Warrior's Paradox (Cadi Warriors Book 3)

by Stephanie West

  “So, the Daimio sent his warriors here to investigate the abductions,” Sundara began.

  “Fire informed you correctly,” June replied.

  “Good. It is a situation that warrants attention.” Sundara considered June for a minute before continuing. “What do you know about all that has happened on Cadi, since your people arrived?” Sundara asked.

  “Your war ended. Daimio Kagan freed the Toufik, and rescued the rest from their planet. Some people on both sides are unhappy about this, and abductions have occurred on the southern continent,” June replied.

  “That sums it up, but it is a bit more complicated. Many Cadi believe the sun rises and sets around them alone, as if we are the only species in existence.”

  Metcor made a gesture to Sundara. Her eyes widened in response to whatever he said.

  “Interesting. So, the Cadi warrior is your mate. Do you believe he has accepted you, even though you are foreign?” Sundara asked with a quizzical tilt of her head.

  “Yes,” June replied, wondering where this was leading. June pulled aside her cloak to show Tytus’ bite.

  “He gave you the conjugo mark. A Cadi warrior is only driven to do that, if he’s found his true mate.” Sundara nodded. “So, you have bonded and your mate has accepted you. But what do you think about the rest of Cadi?”

  June considered her interactions with the Cadi she’d met so far. Their treatment of her spanned the spectrum. The Cadi who met humans, didn’t look at her like she had two heads, and weren’t terribly shocked when she did something unexpected. But when she did surprise them, it was because she shattered some preconceived notion of what woman should or could do.

  “Be blunt. I can see you have an opinion. I have heard that human females are warriors, despite their size,” Sundara stated. “I have also heard you speak your mind, even if it is contradictory to your warrior or popular opinion.”

  “She is a little warrior. She attempted to attack me,” Stigand interjected, looking offended.

  Considering he’d abducted her, June didn’t feel real sorry for him.

  Metcor gestured something and Sundara laughed.

  “Thank you for saving my little brother from the fearsome human,” Sundara snickered as she grabbed the gray Toufik’s hand and smiled at him.

  “Hey, she was hiding a blade in her cloak,” Stigand groused.

  June almost smiled. They were clearly mocking the young warrior for being surprised by her. Then again that was a perfect example of what June had experienced on Cadi. Actually, it happened on Earth too. People tended to pigeon hole others. It was a sad habit.

  “You said be blunt, so, I apologize if I offend. Stigand assumed I wasn’t dangerous, because why, I’m small and female? There are many females on my planet who are trained fighters. Among my kind, we have reached an era where we have gained independence, not from males, but like males,” June tried to explain. “On my planet, in my region, both males and females are encouraged to pursue careers in whatever interests them. We are encouraged to know how to perform roles that were once viewed as purely male or female. So, that means you have women who fight and men who don’t. And of course, it branches out from there.”

  “This difference in thinking, and how you were raised, means your females are far more like our males in demeanor,” Sundara stated. “I can only imagine how you’ve been received so far.”

  “It chafes to be treated like a helpless woman, who can’t possibly be capable of helping herself. That somehow my anatomy means I don’t know my own mind or which end is up.”

  Sundara snorted, and had to cover her mouth to keep from spitting out her wine.

  “Chafe. That is a good description,” Sundara replied. “I think your presence here is going to be good for Cadi.”

  June considered Sundara. The female had done most of the talking. It hadn’t really seemed odd to June, but considering their discussion about Cadi society, perhaps her demeanor was out of character.

  “You know, you don’t seem terribly shy yourself,” June said to the female.

  She recalled that Sundara was the former warlord’s consort. A position like that had to embolden a female.

  “I am in my home, speaking with another female,” Sundara glossed over the comment. “So, your warrior, he treats you well? And you don’t mind being mated to a male not of your species?”

  June wondered if Sundara was baiting her into saying something negative about Cadi or Tytus.

