,” Kagan chuckled. “The way he talks about her, you would think he’s found his mate.”

  That certainly explained the young male’s contrary claim. Tytus did not envy Kagan once the little pair reached maturity. Then again that might solve the debate about who would rightfully ascend to the position of Daimio, when Kagan retired. Many believed he would pass the position to his blooded young rather than Sabin. While others didn’t think a hybrid should inherit the title. Only time would tell.

  Tytus and Kagan found the three warriors and a Toufik conversing around the oblong table, when they arrived in the council room. The four males stood respectfully, then bowed to Kagan with a fist pressed to their chests.

  “Greetings Daimio. I was just relaying to Ashtoret, Vintor and Thunder, that I’ve located a vessel suitable for our needs. It’s a province over, near Thietmar,” Cyprian related.

  “Tytus, you are familiar with Ashtoret and Vintor, but have you met Thunder?” Kagan inquired as he gestured to the blonde Toufik male. “Thunder is related to Stone. He’s alpha of the clan near Thietmar.”

  Tytus knew Ashtoret well. They both served on the same ship, when the Toufik were rescued. And Vintor was the captain of another vessel, on the same mission. But Thunder was new to him.

  “No, we haven’t met,” Tytus replied, then made the hand gesture to greet Thunder.

  Thunder greeted him in return.

  “This is the vessel I located outside Thietmar.” Cyprian pointed to the holo-screen once introductions were made.

  “What are you hoping to accomplish with it?” Tytus studied the image wearing a frown. The cruiser looked like it hadn’t seen action in over a decade. “It has seen better days.”

  “So have most of the vessels scattered throughout Cadi’s salvage yards,” Kagan smirked.

  “We can’t use the vessels we commandeered from the Jurou Biljana. We also can’t use the handful that were part of the Vidya Cadi or Scelus Cadi fleet. They are too recognizable. But we still need something that can hold numerous Toufik and get us to the southern continent,” Cyprian reasoned.

  “I guess I’ve worked miracles with less,” Tytus conceded. “It will take some work, if you expect it to get into orbit though.”

  “You only need to get it to the southern continent.”

  “That’s where I come in,” Vintor spoke up.

  “Vintor was one of Madhava’s men,” Kagan reminded Tytus.

  “We assume the dissidents abducting the Toufik are Scelus Cadi, since Chekil is in the heart of their territory. With Vintor being Scelus Cadi, it will make introductions easier,” Cyprian added. “I’m going to pose as a disgruntled former general, turned merchant. I will convince them I’m interested in purging the Toufik from my territory. For profit, of course.”

  “I will provide the Toufik bait,” Thunder gestured. “My clan is eager to help.”

  “If we find the Toufik are being taken off-world, like we suspect, then my kin can provide additional parts and labor to get the ship into space. They run a salvage yard not far from where we’re heading,” Vintor informed him.

  “What exactly will I be doing once we reach the southern continent?” Tytus asked.

  “While Cyprian and Vintor are attempting to contact the smuggling dissidents, you and Ashtoret will investigate and interview the Toufik refugees at the camp, since that’s where the bulk of the recent abductions occurred. By the way, how is your translator coming?” Kagan inquired.

  “I think I may have had a break through,” Tytus replied, though he didn’t mention June had helped him.

  “Good,” Kagan nodded. “I also want some way that everyone can be tracked. I don’t want anyone else going missing,” he insisted.

  Tytus closed his eyes, as he debated what it would take to accomplish this growing list of demands. Very quickly this was becoming quite an undertaking. Cadi’s resources were limited at best, even in Sargon. And access to the things he would need became scarce the further he got from the capital city. He had to quickly think of, and acquire, all the supplies he might need. And that was only half his problem.

  “And you want to leave in the morning?” Tytus confirmed as he scrubbed a hand through his hair.

  “Yes,” Kagan replied. “I have faith in you.”

  “Thank you, Daimio. I better get back to my lab then.” Tytus replied, guilt lashing his conscious from Kagan’s compliment.

  As Tytus left the manor his mind was in turmoil. He couldn’t leave June alone. He needed to discuss several things with her, and figure out how to solve the problem his conjugo mark caused. At the same time, he needed to plan the technological side of a risky mission. It was imperative to the security of Cadi that they discover who these smugglers were.

  No pressure there.

  June

  June stood staring at the control panel by the door.

  Surely, he should be back by now, June worried as her hand hovered near the red button. What are you saying? Tytus has a life.

  June stepped back from the tempting red sensor, that would contact Tytus. There wasn’t an emergency. She hadn’t managed to set the lab on fire, or flooded the bathroom. And she wasn’t painfully horny, like she’d been this morning, though she was feeling lingering twinges of need. More than anything, she missed the big Cadi warrior.

  You drove him off. He probably needs a break from you.

