by Hope Hart
“I have no idea. Arix seems to enjoy the mystery of it all.”
We must walk for another ten minutes. The musty scent of moss is heavy in the air, and it’s eerily quiet. It’s as if even the animals who make this part of the forest their home are wary of the Braxian king, who strolls through their territory with a look of cool amusement on his face.
The trees begin to thin, and we all freeze.
“What is this?” Vivian asks.
Arix glances at her before returning his attention to the bustling market that stretches in front of us.
“This,” he says, “is the marketplace.”
He says “marketplace” as if it should be capitalized.
“The marketplace?” I ask, and he nods.
“While Agron may not be as developed as many other planets in this galaxy, we are not without our contacts. There are a few vendors brave enough to take the journey here, bringing goods and services for trade.”
The trees are much sparser now, surrounding the large clearing, which helps keep it hidden from prying eyes. I never could’ve imagined this place was here, and once again I find myself almost overwhelmed by how little I know about this planet.
On Earth, I knew that there were 197 countries. Here, I don’t even know how many continents there are. It’s both exciting and intimidating to know so little about a place where I’m likely to live for at least the short term.
There must be a hundred kradis set up in the space. Although, unlike the kradis back at our camp, these are three-sided, allowing vendors to protect their goods from the weather while negotiating with buyers.
A few weeks ago, Nevada told me about the market she visited with Rakiz when she was looking for me and Ivy. Her eyes sparkled as she described all the different types of aliens she saw, and she grinned as she told me all about the people who were trading with each other.
Now I can see why. There are people of all colors of the rainbow here, from purple to blue, green to yellow. Some have more than two arms; others have scales and fur. It’s difficult not to stare.
Arix steps forward, and the entire market goes so quiet; I can hear a branch as it falls from a tree behind us. He waves his hand, his expression sardonic.
“Carry on,” he says, and everyone gets back to business, haggling over food, jewelry, and weapons.
We must look like curious schoolchildren as we follow Arix through the stalls. People stare at the king, but for the most part, they ignore us. Arix seems to have a destination in mind, and he eventually stops at a kradi manned by two Braxian women.
One of them bows her head. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
Arix turns to Vivian, who holds up the broken part, and the woman stretches out her hand to take it from her, her gray eyes curious.
“This is from an S23 thruster,” she murmurs. “How did you get this?”
Arix raises one eyebrow at the woman, and she decides she doesn’t need to ask any further questions.
“We can fix it, but these parts are so fragile that you risk another crack. If it cracks in flight, it can lead to a system overload, so I wouldn’t risk it.”
I stare at her, entranced by the way she talks about a spaceship as if discussing the weather.
“Do you have something we can use as a replacement part?” I ask.
The woman shakes her head, and my heart sinks, but her friend steps forward.
“We can order one in, but the shipment won’t be arriving for weeks.”
“The shipment?” Vivian asks, and Arix smiles down at her.
“Many of these vendors travel from trading posts on hub planets. Agron may be uncivilized compared to most, but our jewels and other goods are still in demand, mostly due to their rarity.”
Vivian chews on her lip and glances at me.
I clear my throat. “How much will it cost?”
“Our contact prefers to negotiate in person,” the woman says.
I nod. “Do you know when your contact will return so we’ll know when we need to be back here?”
She shakes her head. “He has no true schedule. It depends on how his trading is going on other planets and if one of his buyers requests something only found on Agron.”
Arix nods and takes Vivian’s arm again, the movement possessive. He leads us over to the trees, lowering his voice. “This market meets every few days,” he says. “If you want to guarantee you will be here when the vendor arrives, you will need to ensure you are in the area. I am willing to help you find whatever parts you need if you would like to stay here.”
And his game becomes clear. Vivian narrows her eyes at him. “I don’t understand you.”
He laughs. “You don’t need to.”
“Why do you want me here?”
“Am I not allowed to want to enjoy the pleasure of your company?”
“What’s your endgame?”
“If I told you that, it would spoil the surprise,” he purrs, and Vivian tilts her head as she studies him.
Then she turns back to us. “I’m staying.”
I blink, and she gives me a tiny smile at whatever she sees on my face.
“Then I’m staying too,” Sarissa says. Arix nods, seemingly unconcerned he may end up cockblocked by Vivian’s cousin. I suppress a smile at the thought. Something tells me the king has more than enough ways to get around Sarissa if he needs to.
“Are you guys sure?” This has happened so suddenly it feels like the world is spinning out of control.
Vivian steps forward, taking my hands in hers. “This is my chance to contribute to us getting off this planet,” she murmurs. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
Next to us, Arix is very still. I study him, and his gaze shifts briefly to me. He raises an eyebrow and then returns his attention to Vivian.
I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him, but ultimately, it’s Vivian’s decision. And I feel much better about the situation knowing Sarissa will be here as well.
I glance at Sarissa, whose face is carefully blank. Why is this guy so keen to help us? If he wants Vivian, helping us leave this planet is not the way to get what he wants.
