Crusader (Battle Born Book 1) Read online

  The labels were printed in Rodyte, so she selected two bottles of what she hoped was cola then joined him at the nearest table. “Am I out of luck for the hot fudge sundae?” She passed him one bottle and kept the other for herself.

  “There was a dessert menu, but I didn’t see ice-cream on it. Eat your sandwich and I’ll see if I can work a miracle.”

  Wanting to see his face, she slipped onto a chair across from him. “Are you in the habit of working miracles?”

  “Only for you.” He handed her the sandwich and began to eat off the tray.

  She wasn’t sure how to respond to his casual claim, so she said nothing. They ate in silence for a few minutes, tension mounting with each bite they took. Apparently, the pattern for turkey had been accurate because the sandwich was delicious. The “cola” however tasted more like root beer with a hint of cinnamon. She found it strange yet refreshing.

  “I know you have no children,” he said suddenly. “Have you ever been in a serious relationship?”

  She paused with the sandwich halfway to her mouth. “I take all my relationships seriously. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “This conversation has nothing to do with business.” He reached across the table and caught her hand. “I’m attracted to you in a way I don’t fully understand. However, I’ve learned to listen when my instincts are this strong.”

  Setting down her half-eaten sandwich, she eased her hand out from under his and wiped her mouth with the napkin provided by the nutri-gen. “We’ve known each other for a grand total of one day. One.” When that didn’t lessen the intensity of his gaze, she took a drink of pop and struggled for something to say.

  “I know you feel it too.”

  “You’re gorgeous and heroic. What heterosexual female wouldn’t be attracted to you?” She didn’t give his ego time to swell before she added, “But there is no real significance in physical attraction. We don’t know each other. And I have no interest in recreational sex.”

  “I wasn’t asking to have sex with you.” He sounded insulted by the concept. “I was making sure there was no one else in your life before I began my courtship.”

  Courtship? How had he managed to make such a quaint word sound so raunchy? She saw herself as she’d been in the holding cell, bare-breasted and abandoned to the pleasure. That was what was waiting for her in his arms. Mindless passion, intense pleasure, here and gone like a flash of lightning. But she wanted more, a lot more. She needed stability and security, someone who understood and trusted her, a true partner, not just a sexual companion. Even if he was as devastating as Bandar. “And if I don’t want to be courted by you?”

  “Then I’m not doing it right.”

  A nervous laugh escaped her lips and she had to look away from his assessing stare. “The things I want in a life partner have little to do with physical attraction. Having chemistry like ours is nice, but it usually burns itself out just as fast as it flashes into existence.”

  “Maybe with a human male, but I am Rodyte.”

  A fact that was impossible to ignore with his strange and beautiful gaze burning into her. “What’s the difference?”

  “Rodytes bond for life, so we must be sure we’ve found the right mate.”

  “All the more reason to take things slowly.”

  He chuckled and pushed the tray aside, apparently losing interest in his meal. “With chemistry like ours, is that really an option?”

  “It is if you stop touching me.” Needing something to do with her hands, she picked up her sandwich and began nibbling again.

  “I’m not sure I can.” The sincerity in his tone drew her gaze back to his. “The mating drive is extremely strong in Rodyte males. We can sense compatible mates and the more compatible we are with a potential mate, the stronger the attraction becomes. This isn’t infatuation or even lust. It’s something much more powerful.”

  “That doesn’t change anything.” A shiver, part fear, part excitement, skittered down her spine. “I won’t sleep with a stranger. In fact, this place is obviously designed to accommodate more than a handful of people. If we’re staying here for the night, I want my own room.”

  He shook his head. “Not possible.”

  “Why not?” She set down what was left of her sandwich and glared at him.

  “I can’t protect you if I’m not with you, and I will protect you.”

  “Protect me from what? Akim has my father’s research. He has no reason to come after me now. Not to mention that we have bodyguards following us around. The only thing I need protection from is you.”

  That backed him off in a hurry. “I would never hurt you. Surely you realize that.” He sounded hurt by the possibility and guilt deflated Ashley’s indignation. He hadn’t done anything to earn her mistrust, other than barge into her life. Her father’s work had made her a target, not Bandar.

  “I don’t know you.” Rather than accusation, this time her words were tinged with regret.

  He accepted the statement with a solemn nod then his gaze narrowed. “Would you like to get to know me?”

  All the playful seduction was gone. He was honestly asking if she was interested in him. Her first instinct was to push him away with a firm denial, but fascination trapped the words in her throat. If his interest was as sincere as it appeared to be, she had nothing to lose by indulging him for a while. Wasn’t it her responsibility as a human to learn all she could about other life forms? It was a convoluted justification for flirting with an attractive man, but it was the best she could do right now.

  Swallowing past her uncertainty, she took a deep breath and then asked, “What do you have in mind?”

  * * * * *

  Akim stared down at Letos and Chandar as they knelt before him, heads bowed, arms bound behind their backs. They’d been brought to his quarters a short time ago and already they’d exhausted his patience. Anger boiled within him, making speech difficult. They were each rumored to be invaluable, two of the most powerful beings alive. He’d thought this mission would be simple because of their extraordinary skills. So why had they proved utterly useless to him?

