FIERCE ALIEN

Barbarian Clans of Xavren: Book 2

LUNA KINGSLEY

B&N Publishing

Copyright © 2021 by Luna Kingsley

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Luna Kingsley

Chapter 1

Lana

EARTH

Religious Compound

A few months ago

IT’S QUIET NOW, at least in the women’s quarters. Quiet isn’t something often found in this place. The compound consists of a large warehouse with additional buildings spread out around the land. A large fence surrounds us, only farm fields as far as the eye can see beyond. Men with weapons patrol the perimeter and I’ve come to realize over the last few months it’s just as much to keep us inside as it is to keep strangers out. It’s winter now, the fields covered in white. Trees scatter throughout the area but only sporadically. Anytime the wind rattles the huge windows I think about how cold it must be in the shed where Marion serves her punishments. If it’s not Marion, it’s Diana. Not that I’m any more well-behaved than they are, but I’m quiet and often blend into the background.

Tonight, just like every other night, we’re escorted back to the women’s section of the compound by the guards once it grows dark. It’s at this time we’re expected to reflect on our day, read scripture, or think about how we can assist the men more thoroughly tomorrow. For most of the women, this must seem normal…relaxing even. But Marion, Diana, and I have lived a life outside of these walls even if it feels like a lifetime ago. The mother we knew back when our real dad was alive is gone…lost to her devotion to our stepfather.

Ever since we arrived the three of us stuck together, including staying in the same small bedroom together. Recently, we were given separate rooms. Normally, young women would love the privacy and freedom that goes along with having their own space, but I hate it. The walls are closing in on me. The isolation making me feel so alone. We’re all smart enough to know they’re doing it on purpose. We’ve always fought their ways, not physically but mentally. Never allowed their poisonous beliefs to worm their way into our heads and take over basic common sense. They’ve separated us so they can come for us and try to whittle down our walls, one at a time.

I’m doing my best to try to relax and quell the pounding of my heart when my door opens a crack. Thinking it must be Marion, I roll over, wondering if it’s already time.

“Marion?” I ask.

It’s dark and difficult for me to make out any shapes now that the door has closed again but instantly I know it isn’t her. It’s him. My stomach drops and twists as I try to think of what to do next. Before I come up with anything, he’s pulling the blanket back on my small bed and sliding in next to me.

“You can’t keep coming here like this,” I say, whispering so no one hears.

“I’ll do what I want,” Clint says, his breath laced with stale nicotine from the cigarettes he smokes all day and night. He presses his hand over my mouth, his nails digging into my skin. “Good news, your father has given permission for us to marry. You are mine forever now, Lana.”

Clint’s slender, clammy hands slip under my shirt, moving quickly over my skin until he reaches my small, pert breast. He groans into my neck, pressing his erection into my hip. I stifle a cry and force myself not to fight back. The only thing worse than what he’s doing to me right now is if Marion and Diana were to find out.

He’s breathing heavily as his other hand works the button of his pants. Clint is one of the founding members of the compound and easily approaching sixty years old. Ever since we arrived, he’s watched me…smiled at me. Whatever I’ve been doing or wherever I’ve been, he always shows up. And now, my monster of a stepfather has promised me to him. Not that it matters, he’s taken what he’s wanted ever since my sisters were moved out of my room.

He moves his hand to the waist of my pants, working to free the button so he can gain access. Panic begins firing through me, not only at what he’s doing but that he’ll notice I’ve gone to bed wearing my jeans. Thankfully, he’s too consumed with his perverted affections to pay any attention to what I’m actually wearing.

“Wait!” I say, grabbing his hand. “If we’re to be married…we should wait. I mean…isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?”

He pulls back and stares into my eyes. My chest rises and falls and I can’t calm my breathing, but hopefully he can be convinced. Time passes slowly while I wait to see what he’ll decide. If he violates me again tonight when I’m so close to escaping, it might end up breaking me.

“That’s what you want?” he asks. It’s difficult to read his tone, but I don’t think he’s suspicious. He can’t know what my sisters and I are planning…can he?

“Yes, that’s what I want.”

“Then we will wait until our wedding night. You’re right, I’ll find a way to make the next time extra special.” He sneers and squeezes my breast once more before hurrying from my room. As soon as the door clicks, the tears begin streaming down my face. I wipe them away with shaky hands and take deep breaths to try to get myself under control.

Then, unable to wait a moment longer to be free of this place, I reach under my bed and pull out my backpack. At the door to the room I pull on my warmest winter gear and double check once more to make sure I have everything I planned to take with us.

Tonight is the night and it’s perfect timing. I couldn’t have waited another day to escape this place. Now we just have to hope our plan goes off without a hitch.

I sneak through the hallway to Marion’s room.

“You’re early!” she says, waving me inside.

“I couldn’t wait. I’m nervous and excited…I just want to get a move on.”

“Me too, but we need to make sure the men have gone to their rooms.” Marion begins grabbing all of her things and getting dressed. This is it…our chance at a new life away from this place. It’s meaningful for all of us, but she’s the one who found a way to get us three seats aboard the first transport to Xavren. If this works, I’ll owe her more than she’ll ever know.

A phantom lingering whiff of Clint’s stale breath and probing fingers makes my stomach lurch and I have to sit down.

“Everything okay?” Marion asks.

“Ugh, I’m so nervous. This needs to work, you know? I can’t stay here anymore.”

Marion kneels down in front of me, grasping my hands in hers. She stares into my eyes, forcing me to believe what we’re about to do. “I know. That’s why I’m getting the two of you out of here. This is it for us. Our chance at a new beginning.”

My eyes well up with tears and I have to fight back the onslaught of emotion. There’s nothing that will keep me from getting on that transport. And as soon as we take off, I’m leaving all traces of Clint and this nightmare behind. Who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to sleep soundly again without worrying about someone sneaking into my bed when he’s not wanted.

Once Marion is ready, we stop and grab Diana before silently making our way through the quiet hallways. We’re dressed for the snow with our backpacks stocked full of supplies. We’ve planned the route we’ll take through the warehouse and walked it numerous times. It’s the outside that’s more unpredictable. They like to try, but this isn’t as sophisticated as some military operations. We’ll have our chance to get away, it’s just a matter of patience.

We reach the door to get to the fence. There’s no alarm, only a lock from the inside. We easily unlock it and step out into the cold. Now we wait against the wall until it’s safe to move toward the fence. Marion pulls out the wire-cutting pliers that she stole from the shop earlier in the day and grips them tightly in her hand. My heart beats like a drum so loudly time slows down around us. If we get caught, they’ll throw us in isolation for days. But more importantly, we’ll miss the transport. This is it…this is our only chance.

Desperation consumes me. As soon as Marion signals to move, we follow. We reach the fence and crouch down, blocking her from view while she gets to work cutting the wire to make a hole for us to squeeze through. Once it’s big enough, Diana goes through first, then me, then Marion. We stay low, our feet eating up the ground until we reach the first small patch of trees for cover. I glance back to make sure all is still quiet.

“Don’t look back now,” Marion says. “We’ll run until we reach the road. From there, hopefully we can find someone to give us a ride to the transport.”

Focusing my determination forward, we run through the field and we don’t look back.

Chapter 2

Dhacar

XAVREN

Scargad Territory

FROM MY POSITION on the side of the mountain, signs of danger are visible before it reaches my clan. Things haven’t been peaceful on Xavren for a long time, but we have a fragile existence with the various species around us and until recently it has been good enough. Various barbarian clans exist in the southern region territories that stretch to the sides of us in a wide arc. To the north, the wealthy cities exist behind their massive walls, meant to keep the rest of us in our place. The looming shadow over us all are the drattur that nest in the pits to the south of all of us. They only appeared on our lands eight years ago, or at least that was the first time our clan ever saw them. Things have never been the same since.

The first rays of light break over the horizon allowing my restlessness to calm for another day. We made it through another night without another attack. The smell of smoke from the fires at the fortress still lingers in the air, a reminder of all that was lost when the drattur attacked the human settlement. The large, winged creatures were lured from their dormant state by Thiku of the Theki clan. Instead of waiting around to accept the consequences of their actions, they fled.

There are times when I doze off that I can hear the screams and chaos at the fortress, so similar to when my clan was attacked and I lost my family. That day haunts me still for other reasons now.

Lana.

From the moment I pulled her aside to give her word about her sister, she’s consumed my thoughts. I returned to the fortress every day to make sure she was safe…just so I could watch her from afar. So when I saw the first sign of the drattur in the sky and sounded the horn, my body shook with fear for the one I needed to protect. The only other time I felt such fear was when the drattur attacked our clan all those years ago, picking us off with their massive claws and ripping us apart with their jagged teeth. Beasts of nightmares that live in our reality.

Yes, these lands are beautiful. From the snow-capped mountain peaks to the blanketed hills and valleys…there is much to appreciate. But it is easy to forget the dangers that lurk in the most unsuspecting places. At least now Lana is in the mountain where I can protect her. It eases some of my worries since the humans arrived on Xavren.

“Dhacar!” Brotak’s voice cuts through the quiet morning, booming like an explosion. Birds nestled not far from where I sit take flight.

“What is it?” I walk to the opening in the mountain, lean down to peer through. He’s striding toward me, already full of purpose so early in the morning.

“Marion and I depart for Nulgon territory shortly.”

I follow him into the cave, our strides matching as we make our way through the tunnels toward the stables. Not many of the humans are awake yet so we don’t run into anyone on our way there, even the human I enjoy seeing the most.

Now Brotak and Marion are leaving for a few weeks and I’ll be in charge of everyone’s safety. It has happened before but it’s more significant this time because Lana is here in the mountain. The one I crave to claim as my own and her safety falls on my shoulders.

My adrenaline spikes from the thought.

“You have everything you need while I am away?” Brotak asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“We do. We’ll continue to keep watch day and night in case the Theki clan returns. There is no sign of anyone from the cities, but we watch for them as well.”

“The drattur shouldn’t be a problem for a while, but keep everyone close to the mountain just in case.”

“Of course.”

We reach the stables where Vultos, Brotak’s komoth, waits. Marion is by his side, stroking his long, dark fur. Vultos nuzzles his nose against her neck and she giggles, causing Brotak’s chest to rumble with affection for his mate.

Brotak strides up to her and takes her face in his hands, pulling her in close for a kiss. When they pull away, Marion smiles with a red flush to her face before greeting me with a wave.

“Hi, Dhacar,” she says, temporarily in a daze from the kiss with her mate.

“Marion,” I say with a nod.

Brotak walks around Vultos to strap on the rest of their supplies and Marion quickly comes back to her senses.

“Dhacar, you’ll watch out for my sisters while I’m away? I hate leaving them behind.”

“Of course. We will all make sure the humans are comfortable and safe here in the mountain. We plan on keeping watch for any danger that might come so we are prepared for it.”

“Thank you. Diana has always been headstrong and able to look out for herself, but I worry about Lana. She’s so quiet. I don’t know that she’ll say anything if she needs something.”

“I will be happy to check in with her to make sure she has everything she needs.”

“And she’s young, Dhacar. Don’t let any of the males get any ideas about her while I’m away. She’s not ready to be claimed. She’s not ready for the mating ceremony or any of that.”

“I thought Diana was younger than Lana?”

“She is. But Diana would never let me tell her what to do about anything. It has always been different with Lana. She’s been different since the compound. I just want her to have time to get used to how things are here. I want her to have a chance to find herself and be happy before she has to worry about any of that other stuff.”

I wasn’t expecting this. I’ll protect her with everything I have, but to be forbidden from claiming the one female who has caught my eye? How do I promise such a thing? I had every intention of telling Brotak how I feel as soon as he returned from the southern territory.

“I’ll take care of everything while you’re away,” I say, “You have nothing to worry about.”

“I know I can trust you, Dhacar. I wouldn’t leave anyone else in charge. You are my trusted second and always will be,” Brotak says. “To ease my mate’s mind, make sure no warrior chooses a mate while we are gone. We can decide how to proceed with all of that when we return.”

I exhale, realizing this is for the best. We need to be focused on safety, not finding ways to get the human women to warm our furs.

“Return with an alliance with the Nulgon,” I say, slapping him on the back. “Something tells me we will need it before all of this is said and done.”

Brotak climbs onto Vultos’s back and helps Marion on behind him. “I will do everything I can to secure it.”

“You are sure I can’t send more warriors along with you?”

“Not this time, my friend.” Marion squeezes him tightly around the waist and they both smile as Vultos begins moving.

“Safe travels!” I follow them out through the tunnel and watch until they are no more than a speck in the distance. I was against sending him alone with Marion, but he insisted it was better this way. He believed they would look less threatening than if we sent an entire group of our warriors. In that respect, he’s right, but I still worry for my friend and his woman. The territories are strict on Xavren and clans will go to war if they feel they’ve been threatened. I hope he’s right about the Nulgon. I know what else it is that troubles him. He’s still worried about the dangers we face, and he doesn’t want to take away any warriors that we might need to defend the mountain.

Since everything is still quiet, I make my way back through the tunnels until I climb back out to my perch. From here, I have the best view of anything coming or going around the mountain. In a few hours, another warrior will come relieve me from my post and then I’ll be able to get some sleep. Until then, I keep watch while trying not to think about Lana.

I can guarantee Marion there won’t be any other male claiming Lana because she’s going to be mine. For now, she keeps her distance. From me and all the other men in the mountain. But I have every intention of changing that…when the timing is right.

The day is breaking with clear skies, but apprehension lingers within me. Just like the dark clouds that bloom to the south, it’s impossible to pretend that a storm isn’t brewing. Before long the councilors will arrive from the city and want the humans back. Thiku, leader of the Theki clan, will return to his territory eventually and when he does, conflict is inevitable. Somehow the drattur need to be dealt with, but from where I’m standing at the moment, it seems like an impossible task. The only thing that didn’t cause stress was Lana. Though, even if I can’t claim her, it doesn’t mean I can’t be there for her while her sister is gone. If she needs anything while Marion is away, I’ll be the one to make sure she gets it.

Chapter 3

Lana

DIANA IS STILL SOUND asleep when I slip from our cave, and she sleeps like the dead. From the time we were little girls there was nothing that would wake her, not even the booms of thunder that would shake the house. This morning, I’m thankful for it. Because ever since we arrived on Xavren, I haven’t had a moment to myself...especially not after Marion went missing. Diana was stuck to me like stink on a pig in the fortress.

We had to stick together; it was only the two of us. And I don’t blame her for that.

But for once, I want a moment to think and I found the perfect place. Technically I’m not breaking any rules because I’m not leaving the mountain.

This secret place is one of the openings in the mountain. It’s small, not like one of the caves, but more like a body-sized air vent. With my journal clutched to my chest and my favorite purple pen holding my place, I move silently through the tunnel until I reach it.

The soft glow of morning is just breaching the horizon as I bend down and crawl through the opening onto the ledge. I settle in, leaning back against the side of the mountain. It’s a chilly morning but I expected it to be. The fresh air clears my head, but it doesn’t take long before my fingers grow numb. Still, I open my journal and start to sketch the view in front of me. Once it’s finished, I’ll add my thoughts just like I do every day so I can digest everything that has happened lately.

Journaling was the only way I could deal with Clint and everything else that happened at the compound. I was too ashamed to tell my sisters about him. Besides, I figured they had enough to worry about themselves. We were all like cattle at a meat market. Eventually it would’ve been their turn to deal with what I was going through. I still grapple with the helplessness associated with living in that place. Being told so many times that I was only good for one thing, that I was lucky to be chosen as a leader’s wife, that I had been put on this Earth to serve…it messes with one’s mind. But no matter how many times I tried to convince myself of those truths, I didn’t believe any of it when Clint snuck into my bedroom at night.

I’ve sketched the low-hanging branches of the trees, heavy from the weight of the fresh snow that fell overnight, when a voice from just above startles me.

“You shouldn’t be out here,” the deep voice says. I jump a foot, completely unaware that anyone else is around, and drop my journal and pen. Without thinking, I lunge for it, desperate not to lose something that means so much to me. But I’m sitting on the edge of a mountain. I’m not all the way at the top but high enough that if I fall I could easily break something.

My weight shifts, throwing me off balance, my heart leaping into my throat as I start to fall. But before I can go anywhere, something grabs me from behind, yanking me backward. The air is knocked from my lungs when I slam into the rock wall behind me. Thick, muscular arms wrap around me and I realize it’s a warrior’s chest, not the mountain wall at all.

“It isn’t safe up here,” the warrior says in my ear. His voice is a low rumble and he’s breathing hard, his heart slamming against his chest. He’s holding me just a little too tightly for comfort and though he saved me, it annoys me that he’s acting like this is somehow my fault.

“If you wouldn’t have startled me, I wouldn’t have almost fallen.” He’s close enough that the hair from his beard rubs against my cheek while his natural woodsy scent consumes my senses.

“I’m keeping watch. What is your excuse for being up here?” He still hasn’t let me go and it should probably bother me more that I don’t mind being in his arms. “It is my duty to keep you safe while your sister is away.”

I still can’t seem to regulate my breathing while this beast of a warrior has his body wrapped tightly around me. I also can’t remember the last time I felt so safe, and that terrifies me.

“Do you think you could let me go?” I ask. I don’t trust myself in this moment, but I need to keep my head on straight. As soon as he releases me, I turn and stare into familiar dark mahogany brown eyes, practically obscured behind the same-colored long brown hair and beard. He’s rugged and mysterious looking, never giving much away with his expressions.

And this isn’t the first time I’ve noticed him watching. Just like I’ve noticed Luke from the fortress watching. And how Clint was always watching me before we made our escape. Men always want something from me, it has been the constant in my life.

“What are you keeping watch for anyway?” I swallow and tuck my hair behind my ears, forcing myself to hold eye contact even though my cheeks flame from being held in his arms. It’s the first time I’ve ever enjoyed contact from a man and Dhacar is practically a stranger. We’ve spoken a few times, but we don’t know each other…even though he always seems to be around.

“Warriors from the northern cities. Drattur from the south. The Theki clan from wherever they might be. Now tell me,” Dhacar says. “What are you doing up here?”

“I wanted a little time to myself.” I shrug my shoulders and glance down to where my journal and pen disappeared somewhere below.

“Is someone bothering you? Tell me if they are. Is it Luke from the fortress? He’s always near you. I won’t let anyone hurt you, Lana.”

He’s intense and this is also the most I’ve heard him speak since we arrived here at the mountain. Most of the time he watches from the background, brooding.

“No one’s bothering me. Not really. I just don’t get any time to myself. And I like drawing and jotting down my thoughts when I have a chance. But it looks like that won’t be happening anymore.”

This time Dhacar glances down the mountain.

“I will see if I can find your things as long as you agree to return to your cave.”

“Forever?”

I could be wrong, but I swear he almost smiles. “Not forever. If you want fresh air and time away, I’ll come for you later as long as you promise not to leave the mountain without me.”

“You’ll come for me?”

“I’ll come for you.” His voice is a deep, raspy sound that rumbles through my body causing goosebumps to prickle over my skin. While I try to think of something else to say, his gaze pins me, and I can’t move or think—there’s nothing but his hypnotizing stare. He stares like he’s discovered my secrets that I keep locked away deep inside of me and he won’t let me hide any longer.

But then, something draws his attention and he looks away. He cuts the connection and I’m floating free again, lost at sea. The muscles in his shoulders, neck, and jaw tense. When I follow his line of sight, I see the billows of snow indicating fast-moving creatures heading our way.

“What is that?” I ask, suddenly worried by his reaction.

“Not what—who.”

“Who is it?” I ask, prying him for more information.

“If I had to guess, it’s someone from the northern cities. Perhaps Tangrux.”

“I remember him! He’s the one who took us to the fortress. What does he want?”

“Looks like I’ll find out soon enough. Now go.” He motions with his head toward the small entrance that leads back into the mountain.

“I’ll see you later?” It feels important to remind him of his promise to come for me and get me out of the mountain for some fresh air. There’s no doubt he’s busy but too much time in the mountain reminds me of being back at the compound. I need this break he’s promised me.

“Yes. I’ll come for you, Lana. Now go.”

Somehow I force myself to follow his directions, while anticipating his return. For the time being, we’re trapped in a mountain while the world around us is covered in snow. There isn’t much to do and normally that would drive me crazy. Staying busy keeps my mind from remembering things about the past I promised to leave back on Earth. This is my clean slate so I push those stomach-twisting memories further down.

Instead, I look forward to spending more time with Dhacar.

I don’t think I can consider this a date, because this is Xavren and Dhacar is an alien warrior. Things don’t work the same way they do on Earth. But if it did, this would be my first. And that makes me giddy with excitement.

Chapter 4

Dhacar

I’M SITTING astride my komoth Ziho with Vrihith and Zuvath by my side when the council members arrive. From the mountain it looked like a pack of animals riding toward us, but now we’re facing off with their snow vehicles, feeling every bit the barbarians they make us out to be. More accurately the barbarians they force us to be.

Ziho rears back and growls at the unfamiliar sight of the steel-encased vehicles. Faleon, Vrihith’s beast, and Imnen, Zuvath’s beast, do the same. A few soothing coos and gentle pets on his soft fur and he’s settled himself, though still on high alert.

The vehicle’s doors open and Tangrux, Ozeall, and Gihull step out, dressed in their robes made from fancy silks and furs. Their green skin stands out against the white snow as they hone in on us. The councilors themselves don’t intimidate, but the guards brandishing weapons behind them set the tone of this encounter.

“Where is Brotak?” Tangrux demands, stepping forward with the other two counselors at his side. The guards keep their places but hold their weapons at the ready. His disrespect makes my blood hot, but losing my temper won’t do any good. He thinks he’s in charge of this meet but they’re on our lands and we don’t take kindly to being treated like the beasts that roam at night.

The longer I remain silent, the thicker the tension grows. Tangrux grows irritated while the others fidget from the unexpectedness of my response. Instead of groveling at their feet, we have yet to dismount our beasts. Looking down on the sanctimonious council members…I could almost smile.

“Well…speak, animal,” Tangrux says, spitting his words at Ziho’s feet. Except he’s talking to me. Ziho growls as I sneer, unable to hide my absolute disdain for the rotten piece of flesh standing in front of me.

“What do you need?” I finally ask, my words low and pronounced. At this point, it’s the fastest way to send them on their way and I have other things to attend to today.

“Even you are not so stupid to not know why we’re here,” Tangrux says.

I tilt my head wishing more than ever that I had something to chew on. A small twig, anything hard or chewy will do it. It’s one of the few things that helps me stay calm when blood lust begins to take over. And right now I’m imagining all the ways I could make Tangrux suffer.

Ziho senses my growing anger and becomes restless. But a few calming strokes of my hand and he’s harnessing his emotions as well as me.

“Did you wish to discuss your incompetence in your dealings with the humans at the fortress?”

Tangrux makes a strangled sound before throwing his head back and laughing. “My incompetence? This is your land. Their safety was your responsibility.”

“Our land. Our protection. Our supplies. All in exchange for one woman? You think this is a fair trade, Tangrux?”

“It is what was agreed upon. Now we came upon the fortress only to find it deserted. What do you think you animals are doing? Helping yourselves to as many as you’d like?”

“Why do you assume any are left? You know the drattur attacked…your guards ran like the cowards they are and left them to fend for themselves.”

“They didn’t all die. You may be animals but even I know of your fighting abilities. We can only hope you haven’t ravaged those who were left.”

For the first time since he arrived, my hand moves to my waist where my weapon lies. There are only so many insults I can swallow before he’ll pay by losing his head.

“Dhacar.” Vrihith’s voice is stern and sharp as his hand grips my arm. Killing Tangrux would bring immediate satisfaction, but it would start a war between our clan and the cities. One that we’re not fully prepared to fight just yet.

“I’ll ask again, Tangrux. What do you need?”

“You will return the humans to the fortress.”

“Impossible. It isn’t safe.” My answer is swift and final. Tangrux wasn’t there as the defenseless humans were picked off the ground one by one. Returning them now would be sending them to their deaths and I won’t let it happen. Not while I’m in charge.

“This isn’t up for debate. We will never convince Earth to send another transport of humans if they find out we’ve sent them to live among savage barbarians. It wasn’t part of the plan.”

“And allowing hundreds of them to become drattur food was?”

Tangrux grows more frustrated by the minute, his green skin darkening along with his temper. It isn’t just that he hates that I’m right, but he hates having to negotiate with me.

“Once they’ve had a chance to recover from the trauma of the attack, we will relocate them to the land initially agreed upon. They’ll have huts to live in which provide better shelter during the cold season and protection.”

“The walls of the fortress are impenetrable,” Tangrux complains, unwilling to bend to my suggestions.

“Not by the drattur. Besides, should there be another attack, the huts are closer to the mountain. We can evacuate them much faster and get them to safety. And unless you want to be forced to inform your Earth contacts that all of the humans are dead, I would agree to these conditions. Otherwise, it seems futile to argue about them being under our care. One more attack on their settlement and there will be no one left.”

Tangrux is about to say more but Ozeall grabs his arm and leans in to whisper in his ear. I shift on Ziho’s back trying to calm the rage that flows so easily through me from dealing with any of these fools from the city. Brotak was doing what he believed was best for the clan when he came to an agreement with them but it’s difficult to ignore the bad blood between us. There’s no denying the females are necessary for our clan’s survival and that alone makes dealing with Tangrux’s insults worthwhile.

After the counselors finish their discussion, Tangrux faces me once more. “Return the humans to the huts if you must. But make sure it is done by the time we arrange for another contract with the humans.”

“When will that be?” I ask, quickly growing tired of his demands.

“Another fifteen days and nights. That should give you plenty of time to figure things out.”

He tightens his robe around himself as he turns to walk back to the vehicle. The guards are still watching until the counselors are safely enclosed in the sealed doors. We’re about to ride our beasts back to the mountain when Tangrux sticks his head out once more.

“And Dhacar, I don’t need to remind you what will happen if you fail to do as you were told here today.”

I don’t answer. I don’t even nod. Instead, I glare and let the sheer loathing he elicited from me ooze from my pores until he closes the door, effectively shutting himself off from me. None of us move while the vehicles tear up the snow, dormant bushes, and small trees as they plow over everything to scurry away as fast as possible.