“It’s settled, then,” Arix says, and I shiver at the pure triumph in his eyes.
Tagiz
Zoey is quiet on the trip back across the Colossal Water. It’s evident she is unhappy to be leaving her friends behind.
“They will be safe,” I say, and she glances at me, wincing as Hewex retches over the side of the boat.
“Arix is scary.”
“He definitely wants Vivian, but I don’t believe he will hurt her.”
“He knows we’re planning to fix our ship and she intends to leave this planet. Why would he help make that happen?”
I shrug. “Perhaps he is hoping he can convince her to stay.”
She laughs at that. “Vivian is the least likely of all of us to stay here. Since the moment we landed, she has been one-hundred-percent focused on getting off this planet. What if he doesn’t let her leave?”
“We will deal with that if it happens.”
She searches my face and finally nods. By now, she knows our tribe will fight for the human females’ freedom.
Silence stretches between us, but I can’t help myself—I have to ask.
“And you? Do you plan to leave Agron?”
She glances at me, her blue eyes huge, and then she returns her attention to the water.
“Yes,” she says, and my chest aches. “Unless someone gives me a reason to stay.”
I should be happy for her. I should be pleased she will no longer be around. That I’ll no longer be tempted by the kind, stubborn, beautiful female who makes my gut clench with want.
Instead, all I can think about is the male she will meet on her planet. The one she will gift with her wide smiles and soft touches. The one who will get to hear her bright laughter and soft moans.
The one who will kiss her, will stroke his tongue inside her mouth, strip off her clothes, and—
“Tagiz?”
Zoey glances up at me, wide-eyed, and I realize I’m shaking, my hands fisted.
“Uh, is everything okay?”
I nod, but I can’t bring myself to speak of my thoughts. I want Zoey to have a good life. The kind of life she has always wanted. And it will be another male who will sleep next to her each night. Who will watch her belly grow rounded with his babe.
“Okay, Tagiz, seriously, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, little healer,” I lie. She doesn’t look convinced, but I will not voice my thoughts.
She raises one eyebrow. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you going to mate with Malis?”
I shift, uncomfortable—both at the question and at the thought.
“It is…complicated.”
“Uh-huh.”
Zoey chooses not to ask any further questions, shrugging out from beneath my arm. “I’m going to go check on Hewex,” she mutters.
I watch her go, my heart heavy, my body filled with regret.
Chapter Five
Zoey
“Are you listening, child?”
“Hmm?”
I blink, focusing on Moni, who looks amused. The healers’ kradi is quiet at this time of the day, and we’re currently taking stock of the most important salves and tonics.
“Sorry.” I blush. My mind is a million miles away, all thoughts focused on one gorgeous, frustrating Braxian warrior. A warrior who is probably going to mate with someone else. The dickhead.
“What did you say?”
Moni raises one eyebrow but chooses not to comment. Yes, I’ve been distracted lately. But some nights, I’m lucky if I get just a few hours of sleep. And when I’m not gasping through my nightmares, I’m daydreaming about Tagiz.
“We need more maradoza berries,” Moni says. “I would like to make more yaroz today.”
I nod. Yaroz is a tonic and the closest thing Braxians have to a general anesthetic. Maradoza is the key ingredient, and the juice from the maradoza berries provide most of the properties that will knock someone out—during even the worst pain. But the measurements must be perfect during the creation of the tonic. Too much maradoza and the patient may not wake up. Not enough and they’ll be able to feel everything.
I wipe my hands on my apron and remove it before plucking a small knife from one of the tables and shoving it in my pocket. It’s so dull it’s unlikely to cut through my dress, but it’s helpful when I’m collecting specific herbs and plants.
“Anything else?”
“We need more ortar as well.”
“Okay, no problem.”
I know the rules, and I head to the training arena on my way to the forest. Hewex has just finished and is leaning against the fence, face flushed, his chest glistening with sweat.
“I need to collect a few things from the forest. Would you mind coming with me?”
He glances at where Tagiz is currently fighting with Rakiz, their swords clashing. I’m very carefully keeping my eyes away from him, his words still running through my mind.
He called the situation with Malis “complicated.”
And he sure didn’t deny he plans to mate with her.
I’m not an idiot. I can see neither of them have true feelings for each other. Malis seems to treat Tagiz as an older brother, and everyone knows she’s in love with a warrior called Heric.
So why?
Hewex shifts, and I realize I’m staring into space.
“Sorry,” I murmur. “Did you say something?”
“I asked if you’d prefer to go with Tagiz. He will be finished training soon.”
“No,” I say quickly. “I just need a few things, so there’s no point waiting. If you’re busy, I can grab someone else.”
Hewex nods, his craggy face set in its usual scowl. I don’t take it personally. Tagiz once told me Hewex prefers to be away from camp, hunting Voildi or checking traps. For whatever reason, Rakiz has decided to keep them both close right now.
“When are you going to teach me how to fight?” I ask as we walk out of the camp.
He glowers at me. “Ask Tagiz.”
