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“DONE.” NYSSA DROPPED back on her haunches, excitement buzzing through her. Not only did the cooling mist begin filling the room, but the main entrance door swished shut, preventing the intruders from entering. It didn’t take long for a thin veil of mist to conceal the interior walls and cast the area around them in hazy shadows. The security access had recently been upgraded and was more advanced than anything she’d dealt with before. She hadn’t been completely convinced she’d be able to override the security access for the spray unit.
“Not bad.” Dawson pushed off the ground and helped her stand. “How much of the building will be affected by the spray?”
“All of it, including the corridor, if I programmed it correctly.” Nyssa lifted her gown and slid the knife back in its sheath. She rubbed her arms against the chill settling on her bare skin. “It will not last long.”
“Then we should go. We need to help the guard and reach the other room before they’re able to bypass the sensor on the door.”
“Do you think the others are unharmed?” Some of the people Nyssa cared about had been in attendance when the attack started, and she hoped they were all right. The urgency to find Lyna and Kel was uppermost in her mind. Her parents, specifically her mother, might not be on her favorite person list, but it didn’t mean she didn’t care about them, or hope they hadn’t been hurt during the attack.
“I don’t know.” Dawson glanced toward the adjoining room, worry showing in the lines around his eyes. He didn’t say anything about his uncle or Kyllan, but he had to be concerned about them.
Nyssa would feel horrible if anything had happened to either one of them because Dawson had remained with her instead of going to their aid. She’d taken an instant liking to Holten. Rather than making assumptions and judging her for being in Dawson’s quarters, he’d sought her out, been gracious and kind to her.
“Keep down as much as possible and stay close to me.” Dawson clasped her hand and urged her to follow him.
Nyssa growled, irritated that he was treating her as if she were helpless. She jerked his hand, forcing him to stop. “Why do you insist on giving me orders. I am quite—”
“Capable...I know.” Dawson drew her closer. “Darlin’, trouble seems to find you wherever you go, and personally, I would prefer nothing else happens to you.”
She couldn’t find fault with his assessment. She was curious and aggressive by nature. Erak loved to point out—and had on numerous occasions—that she had a tendency to attract the wrong kind of attention. Lately, she’d incurred more than she wanted to admit, but was unclear why he thought she needed his help. “You will be leaving in a few days. Why do you feel it is necessary to concern yourself with my issues?”
“Because, stubborn as you are, I like you.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “And, I have every intention of keeping you safe so we can finish what we started earlier.”
She didn’t have to ask to know he was referring to their kiss and stating his intention for much more. Memories of the way he’d taken possession of her mouth, combined with thoughts of him doing the same thing to her naked body, sent spirals of heat rushing through her. Any chills she’d experienced from the mist quickly faded.
“Come on.” Dawson took her hand again and led her across the room to the injured hunter.
“What is your name?” Nyssa asked as she knelt beside the guard. She’d never met him before and assumed he was one of the new males Dathan had assigned to the security team.
“Garrus.”
“I am Nyssa, and this is Dawson.” She observed his wound. “How badly are you injured?”
“The bleeding has stopped.” He lowered his head, his gaze lingering on her partially bared breasts. He flared his nostrils, then glanced at Dawson before returning his attention back to her. Centuries ago, Tarrons had been a warrior race, dominating, possessive, protective. Battle had a tendency to heighten the animalistic side of their nature, especially for a male.
Nyssa knew Garrus was scenting her, trying to determine if she was unmated. She resisted the urge to smack him before Dawson realized what he was doing. The last thing she needed right now was a fight between the two of them. She flashed Garrus a warning glare and pinched his injured arm, hoping to distract him. It wasn’t enough to cause him pain, but she heard his low growl and knew she’d gotten his attention.
Dawson returned from retrieving the dead guard’s weapon. “We need to get out of here before the intruders can get the door open.”