“One day we’ll line the golden walls of the city with their severed heads,” Vrihith says.

Zuvath grunts his agreement and that’s all it takes for my anger to calm. I’m not the only one who carries this weight of injustice like gaping scars on my body.

“Do you feel like a fight?” Vrihith asks when I still haven’t spoken.

Normally, I would. Before the humans arrived, we’d spar in the cavern to keep our skills sharp. And there’s no denying that after meeting with Tangrux, I would love to pound my anger out on someone.

But I promised Lana I’d come for her. With the first thought of her, my anger begins to dissipate as I think about what she might like to do outside of the mountain. There isn’t much this time of year but if she needs to get away, I’m going to be the one to give her what she needs.

“Another night I will take you up on your offer, Vrihith.” I slap him on the back as he nods.

“Yes, we don’t want to frighten the humans.” Zuvath smiles, but it isn’t comforting. If I didn’t know him like a brother, it would send chills down my spine.

In the end I agree with him but it’s only because they don’t need to know how consumed my thoughts are of Lana. She’s off limits but I don’t know what to do to get my mind and body on board with that directive. For someone like me she’s the smallest bit of peace in my chaotic world and I’ve latched onto that…onto her…and now I can’t think of what my life would be like if she were no longer in it.

Tangrux says we must send the humans to the settlement, so I have only two choices: claim her by then or figure out a way to give her up.

Chapter 5

Lana

WAITING for Dhacar to come for me isn’t an easy task. There isn’t much to do to keep busy, especially now that my journal is lost somewhere at the bottom of the mountain. And I need to keep busy because the thought of spending time alone with Dhacar has my stomach twisted in a ball of nervous knots. But it’s not just that we’ll be alone together. It’s also that this feels like one of the most normal things I’ve done in years. And that’s saying something, considering I’m on an alien planet about to spend time with a different species.

“Where have you been?” Diana asks as soon as I step back inside our shared cave. “It’s not like you to leave on your own.” She looks so worried for me and it tugs at my heart. I love both of my sisters with everything I am, but their overprotectiveness is one of the reasons I felt like I couldn’t talk to them about what was actually happening to me at the compound. They worked so hard to protect me from the monsters that surrounded us that I don’t have the heart to tell them they still managed to get to me.

“I woke up early today and went down for breakfast. Nothing to get all worked up about.” I stride right up to her and pull her in for a tight hug. Diana is not touchy-feely but she won’t turn down a hug from me. Since the night Marion disappeared at the fortress, Diana and I became inseparable. We struggled through our shared grief and confusion together while trying to figure out what to do next.

“Okay, well I’m on my way down now. Come with me and then we can help the women prepare the rest of the supply baskets for the caves.”

“That’s okay, I’ll meet up with you later on.” I try to make myself busy, but Diana is staring at me like I’ve grown two heads. If Dhacar hadn’t promised to take me out today I would go hang out with the other women, but I don’t want to miss him when he finally stops by.

“What’s going on with you?” she asks, propping her hands on her hips.

“Nothing. I just feel safer now that we’re in the mountain. Don’t you? We don’t need to go everywhere together anymore.”

Her face drops, but only for a minute. As soon as my words sink in, she smiles.

“That’s awesome, Lana. I didn’t realize you were feeling so good about everything.”

“Well, we’re all together again, you know? And I do feel safe here. The warriors are intimidating but just knowing they’re keeping watch and capable of killing beasts that look like dragons…call me crazy but I like it.”

Diana laughs and grabs the rest of her things. “Okay! Now that I know, I’ll try to be less suffocating. Starting with grabbing breakfast without you since you already ate.” We hug once more before she leaves. Part of me feels guilty for leaving out the part about meeting Dhacar at some point today but I don’t think she’d understand. And I’m older than her so the stubborn part of me doesn’t think I should have to explain why this feels so significant to me.

Most twenty-year-old women have been dating for years. I’ve been violated by a man, but I’ve never been kissed. I’m desperate to spend time with Dhacar and just feel normal…like girls my age who weren’t raised in a religious compound. Sure, he’s still an alien species, and from what Marion has told us, it wasn’t easy for her and Brotak when they first got together. But when he looks at me with those eyes the color of smooth, dark chocolate, my insides melt like a stick of butter. I’ve never experienced anything like it…but I crave the feeling. No one ever made me feel this way at the compound. This mix of nerves from the unknown along with the thrill of excitement from the quiet danger he possesses gives me a rush that’s exhilarating.

As soon as Diana is gone, the cave is so empty and quiet. I don’t have anyone to distract me from my thoughts…and they’re all about him. It doesn’t take long before I start second-guessing myself. Sure his gaze is intense, but he could look at all of the women like that. There’s nothing that makes me special, so I need to remind myself that he’s doing this to keep an eye on me…just like Marion told him to do while she’s away. In fact, I’ve thoroughly convinced myself that I’m so insignificant that he won’t remember to come for me that I’ve started to gather my things to leave the cave. I’ll look like such a fool if I wait around all day for him only to be stood up.

Determined to find Diana and the rest of the women, I throw back the flap to the cave and once again run straight into Dhacar’s massive body. I screech from the shock of seeing him right outside when I expected the tunnel to be empty.

“Sorry if I scared you,” he says, his arm wrapping around my shoulders to help steady me. I’m clutching at my heart, gasping for a quick breath of air when his scent hits me again. “Are you free to come for a ride with me?”

“Go for a ride?” I ask, as my mind plays catch-up.

“Yes, I thought we could take Ziho for a ride. It’s cold but the skies are clear and there’s no snow expected today. I can teach you to ride if you’d like.”

“I’d like that.” I smile but do my best not to show how much I’m freaking out on the inside. We’re going to spend the afternoon together and he’s going to teach me how to ride. Fresh air and companionship…I can’t think of what could be better.

Once I grab what I’ll need to be out in the snow, Dhacar leads me down to the stables. It’s exciting in a terrifying way because I’ve never been around creatures like the komoth before. We had cows, goats, and chickens on the compound but nothing like these beasts. When I was a little girl, I always wished I could have a kitten for a pet, but I gave up on that a long time ago.

As soon as we enter the stable, my anxiety bubbles over. The creatures are in their own separate stalls, not roaming freely, so that gives me a bit of relief. But there are so many of them that their growls and whines fill the space of the cavern with noise. From the little I know about animals, they aren’t aggressive sounds, but still…they could easily eat me for a snack if they were so inclined.

We walk past a stall and one of the creatures yips at me, causing me to jump into Dhacar.

“Frightened?” he asks, a look of enjoyment on his face.

“There are a lot of them,” I say by way of explanation. “Are they all friendly?”

His arm lingers around my shoulder as he quietly chuckles his amusement. “We domesticated them after the drattur attacked our clan for the first time eight years ago. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. We care for them and they work for us. Many of us have developed close bonds with our beasts.”

“And what will they think of me? An outsider?” I glance at the creatures through the wooden slats of their stalls. They’re all beautiful creatures, not one fur coat the same as another. And similarly, they all have two horns but they’re not all the same size or similarly shaped. Some curve backward, some to the side. They’re all unique and distinct. The one thing they all have in common, however, are their sharp fangs that rest outside of their mouths. A definitive reminder that although they may look majestic and tame, at their core they are capable of tearing their foe apart.

“Relax, you are with me. They didn’t hurt you the night of the attack at the fortress. You rode then.”

As if that explains everything, he stops at Ziho’s stable and prepares him for our ride. He’s right, I have ridden before but considering what we were fleeing from, I really didn’t have time to think about it.

He’s affectionate with his beast and I stare shamelessly because it gives me a peek at another side of Dhacar that I don’t usually see. When he leads him from the stall, he stops him in front of me and introduces us.

“Ziho, Lana. Lana, Ziho.” I giggle, my nerves getting the better of me. “Come closer,” he says, his words a command that he expects me to follow. Like I’m one of his warriors, I obey, stepping forward but staying closer to Dhacar than Ziho.

“You can pet him. He won’t bite.” I look up at his chiseled, sharp features. There’s something about the way he looks that sets me on fire from the inside out. Maybe it’s because he looks nothing like the men at the compound. He’s completely different with his thick beard and his long hair, his arms layered with muscle, his strong hands…at least twice the size of mine. But most of all, when he looks at me, there’s kindness in his eyes…amusement while I discover my new world.

It’s in this moment that I realize the one thing that drew me to him from the beginning—I can trust him even though I barely know him.

I trust him not to hurt me, and for someone like me, it’s the most significant thing I can give him.

Chapter 6

Dhacar

LANA STARES up at me with the most trusting look in her brown eyes before she places her fingers on Ziho’s fur and strokes. She doesn’t trust easily, and I recognize this because I’m the same way. But she’s here with me now and that’s what matters. After she had time to think things through, I wasn’t sure if she’d still agree to spend more time together.

“He’s purring. That means he likes you.” She smiles and continues to pet him with the gentlest of movements. I’d like to tell her I’ve seen him take a swat across the face from one of his brother’s massive paws and shake it off like it was nothing, but I won’t ruin her confidence.

“He’s so soft and warm,” she says. Her eyes are wide and bright while she pets him. I’m leaning against his body, watching her, eager for a ride so I can wrap my arms around her body and hold her close to me. We’ve interacted before, but there haven’t been many times I’ve actually been able to touch her.

After a few more minutes, I climb onto Ziho’s back and extend my hand to help Lana up. She looks for a place to put her foot but I can lift her body weight easily. With a high-pitched yelp, she’s straddling Ziho, riding in front of me. “Shouldn’t I ride behind you?” she asks. “You should be running the show.”

“I can hold you more securely this way. I wouldn’t want you to fall.” I speak closely to her ears and notice the way her breath hitches. She’s affected by me and knowing it feeds the alpha inside of me who desires to claim her. For now, I need to keep him under control. “Let’s go, Ziho!” I nudge him with my heels, and he trots forward toward the tunnel. I set an easy pace and hold Lana tight, especially when we reach the snow and the smooth ride inevitably becomes bumpier.

At first Lana holds onto the harness but eventually she switches to my arms. My chest swells with pride knowing she feels safe with me. We ride toward the fortress even though the memories of the last time we were there aren’t good ones.

“Are we going to the fortress?” she asks.

“Just riding the trails this way. It’s a smoother ride than having Ziho jump through the big snow drifts.”

“Is there anything left in there?” She sounds curious more than anything else, so I direct Ziho to take us closer.

“We can go inside if you want to.” Ziho trots around to the front gate. There’s no one working the tower so it’s easy to push it open and go in.

“This is so strange,” Lana says. “It’s so empty now…it’s eerie.”

We don’t climb down off Ziho’s back. He walks us around the empty interior, this “eerie” feeling Lana describes accurate for how full and lively this place once was. “We burned what couldn’t be salvaged the last time we were here. With the snow, all traces of the devastation are gone.”

“Like it never happened,” Lana says.

We walk all the way through before leaving the gates and making our way back into the forest. To try to move us to a more positive place I point out the tree where Brotak and I would often sit and watch the fortress when the humans first arrived. Before I even knew who Lana was.

“That tree is where I’d watch the fortress. Once we took Marion to the mountain, she insisted we make sure you and Diana were okay.”

“Yeah…how did you know I was Marion’s sister that day you caught my attention in the forest? The day you told me she was still alive?”

“You and Marion look a lot alike. The dark hair and dark eyes. You’re smaller than she is though. And she mentioned that when I was looking for the two of you.”

“So it was the looks.”

“That…but also because you looked consumed with your sadness but also angry. You had the look of someone going through something significant. And then when I told you what was going on, you demanded to see her…you were fierce with me.”

She makes a strangled sound in her throat but smiles at the memory. “No one has ever called me fierce before. But you were right…I couldn’t believe we had come all this way only to have Marion disappear the first night. And I knew they were lying to us about what happened, but I didn’t know what to do about it. I guess I took my anger out on you, didn’t I?”

“You made an impression,” I say, but that’s an understatement. From the moment she turned her wrath against me, I can’t get her out of my head. It’s her fire and devotion for those she loves that drew her to me. Now I want her to use that passion with me. “Come on, let’s get you back to the mountain before it gets too cold. I’ve been warned by your sisters to keep an eye on you and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”

We ride back to the mountain even though I don’t want my time with Lana to end. But I also need to make sure she doesn’t get too cold by staying outside too long. Sure she lived at the fortress where her days were spent in the elements, but now that she’s under my protection, she’ll have everything she needs…always.

Back in the warmth of the stables, I help her off of Ziho. Her cheeks are red from the cold but she’s glowing in a way that tells me the fresh air is just what she needed. My hands have a mind of their own as they brush through her soft strands of hair, cold against my fingers from the afternoon air. As soon as the tip of her pink tongue darts out to lick her lips, my self-control snaps. With a savage growl, I pull her to me, capturing her lips with my own. She opens to me with a soft moan and I seek her tongue, sucking it into my mouth. Blood rushes to my cock, causing it to press painfully against my leather pants as we work our mouths against each other. Because of what Brotak and Marion went through, I am not so uninformed. The thought of tasting her between her legs where she grows wet for me causes me to lose my mind.

With my growing excitement, I nip her full lip with my teeth. As soon as the sharp, metallic taste of her blood touches my tongue, I pull back. She’s panting, her eyes wild as I use my hand to hold her thick hair while I slowly lick her wound. It wasn’t intentional but she unleashes the beast inside of me. The ravenous monster once reserved for my enemies who would now do anything to possess the one meant to be claimed by me.

“Dhacar…” Her quiet voice calls to me like the sounding horn blaring an alarm. My lips close over hers again and I devour her while trying to be gentle at the same time. My desire for her has been ignited like a torch and it’s burning its way through me. How am I to stop it now that it’s spreading like wildfire? Brotak didn’t say anything about this aspect of the act with one’s mate. Perhaps if Lana pushed me off, but her arms are wrapped around my neck, soft moans escaping her as I touch her. She’s as enthusiastic as I am and it’s pushing me to a place I don’t know how to navigate.

“Lana!” Another voice cuts through my lust haze and I pull back, gazing into Lana’s eyes while I try to ground myself again. Suddenly, she’s yanked from my arms and there’s a commotion in the stables as Diana appears along with Vrihith, Sihieth, and Zuvath.

“Get off of her!” Diana says, yelling at me before pushing me away.

“Diana, stop it! Dhacar wasn’t doing anything I didn’t want him to do!” Lana says. She tries to pull herself out of Diana’s grip but she’s holding on with everything she has. Her eyes are wild as she takes me in, her gaze whipping around frantically to include my brothers.

“This doesn’t involve you,” Vrihith says to Diana.

“Don’t tell me my business, brute,” Diana says. “All of you, stay away from us. My sister isn’t for your enjoyment.” She’s pulling Lana away from me and I have to fight my instincts not to rip her out of her sister’s arms. Vrihith places his hand on my shoulder, steadying me in this moment. All I can do is helplessly watch as Diana forces Lana to leave the stables.

I remind myself about Marion’s wishes and Brotak’s orders. Because of them, it’s better this way. So why does it feel as though a piece of me is being taken from this cavern when Lana is gone?

Chapter 7

Lana

“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, LANA?” Diana is still pulling me by the arm, forcing me to follow after her as we move through the tunnel. Every step I take away from Dhacar makes me more angry at myself for allowing Diana to take me away from him. I just experienced my first kiss! And it was as hot as all sin. But instead of getting all giddy over it like I should be able to do, I’m being scolded. “We don’t have to be baby makers to the barbarians…there are plenty of other women for that. I mean, I take my eyes off of you for one afternoon and I find you like that with one of them!”

“Enough, Diana!” I yank my arm out of her grip and force her to stop pulling me along like a child. “I don’t know why I have to keep reminding you of this but I’m older than you and I can make my own decisions.”

“Yes, you can but maybe you shouldn’t if that’s what you’re going to do. You can’t be leading them on like that. They’re not like us, Lana. Everything is different here.”

“I realize things are different. Dhacar took me for a ride today. I’m not leading him on.”

“And then from the looks of things, he planned on moving things right along. This is what they want. Trust me when I tell you he’s not looking to be your friend.”

I roll my eyes and wave her drama away, resuming my walk through the tunnel. My lips are still tingling from Dhacar’s kiss. Though calling it a kiss is way too tame. It was more like a mauling. But it was a mauling that sent chills through my body and made my core tingle for more. The savagery and desperation of that kiss was unlike anything I imagined could happen between a man and a woman. Diana may not approve but I’m still shaking and trying to regain my senses.

“What do you have against them, anyway? They saved us, you know. Without them, we’d be in the belly of the drattur like so many others who didn’t make it out alive.”

“You’re right and I’m thankful to them for that. But I also think we’re worth saving without asking for anything in return. Take care of us like we were promised without expecting us to have your babies, ya know?”

“Well…you make it sound so creepy but they’re not the same as the men at the colony. They’re doing it because they literally have no females to carry on their clan. Can’t you sympathize with that even a little?”

“Yes. But I don’t agree with how they went about everything. They shouldn’t have just taken Marion and kept her like they did. And now there are plenty of women here who can choose to be mates with the brutes if they want to. We’re young…we don’t need to make that sacrifice.”

I don’t know how to explain to her that being with Dhacar doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to me. But, both Marion and Diana have never believed me capable of making my own decisions. All because of my soft demeanor. I’ve learned enough through my life experiences to know when something feels right, I won’t question it. My instincts are real, and they haven’t failed me yet.

Diana tosses her arm around me as we continue through the tunnels. We fight and I’m annoyed with her but we’ll work our way through it like we always do. Right now we don’t see things from the same perspective so I need to think of a way to convince her that Dhacar is more than what she thinks he is. His intentions go beyond using me as a baby maker.

We round a corner and stop just before running into a small group of men. My eyes immediately find Luke’s as I step closer to Diana. He’s with the other two guys I always see him with, Russel and Shane, and they travel as a pack just like they did at the fortress. I try to walk past them, but Diana slows down and Luke steps over so I can’t get past.

“Hey girls, where are you headed?” he asks.

They act familiar with us like we’re friends, but I’ve worked hard to keep my distance. So far, he’s gotten the hint and left me alone. Diana is more social with them, as if we’re all in the same boat because we’re all from Earth. It’s the barbarians she shuns.

“Just heading back to our cave,” Diana says. I cross my arms over my chest and try to ignore Luke’s intrusive stare. “What are you guys up to?”

“Not much. What is there to do, you know?” Shane says.

“You girls want to come back to our cave and hang out?” Russel asks, letting his gaze sweep over Diana from head to toe. There’s no disguising my feelings at what he’s implying. These three are all later twenties if not early thirties. I don’t know them well enough to know why they came to Xavren in the first place but if I listen to my gut it’s because of the ratio of men to women on that transport. I wouldn’t be surprised if they thought they’d come for the job and stay for the variety of women.

“No. We’ll see you guys around I’m sure.” I exhale with relief when Diana turns them down.

“One of these days,” Shane says.

“See you later, Lana,” Luke says, brushing past me close enough for his body to come in contact with mine. His hand slides over my thigh as they saunter off through the tunnel. As soon as they’re out of earshot, I turn my annoyance loose on Diana.

“You’re okay with those three but have issues with Dhacar? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Oh please. They’re harmless, Lana. We know how to deal with boys like that from back home. The barbarians are different, and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I don’t want to see you get hurt either and you need to watch out for those three. They want one thing and they’re bored. It’s not a good combination.”

“Okay, point taken. Things are different here, there’s no doubt. And I don’t blame you for wanting to go wild now that you’re no longer under such a strict watch.”

“Are you sure about that?” I say, teasing her about that last part.

She pushes me with her shoulder playfully and for the first time since she interrupted us, I begin to relax.

“I’m serious.” She pins me with her stare and we’re right back to where we started. “We still need to be careful.”

“I know that, Diana. You forget I’m not a child.” For not the first time, I want to spill my truths and let them fall at her feet. Explain to her all the ways I’m no longer a child and how I was forced to grow up faster than I wanted to within the walls of the compound. But right now, I’d only be doing it to prove a point, which would only cause hurt. I swallow my frustration and push those thoughts back down into the black depths of my soul where they belong.

Realizing we’re not going to get anywhere today, I drop it. We hang out in our cave together, but it suddenly feels so small and suffocating. All I can think about is Dhacar and that kiss. His warmth still lingers in my body. Remembering the strength behind his lips and the pull on my hair sends tingles to my core. Marion told Diana and me both about the sexual struggles between Brotak and her. From first impression, Dhacar doesn’t seem to have the same reservations or lack of knowledge. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, and he didn’t hesitate to do it.

“Hey, stop daydreaming over there.” Diana interrupts my thoughts by tossing a sock ball my way.

“Who says I’m daydreaming,” I say, throwing it back at her.

“I can tell by the dreamy look on your face. You’re all like, ‘Oh, Dhacar, smooch, smooch, smooch.’” She purses her lips and makes loud, obnoxious kissing noises while sliding her hands up and down her arms.

“Oh my gosh! Stop it right now!” I burst into giggles at the ridiculousness of her impression of me…even if it’s dangerously close to what I was thinking about. Diana cracks up and before long we’re both practically rolling in a fit of laughter. How quickly things shift back to normal between us again, even if I’m not planning on keeping my distance from Dhacar.

“You feel like going down to the hot spring for a soak?” Diana asks once we’ve calmed down again.

“Yes, let’s do it.” It’s the one taste of luxury we have in these caves and we’ve taken advantage of it. Our own little day spa in the middle of the arctic.

“Grab your things and let’s get our soak on.”

Chapter 8

Dhacar

COOL AIR TRICKLES down from the openings at the top of the cavern but it does little to combat the beads of sweat rolling down my bare skin. Before I can swipe my perspiration out of my eyes again, I’m forced to dip and roll away from Vrihith’s strike. The blunt end of his staff misses my shoulder but the sound whistles past my ear letting me know just how close I came to taking a hit.

Vrihith chuckles and loops his staff around his body in practiced movements. “It isn’t like you to be distracted, my friend,” he says, amusement clear in his voice.

“What makes you think I’m distracted?” I take the opportunity to wipe the sweat from my face while pushing the loose strands of my hair out of my way. We’ve been sparring for a while now, taking turns and rotating through to give each other practice so our fighting skills remain sharp.

Vrihith continues to stare at me with a look that indicates he knows exactly what’s on my mind these days. “I saw you with the girl when we came into the stables, Dhacar. You were ready to devour her.”

I lunge forward and try to catch him off guard with a few quick strikes that snap him back into action. The sound of our wooden staffs colliding echoes through the chamber, our grunts of exertion and scuffling of feet drowning out the low chatter of the rest of our brothers waiting for their turn.

Somehow, Vrihith locks me into a hold with his staff behind my neck. “She must be something to cause you to break your word to Brotak,” he says into my ear.

His accusation causes my heart to pound until the beating is all I can hear. He’s checking me, making sure my head is in the right place. Loyalty to the clan is what has kept us alive all of these years. It’s what we live by, what we rely on.

“A kiss isn’t a claiming,” I say. And then before he can reply, I move my foot and catch his legs just right, jerking him forward. He’s forced to loosen his grip just enough that I can pull free before he goes down.

He laughs before flopping onto his back and indicating his defeat.

“You are right, brother,” he says, “have your fun.” I move over him and extend my hand, helping him to his feet. Just before he’s steady again, I let go and he falls to the ground with a heavy thud.

Once I’m standing over him, I lean down and remind him who I am. “Do not question my loyalty again, Vrihith.”

His laugh is gone, his eyes flashing with anger, but he doesn’t act on it. Instead, he raises his hands to show this disagreement of ours isn’t going to amount to anything. Suddenly, Zuvath appears, pushing me away from Vrihith.

“Walk it off, Dhacar,” Zuvath says.

Normally a fight would be all I need to work out my anger. But Vrihith’s accusation puts me on edge. I didn’t think about how my relationship with Lana would look to the other men. In my mind she’s already mine and I’m just waiting until Brotak gives me the okay to claim her. If the others think I’m betraying Brotak by spending time with her then I need to rethink my approach. Loyalty to the clan above all else. I’ve waited this long for a chance with a female…surely I can wait until Brotak returns?

I prowl around the circle of fighters, my chest heaving from the exertion of the last few hours. My muscles are tired and I’m mentally exhausted as well. My senses are naturally heightened when Brotak is away and I’m put in charge. The weight he always carries shifts to me and I get to experience what it’s like making sure the clan survives and thrives under my charge.

Slowly, the adrenaline leaves my body as two more fighters enter the center of the circle, choosing hand-to-hand combat. My thoughts inevitably drift back to Lana and how incredible if felt to hold her in my arms while we rode the paths today. She blocks the black thoughts that often seep into my mind and take hold…the memories that have deep roots and play with my emotions. Lana is light; her kiss is the key to unlock the part inside of me that dares hope for a future beyond what we’ve been told was possible.

Vrihith approaches, his hands up indicating his surrender. “I would blame the adrenaline for my words, but you know me well enough to know I can be an asshole regardless.”

I shake my head and smirk, letting it all wash away. “She is a distraction,” I say, admitting what he already knows.

“They all are,” he says, standing by my side while watching the fight continue in the center circle. As soon as it ends another begins, but I’ve grown tired of the fights for today. “Let us go soak our muscles in the hot spring and then find something to eat.”

As soon as the fights are completed, the hot spring will be much more crowded with men and I’d prefer a quick dip before then. It isn’t a far walk to get there, just down the stone stairs at the back of the cavern. We’re talking about nothing important when we step inside, but my senses go on high alert as soon as the steam surrounds me.

Vrihith makes a low rumbling sound in his chest as he looks at the water. Diana and Lana are both in the water, gripping the side of the pool and talking. Of course, now that we’ve entered, they’re staring straight at us.

“Give us a minute and we’ll go,” Diana says.

Vrihith growls while dropping his pants. He stands before Diana and Lana completely naked, both of their mouths hanging wide open from shock. I’m about to grab him, not because he’s naked but because he’s showing off in front of Lana and the only body I want her focused on is mine. But before I can, he launches himself into the water, splashing it everywhere.