  “Despite being different, I find him handsome. Plus, Tytus and I have similar interests, and he listens to my input.” June smiled. “He can be a bit overprotective, but in general, he’s been a life saver. On our way here, Tytus killed this nasty little snake that looked like a vine. I didn’t even see it.”

  She didn’t add it was Tytus’ attempts to protect her from himself, that drove her nuts. That detail was personal.

  “The jaculus are rather nasty. Like the metcor, they are one of the hazards of the jungle.”

  The gray Toufik, made a gesture.

  “Yes, Metcor, you are a hazard of the jungle,” Sundara demurred. “Metcor was named after the giant ferocious beasts, but I would say that he is twice as dangerous when threatened.” Her expression softened as she spoke to the Toufik male. “It is good you are happy with your male.”

  “As much as I appreciate the food and conversation, how long do you plan on holding us? We will be missed,” June informed the trio.

  “We will make sure word reached the Daimio’s other warrior. As I said, what occurred today was an error on our part. I’m sure you can understand that we are wary of unknown Cadi, considering recent event. We couldn’t leave you vulnerable after what we had done. I also couldn’t just return you to the camp, and leave you thinking the worst of us.”

  “You could have returned us to camp, and explained what happened,” June retorted.

  “We are not welcome at the camp. Feroze has these notions about us. Considering what we did to you, this would be another misunderstanding he would level against us.”

  Do ya think? The regent stated he was suspicious of the siblings. This situation didn’t help their case any.

  “Feroze has inspected the plantation on many occasions. He has seen with his own eyes that the Toufik here are not slaves,” Stigand growled.

  June recalled how animated the Toufik were, when she arrived at the estate. The atmosphere felt easy and light, unlike back at the camp. That spoke volumes.

  Then again, it was possible she’d witnessed trusted or favored Toufik. There could always be others locked away somewhere. Even in Earth’s history, slaves took opportunities to celebrate when the masters were away.

  June looked at Metcor, sitting at the same table with them. That seemed uncharacteristic, if he was a slave. She noticed his hand beneath the table. Sundara’s hand wasn’t visible either. They sat so close, Sundara was practically in Metcor’s lap.

  A light suddenly went off in June’s head.

  “Tell me Sundara, how long have you been mated to Metcor?” June asked.

  The large gray Toufik looked at June in shock, and Sundara’s eyes widened.

  “Don’t look so surprised that I figured it out. You were feeling me out with your questions about how I feel mated to a foreign race, because that’s what you’ve got going on here. I’m not blind.” June pointed to the way they sat so close holding hands under the table.

  “You’re correct. I was gauging your stance,” Sundara replied with a hesitant smile.

  “I’m also guessing this isn’t a relationship that is readily accepted.”

  “No, not among the Cadi,” Sundara laughed bitterly. “If Metcor and I didn’t have to hide, Feroze would cease to suspect us of these crimes.”

  “Our father purchased Metcor when we were youth. He gained a place of favor when he saved my sister from one of the beasts that bears his name,” Stigand explained.

  “We’ve been inseparable since then,” Sundara said as she smiled at Metcor.
“Please understand this can go no further than this table.”

  “Why? The Toufik are free now?”

  June’s question was born of curiosity over the specifics. She wasn’t a total moron. It was simple enough to conceive a foreign race, who used to be slaves, wouldn’t be accepted as Sundara’s mate.

  “Females on Cadi are beholden to their males, be it their family or their Prime and Second. I can’t even own this plantation, though there’s no recorded law against it. Still, no Cadi would work with me, or buy our dulcis, if they knew I was in charge, much less mated to Metcor.”

  June frowned. Sundara was filling in pieces about Cadi society, and the picture that was forming wasn’t encouraging. She’d had her suspicions, but hearing it stated so matter of fact was like a bucket of cold water.

  June lifted her glass and took a big swig of vinum.

  “During the war, males competed, trying to win my favor. They wanted my father’s land and influence, and they thought to gain it through me. The extent some of them went was frightening. Once my father was killed in the war, the predators descended. One then another of my uncles died under mysterious circumstances, as suitors vied for my attention. If Stigand hadn’t come of age, I would’ve been forced to take a Prime.”