“I understand.” Garrus took Dawson’s offered arm, the strain showing in his expression as he struggled to his feet. Once standing, he refused further assistance, managing to walk on his own. He leveled his weapon and took a position on Dawson’s left, ensuring that Nyssa remained behind them. Not one to shy away from a fight, Nyssa might have balked at their protective behavior if she’d been armed with more than a dagger.
Near the open entryway, they found an official sprawled facedown on the floor. Dawson crouched by his side, eased the male onto his back, and examined him for signs of life. Blotches of bright purple marred his forehead, and there was a large, blood-covered gash near his left temple. “Is he...” Nyssa swallowed hard, afraid the blue-skinned Ledorrion had become another casualty.
“No, he’s still alive. He must have hit his head when he fell and knocked himself unconscious.” Dawson got to his feet. “There’s nothing we can do for him until we find a med tech. He’ll be safer if we leave him here.”
The icing spray lasted longer than Nyssa thought it would and diminished visibility into the adjoining room. Dawson aimed the repeater and pulled her close. “Please stay behind me. I don’t know what we’ll find in there.” He cautiously inched his way along the wall toward the entryway. Garrus mirrored his actions, heading for the entrance from the opposite direction.
“Now” was the only warning Dawson gave before both males entered the dimly lit room.
#
WHEN THEY WERE SEVERAL steps into the room, the overhead lights sprang to life, and a number of repeaters were aimed at their chests. Thankfully, and to the relief of his already racing pulse, they were hunters and lowered their weapons immediately. Behind them, the room was a flurry of activity. Another group of uniformed men was assisting some of the dignitaries, providing medical assistance, and escorting others from the building.
Dawson tucked the repeater into the back of his pants. He glanced around the room and was relieved to see Holten and Kyllan standing off to the side speaking with Ryos. Kyllan gave him a brief nod, acknowledging that they were fine, then held up a finger signaling he would be with him shortly.
Nyssa, who Dawson had protectively kept behind him, moved into the space between Garrus and him. Her gaze swept over the group of men, and surprise flickered across her features. “Torin.”
Torin jerked his head in their direction, his smile broadening into a wide grin. He turned, said something to one of the other hunters, then strode toward them. “I received your transmission.” Torin’s gaze flitted from Dawson to Nyssa. “Only you would send such a colorful distress message.”
She beamed and gave him a quick hug. “I did not think it went through, but I am very glad to see you.”
Torin noticed the condition of Garrus’s arm and crinkled his forehead. “I will notify the med tech that you are in need of assistance. Follow me.” He turned and rushed toward the far corner of the room.
Garrus spoke directly to Dawson. “I am grateful for the aid. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Garrus took a couple of steps, then turned to Nyssa, placing his hand on her arm. “I assume since you do not carry his scent that he has no claim on you.” He didn’t try to hide the lust in his golden gaze, and it pissed Dawson off.
Hell yes, she belongs to me. Raw anger and possessiveness ripped through Dawson, along with the urge to shove Garrus away from her.
Nyssa glanced nervously at Dawson. “I...he...” Her voice shook with panic and uncertainty.
There was a strong attraction between them, stronger than anything he’d ever experienced with a woman before. The brief glimmer of longing he’d seen in that beautiful golden gaze confirmed that she felt it too. He had no idea what was happening or why his reactions were so out of character for him, but until he figured it out, he didn’t want anyone interfering. “She isn’t available, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he held her firmly against his side. He challenged Garrus with a glare, daring him to try to take her from him.
“My apologies.” Garrus held up his hands and slowly backed away from them. “Your female is very desirable. You should claim her before another male makes the same assumptions that I did.”
His female. Claim her. Dawson pondered the other man’s advice as he kept his wary gaze focused on Garrus until he’d reached Torin and the med tech on the other side of the room.
“Is there a problem?” Kyllan, stealthy as always, had quietly appeared at Dawson’s side.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” Dawson grumbled, annoyed at the way Kyllan insightfully quirked his brow.