“Ugh!” Diana yells. “You are such a brute!” Whatever else may be true about the dynamics between my clan and the humans, the one thing that is for certain is that Diana and Vrihith really don’t like each other.

Lana’s eyes turn and fix on mine. They’re big and hopeful. It tears at me, but my altercation with Vrihith is too fresh in my mind and I need to think about how the rest of the clan perceives my interactions with her. I want to go to her, take her in my arms where she belongs, but I can’t. Not while the rest of the clan is watching.

“Lana,” I say, nodding, keeping all emotions from my voice.

I follow Vrihith’s lead and strip before climbing into the pool. Unlike Vrihith, I don’t make such a spectacle of myself. Instead of moving close to her, I swim to the middle of the water, using all of my self-control not to let Vrihith see how much she calls to me.

“Come on, Lana.” Diana pulls herself out of the pool and stomps over to where her clothes lay. They’re both wearing small undergarments to cover their bottoms and breasts, not something our women would wear but they’ve obviously brought them from Earth. Lana keeps her eyes down and quickly covers herself and I can’t stop staring. She’s so beautiful she steals my breath. But I’ve hurt her feelings. It cuts but it’s necessary right now.

She glances over her shoulder and our eyes meet, but I look away. She follows her sister up the stairs and away from me. As soon as she’s gone, there’s a flash of panic that hits me straight in the chest. An overwhelming desire to take off after her and pull her into my arms. But before I can do any of that, more men make their way down to the pool to clean off after the fights.

I distract myself by making conversation with them and talking about the things we always talk about…the alliances between the clans and the safety of our people. We talk about the drattur and what we’re going to do to finish them off and rid them from our lands. Tonight, however, the men also talk about the women who now wander the caves and their excitement at the chance to finally have a mate. I realize it won’t be so easy to make Lana mine if he decides it isn’t my turn. All of these men are ready to claim a woman and the city expects them to be returned to the settlement within a few more weeks.

Brotak will decide who chooses a mate next. Until he returns with Marion, I need to keep myself under control and keep Lana at a distance. It’s the only way I’ll be able to resist her.

Chapter 9

Lana

ONE WEEK LATER…

THE CAVERN IS loud and crowded with people, which is typical for dinner time. It doesn’t normally bother me, but I’ve been in a mood ever since Dhacar dismissed me that I just can’t shake. I long for the solitude of the mountain ledge where I can process my thoughts and mope in private. Diana and I sit at a table with some of the other women from the fortress that we’ve grown close to and I’m relieved that the conversation is taking place around me and I don’t have to participate.

Diana’s personality has blossomed since we’ve left the compound. She’s the social butterfly who’s waited a long time for her wings. When I think about myself, I don’t know that I’ve really changed. I prefer solitude most of the time and otherwise I still just go along with Diana when she wants me to. Dhacar changed that but then he quickly disappeared.

“Hey…Earth to Lana!” Ellen snaps her fingers in front of my face, and I realize I’ve drifted off into my own thoughts again…thoughts about a tall, sexy warrior with a mouth made for sin. “Where did you go? Aren’t you hungry?”

Ellen looks at me with her wide hazel eyes full of concern. Her mouth is still full of a bite of food, but she’s paused mid-chew to check on me. Her wild mane of blonde hair is twisted into a messy bun on top of her head making me smile from the jolt of warmth I feel inside from her show of concern. It’s in this moment that I realize I’ve made my first real friend on Xavren.

“I’m fine,” I say, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. I quickly pick up a piece of food from my plate, not even paying attention to what it is, and pop it into my mouth.

Ellen waves her hand in front of us, shakes her head and finishes chewing. “You almost gave me a heart attack. You just zoned out all of the sudden. Like, poof! Nobody home.”

Her dramatic response makes me smile and it has been a while. I’ve spent the last week feeling rejected after Dhacar decided to jump ship after our kiss. Apparently, he didn’t think it was as mind blowing as I did.

“I think it’s all the people in here,” I say, trying to come up with a feasible excuse. “I’ve never been good with big crowds.”

“I hear ya,” she says, then leans closer like she wants to tell me something that’s only for our ears. “These alien guys distract me constantly, I’m not gonna lie. Good lord…they strut around with these massive muscles,” she abandons all thoughts of her food to use her hands to show how their chests and arms bulge, “how can anyone be expected to focus?” Again, she motions with her hand, waving the thoughts away and all I can do is giggle. “Which one has you all flustered?”

I don’t mean to look but as soon as she asks, my eyes fly to where Dhacar sits with some of his men. Up until this moment I’ve been using all of my self-control not to look his way.

“The one with the long, dark hair? With the dark, brooding look on his face?” She turns back around with an evil smile when I beg her to stop looking. “He’s yummy. Don’t feel bad!” She reaches over and grabs onto my hand as soon as she sees the panic on my face. “A lot of the women think he’s a hottie. He has that alien bad boy look. Why don’t you go talk to him?”

“Ellen, just stop. It isn’t going to happen.” I glance at his table again and he’s looking our way. My cheeks flush and I try to go back to eating while pretending we never got on this topic.

“Awww, I didn’t mean to embarrass you, hon. You’re such a pretty little thing, when you’re ready, you’re going to have your pick of any guy you want.” I meet her eyes and give her a genuine smile.

“That’s sweet of you.” We share another look and try to focus on finishing our food. I keep my head down and my eyes focused on my plate. Even without looking, I can feel Dhacar’s presence across the room. I’m still just as drawn to him now as I was the first time I saw him outside the fortress. Thinking back, it was so foolish of me to leave my group and approach him the way I did, but there was something connecting us from the moment I first laid eyes on him.

Diana throws her arm around my shoulder and slides closer. “What’s taking you so long tonight? You feeling okay?” She nudges me in my side where she knows I’m ticklish, causing me to flinch away.

“I’m fine,” I say, throwing my hand out to ward her off. “I’m almost finished.”

“Good. I’m going to head back to work on a few things with Sulve in the women’s quarters. Do you want me to wait for you?”

“You don’t have to wait,” I say.

“I’ll hang out with her,” Ellen says.

“Cool,” Diana says. “See you in a bit, sis.” She ruffles my hair like we’re little girls again and I shift so she can’t reach me to do it again. About half of our table clears out with Diana while the rest of us remain to finish.

“It’s nice that you came here with your sisters,” Ellen says. “You always have someone looking out for you.” She lifts her hand and swipes it across her forehead, pushing away strands of hair that have fallen from her bun.

“What about you?” I ask. “Did you have family you left behind?”

She grows quiet and for a moment, her typically cheerful mask slips. “It was just me.” She fixes a tight smile to her face but she can’t hide the pain in her eyes.

“Well, it’s not just you anymore.” The relief in her face is something I feel deep in my bones. “So what should we do after dinner?”

Now that we live in the mountain, some of the chores that fell to us at the fortress are taken care of by the warriors. So, that leaves us with extra time to find things to fill our days. Until I lost my journal, I would take time every day to write down my thoughts and sketch. Now Sulve, Alka, and Vina teach the women how to make clothes, treat furs to use as blankets, treat leather, create salves—so many things that will be useful to us now that we live on Xavren.

As soon as we finish our meals, we get up to clear our things from the table. I’m focused on not dropping anything when I run right into a wall of muscle blocking my path back to the “kitchen.”

“Shit,” I say, cursing under my breath as I lean down to pick up the things I dropped. Large, steady hands reach for me to help and when I look up I’m staring into Dhacar’s chiseled, sharp features. I promised myself that when I found myself face to face with him again, I wouldn’t dissolve into a blubbering mess of emotions. But he has this effect on me that turns my brain to mush while the rest of my body starts to tingle just from having him so close.

“Lana—“ He starts like there’s something he wants to say but the rest of his warriors pass by, leaving the cavern.

“Hurry, Dhacar. The watch says Brotak will arrive shortly.”

Unless I’m imagining it, regret flashes in his eyes before he steels himself. “I must go.” He picks the last few of my things off the floor and places them on my tray. I don’t even bother responding. There’s nothing to say. Before he stands, he reaches out with his hand, his thumb brushing over my lower lip before he hurries after the others.

I walk in a daze to catch up to Ellen, my lip burning from his touch. My arms are so unsteady I can barely hold my tray straight.

“Well that’s one way to initiate contact,” Ellen says.

I shake my head, my heart still thundering in my chest. “I didn’t see him,” I say stupidly.

“He saw you, girl. Trust me. He. Saw. You.” She emphasizes each word, but I don’t know what she’s talking about. Surely he was just leaving the cavern at the same time I stood up. He didn’t plan to say something to me after a week of radio silence…right?

Hating that with one touch and one smoldering look he’s pulled me back in—hook, line, and sinker, I hurry back to my cave to gather my thoughts before I meet up with Ellen and Diana again. Word is Marion is returning tonight and I don’t want to miss seeing her. But I need to pull myself back together.

I flop down on my furs and smack my head on something hard. While rubbing the back of my head, I sit up and look to see what I missed. Lying on top of my pillow is my journal with my purple pen tucked inside the cover. The pages are curled along the outside indicating it was wet, but it’s here. It has been found. My heart knows he found it for me. And now I’m right back to a mess of jumbled emotions.

Chapter 10

Dhacar

BROTAK AND MARION have finally returned from meeting with the Nulgon clan. Their timing couldn’t be more perfect because I’ve reached my limit of being able to keep my distance from Lana. She carries the sadness of my distance on her face, and I wish I could explain my actions to her. I was so close in the cavern before my men called me away. I want her to know that I have every intention of asking Brotak to allow me to claim her as my mate, I just need to make sure I do it the right way.

We march down to the stables where Brotak and Marion have just arrived back to the mountain. One glance through the tunnel and the snow is falling in heavy sheets.

“It looks like you’ve arrived just in time,” I say, striding forward to greet my friend.

Once Brotak helps Marion down from Vultos, he turns and greets me with a generous smile. His furs are wet, his face a blustery red, which indicates they’ve been out in the weather longer than I thought.

“We’ve traveled with the storm,” Brotak says. “I debated stopping but Marion was desperate to return.”

One glance at his mate and I see what he means. She’s pale and looks tired while her hands rub over her stomach, favoring the child that grows within. “Let me tend to her and then I will meet with you to fill you in on everything that has happened.” Instead of making Marion walk, Brotak lifts her in his arms and carries her from the tunnel.

The rest of us follow them out of the stables. We leave them at the hot springs before making our way to the cavern where we’ll wait for Brotak to brief us on what happened with the Nulgon. We’re all hoping for good news. After everything that has happened recently, we can’t take any more losses. Not to mention, I need to inform the rest of the clan about Tangrux’s ultimatum about returning the humans to the settlement. Once that business is handled, we’ll see what Brotak has to say about which warrior gets to choose the next human to be his mate.

We’re all sitting in the cavern around a large roaring fire when Brotak returns to us. With large mugs of ale, he sits and stretches his body before warming his hands at the fire.

“It is good to be home,” he says, glancing around at all of us. “How did things go while I was away?”

“Everything was fine,” I say. “Tangrux came from the city. He wanted to know what we were doing with the humans.”

“What do you mean?” Brotak sits taller, instantly on alert.

“He seemed to be under the impression we were planning on keeping them all to mate with them. I explained we were keeping them here so they would be safe. He wants them returned to the human settlement before he makes contact with Earth again.”

“To the fortress? He’s out of his mind!” Brotak yells.

“I was able to convince him it would be best if we took them to the settlement we originally agreed upon. They’re closer to us and better protected from the elements.”

“Tangrux doesn’t deserve to have a say after what happened to all of those people. If we hadn’t arrived when we did, we’d have lost all of them.”

“He knows it, but he believes their protection was part of the agreement in exchange for giving us a female,” I say.

Brotak growls while pulling his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I hate having to answer to them. We should be able to keep the females here so they’re safe through the cold season.”

“Or they should be allowed to choose where they want to live,” Vrihith says.

A few rumbles of agreement sound through the cavern. There’s no question the men have grown used to having the women here.

“Tangrux believes if their contacts on Earth think we’ve sent the humans to live with barbarians like ourselves, they won’t agree to send any more,” I say. “Thus, he wants them returned within the next few weeks.”

“The women have been working every day to prepare as many supplies as possible for when the time comes for them to leave,” Vrihith says. “We’ll make sure they have everything they need.”

“Very well. We’ll escort them to the settlement when the time comes, if only to avoid conflict with Tangrux,” Brotak says. “If conflict shall arise one day, rest easy knowing we have established an alliance with the Nulgon clan.”

Cheers ring out from our clan around the fire, those holding mugs of ale lifting them in celebration. We can all breathe a little easier knowing we have another clan at our backs if we need their help to defend our territory. With Thiku’s clan still missing, there’s no telling when they’re return. When they do, we all know it won’t be with good intentions.

“That is good news, Brotak,” Sihieth says, throwing his mug back and draining the rest of his drink. “It seems you did have intentions beyond getting time alone with your mate.” The others laugh while Brotak shakes his head while smiling.

“With so many more females, how will it be decided who gets to choose a mate next?” Mauviek asks.

As soon as his question is asked, the intensity in the area shifts. The men move closer to the fire, waiting impatiently for the answer. We’ve all been waiting for this moment to hear how it will be decided. Brotak leans forward and runs his fingers through his hair.

“The agreement with Tangrux is for one female every three months, which means one more warrior will be able to choose a female for his mate before they are sent back to the settlement. To do anything else would give Tangrux an excuse to void our contract or send his army against us.”

“How do we decide who gets to choose?” Zuvath asks.

Brotak hesitates before speaking. “I think the next warrior to choose should be one who has a willing female in mind.”

The others glance around the circle, most of them not understanding what he means. But I was there when he first found Marion in the snow. She was terrified and not so willing to be made part of our clan. Thinking back to the day in the stables when they left for their trip, Marion asked me to keep an eye out for her sisters. She wanted me to make sure no one would try to claim them because she didn’t believe them to be ready. Part of that must be because she wants them to be given a choice with who they end up with.

“Brotak?” Vrihith asks.

“The female has to be willing to be your mate in order for this arrangement to work,” Brotak explains. “I learned the hard way with Marion, but we can avoid those same mistakes. What I’m telling you, my brothers, is the woman you choose must choose you back. The first willing female and male will be given the fertility ceremony. The rest will have to wait for another three months.”

Relief courses through me. Surely Lana and I will be the ones at that ceremony. I’ve been keeping watch over her since she arrived, and I don’t think I mistook her affections for me. Now it’s just a matter of convincing her to ignore what her sisters believe and follow her heart. For if Diana and Marion have their way, Lana will remain unattached and be forced to return to the human settlement where I won’t be able to keep watch over her.

No, I can’t live with that. Starting tomorrow, Lana will know how I feel about her, and I plan on making her mine. Just like I’ve said all along.

“Will that work for you my friend?” Brotak grips my shoulder and gives me a knowing look.

“Of course.”

“Would you like me to have a conversation with my mate so she knows to prepare herself? It is nothing against you, Dhacar. Both Diana and Marion are protective of Lana.”

“I understand the feeling. And yes, let her know my intentions. I am happy to speak with her about it as well.”

“I’ll take care of it. Once she knows Lana wants this, she’ll be fine with it.”

So, for the rest of the night while we sit around the fire and catch up, I work through all of the ways I can convince Lana to be mine. From what Brotak told me from when he got together with Marion, I already know what not to do. Diana would rather stab me with a knife than give me advice on how to win over her sister, so if I need advice I’m going to have to get it somewhere else.

I’ve never been more eager for a challenge.

Chapter 11

Lana

“YOU’RE LOOKING WELL RESTED! Tell us how the trip went,” I say to Marion the next morning at breakfast. She was too exhausted last night to tell us much but I’m eager to hear all about her adventure today. With the cold and snow outside of the mountain, there isn’t much to keep us busy and I need this distraction to keep my mind off of Dhacar.

“It was exciting for sure,” she says, pulling her hair back so it’s out of her way while she eats breakfast. “We took our time getting there. Camped by the fire overnight when there was nowhere to stay. The Nulgon were so welcoming and kind…it was actually hard to say goodbye when it was time to head back.”

“I can’t imagine what it would be like to travel like that,” Diana says. “I mean, sure…we traveled here, but to actually get out and explore…that would be amazing.”

I’m already eating my breakfast while listening to them both. While I understand the draw to travel after we’ve been stuck in a compound for most of our lives, I like the idea of finding somewhere to call home and establish myself.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Marion says, and I realize I’ve zoned out again, busy with my own thoughts. “You know, Brotak mentioned last night that Dhacar wants you as his mate. I could tell he was feeling me out for my reaction. What happened while we were away?”

My heart begins to beat rapidly, thundering against my rib cage with the knowledge that Dhacar wants me. He’s kept his distance after Diana intervened and I figured he wasn’t interested in dealing with the added drama my sister brings to the relationship. But hearing he asked Brotak about me? It takes all of my self-control to maintain my composure and not completely freak out.

“Not much,” I say, shrugging my shoulders.

“He made a move on her,” Diana says.

I roll my eyes and try not to get worked up. “You make it sound so crass when really we just got caught up in the moment.” I tried to let her interference go but now that we’re back on the subject, it makes me mad all over again. She had no right to pull me away from Dhacar when things were just getting started between us.

“Oh yeah?” Marion tilts her head, waiting for me to elaborate.

“Yeah. We were spending a little time together…that’s all.”

Diana is strangely quiet while Marion continues slowly pecking away at her food. “What?” I finally ask, knowing full well there’s more she wants to say. “Why is this such a big deal? After Diana pulled me away from him, he hasn’t come near me again. You effectively chased him away. Nothing more to worry about.” I glare at her before dropping my eyes back to my breakfast, though my appetite has already faded.

“It doesn’t need to be a big deal,” Marion says, grabbing my hand while quickly trying to mend the rift that’s forming. “I just want to make sure you’re not being pressured into anything.”

“There’s no pressure. I was excited about it but after Diana told him off, he’s kept his distance.”

“It looked like he was really into that kiss.” Diana mumbles her words into the table. “And I didn’t want him taking things too far.”

Instantly, my body temperature rises. “Look. I appreciate that you two look out for me. I like that we look out for each other…but it’s getting to be a bit much. Marion, you’re two years older than me. Diana, age is just a number, I get that. But just because we have different personalities doesn’t mean I need you to tell me how to deal with Dhacar or any other man for that matter. He was kind to me when we were together and I felt a connection. Maybe we’ll just be friends…I don’t know. The point is, you need to butt out of it and let me figure things out on my own.”

Diana stares at me with wide eyes while Marion looks hurt. “I want you to be happy, Lana,” Marion quickly adds. “From the first time Dhacar talked to you at the fortress, Brotak thought he favored you. I’m sure there’s something there and if you’re interested in it, we won’t stand in your way.” She glances quickly over at Diana. “Right, Diana?”

“Right,” she says, nodding her head in agreement. “I mean, you know my stance on all of this…don’t feel pressure to be mated off…it was never part of the agreement when we signed on to come to this planet.” I almost smile knowing how impossible it if for her to just let some of her thoughts go. “But if you want to spend more time with Dhacar, I won’t interfere.”

“Thank you.” After taking a deep breath I’m finally able to finish the rest of my food. My sisters like having their say in my life but they hate seeing me upset. In fact, any rift of any kind between the three of us just creates stress and we’re quick to try to resolve it.

“And when I talk to Brotak I’ll let him know Dhacar is welcome to pursue you and Diana and I will stay out of the way.”

I can tell it’s difficult for her to say these things as her eyes well with tears and she glances away. It isn’t like Marion to get all weepy on me, though I know her hormones are all over the place now that she’s pregnant.

“Oh, Marion, don’t get upset. Everything will work out just fine.” I plaster a smile on my face and move on to a different topic. “Tell us how you’re feeling about the baby.”

We finish breakfast discussing the baby, which lightens the mood considerably. I’ve been in a bit of a funk this week after feeling rejected by Dhacar but sitting with my sisters like this helps lift my spirits.

I’m on my way to my cave for a little time to myself when the air shifts in the tunnels around me, my heart suddenly squeezing in my chest. I turn around, already aware I’m no longer alone. Dhacar stands there, his size as imposing as always. His eyes look even darker from where we stand in the tunnels and I have to remind myself to breathe. No one else has this effect on me and I don’t know why he does. I don’t know where it comes from or why he makes me feel this way. It’s as if some other force is at work between us…something I never believed in until I met him.

“Lana.” He says my name like the sharp strike of a whip—commanding and with a bite of pain.

I’m frozen in place, the anticipation of what he’s going to say next becomes the only thing I can focus on aside from the realization of how much I missed seeing him this week. My eyes focus in on his full lips as I remember how he claimed me with a soul-shattering kiss. My entire being wants to feel that sensation from him again.

Before I can speak, he’s in front of me, his calloused warrior’s hand touching my arm. “I want to see you again.”

My eyes snap up to meet his. The temporary haze of lust parts and I’m able to think clearly. “Why? You’ve ignored me all week.” Even I can hear the hurt in my words showcasing my age. But I can’t help it. He makes me feel things I never thought I’d feel with a man. And in the process, he helps me forget.

“I was trying to respect your sister’s wishes as well as Brotak’s. No one was to proceed with a claiming while he was gone.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me that? I spent the week thinking you didn’t feel the same way I did.”

He steps closer, somehow intensifying the charged energy between us. One of his hands moves to cup my cheek while his other hand strokes through my hair. It’s intimate and sweet, while at the same time causing my heart to flip behind my rib cage while my thighs grow slick from arousal.

“You are the only one I desire, Lana.” The deep rumble of his voice melts my insides and makes my pussy pulse with need.

“I need you, Dhacar.” I confess what I’ve felt in my soul since we met. He’s the savior I need, the protection from the things that still come for me in the night. With him, I can forget about the memories that still haunt me.

“Then you will have me.” Before I can respond, his lips descend on mine, claiming me with a fierceness unlike any fantasy I’ve conjured in my imagination. He surrounds me with his strength, consuming me until my only thoughts are of him.

Chapter 12

Dhacar

I FINALLY HAVE Lana in my arms again and it’s exactly like the last time. My blood heats as soon as I touch her skin. An overwhelming need to possess her in every way takes over rational thought, and the next thing I know, I’ve lifted her in my arms as I carry her toward my cave. There’s no doubt the beast in me is taking control…claiming what I’ve longed to have for a long time. We have an order to claimings in our tribe, but I can’t force myself to care. I need to know she’s mine in every way and then we’ll worry about the rest of it.

From the moment I laid eyes on her at the fortress it has always been her. I can’t wait another moment to make sure everyone knows who she belongs to. She’s lost in me, under my spell until I lower her to my furs inside my private cave.

“Where are we?” Suddenly she looks around, realizing that we’re not in her space. I crouch next to the fire pit just long enough to stoke the embers and get a flame. I want her to be comfortable, not afraid.

“I’ve brought you to my cave so we can be alone.” It doesn’t take long for the fire to warm up the space. Lana’s eyes are big and bright as she watches me move around the space. I shrug out of my thick fur, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. The last thing I want to do is scare her now that I finally have her to myself and I know I can be intense.

“What do you plan to do with me now that you have me alone?” She props herself up on her elbow, turning to her side. She’s nervous, there’s no question, but she’s fighting it. I can sense the parts of her reacting to being here as if she’s been caged and she’s looking for a way out. Her eyes dart around, she keeps looking at the thick leather flap that closes us off from the rest of the mountain. Her reaction makes me curious to know more about her. What is it that makes her want to run?

“I’m not going to hurt you, Lana. I would never do that.” I settle myself next to her on the furs, careful not to touch or be too forward. It’s the opposite of every instinct inside of me, screaming at me to reach out and take what I’ve wanted for so long, but it’s my turn to fight it. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No,” she says, answering quickly. “Nothing like that. This is all so unexpected, I guess. As of this morning I had convinced myself nothing was going to happen between us and now I’m here with you again. I wasn’t prepared.” She drops her eyes and licks her lips, glancing around the cave once more. I’ve wanted Lana here in my cave, in my furs, for countless nights and I finally have her here. It’s more than I could hope for.

“Brotak gave the warriors permission to seek out mates. I already knew who I wanted.”

“So that’s how it works? You ask me to be your mate, I say yes and then we’re mates?”

“Not quite.” I have to smile at her innocence. “I claim you with my body as well. And there is a ceremony. The rest of the clan is there…your sister went through it with Brotak.”

“I guess it doesn’t sound that different from what we do on Earth.” She smiles shyly and I have to remind myself that we haven’t spent that much time together. I may have spent endless hours fantasizing about having her in my furs, but right now, it’s finally real. “Do we have the ceremony and then you’ll claim me?”

As I gaze into her eyes, the heat flaming back at me with the talk of claiming sends all of my blood straight to my cock. Somewhere, back in the recesses of my brain, I know there’s a correct way to all of this. But I can’t make sense of anything besides the fullness of her lips and the flush of pink on her cheeks.

“I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” My fingers are combing through her silky hair and I’m close enough to feel her warm exhale on my lips.

“Then kiss me, because you make me feel things I’ve never felt before.” I swallow the last of her words, my lips crashing down on hers. She’s so small and fragile in my arms that I need to be careful not to get carried away with the overwhelming desire to plunge into her body and make us one. Brotak’s warnings are at the forefront of my mind…reminders that human females are delicate for a while.

Lana’s fingers wind through my hair, tugging gently as our tongues touch and twist sensually. She moans softly and it’s the encouragement I need. My hands move down her torso until I reach the edge of her shirt, pulling it over her head. The small round globes of her breasts heave as she watches me devour the sight of her beauty. Her nipples are hard pink buds begging to be sucked so I do just that. She arches her back and presents herself to me when I take the first nipple into my mouth, tugging and sucking at the peaked tip.

“You are so beautiful, Lana.” My lips trace over her smooth skin, my hands doing the same. I can’t touch her fast enough and I can’t get enough. I worry it will never be enough. My desire for her borders on obsession…the fierce beast inside of me unwilling to be sated until I claim her completely.

