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LARIA
The residence Jardun had taken us to wasn’t a quaint out-of-the-way building, and it wasn’t someone’s home. The exterior showed signs of wear, but nothing like the bar or any of the nearby buildings in that section of the city.
The place resembled a small palace, mostly because it was one. Unlike the settlements where the buildings were constructed using the planet’s version of trees, those who lived in the larger cities constructed their homes from stone and sand.
Things had changed so much since the war that I’d forgotten the ketaurran ruler kept residences in several cities. My father was one of many scientists who’d made up the exploration team onboard the Starward Bounty. He didn’t rank high enough to be included in the meetings the humans had with the drezdarr when we’d first arrived. But I remembered the few visits we’d made to the city and seeing the unique building from a distance.
Upon our arrival, Jardun showed us to our sleeping quarters, which consisted of an elaborate gathering room encircled by separate rooms, each with its own bed. There was even a bathing room containing a large tub with a polished sandstone finish. Now that my body was relaxed, my sore muscles were making themselves known. A fine layer of dirt, sand, and blood covered me. I had every intention of enjoying a long soak later.
“Laria,” Jardun waited for me to stop staring at the tub and return my attention to him. “I must leave now. There are matters I need to discuss with Zaedon and Garyck, but I promise to return soon and answer all your questions.” His glance included Celeste and Sloane, who’d taken seats on a nearby lounger.
“Okay.” There wasn’t much else I could say. Arguing would be pointless. Since Jardun had admitted he was a ketaurran, there was a good chance the drezdarr was somewhere inside. Was he the one responsible, the one behind whatever it was that Jardun and Burke had negotiated? Did the matters he planned to discuss with his friends also include their leader? I might have to wait to speak with Jardun, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t get some answers out of Burke first.
As soon as Jardun left the room and I heard the thud of his boots fade down the corridor, I moved away from the entrance and gave Burke my full attention. “It’s time to tell us what’s really going on. What kind of deal did you make with the ketaurrans?”
Celeste and Sloane glared at him expectantly. I knew I could count on them to back me up if I didn’t get the answers I wanted.
“Laria, sweetheart, it’s complicated,” Burke said.
I took a step back, pulling away from his placating touch. “Don’t you sweetheart me.” I wanted to make sure he understood that I meant business. Using a move he’d taught me, I grabbed his wrist and swerved my body, then flipped him over my shoulder. He landed on his back, expelling a whoosh of air. I got some satisfaction knowing I wasn’t going to be the only one who’d be stiff and bruised in the morning.
He recovered quickly and got to his feet, making sure to keep some distance between us. “What the hell...” He rubbed his lower back.
“I knew there were times when you kept the truth from me in the past, but I didn’t push for all the details because you never put the lives of my friends or me at risk, not without explaining the dangers first. But this—” I slapped my hands on my hips more to keep from walking across the room and using him to vent more of my frustration. “This was downright deceitful and could have gotten me killed.”
Burke swept a hand through his short dark strands. “I know, and I’m sorry.”
I paced a few steps, staring at the floor and taking in a few calming breaths. “Did you know that Jardun, that they were vryndarr?”
“I did. I’ve known since the war.”
I was certain there was more to the story and was tempted to ask how they’d met. I’d seen Burke’s blank gaze before and knew an explanation wouldn’t be forthcoming no matter how much I pressed for one. Dredging up the past, especially the years during the war, was painful for all of us. I had no intention of making Burke relive something he hadn’t readily wanted to share.
“I still need answers about what happened today. What was going on with the luzardees?” Now that I had time to think about what had transpired, I wondered if the scaly males had been part of some bigger plan. Though I had a feeling the betrayal part hadn’t been a consideration.
“Jardun needed our help,” Burke said.
“You could’ve told me...told us.” I wasn’t letting him get away with a meager explanation, not when I sensed he was still holding back a critical piece of information.
“Or just asked for our help,” Sloane said with a shrug.
“I agree. What was the point of putting us in danger?” Celeste asked.
Since I was the one who’d done all the fighting, the one with the scrapes and bruises, I harrumphed and shot Celeste a really? glance.
“You know about their culture. Their women aren’t trained for combat, not like I trained each of you.” Burke slipped his hands into his pockets. “I didn’t think Jardun would believe you were skilled unless he’d witnessed it firsthand.”
“Wait a minute.” Sloane jumped to her feet, her face beaming as if she’d recently solved an intricate puzzle. “Since the ketaurrans have a thing about protecting women, wouldn’t it have been easier to send some of your guys? Why send us?”