“Nyssa, are you harmed?” Kyllan asked, casting a quick inspecting glance down the length of her. “Do you require medical attention?”
“I am fine, why?” Nyssa glanced down, saw the condition of her gown, and frowned. Moisture from the melted mist clung to the sheer fabric. Cuts on her skin could be seen through the numerous tears along her abdomen and thighs. No doubt the damage happened when she was crawling across the floor to reach the sensor panel. “I guess I will not be wearing this again.” Her laugh was edged with disappointment.
It was hard not to notice bits of her beautiful body when the tattered portions of her gown showed so much skin. No wonder Garrus had taken an interest in her. Dawson could have kicked himself. He’d been so focused on protecting her that he hadn’t noticed how much of her was showing. “Here, put this on.” He removed his jacket and held it open for her.
It appeared as if she might argue, then thought better of it. “Thank you.” She slipped her arms into the overly long sleeves, then rolled the ends to uncover her hands.
Absently, she rubbed her cheek against the fabric, sniffing deeply. She made the cutest little moaning noise. A noise that sent heat coursing throughout his body and made him shudder.
He didn’t think she realized what she was doing or, more importantly, doing to him. But if she didn’t stop soon, he’d be tossing her over his shoulder and dragging her from the room. “Nyssa, are you okay?”
“What?” It dawned on her why he was asking. “Oh...” She flushed a dark shade of pink and released her grip on the jacket, then ran her hands down the front, smoothing the material.
“What happened to the mercenaries?” Dawson asked, instead of smacking Kyllan for ogling her and doing a poor job of hiding his amusement.
Kyllan’s expression turned serious. “Four are dead and two escaped. The hunters are searching for them.”
“What about the Chamagor?” Dawson asked.
“The scaly creature,” Nyssa offered when Kyllan appeared perplexed.
“Myles Graven killed him.”
That is damned inconvenient. “How did he get his hands on a weapon? We needed the creature alive in order to find out who hired him.”
“He took a repeater from one of the injured hunters.” Kyllan didn’t bother hiding his disgust.
Dawson turned his attention to Nyssa. “Is something wrong?” She’d been glancing around the room throughout their conversation.
“I don’t see Lyna. Where is she?” Nyssa asked.
“I have not seen her since I left her to argue with the male she said was her supervisor.” Kyllan apprehensively scanned the room as well.
“You mean Dathan?” Nyssa asked.
“Yes, I believe that was his name.”
“I do not see him either.” Dawson could hear the fear in her voice as she gripped his arm. “Something is wrong.”
He hated seeing her frantic expression and hoped nothing had happened to her friends. “I’m sure they’re here somewhere.” He cupped her cheek reassuringly. “We’ll find them.”
“Find who?” Kel approached them from behind and took a spot on her right. “What is going on?”
“Lyna and Dathan are missing,” Nyssa said.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. She would never leave without letting me know first.”
Dawson turned to Kyllan. “Where did you see them last?”
“Over there.” Kyllan stiffened his shoulders and pointed toward the empty alcove in the far corner of the room and what was left of an elaborate bar. The structure was still intact, but small chunks of wood were missing from the front panel where it had received numerous weapon blasts.
Nyssa hiked up the hem of her gown and rushed across the floor. Even with the tall heels on her shoes, she gracefully maneuvered through the debris. Dawson took off after her, Kel and Kyllan following close behind, broken glass crunching beneath their boots.
“Lyna,” Nyssa yelled as she got closer to the bar.
“Over here.” Lyna’s voice crackled with desperation.
Dawson skidded to a stop when he reached the end of the wooden structure. Dathan lay unconscious on the floor with Lyna on her knees, hovering over him. She’d cut away the bottom of her dress and had the material pressed against the right side of his chest. The fabric was soaked, and blood seeped between her fingers.
“Damn it, Dathan. Don’t you dare die on me,” Lyna cried.
“Oh no.” Nyssa dropped to her knees on Dathan’s other side.