I pull her other nipple into my mouth and let my teeth play over the sensitive nub. “Oh yes,” she says, practically hissing the words. My hands reach the waistband of her pants and slowly pull them down. I hesitate, waiting to see if she’ll stop me, but she doesn’t.

A strangled curse escapes me when she’s completely bare, lying on my furs. “Lana…” I barely recognize the rumbled desperation in my voice. She holds my gaze and allows me to take this moment to drink her in, confident enough that she doesn’t try to hide herself from my eyes. And why would she? She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“I want to see you, Dhacar,” she says, her lips turning up in a relaxed smile. Aside from the painful way my cock presses against my pants, I didn’t even realize I was still dressed. I pull the leather bands and work myself out of my shirt and then quickly work my pants into a forgotten heap on the floor.

Lana sits up as I kneel before her, her eyes full of wonder and excitement. “You’re so strong,” she says, tracing the outline of my muscles with her fingers. When she gets to one of the scars that has long since healed, she stops, hesitant to touch it. “Does that hurt?”

“No. It’s an old battle wound.” My hands move over the soft skin of her cheeks while she continues to explore.

“You have a lot of them,” she says, leaning down to gently kiss my old scars.

She’s too much for me. Her kindness and beauty is too much. With a barely restrained growl I wrap my arms around her and have her on her back as I hover over her. She moans again as our bodies rub together.

“Does that feel good?” I ask, putting my finger under her chin so she’s forced to look into my eyes.

She nods her head. “I love the feel of your skin against mine.”

I slide against her again, my chest rubbing against her nipples, my cock sliding over her sensitive pussy.

“Dhacar…” Her voice trails off when I claim her with another kiss. How easy it would be to spread her legs and thrust into her wet heat right now. She’s moaning and writhing beneath me, but I want her begging for it. I need to know she wants this as much as I do because once I claim her there’s no going back. She’ll be mine.

I’m overwhelmed by her. Her skin has the lightest floral scent when I move to kiss along her neck. Human skin is different from ours, so much softer and delicate. I’m lost in these sensations when she shifts, opening her legs just enough that I catch a scent of her arousal. It hits me hard enough to unravel my self-control. I pull back, feast on the sight of her slick pink pussy and shove her legs wide. I dip my head and lick her, my body trembling from the first sweet taste of my mate.

“Dhacar!” She shouts my name this time and I know I’m doing something right. I lick her with such ferocity it doesn’t take long before her legs are trembling and she’s screaming her pleasure while holding my face to her pussy.

The gods, she tastes sweet.

I lick her until her muscles relax. And then, I lean back on my knees and stare down at my prize, ready to claim my mate.

Chapter 13

Lana

AFTER DHACAR WORKS his magic on me, I’m nothing more than a puddle on his furs. That’s the first time I’ve had a man do that to me and it’s the first time I’ve had a man give me an orgasm. I don’t even care how he knows about it, I’m not going to let that put a damper on the amazing buzz going through my body right now.

He’s leaning above me with his massive cock in his hand and I know exactly what he wants to do. The question is, am I okay with going all the way right now? I thought I was. I want to prove to myself that I’m normal and nothing that happened to me back at the compound will change who I am going forward. Dhacar makes me feel alive. But it’s difficult not to hear Diana and Marion’s voices in the back of my mind.

“Where did you go, beautiful?” Dhacar’s voice snaps me back to the present. I gaze up into his intense brown eyes and wonder how I could question this. He’s one of the good ones…I just know it. Everything inside of me is telling me he would never hurt me. He’s not like Clint. He’s not going to take what he wants for his own pleasure and disregard my feelings.

“Just thinking,” I say, quietly. “A little nervous, I guess.”

I take a deep breath as he moves over me, settling his hips between my thighs. “I’m not going to hurt you.” His voice is calm and steady, anchoring me to the here and now while keeping the bad memories at bay. I realize he thinks I mean physically nervous, but for me it’s tackling all of the emotional scars left by Clint at the compound. He leans closer me to, his lips moving gently over my forehead, temple, and cheeks. “I’m going to claim you, Lana. I’m going to make you mine. Tell me you want this too.”

His arm hooks around my leg, pulling me open wide. My heart thunders against my chest but I’m not afraid. It’s more the anticipation of being with someone of my choosing. I want him…badly.

“I want this. I want you, Dhacar.” I use my fingers to trace along the roughness of his beard. His eyes bore into me and I can’t look away. While we’re connected like this, he pushes against me, gently thrusting the head of his cock into my tight, wet channel.

He pauses, staring intently, watching for signs of discomfort. His muscles are taut as he struggles to maintain control over his animalistic needs to thrust deep and take.

“More,” I say, moving my hand to his muscular ass cheek. I squeeze him tightly and it has the desired effect. He thrusts the rest of the way inside and just like that we’re one. He holds himself still now that he’s fully seated, leaning down to kiss me senseless. “Oh, that feels so good.” Pressure builds in my core and I need him to move.

Moments later, he does just that. He slides out, then back in, out, then in, establishing a simple rhythm so as not to cause me any discomfort.

“Yes, Dhacar. God, yes! More.”

My words spur him on. He lifts himself up on his elbows and thrusts his hips faster. “You are mine, Lana,” he says, his voice deep and practically possessed. “Mine.”

I work my hips along with him, our bodies falling into a rhythm that has me panting and moaning as I climb toward release. His cock stretches me to the point of near pain but I’m high on the feeling of his claiming. Tears spring to my eyes as I climax, my orgasm so intense it takes my breath away. All I can do is cling to Dhacar and hang on while he drives into me again and again, searching for his own release.

“So good,” he says. “So hot and tight.” His fingers tighten on my hair, pulling my head back just enough to let me know he’s losing control. Somehow after two orgasms, heat is building in my core again. The slide of his body against mine, the pressure of his weight secures me, and in this moment I realize he’s telling me the truth when he says he’s not going to let anything happen to me. He’s not going to hurt me like I’ve been hurt in the past. We might not know each other very well, but somehow, I know this in my soul.

His cock plunges deep again, pulses again and again as his hot seed explodes inside of me. My body trembles around him as I come again, my channel convulsing around his cock. Dhacar groans into my neck. It’s animalistic and primal, causing goosebumps to break out over my skin. His hot pants of breath cover my skin as his lips move over me, kissing me some more.

“I will inform Brotak I have claimed my mate,” he says, his voice muffled from his face being nuzzled in my neck. “We will arrange for the ceremony to be held as soon as possible.”

I don’t say anything…I’m too spent and relaxed to say anything else. I’ve given myself to him and I accept his claim. Instead, I let my hand move over his back in soothing patterns while our breathing begins to even out. It isn’t even lunch time, and yet, I could roll over and take a nap.

Eventually, Dhacar leans back and slides from my body. He’s staring between my legs where we’ve just been joined.

“There is no blood,” he says. His forehead is pinched together in confusion. As his words sink in, I quickly close my legs and reach for a fur to cover myself. A flush covers my skin and it isn’t from the exertion. “Brotak told me there would be blood the first time.”

My relaxed afterglow is quickly dying. I didn’t expect to have to explain myself or spill my truths so soon. I should’ve thought this through, but I didn’t expect Dhacar to think anything of it. I didn’t expect the men to talk about us in this way.

“There is not always blood,” I say, but immediately feel guilty. This isn’t the way I want things to start between us. If he hadn’t asked about this, I don’t know if I ever would’ve told him about what happened at the compound. I promised myself I didn’t have to. I could leave all that behind and become a new person. Now it feels inevitable. “But…”

His gaze finds mine and it’s even more intense than I’m used to. Instead of saying anything, he waits for me to continue and I don’t know if that makes it better or worse.

“A man where I lived forced me before I came here.” I say it quickly, the words foreign on my tongue because I’ve never said them to a single soul before this. “I never told anyone, not even Marion or Diana.”

“A man forced you.” He repeats it, his eyes darkening. Before my eyes he’s transforming into something terrifying and I’m relieved the anger isn’t directed at me.

“One of the elders at the compound where we lived. He snuck into my room at night and forced himself on me. He was going to force me to marry him and that’s why we came here.”

Dhacar’s hands open and close into tight fists, his jaw muscles clicking tight.

“Please don’t say anything to anyone about it. Not even Marion and Diana. I don’t want anyone else to know about it.”

His eyes shift back to me, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he pulls me close to his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I hate that I’ve had to make this confession after such an important moment between Dhacar and me. The weight of the shame draws my tears again even though I try so hard to keep them at bay.

As I cry, he only holds me tighter. “Do you still want me?” I wipe at the mess I’ve made, the tears cathartic but so long coming I can’t stop them now that I’ve started.

He releases me long enough to tip my head back so he can look directly into my eyes. “I will always want you. Always, Lana. And I will never let anyone hurt you again.”

“That’s a big promise to make. I don’t expect you to put all of that on your shoulders.”

“You are my mate. It is my duty to protect you and keep you safe.” His hand smooths over my hair, calming me as he holds me close. I’m not sure how long we stay like this, but it’s almost as good of therapy as my journal.

“You found my journal for me, didn’t you?”

“Uh huh. Found it pressed against the edge of the mountain. Which was lucky because if it had fallen directly in the snow it would’ve been impossible to find.”

I snuggle back into his chest and enjoy the warmth that moves through me knowing I’m being held and protected by my mate.

Chapter 14

Dhacar

“I’M GOING to find Brotak and arrange for our ceremony. The humans who aren’t mated will be sent back to a different settlement, orders of the city.” My body is taut with anger over learning a male took my mate by force when she was back on Earth. I need to speak with Brotak about the ceremony, but I want to find a way to fix this. How can I when the male I seek is a galaxy away?

“Wait…what do you mean? All of the humans who aren’t mated…as in Diana will be sent away as well?”

Damn. I should’ve thought this through before I spoke, but I’m so thrown by her confession that it’s all I can think about. Lana pulls back from my embrace, her gaze searching my face. “You have to let Diana stay. She would be the only one out of the three of us to leave. It isn’t fair, Dhacar.”

I shake my head trying to clear the jumble of thoughts being thrown about. “I know. I’ll speak with Brotak about it. I’m sure Marion will have something to say about it as well.”

“And you said a different settlement? You mean somewhere besides the fortress?”

“Yes. The original agreement was a settlement in the woods not as far from the mountain. We’re able to keep an eye on things from here and it’s better protected from the cold.”

“What about the drattur? From what I saw, there isn’t much that can stop them.”

I take a minute to brush my fingers through her smooth hair again. It calms me and helps me to focus. “Don’t worry about that, sahe’a. We will protect the humans from harm just as I will protect you.”

She arches a brow, smiling with curiosity. “What does that mean, sa-hey-a?”

“It means ‘my love.’” I trace my lips over her soft skin, inhaling the unique sweet scent that clings to her. I could spend the rest of the day in this exact spot with her but the urgency to let Brotak know I’ve claimed my mate is overwhelming. If someone else reached him with word of a mating before I did, I’d be forced to live apart from Lana for three months. I don’t think I could do it. “What do you need to do today, sahe’a?”

“I was planning on meeting up with some of the women. Sulve, Alka, and Vina have been teaching us every skill they have. We’ll be self-sufficient yet.”

“And you’ll tell your sisters about us?”

“Of course. I already told them to mind their own business the last time we spoke at breakfast. They mean well but they treat me like I can’t handle things myself.”

“Why haven’t you told them about what happened at the compound?”

She visibly flinches at my question and I hate bringing it up again. But it’s something that she needs to discuss.

She starts shaking her head from side to side. “I just…I can’t think about that right now. This is my new start, Dhacar. Here, with you. I don’t want to linger on the past.” I’ve officially managed to ruin the moment. She reaches for her clothes and begins to dress herself, suddenly eager to put distance between us.

“Lana.” The command in my voice stops her. She pulls up her pants but looks me in the eyes. “We will move forward together but you need to be honest with me. You’re dealing with some things, but I don’t want secrets between us.”

She tenses as she finishes getting dressed. “They’re not secrets, it’s just that there’s a lot of things we don’t know about each other yet.”

She’s right, we still have a lot to learn. But keeping something from her sisters can definitely be considered a secret. Still, I won’t push her if she isn’t ready.

“I mean, you’ve hardly shared anything about your past.” Suddenly, she’s growing agitated and I’m not sure if I’m the reason for it.

“Lana, come here.”

She takes a few deep breaths and then closes the distance between us. I pull her down onto my lap and wrap her in the safety of my arms once again. The weight of her on my body is grounding and I hope my touch has a similar effect on her.

“This is all happening really fast. I’d offer to slow things down but I’m crazy about you, have been since the beginning.” She raises her eyes and offers a small smile. Finally, some of the tension begins to seep from her body as she relaxes into my hold. “And we need to mate before the rest of the humans are sent back to the settlement. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to return with Diana. But we’ll figure things out as we go.” I brush my fingers over the soft skin of her cheek, and she melts under my touch. “As long as you want me, we’ll figure everything else out.”

“I do want you,” she says, and it makes my heart thrum in my chest. I lean in and take her lips again because I crave the intimacy from her. She wraps her arms around my neck and deepens the kiss.

“If you keep kissing me like that, I’ll be forced to keep you here for the rest of the night.”

She smiles her shy smile that I’m growing to love. “It feels good to kiss you like that.”

“Yes, it does.” After a few more licks with my tongue, I pull back and help her to her feet. She watches me dress, her eyes glazed over with lust, and it’s all I can do to focus on getting to Brotak so I can fill him in on the latest developments between us. I remind myself that we have plenty of time for more moments like these, but there are other things to be done today.

“Come to me tonight?” We’re about to leave the cave but I need to know when I’ll see her again.

She nods and takes my hand. “I’ll come back after I’ve helped my sisters.”

“Okay, sahe’a, I’ll see you tonight.”

I watch her until she disappears from sight, turning the corner of the tunnel. After I lost my family in the first drattur attack, I never thought I’d find a mate. Anger and hate fueled my existence and all I wanted was revenge on the beasts who took everything from me. The females were decimated in the attack and because of it, those of us who were spared never expected to find mates…much less love. But I was drawn to Lana’s fire from the moment I caught her attention at the fortress to tell her about her sister. She didn’t hesitate to stand toe to toe with me and demand to see her sister. It was that tenacity that appealed to me long before her big brown eyes began to visit me in my dreams.

The fact that she shared her secret with me means a lot, especially when I misspoke about not having secrets. We all carry our own shame and I have my fair share that I haven’t spoken about with her yet. One day I’ll find the courage to tell her. Once I know she trusts me and accepts me as her mate.

I find Brotak and don’t waste any time announcing my good news.

“Brotak, I have claimed Lana. We are ready for the ceremony at your earliest convenience.”

Brotak looks up from where he’s sitting with Vrihith, Sihieth, Zuvath, and Mauviek. They’re in the main cavern, all discussing something at one of the large tables.

Vrihith throws his head back and laughs loudly at my announcement. “You waste no time, my friend.”

Sihieth laughs along with him while the rest of the men simply smile. I glance around the room, suddenly aware of the nature of my announcement and all of the listening ears that might have overheard.

“You didn’t want anyone else to claim a mate before you, did you, Dhacar?” Brotak’s smile grows bigger. I should’ve known I’d have to endure their humor after claiming her so quickly. I shrug and don’t even attempt to deny it.

“You know I’ve wanted her all along,” I say.

“Yes, we’ve all known. Even Marion knew, which is why she made sure she put you on the job of keeping other suitors away while we were gone.”

“Well, she has agreed to be my mate…just as you required. Now the only question remains, when will we have the ceremony so I can claim her as mine in front of everyone?”

My brothers laugh and smile, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m glad they know how eager I am to make Lana mine. I want everyone in the clan to know who she belongs to. All of my brothers will know she has already been claimed.

So the sooner we can organize the fertility ceremony, the better.

Chapter 15

Lana

“SO, you’re sure you’re ready for this?” Marion is standing next to me, wringing her fingers together nervously. She can’t stop herself from asking me one last time if I’m ready to be mated to Dhacar even though she promised to let me make my own decision. Diana is also in the cave with me along with the three wise women of the clan, all of them helping me prepare for the ceremony tonight.

“We’ve already discussed this, Marion.” I give her a tight smile to avoid creating a scene in front of the other women. With all of us in this small space, it’s getting warm and I’m beginning to feel flushed. My hair is up and off my neck and the dress they’ve given me for the occasion is much lighter than I was expecting. The fabric is smooth, almost like silk, when the clan typically dresses in leather and furs. The significant of the event hits me in this moment. It’s a big deal for the clan to welcome another women into their fold and I want to make Dhacar proud.

Before she can say anything more, Sulve interrupts. “I’m going to head down to the cavern to make sure everything is ready for the ceremony. Don’t be late.” She squeezes my shoulders and pinches both of my cheeks before slipping from the room. My nerves flare knowing this is all happening soon. It’s not that I don’t want to do it, it’s just the unknown.

Vina and Alka finish with my dress and hair and follow after Sulve, leaving me alone with my sisters. Marion returns my nervous smile while Diana continues to brood silently off to the side. I know she doesn’t approve of all of this, she’s made it perfectly clear. But she doesn’t understand that I don’t feel any pressure to be with Dhacar. In fact, it’s just the opposite. I long to be with him in a way I’ve never experienced before. I certainly never felt like this for any of the boys at the compound. Instead of stifling me, Dhacar makes me feel free to be myself. To experience things without feeling ashamed.

“Any last-minute advice you want to pass along?” I ask.

Out of the three of us, Marion is the only one who has any knowledge about the ceremony, and I have no idea what to expect.

“Well, I do actually.” She clears her throat, her eyes darting over to Diana and then back to me. “It came as a surprise to me so I think it’s only fair that I warn you.”

“Okay…warn me about what?” The fact that it’s so difficult for her to say whatever is on her mind troubles me. It can’t be anything too bad if she’s never thought to mention it before.

“This is a fertility ceremony.” She emphasizes the word, focusing all of her attention on my face. She’s trying to communicate something without saying the words but I’m not following. I shake my head and glance at Diana to see if she knows what’s going on, but her expression is unchanged.

“Okay…” I say.

“Essentially, they’re coming together as a clan to ask the gods to bless your union with babies. At one point in the ceremony, Dhacar will be required to…collect some of your arousal and combine it with his own on a stone platter of sorts. Sulve presents it to the gods and it is blessed.”

“You’re joking,” Diana says, speaking for the first time. She pushes off from where she was resting against the wall to stand next to Marion. “You’ve got to be fucking joking.”

I’m still trying to make sense of what she just said. But it’s just like Diana to react first and process later. She already has her judgments about the barbarians because of what they want from us. She doesn’t see past her prejudices.

“He’s going to finger-fuck her in front of the clan? Brotak did that to you, Marion? I can’t believe this shit!” Diana throws up her hands and starts stalking through the cave.

“That’s enough, Diana,” Marion says, propping her hands on her hips and giving her a good stare-down. Suddenly, it’s difficult to get a full, deep breath and my head starts to swim. If Marion did it and isn’t affected by it, I can do it too. So why do I have the overwhelming urge to run from this mountain?

Dhacar and I have already been intimate, so it shouldn’t matter that we have to perform this small act in front of his clan. And yet, my stomach rolls and sweat breaks out across my forehead. Instead of nervous excitement, I’m transported back to my small room at the compound. I shake my head, trying to shove the images of Clint away, but this feeling matches how he used to make me feel. My hands shake even though I try to wrap them around my waist and hide them from view.

In the background, Diana and Marion continue to argue even though I can’t focus on their words. The next thing I know, I’m moving out of the cave and through the tunnel, desperate for something that I can’t quite pinpoint.

“Lana?” Marion’s concerned voice echoes through the tunnel behind me but I can’t stop moving. I was such a fool to think I could just move on and pretend my past didn’t happen. This doesn’t mean Dhacar can’t be my fresh start, but I know now there are hurdles I need to overcome to get there.

“Give me a minute!” I shout the words behind me, knowing it won’t do any good. When have my sisters ever respected my wishes? Knowing they’re pursuing me, I round the corner only to plow into another body. Strong hands grab my arms to steady me, but I flinch when I realize who’s holding me.

“Lana? What’s going on?” Of course it’s Luke, staring down at me with hungry eyes, his hands tightening on my body. He only makes my panic worse as I struggle against his hold so I can find the freedom I seek. “Settle down,” he scolds.

“Let me go!” He pushes me back against the wall of the tunnel to restrict my movements. It’s at this moment my sisters arrive.

“We’ve got her, Luke,” Diana says, stepping in between us.

“What the hell is going on?” he asks, looking to Diana like I’m not capable of answering for myself.

“Nerves for the ceremony,” Diana says, explaining without giving too much away.

“Ceremony? Wait…you’re going to mate with one of those barbarians now too?” His face contorts in anger as he takes another step toward me. All three of them stare at me like once again I’m incapable of making my own decisions or handling my own emotions.

“I need some fresh air,” I say, backing away from them and moving toward the end of the tunnel.

“Fresh air? It’s freezing outside and you’re not dressed for it!” Marion shouts after me but I snap. I’m a grown woman in search of a moment to myself outside of this stifling mountain.

“Just leave me alone for five minutes!”

She’s so shocked by my outburst that she remains frozen in place while I run through the rest of the tunnel. Small openings in the mountain allow me to climb out for the privacy and fresh air I’m so desperate for. Marion is right, it’s freezing and I have no business being outside, but the frigid air is exactly what I need. The rocks under my feet are like ice, the wind whipping around me and lashing my bare skin.

But I can breathe out here.

The air moves in and out until my heart settles into a normal rhythm.

It’s just the initial shock.

I can do this.

I’m building this up in my mind when it’s going to be over so quickly. I take a look around at the quiet night, the light from the moon and stars shining down on the snow. My teeth begin to chatter from the cold and the peace of the night finally calms me. After another deep breath, I’m about to head back inside when a flicker of light off to the side of the trees catches my eye. Typically I wouldn’t think anything of it because there would be watchmen on guard. But tonight, they’re all in the cavern ready for the ceremony.

My limbs are numb, but something else doesn’t feel right. I stare longer, waiting to see if anything comes from the flicker of light in the woods. After a few seconds, the light flickers again and it comes from more places. My gut tells me I need to tell someone about what I’m seeing. Before I can get back inside, though, a whistling sound cuts through the quiet night. At first I don’t see anything and I can’t place the sound. But then something slams into my body, throwing me off balance. My body is numb from the cold so I don’t feel any pain, not even when my eyes fall on the arrow protruding from my body. I fall forward, tumbling toward the heaps of snow below, unable to make my limbs cooperate.

Chapter 16

Dhacar

THE CAVERN IS full of my brothers, their excited chatter filling the space. There’s no rule that says they need to wait to drink and celebrate until after the ceremony so most of them have already started. Sulve has arrived to lead the ceremony and I expected Lana by this point as well. I’m eager for the clan to witness my claiming of her. Once this is all said and done and she is finally mine, I’ll be able to finally focus on other important things regarding the tribe. Until then, Lana is the center of my focus and there’s nothing I can do to change that.

“Vina, go see what is keeping the women,” Brotak says.

He’s ready for the ceremony to proceed as well, but for different reasons. It’s customary for the entire clan to be present at these events but the humans who shelter in the mountain are not here tonight. We’ve even pulled the guards from the mountain, which is setting Brotak on edge. We have too many enemies and too much is at stake to leave us vulnerable for long.

Vina reaches the entrance to the cavern when Marion and Diana burst inside. “Brotak!” Marion screams, drawing the attention of all of the clan. “Something has happened!”

I quickly scan to see if Lana has followed them in but she’s not here. My legs are moving without conscious thought as I hurry to the tunnel to see if she’s still outside.

“Where is Lana?” I shout when I don’t see her.

Marion shakes her head, her eyes wide and full of fear. Even Diana looks shaken and that’s what causes my stomach to sink, my insides twisting with dread.

“She needed some fresh air,” Marion says. “But she’s gone.” Her eyes flick to Diana and in that moment of shared despair, I’m jolted into action.

“Where did you see her last?” Brotak has Marion in his arms while she tries to calm herself long enough to give me the information I need.

“We were in her cave getting her ready. She ran to the end of the tunnel and slipped outside from there,” Diana says, her voice calm and oddly detached for the situation.

Vrihith is suddenly by my side. “There was fresh snow just this morning. It’s possible she slipped on the ledge and fell. There really isn’t anywhere else for her to go out there.”

“You’re right,” I say, nodding along as I look at my brothers who are already preparing themselves for the tasks they’re about to be given. “Let’s spread out and search. We need to be quick. We’ll search the base of the mountain where she might have fallen first.”

As soon as I’ve spoken, Vrihith shouts to more of our men. He sends them out through the tunnels, his commands sharp as he takes command of the situation. I already know exactly where I’m headed—to the base of the mountain where Lana might have fallen. At least I hope that’s what has happened. If she’s not there, I don’t know what else could’ve happened to her.

Vrihith returns to my side and Brotak joins us, the three of us running toward the cave entrance that will lead us to Lana. It has been a long time since I felt such absolute panic. All the way back to when the drattur attacked and my family was still alive. I remember how we hurried to gather our weapons while the women and children ran for cover. Those that were able to escape the immediate capture by the creatures were able to hide in huts or take cover in the trees. Our weapons were so useless against the beasts, though, we ended up resorting to lighting the tips of our arrows on fire. It had the desired effect on the drattur but it also resulted in many of the huts burning. It was only much later I discovered my sister had been trapped inside one of the huts while it burned. She escaped the jaws of the drattur only to die by the fires.

This same panic fills me as I run to find Lana. I’ve finally found the mate who is meant to be by my side. I can’t lose her now after I’d given up all hope of ever finding a female who would make me whole. I brought her to this mountain to protect her. I can’t lose her because I wasn’t there to catch her when she fell.

We’ve almost reached the entrance when there’s a commotion ahead. An eruption of shouts and battle cries, followed by the thunder of feet.

“Brotak! The mountain is under attack!”

Someone grabs onto me to keep me from running full speed out of the safety of the mountain.

“From what clan?” Brotak asks, meeting the small group of our clan who are coming from the opposite direction of the tunnels.

“The Theki and the Ghoknax.”

From the moment these words are spoken, fear slithers like ice through my veins. I’ve never been afraid of battle, but not knowing where Lana is when we’re under attack is enough to bring me to my knees.