“You said you’d help me, Hewex.” And I’m going to hold him to it.
He sighs. “Why do you want to learn how to fight? There are plenty of warriors here to protect you.”
A feminist Hewex is not.
“I’m not saying I want to go into battle. I just want to be able to defend myself.”
“Why don’t you train with the other human females?”
My cheeks heat. “They’re stronger and faster than me. I’m still recovering some of my stamina.”
He sighs, and he’s quiet as we move into the part of the forest where I’ll find the plants I need.
“Meet me in the training arena at dawn,” he says finally, and I almost do a little boogie.
Instead, I shoot him a grin. “Thank you.”
My mind is wandering as we walk through the forest, and I collect some of the things I need along the way. Hewex trails behind me, and I take a deep breath, enjoying the feel of fresh air rushing through my lungs. It’s funny, the things you take for granted until you learn they can be taken away at any moment.
One thing I learned as a nurse? Humans are resilient. The human body can tolerate indescribable trauma and survive—against almost insurmountable odds.
I don’t know why some people make it and others don’t. Even after so many years working to save lives, I still can’t explain why some people fight through injuries and sickness that should have killed them and others succumb with little warning.
But I do know none of our days are guaranteed.
Not one.
I thought I understood this, when I was working with trauma patients on Earth. But it wasn’t until I got up close and personal with my own death that I truly felt it down to my bones.
Now it’s up to me to decide what to do with the rest of my life.
I spot some of the pink mushrooms I need at the base of a tree. I duck behind it and let out a shriek as white teeth flash and something nearly takes off my hand.
I can hear Hewex running toward me as I dart back, stumbling over a tree root sticking up from the ground and landing on my ass.
The tiny creature backs toward the tree, its fur raised as it hisses at me, and in spite of my shaking hands, my heart melts.
It’s just a baby.
I get to my feet, lean around the tree, and give Hewex a smile.
“False alarm,” I say as he approaches. “I…broke a nail.”
He stares at me. I stare back at him.
Finally, he scowls and marches back across the small clearing to the tree he likes to lean against.
“Stay where I can see you,” he orders.
“I’m just going to get some of those mushrooms.” I point toward the tree, and the furred creature bares its teeth at me again. Hewex nods.
“Hey, baby,” I murmur softly as I approach, and the creature hisses at me again. It’s a light gray color, with pointed ears and huge, round eyes. Its fur sticks up in all directions, and while it has a mouth full of sharp teeth, my mouth twitches at its fuzzy coat.
My smile drops. All that fur can’t hide the fact it looks half starved.
“You poor little thing,” I whisper.
The creature eyes me, teeth still bared, but it’s pressing its back into the tree, obviously terrified. I reach into my basket and pull out a hunk of bread and some fruit I grabbed for breakfast. I’m sure this tiny little beast would prefer meat, but I place the food on the ground anyway.
“Zoey.” Hewex’s voice is coming closer, and the creature hisses again.
“I’m coming.” I turn to the little fluff ball, who seems to be eyeing both me and the food suspiciously. “I’ll bring you back some meat if you’re still here tomorrow,” I croon to it before hurrying back to where Hewex is waiting.
Tagiz
“What are we going to do?” Malis is pacing in front of me, twisting
her hands together. “Heric is getting tired of waiting for me, Tagiz. He loves me, but even he can only take so much. I keep telling him we’re going to figure this out, but he’s beginning to believe I don’t truly want him.” Her eyes fill with tears, and I sigh.
“Would you like me to speak with him?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. I doubt he’ll listen to you.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose in an attempt to fight off the headache that’s brewing. Heric likely believes I am his enemy, the male who may take the female he loves from him. He may not understand I feel the same way about this mating as Malis does.
If it were Zoey in Malis’s position, it would take all my strength not to kill the other warrior.
“What about your female, Tagiz? Do you believe she will wait forever? If the humans fix their ship, Zoey may decide she is tired of wishing for a warrior who treats her so casually.”
My heart twists and my fists clench with the need to tie Zoey to me before she gives up and leaves me forever.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus.
I know what Malis is doing. She is hoping I will be the one to end this mating. Braxian males are territorial and possessive, and she knows I am close to throwing Zoey over my shoulder and taking her away from this tribe. Forever.
If I am the one to act, Malis will have fewer consequences. Her parents will be upset, but they will not be able to blame her for my actions. And she will be free to mate with Heric.
I give her a look that tells her I know what she is thinking, and her cheeks turn red. She throws up her hands but continues pacing.
“We need a plan,” I murmur.
“What if you spoke with Rakiz?” Malis asks.
I shrug. “Rakiz has more than enough to concern him, especially now with the birth of his daughter. He will simply say forced matings are banned in his tribe.”
While neither Malis nor I want to be mated, it is the thought of disappointing our parents that keeps us locked in this situation.
“I know you fear your father’s reaction,” Malis begins, and I shrug. Malis may believe she understands the loyalty I have to my father, but she has no idea just how much I owe him.
