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RICKA HAD NO IDEA WHERE Molock was taking her since there were no windows in the cargo area. Right before they left, he’d shoved her into the back of the transport and ordered her to sit on the floor next to Mogran’s cage. She was terrified and could no longer hold back the tears. Sticking her arm between the bars, she ran her fingers through the big cat’s soft fur and fought the urge to panic.
The vehicle wasn’t designed for space travel, so she assumed the warriors would eventually have to stop and transfer them to a shuttle. She clung to the belief Synge would come after her and find them before they were taken off the planet. They hadn’t stayed on the main road leading to the launch pad. The ride was no longer smooth. The metal floor beneath her vibrated. The loud thumps and scrapes against the exterior shell echoed through the enclosure.
Her hopes were dashed when the engines powered down, and the vehicle jerked to a stop. Several minutes later, the door swung open, and Molock stood there with two other warriors. “Come with me.” He grabbed her wrist. She barely had time to pull her arm out of the cage before he hauled her outside. Her legs wobbled and she stumbled, unstable from being jostled around during the trip.
Tarron’s two moons lit up the dark, star-filled skies and cast shadows on the jungle surrounding an extensive clearing. She might have taken more time to appreciate the beauty of the overhead view if she hadn’t been so terrified. Exterior solars from a larger ship, a cargo loader, blazed throughout the area. Loaders could travel small distances but weren’t designed for deep-space travel. It meant the Klorthons had to have a larger ship somewhere near the planet.
If they managed to get her to the larger vessel, Synge would have a hard time finding her. Molock’s threat to teach her a lesson once they were alone made her cringe. I am so screwed.
Apparently, she wasn’t the only reason they’d come to the planet. There were numerous large crates stacked on the ground in several locations. She caught a glimpse of two other women being led up the ramp into the larger ship. Their hands were bound, their expressions reflecting the same fear she felt. One was a Tarron with dark hair and markings cascading down her neck. The other, an alien race she didn’t recognize, possessed pale blue skin and had long russet hair with streaks of black.
After dragging her toward one of the stacks, Molock pointed at a single crate no higher than her knees. “Sit and stay here.” She didn’t argue. The fewer reasons he had to touch her, the better.
Molock didn’t get far before another warrior confronted him. “Dron has not returned yet. Should I send someone to find him?”
“No, we cannot spare the time.”
“He is part of our crew. How can you not search for him?”
“I said leave him. He is more than likely dead, killed by the hunter who owns these lands.”
The man clenched his fists and didn’t try to hide his anger. “You did not tell us the female belonged to a hunter. You risk us all by your foolish desire to possess her. It will not take long for others to locate us.”
“I am in command here, Dorrack. It is none of your concern.” Molock took an intimidating step forward. “A fact you would be wise to remember. Now do your job. Remove the cage and load the transport into the cargo bay as well as the remainder of the supplies.”
Dorrack gritted his teeth. “Anything else, sir?”
“No.”
Dorrack shot her a murderous glare, then stormed across the clearing. Great, another pissed-off alien. Things kept getting worse.
Molock walked away and left her unguarded. Apparently, he wasn’t concerned she might try to escape into the dark, formidable jungle. Within minutes, the campsite was a flurry of activity, the men hastening to load the larger shuttle. She kept a close watch on Molock as he approached other warriors and issued commands.
Ricka peeked at the darkened jungle behind her. She wondered how far she’d get before Molock came after her or one of the native creatures attacked her. Neither sounded appealing. She hoped Dorrack had been right about the other hunters sending help. Even if they found her, leaving the clearing would delay their departure and buy anyone tracking them more time.
Her thoughts returned to Synge. Sometime during her captivity, she’d fallen in love with him. And fallen hard. He might not be a romantic, but he always looked at her as if she were the most coveted treasure in the universe. He constantly put her well-being first. Even when she stupidly put her own life at risk, he’d found a way to protect her. In the short time she’d known him, he’d managed to make her feel safe and to break into the lonely, empty void she’d constructed around her heart.
She’d give anything to see him one more time to tell him how she felt. Even if he didn’t feel the same way, she had to trust their bonding meant he cared enough to come after her.
Decision made, she shot a guilty glance in Mogran’s direction. She wanted to release the cat, but his cage had been unloaded on the opposite side of the camp, too far away for her to reach without being noticed.