“They’re attacking the mountain?” Vrihith asks, confusion and disbelief marring his words. “Why would they do that? They’ll never breach it.”

“With no guards they’ve already been given an advantage,” Brotak says.

“Thiku is crazy and Mildoi never had any sense,” Zuvath says.

“Quickly gather weapons and get to your positions to defend our home,” Brotak says to my brothers. They take off down the tunnel, but I have one goal in mind. I need to get to Lana before it’s too late. “Once the archers are in position, they’ll be able to defend us as we move outside of the mountain to search for your woman.”

I nod while my pulse races and I have to fight the desire to go now. “They better hurry. I’m running out of patience.”

We move to the cave entrance so we can see what’s happening outside of the mountain. The Theki clan and Ghoknak clan are still mostly covered by the trees, but some have moved into the open. I watch from my hidden place until one of them takes an arrow to the neck and stains the snow red. That’s my signal that it’s safe for me to move. Staying flat against the cold stone of the mountain, the three of us move like shadows in the snow. I’m alert—focused on Lana’s body or light scent that would make her stand out in the dark. If she’s hurt, it’s possible she’s making noise or trying to get help in some way and all of my senses are honed in on her.

From above us, another arrow is let loose, finding its mark in the body of our enemy. But it doesn’t distract me because we’ve moved far enough and fast enough that something in the snow draws my attention.

“There.” I don’t bother to hide my movements. Instead, I take off at a run until I throw myself in the snow on my knees, next to Lana’s frightfully still body. “No. No no no no no.” I place my hands on her face, trying to give her my warmth as I try to process the sight of the arrow sticking out of her shoulder.

The next thing I know, she’s in my arms and I’ve wrapped my fur around her. I can’t stop staring at the red stain of blood in the snow. Her body isn’t warm enough. It’s nothing like it was the other night when I held her in my arms by the fire. She’s too cold and unmoving.

“Quickly, Dhacar, bring her back to the mountain. She needs warmth and medical treatment.” Brotak’s commands snap me out of it enough to get me moving again. “As soon as we’re inside, we’ll seal the entrance to prevent the clans from getting inside. We need to take them down before they reach the caves.”

We’re moving again, but I’m thinking about our defenses. I’m thinking about Lana and wishing she’d open her eyes and look at me. Wishing her skin would absorb some of my warmth so she wouldn’t be so cold to the touch. Wishing she didn’t have this arrow protruding from her shoulder.

“Stay with me Lana,” I say, keeping my voice down as we move.

Vrihith and Brotak let me pass when we enter the cave. I rush Lana to the women’s cave so Sulve, Alka, and Vina can tend to her while the other two secure the entrance.

“Hurry back, Dhacar!” Brotak says, his command echoing through the tunnel.

Under any other circumstance, nothing would keep me from defending my clan and my home. But right now, I don’t see how I can leave Lana’s side. I don’t know when things changed and when I became so obsessed, but the thought of letting anyone else watch over her when she’s hurt makes me want to scream.

I need to know that she’s going to recover from this or it will destroy me.

Chapter 17

Dhacar

NO ONE’S in the women’s cave when I get there, but the fire’s still burning and it’s nice and warm. I’m tucking Lana under the furs when all of the women arrive, Marion and Diana included.

“Oh my God!” Marion screams and starts to cry, falling to her knees when she sees Lana.

Sulve takes one look and starts barking orders at Alka and Vina. They all begin scrambling around the large space, grabbing the supplies they need to tend to the arrow wound.

“Is she going to be okay, Sulve?” I ask. I still haven’t let her go. She’s nestled under the covers but I’m still holding her to try to keep her comfortable. In the back of my mind, I know Brotak wants me back to defend the mountain from the attack, but I can’t bring myself to leave her.

“Let me take a look at things. I’ll be able to tell you more once I see everything.” The women crouch around us while Diana tries to comfort Marion. After Sulve and Alka examine the wound for a minute, even turning her so they can see the back of her shoulder, she nods and gives me a tight smile. “The arrow hit in a good place. We’ll be able to remove it and sew the wound. We’ll treat it to make sure it doesn’t become infected. As long as the removal goes smoothly, she should be just fine.”

Once I hear those words, I’m finally able to breathe again.

“What can you give her for the pain? I’ve had many arrows removed and it will not be pleasant for her.”

Sulve snaps her fingers at Vina, who hands her the small container she’s holding tightly in her hands. She pours a few drops into Lana’s mouth before setting it off to the side.

“Heat some water for me, Alka,” Sulve says.

Now that they’re starting, Marion finally snaps out of it. “I can do that for you,” she says. She takes the pot from the table and begins to fill it using the large water bin. She’s just about to bring it back to the fire when Mauviek bursts into the room.

“Brotak is calling for you again, Dhacar. You must come quickly.”

I look down at Lana, still laying unmoving on the furs. At least her skin is beginning to regain a bit of color now that she’s surrounded by warmth.

“We’ll take good care of her, Dhacar,” Sulve says. “She won’t wake for quite a while now that she’s been given the pain medication. You’ll most likely return before she wakes.”

When I tear my eyes away from Lana’s face, Sulve gives me an encouraging smile before motioning for me to go. It’s what I must do…what I’m expected to do. I’ve just never had a reason that felt more important to stay.

Still, I set her gently down in the furs and stand. “Send someone if anything about her condition changes,” I say.

“We will,” Sulve says.

And so I follow Mauviek from the cave and through the tunnels leading to the chaos, leaving my heart behind with Lana.

“What’s going on out here, Mauviek?” We’re hurrying through the tunnels and I’m following along where he needs to take me.

“They were trying to attack secretly. If we wouldn’t have started looking for Lana, they might’ve been successful. They’re sticking close to the trees right now. Time will tell if they choose a different tactic or abandon the effort all together.”

“Can you tell how many of them are out there?” I ask.

“We can’t see into the woods and they’ve put out their torches. Brotak doesn’t believe the entire clans have come.”

Mauviek leads me directly to Brotak. With his face set in his usual stern expression, he hands me a bow and some arrows.

“How is she?” he asks.

“Sulve thinks she’ll be okay. Time will tell.” He nods, his hands on his hips as he takes a moment to look down at the ground. “What is the plan here?” I ask.

Brotak lifts his head and glances around the wide space. Some of our men are still inside, hovering close to the sides of the gaps that lead outside. By this time, I’m sure we have our men covering all positions, effectively shutting down any attempt by our enemy to slip silently into our midst.

“Why not light up the trees with our arrows?” Zuvath asks, the familiar sight of blood lust gleaming in his eyes. “Give us the chance to see how many have come for us.”

Talk of using fire against our enemy puts a bad taste in my mouth. I have too many bad memories of our lands burning to be able to agree to something so bold and reckless.

“Why not send a few men to see what we’re really up against?” I ask. “If this was more of an opportunity for them to scout our defenses, there’s no point in setting the entire forest on fire.” I glare at Zuvath. He has always been more brutal than the rest of us, as if a piece of him is a bit more unhinged.

“We’ll continue to hold them off with arrows from our position while we send two to three men to get a closer look,” Brotak says. “Unless they have something else planned, they won’t get any further without taking mass casualties.”

We all nod in agreement. It’s shocking that they’d try to take the mountain in the first place, regardless of how many warriors are working together. Without drawing us out in some way, we have the advantage.

Brotak sends Vrihith, Zuvath, and Mauviek to get a closer look. Since the attack isn’t turning out to be as dire as originally thought, I have the overwhelming desire to retrace Lana’s step to see if I can figure out what happened to her.

“While we wait for them to return, I’d like to take a look at the ledge where Lana fell.”

“Be careful,” Brotak says. “They took her down with their arrows from where she was standing. It’s an exposed ledge.”

“I’ll be careful.” I know exactly how exposed she would’ve been from that vantage point because it’s the same place she always escapes to when she wants to be alone. There’s no question there’ll be guards there now, but I still need to see it with my own eyes. Unable to sit still while we wait for the next report to come in, I hurry in the direction of the tunnels that lead to Lana’s ledge. Things have gone off course so quickly tonight and if they hadn’t, she’d be mine in the eyes of the clan by now. Instead, she’s lying unconscious while Sulve and the other women work to remove the arrow from her body.

I make my way to the small opening where she always slips outside. Just like I expected, there are already three guards at this post.

“Dhacar,” Sihieth says when I reach them.

“Any activity from here?” I ask.

“Not for the last few minutes. From what we can see, they look to be retreating.”

“That’s good news. I’m going to take a look around on the ledge for a moment. I need to see if this is where Lana was hit with an arrow before she fell.”

“We’ll cover you.” Sihieth motions to the other two warriors and the three of them spread out, their eyes fixed on three different points of the ground around the mountain. Once I’m on the ledge, I have the perfect view of the woods and the open land leading straight to the caves. When I lean over, I can see the spot in the snow where Lana landed, her blood still staining it dark.

“This must be where she was standing,” I say, not sure if I’m speaking to Sihieth or to myself. “She would’ve been the only one out here, so if they saw her, they would’ve wanted to take her down. Otherwise, she would’ve run to us to report what she saw.”

“It makes sense,” Sihieth says. “She didn’t know when she came out here, but she stumbled upon their attempt to sneak into the mountain. The only question remains…how did they know there wouldn’t be any guards at their stations tonight? How would they know we were having the fertility ceremony?”

“Maybe they didn’t,” I say. “Maybe it was just luck that it worked out that way. Their first move could’ve been to take out the watchmen and all they saw was Lana.”

“Luckily, her sisters were right behind her and concerned enough to know something wasn’t right. Otherwise, they might have succeeded. They called up the alarm and we moved into action fast enough to stop a disaster from happening.”

I process his words and try to come to terms with the fact that Lana’s actions could’ve saved many lives tonight, without her even realizing it. I bid farewell and decide to make my way back to her, the desire to see her overwhelming now that I’m not needed right away. She unknowingly made a sacrifice tonight that benefited all of us in the mountain and I’m going to be by her side until she wakes up so I can tell her all about it.

Chapter 18

Lana

I’M disoriented when I first open my eyes. I’m blissfully warm, but every inch of my body aches. My blood pounds in my ears along with the beating of my heart and though my head is killing me, my shoulder is worse.

“Lana?” That deep voice is all it takes to remind me where I am. When I’m able to focus in on everything around me, Dhacar is the first one I see, leaning over me with concern etched on his face. He exhales and closes his eyes. “Finally you’ve come back to me.”

My head is foggy and when I look around the room, it doesn’t click right away where I am. I know this isn’t the cave I share with Diana. I want to ask where I am and what’s going on, but my throat is too dry and my body is too sore.

“Hurts,” I say, my voice weak and raspy.

Dhacar shifts, his body moving away from me, causing me to miss his warmth. But he’s back fairly quickly, offering me something to drink. I don’t have the energy to lift my head, so he does it for me, the water that trickles down my throat tasting better than it has any right to.

“Easy. Drink slowly and then I’ll give you something more for the pain.” He sets the water down and brings another small container to my lips. I don’t have the energy or strength to ask what it is, but I trust he wouldn’t give me anything that would harm me.

“She’s awake!” I recognize Marion’s voice, but I’m already settling into the furs and Dhacar’s warm body again. “Lana, how are you feeling?”

“Sore,” I say, my voice still not much more than a whisper. “And tired.”

“Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re okay.” I can tell she’s closer now. As soon as I open my eyes, she’s kneeling over me, her face splotchy and swollen from crying. “We’ve been so worried about you.”

She takes my hand and I try to offer her a smile, but I don’t think my body is cooperating. All I know is that it feels good to have Dhacar holding me and I’m thankful to see Marion’s familiar face.

“Diana?” I ask.

“She’s here,” Marion says, pointing by the fire. Moments later Diana comes into view. Just knowing I’m surrounded by my sisters and Dhacar I’m able to relax and settle back in to rest.

“That’s right, just rest. We’ll be here when you wake up,” Diana says.

Her voice sounds so far away but so does the pain. Whatever Dhacar gave me for that must be working and I’m glad for it. I’ve never had much of a pain tolerance, so one of my last thoughts before I drift off is the relief that my shoulder is no longer throbbing and burning in agony.

It’s quiet when I wake up again and I’m even more lucid than the last time. I’m able to push myself up so I’m propped up on my elbow so I can see who’s in the room with me. Dhacar is still tucked tight against my body, now sound asleep. Spread out through the room, Diana and Marion sleep, as well as Sulve, Alka, and Vina. I’m still lightheaded and whatever Dhacar gave me for the pain has worn off again, but I can still appreciate the fact that he never left my side even though he’s sleeping in a room full of women.

I don’t want to wake anyone, but I need a drink of water to help with the headache that still won’t go away. I’ve just reached over Dhacar to try to get the container of water when my movements cause him to wake.

His eyes fly open and fix on me like he can’t believe he let himself fall asleep. “Lana.” My name tumbles from his lips as he shifts himself so he can help me. In the next moment he’s pressing water to my lips so I can quench my thirst. “Do you need something more for the pain?”

I nod my head because my body literally feels like I’ve fallen off the side of a cliff. The snow drift may have caught me, but it wasn’t the same as landing on something soft and supportive. I’m just lucky it saved me, and I didn’t suffer anything worse. Without thinking, I reach toward my shoulder to touch the wound, curious to see if I’m healed and still whole.

“No, don’t do that. We need to keep the wound clean so it doesn’t become infected.” Dhacar keeps his voice low so as not to wake the other women, but he still manages to sound so authoritative it stops my hand mid-air. He takes the opportunity to wrap his hand around mine and pull it to his lips. As he kisses each one of my knuckles, his eyes never leave my face. It surprises me that his presence comforts me just as much as knowing my sisters are here with me.

“What happened?” I finally ask. I remember everything up until the moment I fell, but once I hit the snow, my memories are gone.

“Enemy clans planned to attack from the woods. They either mistook you for a guard or assumed you saw something you shouldn’t have and needed to be silenced. They shot you with an arrow and then attempted to attack the mountain.”

“Was anyone hurt?”

“Only you, sahe’a.” He brushes my hair off of my forehead, his eyes swimming with an emotion I can’t quite place. “We killed some of their warriors and realized it was only a smaller attack party testing our defenses. Once we began to return fire, it didn’t take them long to flee.”

“Yes, I saw lights in the woods just before I was hit with the arrow. I didn’t know what was going on and didn’t have time to figure it out.”

“Luckily your sisters came for us as soon as you went over the side. We found you fairly quickly and Sulve, Alka, and Vina removed the arrow and stitched you up.” I grip onto his arm with my fingers and nod, so relieved they had the capabilities of fixing me. “Why were you outside in the first place, Lana?”

His question shouldn’t catch me off guard, but it does. The actual fertility ceremony feels like a lifetime ago and my panic attack just before doesn’t seem so big now that I’ve taken an arrow and fallen off the side of a cliff. “Marion told me a little about the ceremony and I panicked. I ran out to the ledge to get some fresh air and try to calm down.”

His eyebrows furrow together, his head tilting to the side. “What made you panic? Did you have second thoughts about being mated to me?”

“No, nothing like that. It was the act of you…you know, using your finger on me in front of everyone. After what I confessed to you about what happened to me it made me uncomfortable.”

It takes him a moment to realize what I’m referring to but when he does his expression completely shifts. “Ah, yes. I should’ve thought about that. I was too distracted with the desire to make you mine in front of the clan.”

I nod, my eyelids growing heavy as the pain medicine begins to work its magic. That part of the ceremony is still something I’ll need to come to terms with, but I don’t have the energy to do it now. All of my thoughts are beginning to slip from focus and instead, I shift to try to find a comfortable position. “We don’t need to worry about any of that now,” Dhacar says. “Just rest and focus on healing. I’ll be right here by your side when you wake up again.” His fingers brush through my hair before he grips it tightly and presses my head to his bare chest.

There’s not much else I can do besides listen to what he tells me to do. For now, the fertility ceremony is postponed until I’m back on my feet. He’s right, it doesn’t do any good to worry about the ceremony for now. From what he said about some of the other clans, they had every intention of trying to attack the mountain tonight, but thankfully their plan didn’t hold up. If there was an actual clan battle happening out there tonight, I’m glad I was unconscious in here. Otherwise I would’ve been a mess of worries.

Dhacar wraps his arms around me as I settle in again. In this moment, the realization hits that even if there would’ve been a battle, I know Dhacar would keep me safe. I’ve never felt so protected in all of my life. Somehow I know he’s keeping an eye on me. He’s looking out for me and watching over me even when I don’t see him.

Chapter 19

Dhacar

IT’S early morning when Brotak comes for me. He looks exhausted and it’s clear he didn’t sleep last night. If the circumstances were different, I would’ve been with him standing watch, but Lana is my priority while she heals as long as the mountain isn’t under a direct attack. Brotak takes a moment with Marion while I kiss Lana on the forehead and make sure she has everything she needs within reach.

I know the other women will take care of her while I’m gone, but I’ve grown possessive since we mated. If I’m honest, I was possessive even before, I was just more willing to keep it to myself. She grows restless when I climb out of the furs and begin to dress, my chest tightening from worry that she’s in pain again. But when she eventually settles again, falling back to sleep, I force myself to follow Brotak from the cave.

“Things were quiet over night?” I ask. We move silently through the tunnels and I don’t question where he’s taking me. I’ll find out what his intentions are shortly.

“Completely.” He scrubs his hands over his face in frustration. Because we’ve been friends for so many years, his silence tells me all I need to know. The Theki and Ghoknax didn’t succeed in their attack, but what was their end goal?

“What conclusion have you come to about the attack? I know you, my friend. You’ve thought about it all night.”

He shoots me a side glare but exhales and begins to talk like he’s glad he can finally get it off his chest. “I believe they were testing our defenses. They didn’t attack with their entire force and they gave up easily once they were discovered. My instincts tell me this is only the beginning and it’s building to something more.”

“I think you’re right. Now the question becomes, what do we do about it?” Up until this moment I’ve been focused on Lana and making sure she would survive. Now that she’s recovering, my thoughts have shifted toward revenge. I’m going to find the warrior who shot the arrow into her body and make him suffer.

“It’s time to call on the Nulgon clan. We need more warriors to defend our home and they’ve promised to come to our aid if we needed it. Not only that, I want to send in spies to see if we can figure out what they’re planning. Thiku and Mildoi are unstable. The last time we faced Thiku he woke the drattur from their dormant state. We need to be prepared.”

“Of course,” I say. “Not only do we have to protect our females, but we have a mountain full of humans that are our responsibility. Until we know it’s safe, we can’t just send them back to the settlement—regardless of what Tangrux says. It’s best if we figure this out quickly.”

Brotak grumbles his agreement as we arrive at the large cavern where many of our brothers are waiting. He summarizes what we just discussed on the walk over and then we get to work putting our plans into motion. At any other time, I’d be the first warrior to find a way to spy on the enemy clan to find out what they’re planning. But now I’m torn between wanting revenge and the overwhelming desire to stay close to Lana to make sure she remains safe.

In the end, when Brotak asks if I want to lead one of the small groups that’ll leave tonight, I choose revenge for Lana. This is who I am and exacting revenge on the male who hurt her on Earth isn’t a possibility for me. This is going to have to be the next best thing. I wasn’t able to save my sister when she died in the fires during that great loss of our clan. And I couldn’t protect Lana from the man that took what wasn’t his to take. I didn’t protect her from our enemy clan when she was struck by their arrow. But I can seek out revenge and deliver it, thereby showing Lana that I am a worthy mate.

“We’ll leave at sundown,” I say to Vrihith and Zuvath, the other two warriors who will be by my side when we leave the mountain tonight.

As soon as we disperse, Brotak and I head back to the women’s cave. I need to see how Lana is doing and Brotak hasn’t been with his woman all night.

“I will admit,” Brotak says, “I am surprised you decided to go. Out of the two of us, you’ve always been the one with sense when it came to women.”

I shake my head and try not to let the stress of everything from the last day get the better of me. “I am doing this for Lana,” I say, explaining my position. “They tried to kill her. You wouldn’t seek revenge for Marion if they did the same to her?”

“I would,” he says. “But like I said, you’ve always been the one with more sense.”

I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension in my muscles, but the tightness in my body isn’t really from sore muscles. It’s the stress of worrying about Lana and making the right choices when it comes to her. “I don’t want to leave her, but if I know there’s a threat to her safety beyond this mountain, I want to be active about finding it and getting rid of it. It’s this thing inside of me…” I struggle to try to find the words to describe how the events of my past still affect me to this day and how I could never forgive myself if something happened to Lana when I could’ve done something to prevent it. “Guilt from my past…regret…whatever it is. I can’t let anything happen to her. I don’t know what to do with all of this inside of me.”

I press my palms to my chest, imploring Brotak to understand what I’m trying to say based on our shared history from growing up together. The fear of losing someone you love after experiencing it already is so real it can diminish all common sense.

“I understand, Dhacar.” Brotak places his hand on my shoulder and I abandon my attempt to explain myself. “Trust me, I know how it feels to want to make all the right decisions. That feeling has only grown now that Marion is with child.” He looks away like he’s just coming to a realization. “And now that I have my mate, I don’t think that feeling will ever truly go away. We’ll always worry and want to do the right thing. We’ll just keep doing the best we can.”

I let his words settle over me, allowing them to bring me some comfort. As soon as we reach the cave, we quietly enter, my eyes immediately finding Lana where she still lies under the furs. Unlike when I left her, though, her eyes are wet with tears, the rest of the women huddled around her, tending to her.

I go to her immediately, wanting to be the one who brings her comfort.

“Here he is,” Marion says. “See? They just had a short meeting.” Marion is smoothing Lana’s hair away from her face in a way to try to soothe her. The tears on her face cut straight to my heart and in this moment, I’d do anything to take away her pain. “We’ve just given her another dose of pain medicine but she’s really uncomfortable right now,” Marion explains to me.

Now that I’m back, she reluctantly moves out of the way so I can take her place. Brotak pulls her into his arms while I move down so I’m closer to Lana.

“What can I do for you?” I ask.

“Stay with me,” she says, her voice still quiet and raspy. “It’s better when you’re here.”

Once I’m settled in with her by the fire, everyone slowly trickles out until it’s just Sulve, Lana, and me.

“I’m going to bring something light to eat in a little while,” Sulve says.

Lana shakes her head. “I can’t eat, Sulve. Nothing sounds good.”

“You need to. Dhacar will make sure of it. We’ll start with some broth and work from there. You need to build your strength back.” Lana relaxes against my chest while Sulve gives me a look that I know well. She’ll be bringing the broth back and expects Lana to drink it.

“Just sleep, Lana. I’ll be here with you. I don’t have anywhere to be until much later tonight.”

“No, don’t go anywhere, Dhacar. I need you here with me.”

Before we can talk any more about it, the pain medication begins to kick in and she drifts off again. I can’t promise to stay because come nightfall, I’ll be tracking our enemy. She’ll be in good hands with the other women while I’m away hunting down the ones who hurt her, though. And if our journey is successful, they’ll never have a chance to hurt her again.

Chapter 20

Dhacar

WE DON’T BOTHER with torches when the three of us creep from the mountain once night falls. Our eyes will adjust to the dark and we need to move unseen. We’re loaded up with supplies and moving on foot to avoid detection. It would be faster if we took our beasts with us, but we can’t hide them as easily as we can hide ourselves. At the far edge of the woods, we pick up their tracks and get lucky because though there has been a dusting of snow, we can still see the indentations of the footprints. The moon lights our way, the only sounds the crunching of snow under our feet and the occasional howl of a creature off in the distance. After traveling throughout the night, we stop to rest and sleep in strategically well-hidden places until it’s safe for us to keep moving again.

My mind should be focused on what lies ahead of us and what we’ll do when we find them, but it’s Lana that occupies my thoughts. Sulve was adamant that she’d be fine and that the women would take good care of her, but it’s difficult not to worry. My obligation is torn between wanting to take care of Lana myself and hunting down those who hurt her so they can’t do it again. But in reality, I continually see the look on her face when I told her I had to leave for a while. Now that I’m gone, I can’t help but question whether or not I made the right decision.

It takes us five days to finally find the clans. We approach unseen through the trees and keep our distance so we can observe.

“They’re obviously prepared for a battle,” Vrihith says. “But they’re not mobilizing.”

“Not yet,” Zuvath says.

We’re in Ghoknax territory, which confirms my suspicions all along. The Theki clan abandoned their village when they abducted Marion and tried to use her as drattur bait. They were smart enough to know Brotak would never forgive their betrayal. So they’ve allied with Mildoi with the intention of taking our territory and wiping out our clan.

“They’re together, but from the looks of it, they’re staying with their own. Neither leader can be trusted,” I say.

“I’ll move closer so we can listen,” Vrihith says.

I pat his back and nod, giving him the go-ahead to move away from us. “Let’s move higher,” I say to Zuvath once Vrihith disappears into the foliage. I want to be able to keep an eye on things in case something goes wrong. We move further back into the trees until I find one that’ll work as a lookout point. I climb while Zuvath moves away to find his own place.

Once I’m perched on a branch and well-hidden, I sit and watch the warriors in the clearing. Like the old Theki village, there are established huts and the women of the tribe stay close to the structures, staying out of the way of the warriors. No children are visible and the men who roam are guarded, all carrying weapons. It’s true they’ve allied themselves but there is no trust here. The mood doesn’t match what I’d expect from warriors preparing themselves for battle.

For a long time nothing happens, so while I keep an eye on things, I think back to when I used to watch the fortress like this before we moved the humans to the mountain. It was our responsibility to keep the humans safe, but it was more than that. Once I discovered Lana, I didn’t like being away from her. I’d return every day to make sure she was okay. Most of the time I just needed to see her with my own eyes to make sure she was fed and warm.

Even back then she’d sit with her book on her lap, lost in thought while writing down her thoughts. She’d always look so serious and troubled even though it was an activity she clearly enjoyed. From the beginning I wanted to understand her. I wanted her to tell me what troubled her. Now that I know, it weighs so heavily on me because I don’t know how to fix it.