  He was worried he’d hurt her. He probably could. Tytus had been unhinged, when she scurried from the lab. Just the thought of him made her shiver. She wasn’t scared of him. Tytus excited and stirred something deep inside of her. But he had been repressing an intense side that shocked her. June reminded herself that she knew very little about Cadi.

  Tytus is right. I need to respect his concern. It’s completely valid.

  June didn’t want to keep scaring Tytus off. She wanted the friendship they’d discovered to blossom. June didn’t want Tytus to keep her around because he felt obligated to service her. June decided the next time the need gripped her, she’d repress herself no matter what it took.

  Just don’t scratch yourself to pieces, June noted as she looked at the marks on her palms.

  There was a sound at the door and June jumped. Relief struck her when Tytus walked in. She almost hugged him she was so happy, till she saw the expression on his face.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked as she approached him.

  “Not really, but how are you doing?”

  “I am fine. What’s wrong?”

  “Have a seat, we need to talk.”

  “Okay.”

  June didn’t like the sound of that. When people said that phrase it meant bad news. She’d crossed the whole of the universe and somehow those four words remained the same.

  “June, when I bit you, it had bigger implications than I’ve been able to express,” Tytus began, as he paced.

  “And,” June said with a furrowed brow.

  “How do I say this?” Tytus ran a hand through his black hair, looking nervous.

  “Just say it, please.”

  He was starting to scare her.

  “I mated you,” Tytus stated quickly.

  June’
s eyes widened.

  “Repeat that.”

  “I bound you to me. Per Cadi tradition we are mated, though there’s a formal ceremony that would recognize the bond.”

  A dozen awful things had flitted through June’s mind. She thought Tytus learned his bite was poisonous to humans. That would’ve been quite a way to die, desperately horny.

  “Is that all?” June giggled, as relief instantly overwhelmed her.

  “Did you hear me? I mated you without your consent,” Tytus repeated.

  He took hold of June’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes. The serious expression on his face was sobering.

  “I heard. I thought you were going to tell me something horrible, like I’m dying.”

  “No, but till the effects of the conjugo bite wear off, you may feel like you’re dying.”

  “I’m guessing there’s no solution for that.”

  “Not that I’m willing to try.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I think you know what I mean,” Tytus said as he stared at her pointedly.

  He was implying he would have to have sex with her, for her to find true lasting relief.

  “Oh, that.”

  As everything sunk in, a part of June was shocked to learn that she was somehow mated to this large alien male. Being tied to someone wasn’t something she wanted forced on her. It was one of the reasons she’d been so angry about the Miran Sona abducting her. Yet the idea of being with Tytus didn’t upset her the same way. Despite their differences, they were similar in the ways that counted. On top of that he was sexy as hell.

  “So, when the effect from your bite wears off, what does that mean? Are we still mated?” June asked nervously.

  If this unusual mating could be so easily created, then it reasoned that it could just as simply be undone. That bothered her. June hadn’t known Tytus long, but she’d grown very fond of him. She refused to believe what sparked between them was fleeting.

  “I am sorry, but you will always bear my claim.”

  “Oh.” June tucked her head with a smile. June then frowned as a thought occurred to her. Perhaps Tytus didn’t want to be mated to some strange alien girl. Getting along, and being attracted to her, was different from wanting to mate her. “So, you’re stuck with me, a woman you can’t have relations with.” June had to repress the quiver in her voice.

  Tytus scowled, as he looked at her with serious black eyes. He took her face in his large hands.

  “I am not stuck with you.” Tytus ran a hand through June’s hair. His expression turned tender. “It is my honor to be mated to such a stunning, intelligent female.”

  Tytus’ reassurance, had June elated. He wanted her, and she wanted him. June stood on her tiptoes, but was still too short to reach his mouth.

  “Bend down here. I need to kiss you.”

  “Has the need returned?” Tytus asked with concern, as he bent towards her.

  “No. A woman should be able to kiss her mate.”

  June smiled as she wrapped her arms around Tytus’ neck.

  “I think I like this human tradition.” Tytus grinned.

  June pressed her lips against his. It wasn’t a kiss filled with desperate need, like their first, but it was imbued with all the hope and promise June felt inside. Tytus palmed the back of June’s head as he deepened their kiss. His tongue speared into her mouth, exploring, savoring. June tasted that spicy flavor, the chemical expression of his desire for her. She half moaned, half sighed as his tongue twined with hers.

  June repressed a frustrated whine when Tytus broke their kiss.

  It was just getting good.

  “We will figure this out, just as the other warriors have with their human females,” Tytus encouraged, after seeing her disappointed moue.

  June was suddenly confused.

  “Wait. There are other human women here? And they’re mated with Cadi?”

  “Yes, two. It is how I am familiar with your species and the Miran Sona.”

  “And do they have sex?” June blurted the question.

  She hated coming back to that topic, like some sort of perverted broken record, but it was important.

  “I would assume, since our leader’s mate just bore a child.”

  “So, we’re compatible?” June’s head swam.