  Freeing the handle of his flexwhip with a practiced twist, he clasped it with both hands. He had to do something to keep from strangling them as he spoke in low, succinct words. “You would have me believe that, without assistance, Keyran Tarr located this ship, burrowed through the most sophisticated shields Rodymia has ever produced, and miraculously freed my prisoners?” When they both remained silent, Akim kicked Letos in the chest, violently rocking him backward. “Well?”

  Letos’s infuriated gaze stabbed into Akim for an instant before returning to the floor. “I thought your question was rhetorical, sir. I didn’t want to anger you by speaking out of turn.”

  The bastard had been faultlessly polite since their last disciplinary session, but Akim didn’t buy the reformation. Letos despised him. Animosity radiated off the man in tangible waves. “Do you have another explanation for their escape?”

  “I cannot explain their escape, sir. I only know I had no part in it.”

  He sounded sincere and confidant as only one speaking the truth could be, and still Akim hesitated. “You were the last one to interact with them. You could have passed Ashley some sort of beckon, allowing the Crusader to find her.”

  “The Crusader and the Relentless are sister ships. Wouldn’t your ship pick up any signal sent to the other?”

  The answer was yes, but Akim wasn’t willing to confirm the fact. “No one else had access to the prisoners.”

  “What about Erkott?”

  Chandar’s question was so softly spoken Akim barely heard her. “You’re accusing my brother?”

  “Of course not.” She didn’t sound nearly as convincing as Letos. In fact, she sounded almost bored. “I was just pointing out that Letos was not the only one with opportunity and access.”

  “My brother has no reason to betray me.” Akim snapped the flexwhip out to his side, freeing the single lash, its d
efault form. He’d hoped the subtle threat would shut her up, but he should have known better. Chandar could be cowed for short periods of time but her spirit remained unbroken. A fact that never failed to chafe.

  “It couldn’t have been easy to grow up in your shadow,” she pointed out carefully. “Resentment is a powerful motivator.”

  Was Erkott resentful? He seemed loyal, but that could be a façade. Was he— What in hells rings was wrong with him? He would not listen to her malicious slander. He activated a general comlink with a mental pulse as he glared at the top of Chandar’s head. Erkott report to my quarters immediately.

  On my way, sir, came the crisp reply.

  “He has a right to face his accuser,” Akim muttered, slapping the side of his boot with the lash. “Would you like to recant?”

  “It wasn’t an accusation, merely an observation.” Her voice actually grew stronger. What impudence.

  Emboldened by Chandar’s remarks, Letos joined the rebellion. “The security detail also had access to the prisoners.”

  “What do common soldiers gain by such an act?” Akim dismissed the possibility with an annoyed wave of one hand.

  “What do I?” Again Letos sounded submissive, but his posture revealed his defiance.

  The visitor chime sounded and Akim commanded the door to open.

  Erkott strode into the room, shoulders squared, expression cautious. “You summoned me, sir?”

  “I’m attempting to get to the bottom of our latest mystery and Chandar kindly reminded me that you were also present shortly before the prisoners escaped.”

  Erkott smirked then his eyes narrowed as he looked at Chandar. “I’m not surprised. Your pet holds a grudge like no one else.”

  “Well, you were a bit overzealous the last time I allowed you to play with her.”

  “She provoked me.”

  Akim motioned Erkott to his side as he turned his full attention back to the subject at hand. “Lift your head and speak your accusations now that the accused is here to defend himself.”

  Chandar slowly raised her gaze but she stared straight ahead, refusing to look at either brother. Her phitons were so constricted they’d become a thread of silver within a field of blue. “I stated a fact. It was not an accusation.”

  “Were you attempting to cast doubt on Erkott?”

  “No.”

  Akim swung the whip, snapping the lash within an inch of her face. She didn’t even blink. “Lie again and you will be punished.”

  “You’ll punish me regardless of my words, so what do I gain by indulging this farce?”

  Instinct raised Akim’s arm again, but Letos drew his attention. “Sir, may I speak?”

  With the flexwhip still poised to strike, he shifted his gaze to the spy. “Speak.”

  “If I confess, will you spare Chandar?”

  Slowly lowering his arm, he dispersed his emotions with a deep breath. Was every male on board enamored with his pet? It was a ridiculous question. Of course they were. Despite her failure to consistently predict the future, which was a harbinger’s purpose in life, she was a uniquely beautiful female. “I’ll accept your confession if you also explain how it was done.”

  Letos opened his mouth then shook his head and whispered, “Please, sir, let her go.”

  Chandar reached over and squeezed his arm. “There’s no need to endanger yourself. I’m well accustomed to these games.”

  Akim couldn’t decide if he was infuriated or amused by her attitude. She’d had two years to learn the rules. She just refused to abide by them.

  “Door open,” Akim said without taking his gaze off the two kneeling at his feet. “Guards!” When the two soldiers stationed outside moved just inside the room, he added, “Return Letos to the detention level.” He waited until Letos was gone to continue. Questioning them together had been a mistake. They were drawing strength from one another, fueling each other’s rebellion. “I have an offer for you as well.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Her calm indifference, however superficial, annoyed the hells out of him. “Give me the exact location of the Crusader and I’ll consider this incident resolved. Letos will not be harmed and neither will you.”