Time passes uneventfully and I question my decision again to come here and leave Lana when she’s so vulnerable. I should’ve found a way to be helpful from the mountain, so I could’ve been close. I’m ready to finish this mission and head back home when raised voices draw my attention. A small group of warriors from each clan begins to argue, the situation escalating quickly to a physical altercation. I can’t hear what they’re fighting about from where I am, but hopefully Vrihith is close enough that he knows what this is about.

Mildoi and Thiku keep their distance, watching from separate sides of the encampment. It takes a while but eventually the other warriors are able to pull the men apart. Mildoi rises and approaches the men, shouting to be heard over the noise. Whatever he says draws agreement from many of the men while Thiku remains stoic. Mildoi shouts commands to the men who cheer in agreement before dispersing. I’m still fixated on the scene before me when a noise close by surprises me. Before I can turn, a low growl reaches my ear, followed by a sharp slice of pain.

I react, grabbing my blade from my waist just as a creature launches itself at me from the branch above. Its teeth latch into the skin of my shoulder and I swallow my howl so as not to draw any unwanted attention to myself. Somehow I’m still clinging to the branch, the weight of the creature on top of me now. It’s growling, attempting to shake its head with its teeth still attached to my skin. With my free hand, I grab its throat to keep it steady while surging forward with my blade. Unfortunately, I can’t hold onto the branch anymore so as soon as the blade sinks into its flesh, we fall from the tree.

I land with a thud, a sharp pain shooting through the side of my body. When I look down at the creature, it’s dead. If my blade hadn’t killed it, the fall would’ve finished it off. I manage to get to my knees while I catch my breath and assess my injuries. The creature is covered in a thick green skin with some tufts of hair throughout. The black dots tell me it’s a feruin, which surprises me. Typically they’d be dormant this time of year, but I must’ve been too much of a temptation for it to resist.

I’m pulling supplies from my pack so I can wrap my wound when Vrihith and Zuvath arrive. Without words, Vrihith helps me stop the bleeding while Zuvath takes care of the beast’s body. There’s a lot of blood and if the warriors from the village come looking, they’ll wonder what happened out here.

Once I’m back on my feet, we’re moving through the trees, heading away from the village. We’re quiet for a long time, focusing solely on moving out of their territory without being caught.

“Are you all right?” Vrihith asks as soon as we stop.

“I’ll be fine. I was caught by surprise.” It’s embarrassing to admit I was so focused on what was happening in the village, I didn’t pay any attention to what was going on around me. I figured I was safe in the tree. Normally, I’d never be caught off guard like that. “What did you hear?” I ask Vrihith, eager to change the subject.

“The Ghoknax don’t like having the Theki clan in their village. They are eager to move on our mountain, but Thiku is delaying. Tensions are high between Mildoi and Thiku. Once the men began to physically clash, Moldoi made the decision himself. They’re preparing to move to the mountain as soon as they’ve prepared themselves.”

“What did Thiku say about it?” I ask.

“He gave the order for his warriors to prepare. It looks like he’ll go along with Mildoi’s plan,” Vrihith says.

“Then we must return to the mountain to warn our brothers and hope the Nulgon clan has arrived.”

We don’t waste any time making our way back home. It’ll take us days on foot but at least we’re able to move faster than an entire clan of warriors. We’ll beat them back to the mountain with time to spare. Brotak and the other warriors will already be establishing our defenses. It looks like instead of being able to have the ceremony with Lana, we’ll be preparing for battle to defend our territory. My only hope is once this is finally behind us, I can make Lana mine once and for all.

Chapter 21

Lana

IT HAS BEEN ALMOST two weeks since the accident, as I’ve been calling it. Dhacar is gone on clan business and I’m growing restless again. Thankfully, every day my health is improving and my strength is returning. My sisters have been by my side every moment while I’ve healed and if they had somewhere to be, they’ve made sure someone else is watching me. It’s nice to be taken care of like this and I appreciate all they’ve been doing for me…but I can’t wait for Dhacar to return. During the worst of the pain after my fall, it was his presence and his strong arms wrapped around me that brought me the most comfort.

“It’s so good to see you back up and moving around again.” I’m taking a slow walk through the tunnels with Ellen. Just recently Sulve gave me the all-clear to get back up on my feet and slowly begin to move around again. Of course, my sisters added the stipulation that I always have someone with me if I leave the cave. “Is this pace okay? Not too fast?” Ellen links her arm through mine to give me extra support. She’s been stopping in to visit almost daily since Dhacar left and I’ve been thankful for it. She takes my mind off missing Dhacar and the lingering pain in my shoulder.

“This is good,” I say, giving her a light squeeze with my arm. “My body feels good. It’s just my shoulder that still hurts but even that’s much better than it was.”

“My goodness,” she says, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe this happened. It’s a good thing you have that sexy alien man looking out for you. If that happened to me no one would’ve noticed I was gone until it was too late.” She laughs like it’s a joke, but I can tell she believes it.

“That’s not true and you know it. Any one of these warriors would love to make you their mate.”

“Oh, stop. I don’t need to worry about it for a while anyway. Now that Dhacar has chosen you the next mating won’t happen for months. We’ll be heading back to the human settlement soon.”

“What? That can’t be right. They’re not going to send you back when things aren’t safe.”

“You’re right. The conflict between the clans has bought us a little more time here. But as soon as things have calmed down, we’re being sent to the new settlement.”

We’ve walked through the tunnel and reached the large cavern where many of the other humans hang out during the day. The warriors are in here at times also, but lately they’ve been busy with the watch. The word around the mountain is that the warriors from the Nulgon clan are expected to arrive any day in anticipation of the looming threat. It makes me as uneasy as anyone else, but I’m mostly consumed with my thoughts of Dhacar and eager to finally see him again. I hate that he had to leave when I felt so vulnerable, but I understand he needs to do what is expected of him within his clan.

“Are you okay with having to go? If not, I’ll talk to Dhacar when he returns. Maybe there’s something we can do about it.”

Ellen leads me to the fire and helps me sit down. After such a short walk I’m glad to be able to rest. In fact, I could go for a nap.

“No, don’t worry about me. I’ll go where they tell me I need to go and I’ll be just fine.” She settles in next to me, the warmth from the fire covering me like a blanket. I’m relaxed but still surrounded by others and it helps to lift my spirits.

“I haven’t seen the new settlement, but I’ve heard it’s nice. Actual huts instead of tents like the old place. It’s nestled in the woods, much closer to the mountain than the fortress was. They’ll keep an eye on everyone. They’ll make sure you’re all safe.”

“I know. Really, Lana, I’m not worried about it. It might be hard to believe, but overall, I’ve been happy here. Even after everything that has happened, I’m still glad I came. What about you?”

My first response is to smile as Dhacar’s handsome face pops into my head. “Definitely,” I say.

We continue to talk for a while. Ellen tells me about where she grew up and I do the same. We don’t delve into any of the ugly specifics of our past but keep to the good memories, even if there aren’t many.

After a while, Luke enters the cavern with a few of the other men who are always together. He glances around and when his eyes land on me, he immediately makes his way over.

“Ugh, not again,” I say under my breath. I shift my body, trying to find a more comfortable position to sit as he approaches.

Ellen is quiet but she watches him like a hawk, her presence solid and unyielding at my side.

“Lana,” Luke says, sitting down next to me. “It’s good to see you.” His hand goes to my leg as his brown eyes rake over my body. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m back on my feet,” I say, moving his hand off of my leg.

“You’ve lost weight,” he says. “And you still look so pale.”

To some, his words might sound like concern, but it’s the way he’s always watching when he has no right to that makes my stomach feel queasy.

“She’s been going through it,” Ellen says, leaning forward. By the tone of her voice, she’s not taking kindly to his comments about my appearance after all I’ve been through. “What is this anyway? Are you two friends?”

She asks Luke because she knows I’m not happy he’s here. I wish he’d take the hint and just leave me alone but he’s always around. “I’m Luke and yeah, we’re friends.”

“How does Dhacar feel about that?” Ellen asks.

At the mention of his name my chest warms but Luke’s face grows red. He clenches his fists in his lap, his expression tightening. “He’s not here, is he? And why is that? He just up and left you, Lana? Do you think that’s what a good man should do? Because I don’t. And I’m right here.”

“Luke, I don’t have the energy for this. I don’t know where this is even coming from.”

“Really? You can’t tell that I’ve wanted you? That I’ve watched you from a distance, kept an eye on you to make sure you’re okay? All the while, just waiting for things to blow over with you and that barbarian?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Ellen asks, coming to my defense.

I’m starting to feel lightheaded and am ready for the comfort of my small cave. “I can’t do this. Ellen, can you help me?” Ignoring Luke, I start to get to my feet. Ellen helps me and as soon as it looks like Luke is about to help as well, she barks at him to back off. My heart is pounding against my rib cage as Ellen and I move toward the tunnels.

“What was that about?” she asks, the tone of her voice one of absolute shock.

I almost laugh but it’s too much to deal with right now. “I…I figured he was attracted to me from the way he was always around, but I never knew his intentions were so…”

“Sneaky?” Ellen says.

“Yeah, I guess that works.”

“I’d say it does. He waits until Dhacar is gone to make his move? Sneaky.”

“Ugh, I’m just glad you were with me. Thanks for standing up for me back there,” I say.

“Always. The ladies need to stick together.”

Ellen helps me back to my cave and gets me situated. Diana arrives a few minutes later to check on me, but at this point, I’m ready for a nap. They give me a small dose of pain medicine and leave me alone to sleep.

“Get some rest,” Diana says. “If you need us, we’ll be downstairs.”

“Yeah, the Nulgon warriors just arrived. Us single ladies are going to go see what these big boys look like.” She motions between Diana and herself while Diana rolls her eyes and grumbles at Ellen’s enthusiasm.

I giggle under the furs, my worries about Luke temporarily forgotten.

“Behave yourselves, you two,” I say.

“Don’t worry about that,” Diana says.

“Okay, make sure Ellen behaves,” I say, amending my statement.

“I don’t know,” Ellen says. “I’m tired of behaving. I feel like causing some trouble.”

“Good night, you two.” My eyelids grow heavy as they wave and leave me alone to rest. I’m happy with my progress over the last two weeks, but it’ll be a relief when I’m back to myself again.

Chapter 22

Dhacar

IT’S LATE when we arrive home to the mountain. The Nulgon warriors have arrived and we’ve returned days before the Ghoknax and Theki clans will reach our territories. There is much to do but I ache for my woman. I need to know that she’s doing okay and healing. I want to hold her in my arms tonight and deal with everything else tomorrow.

Of course, it isn’t that simple. As soon as we enter the mountain, we find Brotak and fill him in on what we discovered. As soon as we’ve discussed our plans, I head to the women’s cave. Inside, Lana’s place is empty and now only Sulve, Alka, and Vina remain. I’m about to leave without even a hello but I’m quickly called back.

“Hold on just one minute!” Sulve says.

I stop midway through the entrance and turn around. “I’ll ignore the fact that you haven’t even bothered to say hello to any of us after being gone for weeks, but I won’t ignore that nasty wound on your shoulder.”

I glance down, already having forgotten about the bite that could use a good cleaning and fresh bandage.

“I need to see Lana. How is she doing?” I ask.

Sulve gets out of her chair and begins searching through some of the containers on her back table. “She’s doing really well. She’s back on her feet these last few days, taking walks through the tunnels.” She pulls out fresh bandages from her storage and sets a pot of water to boil.

“Come in, Dhacar,” Alka says. “Once we’ve got you fixed up, you can go to your woman. She’s sleeping now anyway. She’s not going anywhere.”

With a sigh I give in and take a seat in the cave. It doesn’t take long for Sulve to have all of her supplies and settle in next to me.

“What did this?” she asks, pulling off the old bandage and eyeing up the wound.

“A feruin. It caught me off-guard in a tree. My mind was occupied elsewhere.”

“You’re pretty lucky,” Vina says, leaning forward while trying to get a better look. “They usually go straight for the neck.”

Once the water boils, Sulve cleans the wound really well and applies a strong-smelling salve. Then she wraps it tightly in a clean bandage to keep an infection from setting in.

“Now you and your woman have matching shoulder wounds,” Alka says with a smile.

“Thank you for treating me, but if you’re finished, I’d really like to see Lana.” Now that I’m finally home and she’s within reach, it’s almost painful to stay away.

“You’re all set to go, Dhacar. Be careful with that shoulder.”

“Thank you, Ladies.”

With that, I hurry to Lana’s cave. She still shares a cave with Diana but when I get there, the fire is burning and Lana is sleeping under the furs by herself. Her gorgeous dark hair is splayed out behind her on the pillow, her cheeks a soft pink from the warmth of the fire. Her chest rises and falls gently, her full lips open just slightly. Unable to resist her, I move toward her, stripping out of my clothes as I go. First my shirt followed by my pants. It has been so long since I’ve had her, since our bodies were one. I want to feel her again and show her how much I’ve missed her since we’ve been apart.

I slide under the furs with her and she doesn’t even stir, she’s sleeping so soundly. I’d feel bad about waking her, but I need to look into her eyes and hear her voice. It has been too long, even if the distance between us is my fault.

I brush my fingers through her hair, then move to the soft skin of her cheeks. They trail down her neck and follow her collarbone. I add my lips and move them to her temple, softly kissing her skin that still carries her light floral scent. Her eyelids flutter but it takes a moment before she opens her eyes. When she finally does, her deep brown eyes focus on me, after a moment recognition hits.

“Dhacar?” Her voice is raspy from sleep and it makes me smile. “Am I dreaming?”

“It’s not a dream, sahe’a. I’m back and I missed you.” Before she can respond, my lips take hers. I try to rein in my desire to ravage her and remember that she’s been recovering. She opens for me and I sweep my tongue into her hot mouth, her own tongue twisting and licking with mine. I pull her thick bottom lip between my teeth and nip her, before sucking it better.

Her leg slides up mine and I realize she’s not wearing anything besides her shirt. Only a small scrap of fabric that covers her sweet pussy from me. My hand roams over her silky skin, the feel of her body against mine sending shivers of pleasure straight to my cock. I slide my hand over her mound until I feel the wetness of her pussy against my fingers.

Lana moans when I start to slide my fingers in her silky folds. My cock is so hard and ready to plunge into her body it’s leaking my seed and dripping onto her belly. I should’ve made sure before I initiated this that she’s physically well enough to do this. My self-control is non-existent around her, my mating instincts kicking in full force from being apart for too long.

“Are you feeling well enough for this?” I ask. My voice sounds like I’m being strangled because I’m struggling so hard to hold myself together.

“I need this…are you kidding? I’ve missed you, Dhacar.” Her arms slide up my arms and wrap around my neck, but when her fingers brush over my bandage, she pulls back from my kiss. “What happened to you? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” I say, chuckling. “A small animal bite.”

I’m careful when I work her shirt over her head, pausing to glance at the bandage on her shoulder. Her ripe nipples call to me, though, so red and hard sitting atop her soft mounds. I move over her, pulling her breast into my mouth and massaging her with my hands.

“That feels good,” she says, her voice so quiet she sounds almost shy. “It’s nice to feel good after feeling so crappy for so long.”

She has been in pain and I’ve been gone for a lot of it. After sucking on her tits, I move down her body and pull the last bit of cloth from her until she’s naked. The scent of her arousal hits me hard and makes me moan. I push her legs apart and move my body so I can taste her, licking my tongue through her slick folds. Her taste explodes in my mouth as she moans and writhes under the constant lashings of my tongue. Her fingers grip my hair and hold me to her, and I know she’s close to unraveling.

“Oh God, Dhacar!” Her thigh muscles tighten against my head as I push two of my fingers inside of her tight channel just so I can feel her contract. She squeezes my fingers as she reaches climax, her body trembling softly as she cries out in pleasure.

She’s still recovering when I thrust inside of her. Her body clamps down on me and pulls me deep. Nothing has ever felt so good or so right than when our bodies become one in this way. After only a few thrusts my balls already begin to tighten with the need to release but I fight it because I don’t want this moment to end.

“So good, Lana. So tight, so warm. My mate.” We move together, our bodies in a rhythm. Her eyes are locked on mine, her fingers gripping me as we both work toward another release.

“Dhacar…” My name is a breathless cry as her eyes close and she comes. I follow after her, losing control and shooting my seed deep inside of her warmth.

“Lana,” I cry, losing myself in the sensations of our mating.

I’m careful to hold myself against her in a way that won’t hurt her shoulder but I’m not ready to pull myself free of her yet. We breathe together, my forehead resting against hers while we catch our breath.

“I’m glad you’re back,” she says quietly, her fingers scratching along my back.

“I’m sorry I ever left you,” I admit.

“I know you have responsibilities with your clan. As long as you come back to me, I’m okay with you going.”

“No one can keep me away from you now, my mate.”

A shuffling breaks us from the calm, peaceful afterglow of our mating. “What the hell?” We both look as Diana comes into the cave. I should’ve thought this could happen, but I was too caught up in seeing Lana again to care.

Realizing she’s staring at us while we lie naked by the fire, I grab the closest fur and toss it over us.

“Give us a minute, Diana,” Lana says.

Without another word, Diana turns and storms from the cave.

“I should return to my cave so she can have her space back with you.” I start to get up to dress and am surprised when Lana does the same.

“Then I’m going to come with you. We spent long enough away from each other. I don’t want to be apart anymore.”

Together we dress and I lead her to my cave.

Chapter 23

Lana

DHACAR and I eat breakfast together early because he has responsibilities today related to the new clan that has arrived and the impending attack on the mountain. The knowledge that there’s going to be a battle at some point soon gives me a ton of anxiety to the point where my chest is tight. I don’t know how I’ll be able to sit still today. It’s not even worry for me…it’s knowing that Dhacar will be outside of the mountain, defending me and the rest of the humans from harm. Now that he’s back I don’t want to lose him again.

Another source of my anxiety comes in the form of my younger sister, who just happens to walk into the cavern as soon as Dhacar leaves with some of his men. She’s going to want to talk about last night, even if it isn’t any of her business. I’d leave and deal with the confrontation later, but then Marion walks in and I don’t want to avoid my sisters. No matter what happens between us, we need to stick together because we’ve always had each other’s backs. I don’t want to lose that now.

Once they have their food, they join me at the table. For a while, it’s just us and I’m almost relieved that we have a chance to talk freely without worrying about what others might think.

“So, you stayed with Dhacar last night?” Diana asks without wasting any time.

“I did. We didn’t want to make you uncomfortable,” I say.

“Too late for that. I got quite the eyeful last night,” she says.

Marion doesn’t say anything but when I look at her face, she doesn’t look upset either. I don’t know what I thought. I figured they’d both be disappointed in my choices.

“You agreed to stay out of my business. I made the choice to be with Dhacar. I don’t know why this is an issue for you. If things hadn’t gone wrong, we’d be mated like Brotak and Marion and sharing the same cave anyway.”

“But they went wrong because you panicked,” Diana says. “And that tells me you’re not as ready for all of this as you think you are. Sex complicates things.”

“You two had sex?” Marion looks at me with complete surprise. I expected they would’ve already talked about this, but apparently they haven’t.

“Yes. I thought she told you?”

“It wasn’t my news to tell.” Diana shrugs her shoulders and starts picking at her food.

“Oh my God! This is really huge news, Lana. Was it your idea? His? How was it? Tell us everything!”

She’s suddenly so animated that I start to giggle. This is more what I thought it would be like when we talked about these things for the first time. I thought we’d share details and ask questions…giggle when necessary. Instead, there’s this pressure to hide my happiness. To hide my desire to be with Dhacar.

“To be honest, this wasn’t our first time.”

Marion’s mouth drops open and I laugh even harder. “No way,” she says.

“We did it before the ceremony. Once he had Brotak’s permission to claim me if I was on board with that. I guess he didn’t want anyone else to beat him to it.”

Diana just stares at me and it’s difficult to decipher what she’s feeling. Marion, on the other hand, wants to know all of the details. Most likely because she’s accepted this life more fully than Diana has. She’s mated to Brotak with a baby on the way. Diana still fights the mating aspect, instead acting as though she wishes to be free from a relationship.

“Did you like it?” Marion asks.

“I did. Very much.” I smile shyly and glance down at my empty plate. For the first time I have the desire to share with them some of the things that happened at the compound, just so they can understand why Dhacar means so much to me.

“You know all about my first time,” Marion continues, shaking her head while he eats her breakfast. “You’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.”

My confession sticks in my throat because I don’t know what they’ll think of me or the situation. But man, it would feel good to get it off my chest.

“Dhacar wasn’t my first time.” I say it quickly, before I can change my mind. Both of them stare at me, their food forgotten.

“What?” Diana asks. Her voice is quiet and I barely hear the question even though there’s hardly anyone else in the cavern.

“I never told you. I was embarrassed and ashamed, so I kept it all to myself. I wasn’t going to talk about it ever once we left Earth but Dhacar figured out it wasn’t my first time, so I told him the truth. And I guess it felt good, so I want to tell you the truth too.”

“What’s the truth, Lana?” Marion reaches out her hand and grasps mine tightly. My vision is blurred from my tears, but I didn’t even realize I started crying. As the first tear falls on the table, Diana clasps my other hand in hers, squeezing it tight.

“As soon as they separated us, Clint started sneaking into my room at night. He’d crawl into my bed with me. At first he’d lay next to me and touch me. Eventually things escalated.” I nod, unable to say the words, but they already know. A gasp escapes me as something cracks open inside of me, my sisters giving me their strength as their own tears slip silently down their cheeks. “I’ve never been more relieved than when you told us your plan, Marion. I needed to get away from that place.”

The next thing I know, they’re both sitting next to me, pulling me into a hug. “And before you ask, I didn’t tell you because there was nothing you could do about it. We did what we could to keep each other safe and no one deserves blame besides our parents and the elders. They can go ahead and burn in hell.”

“Thank you for telling us,” Marion says once we’ve had a chance to digest the information.

“Yeah, I know how hard it is to share those dark secrets,” Diana says. “But now that it’s out and we’re away from that place, you can really start to heal.”

“I’ve been healing. Strangely, coming to this place has helped, even though it wasn’t what we expected. I’m glad we’re together and we’re figuring out this new life.”

We all sit together for the rest of breakfast even though Diana and Marion don’t have much of an appetite anymore. After breakfast we go for a walk and I actually give them some of the details about what has happened between Dhacar and me. We talk about the fertility ceremony again since that was a trigger for me.

“I told Dhacar that I didn’t want to have to do that in front of his clan. But we haven’t had a chance to discuss it beyond that. But it doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with him…because I do, without a doubt.”

“I mean, it’s an old ceremony, don’t you think? Probably performed by their ancestors.” Marion says. “I know Sulve, Alka, and Vina are probably attached to it, but maybe it’s worth thinking of ways it could change. After all, they’re mating humans now. Maybe it’s time to incorporate a human tradition. After all, we’re used to our own wedding ceremonies and traditions. Maybe change is possible?”

“If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re not going to have to do it. It’s as simple as that,” Diana says. “Either they can skip that part, or like Marion said, we can think of an alternative.”

They both really have my back, and it makes me question why I chose to keep this all to myself for so long. Knowing they’re going to make sure I can be with Dhacar but in a way that makes me comfortable makes my heart soar. It feels good to know I’ve got my sisters by my side. And after Diana has been so hostile toward Dhacar and the barbarians in general, I’m glad she’s back on my team again. Maybe she finally believes that he hasn’t pressured me and I’m doing this because I want to. Whatever the reasons, I’m feeling better today than I’ve felt in a long time. Now if only we could have some sort of guarantee that everything will be okay with this impending battle of the clans, I just might be able to sleep tonight.

Chapter 24

Dhacar

IT’S late morning a few days later when I return to my cave to find Lana stretched out on her belly on my furs writing in her journal. Ever since I returned from Ghoknax territory we’ve been together as often as possible. And she’s been staying with me in my cave instead of Diana’s, which is something I could get used to.

She must have heard me come in but now I’m frozen in place by the entrance, my eyes fixed on the rounded globes of her ass. She looks over her shoulder at me and smiles because she knows exactly what she’s doing to me. I can’t resist her, and she knows it. But from the heat in her eyes, she desires me just as much as I desire her.

“I don’t know why you insisted on bathing when you’re just going to get dirty again.” She hides her face behind her shoulder so all I can see are her eyes, but they’re alight with mischief.

“I am sorry, sahe’a, but I have to patrol the borders this morning.” She lifts her face just enough so her chin rests on her shoulder, her lip protruding to show she’s sad by this news. My cock is straining against my pants, begging to be released.

“Do you have to go right away?” She rolls over onto her back and lets her legs fall apart. I can’t remember what I’m supposed to be doing in this moment because all I can think about is my mate’s beautiful body lying golden and naked on my furs.

My pants are gone in an instant as I pounce. Lana screams and then giggles but she knows I won’t hurt her. I could never do that. One thing I will do is roll her back over on her stomach so I can bite her luscious ass that tempted me in the first place. She squeaks when I nip her ass cheek but quickly switches to a moan when I lick the sting away. I push her up on her knees so I can lick her where she needs me. I’m relentless, working her over until she’s trembling through an orgasm as I push inside of her from behind.

I take her with urgency, slapping my hips against her ass until she screams. Her tight channel squeezes my cock, drawing my climax and wringing me dry. I rub her back and hold myself behind her until we’ve both recovered.

“I hate to leave you.” I lean down and kiss her in a line from the back of her neck all the way along her spine. Then, with a sharp slap to her full ass I get to my feet to dress so I’m not late for my patrol duty.

“Can I come with you?” she asks, rolling back over to her back.

“You’re to remain in the mountain. Our enemies could arrive at any moment.”

“Yes, but I’d be with you. What if I just take a short walk around for some fresh air with you and then I’ll come back inside?”

She sits up and wraps her arms around her legs, watching me with her wide inquisitive eyes. “You make it impossible for me to say no to you.” I lean down and give her a quick kiss before she jumps up to get dressed. She makes a happy screech before throwing herself together so she can walk with me out to my patrol point. “Only for a short walk and then you must return where you’re safe.”

“Of course.”