Ricka steadied her nerves, said a silent prayer, and slowly got to her feet. No one seemed to notice as she eased away from the crate and moved into the shadows.
#
THE LAST BIT OF SUNLIGHT had disappeared, making it too difficult to visually follow the tracks made by the Klorthon’s transport. Thanks to Dron, he had a general idea where they were headed. Synge switched on the scanner in his transport to monitor the other vehicle’s movements by tracing its heat emissions. It would also enable him to maneuver in the darkness without damaging his vehicle.
When nothing appeared on the screen, he suspected they might have activated blocking shields. He tapped several buttons on the control panel and switched the search parameters over to the frequency emitted from the locater device in Mogran’s collar.
A soft ping sounded, and a small red dot blinked on the screen. He shifted the steering controls so he moved in the same southeasterly direction. After several minutes, the light stopped its intermittent pattern and maintained a stationary position. Hopefully, the Klorthons hadn’t removed the collar or separated Ricka and his pet.
Once he was close to the location, he found an area to leave his vehicle where it wouldn’t be detected. Reaching behind the seat, he retrieved a small handheld tracking device and transferred the information for Mogran’s location. As an additional measure, he grabbed his hunting knife and slid it into the specially made sheath inside his right boot. His sight easily adjusted to the limited lighting as he set off on foot toward the signal’s destination.
It didn’t take him long to find the clearing where the warriors had established a campsite. Synge remained hidden in the trees and studied the layout. He counted five other men besides Molock, all busy moving crates into the storage area of a cargo loader.
One of the men herded two women toward the ship, but so far, no sign of Ricka. Where is she? Panic seized his chest and didn’t ease until he spotted her sitting on a crate on the opposite side of the encampment. As soon as Molock’s back was turned, she got to her feet. He smiled when she slipped into the thick foliage. His mate definitely had a penchant for attracting danger. This was one time he was glad she used her ingenuity to escape.
He heard a familiar whining and located the cage containing Mogran. Using the trees to conceal his movements, he quietly crept toward his pet. After scanning the area to make sure no one was aware of his presence, he withdrew his blade and pried open the lock.
Once the warriors noticed the cage was empty, they’d be on alert and start searching for him. He needed to get to Ricka before they could find her. He undid the latch on the cage and opened the door. “Find her, boy,” he whispered.
The cat hesitated long enough to rub his long body against Synge’s leg, then disappeared into the darkness.
#
RICKA HEARD A LOW GROWL coming from the right and froze. Her heart raced as images of the furry beast she’d encountered the last time she was in the jungle popped into her head. Oh God, this is it. She was all alone, and even Mogran wouldn’t be able to help her this time.
There wasn’t enough light to get a good visual. All she could see were shadows. Something crunched on the ground, letting her know whatever trailed her was very close. She turned to move in the opposite direction and slammed into a hard, massive wall. Before she could scream, a large hand clamped over her mouth and turned her around. A strong male arm encircled her waist and held her tightly to his chest so she couldn’t move.
Afraid Molock had already found her, she struggled against her captor’s unmoving frame. He pressed his head near her ear. “Ricka, it is me. Please stop squirming.”
Synge! She immediately stopped moving and relaxed. As soon as he released her, she spun around and threw her arms around his neck. “You came for me. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
She savored the warmth of his tight embrace, never wanting to let him go.
“You belong to me. Never doubt I will come for you,” he said.
He hadn’t said he’d come after her because he cared or loved her. She remembered what Teah had said about his difficulty expressing his feelings and pushed away the hurtful twinge. He’d come for her, and it had to mean something, right? Blinking back tears, she took a step away from him.
“What is wrong? Are you hurt?”
“Nothing. I’m fine,” she lied. Actually, she was an emotional wreck, but now was not the time to discuss it.
He cupped her cheek but didn’t say anything. Shadows darkened his features, making it difficult to clearly see his expression and gauge what he was thinking.
“We have to help Mogran, and there are two other women on the loader. I overheard one of the men say he thought more hunters were coming. Is it true?” Ricka asked.
“Yes. It is standard practice to have tracking units installed on all our vehicles. They will be able to find my transport and send assistance.”
She was afraid to ask but had to know. “Did Arno make it? Is he going to be okay?”
“He is strong, and medical was on its way when I left to find you.” He scooped her into his arms. “We cannot stay here. Molock will be aware by now I set Mogran free and you are not where he left you.”
“I can walk,” she said.