  “That’s awful,” June declared.

  “All that stopped when the rumor began that I was being courted by Vigdis. And I’m happy the rumor is still holding the warriors at bay. But I fear it won’t be long before the suitors return. That makes me fear for Stigand’s life,” Sundara swallowed hard. “But you see, even if all of Cadi accepted the Toufik as equals, there would still be those who would want Metcor out of the way, to get to me. And for what? A few handfuls of dirt.”

  Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

  There had to be a way to help Sundara, Metcor and Stigand.

  “Have you broached this with Feroze?” June asked.

  “That male tolerates the changes on Cadi. That doesn’t mean he likes them, or is friends with the Toufik he’s supposed to watch over. I wouldn’t trust him with my life or anyone else’s,” Stigand stated.

  “Feroze is stuck in his ways. I just don’t feel he’s capable of adequately protecting my brother or Metcor.” Sundara shook her head sadly. “I hoped when we donated our land for the colony, the Toufik would be safer here than elsewhere in the province.”

  “Feroze should’ve placed more guards at the camp, but of course he realized the problem too late. He’s more concerned with the economy of the province and building up Bremin.”

  It was obvious Stigand didn’t think much of Feroze.

  Everyone started eating so June helped herself to a plate of food and more wine. As she nibbled, she considered all that she’d learned.

  Yes, Sundara and Stigand ran a large plantation that housed a lot of Toufik. However, based on what June witnessed, they weren’t slavers. Feroze was jumping to conclusions with his accusations. The regent was undoubtedly worried how the abductions reflected on him. He seemed proud like that.

  June couldn’t help but circle around to what Sundara said about the social disparity on Cadi. There had been a time on Earth, when women were locked in mental institutions for being too outspoken or uppity. Even as late as the 70’s, woman couldn’t get credit or a mortgage. Not to mention, the people who still looked down on mixed relationships.

  The more June mulled it over, the more she drank. And the more she drank, the more pissed off she got. She was a foreigner on Cadi, and she was female. It was a double whammy. This was as much her problem as it was Sundara and Metcor’s.

  “You know Sundara, I say screw all those people who don’t want to accept us,” June announced.

  Her declaration came out louder than intended.

  Metcor slapped the table in amusement at her outburst.

  “I agree,” Sundara snorted. “But it is harder to change a whole people.”

  “I know, and lives are on the line. It just ticks me off. Maybe Daimio Kagan can do something.”

  “He has, he freed Metcor and his people. From what I understand that was due in part to your people and your views. Many eyes were opened during the final days of the great war. But I don’t envy the Daimio any. He has taken a great risk liberating the Toufik. That is a rather massive battle. I think there would be all out revolt if he attempted to rebuild our clan structure as well.”

  Rome wasn’t built in a day, June sighed.

  “I understand, believe me. My people faced these hurdles not that long ago, and in some ways, we still are. It takes time. And you’re right, Kagan can’t be asked to take the brunt of it all,” June relayed, as she thought about what her own role was in all of this. “On my world, there have been brave women who were pioneers for our gender,” June said as she teased out the problem in her mind. “I don’t think they sought to be some sort of hero, or to open doors for our sex. They did what they did out of necessity. But in doing so, they paved the way for others.”

  June never realized how lucky she had been on Earth, and still was. Tytus might be overprotective, but he wasn’t a chauvinist. She could’ve found herself at the mercy of some truly unsavory Cadi male.

  “Perhaps you are right. Perhaps it’s time I stop living in fear and fight for what I want,” Sundara considered June shrewdly.

  “We must be, who we are compelled to be. But as you said, there will be risk,” June warned.

  “But what I would gain, would be worth it.” Sundara took Metcor’s hand.

  “Don’t forget you have us, to support you,” Stigand reminded his sister.

  June smiled at the affection Stigand and Metcor showed Sundara. June felt hopeful. Like Tytus supported her, Sundara had her family’s backing. That would go a long way.