We walk through the tunnels until we reach the stables. From there, we ride on the back of Ziho out into the bright day. “Are you prepared for when they come again?” she asks. We haven’t talked about what’s happening too much because I don’t want her to worry. I can tell from the tightness of her voice that she’s concerned, though.

“We are prepared. They won’t catch us off guard again.” Ziho picks up his pace until we’re moving at a fast clip through the snow. All of our guard posts are manned and have been since we returned. We’ve fortified our defenses, increased the inventory of our weapons, and made sure we have enough supplies and materials to defend what is ours.

“Has it been helpful having the Nulgon warriors here? I’ve seen them around the cavern but they mostly keep to themselves. For the most part they stay outside,” she says.

“I think they’re more comfortable outside. It’s what they’re used to. Their territory is much more vulnerable to attack than the mountain, so they’ve already adapted a system of watchmen to keep their village safe.”

“I’m glad they came when you needed them. It’s very cutthroat in your world…something I’m still trying to get used to. Do you anticipate that the clans will just march up to the mountain and start a fight?”

I have to chuckle at that image. “I admit, that would be foolish of them. We have the advantage because of our location but the leaders of these clans are crazy men who have lost their honor. It’s impossible to predict what they’ll do.”

“Promise me you’ll be safe.” She tightens her arms around my waist, and I can feel her body pressed tightly against my back. Ziho stops at my command and I turn so I can look into Lana’s eyes.

“I promise you I’ll always protect you and defend you, sahe’a. Don’t worry anymore about what’s going to happen when they come because we will handle it. And no one will keep me from you.”

I lean in and capture her lips with mine in an attempt to put her worries to rest.

“And then when you’ve chased them away for good, maybe we can have our ceremony again.”

“Yes. There’s no question the clan knows you are mine, but we will still have the ceremony because it is tradition.”

“And are you open to making a few changes? I know it’s an old tradition for your clan, but maybe we could talk about a few tweaks that would set my mind at ease?”

We spoke briefly about her panic over that old tradition and if it makes her that uncomfortable, we need to do something different.

“Of course. We’ll figure something out once this is all over.”

“One thing at a time,” she says.

Ziho walks us around the section of our lands where I’m on patrol. Everything is quiet and still for as far as I can see. The weather is calm but cold, and the skies are clear.

“Is this what you needed? Fresh air and some time out of the mountain?” I ask.

“Yes, and more time with you,” she says.

“You know, the snow won’t last forever. In a few months the weather will turn, and we’ll enter the warm season. You’ll see plants and foliage growing throughout these fields that you’ve never seen before. And I’ll lay you down in the warm afternoon sun and give you my cock.”

She laughs and squeezes my sides...hard. “And here I thought you were being all romantic!”

We laugh as Ziho continues to walk us. I glance up into the trees and see the Nulgon warriors at posts scattered throughout our lands. When our enemy arrives, we won’t be allowing them to walk right up to the mountain like Lana is worried about. In fact, from what we’ve planned, they won’t get anywhere near it.

But she doesn’t need to know the details. I don’t want her to worry. All she needs to know is that she’s safe because my clan brothers and I will take down any threat to our females and our future.

“I’m going to take you back now so you can get something to eat and rest for a while. Ziho’s going back in his stall and I’m going to be taking a post in the trees.”

We ride back and she doesn’t argue. I leave her with a kiss and tell her to go find her sisters.

“When will I see you?” she asks.

“I’ll be back to check in on you after dinner.” I kiss her once more and watch her as she disappears down the tunnel. I want to promise her that I’ll be lying next to her when it’s time to sleep tonight, but there’s no guarantee. Not when we’ve been keeping such a close watch for any signs of the clans. We’re all on guard, tensions are high, and I want this to be over so I can focus on Lana.

It has been too long since we’ve really known peace and I find myself craving it. Peace from the city, peace from other clans, peace from the drattur. I just want to live my life with my woman at my side, eventually adding our babies when we’re ready for our family to grow. So, I return to my post, preparing for a clan battle while wishing for peace.

Chapter 25

Dhacar

IT ISN’T long after we’ve lit the torches that we hear the first call from the furthest watch point. There’s only one thing the sound of the horn can mean. I stop on my way back to the caves and run to the closest tree, anxious to get a look at what’s coming our way. Before I reach the branch, more horns sound, the signal for our warriors to mobilize.

The night is cast in a warm, orange glow from the light of the torches. Smoke and wetness from the snow invades my senses as I focus in on the mass of bodies moving over the hill. A quick assessment shows they’re carrying shields which will inhibit the effectiveness of our arrows from the trees. Still, we have more tricks we’ve prepared to welcome them to our lands.

I pull my furs tighter around my shoulders and ready my bow and arrows. The Nulgon warriors are hidden below the trees while my brothers are perched above with their arrows ready. The mountain still lies a distance to our backs and we plan on keeping them from getting close enough to breach the entrance to the caves.

Adrenaline surges through my body, the sound of my heart pumping so loud against the quiet of the night. It takes control and patience to sit in complete stillness in a tree while waiting for the enemy to descend on us. Brotak, Vrihith, Zuvath and my other brothers of our clan are in the trees out here as well. Waiting just like me. As they close in on our location, the ground trembles under their weight. The sound of their armor clanking in time with their steps. The only thing that could give away my location is the white cloud of my breath when I exhale in the cold night air. Otherwise, my heart now beats in time to their steps while I await the signal to let my arrow fly.

And then suddenly, like the way flames explode from the embers, the first battle cry sounds below. The Nulgon warriors break from their position to attack the warriors on the ground. In doing so, they draw their attention and distract them from the dangers above. As soon as they engage in hand-to-hand combat, my Scargad brothers and I let our arrows loose. We have the element of surprise for only so long, so I take advantage, raining as many arrows down as possible while they scramble to recover and reform their lines.

The once calm night is overtaken with sounds of weapons clashing and savage battle cries. The Nulgon are camouflaged well with the trees. They dart out to attack and then hide back within the trees. While they take care of the enemy at the outside of their lines, we aim our arrows to the inside.

“Aim for the trees!” the enemy shouts.

We’ve lost the element of surprise as the warriors on the ground turn their attention to the trees. Arrows begin flying my way but I return them just as quickly. I’m locked on my targets, focused, when an arrow tipped with fire lands in the trunk of the tree below me. The fire dies but the next arrow lands higher in the dry, green foliage, which explodes into flames.

“Fire! Fire!” I can hear the warning coming from around me as the smoke grows thick and impedes my vision. Not far from me another tree goes up in flames until the cold of the night is forgotten as the heat becomes stifling. The scene below me is chaos, but my place in the trees is no longer safe.

Pulling my long blades from my back, I drop to the ground below and immediately find myself surrounded by three Ghoknax warriors. Up close the markings on their skin distinguish them from the Theki warriors, the three black stripes that go from their nose to the bottom of their chin their warrior brands. Our weapons clash as I quickly move to block their strikes while trying to push them back and gain more ground. The tree behind me makes an awful moaning as the trunk shifts and the branches above become engulfed in flames.

“Move, Dhacar!” I don’t know who is calling to me, but I already know the urgency of my situation. After blocking multiple blows, I finally find my opening and slice through the throat of one of the warriors. Before I worry about the other two, I dart through the opening to get away from the fire. This puts me in a more vulnerable position but as I’m fighting my way through, another body slams against my back. “In some trouble?” I smile when I recognize Vrihith’s voice.

“A bit,” I say. “I lost my advantage.”

For every warrior we strike down, two more take their place. Warriors flood the lands while trees burn and bodies lie still in the snow. Vrihith whistles and I hear the familiar growl of our beasts from behind us at the mountain.

“Time to regain the advantage,” Vrihith says with a smirk. He cuts down another warrior while I bring my arm back to strike, but before I can, Ziho launches himself into the mix, chomping his jaws around the warrior in my path. Not only does he remove that threat, but he takes down a handful of warriors in his path. Then he comes back to me so I can climb on his back. Now that we’re on the ground, we need an advantage, and our beasts give us that.

Our beasts join the battle, using their claws and teeth to bring down the enemy while we use our long blades from their backs. The rest of my brothers have made their way back to Vrihith and me, fighting their way through the chaos. I have yet to see Mildoi or Thiku in the mass of men, but it doesn’t surprise me. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Thiku sat the battle out entirely.

We fight until their attack slows and we have the chance to look around to see if they’re still pushing forward. Suddenly, a shriek pierces the night causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. Ziho paces restlessly, a strangled howl carrying off into the distance. The rest of the beasts follow, their cries alarming.

“What do you think it is?” I’m looking into the darkness but don’t see what could be causing them such discontent. From where I am, the battle is progressing in our favor. Before long, we’ll finish those who choose not to run from us.

But then, another screech cuts through the darkness and my skin crawls with realization. I know where I’ve heard that sound before.

“Drattur?” I meet Vrihith’s concerned stare before looking to the night sky.

“It can’t be,” he says. “There has been no sign of them.”

“It isn’t coming from the sky.” Mauviek points off to the side where a massive dark shape emerges from the cluster of trees. It doesn’t make any sense, though, because the drattur don’t walk, they fly.

“I’ll get a closer look,” I say, nudging Ziho forward before I can think it through. I run him around to the edge of the trees so we can make fast work of closing the distance. Feeling a presence at my back, I turn and realize Vrihith is riding behind me. We’re halfway there when it screams again, the noise just as loud as every other time we’ve encountered them.

Once we’re close enough to see what’s going on, we stop.

“So this is how they plan to take the mountain,” Vrihith says.

The Theki warriors hold thick steel chains that are attached to the drattur’s legs and neck, effectively keeping it from taking to the sky. It screeches and tries to whip its wings to get free but its unsuccessful when the warriors pull down on the chains.

“What do they plan to do with it? There’s no controlling it,” I say, thinking out loud.

“How did they even capture it in the first place?” Vrihith asks.

We ride back to the rest of our men who are waiting in a long line blocking the path to the mountain. The Nulgon warriors are standing guard on foot with their long shields in place in front of their bodies. The rest of the enemy has fallen back, clearing a path for the beast to make its approach to the mountain.

“What do we do now?” I ask Brotak, who is sitting atop Vultos to my right.

“We’ll wait to see what they plan to do with it. Dhacar, move inside and station yourself at the crossbow. I’ll give you the signal when you’re to fire and bring the beast down.”

Without a word, I turn Ziho back to the mountain and ride. The massive steel crossbow is the most effective weaponry we have against the drattur. The arrows are strong enough to pierce their thick, leathery skin when every other weapon we have needs too much manpower behind it. This move is unexpected, but we should’ve anticipated it from Thiku. I only hope this is his only surprise.

Chapter 26

Lana

“FOR HEAVEN’S SAKES! Stay away from there or you could catch another arrow. What are you thinking?” Ellen pulls me back from the opening where I’m trying to see what’s going on outside. The noise of the battle is deafening and I’m sick with worry. I thought I’d have a chance to see Dhacar again before the other clans arrived, but he never made it back. “We’re too far away for you to really see anything anyway.”

“I know but it’s killing me not knowing what’s going on.” I wrap my arms around my waist and let her pull me deeper into the cave. As it is, we’ve been instructed to take shelter in the mountain, staying away from the cave openings and staying quiet and hidden until we get word that it’s safe. I hate not knowing if Dhacar is safe and worrying if they’re doing okay. From the sounds of things outside, this is some crazy, barbaric shit that’s happening outside and I hate that this has to be part of our existence here.

“They’re all extremely capable of taking care of themselves, Lana. Let them handle things and then they’ll be back.” Ellen is leading me toward the women’s cave. As we walk, the rest of the tunnels remain empty, the mountain eerily quiet compared to how it usually is. “Your sisters sent me to bring you to them. Marion was going to come but Diana wouldn’t let her…because of the baby and all.”

“So they made you do it,” I say, smiling at her while I tease her.

“I volunteered.”

We haven’t reached the others yet when there’s a familiar sound from outside the mountain that turns my blood cold.

“Did you hear that?” Ellen has stopped too. We stare into each other’s eyes while hanging onto each other’s arms. We were both at the fortress when the drattur attacked. I’ll never forget what they sounded like just before they swooped down and began snatching people off the ground. When I first saw the beast land on the steel wall, I remember thinking there was no way we were going to escape it. Death had come for us and there was no way we could fight it. “Not again.”

My heart flips in my chest and I forget to breathe. And then suddenly I’m gasping for air, breathing too much and I worry I’m going to hyperventilate. It’s in moments like this that I need Dhacar. I need his strength and I need him to tell me what to do. Do we stay hidden in the mountain? Do we flee? They never said anything about what to do if the drattur attacked again.

“Let’s get to the cave with the other women and see what we should do,” Ellen says.

I’m glad she’s taking control because I’m frozen in place and I can’t think clearly. But she’s right, we should definitely stick together. We run the rest of the way and burst into the cave where Marion, Diana, Sulve, Alka, and Vina are waiting. Marion’s good friend Ama is also here while her mate fights with the rest of the men outside.

“There you are,” Marion says, hurrying to my side as soon as we enter. “What’s going on?”

My expression still carries the shock of what’s coming our way and while I don’t want everyone else to panic, I want them to know what we’re dealing with.

“Drattur,” I say. “We heard them on our way here.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Sulve says. “The mountain is well equipped to fight the beasts. We’re safe here.”

“But what about the men outside?” I ask.

“Come on over here and have a seat,” Vina says, directing me toward the fire. “I have something for you to drink that will help calm your nerves. After all, there’s nothing we can do until all of this is over.”

“I have a really hard time sitting still in times like these,” I say while allowing Vina to sit me in front of the fire.

“We all do,” Ama says. “We just have to hope it doesn’t take long for it all to come to an end.”

We pass the time making small talk and sometimes no one talks at all. I’m straining to hear any more sounds from the drattur but it’s hard to hear much now that we’re so much deeper inside of the mountain.

After a little more time passes, I can’t stand sitting any longer. “I need to take a walk or I’m going to go crazy.” Before my sisters or anyone else can object, I continue. “Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere near the outside. I just need a minute.”

“I’ll go with you,” Ellen says.

“You don’t have to, I’ll be fine.”

“I know, but it’ll make me feel better.”

After a deep breath, I extend my hand to her and we leave the cave. As soon as we step out, the drop in temperature is helpful and I’m able to take a deep breath. “I feel better already. It’s stifling in there.”

“How about we walk to the cavern and back?” Ellen asks.

“Yes, that’ll be good. We’re still far enough away from the outside that we’ll be safe but the cavern is nice and spacious. Maybe in there I won’t feel like this place is collapsing around me.” We head in that direction and the walk helps to settle my nerves…a little. I’m still wound too tight, but only seeing Dhacar and knowing he’s okay is going to help with that.

Once we’re in the cavern, we can hear a lot more of what’s going on outside. I recognize the sounds of the komoth as they howl and the drattur are unmistakable. Every now and again we can hear the men shouting and I’m overwhelmed with the desire to see what’s going on out there. Or maybe I just need to see Dhacar. I’m pacing around the fire, trying to keep it together while Ellen stands calmly off to the side.

A million thoughts go through my head, like what happens if the Ghoknax and Theki warriors get inside the mountain? What will they do to us then? Of course if that happens it means they’ve managed to get past the Scargad warriors and the Nulgon warriors, which looks like an impossible task. I’ve seen them all around the mountain and they’re as intimidating as can be. Failure isn’t an option for them.

Just as I turn to tell Ellen that I’m ready to head back to the others, I jump in surprise to find Luke, Russel, and Shane, standing behind Ellen. As soon as our eyes meet, Luke’s friends grab Ellen from behind. I run forward to help her, but Luke grabs me.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I ask, flailing against his hold.

Ellen fights just as hard as I do but she’s working against two men much stronger than she is. Luke’s hand clamps over my mouth so I can’t shout, his other arm locking my arms at my sides while he lifts me off the ground.

“Bring her with us or she’ll tell someone,” Luke says.

Russel lifts Ellen, but she’s kicking and fighting him so hard that she eventually lands a good kick right between his legs. He drops her but instead of giving up, Russel pulls back and punches her so hard she falls down and doesn’t get back up.

Seeing her treated this way does something to me. I fight Luke with everything I have, kicking and squirming, trying to get free of his grip. The other two men lift Ellen’s limp body off the ground just as I throw my head backward, connecting with Luke’s nose. He loosens his grip over my mouth and I scream, squirming out of his grasp and falling to the ground.

He grabs my legs and pulls me back toward him while I try to crawl away. I scream again, this time yelling for help and praying that someone will hear me even with the chaos happening outside of the mountain.

“Stop fighting me!” Luke yells. “I’m going to get you out of here! We’ll go somewhere safe.”

As soon as his words sink in my panic only grows. He means to take me from the mountain while all of the men are preoccupied elsewhere? This can’t be happening. I scream again as his hand clamps down around my throat, effectively cutting off my ability to draw any more attention to our situation.

“Shut up!” he yells.

He’s above me now and instead of fighting I’m focusing on moving his hands so I can breathe. I use my nails to claw at him, trying so hard to get him to loosen his grip. But he’s entranced with his anger.

In the back of my consciousness, I hear a savage growl that only grows in intensity. One moment Luke’s hands are at my throat and the next moment he has been removed from my body. I gasp for air, sucking it in with huge gulpfuls. Only then do I realize he’s saved me again because suddenly Dhacar’s face appears above me.

He’s alive unless we’re both dead and in that case, at least we’re together.

Chapter 27

Dhacar

ONCE I PUT Ziho in the stables, I’m running to get to my position at the weapon location when I hear screams coming from the cavern. Something about them make me move faster and when I hear the woman yell “help” I know why.

I reach the cavern just as the Earthling Luke is choking my woman out on the floor. Blood lust kicks in like never before as I use my body like a battering ram and lay him out on the floor of the cave. There are two more males hovering nearby so I don’t hesitate to put them down either.

When I lean over her, Lana’s eyes are huge and filled with fear while she holds her throat.

“It’s okay,” I say, brushing my hands over her soothingly to try to calm her. Or maybe I’m trying to calm myself because I have the overwhelming desire to rip the coward limb from limb. Her friend stirs and sits up, holding her head where she was struck.

“Lana?” She crawls over to Lana and me, all the while still holding her wound. There’s blood on her hand when she pulls it away and my rage consumes me. Standing, I walk back to the two men who are beginning to stir, and I take my anger out on them with my fists.

“Dhacar, stop…please,” Lana says.

I move back to her just as the drattur makes another loud screech from outside the mountain. It’s louder now, which means it’s closer and I’ve been distracted from my purpose. I need to get to the weapon but there’s no way I’m leaving the women behind.

“Can you walk? You need to come with me…quickly if you can.” I help Lana to her feet as she grabs onto her friend’s hand. “I need to get up to the crossbow before the drattur reaches the mountain.”

Lana nods and they hurry to follow me. I’m torn again between doing what is right for my woman and making sure I don’t let my clan down. The only thing standing in the way of the beast and the mountain is my brothers, and I need to bring it down. Battle cries can be heard when we reach the tunnels that will take us up to where the weapon waits. Adrenaline drives me forward knowing my clan and the Nulgon have engaged with the drattur. They can slow it down and there’s even a chance they could kill it as long as the chains keep it tethered to the ground. If it’s allowed to spread its wings, it will be a challenge to fight it from the ground.

I glance behind me, checking to make sure they’re still following. I can’t wait for them to catch up but as long as they’re still coming, I’ll keep going. Once I reach the weapon, I have a clear view of what’s happening outside the mountain. The beast is directly in front of me, still chained, while my brothers fight the beast and the warriors who hold the chains.

“Oh my God!” Lana says. She’s standing just inside the space, staring out at the chaos still unfolding below us. Her eyes remain mostly fixed on the massive creature making its way directly toward us.

Instead of worrying about comforting her, I load the first massive arrow into the crossbow that’s larger than the size of my body and pause, waiting for Brotak’s signal.

“What are you waiting for?” Lana’s friend asks, a certain hint of panic lacing her words.

I was delayed in getting here from dealing with the men in the cavern. It’s possible Brotak already gave the signal and I missed it. She’s right…there isn’t any time to waste. I take aim and set the mechanism so it’s ready to fire. And then, I pull the lever sending the arrow shooting from the opening of the cave straight into the underbelly of the beast.

The arrow sinks into its body, not a perfect hit but effective. Another ear-splitting shriek pierces the night while I load the next arrow and aim. I work quickly and fire another shot, this time hitting the beast in the shoulder. Still not having hit it anywhere particularly deadly, it pushes forward. As I’m loading the next arrow, sounds just outside catch my attention. “Get down!” I yell just as I realize we’re being fired upon.

I dive on top of the women as a volley of arrows embed themselves in the walls, some missing, some ricocheting off the crossbow. Pain licks across the back of my shoulder from where I cover the women with my body, an arrow just missing me but getting close enough to slice my skin.

“Stay down,” I say before moving back to the crossbow. From my position, I aim and fire another shot, this time sinking the arrow straight through its neck. I’m crouched behind the ledge, watching as the creature finally stops moving. It freezes in place, and sways from side to side before slumping forward and falling to the ground. The komoth howl and bark, circling the beast while the last of the warriors scurry away in the opposite direction.

Suddenly, Lana throws herself in my arms and I hold her close, wrapping her in the safety of my arms.

“Are you all right?” she asks, pushing me back so she can examine my shoulder.

“It’s fine. Just a surface wound.”

I rub my hands over her face, relieved we’re coming to the end of this nightmare and we’re both in one piece.

“Are they running away?” her friend asks, peering out of the opening.

Lana and I move closer and I confirm what she suspects.

“Yes, they’re fleeing. Without the beast they have no other way to breach the mountain. Their assault is finished.”

The three of us stand at the mouth of the cave, high up in the mountain. The drattur lies dead, a handful of trees still burning from the arrows. Hundreds of dead bodies are strewn across the snow, dark stains turning the white into a river of blood.

Finally, I pull Lana away. The sight before her will give her nightmares for a long time. “Go find the rest of the women and let them know what has happened. Stay with them until I come to get you. I need to go out and help with the clean up and to make sure we’ve run them off.”

She nods as I lean in and kiss her forehead. “You should have Sulve stitch up your arm before you go,” she says.

“There’ll be time for that after.” I guide them toward the tunnels and walk them back to the women’s cave. As soon as we get to the tunnel that leads us there, Marion’s head pokes out from the leather flap.

“There you are! I was worried sick!” She runs straight for us, her hand cradling her swollen belly. “What are you trying to do to me?”

“I’m sorry,” Lana says, accepting her hug. “It’s a long story but I didn’t mean to be gone so long.”

Marion looks from Lana to me to Ellen. “You all look awful. Come inside.”

“I need to get back out there. Stay together and we’ll be back soon.” They all nod as I lean in to kiss Lana.

“Be careful,” she says, whispering close to my ear. My chest explodes with warmth knowing how much she cares for me. And then I think about the men who hurt her and know I have an extra stop to make on my way out.

I leave Lana with her sisters and head for the cavern with the intention of getting the men who hurt Lana and Ellen. Except when I get there, it’s empty. They’ll be dealt with, that’s for certain, but for tonight, I have to help with the situation outside. One thing at a time.

Ziho waits for me in the stables and as soon as I’m on his back, we rejoin the clan.

“Impressive kill,” Vrihith says as soon as I meet up with him again.

“It’s difficult to aim. I would’ve liked to have brought it down sooner.”

“It is dead. That’s all that matters,” Brotak says.

We circle up, all of us still sitting on the backs of our komoth. “Anyone see Mildoi or Thiku?” They all shake their heads, and I can’t help but worry. This isn’t completely over until we finish the leaders and they were nowhere to be found.

“For now, we’ve decimated their warriors. With the Nulgon as our allies, they won’t try this again…not for a long time,” Brotak says.

“If ever,” Zuvath adds.

“Let’s hope this keeps them away. I’m ready for peace,” I say.

We work tirelessly for the next few hours ridding our land of the signs of a battle. When I finally collapse into the furs it’s only a few hours until sunrise and exhaustion claims me.

Chapter 28

Lana

DHACAR SLEEPS LONGER than me for the first time since I’ve met him, so I sneak out of the furs and dress as quietly as possible. I’m doing my best to tame my hair when he stirs behind me.

“Lana.” His voice is deep and raspy from sleep and when I whip around, surprised to hear him awake, the sight of his naked chest steals my breath.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” I go to him and crawl back under the furs when he opens them for me, inviting me back in. Instead of settling back in to sleep, he surprises me by propping himself up on his elbow and gazing down at me. His fingers brush over the bruises around my neck from Luke’s attack, causing his expression to darken. “Did you get everything taken care of last night?”

“We did what we could. There will be more to do today…one of those things dealing with the one who hurt you.”

Strangely, I haven’t given much thought to Luke and what happened last night. I suppose I’ve become good at compartmentalizing and pushing certain emotions away when I don’t want to deal with them. Now that I know Dhacar is safe and the enemy clan has been defeated, I’ll need to deal with what happened with Luke.

“What’s going to happen to him?”

“I want to kill him,” Dhacar says, his eyes flaring with anger.

“Can’t you send him away instead?” Before he can argue with me, I try to think of how to defend my thinking. “I know what he did was bad but in his mind he was going to take me somewhere safe. Initially I don’t know that he intended to hurt me like he did. But when I fought him and refused to leave, he got so angry.”

“He could’ve killed you, sahe’a.” He strokes his fingers so gently over the sensitive bruises on my neck. “If I didn’t arrive when I did, he could’ve taken you from me. As it is, the male who hurt you before is out of my reach. There is no way I can punish him for what he did to you.”

“I don’t need you to, Dhacar. It’s enough for me that you’re here with me and you listen to me when I need to talk about things. You hold me at night when I have bad dreams and you take me for walks when I need fresh air. Those are the things that help me when I’m struggling.”

He takes a moment to digest my words while gazing into my eyes. His fingers never stop stroking over my skin and it becomes hypnotizing. I’ve never had such affection in my life before but with Dhacar, when we’re together, he’s always tuned in to me, caring about how I feel.

“Okay,” he finally says. “But I’m not finished dealing with the three males from last night.”

“That’s fine. As long as you’re not really going to kill them.”