  “Yes, we are very compatible,” Tytus smiled down at her.

  “Then why are you so worried?”

  “June, you are very small,” he said as his eyes roved her body. “And I’m rather large.”

  When men made that comment, woman usually snickered. But in Tytus’ case, he wasn’t exaggerating.

  “Oh, Yeah,” June blushed. How could I forget.

  “Warriors can also be aggressive with their need. I don’t know how the other males manage with their females.” Tytus shook his head. “I’ve been in battle since I came of age, but the idea of hurting you frightens me more than any of those forays.”

  “That’s sweet. Thank you.” June rubbed his forearm. The thought of him being in battle freaked her out. “So, when do I get to meet these two humans, or anyone for that matter?” she asked, shifting the subject away from sex and war. They would figure it out, like he said, and hearing there were other human woman encouraged her.

  “That’s another problem. I haven’t told anyone you’re here yet,” Tytus cringed. “Although I think my Daimio would be understanding, I don’t know if he’s willing to risk the alliance with the Miran Sona. They weren’t very happy when they relinquished Providence.”

  Based on the guilty expression Tytus wore, this was a serious problem.

  “Well, the M’s can’t turn me into some baby factory for their freaky version of Eden. I refuse. I’ll raise holy hell, if they force me to go back,” she insisted with a stomp of her foot.

  “No one will take you from me,” Tytus growled vehemently. “I will find a way to solve this. There is one positive.”

  “What is that?”

  “Since I marked you, other warriors won’t be fighting to be your Prime protector.”

  “I don’t understand.” June tilted her head in confusion.

  “Before I gave you the conjugo mark, you would’ve been considered an unattached female. You would’ve needed a protector, to look out for you. Because many Cadi warriors find human females desirable, dozens of males would have vied for the honor to be your Prime protector. I would have competed for the right, but might not have won.”

  “I wouldn’t have been able to choose?” June asked.

  “Yes, you could choose. But because you are new to Cadi, it would be assumed that a competition is warranted. It’s as much a tradition as it is law. The competition shows an unattached female she is not alone, as well as the worthiness of the male who wins.”

  “So, it’s a cultural thing. Well I’m glad we unwittingly dodged that bullet.”

  June could understand part of the tradition, but she’d still feel like a trophy, if men competed over her. Besides, she’d met Tytus first, and fallen for him. She couldn’t imagine being handed over to some random guy.

  “Are you saying, you want me over a horde of other eager males?” Tytus smiled sardonically at her.

  “Yes.” June grinned and shoved Tytus playfully, with a roll of her eyes. “We’re smart, we can figure out how to deal with the Miran Sona without ruining the alliance. Just like we’ll figure out our physical differences.”

  “That is not all.”

  “Oh hell, what else?” June braced herself.

  “Do you recall when I explained that we believe the reptile species is behind the abduction of the Toufik?”

  “Yes.”

  “My Daimio is sending me on a mission to the southern continent. I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish everything by morning, and I refuse to leave you behind,” Tytus grimaced.

  “Morning, wow, okay. I guess we better get to it then.”

  Tytus smiled and nodded.

  June listened as he explained all the chal
lenges they were facing with the mission. She was excited at the prospect of helping Tytus with something so important. This was what she lived for; using her tech savviness and problem solving skills to make a difference in people’s lives.

  June made a list, as Tytus rattled off supplies and tasks. She was on her fifth page when a silly grin spread across her face.

  “What?” Tytus asked.

  “I was just thinking how we took all of a minute to discuss being mated, before getting to work. We really do belong together.”

  “That is true,” Tytus chuckled. “We are well matched. I am a lucky male.”

  “I love a challenge. It’s exciting.”

  “It is.” He squeezed her shoulder.

  “Alright, back at it. We have a lot to do.”

  “Yes marita.” Tytus pressed his fist to his chest and gave her a formal bow.

  While Tytus made several calls on his handheld communicator, June packed the gear, tools and supplies they gathered in the lab. It took several trips to the warehouse hangar before they had everything loaded.

  “These are such strange vehicles,” June commented, as they set several boxes in a hovering trailer. The cart was attached to a vehicle that reminded her of an overgrown ski-doo. “It’s like a floating chariot.”

  The vehicle had a rounded chassis, with sides that came up to Tytus’ waist. At the front, where the controls were, a driver could either sit or stand. At least two more people could sit on a bench compartment behind the pilot.

  “The rota is very versatile. Besides the battle manx, it was the most common vehicle we used during the war.”

  “I can’t imagine a civil war lasting for hundreds of years.” June shook her head in amazement.

  “Giselle said your people are very familiar with war.”

  “I guess you’re right, but not usually the whole planet all at once. And we did take breaks in between our various disagreements.”

  “Our people were at peace before the war. I hope we remain at peace, now it has ceased. Cadi sacrificed too much.” Tytus frowned, and June wondered if he was recalling the battles he’d been part of.