  “Well, it’s growing late, and you probably are anxious to see your mate. He should awaken soon, if he’s not already. Please understand that we have left him bound for the night, until we have a chance to apologize and convince him we mean no harm.”

  June understood. Tytus would want to get her out of here as fast as his legs could carry him, before hearing Sundara and Stigand’s side of things.

  As June stood to follow Sundara, she stumbled. She’d had more wine than she probably should have.

  “We are up the stairs should you need anything. Again, sorry for how we met, but it has been an honor,” Sundara said, then left.

  When June opened the bedroom door she almost giggled. Tytus was sitting in bed, his hands bound to the headboard, and an incredibly groggy, yet sour expression on his face.

  “June, you are safe.” Tytus’ tense shoulders relaxed.

  “You poor thing.” June frowned as she climbed on the bed beside him. He was worried and uncomfortable. “How are you?”

  “Fine,” Tytus growled as he attempted to stretch his arms.

  June looked at his restraints, to see if she could undo them. I’ll just convince him to spend the night. Unfortunately, the shackles took some sort of key. She couldn’t even loosen them.

  June ran her hand over Tytus’ stomach, where he’d been darted. He looked fine, no bruising or major scrapes.

  Thank goodness.

  “Tytus, I don’t think these people are bad. They darted you because they thought you were an intruder,” June began explaining what she’d learned.

  “Well I’m not, so they can undo these. This is not a good way to prove one’s innocence. They’ve also taken my handheld,” he growled.

  “Yes, but I have spoken with them, and can tell you there are more variables to this situation than we realized. I like Sundara, and the Toufik I’ve seen are happy here. They’re worried you’re going to jump to conclusions before they can explain things.”

  “You have been consuming alcohol,” Tytus accused with one brow raised.

  “I have, and no it’s not clouding my judgement. To think, I just told them how you listen to me,” June scowled at him.

  “I do listen, but look at me.” Tytus ratt
led his arms against the headboard.

  “Do you listen to me?” June asked. “You’ve worried about hurting me, even though every time you touch me I’ve enjoyed it, and have said as much.”

  “June, this is not the place for this debate.”

  “Really? I’m certain we are safe, and we are finally alone. I think it’s the perfect time to discuss this.”

  Although, June didn’t really plan on doing a lot of talking. She admired Tytus all tied up. He couldn’t push her away or retreat. She’d had just enough wine to calm her nerves, making this the perfect occasion to get past the final hurdle in their relationship.

  “Sundara and I were just discussing how some things in life are worth risk. I’m ready to take some of those risks, Tytus.”

  June shifted Tytus’ knee, then sat on her feet, between his splayed legs. Very slowly she undid the belt on her robe and opened it.

  “June what are you doing?”

  “Oh, I think you know, big guy. You tied me up last time, but now it’s my turn.”

  June exposed her breasts and kneaded them. She wanted Tytus desperately. The waiting had been maddening. June placed her index finger to her lips, then sucked it into her mouth, as she stared Tytus boldly in the eyes. June ran her finger down her chest and circled one puckered nipple.

  Tytus let out a deep rumble and bared his fangs, when she pinched her nipple, rolling it ever so slightly. The intensity in his fathomless dark eyes, excited and frightened her at the same time.

  June’s hand trailed lower, pulling aside the cloak, revealing more of her nude body to Tytus’ view. When she splayed her thighs, Tytus’ cock kicked beneath his kilt.

  “Do you like what you see?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he growled. That one husked word was so sexy. It raised goosebumps on her skin.

  June took two fingers, and dipped them into the moisture weeping from her vagina. She deliberately teased her clit, like she had her nipple. June telegraphed her aching desire into how she touched herself. She wanted Tytus to see just how much she needed him. Everything else be damned.

  Tytus’ nostrils flared as he took in deep huffing breaths. His arms strained at the shackles holding him. His mouth was parted, showing off his fangs, and June knew she was tempting a barely leashed beast. The sight of him, feral and aroused, added to her desire. June rolled her clit faster, sending streaks of pleasure coursing up her spine.