“Good point.” Celeste pushed off the lounger and moved next to Sloane.
I loved my friends and wanted to hug them for their show of support.
Burke swept his hand through his hair. “You were available and...”
“Do not be overly hard on Burke. He is correct. Had I known he would send females, I never would have allowed it.” Jardun’s voice washed over me, the deep baritone like a soothing balm to my angered state.
I spun around and stared, my snappy remark never leaving my tongue. Ten of the handsomest human men I knew couldn’t compete with the virile male standing in the doorway. He’d removed the long coat, and now a dark vest barely concealed his broad chest. Gossamer scales, a pale green the same shade as the jade in his eyes, covered his breast plate and upper forearms. I was entranced by the way they glistened and longed to run my fingers over their smooth surface.
I forced myself to stop thinking about touching Jardun and focused on what he’d said. “Please tell me we’re not back to the females-shouldn’t-be-allowed-to-fight thing again.” Comments like that weren’t helping his cause or scoring him any points. “In case you’ve forgotten, it was this female who saved you from being knifed in the back. I believe I have more than proved that I can take care of myself. Not that it matters, because whatever it is you need, I’m no longer interested.”
“Laria, please, just hear what he has to say,” Burke said.
In all the years I’d known Burke, I couldn’t recall ever hearing him plead a cause. Manipulate and badger until he got what he wanted, yes, but never sound as if he was truly begging. At his core, Burke was one of the good guys, at least most of the time. But he never did anything for free. Ever.
I turned to Burke. “Clearly, the vryndarr are more experienced and capable of handling dangerous situations, so why would they need our help?”
Before he could answer, Jardun stepped between us, giving Burke his back. “Laria, would you take a walk with me? Give me a chance to explain.” He held out his hand. “If after hearing what I have to say you choose not to help, I will still compensate everyone for their time.”
Greed was never my motivation. Helping those who’d been left with nothing after the war and were merely trying to survive was what gave me the strength to do what I did.
I held no loyalty, nor did I have any use for the ketaurrans or their ruler. Even though I’d never met the old drezdarr, or the new one, for that matter, it wasn’t on my need-to-do-before-I-die list. They may have done their best to save the local inhabitants during the war, but they’d done a poor job saving people I cared about. It didn’t mean I would intentionally insult him without provocation or refuse to let him explain before turning him down.
Jardun
I had paused in the corridor long enough to overhear Burke’s explanation to the last question Laria and her friends had asked him. He had not been wrong when he’d stated that ketaurran males were protective of females. Our instinct and need to keep them away from all dangers was an inherent part of our nature, stemming from many generations of a warrior-based society. I might not agree with his methods, but he had been wise to send the females, to have Laria provide me with an uninformed demonstration of her fighting skills.
If I had not witnessed the battle with the luzardees firsthand, I never would have believed the beautiful creature standing in front of me was so competently trained.
I held my hand out to Laria, trying to interpret her emotions, and hoping she would not deny me the opportunity to explain. I watched as her angry green gaze slowly transformed to contemplation, then to a reluctant acceptance.
When we’d first arrived at the dwelling, one of several properties owned by the ruling family, I found myself unable to concentrate around Laria. Her scent and my newfound attraction to the female were a distraction. I needed to assess the situation with a clear mind and had excused myself from their room to confer with my trusted friends.
Zaedon, with affirmation from Garyck, had relayed the details of their discussion with Burke prior to meeting us in the city. Burke had stated that the skills Celeste and Sloane possessed equaled Laria’s. He was also convinced that their special abilities were far better than those of any of the males under his command. According to Zaedon, Burke had not expounded upon the uniqueness of their talents, so I assumed they were related to the females’ fighting capabilities.
The females were the better choice for my mission, but the dangers it posed were risky and life-threatening. When I returned to the set of rooms where they would be residing for the evening, I had every intention of asking Burke to replace them with males for our mission. A resolve that quickly disappeared the instant my gaze met Laria’s.
I should have been elated with the knowledge that she had no interest in assisting me with my quest and let her go, not try to convince her to stay. It would have ensured her safety as well as that of her friends. Instead, I was overcome with the desire to keep her close, to prevent her from leaving, and found myself using any means necessary to enlist her help.
“Fair enough. I’ll listen to what you have to say.” She placed her hand in mine, briefly glancing at her friends before letting me lead her from the room.
My relief was instantaneous, and I kept my hand wrapped around her smaller one until we reached a nearby terrace where we could talk privately.