“Your human sight cannot see the ground as well as I can. I will not risk letting you injure yourself. Besides, I enjoy holding you.”
She circled her arms around his neck. There was no point in arguing with him, especially since she felt the same way.
“Where is Mogran?”
“Do not be distressed. He is close by and will alert us to any danger.”
#
SYNGE PLANNED TO RETURN to the Klorthons’ camp and finish what he started with Molock. It was time to end the challenge. He would make Molock pay for what he’d done to Ricka and his family. If something happened and the Klorthons got to him before the other hunters arrived, he wanted to make sure she was safely locked inside his transport. The metal exterior and glass were designed to withstand blasts from repeaters and most handheld weapons. Engaging the secure passcodes would also prevent access.
It didn’t take him long to make his way back to the vehicle. As soon as he was within ten feet, his movement activated the sensors and the outside solars lit up the surrounding area. He stopped when he saw Molock raise an arm to aim a blaster at his head. The Klorthon must have remained stationary long enough to go undetected and cause the lights to dim.
With Ricka in his arms, there was no way he could reach for his repeater. She must have realized his train of thought, because she tightened her grip around his neck to keep him from putting her down.
“Oh no, Mogran,” she gasped and glared at Molock. “You bastard. You tranquilized him again, didn’t you?”
Synge spotted his pet’s unmoving form lying on the ground. He tensed until he saw the slight rise and fall of his chest.
“Of course, I already told you I have plans to sell him.” He sneered at Synge. “I have come for what is mine. Put the female down and step aside.”
“She no longer belongs to you. We are mated.”
Molock’s furious roar echoed through the trees. “It will not matter if you are dead.”
“Then let us finish this as honorable men. Per the rules of the ancient rites,” Synge said.
Molock slowly lowered his weapon. “Agreed.”
Ricka refused to let go of him. “Please don’t do this.” Her concern was nearly his undoing. Was it possible she cared for him in the same way he cared for her?
“It will be fine.” Prying her fingers loose, he kept an arm secured around her waist as he lowered her to the ground. His gaze never left Molock’s angry glare. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and pressed his face against her cheek. He spoke in a low and confident tone. “I will draw him away. Get to the transport and lock yourself inside.” If something happened and he didn’t survive, he wanted her to know his true feelings. It didn’t matter if she returned them; he would still fight to the death to save her. “I love you and need to know you are safe so I won’t be distracted.” He paused. “Will you please do this for me?”
A tear trickled down her cheek. “I...yes.”
Molock snarled his impatience. “Enough. Release her and let us begin.”
Synge growled and protectively pushed her behind him. He would die before ever letting the Klorthon touch what belonged to him. He unfastened the holster, keeping the movements slow and jerky so he could run his thumb along the device attached to the belt to release the lock on the transport.
Molock still held his weapon. After suffering the knife wound on Rivean, Synge no longer trusted the other man to abide by the challenge rules. The warrior had gone to a lot of trouble to obtain Ricka. Would he shoot him outright and risk hitting her?
“Whenever you are ready, hunter.” Molock tossed the blaster aside.
Synge did the same with the repeater. He barely had time to move away from Ricka before Molock lunged.
#
HE LOVES ME. Ricka’s mind reeled with surprise and joy as Synge shoved her behind him. She wanted to tell him she felt the same way, but she’d been too worried and choked up to get the words out.
She gasped and stumbled backward when Molock’s massive frame slammed into Synge and almost took her to the ground with them. Heeding his words, she edged her way toward the opposite side of the vehicle. Even though Mogran appeared to be sleeping normally, she knelt to run her hand along his side, hoping the cat would wake soon.
She wasn’t a fan of killing, but she’d enjoy seeing the warrior ripped to shreds, anything to keep Synge alive. There were two darts lodged in Mogran’s shoulder, and she quickly removed them. Asshole. Molock had shot him with an extra dose to ensure he wouldn’t wake up anytime soon.
Getting to her feet, she moved to the opposite side of the transport. She glanced at the man she loved. His grim expression briefly paused on her before his fist connected with Molock’s jaw. Ricka’s hand barely touched the cool metal panel next to the door when she heard the engine of another shuttle. Pulse racing, she spun around, wishing she’d thought to pick up Molock’s blaster in case the warriors had somehow found them.