  “My power doesn’t work that way.”

  “Your power?” he scoffed. “Any evidence that you have power comes and goes at your whim.” He slowly circled her neck with the end of the whip, the movement as much of a caress as a threat. “You have exactly as much control over your power as you choose to exert. I suggest you start exerting.”

  “A harbinger must reach a state of serenity for the visions to unfold.” She swallowed and her lips began to tremble, the first outward sign she’d revealed of her inner turmoil. “My existence has been anything but serene since I was entrusted to your tender care.”

  Her bitter words pleased him despite her refusal to cower. “You have twelve hours to achieve serenity or I’ll give Erkott the code to your room.”

  Chapter Seven

  Needing something to distract him from the desire pounding through his system, Bandar gathered the dishes onto the tray and returned everything to the nutria-gen.

  “What happens to all that?” Ashley motioned toward the dishes and food debris. She paused to push in their chairs and pick up his duffle bag before meandering toward him.

  “It’s broken down, sorted into molecular compounds and recycled.” Her curiosity was understandable, but the last thing he wanted to talk about was technology. “The systems were originally developed for long-range spaceships. Without recycling capabilities it’s almost impossible to maintain adequate supplies in space.”

  She accepted the explanation with a soft smile that sent his heart racing. Everything she did seemed to affect him the same way. She smiled and he wanted to kiss her. She frowned and he wanted to kiss her. Even her anger aroused him like nothing he’d ever experienced before. He was battle born, for gods’ sake. He was used to going months, sometimes years, without having access to a female. Why did this human unravel his composure so completely? He was pretty sure he knew the answer, but thinking about the possibilities only made him want her more.

  “What did you mean about getting to know you?” Her voice was soft, her expression cautious yet openly curious. She handed him the duffle bag and he draped it over his shoulder. “It didn’t sound like you were talking about a long, in-depth conversation.” She walked at his side as they left the break room. The two guards, who had taken up positions in the hallway, fell in behind them as Bandar led her down the corridor.

  She wasn’t close enough for him to feel her body heat, so why was his skin tingling? “The nanites I gave you can create a transfer link. If I allow you access to my memory, you’d know more about me in a matter of minutes than a human male could tell you in a lifetime.”

  “Why would you want anyone to know you that well?”

  He reached over and took her hand. “You shared some really painful things with me. I want to reward your openness.”

  Her fingers tensed and he thought she’d pull away, then her hand relaxed and a soft sigh escaped her. “I won’t pretend I’m not curious, but I’m not sure I see the point. I’ve told you everything I know. Why are you still trying to seduce me?”

  One of the guards attempted to disguise his snicker as a cough and failed, so Bandar backed them off with a telepathic command.

  “I told you why.” He waited until the guards were well back before he spoke again. “This isn’t about your father’s work. I’m genuinely interested in you.”

  She looked up at him, challenge arching her brow. “You want to have sex with me.”

  “Absolutely, but I want so much more.”

  She didn’t reply and awareness arced between them, tense and electric. They easily located the rooms Irron had mentioned and selected an apartment somewhat secluded from the others. Bandar told the guards to take up positions at the end of the hall, then escorted Ashley into the borrowed room.

  There were no
signs of the battle in this room. In fact it didn’t appear to have been occupied at all. The bed was neatly made, everything clean and orderly, if rather impersonal. Though all one open space, the apartment was organized into three separate areas, bedroom, living room, and workstation with a built-in desk and shelving unit. He lowered the duffle bag to a chair near the bed then turned to face her.

  “Why do they call this place the Farm,” she asked as she completed her assessment of their surroundings. “Or is it something I’d rather not know?”

  “This complex is powered by large turbines that harness the wind. A grouping of these turbines is known as a wind farm, and we are situated beneath them, so the complex also took that name.”

  “Then we are underground. I thought we might be.” She tucked her hair behind her ears, her hands trembling. “Is the Bunker underground as well?”

  “Most of it.”

  “Are we still in New Mexico?”

  He shook his head, not sure how to draw her away from the meaningless small talk and back into his arms. “I believe we’re in a state called Nevada. The nearest city is Las Vegas.”

  She started to say something then sighed. Instead, she met his gaze, determination clear in her wide green eyes. “How does this memory thing work?”

  It was all he could do not to pull her into his arms and kiss her until they were both breathless and wild. Every instinct he possessed was telling him to advance, to conquer and possess, yet he knew she wasn’t ready for sexual aggression. She wasn’t used to Rodyte ways, didn’t feel things as intensely as he did. If he ever hoped to win her, a slow, steady approach was the only way.

  “This sort of exchange usually happens after a mating bond has been established, but my nanites will allow us to rearrange things a bit.”

  She dragged her gaze away from his and her tongue swept across her lower lip before she spoke again. “If a couple waits until after the bond is formed, isn’t it too late to do anything about it even if they find out something horrible?”