This building stood taller than the others and provided an uninhibited view of the city. Laria’s eyes widened as she glanced at the sporadic lights coming from the surrounding homes and businesses below. She lifted her gaze, taking in the green hue on the two half-moons and the multitude of stars filling the evening sky. “The view from up here is beautiful.” She pressed her hands to the smooth rocky edge of the railing, lifting her chin and taking a deep breath of the cool air.
“Yes, it is.” I had yet to glance at the panoramic view, too intrigued by the way the light coming from the glow emitters enhanced Laria’s features.
She turned to me with a smile, saw the direction of my gaze, and blushed. Embarrassment at compliments was a new side to my female warrior, one I planned to commit to memory, and hoped to utilize again at a later time.
Along with the idea of spending more time with Laria came the thought of her belonging to another. In regard to relationships, the human culture differed from my own. Though she had not mentioned another male’s name, it did not mean there wasn’t one in her life. Surely if she had a male, he would not allow her to take such risks. Or, at the very least, travel by her side to ensure she remained safe.
These were thoughts I had no right to entertain, yet the need to know was great, so I chose my words carefully. “I mean no insult, but does your male approve of the work you do for Burke?”
For the briefest moment, it appeared as if I had angered her again, then she smiled. “I don’t need anyone’s approval for what I do. But if there was a male in my life, which there isn’t, he would understand.” She bit her lower lip, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What about you? Doesn’t it bother your ketiorra that what you do is dangerous?”
I could not explain why I experienced elation that she knew the ketaurran word for a mate, nor why it made my tail twitch. I longed to wrap it around her shapely legs and pull her closer. “I do not have a ketiorra. Other than the female who birthed me, there is no other in my life.”
Her playful smile turned serious, and I was not sure if the news pleased her.
She turned to face me. “Maybe you should tell me what the deal with luzardees was all about and why you need our help.”
There were numerous things that had led to the battle earlier today. Some which were confidential and I was not willing to share, at least not yet. “Have you ever heard of a suclorra?”
She shook her head. “No, what is it?”
“It is a rare plant that possesses healing properties.”
She appeared perplexed, but remained silent and patiently waited for me to give her more information.
“Someone has found a way to use the blossoms and turn them into a poisonous toxin, one specifically engineered to harm my people.” Harm was a mild term. I’d discovered that the toxin was a slow-acting agent that painfully attacked the body and eventually caused death.
She gasped, her gaze widening. “Are you saying that someone created a poison that only kills ketaurrans? How is that possible? To target one species... That’s pretty high-tech, and your species, well, I didn’t think they were that advanced.” Her statement was based on fact; there was no malice or judgment aimed at my people.
“In some things, yes, but in this, no.” I sighed at the dire situation and the turmoil that accompanied my discovery. “The information I obtained from Kowhl indicated that a human scientist might be behind the creation.”
“My father worked in the labs on the ship with the other scientists who were commissioned to help with the exploration mission.” A sadness passed across her face before her gaze turned serious again. “I know the war was Sarus’s fault, but I can understand why some humans might be bitter and blame all ketaurrans for what happened. But for someone to design a deadly toxin that could wipe out your entire race...” She shook her head. “It’s just wrong.”
The humans who had survived the crash on my planet did not ask for the war they had been subjected to several years after their arrival. Many had lost their families during the havoc Sarus had caused. After seeing the additional glint of moisture in her eyes, it was not hard to assume her sire had been one of the casualties. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to console her for the loss, but did not dare.
“That still doesn’t explain why you need our help,” Laria said.
“The leader of my people has been infected.” The guilt-laden burden of failing Khyron weighed heavily on my shoulders.
“I’m so sorry.” She placed her hand on my arm. “You have doctors. Can’t they create an antidote?”
“It is possible, given time.” Time we did not have. “I am afraid the one person who mentored with the humans who possessed the medical experience necessary to develop a cure was taken, along with any of the advancements he had developed.” Thinking about the events that could take my friend’s life renewed my simmering anger. A ketaurran, someone close to our ruler, was a traitor. A traitor whose identity I had yet to discover.
“I followed the abductor’s trail to the luzardees and obtained the information I needed on the physician’s location from Kowhl.”
“If you got what you needed from Kowhl, how did you end up in shackles?” she asked.
“I believe when Kowhl discovered I was a vryndarr, he decided to take advantage and negotiate a trade for additional coins.” It was not one of my better decisions. A decision I had regretted until I realized that meeting Laria had been part of the outcome, and I had learned from Zaedon the importance of the three females to the success of our mission.