“No, I won’t do that. Not if you don’t want me to.” He smirks, his expression still sleepy as I grab him and pull him down for a kiss. We’re both battered and bruised but it makes me want the connection with him even more. As he deepens the kiss, I know there’s always going to be things that need to be dealt with but as long as I have this warrior on my side, I finally feel like everything is going to work out. He peels off the clothes I just put on but I don’t mind. His mouth moves over my body, the soft scrape of his beard sending shivers of pleasure straight to my core.

My fingers grip his hair as he moves over me, only releasing him so I can touch him somewhere else. His body is battered, his skin cut and bruised so I’m careful how I touch him even though I need this between us right now. He’s warm to the touch, his unique woody scent encapsulating me as he pushes his thick, strong fingers inside of me, slowly thrusting which causes my pleasure to spike.

For the first time since we’ve been intimate, I roll him on his back and straddle him. Allowing him to relax into the furs while I take the lead. With our eyes locked, I sink my body over him, taking his cock inside of me until he’s buried in my heat.

A low, animalistic growl rumbles in his chest as he reaches for me as I start to move. He grips my breasts and plays with my nipples while his eyes glow with desire. “Lana,” he moans, moving his hands to grip my hips.

I move in a rhythm, rocking my hips against him. His muscles are tense, the veins popping out of his arms as he fights for control over the urge to flip me on my back and slam into me like the beast he can be. But he fights it, giving me control when I know it’s difficult for him. His skin glows a beautiful bronze against the firelight and my entire being expands with love as I stare down at the man who has captured my heart.

“Sahe’a,” he growls. “It is dangerous when you look at me like that.”

“Why,” I ask, a hint of a smile to my voice.

Our bodies move together, my breathing becoming more erratic as I climb toward climax.

“Because I may never let you leave these furs.” Suddenly, he wraps his arms around me and flips me to the bottom. I moan in protest because I was so close to exploding and now my body is protesting. “Don’t worry…I’m going to take care of you.”

He thrusts deep, his eyes holding mine fixed on him. I cry out as he begins to pump hard and fast and I know he’s right…he is going to take care of me. In more ways than one. My body freezes up just before I come. Like a rip current, pleasure takes hold of me and all I can do is hold on until it subsides. At some point, Dhacar growls, his cock pulsing inside of me just before he explodes, his seed erupting like a hot spring.

I hold him to me then, feeling the weight of him on my body. It’s comforting, like my own weighted blanket.

“I want to be a good mate to you,” he says, nuzzling into my shoulder. “I want you to feel safe with me and know I’m going to protect you.”

“I do feel safe with you. There’s nothing more you need to do to prove to me that you’re going to be everything I need. I already get that from the way you make me feel.”

He makes a contented growl in my ear before peppering kisses along my hairline.

“I love you.” His voice is quiet when he says those three words, almost like he’s testing them out. But when he pulls his head back so I can see his face, I know from his expression that he means it with all of his heart.

“And I love you,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close so I can hug him with all of my strength. Because in the end, he does give me strength to keep moving forward and make a new future for myself. And for a long time, I didn’t carry hope that I would have any control over my life. So even though my sisters were so concerned that I was being pressured into this relationship with Dhacar, I had a feeling about him from the very beginning. He’s the answer to my prayers. The piece of me that was missing that makes me whole. And as I lie in his arms I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

“Come, let’s get dressed so I can feed you,” he says.

“Are you sure you don’t want to sleep a little longer?”

“I could lay here all day with you but there is still much to be done today. And I can hear your stomach rumbling so it is time to tend to some of your other needs.” He kisses my stomach and I start giggling. But he’s right, I’m sure there is a lot that needs to be done today after yesterday’s excitement.

We both dress and head for the cavern. We’re getting a later start than usual but everyone is moving at the same speed today. The warriors were up late and in turn, so were the women. I greet my sisters who are already eating at a table and some of Dhacar’s closest brothers. We’re only about halfway through our meals when Zuvath approaches Brotak.

“Tangrux and his guards are here. They want to speak with you,” Zuvath says.

Dhacar kisses me on the head and follows the other out but I don’t want to miss what they’re saying. I grab a few more bites of my food and follow after them.

Chapter 29

Dhacar

I FOLLOW Brotak outside where Tangrux and the rest of his guards wait. If I were paying closer attention, I would’ve realized that we’ve reached the deadline where the humans are to be returned to the settlement. But we’ve been dealing with other things, to say the least.

“Tangrux,” Brotak says by way of greeting.

I stand behind him, quiet this time, simply observing. Tangrux and the rest of them glance around nervously. We took care of most of the bodies from last night but the drattur body still lies dead in front of the mountain and blood still stains the snow throughout the field. Some of the trees are charred and burned, the lingering smell of smoke dominating the late morning air.

“We’ve come to see if you’ve held up your end of our agreement. Another shipment of humans will arrive shortly. The others need to be returned to the settlement.”

I find it interesting that he’s taking on a much different tone with Brotak than he did with me, but for now I ignore it. Perhaps the scent of death in the air will do that to someone.

“We’ve been occupied with other things—as you can clearly see,” Brotak says, motioning with his hand toward the mess left over from last night.

“We will give you a few more days and then we’ll be back to see that the humans are where they’re supposed to be.”

“You said there’s another shipment of humans arriving soon?” Vrihith asks.

Tangrux nods but doesn’t give anymore details.

“They’ll be sent to the same settlement?” Mauviek asks.

“Of course. It is the best location we have for them for now.”

I refrain from reminding him that they could stay in the city where they would be much safer than here in clan territory. Those golden walls protect from everything.

“We’ll transport them when we get to it,” Brotak says. “We have other things we need to take care of first.”

“All right. I’ll hold you to your word, Brotak.”

They’re about to leave but before they do, I stop them. “I have something for you to take back to the city with you,” I say.

Tangrux isn’t the only one who looks surprised. My brothers are looking at me with confused expressions as well. “I have three males I’m sending back to the city with you. They attacked two females last night and can’t be trusted in the settlement with the other women.”

“Are they okay?” Vrihith asks.

“Thankfully, yes.”

“Which females?” Brotak asks.

“Lana and Ellen. They attacked them in the cavern during the battle. The male Luke wanted to take Lana from the mountain.”

“What are we supposed to do with them in the city?” Tangrux asks, sounding alarmingly put out.

“I don’t care what you do with them. They’re your problem now. We’ll take care of the rest of the humans like we agreed,” Brotak says.

Brotak and I have been friends for our entire lives and I’ve always been able to count on him to support me when I need it. Sending the three men away is the best solution I could think of to punish them for their treatment of my woman and Ellen while keeping my promise to Lana and not killing them.

“Fine,” Tangrux says, finally realizing he doesn’t have as much authority here as he once thought. “We’ll take the three males.” He motions to his guards and a few of them step forward. As part of my clean up duties last night, I rounded up the three men from their caves where they were resting after their injuries. To let them know the severity of their actions, I threw them down in the stalls surrounded by the komoth. They were locked inside, not that there is anywhere they could go where I wouldn’t find them. I tell Zuvath to get them while we finish the rest of our business out here. “Anything else?” Tangrux crosses his arms, a look of bored disdain on his face.

“There is one more thing,” I say.

Brotak raises his eyebrows at me, surprised at how much I’m speaking when I’m usually the brooding quiet one.

“Brotak’s mate and my mate have a sister. She’ll be the next one mated so we plan to keep her in the mountain until that time. The rest of the humans will go.”

What I’ve said isn’t completely true, but he doesn’t need to know that. The important part is that Lana doesn’t want Diana to be sent to the settlement by herself. So if there’s a way I can make it happen that all three of them can stay together…I’ll do what I have to do.

“Three females will remain in the mountain. Three males will return to the city. The rest of the humans will go to the settlement and more will arrive in a few weeks time. I’d say our business is concluded for now,” Tangrux says.

They collect themselves and prepare to leave, only waiting for the three men who will travel back to the city with them. Zuvath eventually appears, pushing the men in front of him toward the vehicles. I’ve done what I could today for Lana and I know she’s going to be happy with the news.

“Diana is the next to be mated, is she?” Brotak asks once the vehicles have driven away.

I shrug my shoulders. “They don’t need to know. And it makes my woman happy.”

“It was good thinking. It will make Marion happy, too. Now we need to move the rest of the humans to the settlement and we should do it sooner rather than later. We don’t want to give Tangrux any reason to think we’ve broken our agreements.”

So for the rest of the morning, we stay busy cleaning our lands and removing the signs of death that still linger all around us from the battle. After that, we move on to the next thing and that’s moving the humans from the mountain to the huts in the woods. If I had my way, they’d stay with us in the mountain for as long as they wanted. Or at least they’d have a choice as to whether or not they’d want to go.

The warriors pack the belongings they managed to salvage from the fortress onto the komoth and we begin the journey in the afternoon. Lana rides behind me on Ziho, her friend Ellen’s things strapped to the back of my beast. She’s disappointed that Ellen couldn’t stay but she’s warmed to the idea of being able to have somewhere to visit when she needs a break from the mountain.

The settlement is large with small huts placed in clusters throughout the clearing and in the woods. Trees provide a nice protection from harsh weather and help keep them hidden from the drattur and other predators looking to attack. We’ve stocked the huts with firewood and plenty of other supplies that will help them get settled and back on their feet. For now, there is much more space than humans but from what Tangrux had to say, it won’t stay that way for long. Eventually, another transport of humans will arrive and they’ll end up here with the rest of them.

We ride back to the mountain once we have them settled, though we leave some of the warriors behind in case they need anything while they get used to their new surroundings.

“It’s going to seem so quiet back at the mountain now,” Lana says on the trip back.

“After these last few days? It will. But it’ll be nice to have some quiet for a while.” Her arms are wrapped tightly around my waist and I’m glad for the closeness. I’m also relieved that things worked out between us and I didn’t have to leave her behind with the others. She’s coming home with me, to my cave, to share my furs. And that’s how I always want it to be. “Now that things will settle down, I thought we could try again with the ceremony. If that’s something you feel comfortable doing. I know it’s an old ceremony, but it means something to me for my clan to witness my claiming of you.”

“If it means a lot to you, Dhacar, we can do it. It’ll be good.”

As Lana tightens her hold around my waist, everything falls into place. The woman I’ve always wanted is mine and soon, it will be made true in front of my clan.

Chapter 30

Lana

THE CAVERN IS CROWDED with members of the clan when I finally arrive to the ceremony. My sisters wait for me just inside the entrance, probably nervous that I wouldn’t show. But a lot has happened since the last time we were going to do this. I wanted to walk in all on my own to show Dhacar that no one is forcing me to be here. I’m choosing to be by his side, as his mate. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You look beautiful,” Marion says.

“Gorgeous,” Diana adds.

Like usual, the cavern is buzzing with conversation and it doesn’t stop just because I’ve arrived. But Dhacar spots me as soon as I walk in and he’s already making his way toward me.

“Are you ready for this?” Marion asks, giving my hand a squeeze.

“Yes. Still nervous for the ceremony but I’ve never liked have attention on me. I’m ready to be with Dhacar officially, though.”

And then he’s by my side, pulling me into his embrace. “You made it.” He stares into my eyes, a smile on his face but I see the relief reflecting back at me. After everything I confessed to him, I’m sure he worried if I would be able to go through with this.

“I made it. Are we ready to start?”

Surprisingly, Dhacar glances at Diana and Marion who both nod at him before he answers. “Yes, Sulve’s ready for us.”

When we’re standing at the stone pedestal with Sulve in front of us, the rest of the clan finally quiets down and moves into place behind us. Marion has explained some of what will happen, but I’m still nervous and doing my best to focus and do what they tell me to do.

We get to the part in the ceremony where it must be what Marion warned me about because Dhacar reaches over and gently takes my hand. His gaze is intense and unmoving but then he surprises me. Instead of slipping his hand beneath my dress, he pulls my hand over the stone pedestal, his fingers intertwined with my own. From here, he gives me a quick nod before nicking my fingertip with a small blade and then doing the same to his own finger. A small drop of blood drips onto the stone pedestal followed by a drop of his blood. Then he presses our fingers together and Sulve closes her eyes and says some words while leaning over our clasped hands.

All of my worries instantly vanish when I meet his gaze and smile, warmth blooming in my chest. When Sulve is finished speaking, she stands up tall again and raises her hands, speaking her words toward the sky. Before we finish, Diana steps forward and surprises me by handing each of us a small braided band of leather sized for us to wear on our fingers.

“The human tradition we talked about,” she says with a shrug. Then she surprises me by leaning in and kissing my cheek.

We exchange rings and then I lean forward and give him a kiss, just like we would do in a marriage ceremony back home.

“That’s it?” I ask, keeping my voice quiet just in case there’s more to come.

“That’s it. You’re mine and everyone knows it now,” he says.

“Everyone has known it for a while,” Vrihith says, approaching us to give us his congratulations.

I hug my sisters and the clan celebrates. The fire roars in the center of the cavern while the warriors drink and eat their fill. My sisters and I sit off to the side with the other women and observe. It’s difficult to remember the last time I felt so carefree and happy and I definitely didn’t think it would happen by coming to another planet.

“Who should I thank for taking care of the changes to the ceremony?” I ask.

Marion and Diana exchange a quick look. “We’re both responsible,” Marion says. “After you confided in us we both felt like we needed to make it up to you somehow.”

“That’s not true,” I say, interrupting. “Nothing that happened was your fault.”

“Still,” Diana says. “We know how much Dhacar means to you and we wanted to make you comfortable during the ceremony. Hopefully we succeeded.”

I catch Dhacar’s eye as he talks to some of his brothers from across the room. My skin heats when he sees me watching him and I start to squirm under his intense gaze. “You did succeed,” I say, remembering to answer my sisters. “I didn’t have anything to worry about after all.”

This time when I respond, I’m not just talking about the ceremony. I’m also referring to the man who has my heart. Even across the room, I’m drawn to him like there’s an invisible string that tethers us together. His gaze upon me sends chills through me that are all consuming. He has been there for me from the very beginning, even before I knew he was watching out for me. From the first time he saved me from falling to rescuing me from Luke and his unhinged fantasies, I don’t carries the same worries with me anymore. Not with Dhacar by my side.

“He’s coming for you, sis,” Marion says, complete delight evident in her tone.

They both start giggling as Dhacar makes his way through the crowd of warriors. I’m overheating from the determination in his strides and the lust in his eyes but I welcome it. There’s no other feeling that can match being wanted in this way.

When he reaches me, he extends his hand and I take it. “I’m ready to steal you away for the night, sahe’a.” He tugs on my hand and pulls me to my feet.

“Go ahead and take her,” Marion says.

“We’ll supervise the rest of the party down here,” Diana adds, motioning for us to get going.

“Thanks for everything,” I say. “See you tomorrow.”

Dhacar takes my hand and leads me from the cavern. Instead of taking me directly back to our cave, though, he leads me in a different direction.

“Where are you taking me?” I ask.

“There’s one stop I want to make first.”

It doesn’t take long for me to piece together where he’s taking me. We walk through thought the tunnel until we reach the opening in the mountain where I would always sneak out to sit on the ledge. “You’ve brought me to my favorite place?” He smiles and leads me onto the ledge. “I should’ve brought something warm to put on. It’s too cold to sit out here for long.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he says, pulling me down into his lap. “I’ll keep you warm.”

I snuggle into his lap as his arms wrap around me, pulling me into his warmth. It’s quiet out here, just like I’ve come to enjoy when things seem too loud and chaotic inside. Tonight the sky is clear and it’s bright enough to see so many details of the lands that surround us. Details of my new home that I’ve already gotten used to.

“I remember the first time I saw you sitting out here. It seems like such a long time ago now, but in reality is hasn’t been that long.”

“I remember it too. I was in my own head and you scared the crap out of me.”

“But I reached you in time to catch you before you could fall.” His mouth is close to my ear and when the chill of the night makes me shiver, he warms me with his kisses.

“You did. I’m glad it was you, Dhacar.” I shift in his arms so I can look into his eyes. “There was always something about you…from the very beginning.”

He leans down and presses his lips to mine. As we kiss I let all of my other worries go because tonight marks the start of something wonderful. We’re starting our future together. From here, hopefully we’ll be lucky enough to be blessed with babies and years of good health together. Dhacar wishes for peace so we can raise a family without the burdens of conflict hanging over our heads. I want that too.

“You’re shaking. Let’s go inside by the fire.” He lets me go in first and follows after. As soon as we’re both inside, he scoops me up in his arms, making me laugh.

“Does this mean that’ll be our special place now? Not just mine?”

“That’s right. I’ll always know where to find you now,” he says.

With that, he takes me into our cave where he claims me again and again, reminding me who I belong to. And in the process, I claim him as mine right back.

Epilogue

Lana

A FEW WEEKS LATER…

JUST LIKE EVERY MORNING, Dhacar wraps his arms around me and pulls me tight against his body as soon as he wakes. Except this morning, as soon as I move, my stomach churns and I start to sweat. Instead of relaxing into his warmth, I have the urge for fresh air and space in case I’m going to be sick.

“What’s wrong?” Dhacar asks, his voice raspy from sleep. I pull away and search for something to cover myself with just as my stomach rebels and I launch myself out of bed and search for a bowl before I’m sick all over the floor.

I make it but barely. Dhacar rubs my back while I sit hunched over the bowl, pulling a fur around me to keep me warm. “You’re sick? I will get Sulve and see if there’s anything she can do for you.”

He goes to leave and I immediately feel like a big baby because I don’t want him to leave me when I feel like crap. Before I can tell him not to go, however, another round of nausea consumes me and it’s all I can focus on.

I end up laying in the fetal position on a soft fur next to the bowl while I wait for them to return. It doesn’t take them long, which doesn’t surprise me. One thing I’ve come to learn about Dhacar is that he’s fierce when it comes to me. Whether it’s my safety or my health, he does whatever he needs to do for me.

“Quickly, Sulve.” Dhacar returns, Sulve hurrying behind him. This isn’t the first time I haven’t been myself since arriving on Xavren. I thought I’d miss the traditional hospitals and doctors more than I have because Sulve knows what she’s doing. She has taken care of her clan for so long, I wonder if there’s any ailment she hasn’t treated.

Sulve kneels next to me on the ground, feeling my skin and feeling for my pulse. She instructs Dhacar to bring me water and gives me a quick physical. After I finish telling her my symptoms, she relaxes and sits back.

“There’s nothing to worry about, you two,” she says. “You’re with child, Lana, and this is a simple case of morning sickness.”

I look at Dhacar and catch the look of absolute joy in his expression. “With child?” he asks, like he needs to make sure he heard her correctly.

“That’s what I said. We’re going to have another baby in the mountain. A cause for celebration.” She puts a spoonful of a powder into some water and mixes it up. “Drink this, you can have it hot or cold, and it will help with the nausea. If it helps, I can give you more. Otherwise, rest, eat, do whatever you feel like doing. I’ll keep checking in with you as things progress.” Then, she packs up her things and prepares to leave us alone to digest the news.

After a quick hug, she departs and Dhacar and I are left alone. He lays next to me on the furs and nuzzles into my neck, his palm widening and stretching across my stomach.

“Our baby,” he says, his voice filled with wonder.

He’s so gentle it causes my eyes to fill with tears. Not because I’m sad but because I can’t believe how blessed I’ve been since coming here.

“Our baby,” I repeat placing my hand over his. He lies with me longer than he should. Past the time he’s expected to be out tending to his jobs. He’s made it clear to me he never wants to leave me again, especially when I’m not feeling well. So I soak up this attention and adjust to the knowledge that our family will be expanding.

“Your sisters will be excited. Our child won’t be much younger than Marion and Brotak’s child.”

“Marion will be excited. It might take a while for Diana to get used to the idea but like last time, she’ll come around eventually.”

When Dhacar finally gets dressed for the day, I join him. Whatever Sulve gave me in my water helped the nausea and I’m already feeling like myself again.

“What’s going on with you? Sulve said you’re sick.” Marion comes up to me as soon as we enter the cavern. Her stomach is swollen with child and continues to get bigger every day. If we’re calculating how long until the baby comes according to human development, it’ll still be another few months before my niece or nephew is born.

“Morning sickness,” I say with a mischievous smile. “I’m feeling better already.”

“You’re pregnant?” She grips my shoulders and whispers like she’s afraid I’m telling a joke.

“I am. Other than that, I’m healthy…so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Marion pulls me in for a hug and I soak up her happiness. “Oh, I’m so happy for you two!” Dhacar gives us a moment, kissing me on the head before leaving to grab some food. I look around for Diana but don’t see her yet. Marion and I make our way over to the table and a few minutes later, Dhacar and Brotak join us, giving us plates of breakfast food. Everything feels so comfortable now, which is crazy because we were never really meant to be here in the first place. But this is where we ended up, as if it was always in our future.

Marion and I laugh and I catch Dhacar staring. He leans over and kisses me, not caring that we’re sitting with a bunch of his tough warrior brothers. He’s not embarrassed by the way he loves me and knowing that sets my soul on fire.

DIANA

IT HAS BEEN SO LONG since I’ve seen the city, I almost question if I’m in the right place. No one knows that I’m here and there’s no doubt I’d be in trouble if anyone found out. I’m not supposed to be out after dark on my own, much less travel by myself. But I’ve learned how to ride the komoth and I’ve always been self-sufficient. And I wanted to see the next transport of humans arrive with my own eyes. Because one of the things no one is talking about is the fact that the Xavren council didn’t hold up their end of the contract. They essentially brought us here for the money and then left us to fend for ourselves. And that was after they made the arrangement with the barbarians to use some of the females as breeders for their clans. My sisters have fallen in love with their mates and I don’t hold it against them but it isn’t the same for me. I won’t just accept the lies we’ve been fed.

I sit on top of Tuhla my komoth. I’ve spent a lot of time learning to ride with her, feeding her and grooming her. We’ve bonding more than I have with anyone else besides my sisters in this place. It isn’t surprising, of course. I’ve always been told I have a grating personality but it’s just how I deal with things. I speak my mind. I’m not as nice and sweet like Marion and Lana but it works for me. It keeps everyone at a distance and that’s what I really want.

Now Tuhla and I sit on the top of the hill, hidden by the trees, while I watch to see how I can get inside the city walls. And the walls are golden just like I remember them. It wasn’t just some crazy dream from when we first arrived. The city itself is lit up with actual lights. Not torches and fires like in the clan territories—but lights powered by electricity. Vehicles drive through the streets lit by street lamps. A huge mansion that resembles a castle sits in the center of the city and all life seems to originate from there.

The huge transport sits in an open space resembling a landing field and this is where another group of humans disembarked not more than an hour ago. I slide off of Tuhla’s back and give her strict instructions to wait for me in the trees and to keep quiet. Once I leave the cover of the trees, I need to go on foot or risk being discovered. I don’t know that they’d do anything to me and it’s possible I could just pretend to be with this group of humans, but still, I don’t want to risk it. I’ve just stepped away when I’m pulled back, strong arms locking around my waist and covering my mouth so I can’t scream.

“Don’t make a sound,” the deep voice says.

My heart thunders in my chest. I didn’t notice any guards out here so whoever this is was hidden well.

“I’m going to turn you around and you’re not going to do anything to draw attention to us. Do you understand?”

I nod, too scared to give my captor any of my usual sass. So when he turns me around and I see who has just cut my life short by five years, my fright turns to anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I keep my voice to an angry whisper by fight against Vrihith’s hold as hard as I can. “You scared the shit out of me!”

Instead of letting me go, he grabs onto my face, gripping my jaw with his strong fingers, forcing me to look at him. “I had to follow you all the way here to make sure you didn’t get yourself killed. What’s wrong with me? What would your sisters do if something happened to you?”

He scolds me like I’m a little girl, making me want to bring my knee up and catch him right where it hurts the most.

“What are you doing out here anyway? You grow tired of our hospitality? Ready for a change?”

“Let me go.” I’m more forceful with my words than I really feel but being held in his arms like this is slowly unraveling me. I need distance between us. I don’t want to notice that his eyes are this deep green that matches the color of the trees around us. Or that his beard is light brown and tickles my neck because he’s holding me so close. He’s a beast, a barbarian and all I want him to do is stay away from me.

Eventually he does what I ask. He releases me and I step back. But his eyes are fixed on me, his massive arms crossed over his chest and his expression the most unfriendly I’ve ever seen from him.

“You’re coming back with me—now.”

“I’ll head back when I finish what I came here to do,” I say.

He shakes his head and looks away. During the silence that hangs between us, I start to wonder if I’ve won this argument. But then he reaches out and grabs me, lifting me and throwing me over his shoulder. His hand slams down on my ass and I snap. I start kicking my legs and pounding my fists on his back, trying to get him to put me down. Instead, he slaps my ass again.

The next thing I know, he’s put me down on Tuhla’s back but before we can do anything else, we’re both suddenly alerted to another presence surrounding us. Slowly, I lift my hands as guards from the city raise their weapons.

“Come. The council members want to see you,” the guard says.

He pulls me off of Tuhla and pushes me next to Vrihith. We’re surrounded by five guards with weapons as they lead us to the gates of the city.

THE STORY CONTINUES in Savage Alien, available for pre-order!

About the Author

Luna Kingsley writes steamy sci-fi and paranormal romance. She loves a happy ending more than chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream on top! When she’s not writing she’s attempting to keep up with her two active boys on all of their adventures. With her faithful rescue dog at her side, she’s dreaming up "out of this world" romances with sexy aliens who are irresistible. Sign up for my newsletter to get a free novella, Surrender to the Alien!

http://eepurl.com/gVwnEH

Also by Luna Kingsley

Barbarian Clans of Xavren Series

Untamed Alien

Fierce Alien

Savage Alien

The Roh’ilian Warrior Series

Caged with the Alien

Bound to the Alien

Imprisoned with the Alien

Captured with the Alien

Trapped with the Alien

Earth Women for Alien Warriors (Co-Written with Keira Conrad)

His

His Prize

His Bride

The Alien Bride Series

Alien Husband

Alien Fiancé

Alien Lover

Alien Betrothed

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Luna Kingsley