“We need a medic over here. Now!” Dawson yelled, getting the attention of the hunters closest to them.
“What happened?” Nyssa pressed a hand to Dathan’s good shoulder, then swiped the back of her hand across her cheek, coming away with moisture on her skin.
“This is all my fault. It should be me lying here instead of him. He got between me and that lizard thing.” Lyna choked out the words through intermittent sobs.
So far, Dawson’s impression of Lyna was that she had a strong personality, was loyal to her friends, and was rarely bothered by anything. Seeing the smudged mascara and tears streaming down her cheeks made him wonder if her feelings for Dathan went beyond what someone would have for a coworker.
“You cannot blame yourself for this.” Nyssa placed a comforting hand on her friend’s arm. Dathan is a hunter. “He is sworn to protect...and he cares about you.”
“Did someone call for medical assistance?” A Tarron male dressed in a dark blue shirt and pants, a style similar to the uniforms Dawson had seen on other hunters, rushed toward them.
“Come on, darlin’.” Dawson wrapped his arms around Nyssa’s waist and gently lifted her out of the way, making room for the technician to reach Dathan. She didn’t argue or struggle when he continued to hold her in his arms with her back against his chest.
The tech’s ministrations were experienced and precise. He tossed aside the bloodied material and, within minutes, had the four deep, reddened cuts on Dathan’s chest cleaned and sealed with a healing gel. Lyna refused to leave Dathan’s side. She remained perched on her haunches, clasping his hand between hers the entire time.
Suddenly, Dathan’s eyes flew open. His upper body jerked inches off the ground before dropping back to the floor. His gaze searched the small group and finally landed on Kel. “Get Lyna out of here,” he snarled.
“No.” Lyna shook her head, clutching his hand tighter. “I’m not leaving you.”
“Please go.” Dathan wrestled free of her grip. “I need to know you are safe.” Sweat beaded on his brow, his eyes frantically scanning the area around them. He was obviously delirious and didn’t know that they were no longer in danger.
“What’s wrong with him?” Nyssa asked.
“He’s acting as if he was poisoned. The Chamagor’s claws must have been laced with a toxin.” The tech reached into his kit and retrieved an injector. He quickly jabbed it into Dathan’s arm. His patient reacted by roaring and wrapping his hands around the tech’s throat.
The tech made a garbled noise and grabbed Dathan’s wrist, attempting to wrench them free. Luckily, it didn’t take long for the drug to work and Dathan’s entire frame to go lax. He slumped back to the ground, and his lids slowly lowered. “Damn, he is strong.” The tech rubbed the front of his throat. “We will need to keep him sedated. It will take longer than normal for him to heal.”
“He will heal, though, right?” Lyna cast a worried glance at the tech.
“I believe so.” The tech directed his attention to Kel. “As soon as the transport arrives, we will relocate him to medical.” He tipped his head at Lyna, a silent request for Kel to assist him with her.
“Understood,” Kel said, then tapped Dawson on the shoulder. “May I speak with you privately?”
“I’ll be right back,” Dawson whispered in Nyssa’s ear, then followed him out of hearing range of the others.
“I will accompany Lyna to the medical building and stay with her and Dathan.” Kel paused and appeared to be sizing Dawson up with his gaze. “I am concerned that Nyssa will not be safe if she is returned home for the evening. She seems to trust you. Will you protect her if I leave her in your care?”
The night before, shortly after Nyssa had passed out from the drug Bokar had given her, Lyna assured Dawson that Kel was a close friend, nothing more. Dawson was shocked by the request and had a feeling he’d been accepted into Nyssa’s inner circle of friends. “I promise no one will come near her.”
Dawson cared about what happened to her, meant every word, and would hurt anyone who tried to harm Nyssa. Or try to take her away from me. He wasn’t sure what had triggered the thought or why he felt so strongly about keeping her safe. Until he figured it out, he wasn’t letting her out of his sight.