“I guess you’re lucky Burke has a reputation for dealing with mercenaries and that Kowhl didn’t decide to contact somebody else.” She turned and pressed her hips against the terrace wall.
I was not sure luck was a factor. By the time Kowhl had betrayed me, I had already sent Zaedon and Garyck to find and retrieve Burke. I had not had an opportunity to discuss what prompted the arrangement with Burke, but I was certain he expected to be compensated well for intervening.
Long moments passed before I found the words I hoped would convince her to help me. “Laria, what is to stop those who created the toxin from developing one that will attack humans as well?” I placed my hand over hers and enjoyed the warmth. “The drezdarr’s life is in jeopardy. The future of my people, and yours, is at risk. And for that, I need help, and I am willing to pay or do whatever is necessary to obtain it.”
She had no reason to trust me, not after what other members of my kind had done to her people. It was a situation Khyron was trying to change. Progress was slow, too slow to aid me now. There were those who operated covertly, who wished to see him fail, evidenced by the poison coursing through his veins. The slow-acting agent was already drying out his scales and, according to Vurell, the physician, would gradually cause all his organs to fail.
“I guess I’m confused.” Concern furrowed her brows. At least she had not openly refused, which gave me hope. “Your friends and you are warriors, far better equipped to rescue the doctor. Why would you need our help?”
“I have discovered the location where the physician was taken, but it requires the assistance of humans to extract him. It is my understanding that the other females and you are familiar with the layout of the labs aboard the vessel that brought your people here from Earth.”
“Yes, but it was abandoned shortly after we crashed. With the old drezdarr’s help, many of the survivors either moved into cities or built agricultural settlements. I’m not sure how that knowledge will help.”
“According to what I learned, the wreckage for the vessel that landed in the Quaddrien is no longer abandoned. A mercenary human by the name of Doyle, a male Burke is familiar with, has turned the remains into his personal compound.”
“Wait, are you saying that Doyle is the one who kidnapped the doctor?” She wrinkled her nose and pushed away from the wall.
I nodded, waiting for her to finish pondering what I was asking of her friends and her. The wastelands, the name given to the Quaddrien by the humans, was a dangerous, sometimes deadly place. When I originally sought Burke’s help, I had considered the dangers we would face, which was why I had wanted the aid of males.
“You need us because we know the layout of the labs.” Her chest heaved. “Burke is such an asshole. That explains why he wouldn’t give us any information when he sent us to find you. He knew if we found out about Doyle, we’d refuse to do the job.” She clenched her fists and muttered as she paced a few steps away from me.
“And you, you could have told me after we’d left the bar, but you didn’t.” Her green gaze sparked with a furious intensity. An intensity I would much rather witness during the throes of passion while I thrust into her welcoming depths. Not under the heavy scrutiny of her anger. “You were testing me, weren’t you? That’s why you offered me coins to release you.”
I rubbed the tension building in my neck and focused on the mission, not the thoughts about my personal attraction to Laria. The female was highly intelligent, loyal to her friends, and as fierce as any ketaurran warrior. All qualities that earned merit and my respect.
But my mission came first. The life of my king came first. It should not matter what she thought of me, but for some reason, it mattered a great deal. Her scent, her nearness, made my body burn, made me wish for things I should not desire. “Laria, we live in a time where trusting the wrong person can cost lives. Deceiving you was not my intention, and for that I am sorry.”
I reached for a stray lock of hair, then stopped, curling my hand into a fist and dropping it back to my side before I could tuck it behind her ear. “No matter what you believe, I do not wish to see you harmed. If there was any other way to save my friend, I would not ask for your help.”
Laria’s intense, scrutinizing gaze reached inside me, searching for the truth. “I’ll talk to Celeste and Sloane, but I’m not making any promises.”
I released the breath I had been holding. No matter how much I wanted to save Khyron, I understood that ordering her to comply would do me no good. And if I were being honest, I wanted, no needed, her to assist me willingly. “That is all I ask.”
“Oh, and one more thing.” She poked me in the chest, an act a male would never attempt, not if they wished to remain unscathed.
Her lack of fear—of me—both impressed and rekindled my arousal.
“I don’t like being lied to. Do it again, and we’re done.”
“I understand.” I confirmed with a nod, then watched the determined sway of her backside as she strode from the room. I wanted nothing more than to follow her, but knew she needed time to speak to the other females without my presence.