Five Tarron males, all tall and muscularly ripped beneath their hunter uniforms, exited the other transport. They drew their repeaters and spread apart in a military-style formation. There was no way they couldn’t have noticed the battle between Synge and Molock, yet they did nothing to stop it. Before she could share her frustration, the tallest of the men holstered his weapon and approached her. “I am Dathan. Are you harmed?” He attentively inspected her from top to bottom.
“No, but...”
“Where are the other warriors?”
What’s wrong with him? Why aren’t they helping Synge? “They’re in a clearing not far from here, and they have two women prisoners.” She hadn’t seen or heard the cargo loader take off and hoped the Klorthons were still on the ground.
The man growled and turned toward the others. “Find their campsite and secure the females.”
“Yes, sir,” one man to his left replied, then they disappeared into the jungle, leaving her alone with Dathan.
Ricka turned her attention back to the fight. Both men had cuts across their knuckles, bare arms, and faces. She winced when Molock’s fist connected with Synge’s jaw, and he backed away with a bloodied lip. She shot Dathan a sidelong glance. “Do something. Help him!”
“I cannot.”
“Why not?” She wanted to scream.
“He told me the rite of challenge was invoked, and it must be seen to completion. No others can interfere.”
She clenched her fists, fighting the impulse to punch him. The man she loved could die because of some stupid alien custom. Fuck their rules. She wasn’t going to let something happen to him. Before Dathan could stop her, she pulled the repeater out of his holster and aimed it at Molock’s head.
“Dammit, female. What are you doing?” He jerked her arm upward, and the shot sailed harmlessly into the trees.
“No,” she cried as he yanked the weapon away from her and returned it to his hip. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pinning her to his chest and immobilizing her arms. “Let me go!”
“Be still. If he should lose, I will finish off the Klorthon myself. I gave Synge my word no harm would come to you and you would be well cared for.”
She wasn’t worried about herself. Synge living was all she cared about. Life without him would be nothing.
#
“I HAVE NO INTENTION of allowing you or the other hunters to have the woman.” Molock’s apparent agitation at their arrival showed in his sloppy fighting moves, which were no longer calculated and strategic. A definite advantage for Synge, until he let the repeater’s sharp blast distract him long enough for the warrior’s fist to connect with his jaw again. He staggered backward several steps, then swiped his thumb across his split lip.
Dathan nodded, assuring him the situation was under control. His rational mind knew his friend held Ricka to prevent her interference, yet jealousy surged to see another man touching his mate.
If something happened to him, she would be well protected—a promise he’d obtained from Dathan during his visit to headquarters.
Molock hunched as if preparing to lunge, but at the last minute, dove to the side and reached for his blaster. He got to his feet and aimed the gun at Synge’s chest.
After their last encounter, he expected the other man’s treachery. Synge heard Ricka’s warning scream seconds before he dropped to the ground. The shot sailed over his head, missing him by inches. A moving target was harder to hit, so he quickly rolled to his right. As he pushed off the ground, he withdrew the knife hidden inside his boot. From his crouched position, he flicked his wrist and released the blade. It sailed through the air and plunged into Molock’s chest.
Shock and disbelief flashed across the warrior’s features. The weapon aimed at Synge wavered. Molock gripped the hilt with his other hand and managed to dislodge it before he dropped to his knees. The warrior glared at him and his jaw moved—gurgling the only sound he made. His body swayed, then dropped face-first onto the ground.
Synge barely made it to his feet before Ricka rushed at him, throwing herself into his arms. He easily caught her and crushed her to his chest. “Don’t ever do that again. Dammit, I love you and couldn’t stand it if I lost you,” she said.
Loosening his hold, he took in her worried expression. He grinned and gave her a passionate kiss, not caring if the movement caused him more pain. “Does this mean you have forgiven me for tricking you into a joining?”
Smiling seductively, she ground her hips against his groin. “I’m still angry, but I’m sure you can find a way to make it up to me.”
Synge groaned at the immediate erection uncomfortably tightening the front of his pants. She was definitely going to be the death of him.
Dathan cleared his throat as he approached. “Sorry to interrupt. I thought you would want to know the team has apprehended the Klorthons, and the other females are unharmed.”
Ricka pulled out of his arms. “How do you know?”
“I am in contact with the others.” Dathan moved his hair to show her the small communication device in his ear. “They are requesting our presence.”
Synge took her hand and led her toward the transport. “We will continue this discussion later.” He smiled, already planning the things he would do to get her to forgive him and complete the ritual.
